The Panem Gazette
BREAKING NEWS: GALBA DEAD
Panem's great leader, Luperca Galba, has been assassinated. While exiting her house on her way to peace talks, a single sniper's bullet struck Galba in the head, killing her instantly. The killer, an anti-Capitolist zealot, evaded capture by committing suicide. Peacekeeper forces are still investigating and searching for the assassin's allies, as well as reassuring the people and quelling panicked riots. Rumors that the assassination were an inside job tore through the Capitol, fracturing parties and shedding suspicion on everyone in the city. After much debate and negotiation, Senator Coriolanus Snow has stepped up to lead our nation through this crisis. While we deeply mourn the loss of our beloved Galba, we are confident Snow will fill the massive hole she left behind and lead Panem into a glorious new future.
Anyone possessing information pertaining to the assassin's identity or connections is encouraged to come forward and claim a generous reward.
Panem Excelsior Perpetuum
The Capitol Tattler
Intrigue in the Capitol! What happened to our escorts?
Rumors are flying through the Capitol after the mysterious disappearance of nearly half a dozen of Panem's twelve Hunger Games escorts. Ijolite Bust, Ambrosia Poppet, Mariposa Aglet, and Remus Colander have vanished without a trace. While the other mentors gather in the Capitol to discuss the upcoming Games, we were unable to coax any of them into commenting on the strange happenings. One Capitol insider, who prefers to remain anonymous, informed us exclusively that the missing escorts were kidnapped by anti-Capitol forces. Of course, we all hope the true answer is something less dreadful! Perhaps a saucy affair or a romantic disagreement? Reporters at the Tattler are diligently searching for more information. When we find it, you'll be the first to know.
Story by roving Capitol reporter Felicia Trice
A lot has happened in between the Games, it seems. This had to happen eventually, since President Snow had to rise to power. I liked writing Galba so I'm sorry to see her go, but that's really the only way out for a president of Panem. Even if she'd retired, someone still would have whacked her. The change won't affect the stories much. Really the biggest difference will be that Galba let the Games run themselves and Snow interacts more if someone really makes him mad.
I shortened what would realistically be two stories into one for the assassination piece. Obviously if it's breaking news, Snow wouldn't have had time to gain power yet. It would take at least weeks to sort all that out.
Now that you've read the propaganda pieces in the papers, here's what really happened: First, Galba was assassinated by a conventional political malcontent. He wasn't with the rebels, who would have done something more productive than killing the president, who would only get replaced. There were massive cullings and pogroms among the Capitol politicians and Snow wasn't selected so much as he seized power by most effectively killing his enemies.
As for the stylists:
Snow forced Ijolite into retirement because he didn't like someone her age wearing such revealing clothing. Basically he just didn't like her.
Ambrosia Poppet was suspected of rebellious sympathies and Avoxed. She now works in some high-ranking politician's house. She was not a rebel.
Mariposa Aglet was suspected of rebellious sympathies and Avoxed, just like Ambrosia. She was a rebel.
Remus Colander was accused of rebellion and Avoxed. I say "accused" and not "suspected" because it was a trumped-up charge brought about because Snow didn't like his oafish personality and his chubby appearance.
Demi Bottle is highly suspected of rebellious activity and is under constant surveillance. She has so far managed to evade arrest and is watching her step very carefully.
Philomena Puff was too ditzy to be suspected of rebellion. She really is that ditzy- it's not an act.
Bubbles Anglaise just minds her own business and enjoys her work. She did nothing to warrant suspicion.
Gaudius Spark is too dumb to be an effective rebel. If he ever does rebel they'll just feed him false information.
Otho Tome is also too dumb and sheltered to rebel.
Chimera Ilium is too young and idealistic to go against the Capitol.
Fluvius spends most of his time watching out for Cornflower. He is too preoccupied to rebel.
Snapdragon Tinsel is too shallow to rebel.
Next chapter will include the Tribute list and forms.
