Panem stood in absolute silence as they looked up at their leader, President Snow upon large screens built in the town squares of each district.
After the rebellion had been lost, policing had been tighter than ever. Peacekeepers were everywhere, you couldn't throw a stone without hitting one (and losing your arm in the process). They kept an eye on everyone with the aim of keeping an eye out for the last seeds of hope to crush. Not that there was any hope after the end of District 13. Even the rebels couldn't account for that loss and so that was the final straw and the beginning of the dark days.
"Citizens of Panem," began Snow in a booming voice that could instil fear in the bravest of rebels. "Things must change. It seems there are some members of our society that have lost their way. They need a reminder of what this rebellion has done to us all. There must be consequences for their actions. Therefore a solution has been devised by myself, my trusted council and a representative from each of the twelve districts."
A few members of the crowd exchanged glances. Quick, fleeting. Nothing to cause suspicion.
Everyone knew that President Snow had long ago abandoned the advice of his council - majority of them had been killed during the rebellion at Snow's hands. As for the district representatives; they had two choices: agree, or die. Nobody could blame them for what was to come. "Each year, districts one through twelve must provide both one young man and woman who are to be known as tributes between the ages of twelve to eighteen to fight in an outdoor arena until there is a lone victor. This young man or woman will return home with honour and glory - with more riches than they could ever need and a years supply of food for their entire district."
The crowds hummed with shocked voices within each district. What would this mean for everyone? Could they refuse? Unlikely considering how quickly the peacekeepers could kick them down. In the districts nearer the Capitol there was resentment. The rebellion had been a much less popular concept in these parts and that meant that some families felt they should be exempt from such cruelty. "Of course, not only will one participant return victorious, but the loss of the twenty-three other tributes that took part will remind us all of the sacrifices and the lives we have lost due to the misguided attempts of the rebels to overthrow our long standing system."
Gasps among the crowd. Murmurs. The people had known there would be consequences - but what could be worse than the loss of so many of their children each and every year? Perhaps there would be another way. Perhaps this was just a shock tactic. Perhaps not.
"This event will be televised and of course shall be mandatory viewing for all. It shall be known as The Hunger Games and the first event - the reapings in each districts where the tributes shall be selected will begin exactly one year from now."
For the first time, President Snow looked directly at the cameras. The citizens of Panem knew there was nothing that they could do. He was in complete and utter control. "Good luck to you all -" there was a pause and an almost undetectable smirk, "and may the odds be ever in your favour."
Then the screens went black and Panem was silent.