The alien looking people of the Capitol looked up at the President with wonder in their eyes. This was the first quell, the first reading of the card. President Lunae Snow had been ruling Panem for 50 years and was preparing her son her take over in just a few years. It may have been a democracy of a sort, but no one would oppose him.
President Snow held out her hand for the envelope. A small girl, 5 years old, darted out, handed it to her, and scampered away. The president opened the envelope with one sharp motion. She cleared her throat, smiled cruelly, and began.
"For the 25th Hunger Games, the very first Quarter Quell, to show the districts that they cannot save each other each tribute will be chosen by the citizens of that district in a vote where the peacekeepers can overrule or accept the tribute to enter the games. There will be no volunteers. Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor."
The capitol citizens clapped with delight. The tributes would all be chosen for a reason, so they got to watch the strongest and smartest the district's had to offer.
Lunae Snow walked purposefully inside and almost ran into her frazzled secretary. "What is it Savvy? I don't have much time."
"They finished it, President Snow. The arena's been completed. Mr. Kirra Unestadde wants to meet with you now." As her fizzy hair, smeared makeup, and shortness of breath, Savvy had gone through a lot to get this information through.
"Thank you Savvy. Now, please contact the district Head Peacekeepers. Let them all know if they're holding a grudge, now is the time to get rid of their problem. Also…go home an hour earlier today. You deserve it."
Savvy smiled gratefully. "Yes ma'am." And she turned and hurried off.
President Snow continued on until she reached the Control Room. Kirra waited for her with a grin. "You're going to love this, Mrs. Snow." The president waited for his presentation.
"No one will be comfortable and safe in the arena. It will be filled with choices. The boots we provide them with make a loud noise every time they step with them on, but the ground changes from icy cold to near burning when they have them off. There are mutts in the air, in the plains, and in the water. Each mutt releases a different type of poison when killed, weakening the killer. But if they don't kill the mutts, the mutts will wound them badly but often not kill them. Just let them bleed out or be discovered."
Kirra looked proud at his design. Lunae looked over it, twisting the 3D model to examine it from every angle. She scrolled through the types of mutts. Halfway through, a small smile crept onto her face.
"I like it." The president said, making Kirra's face light up. "I assume you'll be implementing protector mutts as well?"
"You know me too well." Kirra said, still with a smile. "3 types. One for air, one for plains, and one for water. But for each that will protect a nurturing tribute, there are 2 types that will attack. And how many will be nurturing this year, with them all being hand-picked?"
President Snow smiled at him once more. "Make sure its all exact in the arena. I don't want it different. Good bye Kirra, I shall see you in a week to discus the chosen tributes."
Savvy was busy with the Peacekeeper calls. She was already familiar with each Head of the districts.
In District 1, Smite Coll, a bitter middle-aged man, was only looking out for his district and wanted to bring his Careers into the fight. .
In District 2, Halla Cosrpe, a wizened old woman, was determined to find the wise and strong, for she wanted a winner.
In District 3, Verdanca Blanc, another middle aged man, was harsh and cruel, gave know answers leaving Savvy clueless to what he would do.
In District 4, Faerie Jells, a young woman with an easy smile and heavy hand on a whip, reported she would most likely do what the district wanted.
In District 5, Pounce Varnish, a man with sharp eyes and a sharper tongue, didn't know what he would do, but said he would have to watch.
In District 6, Yosemite Cragmite, a young man with a taste for young woman that needed an extra coin, said he might send in a woman who didn't please him enough.
In District 7, Mystine Crystal, a middle aged woman with a knack for healing young children, said there were a few thieves, but also a few strong, and a few healers who could win, so she didn't know.
In District 8, Tarter Brine, a very bitter man who hated lower districts, informed Savvy there were no competent people in his district.
In District 9, Sloane Juxtapor, a cheerful and handsome young man, said he would feel bad sending anyone into the Games.
In District 10, Lolita Fresia, a shyer yet strong young woman who fancied Sloane, felt the same as he did, but she knew she wouldn't send in a 12 year old.
In District 11, Plait Growness, a strict drill-sergeant of a woman, said it was up to the district and she would accept whatever they decided for once.
In District 12, Xanite Frost, a man with a similar taste to Yosemite's, would send in whoever seemed right that day.
Savvy closed her eyes and sighed. She figured it was time for her to go home and spend her night alone again. She knew it would be best to relax before mentors and sponsors came flooding her with requests.
The tributes would be reaped in just a week, and it was up to Savvy and her assistant Fae to learn everything about them to make the arena more effective.
The door slammed behind Savvy with a resounding boom.
Okay! There's the prologue. If you want to submit a character, PM me and I'll send you the form. You can submit two characters, and it is not first come first serve. I will need 6-8 bloodbaths. If I don't get them, many that weren't supposed to be bloodbaths will die then. They must be original and detailed.
If you review and stick with the story, telling me everything you think about it, your tribute has a better chance.
So, send me your tributes! Pay attention to the Head Peacekeepers.