Prologue 2


Seneca Crane, age 40
Head Gamemaker of the Annual Hunger Games

I watch the people in the brightly lit streets around me as I walk home to my apartment in the heart of the Capitol. It is late at night, but the city never sleeps, especially in the weeks prior to the annual Hunger Games. Head Gamemaker isn't exactly a public position - that honor would go to the Games Interviewer, Caesar Flickerman - but I keep my sunglasses on anyways in case someone recognizes me and tries to make conversation with me.

Truth is, I'm not exactly in a conversational mood. In fact, after today's meeting with the President of Panem himself, I'm more than a little stressed. I thought I was doing the nation of Panem a favor by dropping a bomb on the District 2 female last year, but apparently not. During today's meeting I was once again reminded of how foolish of an act that was. I wanted to remind Snow that he had made his point in previous meetings, but I held my tongue. Nobody argues with President Snow.

People-watching while walking the long way home from work is one of my favorite ways to relax and put my mind off my work for a while. The artistry of the Capitol is amazing. The stunning fashions and the bright colors are dazzling, but I prefer the beautiful but also practical and deadly artistry of the Control Room. That is why I keep my bodily alteration to a minimum. We Gamemakers do not need any distractions from the goings on in the arena, which provides all the art we can ask for.

I reach my apartment building and scan my index finger tip on the keypad, which allows entry into the complex. I ride on the elevator, from which I can see outside through its glass walls, all the way to the top floor. I marvel at the lovely view of the city as I reach my floor. It's been a while since we had an urban arena. Next year's Hunger Games arena is already in the works, so I consider designing a city arena for the seventy-sixth annual Games. I know it will be spectacular.

I step out of the elevator onto my floor and scan my fingertip again to enter my apartment. The moment I step in, Argos, my handsome, brightly colored Saluki, scampers up to me, wagging his tail in greeting. He is followed by my husband Jason, who works in a lab as a genetic scientist. I smile at my family and close the apartment door behind me.

"Hey boy," I say happily as I scratch behind Argos' ears. My big red dog is bright and alert, and it's hard to imagine that just a few years ago he was a tiny red puppy. I pat Argos on the head and stand up to embrace Jason, who still smells like lab chemicals. I don't mind it in the slightest, though, because I love him.

"You're home late," Jason says, concerned, as he breaks the hug and kisses me quickly on the lips.

"And you smell like chemicals," I counter, chuckling.

"You're right, I need a shower," Jason says, smirking. "Wanna come with me?"

-x-

Jason and I cuddle in our bed in our pajamas. We both smell like cinnamon rolls, which is refreshing for me because I never thought I'd get the nauseating aroma of President Snow's roses out of my nose. I sigh happily as I lean against the man I love more than anyone else.

"I'm worried about you," Jason murmurs, kissing my forehead. "Maybe you should retire, you know, let someone else take the reins. I don't want you to get burnt out."

I sigh. This isn't the first time Jason has brought up his wish that I should step down as Head Gamemaker. I answer him the same way I always answer him.

"I'm in a pretty good position," I say. It isn't a lie - Head Gamemaker is a role that many aspire to have. "Snow mentioned himself during today's meeting that he thinks I'm the most creative person he knows. And you know I love my job, designing all the different ways the arena functions and interacts with the tributes."

"I know. I wouldn't say anything if anyone else were President," Jason says quietly. "But you know what happens when Snow feels dissatisfied with his Head Gamemakers. I just..." He sighs. "I don't doubt your abilities. Not at all. But I don't want to lose you. Maybe it's safer for the both of us if you stepped down and let me handle the money and stuff."

I shift my position and gaze at Jason confidently. "Snow won't do anything to me," I say with as much conviction as I can muster. "And there's no way I'll step down. I stick with what I believe in, and I am not a coward." I place a reassuring hand on Jason's shoulder. "Not that I was implying that you were one. You don't have to worry, honey. I love my job, and I promise to you that I will do my very best to keep it."

Jason nods. "I understand," he says, smiling. He yawns. "You keep doing what you do best, Seneca. Man, I'm tired. Let's get some sleep. We both have work tomorrow."

"Yeah," I say. I snuggle down into the blankets and turn off the lights. "Good night babe."

"Good night."

I yawn and close my eyes. Today was an exhausting day, with the meeting with the President as well as many other proceedings at work. I should get some sleep so that I'll be refreshed for tomorrow.


A/N: Here's the second prologue! I know I said that I wanted to go right into writing about the tributes, but I realized that I really wanted to write a scene with Seneca Crane. So here's the second prologue featuring the Head Gamemaker - it will be the last prologue, I promise. I still have some slots with no submissions, so I would really appreciate it if you could submit to them. Once again, everything is on my profile.

Chapter questions: What do you think of the second prologue? I took some creative liberties with my portrayal of Seneca Crane, so do you think I portrayed him and his family life well?

Random question of the chapter: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?

Next chapter will definitely be the first Reapings. See you next time, and have a nice day!