Prologue, Part Six.

July 3rd, 3 ADD.

Cassian Kramer, 38

Head Gamemaker

Classified Location

Orange.

Cassian still couldn't get over how beautiful the sun looked as the day slowly became night.

The ball of fire off in the distance continued to change to deeping hues of orange, and then almost tangerine. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the fleeting colors of dusk began to fade away.

"It's beautiful."

Even with the sudden interruption, Cassian couldn't bring himself to look away from the sight before him.

"Yes, it really is," he answered back, eyes still watching the disappearing sun.

"I now see why you were so adamant about placing the arena here."

Cassian finally tore his eyes away from the display of beauty in front of him to look over at the person standing next to him. By glancing at the crisp white suit, it only took him a second to realize that he had been talking to none other that then President herself. Did anybody give a heads-up anymore?!

"Hello, Mr. Kramer," President Voss grinned.

Cassian tried to stay as calm as possible; he couldn't let Voss know that she had caught him off-guard.

"Hello, Madam President," he smiled back. "How gracious of you to drop by. What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to drop-in one last time. It seems as though everything has come together beautifully."

Looking around, Cassian couldn't help but agree.

"Yes, Madam President. I'm very pleased with how this year's arena turned out."

"I have to say, it's much more….aesthetically pleasing than last year's arena."

"I'm glad you think so, we had much more time to plan for this year. We were lucky that we even had an arena last year."

"If you didn't, I'm not sure you would be standing here right now," she said with a bright smile. "But, I must say Mr. Kramer, it was a pretty genius idea to use those remaining trenches outside of District Seven."

Cassian forced out a smile. "Well, I'm glad you think so Madam President. With those insurgent sleeper cells blowing up the Coliseum four months before the start of the Games, we were pressed for time."

"It was very unfortunate to say the least. I know that I was excited to watch the Games up close again," she frowned. "But, we made sure those terrorists got what they deserved."

Cassian couldn't help but shudder as he thought of what Voss did to those murderers; even he wouldn't support those methods in the arena.

"Thank goodness we were able to still use that location for the new Games Headquarters," he pointed out.

"Indeed, we were very fortunate. However, construction on the Headquarters has been completed for several months. You reported that the arena was completed two months ago, yet tell me why I find out that you're still working out here just days before launch? What I want to know, is if this arena is actually complete."

Voss' piercing stare made Cassian uncomfortable to say the least. "I can assure you Madam President, the arena is ready for the upcoming Games. I just wanted to run some simple tests to make sure everything was perfect."

"Simple tests? Like what?"

"Well, I wanted to absolutely make sure that all the weather drones worked. As you know, the weather drones control the atmospheric phenomena in the arena. They rely on precise synchronization and information flow. If one drone doesn't work, then the whole system fails."

"Is that it? You just wanted to make sure you could control the weather?" she remarked, clearly unimpressed.

"The Games Council also wanted me to make sure that all the cameras in the arena were set up to capture even the slightest movement. From the main control room at the Headquarters, I noticed that some cameras were not broadcasting anything. So, I had to-"

"Mr. Kramer," the President interrupted. "Do you really think I care if a few cameras aren't working? When I saw that you were out here, I thought that one of our new assets was running wild."

"Oh. No, ma'am. I can assure you that all of our new creations are safely secure."

"Good. This year needs to be special; it needs to be the start of a new era for the Games. The citizens of the Capitol have grown tired of watching sniveling children cry for their mommies on screen. Now, they want to watch a show; one that'll keep them entertained."

"I plan on delivering just that Madam President."

"Perfect! You had me very worried Mr. Kramer. Just know, that I have very high expectations for this year. If they aren't met," she paused. "Let's just say, I'll be looking for another Head Gamemaker next year."

Cassian gulped. "Trust me Madam President, that won't happen."

"You better hope so."

"Mr. Kramer!"

Cassian and President Voss both whipped their heads around to see a figure running towards them. As the figure got closer, Cassian could finally make out their features. Seeing the floppy blue hair confirmed Cassian's suspicions. Didn't he tell the boy to stay in the damn hovercraft?!

"Yes?!" he answered back harshly.

The young assistant looked embarrassed as he slowly realized who Cassian had been talking to.

"I'm so sorry for the interruption sir, but Gamemaker Welch has sent an urgent message regarding the generators for the force field."

Before Cassian could answer, President Voss spoke. "Well, it seems as though your attention is needed elsewhere Mr. Kramer. I'll take my leave now, but just know that I'll be watching to see if your special tests turn out to be much more pressing issues."

"Yes, ma'am. I can promise you, we will be ready for the start of the Games."

"You better be," Voss answered coolly. The unspoken threat of what would happen to him if things didn't go to plan wasn't lost on Cassian.

With one last look around the surrounding environment, the President brushed past Cassian and walked towards her awaiting hovercraft. How did he not hear that thing land? Was he too caught up in his own head? Or, maybe it was just specialized for the President's own personal use.

Cassian watched as President Voss climbed up the ramp of the release hatch. Had she been wearing heels the whole time? This wasn't exactly the appropriate place to be wearing such footwear. The tributes should be thankful the Games Council decided to provide sturdy shoes this year.

As the hovercraft lifted up into the air and sped into the distance, Cassian turned back towards his assistant.

"Syrio, I thought I told you to stay in the hovercraft with the pilot," he said between clenched teeth.

"I'm sorry Mr. Kramer, but the message-"

"Could have waited," he said abruptly. Taking a deep breathe, Cassian tried to calm himself down for what seemed like the millionth time today.

"Did you save the message?" Cassian asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Good, I'll see what Gamemaker Welch wants. Go on ahead, I'll just be a minute."

Syrio gave him a quick nod and started back towards the hovercraft. He should really just fire that kid already; he talked too much.

Cassian looked back out towards the horizon, finally noticing the dark shades of the sky that clearly marked the beginning of night. At least the tributes this year will die in a place of pure beauty, rather than the muddy labyrinth like last year.

He couldn't help but be proud of what he had come up with for the arena this year. While the bombing last year had been horrible, in a way, it had also been a blessing in disguise. If not for it's destruction, the Games would continue being held in the hot sands of the Coliseum. Now, Cassian could truly let his imagination run free.

Watching as his masterpiece slowly became consumed by the dark of night, Cassian decided it was time to head back to the hovercraft. Hopefully Welch didn't call him to say that the generators for the force field were malfunctioning, or even worse, were broken. That would surely fuck up everything.

Remembering what President Voss had said, Cassian really hoped nothing was wrong. If he couldn't deliver this year, then Cassian could definitely kiss his head goodbye.

As he boarded the ramp that led into the hovercraft, Cassian hoped it wouldn't come to that. He liked his head firmly attached to his neck, thank you very much.

As the hatch rose up from the ground and clicked back into place, Cassian started towards the control room of the hovercraft.

He needed to make sure that everything was perfect. If not, then President Voss would surely make him pay.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! As you might have noticed, the deadline for submissions is quickly approaching. I updated my profile to make it easier for y'all to see which spots have received no submissions (a.k.a. what spots have no competition as of right now lol). Like I said last chapter, I would really love to have submissions for all twenty-four spots so I can choose what tributes I want for the story, therefore allowing me to start the Reapings! Again, I know it's scary to submit a tribute to an author that will make their backstory, but I have some really cool ideas! All I need is for you to trust me :) Reviews are also appreciated so I can get an idea about what readers are liking about the story so far. Remember, the new deadline is June 15th - Midnight (EST)! Hopefully a lot more submissions will come in before then :-) Until next time, dyloccupy :3

Edit: As y'all might have noticed, I extended the deadline again. This is because I won't have access to a computer this weekend so I thought I might as well just extend the deadline. Only five more spots need submissions so hopefully they can get filled by then! The new deadline is June 17th - Midnight (ET).