"Just how wise were you when handing out those scores?" President Snow's eyes studied his Head Gamemaker.

Lafayette swallowed, "Sir, I believe they were judicious, and realistic. The Capitol's honor will be upheld in this year's games. You have my personal assurance."

Snow sighed, picking up a pipe, and knocking off the ashes. "Very well. Who is your personal favorite this year?"

Lafayette looked down, weighing his reply, "I find the female from six, Stella Tracks, diverting. And as for a male, it would have to be Glaze Malachite."

"Good choices, you have my instructions on my list?"

"Yes sir," Lafayette stopped mid-sentence as the office door opened.

"Mr. President," the secretary peeked in, "Loki Deum is here to see you."

"Very well, send him in." He stood, "Now Lafayette, I trust you won't be disappointing me. I shall see you soon."

Lafayette bowed slightly, scurrying from the President's presence. He passed Loki, giving him a quick nod.

"Our District Two victor," President Snow held his hand out towards Loki, "It is always a pleasure to see you."

Loki touched fingertips with Snow, sitting down in the velvet chair. "Sir, I assume you know I didn't come on a social call."

President Snow looked down on him, "I don't make assumptions. State your business."

Loki nodded, speaking quietly, almost wistfully, "It's been too long since District Two won these games. Don't you agree?"

"That is entirely the fault of the quality of your volunteers. I'm not going to try and help your tributes, they are pathetic, even anti-social."

"I knew you were going to say that," Loki grinned, "Which is why I have an irresistible deal."

"What kind of deal?"

"If my tribute, Odile, not Achilles, wins then I will give valuable information to you on the other mentor. Information that keeps you in power."

Snow nodded slowly, "How did you come by this information?"

Loki's dark eyes glinted, "I'm a mentor, and don't you know we are an exclusive club? It's easy to hear whispers."

"Which mentors are plotting rebellion?" Snow's voice turned low, transforming into an animal like growl.

Loki held up his hands, "Wait, I don't know, but I can find out, only if Odile wins. Then comes a victory tour, and I hear everything I need."

Snow stood, running his hand through his hair. "Sound agreeable, Loki, you know my rules. One betrayal from you, and I will be forced to destroy the pride of your district. I'm sure we both find that distasteful."

Loki stood, bowing slightly, "Very distasteful, Mr. President."

Watching Loki exit, Theopholis Snow tried to ignore the worry in the pit of his being, How would his grandfather handle this situation? He pushed back the heavy oak chair, walking to his crystal window. Before him the city gleamed, warming his spirits as a reminder of his power. But his grasp was so loose, there were so many plots. Not just the mentors, but rivals, enemies, even his own family.

Working on interviews...is Loki playing a game with the President, or will he betray the conspiracy?