Corrupted Blood: 99th Annual Hunger Games
By: GlimmerGlint

Summary: On the cusp of a century of Hunger Games, the 99th Annual Hunger Games promises to be fiercer and more brutal than ever before. As the introduction of a new head gamemaker sends shockwaves through the Capitol and Districts, only one one thing remains sure: blood will be spilt. ***SYOT OPEN***

Domitia Stone, Victor of the 89th Annual Hunger Games

The violent scent of fresh berries and blood pulls her from her slumber, her gaze finally settling on the plate being placed gently before her. Blinking twice, she grows crudely aware that the coppery twinge of blood was nothing more than a figment of her twisted imagination.

"You slept well, my love," comes the cool, melodic voice of her lover, who's attention appears to be squarely focused on the screen in her right hand, as opposed to the plate in her other. "One might say you've taken quite well to Capitol life."

Pushing herself into a sitting position, a curling smile forms upon Domitia's lips, "Well, I suppose one could attribute both those successes to yourself, Madame President."

This earns a distracted laugh from her lover, who remains preoccupied with the ongoings of her screen.

"What seems to have captured your attention so intensely this morning, Alina?" Domitia asks, taking a hearty helping of berries from the plate.

"The 74th games."

"Cato's games?" Domitia clarifies, her brow lifted in surprise.

"It's been nearly 10 years since his...tragedy...rewatching his victory only seemed apropos," Alina explains, "Not to mention, I thought a refresher on the pre-Quell games would serve me well as I begin my search for a new head gamemaker."

Domitia had only met Cato twice. Once, after her very own victory and again, a few weeks later when she found the blood pooling from his body staining the otherwise crisp, cobblestone streets of District Two's Victor's Village. Needless to say, he wasn't the first victor to throw himself from top of the clocktower, nor would he be the last. She might have mourned him, had known him better, but Domitia had never been one for tears.

She hadn't cried when her brother volunteered for the games and never returned. Nor did she sob when she plunged a knife into the back of her sleeping district partner, whom she had quietly loved for nearly all her life. In Panem, people died. But Domitia? Domitia was very much alive and in her opinion, that was certainly worth making the most of.

"Do you have any names in mind?" Domitia inquires, unable to sedate her own curiosity.

Alina shrugs haphazardly, "Today I have interviews with Illy Gate and Flishe Pennworthy, though, if I'm being entirely honest I'm not particularly fond of either of them."

"Why's that?"

"Well, for one, they both happen to be career gamemakers," Alina sighs, "It's been nearly 100 years of games, Dom. These gamemakers have become so accustomed to churning out the same thing every year I worry they've lost their touch, or at the very least, their creativity."

"That's certainly an easy fix. All you need is a new perspective...a palette cleanser, if you will."

"Continue…"

"Make me your head gamemaker," Domitia states simply. "As a former tribute, victor, and current mentor I have hands-on experience with numerous arenas. My loyalties in the Capitol are to you and you alone and you can market my hiring as a sign of solidarity with Districts."

"You're certainly ambitious, Dom, I will give you that," Alina smirks as if to consider the offer, before shaking her head, "We have never had a non-Capitolite gamemaker before, much less a head gamemaker. And what about complaints about favoritism to District Two?"

"You, of all people, should know I have no aversion to being a trailblazer," Domitia grins confidently, "As for favoritism, Pixelle from Three and Tesla from Five have been developing tech for the games for years. Even Leif from Seven was a lead consultant for the forest design of the 92nd games...the ship for favoritism has long sailed."

"Let me think about it," Alina replies, her bottom lip pulling between her teeth, moving to the leave the room altogether. Instinctively, Domitia reached for the other woman's wrist, dark eyes grazing over her lover's sovereign features.

"Leaving so soon, President Bird?" Domitia asks, "I didn't mean to sour our night of pleasure with all this talk of business."

Alina looks down, the tips of Domitia's fingers stained the dark crimson of the berries. Her free hand settles against Domitia's throat as her thumb moves up to gently graze across her lips. "Your eagerness truly knows no bounds, my love," she hums disapprovingly before sharply turning away, freeing herself from the victor's tight grasp, before momentarily pausing at the door.

"You should wash your fingers. It looks like you've already got blood on your hands."

A/N: Welcome to the first chapter of Corrupted Blood! I hope you enjoyed this little intro and consider submitting a tribute. Just as a recap of the major divergences: Cato was declared the winner of the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss and Peta were killed by the mutts and placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively. All information for submitting tributes can be found on my profile page and I very much look forward to seeing tributes start to roll in. Look forward to hearing what you think! -Anya