Juventia
I walk down the silent passageway, high heels clicking on the cold stone floor. The clear glass doorway comes in to view, almost like a window to the planning room. All talking stops, all eyes turn to me as I enter.
"Don't let me interrupt," I say condescendingly, "What are we planning now?"
"We were just debating whether a desert arena would work better this year, or a forest. I personally think a forest offers better entertainment but-"
"I don't care about your opinion, unless you have any reasons we haven't yet mentioned, Quintus." The boy's expression is crushed, but I don't care. This is the perfect way to stay in control.
"Who suggests a desert arena?"
"I do." Titus Statilius meets my gaze, attempting to cut through my defences. But I have practice at keeping out intruders.
"Are you going to keep me in the dark, Titus?"
"No, of course not, Ms. Ruso. As you all know," He looks around at the room of gamemakers, "Desert arenas often make an interesting games, especially with few sources of water. It's a good cause for tributes to fight, and excellent entertainment."
"Thank you, Titus. And now, who suggests a forest?" I scan the room, looking for the soul brave enough to argue with Titus.
"I propose a forested arena, because it will give the tributes a more interesting landscape." Says Kinnick Dayheart. Ah. Of course it's Kinnick who proposed this, what with his constantly working mind.
"What they both fail to realise is that both these arenas have been done before," Chimes the girl barely out of university, her pale eyes shining, "I propose we combine the two, in a savannah like arena." Normally I'd remind her who's in control, but it's an interesting idea.
"Go on."
"We could have a desert surrounding the cornucopia, eventually turning into savannah, and then forest. It allows for more variations on traps, how we guide the tributes, and even how we use mutts."
"Thank you, Allora." I flash her a hint of a smile. The bright smile I receive is expected, but it's too wide. Her purple lips pulled tighter than they should stretch.
"It's an interesting thought. Let's put it to a vote. All those in favour of a desert, say aye." A few half hearted yells are all.
"All those in favour of a forest." A slightly more enthusiastic response.
"And all those in favour of Allora's suggestion." A chorus fills the room.
"Savannah it is then!" The enthusiastic cries push through my walls, and I allow myself a smile. Don't forget, Juventia, my brain reminds me, what great uncle Coriolanus used to say. Control is key.