Shine

Chapter 2

How this Hunger Games is different

Reaping Day

Peter Mallard –36- -Capitol Resident- -Head Gamemaker- POV

I run into the President's office, out of breath.

"Sir! Did you see this? There's another card this year!" The President sighs, and sits back in his chair. He looks… bored.

"Yes, Mr. Mallard. I did see that. I have already read it, and will be making the announcement soon, right before the Reapings start. Is there a problem?" He asks, his voice suggesting that if there was a problem, perhaps it was because of me.

"Uh..." I stumble. I had promised myself that I would be more confident this year, darn it! "No, Sir. Of course not. I just… would have liked my team to be informed earlier. Making the new trackers will take some time."

"You have a week," the President says. "I am confident you can get it done in that time. Is my confidence misplaced?"

"No, Sir," I say, knowing full well the implications of what he is asking.

President Snow POV

I stand on the podium, and take a deep breath before beginning my speech. I wonder what the people will think. Then I remember that the people who matter will love this, and anyone who doesn't won't say so, lest they face… consequences.

"Citizens of Panem," I say to the camera. "Today, I have a special announcement. As you are all aware, today is the Reaping Day for the wonderful seventy-first Hunger Games. As you all gather in your town squares, I would like to present you with one piece of information about this next Games. You all know that every so often, our wise predecessors introduced a change in the rules of the Games, what we today call a twist. This changes were meant to keep the Games interesting and entertaining, while providing a reminder to the Districts of their betrayal and what it has cost. This year, the twist is this:." I start to read from the card in front of me. "To remind the Districts of the bravery of the Capitol soldiers in putting down the horrendous rebellion, every Tribute will be required to preform an extraordinary act (whether of bravery, caring, daring, love, compassion, wit, or intelligence), within the first 48 hours in the Arena. If they do not, their tracker will cause them bursts of pain every half hour for twenty-four hours, as well as other… unpleasant side effects," I decided to cut out the specifics. There should be some surprises in every Games, after all. I continue. "After twenty-four hours, if they have still not committed an extraordinary act, they will be killed by their tracker… in one way or another," I pause before reading the last sentence. "In this way, the Tributes will be forced to show their true colors and shine like stars, or risk death." I pause again, the card now finished. "Thank you, citizens of Panem, for your attention. May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor and Happy Hunger Games!" I make a motion with my hand under the podium and the tech gives me a signal that the camera is off. I let out a sigh and walk back to my office. I'm getting too old for this. At least this should be fun.

A/N: Okay, so that's why it's called Shine! I hope you all enjoyed this twist, and please, keep submitting your Tributes! I have three so far, and have it on good authority that I should have four soon! That still leaves twenty! I look forward to seeing your Tributes! Here is the current list:

D1M: Open

D1F: Diamond Knowles, 18, by Tyquavis (Previous character connection)

D2M: Open

D2F: Open

D3M: Open

D3F: Open

D4M: Open

D4F: Open

D5M: Emery Colt, 17, by Hawkmaid

D5F: Open

D6M: Reserved

D6F: Open

D7M: Open

D7F: Vallory Stensland, 16, by Hawkmaid

D8M: Open

D8F: Open

D9M: Open

D9F: Open

D10M: Open

D10F: Open

D11M: Open

D11F: Open

D12M: Open

D12F: Open

Rules: Be creative! You may submit up to two Tributes. If you reserve a spot, please submit a Tribute within 48 hours of the reservation, or the spot will go up for grabs again. If you don't think you can do that, tell me when you make your reservation, and I'll give you an extension. If something comes up, that's fine, just tell me, and I'll give you an extension. Have fun! Also, if you are one of the authors listed on a character that says "(previous character connection)", please fill out a form for that character. I'll do it myself if you don't, but I would love it if you would! Also, if you're on the mobile app and PM me your Tribute, please leave a review saying that you've PM'd them to me, as I don't check the app very much. Thanks!