Prologue Part II:
Losing faith in your own singularity is the start of wisdom, I suppose;
also the first announcement of death.
Milo Bengel
I glance down at the paperwork in front of me, as if I'm considering how exactly I'm going to introduce the topic of District Thirteen. Scanning over papers and nodding my head appreciatively is a gesture that I've learned to perform in order to placate the clients and mediators who are likely to display high emotions on being rejected.
''Well, thank you for reviewing and adjusting the terms of our policy with me. The added addition of District Thirteen will surely rile up the crowd today,'' I laugh, amused with the idea of twenty-six tributes fighting to the death rather than twenty-four. ''Things like this provide not only a longer Game, but more entertainment, too.''
''We appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Bengel. It's very reassuring to see that you are on the same page as the Government,'' one of the attorneys says. ''We've done all that we could, so the rest is up to you. We'll be awaiting your announcement to Panem in a few minutes. Time's ticking, Sir.''
Footsteps clang against the tiled floor of my office, and as I hear the creaky, polished wooden door open and close, I let out a sigh of relief.
''Who were those people?'' Gari asks. ''They all act like they have a giant stick up their asses. Just listening to their voices made me agitated.''
''Just a few mediators that look after everything I do every now and then,'' I reply, feeling a vein twitching in my forehead. ''They are the most clingy people when it comes to rules and such. I brought up the idea of District Thirteen being officially listed back into the country seven weeks ago – after our latest 'incident' – and they accepted it. But still, for some reason, they constantly want to hover over my back and give me irrational pressure to do everything perfectly.''
''You're the President,'' Gari huffs, rolling his eyes as if my words struck him the wrong way. ''Everything you do is perfect. Bringing those criminals to their knees and enacting social justice; isn't that perfect enough? You'll do great with the introduction, too.''
''Your ass-kissing makes everything so much better, y'know?''
''I try,'' he bows solemnly. After a few seconds of quiet peace goes by, Gari clears his throat and opens up that mouth of his again. Raising my eyebrows, I give him all of my attention and put a cease to my struggling attempt at tying a Windsor knot, curious to hear the important topic that I believe he'll bring up, but then he utters, ''Can we talk about how they didn't pay any attention to me at all? Like, seriously! The greatest Victor in Panem's history, and you don't even spare him a single glance?''
''They had more important matters to focus on. You do realize that not everyone will give you the attention that you crave, right? One day people will forget about you, if you remain this inactive.''
''No the hell they won't!'' he exclaims. ''Unless some other fool achieves fifteen kills in a Game, I doubt anyone will ever cast me aside.''
Sure.
Walking over towards my office glass window, I slightly open up the blinds and focus on the congregating audience of Capitolites. So many different colors, so many similar reactions.
''Whatever you say,'' I shrug, ''but let's not focus on that right now. Today's a good day, so let's think positive thoughts only, 'kay?''
''What's so special about today?'' he questions, removing his gaze from the flat screen television above the counter in the corner. Also, you've got like, fifteen minutes until you gotta go out there. The reporters seem really excited for this event.''
''Forget that,'' I disregard. ''Just come over here. Take time to appreciate the week of Spring, Gari. Look at the blossom that arrives like cake frosting on those trees in delicious creams and pinks. The petals are bursting out from lower down the branches, leaving the tips still in tight bud. Winter's gone, my friend. No more of that freezing, sheltered environment. Spring brings happy vibes, and you know what else brings happy vibes – for us, at least?''
''...The Hunger Games!'' he snaps, understanding my point of view.
''Precisely, young fella!'' Just staring out at the exciting people below and the beautiful, sunlit, soft blue sky brings a smile on my face. Just two more weeks until the tributes are Reaped. Oh, and don't forget about the volunteers – the most exciting pregame tributes!''
What's even better is the arena idea that's been planned for them, designed specifically to teach all of the Districts a lesson. A battle against the Capitol will not occur. I do not care how many buildings are crushed, how many lives are lost, how many children go parent-less; everything will remain in order as long as I remain in command.
Once again, the wooden door to my office is opened, and there's more clanging. Oh, great, them again?
''Daddy! Gari!'' I hear a high-pitched voice ring out, and Helen's face immediately pops into my mind. ''Guess who's here!''
''The one and only beautiful, precious Helen Bengel,'' Gari flirts, already beginning to irritate me. Slowly, I tilt my head upwards and meet eye-contact with my daughter.
''You already know, sweetheart!'' she struts, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. The first thing that catches my attention are the numerous amount of large, over-sized bags in her hands and her new studded diamond high heels. ''What's wrong, dad? You look upset.''
Placing a hand on my face, I sigh. ''What are you doing? You promised me that you would stop spending so much money on useless items.''
''Useless?'' she repeats, seemingly appalled by my reaction. Gari gives me a look that reads, 'You're in for it now.' ''Father, this is Margiela, okay? Mar-gel-uh! This is not useless; it's fashion! Something that makes me look better than I ever have in my entire life, and you wanna judge my spending rights?!''
''I've told you constantly to stop spending all of our savings, honey.'' This girl has gotten on my nerves so many times, yet I just can't get a hold of myself to snap some sense into her. ''You never know when we're gonna be in a desperate situation and need it.''
''What are you talking about, 'desperate situation and need it'?'' Dropping her bags instantly, she reaches into both of her tight denim jean pockets and pulls out stacks of money. ''We have racks – and I mean racks – of dough! Seriously, this is enough to buy an entire neighborhood in District One, in only one of my hands! What in the world makes you think that we'll ever run out?''
''Okay, okay, I'm finished with this conversation,'' I shake it off, turning my attention to something else – anything else. Seriously, I need to change the account password.
''Glad to hear that you've gotten my point across your mind,'' she smiles. ''But, I think it's time for you to go out there and present your new deal, because you're two minutes past airtime.''
Wasting no time, I restrain myself from simply staring at the space in between Helen and Gari and quickly make my way to the third-level story veranda – balcony, whatever you want to call it. Immediately, the harsh rays of sunlight splash a warm aura all over my upper body.
The horrendous smell of freshly-cut grass violates my nostrils as I pass by a row of floral-cushioned wicker chairs, clasp my hands together, and poke my head over the silver-lined railings of my mansion.
When I look down two more levels, well... all I can say is that the crowd is massive; I could hear the cheering and hollering from all the way back in my office, but being out here, in front of the people who basically worship me? It's almost deafening.
What they're doing, I absolutely couldn't. Being in a crowd, it's like being one giant person. There's no moving on your own free will because everybody seems to have the same instincts and gestures. They're like a single moving mass with such a predictable behavior when viewed as a whole – kind of like a shoal of fish, one point of departure, one destination.
I hope I'll stay this way forever, and won't ever have to worry about feeding off the impulses of those around me.
Enough thinking, just get this thing over with. The thought that crosses my mind snaps me back to reality and I begin with...
''Hello, wonderful people of Panem!'' Not even two sentences in and they've already begun cheering again, jostling for a better position and applauding loudly. ''As you know, I have a very special announcement to make today.''
Throughout my many years of Presidency, I've come to realize that happiness is like soda. It's sweet, frizzy, and doesn't last long – just like their smiles.
''I'm sure that you're all aware of the recent act of terrorism upon our great Capitol. It pains me to remember the tragedies that happened not too long ago, and the amount of lives taken because of it. Please, for a moment, let us bow our heads to commemorate the deceased.''
After a minute has passed by, I open my mouth once more. ''This act was done by a group of vigilantes who believed that they could take the law into their own hands. Their identities will not be revealed, because we have dealt with them – and surely, they will not be coming back.''
There are a few grins across the sea of people, but many are booing, frowning, and crying. ''It may come as a shock, but the attackers come from District Thirteen – the forgotten District.''
Their simultaneous gasps are expected, and that's what I receive.
''But don't fret, we have come up with the perfect way to punish District Thirteen for their crimes,'' I sigh deeply, maintaining my composure. ''From now on, District Thirteen will provide one male and one female tribute to participate in the Hunger Games every year starting as of now. There will be no end to this; we gave them a chance a long, long time ago, but they failed to cooperate and must be disciplined!''
Fists are raised into the air, children and babies are held up, mothers are crying tears of joy and fathers are embracing each other with pride for this country. So many myriads of similar faces that all share the same gorgeous emotion that I'm feeling on the inside. The sensation is incredible!
''Thank you, Panem, the Capitol, for viewing our live broadcast. Enjoy the rest of your day and prepare yourselves for the glee we'll be seeking together in the near future!'' I turn sharply, taking one step at a time before I turn back around and snicker to myself, echoing the words, ''And if any District out there believes that they can pull a fast one on us, they shouldn't. Whatever those devious thoughts might be, I suggest you remove them from your monthly meetings and be smart with the actions you take before any casualties occur.''
An uproar of emotion fills my ears as the Capitolites below me jump up and down furiously, excitement written all over their faces. Some of them start to even sing the Capitol Anthem, which forces a devilish smile to cross my lips. Just a few seconds later and it sounds as if the entire audience is one big musical.
''Oh, Horn of Plenty,'' they chant. ''One Horn of Plenty for us all!''
When I get back into my office, I spot Helen snuggling with Gari... on his lap. ''Can you two not?'' I cough out. I used to like this kid Gari – thought that he would be good for Helen – but our connection has gone from a father-son relationship to that of a grown man trying to swat away an annoying ass fly that'll never disappear. Every word, movement and breath he performs infuriates me to no end.
...Especially with my daughter.
''My bad...'' Gari turns his head as he softly pushes Helen off of him, averting his eyes away from meeting my gaze. ''If it means anything, that announcement was great. You still got it, even after all these years.''
''You did really great!'' Helen agrees.
''I guess,'' I shrug it off, not too worried about whether it was good or not, ''but that's not what's important. The Game this year is what's important.''
''What's so special about these Games that's so different from the past thirty?'' Helen inquires. ''It's not like it's a Quarter Quell or something.''
''Might as well be,'' I grin. ''Let's just say that we're revisiting a forgotten past. It's disgusting and vile, but it's a great way to set an example for all of the Districts – who, for some reason, believe that they can step up to us.''
But they can't, and they know that. I know that – we all know that.
And because of their inability to comprehend that nothing they do will lift their feelings of dismay, they'll watch as the children they know and love suffer from heartache, discrimination, and best of all, pain.
Oh, the puzzled looks on Gari and Helen's faces makes me feel all gooey and ominous on the inside.
I just hope that there'll be similar reactions by the time that the event rolls around. Because, believe me, people have never seen anything like this before.
A/N: Ayee! I hope you didn't just scroll down to the end of the chapter to see if your tribute was accepted or not. Like the good reader you are, I know you'll go back and skim through it, at least ;)
Nah, seriously, though, I don't mind. To start this off, sorry for the way overdue chapter. School opened back up, and I enjoyed Spring Break while I could, but it's not as bad as it was the past three quarters so chapters shouldn't be too hard to get up. Laziness takes over, you all know how that goes. This chapter was kind of meaningless, because you guys already know the drill and this could be classified as filler, I guess? Just something to have fun with before the important crap starts. Even so, I hope that it was a good read. Secondly, y'all had me all types of messed up with the whole tribute thing. Initially, I was like, ''Aw, man, not gonna get enough tributes,'' cuz after a week it was really like, ''Whoops, I've fallen off the HG SYOT community and now I gotta build back up,'' but towards the last, like, two days, I get forced with at least 30 tributes and it made it even more difficult to choose who I wanted to write the most and thought would work amazingly with the whole plot of the story. I'm sorry if your tribute wasn't accepted; we don't all get in, and it sucks, but hey, you have a tribute to submit to another recent SYOT, and I guarantee that your tribute will be grabbed. It's gotten easier to know who you want and who you don't, but it still doesn't make you feel like any less of a douche when you have to explain why you didn't take the others instead.
Enough of my rambling, I doubt y'all care too much and just wanna see the blog and the tributes. So, if you wanna check it out, the blog is setmychainsfreehg. blogspot. com. I hope that you'll all gimme a blog review, 'cuz I'm really interested to see your initial opinions on these tributes. If you don't know what a blog review is, it's basically a little go-about where you look at each tribute (their name, S/Ws, picture, all that good stuff) and put 'em in a category of Love, Like, Neutral, Dislike, Hate, or however you wanna. Doesn't matter to me, I just wanna see who you guys are most into and who you're least into. Don't really have too much else to say besides that, so here are the names of the tributes.
Tribute List
District One:
Female: Aurora Maran
Male: Aether Cynephris
District Two:
Female: Camille Lussier
Male: Cassian Castellan
District Three:
Female: Chayona Watt
Male: Gideon Alvaro
District Four:
Female: Odessa Adria
Male: Sota Shirai
District Five:
Female: Imogen Pryor
Male: Sebastian Hammond
District Six:
Female: Lucretia Hanover
Male: Lachlan Smith
District Seven:
Female: Natalie Needle
Male: Condor Teal
District Eight:
Female: Eloise Allegro
Male: Darren Leicester
District Nine:
Female: Cherokee Franklin
Male: Millet Arrowroot
District Ten:
Female: Gracie Sullivan
Male: Mackenzie Ellesmere
District Eleven:
Female: Aaliyah Ransier
Male: Malik Sherman
District Twelve:
Female: Helena Vasilev
Male: Aspen Northill
District Thirteen:
Female: Krissy McCoy
Male: Pavel Elsbeth
Also, the predicted placements that you see for your tributes, yeah, don't take those seriously. Honestly, the entire order could be completely opposite and 1st could place 26th and 26th could place 1st. Just saying, so if your tribute is predicted low, just take it to account and think of it from a Capitol point of view. I just reviewed them and thought of a list that some arrogant Capitolite would place them in. Also, if there are any questions as to why District Thirteen has both 26th and 25th, it's because, well, who would think that two kids from a District that has had no participation in the Games whatsoever and no mentors or experts would make it past the top 15 or so? Their mentors are Capitolites who I don't even know what I'ma do with yet, but it'll be fun, bet. But yeah, that's really all I have to say.
Thank you all for your submissions, I'm really grateful of them. I didn't get PMs back from a few people, so if you're reading this now, my bad if your tribute wasn't accepted. But to those that were, I hope you'll all enjoy the ride, 'cuz it's gonna be bumpy af. Also, 10 favorites? Y'all got me all types of fuh-fuh-fuh-fucked up! Nah, I'm playing. I'm appreciative of all the support that this story has gotten, and I can't wait to get officially started with this story. Hope you guys have a wonderful day/night/afternoon/whatever time it is wherever the hell you are. See y'all in a bit! ^^
