It's finally here guys and gals, the second (?) part to Into the Darkness. If you're new, welcome! ItD isn't quite finished yet, but there will be spoilers of sorts ahead (obviously). If you aren't worried about spoilers, read on! If you are, I would recommend reading it (and maybe reviewing? I'm almost to 300!). Yeah, I have no shame.

A list of tribute submissions will be updated on my profile. If you've already submitted tributes, you will not need to resubmit them.

Bellona Juliere, Age 51, Capitol

President of Panem

"In nineteen years, President Juliere hasn't done half the things she had promised she would after ending the Snow Regime. After peacefully taking the country from the family that had soundly ruled us for nearly two-hundred years, Bellona Juliere became the first female President of Panem. However, this powerful woman may not be up to the task her predecessors have set out for her-"

"That's enough!" I shout. Lucretious Varlo, a diminutive man not much older than myself, shrinks as he lowers the report. "I really don't want to hear that kind of thing over my morning coffee."

"Yes, miss." He replies sheepishly, and I smirk.

"Give me something new. Something good." I take another sip before attacking my eggs.

"Oh, well, um…" He stutters for a moment. "P-people are clamoring for the announcement of the Quell today, madam, and taking bets on what it might entail. The Women's party has some suggestions that they wish you to look at, though I've told them that the Quell has already been decided since they first began, and they, uh…"

"Yes?" I press.

"They believe you've been ignoring them, ma'am. That you no longer hold the views you once had when they put you in power."

I jump to my feet, chair falling back as my coffee cup crashes to the ground. "EXCUSE ME?"

"Th-their w-words, madam, not m-mine."

My breathing is heavy as the anger courses through me. "Get out." My voice is low, and Lucretious yelps before hurrying from the dining hall. Already, maids are cleaning the mess at my feet, and I step away from the broken glass.

"You!" I shout, pointing at an Avox. "Fetch me the Head Gamemaker. We need to make some tweaks to the Games."

Alyxa Reine, Age 36, District Ten

One-Hundred-Fifty-Second Hunger Games Victor

"All of District Seven attended the funeral of Amber Zaman last weekend, along with most of her fellow Victors." On screen, a slow procession follows the coffin bearers into the dense forests of Seven, and I catch a glimpse of myself, Henry, Sakura and others off to the side. We weren't nearly as close to the Victor of the Fourth Quarter Quell as most of the people present, but like her we were still Victors and therefore permitted to witness her last rites. Her large family filled the clearing Amber and past Victors from Seven had been buried, and it was an honor to participate. President Juliere has decided to make a documentary of her life, something about the power of a woman and the particular hardships Amber went through in her life. It honestly soils the whole thing.

The screen switches suddenly to the Panem sigil, and I freeze before turning quickly to look at the clock. It's time.

"Harrison! It's starting!" I practically scream as the Anthem plays and President Juliere appears on screen. My husband quickly enters the room and drops onto the couch, throwing his arm around my shoulder. My fifteen-year-old daughter, Tabby, shyly sits on my other side. We sit there, tense, as the President speaks.

"As you all well know, this year marks the seventh anniversary of the esteemed Quarter Quell." Cheers from the Capitol throngs below her. "Nearly two centuries ago, the Hunger Games were concocted by our founders to keep peace and justice alive within our great nation, and the Quarter Quell was designed to serve as a reminder for each generation of the sacrifices we all have to make to keep our country thriving.

"For the First Quarter Quell and the Twenty-Fifth Hunger Games, to remind the Districts that it was their own choice to rebel that led to the slaughter of thousands, each District voted on the tributes to be selected that year. District Twelve's Susan James came out Victorious.

"For the Second Quarter Quell and the Fiftieth Hunger Games, to prove to the Districts that for every Capitol citizen who dies, two Districters would fall, the tribute count was doubled. That year, Haymitch Abernathy of District Twelve triumphed.

"For the Third Quarter Quell and the Seventy-Fifth Hunger Games, to remind the Districts that even the strongest among them could not compare to the might of the Capitol, the tributes were selected from the existing pool of Victors. Gloss Xerces of District One became the Victor above all Victors.

"For the Fourth Quarter Quell and the One-Hundredth Hunger Games, to show the Districts that the Capitol plays no favorites, District Thirteen was reintroduced to the Games. Amber Zaman of District Seven outplayed twenty-five tributes to emerge as Victor.

"For the Fifth Quarter Quell and One-Hundred Twenty-Fifth Hunger Games, to prove to the Districts that the Games should be fair and that Victory was something to be shared by all, the District with the least Victors would have the chance to send twenty-four tributes into the Games. Soldier Renslaw of District Thirteen outlived forty-seven other tributes to become Victor.

"For the Sixth Quarter Quell and One-Hundred Fiftieth Hunger Games, to remind the Districts that those most loyal would live longer, the age limits for the Reapings were further reduced. Henry Reynoso of District Eight surprised us all when he cleverly defeated his final adversaries and became the Victor.

"And now, for the Seventh Quarter Quell." She carefully opens a box atop her podium and draws a single envelope. She holds it up, clearly displaying the 175 in golden lettering.

Greg Lockett, Age 39, District Six

One-Hundred-Fifty-Third Hunger Games Victor

President Juliere carefully breaks the seal of the Quell envelope, smiling. I huddle up in my blankets, watching carefully. My hands are balled up into fists, and I find myself sweating in nervousness.

"For the Seventh Quarter Quell, to prove to the Country that women hold just as much power as men, two girls will be Reaped from each District. These girls will then Select any male citizen from their District to accompany them into the Arena. This male's life will be tied to hers throughout their time in the Arena until the Final Thirteen."

There's some confusion in the crowd as the President leaves the podium, but the Head Gamemaker, Helena Freuce, stands to take questions.

"Ms. Freuce!" One reporter calls. "Does this mean there will be fifty-two tributes in the Arena this year?"

"Yes. This will be the longest list of tributes in Games history, and we intend to make it spectacular."

"Helena! Is there anything that would disqualify someone from being Selected as the male tribute?"

"The tribute in question must be over the age of three and be a legitimate, registered citizen of the District. Those given special permission to move from one District, or the Capitol, into another District are also eligible."

The woman continues to answer questions, but I drone them out as I curl up into a ball and moan. Would someone pick me? Is there some girl desperate enough to choose a Victor as their Partner?

I can't go back. I can't go back. I can't I can't I can't Ican'tIcan'tIcan'tIcan't I CAN'T.

So. We're trying this again. Forms are on my profile.

As these prologue chapters are released, I will also release the Mentors that will be helping your tributes. 4 for each District, even those that don't have that many alive currently. Of course, these may be subject to change.

6: Greg Lockett (153), Lane Trax (141), Spacia Wills (121) and Kendra Steele (110)

10: Alyxa Reine (152), Leather Hardy (93), Bulla Reese (81), Austin Bean (13)