Chapter Two: An Announcement Is Made.
Holden DeMontford, President of Panem
In my hand I held the document that would change the political landscape of Panem forevermore. For years a power struggle reined the land, and the Districts fought for their 'freedom'. They fought in vain, and now their crimes will come to light: To contest the supremacy of the Capitol. An unforgivable offence, an offence I have deemed treason. Their punishment outlined in the aptly named 'Treaty of Treason', The Hunger Games will haunt the Districts.
Corrine and I, we've manufactured a political weapon. A weapon more effective than anything exploited during 'The Dark Days'. This is our, as the Capitol's, insurance policy. A preventative measure, ensuring that history will never repeat itself: The Hunger Games have one purpose. A purpose I, and my most trusted counsel, believe it will fulfil. Crushing the fragile remnants of hope the Districts so desperately cling to, while fertilizing the seeds of grief, pain and sorrow that will blossom throughout Panem.
Today is a blessed day for the Capitol. No, it is 'the' Blessed Day. For the time has arrived, a time where the Hunger Games will no longer be contained to clandestine meetings and rushed conversations. They are coming. After today, they will no longer be hidden in the shadows. They will be brought into the spotlight, where they belong: They will mark the beginning of a new age in Panem. Where the Districts will atone for the sins of their forefathers in the most 'appropriate' way possible.
The velvet folder clasped in my hands appears to vibrate in my hand, as though the contents are anticipating the moment that they are laid out for the whole of Panem to see. I caress the rigid spine of the folder with my forefinger, my mind whirling with the numerous developments I'd witnessed in preparation for today: The excitement glistening in Corrine's cerulean eyes as she gave me a tour of her 'Command Centre'. The unadulterated bliss that enveloped her as we witnessed the destruction the mutations she had manufactured in preparation for the Games. The tinkling soprano of her laugh as Avoxes were torn to pieces by the 'mutts'.
Six weeks. In only six weeks, we had nurtured the Hunger Games from an idea into the imminent doom it represents for the Districts. The Arena's construction had reached completion only days ago, the 'Tribute Tower' was fully refurbished and the finest Head Hunters in the Capitol were able to assemble a team of 'Escorts' and interim 'Mentors'. Corrine had assembled a rigid training regime for when the tributes arrived in the Capitol; and I was concluding negotiations with an assortment of media and public relation servicemen to assemble an itinerary concerning the 'public showcasing' of tributes prior to entering the Arena.
Colour me astounded, but I thought this was an impossible feat. But Corrine and I, we have done it. We're now ready to make the announcement that will shake Panem to its very core. In one month from today, the very day that will mark the third month since the Capitol emerged victorious from the War, the Hunger Games will begin. And it all begins tonight.
Hunger Games: Questions Answered
-a sit down meeting with newly appointed 'HEAD GAMEMAKER', Corrine Snow
-Sofia Cortez
Sat in one of the spacious laboratories of CapiCorp, opposite one of the most powerful women in Panem. Biochemical engineer, turned mastermind of a social revolution. She's beautiful, she's intelligent and she is here to answer the questions I've compiled since President Holden DeMontford's flawless address only days ago.
So, Corrine. The President himself has declared that you are true genius behind the Hunger Games. What do you have to say to that?
Well credit is given where credit is due Ms. Cortez, the concept was something I'd been thinking of for a while. But it was a truly collaborative process between the President and myself, we both have roles to fill. I know very little about how to brand the concept as 'entertainment'; rather I have been working on developing suitable mutations, and an Arena where the tributes will compete. I feel it necessary to reassure anyone who may be reading this transcript: The training provided has been tailored to help the tributes assimilate into whichever environment the Arena will simulate.
Is there anything you can tell us about the Arena? What the Capitol could be expected to see?
No Comment. I'm not at liberties to discuss the Arena at all. It's confidential and I wouldn't want to ruin it for the viewers. I can, however, say that I have been working alongside the finest scientist to ensure that everything is of undeniable quality and will enrich the viewing experience for all.
Corrine then requested a few moments to take a call, afterwards she said she would need to head to the laboratories for some last minute checks and such. She used a lot of scientific terminology, but she has agreed to answer two more questions.
So how will the tributes be selected? And have we, as the Capitol, taken any precautions to ensure that everyone in the designated demographic is available for selection? And how do you intend to stop identity theft?
It is a very simple process. Using the latest census and the post-war registry: A list of names has been compiled and there will be numerous Peacekeepers going to take a blood sample and imputing it with the corresponding name to a database I've developed. As for the selection, or 'Reaping' as the President has taken to calling it, is a very simple process: All the names of the male tributes in one bowl, the females in another: The D.L.O (District Liaison Officer) will choose the names from the bowls.
It truly is simple. So my final question: President DeMontford made numerous allusions to the Capitol's involvement in the Hunger Games. Could you elaborate?
Yes, the Capitol will be able to sponsor tributes who they feel would make suitable Victors. It is as simple as that, that is why Holden decided to have the tributes participate in a Parade, have their skills judged and show their character via interview. Any more information from that aspect of the Games will be addressed in a press release closer to the time.
Corrine then excused herself, and the interview came to an end. Capitol, keep your eyes open for the expected press releases. And remember: Happy Hunger Games, and May the Odds be ever in your favour.
And so it is done, the Hunger Games have been announced. I have tidbits written for my Capitol storyline, and I'm receiving Tributes but only 5 slots are taken so if you're reading: Please submit :)
Thanks to my wonderful reviewers, it's great to know that people are enjoying what I'm doing and I'm really hoping you continue to enjoy what I have planned.
Next chapter: We will meet some Escorts and the interim Mentors, and how they are recruited.
Question: What do we think of having small 'Articles' by Ms Cortez to explain things throughout the story. I.E) Sponsorship when the time comes? Also, who do we think should do the interviews? (A descedent of Flickerman, or some random Capitolite one of you can come up with)
Here is the Tribute List and I will update as reservations and submissions are received:
The Tributes: Lest We Forget
District One - Luxury Items
Male: Dorian Wilde, 15 - CluelessWriter23
Female: Cali Topaz, 17- crossroadsphan
District Two - Masonry
Male: Cicero Bastille, 18- david12341
Female: Ophelia Rimbaud, 16 - vandenbergs
District Three - Scientific Research/Development
Male: Reserved- Red Sting
Female: Giga Sloane, 13- CluelessWriter23
District Four - Fishing/Shipping
Male: Cassian Costa, 18- vandenburgs
Female:
District Five - Power/Engineering
Male: Reserved- DragonoftheStars1429
Female:
District Six- Medicine
Male: Kieran Rigel,17- Kay of Arda
Female: Virginia 'Jyn' Barden, 18 - david12341
District Seven - Lumber
Male:
Female: Shirley Bertram,14 - vandenbergs
District Eight - Textiles
Male:
Female: Reserved- DragonoftheStars1429
District Nine - Grain/Milling
Male: Buddy Vandijk, 17- Zacksteel
Female:
District Ten - Livestock
Male: Rowan Mason, 18- YJ Harper Row
Female: Anna Broyles, 15- JStar14H
District Eleven - Agriculture
Male:
Female: Reserved- DragonoftheStars1429
District Twelve - Coal Mining
Male:
Female: Taliyah Naph, 15 - david12341
