Present day
Venus Smith (26)- Head Gamemaker
The gentle sunbeams wake me up. When did I fall asleep? I haven't got the faintest idea. To be sincere, I expected to stay awake all night. I can't believe it is happening: I am the new Head Gamemaker, and my first Games are about to begin! Recently, I've been so busy… and eager. I can feel the adrenaline running down my spine; my body is still trembling a little bit because of the tension I've been holding. There is, however, no time to waste: before the season officially starts, the Head Gamemaker is due to meet the president in order to talk over the last details. Well, considering the fact that the president is my grandfather, I shouldn't worry about that, but I really can't help it. I know he trusts me, but now there are too many things at stake. I've already worked as a Gamemaker, but I've never had the occasion to lead before. Being a leader… that's a whole other story. The entire nation will want me to provide them with an unforgettable spectacle, and I can't… I must not disappoint them. If I succeed, I will become a heroine; if I fail, my career will be wrecked. Even my grandfather with all his power and influence can't protect me from that. But I won't fail!
With this belief cheering me up, I pull myself out of bed, slide on my silky scarlet nightgown, and head to the bathroom for a quick shower. After that, I dismiss my avox. I don't want any help, not today: I'll do my hair, make-up, choose my outfit, and prepare breakfast myself. All by myself. I can think in a more prolific way when left alone, and right now I must think about what to tell the president. He's likely to ask me something about the arena I chose, my first arena, but I don't want to reveal too many details before the time. I must work on my image, too. By the time I get to my grandfather's bureau, paparazzi will certainly be swarming outside the building. What impression should I leave them with? Will I be a strong leader to them? Or just a wimp recommended by the president? Things are never easy when you're famous.
I snort. Let's start with the outfit. I scan my closet attentively. What am I looking for? Maybe that pantsuit… no, too fancy… no, that's too casual… Eventually, my eyes go over a tight, long-sleeved, up-to-the-knee, red dress. I can't help a smirk. Red, the colour of blood, my favourite colour. It suits the situation perfectly. The only colour contrast, made by a from-the-shoulders-down, black band, bestows some sense of seriousness on the dress. It's intriguing without being provocative, simple but not mediocre. That's precisely the message I want to convey. I can be both an interesting woman and a focused Head Gamemaker, I just need to be myself. My appearance must reflect that. As for my make-up, black eyeliner and light lipstick will do it… and my hair… I'll wear it down to display its natural brown curls.
After having breakfast- a cup of coffee and some butter cookies- I leave my apartment. Outside, there's a limousine waiting for me. Since I live near the city centre, it doesn't take much to reach my destination. If I still lived with my parents in their lavish villa, the ride would be longer... but, luckily, I moved three years ago. I couldn't stand their nagging demands on marriage any longer. The very thought makes me feel smothered… I needed my space, I needed to be independent! My grandfather was the only one who understood, he introduced me to the gamemaking world… this job has been a lifeline.
When the driver stops the limo, I'm back to planet Earth. He helps me out. I'm immediately overwhelmed by all that flashing of cameras and asking of reporters that usually accompany prominent figures, but, luckily, some bodyguards help me through the crowd. I limit myself to wave and smile while I'm moving towards the entrance, without paying too much attention to the questions I'm asked. Interviews are not exactly my favourite part of being the new Head Gamemaker. When I finally get in, there's absolute silence. At first, the contrast between outside and inside is weird but pleasant. I can only hear the distinct noise of my heels on the black marble tiles, which seems to follow my heartbeat. After having a quick word with the secretary, I walk in my grandfather's bureau.
"Hello, Venus," he greets me.
"Hello."
"Please, take a seat. How are you today?"
"I-I'm fine," I answer. My tone is hesitant. Since he doesn't say anything, I add: "Maybe just a little bit nervous."
"You've got no reason of being nervous, dearie. I know you will be amazing."
Dearie. I don't like it when my grandfather uses terms of affection at the workplace. To me, being able to separate work and family is fundamental.
So, I decide to go straight to the point: "Well, thanks. Now… shall we go down to business, sir?"
He smiles. I know he thinks that I'm too professional, that, considering the fact that he's my grandfather, I should relax a little bit… but he's also the president of Panem, after all! What am I supposed to do? Should I call him grandpa even at work, like it was nothing? No, that would be disrespectful!
"You remind me of your grandma, Venus. Always so focused and straightforward," he replies, grinning.
My grandmother, Gorgo Smith, was a Capitolite but worked as a peacekeeper in District 2. She died during the uprising, when the rebels attacked its stronghold. That's why my grandfather hates rebels and, by extension, all the outer districts. That's why the previous Head Gamemaker was laid off. He helped outer-district tributes instead of Careers, and my grandfather couldn't stand that… but these things are not to be discussed in front of him. I'm not that foolish, so I limit myself to nod.
"Anyway, let's talk about the Games! I've watched the recap of your first interview as the Head Gamemaker, and there is something I'd like to ask you…" he continues in a mysterious tone.
The president shows me the interview on his tablet. He pauses the video when I'm asked the question: "Gamemakers have accustomed us to any kind of device to make things, let's say, more interesting in the arena, so what are you going to do to distinguish yourself?", to which I answered: "Every edition has its own story, but there is something that will never change. I mean, tributes will always look for allies and bond with them. That's precisely what I want to exploit. Love can make you stronger, but it can also be turned into a weapon… a deadly weapon, I would add."
"Did I say something wrong?" I ask defensively.
"No, you didn't. On the contrary, you seemed quite self-confident. I really appreciate it. But… have you got a plan?" he enquires doubtfully.
"Of course! I don't speak out of turn! I'll do exactly what I said!" I talk back, my pitch a little bit higher than I intended.
"Don't get me wrong, I didn't mean to question your determination. I know, however, that there's a lot of pressure hanging over you now, and I don't want you to overdo things. Do you understand?"
I compose myself before answering: "I do, sir. But I can assure you that I have the situation in hand."
"Fine."
There's a moment of silence, which, however, seems like an eternity to me. But I can't wait any longer. I must ask him the question on which I've been dwelling for weeks. I need to work up the courage!
Eventually, I venture to speak: "I have a question for you as well, Mr. President, if you don't mind."
"Please."
He seems surprised but not completely. He's kind of relieved. Maybe he finds silence awkward like me.
"I'd like to ask about who shall win and…" I start talking, but I'm immediately interrupted.
"I know what you are getting at, Venus. It would certainly be better, if a Career won, since we cannot let the outer districts gain confidence. Our predecessors made this mistake twice, but it won't happen again, I swear! On the other hand, I don't want you to worry about it more than is necessary. Just give Panem a worthy victor. That's all I demand from you, Venus."
So, these are the first two chapters. We got to know two important characters: President Smith and the new Head Gamemaker. What do you think of them?
Next chapter, we'll start with the Reaping of District 1. Thank you for reading :)
