Chapter 3

Clash of Time

"The past is never where you think you left it."

Sebastian, District 8.

Since last year's Hunger Games, we have been ordered to double the production, and not only that, we had to re-design the whole uniform. The peacekeepers are now more alert, and have orders of zero tolerance to any act of rebellion. Therefore, they need "better uniforms that'll help them defend Panem from those who break the law", as said by the factory's Chief of Staff. Of course, she doesn't mention why do they need such an improvement all of a sudden, and questions aren't allowed. I'm sure we aren't the only ones defying the Capitol, if we were, this measure wouldn't have been taken in such intense quantities. But, it's hard to know when the only public whippings and executions we are seeing are the ones that happen here in 8.

It's late at night, and my work shift isn't nearly over yet, I'm one of the many people in charge of the production of the helmets, which as part of the re-invented design, has a darker visor. I wonder what's the look in the faces of the peacekeepers when they punish people for standing up against the tyrany of the President. What goes through their head when they use the whip on someone's back, or when they pull the trigger in the firing squad. I wonder if there's still a bit of humanity left in them,or if we are just covering monsters dressed like snow.

I used to think of the color white as a sign of purity, innocence and peace. But, when I gained a little bit more consciousness my opinion changed drastically. I've been seeing how peacekeepers, dressed in white, commit horrendous crimes in the name of justice and peace. Also, the image of the paper-white hair of the President, as well as the rose that accompanies him everywhere, gave the color a much different meaning.

I've always been a laid back person, an observer. Someone who prefers a low profile, rather than being the center of attention. This has avoided me many troubles throughout my life, but I also feel like a coward because of it. Many of my coworkers, since they weren't really my friends, are dead. They died standing up for what they believed in, while I, even when I shared their motive, turned my back to them, and left.

It all started as soon as the Games were over... People started talking, and plotting within the walls of the factory , they were tired of the abuses, and were preparing to fight back. I knew their chances of succeeding were low, so I left like a coward would.. I asked to be transferred to another factory, and they allowed me to. I didn't want to be linked to the rebels. However, when I saw one of my former acquaintances wondering why did I leave, I blamed it on those in charge, saying that they transferred me all of a sudden. I'm a terrible person, I know. But, I can't help it, I'm too scared, I'm not a hero at all. Weeks later, on a night very much like this one, the peacekeepers were surprised by the rebels while Peeta Mellark was proposing to the Girl on Fire, they were able to overcome their forces, but as soon as the Capitol sent reinforcement the uprising was over. As it happened, I stayed at home, watching the events unfold, since the factories were closed. Things have slowly turned back to normal since then, and three days ago, bombs were thrown to the factory were I used to work... For being the cradle of rebellious ideas.

Sometimes I think there's something wrong with me. I know that things should be better, but my thoughts never transcend to actions. I might say that the peacekeepers are monsters, but I'm not doing anything to help stop them. I'm standing with my arms closed as people fight our oppressors. Am I really better than them?

The static of the television stops and that gets my attention, driving me away from my thoughts. That television is always on, however, most of the times it's only static. Static, public executions, and the star-crossed lovers are the normal schedule. But, since the Games are getting closer, national broadcasts of them, like yesterday's announcement, will be common. I've been looking forward to this one specially, I guess everybody has. The seal of the Capitol is currently being shown. Suddenly, a light covered stage appears.

Fabrice Vita stands at the center of the stage with a huge grin, showing his golden teeth. His hair is colored in some sort of greenish blue, arranged in a half shaved hairstyle, which is accompanied by a beard of the same color. He might be in his 30s or in his 50s, with the people of the Capitol you never know. He is a host in a gossip show, however, for some reason, sometimes he is in charge of announcing important information, like in this case. He is wearing a traditional black suit, and is received by the cheers of the crowd.

"People of Panem, I'm sure you've all being looking forward to this night's announcement", he begins saying. You aren't wrong at all Fabrice,

"But, first… We were informed that Mr. Plutarch Heavensbee, this year's Head Gamemaker, has been suffering from health issues. Today, early in this morning, we lost that great man", he says while putting on an exaggerated expression of sadness. Woah! Those are big news! Who's going to be the new one?

"Later, we'll show a tribute devoted to his wonderful life. However, you must not panic, we already know who is going to work as the new Head Gamemaker! He's someone very loved by all of us, a genius at what he does. Let's show our love with a round of applauses to Dr. Adam Thompson!" announces Fabrice. People start clapping and cheering like crazy, I start shivering. No way! This man is probably the worst one they could have looked for. Of course, he is perfect for what the people of the Capitol want, but he is clearly the worst thing that could have happened to the tributes. He is known for creating the most brutal arenas, and he occupied this charge in the last Quarter Quell. When I was little I was deadly scared of this man, he looks like a mad doctor that will cut you open to study the pain you feel. I wouldn't be surprised if he has actually done it... I'm still scared of him.

I find it quite interesting how easy it was for the people of the Capitol to overcome the death of Plutarch, it was just a mater of giving them someone more exciting. It's sad how everyone can be replaced.

"Dr. Adam Thompson is also the one currently in charge of the Legends Project, which I know you are all excited to know more of", says Fabrice. Why it doesn't surprise me that he is the one in charge? The ones in that Project are probably worst than before.

"Now, let's go to what we have all been waiting! In that screen located on the back, we'll see the fallen tributes chosen to participate in the 75th Hunger Games!"

I feel a sudden rush of excitement running through my body. The enormous screen shows a big three, then a two, and finally a one. A picture of District 12's seal appears, afterwards a blonde girl is shown, she is running through a forest, chased by pink birds with sharp beaks. The image changes again, showing an older woman with the same physical characteristics, smiling. Maysilee Donner appears besides her. As far as I know, she participated in the previous Quell. Now District 11's seal appears, then a little girl with a knife in her back, followed by an older version of her with the words Zeena. Immediately after, comes District 10, were a brunette girl appears in a pool of blood first, and then smiling widely with her, I suppose, current appearance. That's Sylvia. This is going to be interesting! This two were allies, and Sylvia literally backstabbed her so-called friend. They surely won't be as close in this Games. District 9 has Amber Azria, who I don't remember very clearly, and finally comes District 8! A young kid appears in an extravagant outfit, and I quickly recognize him. His name was -or should I say is?- Yves. He is well known for being a prodigy in fashion design, and for fighting with his stylist to the point were they had to let him make his own attire to the interviews. That made people here quite proud. But, aside from that, he didn't do good on the Games. He didn't last very long, well tributes from here normally don't.

Coming up next is District 7 with a woman I consider to be a lunatic: Leanne Green, a die hard fan of Johanna Mason, that literally wanted to be her. I wonder if she got over that… But, they are clearly not done with the insanity levels. I feel a shiver running through my body as the next tribute appears. I thought they had to take him down, are they truly that desperate for attention? There, in the screen, District 6 tribute Titus stares at the camera. I look away in disgust, remembering how he enjoyed tasting the blood and flesh of the other tributes. I'm thankful when his disturbing image gets replaced by the seal of District 5, where last year's girl, with her fox-like features, appears. I particularly believe she did a good job, maybe a second chance is just what she needs… She better stay away from poisoned berries though.

The first career tribute shown in the television is Caspian Reef, even more muscular than before, he is followed by Wallace Byte from 3. Yes! He is my all time idol of the Hunger Games, a true legend in my opinion. But, that's probably because I really like District 3. Who am I kidding? The guy is just amazing! Rocco is shown next, brandishing both of his swords. He is another one to look after, a deadly titan that can decapitate you and still look calm, which makes him like twice as menacing. There were rumors that he was on medications to stay that relaxed, but I can't see any sense in that. One more district and it's over. Who will be the rich tribute from one? Damn! Naked from the waist up, winking and blowing a kiss to the camera is Charlotte Howlite, as seen in her time in the Arena. She is literally the master of the seductive angle, to the point were they had to censor some of her scenes, and put them very late at night. Seeing them while working in the factory was quite… uncomfortable. However, in the end she did what can be considered as the most heart-breaking sacrifice in the history of the Hunger Games. I remember everyone was crying when she died. If they wanted to take the attention away from the Girl on Fire, she is probably the perfect choice. I personally think Charlotte is better. But, I might be biased by her amazing… eyes.

Fabrice begins talking again, but I'm not really listening anymore. My brain is working so fast, thinking in all the possible results of this Games, and two thirds of the tributes are still unknown! One thing I know for sure: I couldn't be more thankful to be out of the reaping age, because this year promises to be the bloodiest one ever witnessed. This is going to be a clash between the present and the past that will affect in someway our future. Whoever gets reaped to this Quarter Quell can be absolutely sure that the odds are not in his or her favor.

AN: KEEP SUBMITTING! Another quick update! I'm going to have a lot of free time very soon, so expect fast updates. This are the 12 fallen tributes that will be in the Arena with the ones you guys submit!

Sebastian is going to be a narrator for now, so you can see the history from another point of view. As I said, I'm trying to keep the story as much in canon as possible. Here you can see District 8 uprisings. Part of the blog is available, the link can be found in my profile!

RIP Plutarch Heavensbee.

~Izzy