Head Peacekeeper Glint Octavian
Head Peacekeeper Octavian stood with his head bowed, the national anthem of Panem playing loudly over the speakers as the ornate coffin was broadcast around the country. A chorus of voices sang out the final note, and after the polite applause the hall fell silent to listen to the speech of the late President Gosselin's wife. As she took the stand, Glint could see her struggling against tears, her voice trembling in a way it never had the few times he'd met her previously.
"It pains me greatly to be standing her with you all today." A small, sharp breath. "My husband, Cyrillus Gosselin, was a wonderful, wonderful man, and a wonderful leader. I am sure that all of us wish he was still with us." Another pause. "The last twenty years have been a golden age of Panem, and I think we can all be thankful to him for that. The circumstances of his presidency were dire, but he found us the stability we needed, and he kept it. I think we can all thank him for that." Her breaths began to break more, now noticeable. "I know that you are all hurting now, as I am, but I would like to make one more announcement on behalf of my-. My husband. He asked that this year, next year and the year after that, the- the winning tribute wouldn't have to fight in the next Quarter Quell." She was crying now, Glint realised. "Thank you all."
There was an immediate response from those who had congregated, surprise running through the crowd. The most noticeable response, however, was from the section where the Victors stood. At least one, the girl who had one the previous year, had begun to cry profusely, and several others had expressions of unbridled joy. Disrespectful. Glint thought. To be joyous at the President's funeral. But it was to be expected from those of District descent. They were known to be uncouth, disrespectful of authority, and here he was, witnessing just that occurring. If he hadn't been on national television, he would have considered going to where they stood and telling them just what he thought of their disrespect.
Still, he would likely be called to discuss the matter of the unexpected announcement after the ceremony concluded. As the newly appointed President Durante stepped forward to speak, Glint contemplated how his evening plans had now been disrupted.
"It is unprecedented. We cannot allow this to happen!" President Durante glared at Dr. Caeso.
"I'm sorry, President Durante but that is what he said. My assistant will confirm everything I've said."
Durante was obviously struggling to keep her irritation in check, but when she dismissed the man she kept some semblance of calmness.
"Her announcement was an irresponsible, rash decision motivated by an unchecked emotional response. We cannot allow it to hold weight over the games." At this, Glint and Flavia exchanged a glance.
"I'm afraid that this was seen all over Panem. We may be forced to follow through, especially given the many witnesses to his original statement." Flavia's response was met with something resembling derision.
"We can get rid of the doctor."
"But not of Janan Gosselin. We do not have much choice in the matter, I'm afraid." Glint countered. As much as he agreed with the President, there was not much they could do to stop the outcry that would happen if they did not respond.
"We can, however, frame it in whichever way we want, given Mrs. Gosselin's rather emotional nature during the announcement." Flavia added, slowly. President Durante looked between the two in exasperation, and then gave a short nod.
"I expect plans for an announcement by this evening. Talk to my speechwriter. I need this ready by eight."
Glint watched from his office as President Durante prepared to address Panem. She had been frustrated all day, which was unsurprising given the circumstances. The late President's wife's actions were irresponsible, unthought-out, unheard of. He thought she should be punished, but he knew enough to know that wouldn't happen. Punishing her would invite rebellion, given her popularity.
Just then, his television flickered on with the seal of Panem and then the President appeared.
"Citizens of Panem. As you will all be aware, this morning an announcement was made by our former First Lady, Janan Gosselin, regarding the Victors of the next three years of Hunger Games. As she stated, these Victors will have no chance of being reaped in future years, as is usual, however what was not made clear by her announcement was that, whichever tribute shall win the Hunger Games for the next three years will relieve all who would fill the same spot as them from the chance of reaping in the Quarter Quell. That is to say, should, for example, the boy from District Two win the games this year, no boy from District Two shall enter the arena in the Quarter Quell.
We believe that President Gosselin hoped to give one final gift to the people of his country, even in death. What's for certain is that this amendment to the Hunger Games will go ahead in it's entirety.
Thank you Panem, and goodnight."
The announcement ended, and the Capitol seal appeared on screen. The President's speechwriter had done a good job, certainly. Now they just had to wait and see how the districts would react.
A/N
Hey all, SnowSymphony here. This SYOT will be a full SYOT, all tributes should have at least two POVs within the story.
In this verse, there is some very specific worldbuilding which will be on my profile. This SYOT will be open until the end of April, I hope,, although this may be subject to extension, and there are two more prologues to be put up before then. If all goes to plan, the cast list will be revealed in early May.