The 49th Hunger Games: Painting the Stars Red

by Klovers

With new Head Gamemaker Verena Blackwell, the dawn of a new kind of Hunger Games is on the horizon. Verena has a new idea that will change the Games forever, and with a rebellion brewing she plans to remind the districts who is, and always will be in control. Under her regime the Games will be more brutal and bloody then anything the likes of Panem has ever seen before. (SYOT OPEN)

3. Perfection

Chapter Three: Perfection

Her hands shook.

Verena Blackwell was thankful the axov that escorted her to Snow's office also opened the door for her, as she didn't know if she could have done it herself.

She could barely hold the blueprint in her hands, the new blueprint, as they were trembling so much. It was such a barbaric idea…

For once in her life Verena Blackwell was completely and utterly unsure of herself.

She approached Snow again, as she had done exactly one month and a five days earlier, when he told her he needed more. Panem needed more. From her, and the arena. This year's Games were important, she reminded herself. As if those words weren't already engrained in her brain.

And here Verena was, with the new blueprints, spreading them out in front of Snow again, waiting for his response. Neither of them said a word; there was nothing to say.

Unlike the last time, Verena couldn't afford him not liking her newest idea. The clock was ticking, and it was not in her favor. It would take months to construct whatever arena was chosen, even with the finest workers in Panem under her control.

Snow looked up from the blueprints and locked eyes with Verena. They were fierce and cold, yet fire gleamed in them as well.

His response would different this time. Verena could feel it.

"The arena itself, it's generic, but the ideas of what to do with the the arena…" he pointed to the cornucopia. "This, this will work. No one will be expecting this."

Verena felt as if a knot in her chest was finally unraveled. "I'm glad you feel that way."

"And this," Snow pointed to another part of the blueprint. "this is magnificently brutal. I can't wait to hear their screams."

Snow flashed a fiendish grin and Verena began smiling too. This is what she always wanted. Her dreams were becoming a reality. "I'll summon the other Gamemakers. They will deliver the order. Construction on the arena will begin today."

Snow nodded, and Verena made her move to leave. She could barely contain herself. Her arena was going to become a real, living thing. It was going to become a source of entertainment, a slaughterhouse, and most importantly, a message.

"Verena," Snow called. She stopped and pivoted around to face the President.

"Yes?"

"Four peacekeepers were killed today in District 7. Executed, by rebels. This sort of madness cannot go on. Need I not remind you, this year even the Capitol should turn away from the screen because they cannot bare to watch."

Verena gave Snow a devilish smirk. "Don't worry, Mr. President. With my plans by the end of the Games the whole arena will be painted red."

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Author's Note: So, about 12 tributes have been submitted so far, so only halfway to go until this SYOT is closed! Please, if you're reading I would love your feedback, as I haven't been getting much of that. To those who have commented, thank you. Please, thoughts on the chapter? What do you want to see more (or less) of?