So another little chapter about Corrine Snow- this is an AU and really influenced by discussions I had with my sister about the HG universe. I might take some elements from Songbirds, but I really wanted to play with the universe. Here's some insight into a major character we will see throughout the story- I'm sure you can see who she may be related to ;)

Corrine Snow, Capitol Citizen/Head Gamemaker

President Marsden sits before me, eyes fixated on the large selection of blueprints and various folders of information before him. Contained within these documents is the fruition of numerous hours of research. Endless equations and formulae that have allowed me to breathe life into my whimsical fantasies of oppressing the Districts, science becoming the means of blurring the fine line between fantasy and reality. If I didn't wholeheartedly believe that my mind child, or as Marsden referred to it offhandedly 'The Hunger Games', would be responsible for economically bettering the Capitol. Or help maintain our stranglehold over the Districts; I would never have brought the proposal forward.

As the silence stretches on, my confidence dissipates. Slowly replaced by apprehension as Marsden's brow begins to furrow, and he tease his bottom lip with his teeth. I begin to doubt the calculations I had made, has I overestimated his enthusiasm for my idea. No, there is no doubt that my proposed methods of addressing the issue that is the Districts of Panem would enable us both to become iconic: Both of us figures that are feared by the Districts, and revered by the Capitol. My vindictive intelligence combined with his effortless charisma would allow us to bring a Nation to its knees.

It's not long until the anxiety that has settled in my stomach begins to make way to a bubbling rage. This man could not have spearheaded the war effort without a shred of intelligence, and strength of character. Such strength may have inoculated him against attempts to manipulation, but I doubt that is the reason for his supposed reluctance to initiate 'The Hunger Games': A political weapon that would cement his legacy, and ensure his name would be heralded throughout Panem for eternity. No, I believe his 'distraction' hails from masculine pride: As the leader of Panem, he probably doesn't want to admit that the one thing that could make him great wasn't even his idea.

"Corrine…"

Azure meets grey as he looks up, my face schooled into an expression of polite indifference while my blood sears my veins. Various macabre scenarios run through my head, each more elaborate than the previous, of a Panem where I, and my notions, can flourish. Unencumbered by the like of Garrick Marsden and their fragile egos. Before replying, I take a calming breath and fold my arms across my chest.

"Yes Garrick?"

I'm impressed that my voice sounds genuinely curious, rather than spitting his name out as if it were profanity. His eyes return to the stack of research that I had collated, my jaw clenches as I imagine how he is moments away from discarding all of it and somehow twisting my creation into something he can call his own. Masquerading the child born of my mind as his own means of exercising control over the Districts. As he continues to flick through the manila folder that housed my projected targets of economic growth after the implementation of the games.

"This, this is phenomenal… You've accounted for everything. No one will be able to doubt your genius after this Corrine, how long have you been working on this? The idea of marketing the Games, makes me consider how we can 'market' the tributes. Oh, I like that: The tributes. What demographic will the tributes come from? How will they be selected? I like the idea of children paying for the parents' actions, in blood. They will be 'offered' in tribute… The arena? Oh there's so much to take in. You've done it all…"

I began to tune out of his awed rambling. Like the cat that got the cream, I suppress a triumphant smirk marring my features: My earlier worries cease to exist and I genuinely smile at Marsden. Although I may be the more intelligent of us both, he possesses an undeniable charisma that would be pivotal in the manifestation of the 'Hunger Games' and now that it appears he is on-board. Well, now there is no limit to the suffering we can inflict on the Districts. As his rambling continues I pick up on random words such as 'Parade' and 'Televised interviews' as well as media training and bringing in a 'host' for the games. Relief bleeds through my system, although I conceded that 'public relations' were a necessary element in establishing the games: It was not something I particularly had the patience for.

"Garrick, while all of your proposals are definitely worth pursuit. I think that we're both aware that you are far more suited to deal with the more 'public' element of proceeding. I'm more than willing to deal with the pragmatic issues such as development and refurbishing the Battle Tower to house the tributes and provide training facilities."

Marsden nods along in accordance of my admission. It is logical to exploit his Presidential status to promote the games, while my expertise would be best suited in creating elaborate traps and developing 'mutts' that would ensure and prolong the misery of the Districts; he leans back before pulling out a folder and scanning through the contents. Rather than redirecting the momentum of our conversation, I press on.

"As you may have seen, I've extensively documented the requirement for various roles we need to establish: District Liaison Officers, to escort the tributes to the Capitol and ensure they attend all necessary appointments throughout their stay. Trainers to ensure they have some semblance to combat training, after all we're selling this as a form of entertainment to the Capitol…I believe you mentioned a 'Host' or master of ceremonies: A valid point, we could exploit them as an advocate of the games who will interview necessary parties and such."

I smile encouragingly at Marsden, the more that I push this as a way of benefitting the Capitol; this is no longer an errant thought of mine, but stepping closer to its imminent realization. I can almost taste the satisfaction I will feel the first time I witness one District's representative murder another's, or as someone loses their life to one of my perverse 'traps'. His grey eyes reflect my own emotional state. A pregnant pause pervades the atmosphere as we both reflect on the momentous changes about to rock Panem to its very core.

"Now then, you will obviously become the 'Head Gamemaker'; I admit myself enamoured with your use of that phrase. You will be responsible for all of the 'pragmatic' elements of the Games, and I shall deal with the 'public' aspect. Now that would mean you would need to ensure the refurbishment of the Battle Tower, find a suitable location to build the arena as well as building the arena. Obviously, all of our, as in the Capitol's, will be available and the budget is negotiable… I also think that it would be prudent for you to assemble a group of Gamemakers to assist you; although all creative decisions will be run via you. This is your masterpiece after all."

I simply nod my head in acceptance. Pride permeated my being, and I felt a foreign warmth blossom in my chest. 'Head Gamemaker', a position that in time would be held in a position of the highest esteem. Before he had even finished speaking, I had been to catalogue a number of my CapiCorp colleagues who would excel in the role of 'Gamemaker' as well as the various mutations and Geo-Constructive technology I could use throughout the games.

"If I'm focussing on the development of the arena and training programmes, then you're willing to finalise the more 'ostentatious' elements?"

Garrick nods his head in accordance with my question, for the last few minutes he had been continuously writing in a notepad that seemingly appeared from nowhere. He simply nodded his head before he continued to write something down, Marsden then picked up another file and may have been cross referencing something. His neutral expression never wavered, while he continued to pursue the various files laid out before him. I pulled my CapiTab from my satchel and fashioned the rough draft of an e-mail for the selected colleagues I had catalogued earlier. As the e-mail is sent informing the chosen few that I would notify them when to meet me in my CapiCorp office to discuss something of 'urgent importance'.

"Corrine, it may be hasty for me to enquire: But how long do you think it would take for you to prepare everything? I have a general idea of how I would announce the games to the Districts, I also have a few people in mind for the various positions you've outlined. And I think I could sort everything on my end out within three weeks."

I would've rolled my eyes, but appearing disrespectful would not benefit me in this moment. His futile attempt to try and assert some form of dominance over me does not go unnoticed; I quickly register the prototypes of mutations available in my laboratories and the Geo-Constructive technologies that have been recently developed.

"I commend you on your capabilities, I work quickly but I doubt that I'll be completed within three weeks. I have a location in mind, and the technology available to construct the arena but combining this with the necessary refurbishments to the Battle Tower and the fact we have to devise a training programme. It's a lot of work, but I have faith that I can have this finished in six weeks. In fact, I guarantee that within six weeks, everything on my end will be complete."

I could almost see his approval, he held out his hand which I shook, I could hear the vague grumbles of Marsden attempting to start a conversation but I wave my hand to shut his monologue. I have far more pressing matters to be dealing with, such as ensuring that I avoid embarrassment by meeting the deadline I've set myself: My thoughts run wild, picturing faceless tributes been torn to pieces by the monstrosities I have the capabilities to create.

"Corinne, are you listening? Although the conversation of the games has been rather illuminating, for want of a better word. I'd been thinking if you'd like to—"

"Although your company has been more than pleasant Garrick, I need to leave. I have a lot of things I need to do. If you require contacting me with anything regarding the games, do not hesitate to contact me. As for now, good day"

Before he has the chance to reply, I am out of the door. Contacting my trusted assistant, Selena Crane, informing her to bring together me all of the files I had labelled XYZ: The very files I had assembled for the blessed day when, what is now known as 'The Hunger Games', would come to pass. Within minutes of exiting the mansion our President calls home, I had already contacted a number of Geo-Contractors and selected the location to be used for the arena: Some women rise to the top by marrying a man of worth. But Corrine Serpentia Snow would rise to the top of the Capitol's proverbial ladder by her own merit. I was destined for a role in history, and my contribution to 'The Hunger Games' was vital in embracing this role.

I have also decided that 8-10 Tributes will suffice for the number of those I can write POV's for, although some non-POV Tributes will impact the story in other ways. Any ideas what Snow might be up to? Any suggestions you'd like to see throughout the Games- I am considering a 'Mixer' where our Tributes are encouraged to mingle with the Capitol high society to try and secure sponsorhips... any ideas of what I could include, or anything you'd like to see then let me know.

Happy Reading,

-Nostalgic