The rhythmic chug of the train blended with the distant hum of the Capitol's fading lights as Mags leaned back in her compartment, the soft leather of the seat embracing her weary body. The 11th Hunger Games had crowned her the victor, but the weight of that title hung heavily on her. She gazed out of the window, watching the landscape transform from the polished grandeur of the Capitol to the more familiar, salty airs of District 4.
Her victory tour had just concluded, a whirlwind of speeches and ceremonies orchestrated by Gladius Drinkle, the man who had crafted every word she uttered in public. Mags, still clad in her tour attire—a blend of District 4's aquatic elegance and the Capitol's flamboyance—untangled her thoughts. She was grateful for Gladius; his words had been her shield, protecting her from revealing too much, from succumbing to the raw emotions that threatened to spill over.
As the train slowed, signaling its approach to her home district, Gladius entered her compartment. His presence was a reminder of the Capitol's ever-watchful eye. He greeted her with a practiced smile, "Mags, your return is the beacon of hope District 4 has long awaited."
Mags offered a tired nod. She had become adept at these exchanges, but her exhaustion was becoming harder to mask.
Gladius, sensing her fatigue, shifted the conversation. "There's something you should know about the next Games—the 12th Hunger Games. The Capitol has...introduced a new element."
Mags raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued despite her weariness.
"Previous victors will now serve as mentors," Gladius explained, his voice carrying a hint of unease.
Mags frowned, "But not every District has a victor. How will that work?"
"That's been considered. Districts without victors will have their Tributes mentored by Academy Escorts—graduates selected from the university. They'll handle the reapings and prepare the Tributes for the social events."
"Social events?" Mags echoed, perplexed. Her own experience had been limited to interviews and the victory tour. The idea of additional social obligations for the Tributes seemed unnecessary, a further embellishment to the already grotesque spectacle of the Games.
Gladius nodded, "Yes, the Capitol wishes to...expand the engagement of the Games. It's a shift in approach. More interaction, more...exposure for the Tributes."
Mags felt a chill. The Games were already a brutal display; this seemed like another layer of cruelty.
"And you, Mags, as District 4's victor, will be the mentor for this year's Tributes," Gladius added, his eyes searching hers for a reaction.
Mags absorbed this new responsibility, her mind racing. To guide someone else through that nightmare, to relive her own horrors while trying to shepherd young Tributes to an unlikely victory—it was a daunting, almost unbearable thought.
She finally spoke, her voice a whisper, "I survived the Games. But this...mentoring. It's a different kind of challenge."
Gladius offered a sympathetic nod, "It is. But remember, you're not just a victor. You're a symbol now—a symbol of survival, of strength. Your experience, your insight—it could be the difference for the next Tribute between life and death."
The train pulled into District 4, the familiar scent of the sea welcoming her home. Mags stood up, steadying herself for the reality that awaited her. She was home, but the Games, it seemed, were far from over.
Dear Dr. Joanson,
I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am writing to express my exhilarating anticipation for the upcoming 12th Hunger Games. This year, we are poised to witness an event that promises to surpass all previous iterations in grandeur and excitement.
As you are undoubtedly aware, the Games serve not only as a pinnacle of entertainment but also as a crucial mechanism for maintaining order and showcasing the technological and creative prowess of the Capitol. This year, we have the privilege of introducing a new element that I am confident will elevate the Games to unprecedented heights: the involvement of previous victors as mentors.
However, it is with a touch of sadness that I must report that some of our victors could not be located for this essential role. In several cases, it is most likely due to undocumented deaths in their respective Districts—a regrettable reality that underscores the challenging conditions outside the Capitol.
In light of this, we have selected a group of outstanding Graduates to act as Escorts, guiding and preparing the Tributes for the heightened social elements of this year's Games. These Graduates, chosen for their poise, intellect, and understanding of Capitol ideals, are as follows:
List of Graduate Escorts
District 1
Name: Aurelia Vesper
Gender: Female
District 2
Name: Lucius Stratus
Gender: Male
District 3
Name: Valentina Cerise
Gender: Female
District 4
Name: Octavian Blaze
Gender: Male
District 5
Name: Seraphina Lark
Gender: Female
District 6
Name: Tiberius Frost
Gender: Male
District 7
Name: Isolde Twilight
Gender: Female
District 8
Name: Maximus Sterling
Gender: Male
District 9
Name: Livia Sable
Gender: Female
District 10
Name: Draven Quill
Gender: Male
District 11
Name: Calista Starling
Gender: Female
District 12
Name: Nero Nightshade
Gender: Male
And here are the mentors who will be imparting their invaluable experience to this year's Tributes:
Please note that where a Victor is absent or a District without a listed Victor, the Escort assigned to that District will stand in as a mentor.
District 1
Year Won: 3rd Hunger Games
Name: Caspian Farrow
District 2
Year Won: 4th Hunger Games
Name: Elara Thorn
District 3
Year Won: 8th Hunger Games
Name: Lysandra Vale
District 4
Year Won: 11th Hunger Games
Name: Mags Flanagan
District 5
Year Won: 5th Hunger Games
Name: Brann Wilder
District 6
Year Won: 9th Hunger Games
Name: Orion Ashwood
District 7
Year Won: 6th Hunger Games
Name: Iris Meadowlark
District 8
Victor Untraceable
District 9
Year Won: 7th Hunger Games
Name: Gideon Pike
District 10
Currently No Victors
District 11
Year Won: 1st Hunger Games
Name: Sylva Redwood
District 12
Victor Untraceable
I am confident that their involvement will not only enhance the experience of the Tributes but also deepen the engagement of our audience.
I would like to extend my gratitude to [University Name] for its continued support in educating and preparing such exceptional individuals who contribute significantly to the success of the Hunger Games. The partnership between the Capitol and your esteemed institution remains a cornerstone of our efforts to foster excellence and innovation.
I eagerly look forward to witnessing the fruition of our collaborative endeavors in what I am certain will be the most unforgettable Hunger Games yet.
Yours sincerely,
Volumnia Gaul,
Head Gamemaker
Hi! And welcome to my first SYOT.
A few world-building points first of all.
This takes place 2 years after the events of Ballad and the events of the 10th Games. Mags' Arena was the first Arena that was no within the bombed out stadium and the first to hold a Victory Tour. However, this year some new elemants will be introduced.
Escorts have officially been introduced. As the Capitol makes the transition to Victor Mentors, Escorts are mainly used to fill in the gaps but also to prepare the Tributes for the increase in public performances they will have to do.
All spots are open and more information can be found on my profile page along with the form and Tribute list.
If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.
See you next time!