One month after the Victory Tour
Everything was so different now.
Even the conference room was different. When Lux Hastings was the Head Gamemaker, the room was lit, chairs set up in an arc, around where he was sitting in the center, among them. Now, the chair for the Head Gamemaker was up on a riser, the chairs for mentors and escorts below. Instead of meeting their escorts for the first time in a comfortably neutral place, they were meeting them here, under a watchful eye. And they had no idea who would be escorting for them.
They were kept in the dark on purpose. It was an expression of power over each of them, even those Districts that were consistently loyal. It was hard to deny this fact.
The first pair of mentors to be delivered from the train station was from the very first District. Messenger Macgowan lead his fellow mentor in. It had been a few years since he had been in this position: as was often the case with Career Districts: and he was ready to be back in it. There were plenty of other younger Victors that wanted to mentor: Messenger was no spring chicken: but he knew that the tributes this year were going to need mentors that had enough experience to guide them through anything: and one that would be able and willing to keep them safe.
Cartier Candelaria was the worthiest candidate to mentor beside Messenger. The Victor of the 97th Games was always a spitfire, but after growing and maturing post-Victory, he has grown into a very trusting and protective man, ready to do whatever it takes for his tributes. Especially this year.
The two of them were alert. Nowadays, nobody could ever be too careful.
The Victor's crown did not spare anyone from death.
Nobody knew that better than Chervil Van Laren. His only fellow Victor and co-mentor died over a year ago, leaving Chervil here to mentor alone. It was such a long and miserable year last year: one of his tributes died in the bloodbath, the other made it the top half. He could only do so much for them…
The vans were so eerie with their closed-off windows. Chervil's heart pounded as he felt nerves overtake him. Last year, he'd been put with a newbie escort. Aurelia was a nice girl, and tried her best, but she had no idea what she was doing. He just couldn't know if he was going to get someone that was going to work as hard as he was or not.
"Hey." The gentle voice brought Chervil out of his thoughts. "It's going to be alright. You're not alone this year."
Miracle Hewitt held out her hand to him, and he slid his hand into it nervously. He was so afraid that they were going to get in trouble for proposing the Victor from District One mentor by his side this year. Surprisingly, though, they were granted permission. Chervil missed having a partner, and it helped greatly that his partner now was also his girlfriend.
How strange to think that he had a girlfriend now. It had been so long since he'd made any relationships with anyone: blinded by lashing out at others for no real reason, back then. How different he was now than he was then, thanks to so much love and patience from the people that soon became such important players in his life.
He wasn't even able to recount how he didn't deserve what he had now before the car stopped in front of the convention center. Miracle leaned over to gently place a kiss on his temple before the doors were opened for them and they went inside the building.
Cartier smiled upon seeing his mentee there, crossing the room to give her a hug and shake Chervil's hand. That put the nerves of the room at ease, even if just for a moment.
The car was soon followed by the car containing the mentors from District Four. They had elected to bring one young mentor and one more experienced for this Games. Bri Garza was happy to be back to mentoring. They often watched the tributes from their District and picked out every single flaw. Sometimes, the flaw was on the part of the tribute, being too reckless and testing fate. Sometimes, it was on the mentors that selected someone like that to volunteer.
Michael Spinnaker was slightly resistant to being back in this position. He hadn't yet successfully brought a tribute home, and it was starting to get to him. He didn't even remember much of his own Games: he shut off his brain and went into survival mode, and was able to get out despite being struck and paralyzed in the finale of his Games.
Bri had to sit and wait for Michael's chair to be put together and brought around by Avoxes, who helped him transfer back into it. The strength in his upper body helped: he was continuing to strengthen himself how he could, but every day brought about new challenges. Michael wheeled himself to the door while Bri followed him. They had no interest in making small talk with the other mentors: especially not other Career mentors. Bri wasn't giving anything away about strategy. However, Michael greeted them at least, trying to be polite.
The next to arrive was at the insistence of Daisy Sansone, one of the older Victors from District Ten. Her mentoring partner Arthur Warwick kept checking his phone. It wasn't that Daisy was unkind to him: in fact, she was one of the kindest Victors in District Ten. It was just that he was waiting for updates about a child he and his husbands were looking to adopt. He so badly wanted to protect his children from the Games… Just the thought of them made him sick to the stomach. Arthur tried not to pay attention to those thoughts as the car parked by the curb and the two of them entered together.
Daisy went to talk to the Career mentors, obviously hoping that District Ten would join their alliance this year, while Arthur sighed quietly, preferring to remain to himself with the group of mentors that had already arrived and continue checking his phone.
The next car to arrive contained two young Victors. There were other, older Victors that were willing to step in to help last year's Victor mentor for the first time. Cerulean Elpharae, the Victor of the 127th Games, looked around the car with wide eyes, drinking in every sight as the car moved them forward. His attention was brought away from the car by his co-mentor waving in front of his face.
You okay? Cerulean watched her hands for a moment, before slowly raising his own.
I think.
Helen Bethel frowned a little bit, even when Ceru tried to give her a smile. She wondered if he would have been happier mentoring with his mentor last year instead of her. But ultimately, Helen knew it was time to put on her armor and march into battle, and she had to be the one here to protect Ceru from any semblance of danger. It was now her third year in a row mentoring; not because there weren't others to fill in, but because she wanted to save them from the cross on their backs. And this year, that was more important than ever.
The car stopped, and Ceru's eyes got wider in horror at the thought of what was about to happen. Helen put a hand on his back protectively as he stepped out of the car and she followed him, remaining close to him as they went in the center together.
Helen relaxed a little once they were inside: Arthur was quick to congratulate her on her engagement to model and escort Anakyn Skyavich and marvel at the ring he'd gotten for her, commenting on the dramatic flecks of black in her diamond and saying how he'd never seen anything like it. Ceru stayed close to her, once again feeling so small as he couldn't catch all of what everyone was saying to him. Helen tried to summarize the conversation for him as they all looked over at the next pair to arrive.
District Twelve hadn't been the last to arrive for quite some time, as its three Victors were equally united and wanting the best for their tributes. After the youngest of the three had divorced her abusive husband, they all agreed that she needed a year at home, leaving Bates Statham and Braelyn Colonomos to mentor this year.
Bates gave the other mentors an easy smile and a wave when they arrived. Braelyn remained calm, as always. She always wanted to mentor another Victor, and it had certainly been a while since she'd gotten one.
"This will be the year," she told herself out loud. "We will get strong tributes."
"This will be the year," Bates echoed her. "We will get a cute escort."
"Really Bates?" she asked, giving him side-eye for a moment.
Bates shrugged, putting the knot he was tying back in his pocket. "A man can hope."
"We're District Twelve," she said, and that was all he had to know to sigh quietly and shake his head. They never got good escorts.
The next car to arrive had not two, but four Victors in it. They had arrived at exactly the same time, which was quite a coincidence.
"So…" Gian Mariani addressed the two young Victors in front of him. "When are we going to hear about… that?" He gestured to the middle of the seat where Prentice Tholberg and June Fisher of District Nine were holding hands.
"I already heard about it!" said Riggs Fidler, Gian's fellow mentor from District Six. It was only natural that he did, considering he and June won the 125th Games together and were thick as thieves ever since. "Oh, Riggs, you won't ever guess what happened today!" he impersonated his friend, complete with a disgustingly sweet giggle.
"Oh, shut up," June said, sticking her tongue out at Riggs. "That doesn't nearly equate to the call I got." She dramatically cleared her throat, letting go of Prentice's hand and pushing him aside to have room for her dramatic reenactment. "OH! MY! GOD! JUUUUNE!" she said in her Riggs voice. She held her hand down like the phone and immediately yelled into the bottom of it. She then sat up, acting as herself with her other hand on her face shaped like a phone. "Riggs, are you dying?!" She went back to her Riggs position and yelled again. "NO! I'M ENGAGED!" She then impersonated him crying into the phone.
Riggs laughed at that, putting out his hand so he could see the ring again. "You're just jealous that I have a ring and you don't."
"Get moving Prentice," Gian teased his friend, who was pouting at having lost June for another dramatic reenactment.
"Very funny," he said.
"Oh, cut that out," June said, taking his hand again and putting her face right next to his face. "C'mon Baby, don't be mad at me. I get Vale in the break-up and you get the turtle."
"I don't want the turtle!" Prentice whined. "I want Vale in the breakup!"
"Too late, called dibs!" June said, grinning up at him with that sweet smile he couldn't say no to.
"Guess I will just have to keep us from breaking up then," he said, scratching her head to which she melted and moved her head so he scratched where she wanted.
"Ew, get the hell out of here with your PDA!" Riggs scolded them in his June voice.
"Alright Babe, be nice," Gian told him, leaning over to kiss his fiancé and co-mentor's cheek gently.
"Yeah Riggs, be nice. Home girl's had a dry couple years. You should be happy that the drought is over."
Prentice laughed and they both exchanged a wild grin.
"Don't need to know that!" Riggs said, covering his ears.
"Oh, this is revenge for all of your honeymooning, Fidler. Just you wait. Mama knows how to get revenge."
"Oh goody, so glad to be in the middle of that," Gian said sarcastically as the car stopped and the door opened. They were all four in good spirits as they walked to the building, trying to keep up the mood in such a grim place. Soon, Riggs and Helen were bickering once again about who had the better engagement ring while the other Victors started to notice June and Prentice holding hands behind their backs.
The next team to arrive was a familiar one from a District without a tremendous amount of Victors. What was unusual was how they were talking when they walked in together. Kelly Fisher was usually a woman of few words, but ever since she had lost her tribute in a gut-wrenching finale last year, she has resolved to be better. She talked quietly: much preferring ASL that she was learning from her fellow Victor Rocket. She originally learned it to communicate with Ceru, her tribute's ally and best friend (and killer), but continued pursuing it as she liked it. It put her tormented mind at rest for a while. Kelly meant what she said to Owen. The time for hiding really was over.
It helped that she had Tim Delacroix to help her. He didn't mentor last year as he'd newly adopted a child, but now he was ready to come back in order to help his tributes: and his co-mentor. Tim was so patient and kind to everyone, and it showed in his greeting his co-mentors.
The next to arrive was a pair that nobody liked to converse with. The pair from District Eight was greeted with silence. Tartan Vincent didn't mind this at all: he was used to silencing a crowd, and he liked it. He liked when people were afraid of him. It meant that he had the upper hand over them. Even when his tribute placed third last year, it didn't affect him very much. He actually had a little hope that the small bastard would make it out alive, especially using that hatred that was so deep inside him to motivate him to get out (even if it was to beat up Tartan). But, he couldn't provoke the boy enough, and his mushy love of his ally got him before he could even fight for himself. Silly, foolish boy. He was just like all the other simpletons Tartan had mentored.
"Don't look so happy to see me," Tartan told them all, and they quickly turned away from him, Helen putting her arm around Ceru's waist firmly and putting herself in between them.
Next to him was his co-mentor, Anthony Tidwell. He took a deep breath. Taking a year off after his sister's death was necessary for him, but now he had to come back, for the sake of his tributes, whoever they were going to be. Ant was the only person that could possibly keep Tartan away from them. He hated the monster his District had created, but Tartan was all he had. Hopefully they at least got a good escort this year.
Everyone was taking attendance in their brains, and they were all surprised at the fact that District Three was not yet here. This was greatly unusual for them.
When they came in, the Victors all went silent for a moment. Ellie Schultz was practically dragging her co-mentor along. Tav Kohl looked terrible. His clothes were disheveled, his hair an absolute mess. His eyes had dark bags underneath them. The Victors whispered to each other. They heard that Tav had taken the disappearance of his newest Victor hard, but they didn't imagine it would be this hard. With so many kids at home, nobody expected Tav of all people to let himself go like this.
Tav was hungover, he was tired, and he certainly didn't want to be here of all places. He had no idea that Numitor was going to take the stage to curse out the Capitol, but if he had known, he would have been right there beside him. He would have protected him. He only wanted to protect the teen, Numi had become like one of his children. Now, it was wise to assume he was dead. Where else could he be? It was the final straw that was breaking Tav. He loved both of his tributes that year, and while losing Tessa was hard for him, he was so happy to have Numi back. He really tried his best for Henley, and he lost her too. He lost Numitor, and even with his and Anakyn's team effort, they lost Jace too, to a sponsor gift that they'd sent him nonetheless.
The escort beat himself up, but it wasn't his fault. It was Tav's. And now, he was driving a wedge between himself and his beloved wife Marinka, and their kids… Out of a fear that they would be hurt by his actions, out of a desire to drown out his troubles with alcohol… He knew it was a slippery slope. Right now, he didn't care.
A small group of concerned Victors closed in on the pair, but they didn't get to ask many questions before Aika Murumatsu stepped out on the platform, the sound of her heels bringing everyone's attention over. "The meeting is going to commence, please take your seats."
The victors went there just as the door opened and the last two mentors came out. This was the second year in a row District Two was last. However, this year, it was obvious from the Victors' posture and dark expressions that it was completely purposeful. They were both firecrackers, and obviously this year was different.
Tartarus Katsaros had a dramatic smoky eye on his face as he pulled the black cargo jacket around his shoulders and walked with Pit Kensy, who gave them all a side-eye, daring to say something about their tardiness as the two of them went and took their seats. Despite being a new grandmother, Pit still looked youthful and alert: and everyone knew that she could defeat any of them in a fight if she had a reason to.
Even Murumatsu didn't say a word. She knew that she should have, but she couldn't even think of what to say she was so intimidated by the Victors.
Pit had volunteered to escape an abusive household, and from that day on, she could never be silenced. She was married to another Victor, Nikko Hollenbeck, who usually mentored with her and kept her from being too unpredictable. However, this year, Tartarus insisted on mentoring next to the one that mentored him. They were two birds of a feather: until they disagreed, but that was very rare.
Tartarus volunteered in the female spot before coming out as transgender to the world. Despite many people trying to force him back into being the girl he never was, Tartarus came through, avenging the one person that he could comfortably call his ally and friend, and bringing hell upon anyone that crossed him in the Games. He continues to bring hell on anyone that gets in his way and tries to attack him or his loved ones.
The District Two Victors sat next to the men from One and looked at Aika, silently giving her permission to start the meeting.
"Welcome, mentors," she started. Next to her stood a Capitolite that the group did not recognize: a certified ASL interpreter that was listening to Aika and signing her words for Cerulean to understand. "It is always our pleasure to host you here in the Capitol. I hope that all of you are well." She took a deep breath. "We will begin by revealing which escorts have been selected for which Districts. Their applications have been reviewed closely by myself and Commander Junius, and believe that each escort has been placed in a District where they will succeed." She looked at each of the groups. "You will have time to socialize with your escorts after the meeting. I also have some information about changes being made for your safety and the safety of our country to the Games. Also, some Arena information." She cleared her throat, flipping the long, light gray hair over her shoulder as the twelve escorts were brought out, all of them standing to the side and waiting to hear their names announced for a District.
"Firstly, the escort for District One. Please welcome back Zeoux Maximillian." All eyes immediately went to the man: though his personality wasn't as loud as the other escorts', his appearance spoke a thousand words. His rainbow afro made him easy to pick out in a crowd, accompanied by bronze skin and golden lips, eyebrows, and facial hair. It was Monday, so his suit was yellow and his smell of the day was mango, which both of the mentors picked up on as they politely shook hands. Cartier complimented the dragon belt buckle that was visible on Maxim's white slacks that were a much needed moment of calm before his orange metallic boots. The diamond eyes of the dragon on the top of his cane looked at the mentors for a moment, lighting up each color of the rainbow as they faded into each other.
Maxim wouldn't have been offended if he was switched, but he quite liked District One and it seemed that they appreciated him as well, so he was glad to remain there serving its people. He had never worked with Cartier or Messenger, but based on what he'd heard about them last year and what he was seeing, it seemed that both were quite civil and it really wouldn't be hard to work with them.
"Nice to meet you," Maxim said cooly. He was glad he would be in a District without a lot of rebel activity: Maxim preferred to not choose a side either way, and staying out of trouble now more than ever was certainly wise.
He sat down next to the mentors as they turned their attention back to Aika, who was closely monitoring the first meetings.
"Next, for District Two. Welcome back to the profession Cortland Augustine."
"Who?" asked Pit, as the man in question came out. He had escorted for three years a while ago, and has come out of retirement to escort once again. Though the man had wrinkles on his face, especially near his beady, bright blue eyes, he looked young, with high cheekbones and no facial hair. His black hair was slicked back for the occasion, wearing his typical white dress shirt and black slacks.
"As it should be," Cortland commented. "I will make your barbarians into human beings deserving of the silly title of Victor," he informed them.
Pit and Tart both stared at him for a moment before looking at each other for a moment. Both of them suddenly burst out into laughter together. And Pit and Tart's laughter was loud. They cackled and put their arms around each other, patting each other as they were laughing together. Aika cleared her throat, and that made the two of them laugh even more.
"My point about simpletons has been proven," Cortland said.
Pit flashed a look at Aika who was watching as her gut burned in anger. If she wasn't being watched, she would beat the shit out of this guy.
Aika was wise enough to know that she should not allow Cortland to talk anymore and quickly announced the next escort while the Two mentors glared bullets at her and at Cortland. "For District Three, a seasoned veteran in Districts Eleven and Five, Mimi Castilla." The escort was wearing an orange pleated dress with a red accent on the bodice and a red bow on the top of her head between her two green puffy pigtails.
"I'm happy to have someone that is knowledgeable," Ellie said, trying to remain positive as Mimi shook both of their hands.
"I'm so excited to be escorting for a District that is so smart!" said Mimi. I'm excited to weed out some of the rebel scum, she thought to herself, which pushed out her cheeks in an even bigger smile. She was appointed here special because she was a close confidant for Junius because they shared the same goal: eradicate the traitors! But she couldn't come off too strong for the mentors yet, it was all part of her plan. She had to weasel her way in and gain their trust.
Tav looked miserably at where Ani was standing with the other escorts, having no idea how he was possibly going to get through this year as they all sat down.
"For District Four, coming back for their fourth year, Mx. Ambrose Dionte." Ambrose stepped out from the crowd, smiling at being back to escorting for the home of their boyfriend, Thor Nazario. However, the smile was slightly strained for a moment: Ambrose and Thor were good friends with Philander Markov, who was killed last year by Peacekeepers. Ambrose would never recover, and they didn't care what Thor did, they would not speak out against Phil. And while Numitor's actions were rash… They weren't sure if they can pin Phil's death on him like the nation wants them to. They had seen what the Games did to kids, hell, it drove one of Ambrose's tributes to basically committing suicide last year! It just simply wasn't right.
They weren't going to turn their back on their family. At the watchful eye of Aika, Ambrose relaxed the tension in their shoulders, knowing that now was not the time and place for this kind of thinking. They shook out their navy surfer hair. They really liked this color. They were sure they were going to stay navy for a looooong time.
Ambrose shivered a little as they shook Michael and Bri's hands at the thought of a repeat of last year, when they reaped one of Thor's younger siblings. This was why they had to stay at District Four. They would say another name if that's what they chose. They had to protect Rowe and Remi.
Michael and Bri had heard many good things about Ambrose as an escort, and were both happy to work with them. Ambrose stayed behind Michael as they all went back to take their seats, making sure he settled in before sitting down as Aika announced the next escort.
"For District Five, a renowned Games therapist that is now taking the torch to escort, Edulcorante Verone."
The escort looked intimidating at first: tall, with muscled arms and raven black hair that was short and gave him a professional look. He was dressed very formally, which made him even more intimidating. Kelly ducked back, but Tim recognized him right away, as many in the crowd of mentors did. He was a therapist that offered his services to Victors, and though it wasn't very publicized, he had saved some of their lives, including Tim's.
"Nice to see you!" Tim told him, giving him a firm handshake. It had been a while since he'd gone to a session, but he was still in good relation with the now-escort.
"Good to see you too, Timothy. How are you?" he asked, genuine concern on his face as he looked behind the man to his co-mentor that was hiding behind him. Kelly was still afraid of the intimidating man: never having attended therapy as it was far too scary for her and she felt like she couldn't trust anyone.
"Oh, I'm doing well. We'll catch up later," he promised, as Aika continued to introduce escorts.
"For District Six, an escort with experience in escorting, modelling, and engineering, I'm lead to understand." The escort in question nodded, knowing who she was referring to as he was the first (and so far only) engineering graduate of D3U. "Anakyn Skyavich."
Anakyn was definitely surprised to be assigned to District Six: it was one of the Districts he requested, but he was secretly hoping to once again work with his fiancé Helen Bethel in District Seven. However, he certainly wasn't mad about being in District Six, as the mentors for that District happened to be a couple of his friends and he was happy to support them and work with them this year.
Gian and Riggs were also surprised at this new development, but both of them looked relieved because they knew they would be in good hands this year. Gian and Ani attended University together for engineering, and often made the train ride to and from the Capitol together.
Riggs was happy to have an escort that was a reliable source of knowledge about the Games. Gian was happy to have an escort that made damn good coffee just how he liked it.
Gian was surprised at the change of Ani's hair: the sandy blond color was still at the forefront, but instead of the usually natural colors, he had opted for very washed-out colors, with streaks of bright red, Creamsicle, light orange, watermelon pink, and pastel green.
He was dressed almost completely in white, the only color in his outfit was a touch of bright teal eyeliner that framed his dark blue eyes and the blue sapphire in his engagement ring.
His white T-shirt was decorated with a white harness worn over it, accompanied by white denim shorts, bright sneakers with holographic stripes, and a pair of black wristlets over black and gray-striped fingerless gloves, creating a layered look that also allowed him to hide various weapons and microchips on his person, just in case things got hairy (which with Muramatsu, they definitely could get hairy very quickly).
"Hey man!" Gian said cheerfully, giving his friend a hug in greeting, which Riggs soon did as well.
"We're the three engaged men, I suppose it's only appropriate," Riggs added, with a lovesick grin.
"We have to hear all about it," Gian said, as they all took their seats next to each other.
"District Seven, your escort will be a very talented musician that is taking this position for the good of his country, Emmet Mitchell."
The crowd went quiet when that name was spoken. The President's nephew hadn't been heard from in months, not reported on by the press or anything. He was flanked by a Peacekeeper as he stepped forward. He looked like himself, at least: navy hair still tousled up and messy, lazy smile on his face, navy headphones that he'd become known for around his neck. He was dressed business casual, with a button-down that was rolled up to his elbows and khakis.
However, the wild child was quiet, his face gaunt, his eyes slightly hazy. He spoke in a quiet voice, that sounded like each word was a battle for him to get out. Looking at him from the side betrayed how thin he was, his face practically devoid of color except for the stark black eyeliner that framed his eyes, not unlike Aika's, and the red feather he wore behind his ear was soon seen as a secret sign of warning: to Angels and to Mockingjays.
"I want to save us," Em said quietly, looking desperately into Helen's face, trying to get her to understand, practically pleading with her. "I want to keep this country from war."
Ceru slowly started to frown, but Helen took the lead, putting a smile on her face. It was hard to see him like this: but they were still being watched. Helen put her arm around Ceru protectively, who slowly broke into a smile as Helen sat back down next to Anakyn and he gave her the slightest shake of the head. It was everything he could do to keep from blowing up at them all right then and there for this. A Peacekeeper stood close to Em as Aika went to announcing the next escort.
"District Eight, please welcome a first-year escort and model, Eros DuPointe."
The escort in question adjusted his white toga in disappointment. He really thought he would get put in District One! His application was practically flawless. How was he going to find a beauty in District Eight of all places?! Their Victors were not the blonde busty beauties that came from District One. The wings that were attached to his back almost hit Ant in the face when they came to greet their new escort, as Ant was distracted by the light pink tone of the man's skin.
He was truly too attractive to be real: mid-length, wavy black hair, stunning blue eyes, perfect teeth and lips… He wasn't allowed to bring his bow and arrows into the conference area: they didn't understand that they just stuck to the skin for a moment and didn't cause real harm! However, he still had his mirror, which he used to make sure everything about his appearance was perfect just in case one of these Victors was single and looking at him.
Helen gave Ani a look. He had modelled with Eros before, and entertained his applying to escort like Ani did mostly as a joke. He didn't think they'd be stupid enough to actually take him in as an escort! He should have been there for the love twist two years ago, not for this, when the country was on the brink of war! Ani had a feeling he and Helen were going to have to prank this guy real good. Then again, that's what Tartan deserves.
Not even Tartan made a comment about the escort as the three men took their seats and Aika continued, obviously beginning to look impatient now with how slow this meeting was going.
"District Nine, you have another famous figure: actor Lino Arkus is here to be your escort."
Anyone who had watched shitty Capitol soaps while waiting for the next day to come during the pre-Games recognized the boy. He was a very well-known actor with a popular fanbase due to his dark skin, his accent, and his smooth, dark hair. He acted a number of different roles in his life. June and Prentice obviously both recognized him, remaining calm as they went to greet him.
Lino stepped into the role of graceful newbie escort with great charm and poise. He always loved to choose a character to act, and today, this was the right one. He greeted them both, acting like District Nine was definitely where he wanted to be. Secretly he was hoping for District Two, but he couldn't let that show if he was going to have the other two trust him. He turned up the charm as he gave each of them a smile.
"Alright pretty boy, don't get ahead of yourself," June said, pulling her hand away from where Lino was going to kiss it in greeting. After last year's disaster where they'd forgotten to tell a tribute to stay put because of land mines (assuming she would know, when she didn't), they were hoping for an escort with a little more experience. Not one that was younger than both of them!
Prentice put an arm around her protectively as they all found their way to their seats. They really thought Lino was flirting with her? District people just didn't understand culture. Lino was happily taken. He smiled a little as he thought of his beau Hernando, zoning out for a moment as Aika announced the next District.
"District Ten, your new escort requested your District specifically and wants to bring it to greatness. Please welcome Eryx Carroll." They had been lucky in the past years to have stability as their old escort insisted on staying in Ten for many years. However, with the threat of rebellion- and the mandate that could have caused him to reap his own son- Charlemagne retired. Eryx was very professionally-dressed, his silvery blue hair falling into matching blue eyes as he shook Arthur and Daisy's hands. This was the District he wanted, and he felt lucky to be in such a promising District for his first year of escorting. He could see that District Ten was on its way to being on-par with Districts 1, 2, and 4 with trained tributes. He wanted to be one of the forces that really put that District up on a pedestal with those others. And, once the work was done, he would be there to reap the rewards. Victors, wealth, notoriety… But most importantly, he would be helping the people there and doing them a great service.
Arthur wasn't sure what to think of the new guy: Charlemagne was a good friend of his and now they were related by marriage. He knew nothing about this new guy and he was extremely anxious about it. Daisy was the calmer of the two, guiding the two back to their seats.
"District Eleven, I have a very special treat for you." Oh, goody, thought Chervil.
"Your escort this year will give your district a much-needed popularity boost through name alone. Please welcome Rose Westmore."
Everyone recognized her: who wouldn't?! She had shot to fame last summer by winning a reality show and earning her a place in the famous band Out of Spite. She was now a lead singer for the band and a guitar player. Her one-shouldered top showed off the tattoos on her shoulders: on the left side of her collarbone was a guitar with a heart next to it. On the right shoulder she had a black and white tattoo of roses, which allowed her pink skin to show through and give the flowers color. She wore black high-waisted shorts with fishnet stockings and combat boots with a black choker. Her hair was put up in a messy bun with two tendrils of pink hair hanging out of it and framing her freckled face, allowing her bright blue eyes to pop forward.
When Chervil came to shake her hand, he could see the musical coda on the inside of her wrist. As he studied the young woman, his perceptive eye landed on the Hershey Kiss tattoo on her pinky. Surely these tattoos had meaning, but he wouldn't know what.
"We're going to help you succeed," Miracle told the first year escort, who seemed nervous in the presence of the two Victors.
"You can trust me," Rose told them. Now that the assignment was official, Wolf could page Chervil and let him know that Rose was an ally. She wasn't sure about going to a District with only one living Victor, but it was the best option of the bunch, and here she knew that the other two Victors weren't going to try and sabotage her: or recognize her true identity.
"Finally, District Twelve. You have a first-year escort, but do not worry, she's related to a stylist and is learning the ins and outs of working for the Games. Please welcome Angelina Santoro."
The last escort stepped forward. Bates punched Braelyn's arm at seeing her, a grin spreading across his face as the older Victor looked over at him.
"I knew we'd get a cute one!" he said in a whisper-shout as they went to greet her.
Angelina put the dark green hair with brown roots behind her shoulders, appearing very poised as she politely greeted the Victors she would be working with. Though her clothes were dark, they were still very feminine, with a lacy skirt and a top with ruffled sleeves. She had a lacey parasol with her that she carried as an accessory (and could also use to beat anyone that gave her or her tributes a hard time).
Angelina didn't mind working for District Twelve: she wanted to work with the underdogs and help them come out victorious! Her sister Lyra was a stylist for District Eleven, so they would be close at least, even if she wasn't with the crew that would be working with her sister. Angelina felt ready for the challenge as Bates smiled goofily at her and Braelyn stepped on his foot.
"Welcome, Angelina," Braelyn said kindly. "I hope we can enjoy working together."
"I'm excited to work with you!" Angelina told her cheerfully, before leaning into Bates. "Very excited to work with you."
"Oh, this is gonna be a good year," said Bates with a wild grin.
Braelyn just let out a sigh, shaking her head at him.
"Alright everyone, you'll have time to talk with your escorts soon," Aika said. "First, I will explain the security measures of the Games. Before every public appearance, Capitolites in the audience will be screen via a metal detector to ensure that nothing goes awry. Security in the form of Peacekeepers has been increased for each event. The tributes won't get as much freedom going out and about in the Capitol, for the safety of the people. Pre-Games will go as usual, without changes. The tributes must remain in the Center at all times. An extra day before interviews will be put aside for Head Commander Junius to converse with each of the tributes: it is no surprise to you all that the Gamemakers have a say in the outcome of the Games. We are not looking to eliminate someone's chance at the tip of a hat, but any suspicious activity will be closely monitored, for the security of you, the Districts, and this country." Aika looked at each of them. "The free time on that day can be used for strategy discussion and extra training hours. Additionally, this year's pre-Games party will be consolidated into one event, a block party. A special VIP area will be used as a sponsor banquet while this his happening. However, greater security and restrictions will be placed, and only approved peoples will be allowed on stage."
Aika took a deep breath. She wasn't supposed to tell them this, but she didn't want to see any more pointless bloodshed. "Surveillance will also be increased this year. I do not know the extent to which it will, but… Be wise and careful about what you choose to say. As I said, I do not want more bloodshed, so only things of a dire and/or outright traitorous nature will be addressed." She sighed quietly as she looked at each of the people in the room. They were all necessary for keeping this country from another war.
"Alright. Next, Arena discussion…"
~.~.
A/N: With that, we have our list. I can't express to you how long I have been stressing about getting in all the characters I want, and even so, there was just no way I was able to make it happen. These subs were of higher quality overall than I've ever had and of such a bigger magnitude: 30 unique submitters and a total of 44 subs, so I was absolutely reeling about not being able to have them all.
This being said, if you have a tribute or escort that didn't get in and want the form back, you have a week to ask me for it before I will delete the forms of tributes that didn't make it. Ultimately, there were a myriad of factors that came into my choices, of which quality of submissions was just one, so don't think your sub was bad if yours isn't on the list. If you want to talk about my reasoning for your character(s) not making it, send me a PM and I'll be happy to respectfully chat and give any constructive criticism.
You can find all this information and more (drawings for each tribute, deleted scenes, bonus content, etc.) on the Sons of Light blog at: alice – stole – the – pastries . blogspot . com
Also, a few more scenes are going up on the Whims of Fate blog (link on my profile) if you'd like to learn more about some of the mentors and escorts discussed in this chapter.
Please check the full list: some tributes got put outside of District and backup preferences!
District 1
M: Basil Oberoi, 18-later . glader
F: Wendalia "Wendy" Alvarez, 17- musicaltheatercake
Mentor 1: Messenger Macgowan, Victor of the 87th Games.
Mentor 2: Cartier Candelaria, Victor of the 97th Games
Escort: Zeoux "Maxim" Maximillian, 45- Platrium
District 2
M: Ryder Kota, 18- TheEngineeringGames
F: Nadia Beatrice, 18- AmericanPi
Mentor 1: Pit Kensy, Victor of the 80th Hunger Games
Mentor 2: Tartarus Katsaros, Victor of the 116th Games
Escort: Cortland Augustine, 37- Berrybush123
District 3
M: Alvis Shirogane, 18- Sinfonian Legend
F: Vyka Pérez, 14- LordShiro
Mentor 1: Tav Kohl, Victor of the 102nd Games
Mentor 2: Ellie Schultz, Victor of the 95th Games
Escort: Mimi Araña Castilla, 26- Platrium
District 4
M: Keelan Teach, 17- fizzerpeas
F: Ridley Ostreuck, 18-66samvr
Mentor 1: Michael Spinnaker, Victor of the 121st Games
Mentor 2: Briet "Bri" Garza, Victor of the 91st Games
Escort: Ambrose Dionte, 24- TheEngineeringGames
District 5
M: Ottie Wellscion, 13- kremit1000
F: Amiah Amaryllis, 18- david12341
Mentor 1: Tim Delacroix, Victor of the 98th Games
Mentor 2: Kelly Fisher, Victor of the 94th Games
Escort: Edulcorante Verone, 50- 20
District 6
M: Davidson Noheg, 15- goldie031
F: Ruthie Mercras, 13- Berrybush123
Mentor 1: Gian Mariani, Victor of the 123rd Games
Mentor 2: Rigley "Riggs" Fidler, co-Victor of the 125th Games
Escort: Anakyn Skyavich, 22- ShunKazamis_Girl
District 7
M: Kaze Haruki, 17- foxfox12
F: Rosemary "Mary" Mariano, 13- TheRaichuinRavenclaw
Mentor 1: Helen Bethel, Victor of the 120th Games
Mentor 2: Cerulean Elpharae, Victor of the 127th Hunger Games
Escort: Emmet "Em" Mitchell, 22- Celtic
District 8
M: Rory Kwan, 18- HogwartsDreamer113
F: Paisley Adams, 18- IVolunteerAsAuthor
Mentor 1: Tartan Vincent, Victor of the 108th Games
Mentor 2: Anthony "Ant" Tidwell, Victor of the 88th Games
Escort: Eros DuPointe, 27- TheRaichuinRavenclaw
District 9
M: Cadmus Brekken, 17- House Elf Liberation Front
F: Odessa Anthony, 18- Writer207
Mentor 1: Prentice Tholberg, Victor of the 124th Games
Mentor 2: Juniper "June" Fisher, co-Victor of the 125th Hunger Games
Escort: Lino Arkus, 18- 20
District 10
M: Toro De León, 15- ladyqueerfoot
F: Christina Lucy Carlson, 16- optimisms
Mentor 1: Arthur Warwick, Victor of the 112th Games
Mentor 2: Daisy Sansone, Victor of the 78th Hunger Games
Escort: Eryx Carroll, 21- HogwartsDreamer113
District 11
M: Antonio Russo, 12- santiago . poncini20
F: Vasilisa Castle, 17- TheEngineeringGames
Mentor 1: Chervil Van Laren, Victor of the 109th Games
Mentor 2: Miracle Hewitt, Victor of the 110th Games
Escort: Rose Westmore, 19- TheEngineeringGames
District 12
M: Adrian Amberheim, 18- Platrium
F: Ember Caine, 16- Veronica Moore
Mentor 1: Bates Statham, Victor of the 115th Games
Mentor 2: Braelyn Colonomos, Victor of the 90th Games
Escort: Angelina Santoro, 28- HogwartsDreamer113
CQ: Which team do you think is going to work best together? Which will work worst together?
Next chapter we meet our first two tributes!