Lucent Saccharyn
Head Gamemaker
Betting Parlor, Capitol
June 22, 402 AEDD
Lucent loved Reaping Day. There was the bustle of the day itself, the ceremony, the women in hats piled high with floral adornments, the men with extravagant summer sports coats in shades of cream and pastel, the children running from one attraction to the next. There were the parties, the rising collegiates preparing for the Tribute Prom, the garlands and flags that festooned the plaza by the train station. There were the viewing parties, where Capitolites had watched with bated breath as twenty-four new sacrifices either were chosen or stepped forward to volunteer themselves. There was the festive buzz of excitement from the new Gamemakers as they set to work overseeing their first ever Hunger Games.
Then there was the betting. The betting took place in a burgundy parlor where attendants in black derby hats and embossed gold name tags counted money, entered data into computers, served small, square glasses of absinthe from trays that held four cocktails apiece, and looked up at the ever-changing television screens lining the room's walls. This was where people voted with their money, and their opinions mattered to the Gamemakers.
Lucent met Marty Hoban in the betting parlor, as usual. This was his domain, and he ran it well. He took her up into a plush velvet balcony box overlooking the parlor, where their view of the betting boards was unobstructed. He took a moment to look through her, to read her. Was she concerned? She was not, and based on Marty's expression, it seemed she had passed muster. He dipped deferentially before her. "Madame Head Gamemaker. A pleasure."
"Good afternoon, Marty."
"Exceptional work, ma'am. The bettors are very pleased with this year's tributes."
"As they should be. I see Miss Levantine is topping our winner's list."
"Yes ma'am, 3:1 odds. District Four Females are high in popularity, thanks to Ria Sounder's Victory last year. And with her taking over the Academy, the people are expecting great things from her pupils."
"That explains it. I was a little shocked that Memphis wasn't in the premier position. 6'4" and 210 pounds, for District Two?"
"He's running 4:1. But I know that's not why you're here. Predicted placements, yes?"
"Yes." Marty waved at another wall, where screens displayed more numbers in flickering columns. "The clients have predicted that Miss Levantine will be our Victor and Mr. Dydrich will be the runner-up."
"I see Aleda in third place?"
"Yes, she is. And the other Career Tributes are rounding out our Final Six, which is not very exciting. But we will head into our seventh placement, which is Mr. Pitt of District Eleven. I'm assuming his musculature has captured their attentions."
"Okay, that's interesting. Where's Jake sitting at?"
"Ninth, as of right now."
"Who's in eighth?"
"Miss Marti."
"That makes sense. Eager District Nine volunteers don't come along too often. Any other highlights?"
"We have Mr. Contrera, Miss Whittaker, and Mr. Beck in the top half. And if you turn your attention to the bottom of the list, you will see the younger tributes, with the exception of Miss Rusere. There are only four tributes under sixteen, as you know, ma'am."
"Why is Arisa not at the bottom?"
"I would expect they think she's pretty."
"Noted. Do you expect anything will change today?"
"No, ma'am. Nothing significant. Some of the tributes in the middle might rise or drop a place, but the top and bottom are solidified."
"Thank you, Marty."
"I look forward to the tributes' arrival."
Lucent smiled with a little too much teeth. "Me too."
Hey y'all,
Blog reveal is up! Go! Go! Look at all the tributes! Or don't, it's up to you! First intros will be posted soon. In the meantime, here's a lil prologue to tide you over!
—LC :)
