Chris McLean stood in his trailer, gazing at himself in the mirror as the stylist got him fitted for his "outdoorsy" look—the irony of which wasn't lost on him. He'd never set foot on a trail in his life, and frankly, he didn't plan on it. Being famous the way he was meant he got all the thrill without having to actually do anything of that nature.

The job Chris was prepping to start had everything he loved about reality TV: interns at his beck and call, a stylist looking over every details, and no lines to memorize. All he had to do was be himself and he'd keep the job. Or so he thought.

"You've got to be kidding me," he said, his beady eyes widening in a mix of horror and disbelief. The stylist froze mid-adjustment, clearly sensing the sudden shift in the trailer's energy. The man left promptly, leaving Chris with the one Jennifer Pertsch.

In the corner of the trailer, Mrs. Pertsch, one of the show's producers, crossed her legs and gave Chris a sympathetic smile. "It's a bit of a leap, I know," she said, her voice infuriatingly calm. "A year ago, you were great on Court of the Dead, but… well, Total Drama Island is an eight-week shoot, and we need someone with a little more experience in the reality TV space."

Chris narrowed his eyes. "Experience? What does that even mean? I finished third on Skating with the Stars. I was told that was my leap into the reality TV scene."

Mrs. Pertsch's smile didn't budge. "Of course. But we've decided to go with Blaineley O'Halloran as our host, she has more hosting credits to her name."

"Blaineley?" Chris's voice cracked, his disbelief laced with contempt. "That old hag? She couldn't host Puppy Bachelorette without tripping over her own ego! She's the choice over me?"

Mrs. Pertsch shrugged, clearly unmoved. "She knows how to handle the heat, Chris. This job requires… let's say, a thicker skin."

"Look, I can handle this, all right?" Chris cut in, leaning forward and his voice rising. "I've got thick skin. I'm not some delicate actor who's going to flinch because things get a little intense. I know exactly what kind of trash-talking, backstabbing circus reality TV can be, and I'm perfect for it. Heck, I encourage it!"

Chris continued, trying to keep his composure. "Look, Blaineley's what, forty? Forty-five? She's a has-been, Jen. You need someone who can keep these teens on their toes, someone who can bring star power to the role."

Mrs. Pertsch tapped her fingers thoughtfully on her knee. "I'll be honest, Chris… we just don't see you as the type who can take the hits that come with live reality hosting."

"Hits? Hits?" Chris's voice pitched higher, rising with outrage and desperation. "I've had forums dedicated to destroying me. I've been roasted on live television, had tabloids rip me to shreds with insults for Fametown, and I've dealt with hecklers in person! You seriously think Blaineley can handle that kind of heat better than me?"

Mrs. Pertsch just smiled, unmoved. "It's already been decided, Chris."

Chris's gaze darted frantically around the trailer, searching for someone reasonable to appear and tell him this was all some elaborate prank. "Where's McGillis?" he snapped, almost expecting the other head producer to enter the trailer and laugh about how badly they just punked him.

But Mrs. Pertsch shook her head, her tone final. "Enjoy, the rest of your day, Chris. We'll get you a ride back to mainland."

As Mrs. Pertsch exited the trailer, Chris couldn't help but storm over to the window, watching her stride across the set toward the production tent. Total Drama Island was supposed to be his gig. He'd already planned out his trademark catchphrases for fans to catch onto.

But then he saw her.

Blaineley Stacey Andrews O'Halloran. She was strutting across the set, flanked by two producers, her heels clicking sharply as she tossed her long blonde hair over one shoulder. She was dressed to the nines—because nothing says 'abandoned summer camp in Muskoka' like a bold red dress. She spotted him through the trailer window and gave him a little wave, her cheerfulness so forced it made his blood boil.

A wave of frustration hit Chris, his stomach churning with anger. He didn't even think before he just stormed out of the trailer, cutting across the lot to intercept her.

"Blaineley," he called out, voice dripping with faux charm. "Fancy seeing you here. Weren't you supposed to be covering some celebrity dog show in the middle of nowhere?"

She turned, her expression shifting from surprise to smug amusement in a heartbeat. "Chris McLean! Oh, I thought I smelled desperation." Her smile widened, but her eyes were cold and calculating. "I'm guessing you've heard the news?"

Chris crossed his arms, tilting his head with a forced grin. "Heard what? That they're hiring a washed-up anchor to host my show?" He scoffed. "Come on, Blaineley. They'll figure out you're out of your depth by the end of day one."

Blaineley chuckled, feigning sympathy. "Aw, Chris. It's cute how you think you had this in the bag." She leaned in slightly, dropping to a condescending whisper. "Reality TV's a jungle, sweetheart. You wouldn't last a week with the claws that come out here."

Chris's jaw tightened. "Claws? I've handled fan forums, tabloids, and that Chef Hatchet guy, who I'm sure will be missing me when he's met you."

Blaineley let out a sharp and cold laugh. "Chef Hatchet? You think the guy who terrifies the interns was going to be your biggest problem?" She stepped closer, eyes gleaming. "This isn't Court of the Dead, Chris. You can't coast by. A spine is required to host a reality show."

"Oh, I've got a spine," he shot back. "In fact, I've got a fan base that's bigger than you'veeverhad. That's the difference between us, Blaineley. People actually want to see me on their screens."

Blaineley tilted her head, unfazed. "Sweetheart, you're confusing 'famous' with 'familiar.' You're yesterday's news. I'm the one they'll remember, because I know how to play the game."

Chris let out a scoff. "Play the game? Blaineley, all you've ever done is gossip and stir up tabloid trash. Total Drama Island needs a host who can handle real drama. A little competition, some backstabbing—who do you think people want to see in that role? The 'friendly face' or the guy who's survived it?"

"Oh, you think you're tough? Just because you barely scraped by to the finals of some dance show?" Blaineley laughed. "McLean, please. The only thing you've ever survived is being the least interesting guy in every room."

The tension between them crackled, each insult thrown with deadly accuracy. A few of the nearby production crew had started to gather, exchanging amused glances. Mrs. Pertsch and the other producers looked on, whispering to each other and clearly captivated by the exchange.

Finally, Blaineley tossed her hands up in exasperation. "Fine. If you're so desperate to stay on this island, maybe you can handle all of the dirty work while I do what requires actual charm. I'm sure Chef Hatchet could use an extra set of hands in the kitchen!"

Chris smirked. "Oh, I'd love to see you handle anything without me swooping in to save your ratings."

One of the production's assistants cleared his throat, catching their attention. "You know," he said, clearly holding back laughter, "watching you two go at it is more entertaining than anything filmed so far."

Mrs. Pertsch exchanged a look with the assistant, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Hmm…." she mused aloud, her tone shifting as though inspiration had struck mid-sentence. "We've been looking for a way to give Total Drama Island a unique edge, something that'll really draw in viewers. We never even considered having two faces front and center…"

Chris and Blaineley both looked at her, wary.

Mrs. Pertsch's smile widened. "How about this: the two of you…. co-hosting?"

Blaineley's face dropped in disbelief. "What? With him?"

Chris threw up his hands in horror. "No way am I sharing the spotlight with her."

Mrs. Pertsch's smile only broadened as their bacl and forth continued. "Think about it. The tension of you two butting heads, trying to one-up each other… It's reality gold, if you ask me."

Tom McGillis, who had also been there following the heated exchange, chimed in with enthusiasm. "It'll be like a battle for control over the show, right in front of the viewers. Chris, we get to keep your fan base engaged, and Blaineley, you bring in the signature elegance Fresh TV viewers know and love. It's the best of both worlds."

Blaineley sneered, crossing her arms. "I don't need anyone to share the spotlight. Especially not someone whose only talent is looking smug in a mirror."

Chris narrowed his eyes. "Right back at you, harpy. But if this is what it takes to prove I'm better than you, fine. Let's do it."

Mr. McGillis clapped his hands, looking pleased. "Then it's settled! Chris and Blaineley, co-hosts of Total Drama Island." He grinned at the assembled producers. "Now that's a show I'd want to watch."

As Tom, Jen, and the other producers walked away, exchanging ideas and laughing, Chris and Blaineley stood there, locked in a fiery, unyielding glare.

"You just wait," Blaineley said, her voice a low hiss. "By the end of this, everyone will know who the real star is."

Chris smirked, crossing his arms. "I couldn't agree more."

They turned and walked in opposite directions, each vowing to outshine the other. Total Drama Island was about to get a lot more dramatic.

A/N: And that's a wrap on the prologue. Welcome to my reimagining of TDI! In this version, Blaineley accepts the offer to co-host the show hours before it begins. Why did she suddenly take the gig so closely to the start of production? Well, that motive will be revealed as the season progresses. What's certain is that I want this AU filled with tension, rivalries, and backstabs, starting with the co-hosts themselves.

Now, here's where the readers come in! Instead of the original campers, I need your help casting a fresh set of campers. I'm inviting you to SYOC, and I'll choose a lineup of twenty-two to replace the classic competitors. Below are the rules for submission.

Submission Guidelines:

•No overpowered characters(no Mary or Gary Sues). Characters should have flaws! Balance strengths with weaknesses.

•Submit applications through PM, not in the reviews (so you don't spoil any of your character's secrets for others).

•Limit of two characters per person.

•Use the form below.

Character Submission Form:

Name:

Gender:

Label(e.g., "The Type-A," "The Loner"):

Sexuality:

Appearance

Height:

Build:

Race/Ethnicity:

Hair color/style:

Eye color:

Clothing style:

Any tattoos/piercings?:

Personality

Likes:

Dislikes:

Traits:

Fears(small and big):

Biggest secrets:

Motivations:Why did they join TDI?

What are they known foramong their peers?

Background:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Relationships

Who do they get along with?:

Who do they clash with?:

Who do they gravitate towards romantically?:

Audition Tape:

I can't wait to see what's come up with! I'll be sure to PM you if your OC is selected for this fic, and we can also brainstorm together to see what you envision for your character. Hope you enjoyed the prologue, and I look forward to seeing any submissions. Until next time!

— lcves