Overall TW: Gore and swearing.
This chapters TW: One moderately bad swearword.
Capitol Audience: (Aka pings)
@Leopardstar383 @CLATOROCKS @EchoFalcon9612 @LC20712 @QueenNerd878 @Snow528491 @Mooreads2 @VivaciousLiars @Dubbbi
CAPITOL | GAMEMAKER HEADQUARTERS
Gamemaker #2: (Over headpiece, speaking to Head Gamemaker) It seems President Snow’s speech went well with the Capitol- and the districts, too.
Head Gamemaker: Good. We thought the audience would take it well.
Gamemaker: Sir, we are ready to cut to District Five. Whenever you say.
Gamemaker #2: Camera crews positioned. Checks complete.
Head Gamemaker: I want to make sure this next part of the Reaping goes as smoothly as the others. Am I clear? (Facing Gamemaker and speaking to Gamemaker #2 over earpiece)
Gamemaker: That will be ensured, Sir.
Gamemaker #2: We’re going live. Two. One.
The screen flickers alive.
DISTRICTS | DISTRICT FIVE TOWNSQUARE
Attelo Mars straightened the slip of paper. After the President’s speech, the population of district Five had become ecstatic. The new rule in place of two victors meant that there was more chance of a tribute becoming victorious.
Clearing his throat, Attelo read out the words neatly written on the narrow slit of paper; ‘Wren Echo is this years district Five tribute. Please come to the stage, Wren,’ He announced, smiling and looking over the crowd. A small group of people shuffled and there was a patch of commotion that traced down the crowd, before it spat out a girl. Her auburn hair was piled on her head and she fiddled with a strand, continuing to do so as she wandered up the stairs. She didn’t seem confident that she would win; nor did she seem scared. Wren seemed absent, her mind and thoughts elsewhere. Attelo gave her a comforting smile, though she did not return it. Wren stared off into the distance, humming a tune to herself quietly. Attelo, despite his equanimous nature, was beginning to become irritated by this girls insouciant lack of concern that she was about to enter what would presumably be her imminent death. Taking a breath to calm himself, Attelo spun around to the glass bowl that contained the male slips of paper for possibly tributes. He plucked the first one he could see, yanked it open, and snapped, ‘Zephyrus Alba.’
A boy slumped from the crowd, dragging his feet along the parched dirt beneath his feet. Zephyrus walked up next to Attelo, shooting the escort a diffident glance. Wren walked over to Zephyrus, looking, for the first time since her name had been called, in the moment. She took hold of his hands. ‘Don’t worry. We can do this, Zephyrus,’ she whispered, nodding confidentially. ‘There are two victors this year. We can do it,’ Wren encouraged, and Attelo smiled softly to himself. This new rule had ensured hope in the hearts of the districts. This made the Games worth fighting for. Because, now, for the first time, you weren’t just fighting alone; you were fighting with someone else, an ally, and you didn’t have to fear that you would be betrayed. For the first time in one-hundred years, you finally had someone you could truly trust in the Games. Not just another tribute. Not just an ally.
A friend.
CAPITOL | GAMEMAKER HEADQUARTERS
Head Gamemaker: I can see many Capitol Favourites already. (Smiling to himself)
Gamemaker #2: District Six is having some connection issues. I’m trying to get online.
Gamemaker: Maybe the electricity cut off?
Head Gamemaker: (Disgruntled) Fix that issue immediately. Everything has been going flawlessly so far; we cannot have an issue halfway through.
Gamemaker #3: (Through earpiece, to Gamemaker #2) Apparently they’ve been cut off electricity. They’re fixing it as we speak.
Gamemaker #2: (Through earpiece, to Head Gamemaker) They are fixing the issue as we speak, Sir.
Head Gamemaker: Good. And make sure everything runs smoothly from now on, yes? Anything that could go wrong must have a team ready to patch it up immediately.
Gamemaker: Sir, the electricity has been renewed. We go live on your confirmation.
Head Gamemaker: Hold on. How are the audience? Was the holdup visible?
Gamemaker #2: (Through earpiece, to Head Gamemaker) No reports of issues have come through yet.
Gamemaker: (Typing on a digital screen) The seal of Panem was shown as we were fixing it. As far as our knowledge goes, nobody noticed the holdup.
Head Gamemaker: Good. Start the cameras rolling and, whilst that is filmed, I want you to run through the checklist for District Seven, and patch up any possibly issues.
Gamemaker #3: (Through earpiece, speaking to Head Gamemaker) We’re live in District Six in five.
Gamemaker: Yes, Sir. We will run through that checklist. (Typing on the digital screen)
Gamemaker #3: (Over earpiece, speaking to all Gamemakers) Two. One. And.. we’re live in District Six.
DISTRICTS | DISTRICT SIX TOWNSQUARE
Otto Exelial sighed with relief. It was only a short holdup, she thought, smiling broadly. Nothing to embarrass her furthermore; nothing to increase the ridicule she received for being stationed at District Six. Otto clasped her gloved hands together, addressing the whole of District Six as she spoke.
‘Hello, and happy Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favour,’ Otto announced, glancing up to the clump of cameras positioned strategically on the roof of the justice building- meaning that they could capture the entire town square and all of the citizens- and her eyes quickly flittered back down. ‘This year’s female representative of District Six is…’ Otto delved a hand into the glass bowl and took a moment to select a slip of paper, before taking one out. Clearing her throat, she opened the paper.
‘Poppet Prius!’ She said in a sing-song voice, surveying the crowd. A large commotion started around the middle of the crowd, screams emitting from the area the commotion had been spotted. A trio of peacekeepers advanced, shoving their way through the crowd, before they came to the scene playing out between two girls. One of them, Poppet, was laying on the ground, and the other girl, Prya, stood above her. ‘I hope you die, bitch!’ Prya spat, advancing forwards. A peacekeeper pushed his way quickly into the commotion, shoving Pyra back from Poppet. The cameras honed in on the scene unfolding before them, watching to capture every detail. On the side of Poppet’s face was a deep red slap mark where Prya had hit her. Poppet curled her fingers and leapt up. One of the peacekeepers watched warily as Poppet walked towards the stage. Otto forced a smile onto her lips; this event would not go down well in the Capitol. She would be ridiculed! Who had ever heard of attacking a tribute in the Reaping? This was disgraceful.
Poppet took a deep breath, folding her hands behind her back. Otto dropped her smile, tired of trying to act happy, and grabbed the first slip of paper she could reach to. Turning back to the cameras, she forced a smile onto her lips. ‘The male tribute of District Six is York Kia,’ Otto read out. A boy stumbled from the crowd and Otto could hear Poppet gasp in shock. York looked at the floor, slowly walking up to the platform. When he took his position to the side of Otto, she could hear him muttering quietly to himself. The two tributes politely shook hands.
Otto smiled.
‘Let’s hear it for the tributes of District Six!’
CAPITOL | GAMEMAKERS HEADQUARTERS
Head Gamemaker: (Over earpiece, speaking to Gamemaker #3) Apparently there was a fight between Poppet Prius and Prya Larke. What was it about?
Gamemaker #2: (Speaking to Gamemaker over earpiece) I’ve sent someone to check over District Seven. From what I can see, and from what they have reported, everything is running smoothly; we’re fine to go live.
Gamemaker: That’s good. There was an issue in District Six though. Check that over.
Gamemaker #3: (Over earpiece, speaking to Head Gamemaker) It seems a comment was made and brute force was used. Nothing to indulge in too deeply.
Head Gamemaker: (Over earpiece) Get that mark covered up with makeup. We cannot have the audience see that. Also censor the swearing; younger viewers are watching. (To Gamemaker #2 & Gamemaker) Is all going smoothly in District Seven?
Gamemaker: Yes, Sir. We are ready to go live.
Head Gamemaker: Onto District Seven, then.
DISTRICTS | DISTRICT SEVEN TOWNSQUARE
‘Aspen Fir!’
The name echoed inside Livisea Freate’s head. It sounded so sweet, too sweet, to belong to someone who was going into the Hunger Games. Livisea held back a gasp as a small, twelve-year old girl crept out of the audience. Aspen looked around nervously, and then locked eyes with Livisea. She gulped, slowly making her way up to the stage. In her hands was a golden brooch that she continuously fiddled with. Aspen stopped as she came next to Livisea. The escort tried to catch her eye, but Aspen looked down, avoiding her gaze.
Slowly, Livisea turned to the male bowl. She reached a hand in, picking out a slip of paper.
‘Cedar Yew,’ she announced dismally. A boy of about sixteen was pushed from the crowd and he staggered up to the stage. Livisea nodded at him and Cedar nodded back. Aspen took a deep breath, and stepped forwards, towards the microphone.
‘I just wanted to say.. I love you. To my family. I love you Mama, Papa, and Willow. Please don’t forget me if I die,’ Aspen whispered, barely audible. Livisea bit her lip. This child.. Aspen… she was too young. They all were.
None of them deserved this.
CAPITOL | GAMEMAKER HEADQUARTERS
Head Gamemaker: (To all Gamemakers) What a sweet little story that child has. What’s her name? Aspen Yew? The Capitol will adore her.
Gamemaker #3: (Through earpiece, laughing) Yes. They will. She’s open for sponsors, as long as she continues her ‘little darling’ act.
Gamemaker #2: There tributes will certainly make for a good show. How’s District Eight looking, Ariston?
Gamemaker #3: (Through earpiece, speaking to Gamemaker #2) Smoothly. We have no technical issues and the population is under control.
Head Gamemaker: Good. Are we prepared to begin filming there? (Speaking to Gamemaker)
Gamemaker: I think so, sir.
DISTRICTS | DISTRICT EIGHT TOWNSQUARE
Marellos Verasol squinted. The scorching midday sun beat down relentlessly upon all of district Eight. Marellos couldn’t help feeling irritated; his throat was parched; he was sweating; and having to wear an ebony suit that simply just absorbed the heat did not help, either. Running a hand through his strawberry-blonde hair, Marellos did not even bother smiling as he turned to the glass bowl containing many slips of paper. He stuck his hand in and wrenched out the first one he could see, nearly tearing the paper as he pulled it open with immense force. Beads of sweat trickling down his temple, Marellos read:
‘Flossie West,’ he said, narrowing his eyes as he stared out at the crowd. A girl, about eighteen, stepped from the crowd. Flossie strolled calmly up the stairs, as if this was something she did daily, and smiled, almost beamed, at Marellos. The escort stared coldly away, still continuing to let the heat burn his skin and create his irritation. Flossie shrugged Marellos cold greetings off, turning to look at the crowd instead. They were dead silent; you could hear a pin drop.
‘Nylon Ramie,’ Flossie heard the escort read. She allowed herself a small glance his way; Marellos seemed to be baking under the heat.
From the crowd, Nylon appears, wringing his hands with nerve. Flossie gave him an encouraging smile from the stage, and Nylon came up. Despite her happy nature, Flossie appeared slightly unsettled at the name Nylon Ramie.
CAPITOL | HEADQUARTERS
Gamemaker: Sir, you have an interview with Lucius Flickerman on the tributes.
Head Gamemaker: Oh, yes. That.
Gamemaker #2: (Over earpiece) They’re ready to go live in the Auditorium, Sir.
Head Gamemaker: Tell them I will be coming. (Sighing)
Gamemaker: Yes, Sir.
CAPITOL | INTERVIEW HALL
Fluorescent lights flash across the stage, occasionally illuminating the velvet curtain draped between the Capitol audience and the two people sat on the plush chairs behind it. Clumps of camera crews are positioned in neat formations across the walkway, ready to film the interview that will be broadcasted, live, to all of Panem. A hush descends on the audience as the curtain begins to rise, revealing two people sat opposite each other in arm chairs, a table of finger-food between them. The two figures are frozen in formation, before one snaps their head towards the audience, grinning. It is Lucius Flickerman.
‘Hello, hello!’ he laughs, slapping his knee. Clasping his hands together, Lucius leans towards the other figure, before the both of them break out in laughter. Wiping a tear away, Lucius addresses the audience with all the excitement of an energetic puppy.
‘Hello, folks! I’m Lucius Flickerman, and we’re here with this years’ Head Gamemaker, Aetius Fragnel. How are you, Aetius?’
The Head Gamemaker smiles. ‘I’m good, Lucius- and I’m already ecstatic about this year’s tributes!’ Aetius replies, grinning. Lucius clasps his hands together. ‘Well, that’s what we’re here to discuss! I’m sure it’s not just me choosing my favourite already,’ Lucius adds, supported by a roar of approval from the Capitol audience. ‘So, Aetius, have any tributes caught your eye in particular?’ Lucius asks, leaning forwards. Aetius thinks for a moment before replying. ‘Well, Lucius, I have to say- a few have. First is little Aspen Yew, for her brave speech. It takes a lot of gut to speak out like that, especially for a girl that little. Second are the siblings Pearl and Tyde Cove, for their bond. I just think it’s so beautiful. Third is the enigmatic Wren Echo; she’s quite the mystery, isn’t she? Next is Poppet Prius, for what happened at the Reaping. Poor darling; sworn at and hit. Ascii Lua has also caught my attention, for her strange approach towards the Games. Apollo Aegis and Lana Ryker from district Two have also interested me, but the one I’m most intrigued in is Emerald Viola, for her fiery temper. She seems quite the fighter!’
Lucius laughs. ‘I must agree, Emerald Viola is quite the character,’ he says, glancing at the crowd. ‘Do we agree, folks?’ Lucius is answered with shouts of yes. Aetius nods at the audience. ‘But don’t worry. Just because they’ve caught my eye doesn’t mean they get it easy; I am going to make sure this years’ Games are quite unforgettable. And, as President Snow said, there will be two victors that will take the crown this year,’ Aetius looks over to the audience. They are almost bursting with excitement; screams of joy emit from the collection of people stationed on the chairs. Aetius leans over and picks up a small cake, before he pops it into his mouth. Lucius pauses a moment, thinks about what Aetius has said, and then nods. ‘Yes, Aetius, I am excited about that! What a twist for the 100th Games. And tameable mutts, too! Say, Aetius, have you any information on the arena?’
Aetius shakes his head. ‘All I can tell you is that me and my team of Gamemakers think the audience will love it. That’s all I’m going to say, Lucius,’ Aetius replies, waggling a finger. Lucius sighs, putting a hand to his chest. ‘What a shame, what a shame. But President Snow did say there were many twists to the games; can you expand on that?’ Lucius asks, leaning forwards. Aetius thinks. ‘Well, I suppose I could say some things,’ Aetius thinks out loud, tilting his head to the audience. ‘Spill it!’ Lucius demands, resting his head on a hand. Aetius grins boyishly. ‘Well, the audience will get to vote on a tribute out of the Capitol Favourites so far, and that tribute will have an extra interview with you. It’s for the audience to get to know them better,’ Aetius explains, and Lucius gasps. ‘Sadly, that’s all the time I have today. I have to get back to my Gamemaker duties,’ sighs Aetius. Lucius pouts and the audience cry out.
‘Goodbye, Panem!’ Aetius shouts, giving one final wave, before slipping into the darkness of the backstage.
