86Prologue
Patricia Lovemunch - Head Gamemaker of 172nd Hunger Game
"Stupid people are dangerous."
- Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
Have you ever heard anyone screamed out of sheer joy before? So much so that you broke eardrums?
That's how I felt when the prez made me the Head Gamemaker back two years ago.
I was but a simple computer designer -I know right, you wouldn't consider me a tech geek by the way I dress - way back when. Then boom. Bang. Squee. I entered what I thought would be a great arena and President Chambers thought it was a great idea.
Want to know what it was? Well, if you asked so politely.
It was a Candy Crush Arena! I got that idea based upon that old board game Candy Land. I thought the kids would love it! It's was just so colorful, who wouldn't like it!? And all that candy! I am so so so happy to be Gamemaker again!
Last year was decent. I made a medieval type of arena. It's just that I wished for a better Victor! Not that ugly hussie Paprika! Simple unnatural, that victor. And after I tried my best to kill her. The nerve of that girl! I loved two years ago, but not the one after that. Spoiling my fun, I'll make sure District 9 has a hard time this year.
Perhaps I'll get a career victor this time. Those are the perfect type of victors.
"Mrs. Love," a voice addressed.
I turned my head around to my darling assistant Aaron Blacktyde. Oh, he has such a wonderful suit today. So professional, so exquisite. His purple hair is radiating as it always has. His fuzzy beard as well. Oh, I could eat him if I didn't have a culture on me. Shame, it's the one time I would willingly act like a barbarian from the outliner district.
"Yes, Aaron," I replied, cheerily.
"We are needed in the Game Room. President Chambers is waiting there as well," Aaron informed with that hot stoic look on his face unless you count that one brow twitch stoic, but he's still hot and muscular. "Also, I must tell you once again to call me Mr. Blacktyde or Vice Gamemaker, Mrs. Love. Keep it professional."
Why do I like him again? Oh, right. Handsome, strong, and he's a living god with the paperwork around here. It wouldn't hurt him to liven up a little, though.
"Very well, Vice Gamemaker. Let's get the show on the road," I gave my reply. Practically skipping all the way we went.
I do need to keep up with appearances, however, taking a mirror out of my rainbow-colored coat. The mirror showed me a few strains of my swirly silver hair was a bit unkempt and fixed that right up. Checking further, I estimated that I looked as ready as ever. I winked at the mirror with my bright blue eyes. While I might not be the 10 out of 10 models like some drama queens here that remove all their body fat, I like to think of myself as gorgeous. My puffy cheeks have its adorable vibe going for me.
To the game room, I already see President Chambers.
"Good Evening, Mrs. Love," the president of Panem politely greeted in his deep voice.
I clapped my hands, "Mr. President. Are you here to see the arena I've been working on?"
The tall man, the president was, stiff as well in her personal opinion. He nodded, "Yes. I'm indeed curious about what you've been working on. I dislike your constant reports that keep saying 'It's a surprise'. Hardly something a woman your age should act like."
"Oh, posh. We both know you like it," I proclaimed, dismissing his last statement. Possibly the only one who could. While his stern clean-shaved face says one thing, his amused eyes say another. "Today's the day that surprise will come, Mr. President," I turned around to face a lower-ranked gamemaker. "Blackthorn. Can you show the arena on the big screen in front of us?"
"That's not my name!"
"It's your middle name, sweetheart. And it's so much better than Tom. Now stop being difficult and show our baby to our President," I responded.
Blackthorn grumbled but complied when he pressed a few buttons.
The big screen flashed and showed my great arena.
President Hadrious Chambers observed. "Is that tower... and an amusement park?"
"And so much more," I boasted, my lips twitching with excitement.
"I see. I'm not disappointed," he conceded. The nearest sort of praise you can get from him. Awesome. Just Awesome!
Then he took out a letter of sorts out of his dark suit. A dark plain business suit that matches his equally dark hair, it terrifies a lot of people. Don't know why? He seems nice to me.
He's somewhat handsome, but his personality could loosen up a bit. I'm pretty sure he's older than my father, only it's rude to ask someone's age, and I honestly don't care. No one in the Capital has wrinkles anyway. ~Thank you, advanced technology~
I grabbed into the letter he gave and looked at it curiously. "What's this?"
"A surprise," he replied in a monotone voice. Oh, clever president. Someone's a little vindictive.
Opening the letter, I read the packet after. My eye's opened dramatically, "Oh my."
The president nodded ever so slightly. "The district's need to learn a bit more of a lesson than the playgrounds you make. I want that twist done, Mrs. Love."
Reasonable, it's a bit harsh, but then again, so is life.
"It'll happen," I assured. "On Day Four perhaps. Does that sound reasonable to you, Mr. President?"
"As long as it happen's," he mentions. "Good day. And keep up the good work."
Hadrious Chambers walked away with his bodyguards. Honestly, why would he even keep them? Does he think someone would assassinate him? I snorted at the thought.
Aaron came up to me, "What was in the letter?"
"Just a child's worst nightmare. Don't you worry Aaron, it won't mess up our fun," I grinned. "Speaking of fun..."
"I refuse your date offer," Aaron flatly rejected. Come on! I didn't even say it! "Also, it's Vice Gamemaker to you, Mrs. Love."
I pouted. "Fine then. Be all boring."
He sighed.
I looked at him, "Is something the matter, Mr. Blacktyde?"
"No. Nothing at all."
"Aaron..."
"It's simply a bit depressing," he relented, knowing how stubborn I can be.
"About what?"
"The Games. Is it right? Is it wrong? I'm going to be an uncle soon and the idea of my brother's child going to The Hunger Games is depressing."
I sighed, "I know right? Sometimes I think we Capitolites should have our own Hunger Games. Then we'll join the fun."
"That's not what I-" he was about to say something before he bit his lips, looking up. "Yes. That's why."
Aaron seemed so sad. Oh well, some things are just unrealistic to gain. Poor Aaron.
I twirled around the game room. "Alright, everyone. Get back to work. Tomorrow's going to be a wonderful day for Panem."
The anticipation is killing me.
A/N: This is going to be my first SYOC. I don't plan on making a series. I just thought to start off this year by trying something new, and I wanted to try this. These kooky characters here are not the main characters. Those will be the tributes. Please PM me to submit. I will look forward to writing all those characters. The Tribute List is on my profile and if you have any questions: ask away.