Timber

Chapter Twenty: Dodecagon

Dr. Gaul sauntered forward, gesturing to the arena, her voice resonating with a theatrical flair. "Ladies and gentlemen, tributes, and distinguished guests," she began. Her eyes sparkled with a terrifying zeal. "The Hunger Games were born from the ashes of rebellion, serving as a perennial reminder of the chaos that once threatened to engulf us and the delicate balance we must maintain between order and anarchy." Her eyes scanned her captive and captivated the audience. "As we stand within this magnificent new arena, we are reminded of the enduring spirit of our great nation. And this year, we embark on a bold journey forward."

"This," she continued, her voice rising with each word, "is an arena unlike any you have ever dreamed possible. It is the product of years of planning and groundbreaking innovation. It is a marvel of technology and strategy, designed to challenge and to inspire." The air was thick with anticipation, each spectator hanging on her every word.

"Each of the twelve tracts you see before you is a reflection of one of our districts. They have been designed to offer both advantages and disadvantages. But let me caution you, tributes – comfort can be deceptive, and adversity can forge the strongest of spirits. This arena is more than a battleground. It is a crucible for testing the true nature of humanity. Under the watchful eyes of Panem, the essence of our tributes will be unveiled. Will they emerge as beacons of light, or will they succumb to the shadows lurking within?"

Dr. Gaul's voice crescendoed to a climactic close, her words echoing across the vast expanse. "Ladies and gentlemen, tributes of Panem, what you will witness in these Games is more than a contest of strength or skill. It is a revelation of the human spirit under the most extreme conditions. Here, in this very arena, we will see the resilience, the cunning, the heart, and perhaps even the darkness within us all."The crowd of press workers, peacekeepers, and ticket-holders erupted into vigorous applause.

Hazel grappled with the surreal reality of touring her tomb as she attempted to absorb everything around them. The distant chirping of birds and even a gentle, warm breeze that swept over her were a peaceful veneer of what the place really was. It was a beautiful noose designed to kill all but one.

"Before we embark on our tour of this magnificent arena, I do have an exciting announcement to share with you," Dr. Gaul's eyes gleamed with excitement.

The crowd fell silent; every face turned towards her in rapt attention. "In recognition of their generous contributions and unwavering support for the Hunger Games, our twelve esteemed winners and patriots will be given the opportunity of utmost importance in this year's event." Murmuring rippled through the audience.

"Each ticket winner will be granted the honor of mentoring a district of their choice in this year's Hunger Games." Pausing for effect, she allowed the crowd to absorb this significant piece of information. An audible gasp swept through the spectators, followed by hushed conversations and visible excitement.

"The order of district selection will be based on the amount contributed for their tickets, starting with the highest bidder," she announced. "I understand that some districts may have multiple mentors, like Districts Two and Four. Life, as you know, isn't always fair. However, sometimes multiple mentors can be counterproductive, too many cooks in the kitchen, if you will ." She punctuated her statement with a wink, eliciting a few amused laughs from the audience.

Dr. Gaul gestured to the ticket holders, who had now stepped forward to make their selections. "Let us begin," she declared, her voice carrying across the arena. "First up, Mr. Augustus Trask." Augustus, clad in a refined dark chocolate suit and tie, surveyed the line of tributes with a discerning eye. The subtle streaks of blue shone, more prominent as he turned his head to survey the tributes before him. His gaze lingered down the row until, for a brief moment, it met Hazel's. Hazel turned her head away.