The Author Games: Literature

Introduction

It was a rare occasion that President Necare summoned Paella Andouille and Pluto Solaris on a walk through his orchards, let alone his massive library. The two head gamemakers knew from the moment they were informed that they were obligated to complete the action of meeting their boss in an area of his mansion they had never even stepped foot in, it had to be something of utmost importance.

Paella couldn't help but let out a gasp as the guards opened the lavish golden set of double doors into the mansion's library. It was a truly magnificent collection of written works, mahogany shelves climbing twenty, no, thirty feet high in the brightly lit hall. A huge window was the only thing on the walls that wasn't reading material, and looked out over a quaint, impeccably-tended-to flower garden and pond. The library was beautiful and serene, and Paella couldn't help but think how different that was from the man who owned the place.

"Books. They're truly magical things. They fill our minds with pictures and stories and imagination," The President speculated, running his hand along the shelves. "Don't you agree?"

"Yes, President," Pluto responded politely as Paella nodded in agreement. The two both knew they had to be careful not to screw up before the President even got to the point of the meeting. His temper was often very short, and one wrong answer could put both of them in jeopardy. Pluto knew he would be able to get out of whatever consequences he would have to face from a wrong answer, but it would be challenging to redeem himself to Necare. Paella, on the other hand, couldn't fall asleep most nights for fear of being removed from her position.

"But they pose a risk to our society."

"Of course, President," Paella said politely, trying to make it seem as though she definitely knew where her boss was going with this. She shared a sidelong glance with Pluto, who shrugged slightly.

"They pollute our people with too much hope and too many dreams. They inspire dangerous thoughts. Dangerous thoughts lead to dangerous words, and dangerous words, why, they lead to dangerous actions," Necare continued. He glanced up from the books, his cold gaze landing on the two Gamemakers, neither of which uttered a word.

"Rebellion happens due to causes that citizens of Panem hear about from stories. We need to control the people, so we must eliminate the roots of uprising. Therefore, I am assigning you, the head Gamemakers, to vanquish these ideas from all of Panem. Destroy the origin." And on that note, the President dismissed the two.

They were ushered from the library and made their way down the hallway side by side. Paella glared at her companion, and Pluto rolled his eyes back. The only noise was the sound of their shoes coming into contact with the hard marble tiles. "So-" Pluto initiated conversation.

"Let's save the chatter until we return to the office, shall we?" Paella cut him off, her tone iced with hate. It was well known that the two were not exactly the friendliest of colleagues, and Paella often wondered why Necare didn't cease their constant bickering and just fire one of them. Things would be so much easier if she didn't have to share the decision-making with Pluto. But sometimes, she supposed, a conflicting opinion was beneficial for the both of them.

The Gamemakers were awake until ridiculous hours of the morning that night, planning the most spectacular Games yet. Gradually, lights dimmed around them as employees went home as the sun began to set on the Captial, the light chatter of the Gamemaker's Center dulled to faint whispers as the moon began to rise, until all that was left was their one discussion and the blackness of night. Books swirled through their minds, plot lines mixing with settings interacting with characters. They thought together, a painful process that both despised, yet followed through with to preserve their occupation. Pluto sat in the position of The Thinker, concentrating deeply, Paella paced restlessly across the room. They fought together, a process more enjoyable for the both of them as arguing and debating came much easier than pleasantries toward each other. Pluto made notes on possible ideas in neat handwriting, Paella ripped them to shreds in frustration. Until finally, they had it. An aspect, core value or trait for every story written long ago, something each tribute must show to pass to the next arena, a hidden book in each story world that must be obtained to advance.

The Games were entwined perfectly with literature.