The First Snow

Prologue - The Beginning

[President Donathan Snow]

I prepare myself for the world-changing announcement I am about to make, to all 13 - I mean 12 - districts of Panem. This decision should not be taken lightly, but I knew we had to do something, and this was the best solution to the current issue at hand. I need to change our country, make my mark on the world. I will not tolerate fading in the shadows of my fathers failure as President. It's my time to shine. I must show them that I am the kind of leader who makes great things happen. My biggest fear is to disappoint Coriolanus. My son should not be left to pick up pieces I have carelessly shattered across the grounds of Panem - my father is not an act I would ever wish to follow.

"Welcome." The voice of my chirpy and energetic Assistant Ayla rings through the speakers, snapping my attention back to the present. "Today we have a special announcement for The Capitol and all 12 Districts. To make this announcement I call up President Donathon Snow!" I take that as my cue, and walk confidently onto the stage, a warm smile plastered on my face.

"Hello, my people." I greet them merrily. An ear-piercing chorus of squeals and screaming fill the air. The Capitol's finest high fashioned, made up women scream and shout my name in a mixed slur of pitches. "Today marks the sixth anniversary since The Dark Days ended - six years since thirteen districts became twelve." I look up at the crowd, swallowing deeply before continuing.

"We all know that District Thirteen suffered the most. Starting a war you can not finish is unwise. But District Thirteen is not the only District that took place in the war, so do we really think it would be fair for only Thirteen to learn their lesson? I think not. The twelve districts remaining have unfortunately lost the trust they once had. I would have thought that what happened would've stopped the commotion of the twelve districts, however there are still many fires to be tamed. Now, to keep the districts in line, The Capitol will be hosting a - well, a game. It's.. a fun kind of game! We shall call this game a game of Hunger. Who of you hungers to survive? To thrive? Which of you districts craves victory most? Each district will offer up one young man, and one young woman - between the ages of 12 and 18 picked at random during the Reaping - as Tributes. These Tributes will be brought to The Capitol where they will train before being transported to a new arena built especially for them - in which they will fight to the death until only one Tribute remains."

The crowd arrupts in applause.

"This one remaining Tribute will be crowned as the victor. So have a Happy Hunger Game -- and may the odds... be ever in you favour." Adding the last sentence from my head before I walk off the stage. I sit down, straining my mind for creative and successful ideas for this game. I will not make a fool of myself. This game will successfully finish what District Thirteen started.

Ayla walks to my side sitting herself in the seat beside me. As she does this I realize this table is far too empty for my liking.

"Ayla, an idea has come to me. How would you feel about helping me? Answer as you please. You have a choice." I ask her, knowing her answer before it leaves her mouth.

"Of course."

"Gather me some creative minds. I need geniuses, Ayla!"

I had hardly finished my third course of dinner before Ayla announced to me that I had eight guests awaiting me in my Board Room.

"Thank you all for joining me today. I greatly appreciate your assistance, and you will be highly rewarded for your loyalty and efforts. So far, I have deduced that Ayla will be my Head Gamemaker. She will control every decision and action of ours during The Game, and you will do everything in your power to assist her." I tell the eager faces, "So, hit me."

"Oh." she blushed slightly. " I have one... We will call it The Cornucopia."

"Please, Tell us more."

"It can be a metal building - a horn shape perhaps? Where the tributes start at."

"Perhaps we can provide the tributes with various items such as bags, clothing, armour, fresh water,  weapons, food. This could create the required desperation for the tributes, as well as cause divison and chaos. They will be more inclined to fight if their opponants have items they require, or items they fear." Sir Don Raun Antarik adds, his devilish mind shining through.

Several meetings throughout the next few days provided me with proof that Ayla was the right one for the job. She created a perfect team. She thought of the Cornucopia. She suggested Sponsors. And of course the best creation of all. The Mutts.

A/N - In my fan fiction, the games were not originally planned to be an annual event, but are later changed to be.