The Gamemaker Games - Finders, Keepers (5 spots left)

The Gamemaker Games - Finders, Keepers

Author Games: The Gamemaker Games – Finders, Keepers

The usual Capitol buzz is gone today, everyone’s inside. In the Districts, all work has been called off for the day. The TV screens light up cold living rooms in District 12, the mayor’s study in District 5, the empty training room in the training centre. 

President Zeus Adelaïde’s aged face appears on the screen, his head bobbing along to the anthem of Panem.

“Dear citizens of Panem.” The president’s voice is powerful, despite his age, still full of authority and with a warm ring that had been rare in the past generations of presidents.

“First of all, I want to wish you all a happy new year. Let this year be as successful as the last. We congratulate our dear victor, Apolline Monroe from the great Capitol. You made us proud and wear this crown righteously.” In the Districts, the families of the dead tributes turn away from the screen, memories of their lost children, siblings and friends paining their souls.

“Unfortunately we have come to the realization that the last games were not up to the standards we expect”, President Adelaïde continues. “We expect great entertainment and creativity. The last four years however, have shown that not everybody is capable of creating such a spectacular event. Therefore we have decided to introduce a whole new way to find a gamemaker capable of hosting these games. I am beyond happy to be able to announce that this year we will be holding the “Gamemaker Games”!”

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All over the Capitol, banners advertising the “Gamemaker Games” swing in the icy breeze. The application stations are bursting with life and everyone is already counting the days until the games will finally begin.

In a mere hour, President Adelaïde will reap the Capitol citizens who will have the honour of participating in the games.

Anyone older than 12 had seven days to enter their name into the reaping bowl located in the middle of the Capitol town square. It is rumoured that over a thousand people entered their names and there are already bets on who will be reaped.

Not that anyone would already know who has a chance, after the names will be drawn at random. The only thing that is safe to say so far is that 26 proud citizens, 13 men and 13 women, will receive the chance to achieve and unknown glory.

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Golden fireworks explode high above the skyscrapers and the whole of Panem, the Districts more or less by order of the Capitol, once again stare at the screens broadcasting the reaping.

President Adelaïde is wearing a golden tuxedo, his grey hair and sharp features looking more sophisticated than ever before.

“Happy Gamemaker Games, dear Panem!” He calls into the microphone, his arms spread widely, as if he was trying to embrace the whole country.

“Welcome to the reaping ceremony!” Another salve of fireworks lights up the sky.

“Ever since the retirement of our wonderful Olympia Darnielle, we have not seen real games. Who, apart from this goddess of a woman, would be able to host these extraordinary games?”

His words are greeted by people all over the Capitol shouting “No one” at their TV screens.

The president smiles. “Of course you are right. No one would be able to do that. This is the reason we asked her to return from her retirement. Please welcome the Head Gamemaker of the Gamemaker Games, Olympia Hera Darnielle!”

A pale woman gets up from her golden chair. The dark red Venetian mask hides most of her face; the dark hair is pinned up into an elegant up-do that doesn’t move one millimetre when she bows to the cameras.

An even brighter smile lighting up his face now, the President turns back to the cameras, still clapping.

“Well, it seems as if we have reached tonight’s main event! Let the reaping begin!”

Fireworks burn the words “Who among you is the victor?” into the night sky over the Capitol, whilst all over the city people chant: “May the odds be ever in your favour!”