The Odds

Interview With Elpis and Kalea

Good evening everyone! It's Nox Lingualaca here, live from Capitol Square, where as you can see, a special stage has been set up for this remarkable occasion. As you all know, tonight our two new members of the Gamemaking team will be stepping into the spotlight for the first time since the announcement, and we here at The Odds have managed to make sure that first time is with us!

For the benefit of those of you reading the article, a hushed silence falls as Elpis walks onto the Capitol stage, with a calm and confident poise that suggests that he has been preparing for such an event for a long time. He is dressed in a simple white suit, which makes him look eerily pale in the glittering lights. The look is subdued and suits him perfectly.

Elpis! It's an honour that you and Kalea chose us here at The Odds for your first interview as Gamemakers! But enough about her, this is your time to shine! Our rumour mill tells us you've been applying for this position ever since Vibbius' departure: how does it feel to finally hear yes?

Absolutely wonderful. I mean, it had to happen eventually, but it's still pleasantly surprising. I'd be lying to say I'm not worried, though; I've got big shoes to fill! Vibbius and Vinella were great, and our current Gamemakers have been doing a great job for a while now. It'll be hard for Kalea and I to find our place.

A humble response there! But don't worry; I'm sure you'll both do fabulously! Won't they? Yes, see, even the crowd agree with me, and this lot aren't easy to please! Now then. Vinella, Vibbius, Khave, Pandora and Alithia... Each of their names has a unique meaning. Does yours?

Apparently! In Greek mythology, Elpis was the spirit of hope. As for Regnum, it can be translated from Latin to signify kingdom or - more loosely - power. A basic translation of my name could be "hope is power".

Isn't that fascinating, ladies and gentlemen? We've got an intelligent one here! Elphis, are you aptly named? Does this reflect your ideas on the Games?

I think it does. I've always loved a task that plays with our tributes' emotions, or their backgrounds - I still love watching The Danger Inside and No Place Like Home. I think that I'll be aiming to provide tasks that'll play with their minds; hallucinations are so interesting, though we've never had any! Of course, I've got many more plans than just that. And why haven't we had any mutts lately?

Very true, very true. Well, as you must be aware we are on a tight schedule - no rest for the wicked, is there? - and we have another new Gamemaker to interview! Best of luck with preparation for the next Games! Ladies and gentlemen, Elphis Regnum! And please give a warm Capitol welcome to the lovely Kalea Farris...

Kalea's colourful dress is a startling and effective contrast to Elphis' suit; anybody would think that they've been coordinating this! She greets the crowd warmly and settles into the chair like somebody who was born in the limelight.

Kalea, darling, how wonderful to meet you and what a fabulous dress! I can see several women in the audience making notes already... Now, we had all been holding our breath for the announcement of the new Gamemaker. But to get there and realize there were two of you surprised every single person in the Capitol, even someone who works as closely with the Gamemakers as I do. You must have known you were in contention, but how did it feel to find out you had to share the spotlight?

I wouldn’t really like to think of it as sharing anything. Alithia and Pandora were in a tough spot, and I am happy I got to share such a fabulous experience with a humble person like Elpis. They liked both of us, right? They just couldn’t pick just one of us and that is understandable. I know how indecisive I am. Do I eat strawberries or mangos for breakfast? I never know!

A controversial question, and surely one which will be discussed at many breakfast tables across the Capitol, I'm sure! Myself? Why not have both? You just wait until you see the food the Gamemakers get! I have to say, Kalea, I can't get enough of your name. Isn't it simply divine?

I think it sounds very pretty, kind of like the ocean. I have always meant to look up its meaning. Everyone has such special names here. Like Pandora? It’s so classic and cute and fits her perfectly! And its as if Alithia’s parents knew exactly how their daughter would turn out with such a strict, thick name! You know, that nearly rhymed!

So it did, so it did! What a personality! You absolutely shine on stage, don't you? Quite a contrast to Alithia’s seriousness or Pandora’s attitude. Even Elpis seems like he has a tough shell, though I'm sure we'll learn more about him as time goes on. How do you think you’ll do working with these types of people?

I like to think of this as an adventure! Pandora and Alithia are new friends - even if they don't know it yet! - and I'm sure they just take some getting used to. Everyone has a true side they hide from the public, for their own benefit. I know I do! Once we start working on the next Games, I know I can break those tough shells they like to hide in!

Good luck with that! I've worked with these women since the start and I can tell you that if they have these true sides you're talking about, they're hidden very, very deep down! Are you listening, Alithia and Pandora? Kalea thinks she can find your deeper selves! If you're not scared, you probably should be!

Whoa! Hasn't time flown? Ladies and gentlemen, that really is all we've got time for! Let's have one last round of applause for our two new Gamemakers: Elphis Regnum and Kalea Farris. And we'll hopefully see you all again for the Presidential Elections, coming soon. Nox Lingualaca here, reporting from Capitol Square. Stay tuned, and remember to keep it fabulous!