The Odds

Article from 'Trend-Setter' Magazine

Hello there trendsetters! As promised in our previous issue, we have a huge scoop for you. It took a lot of calls, chocolate and begging, but we finally managed to get exclusive access to the world of the Gamemakers to find out if the rumors of a new look are true. Well, we've been dying to know, and you've been dying to know, and here at Trend-Setter we are the first to get a sneaky peek at Alithia and co's fantastic new styles. So, what does our trusty source have for us...?

New season, new style! Hello everybody! This is Nox Lingualaca, Games correspondant, with the latest on the fashion trends that are taking the Gamemaking suite by storm. The recent rebellion has brought a new era to the Capitol...and of course that means a whole new fashion for us to get used to! And the word on the street was that the Gamemakers would be the ones to set it! Excited? You bet I was!

The Gamemakers are fabulously busy preparing for exam season and reviewing all the potential candidates - as well as all the work that goes into providing us with the Games once a year, they are the official examiners at the infamous Gamemaking Academy - but they were still more than happy to have a little meeting with me. And let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen, you're really in for a treat!

Dark colors are back in this season, and Alithia Warwell's new take on her old iconic outfit shows this off to perfection. We're used to her wearing grey, but this is really something else! In a sophisticated nod to the recent conflict she's wearing a sleeveless shirt in a metallic sheen, with soft panels that are reminiscent of armour plating. This is paired with severe black trousers and a pair of sensible but striking shoes. In place of her usual shawl is an absolutely stunning cape, plated in black metal and with genuine spikes instead of the more typical shoulder pads. The image-conscious among us (that's you and I!) expect a President to look strong and Alithia manages this better than ever with this incredible, statement-packed outfit. Why, she looks like she could snatch up a sword and attack! This is not a look for the shy or retiring!

Now, we all know Pandora Kleio as a fashion icon. But if you thought it was impossible for her to get any more fashionable, think again! Since we last saw her during the rebellion she has dyed her gorgeous hair blood-red and, together with a beautiful glittering diadem, the effect has to be seen to be believed. It goes perfectly with her wrap-around teal dress, which compliments both her figure and her skin color. The expert at clashing patterns and colors without looking tacky, she has paired this surprisingly low-key dress with a leopard skin shawl which, I am reliably informed, is real fur (Octavia's Boutique, made to order & stock permitting, Pec.$13,000 and upwards). We wouldn't expect anything else from her, would we? But it's up to you whether you think the claws are genuine or fake!

As usual I find Kalea in the Communications Suite, working on her next blog post (she won't tell me what it's about, but it seems like something to look forward to). She greets me cheerfully and if recent events have taken any toll on her, it doesn't show. She looks better than ever! Her style is more subdued than you might expect, but it still screams quirky and individualistic in the way that only our favorite blogging Gamemaker can. Her bubblegum pink hair matches her eyes and her personality perfectly, and our sources say that she styles it herself! How cool is that? In a concession to the favored dark tones, she wears muted lipstick (BeautYOUfull, Mulberry Dreams, Pec.$10.00) and a black jumpsuit with adorable red highlights. Just by looking at her you know that this is a woman who means business but who doesn't mind having a little fun too! I predict that the stores of Platinum will be full of identical outfits within a week.

And do I have some strange news for you? You know I do! As I was leaving I caught sight of ex-Head Gamemaker and reformed former rebel Vibbius Cretore helping himself to a generous glass of Ambrosia in the Gamemakers' private relaxation room (you've got to snoop to get the scoops!). He refused to comment on his presence but agreed to give me the low-down on his outfit, which he claims to be one of his own designs! And if that's the case, then the fashion world has really missed out! Never one to do things by halves, he was wearing a shirt of soft, metallic plating detailed with genuine stainless steel and studs. He hinted that his inspiration, as with the Gamemakers, came from the battle of the rebellion and the need for strength in the months after it, words which I think will resonate with all you fabulous trend-setters out there reading this!

At this point I was asked to remove myself from the building, which swiftly put an end to my research. However, I did manage to grab some pictures from the final designs room (but don't tell Alithia!), so that you don't have to just take my word for it. Click on the External Link to see them! And you'll be hearing from me again soon!

Huge thankyous to Trend-Setter magazine for giving me a reason to go snooping. And remember, stay tuned, stay fashionable and stay fabulous, darlings!

~ Nox Lingualaca oxoxo