Minos Siciliano, Head Gamemaker

Brilliantly bright lights filled and illuminated the stage as the voracious audience rumbled with applause; the indoor amphitheater was packed to the brim. This event is one of the most anticipated interviews of the year. Avid Hunger Games fans - which is just about every self-respecting Capitolite - picked apart every detail of the Head Gamemaker's answers to see if they could find out what to expect from this year's Games. I, however, am a professional, and I've already been here four times. No leaks or spoilers would be obtained from my lips. I haven't worked this hard just for the surprises to be ruined.

That was one of my predecessor's many follies. It was a national scandal when Lucia Morris leaked the arena plans in the interview last year. No one should've been surprised though; she wasn't made for the spotlight. Lucia was only good as Seneca Crane's assistant. "Get a cannon ready, Lucia." "Prepare the mutts, Lucia." Following directions was her greatest asset. However, once her boss...lost...his job, and then Plutarch Heavensbee disgraced the position even more, she got the position just from having the most experience working in the room. It only took Lucia three years for people to figure out she didn't know how to lead a team, much less the most expensive sporting event in human history.

For me, however, the saddest thing is that she got interviews with the great Caesar Flickerman. He wasn't called the "Master of Ceremonies" for nothing. His interviews launched careers higher than anyone could have dreamed...and I dreamed big. Caesar and I sharing the stage would have been glorious. The best gamemaker in decades and the greatest showman in all of Panem...not a single soul, not even the wretches in District 12, would've been able to turn away from the TV.

But alas, Flickerman had to retire just two years before my ascension. Nevertheless, Claudius Templesmith is nothing to sneeze at. He's commanded the spotlight with grace and professionalism valiantly. Politicians, celebrities, gamemakers, tributes, and victors...he's changed all of their lives with just his show. It's an important lesson in Panem...fame, appearances, prestige: they can be everything.

"Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, it is a good night indeed!" Claudius' booming voice filled the complex. The rapturous applause swiftly died down to a low rumble as everyone craned to hear what was next.

"You all know I am very pleased to have you here this evening!" Templesmith's voluminous curly hair bounced gently as he moved to center stage. His arms spread out slightly as he gazed over his subjects. He truly looked regal in his sparkly, caramel colored suit. It would certainly cost the average Capitolite at least a month's salary.

"But how rude of a host would I be if I didn't introduce my guest?" And just like that, the crowd was screaming once more. They knew what was next. The backstage crew didn't even need to cue me in.

I marched on stage confidently. I waved my hand to the adoring crowd, and tossed them a dazzling smile. They ate it up of course. Why wouldn't they? I'm the king of the Hunger Games. When those tributes are in the arena, I am their god. Their life is in my hands, and I have the power to take it away in an instant.

"Welcome, Mr. Minos Siciliano, welcome!" I met Claudius center stage and shook his hand firmly. "It's absolutely wonderful to be here, as always, Claudius." I said as we moved to sit on the plush chairs. It's perfect that he addressed me so formally while I greeted him like we're old friends. It makes me look like the stronger one, the alpha male.

"Well I'm sure you've been as busy as ever, Minos." Claudius said.

I laughed politely as I chimed "Busy doesn't even begin to explain it, my friend. I've been doing everything in my power to make sure these Games tops last year!" I shot a lovely smile, as I turned to glance at the crowd. You have to make sure to include them as well.

Claudius chuckled subtly as he looked from me to the crowd and back. "That's certainly a high bar, isn't it, Minos?"

Yes, of course it's a high bar. All of my Games have been gargantuan successes, each one superior to the last. Last year, my rocky mountain inspired arena was overcome by a brute of a boy from District 12. His experience in the coal mines allowed him to expertly traverse the rugged landscape and use his strength to overcome his weary victims. Such motivation from an outlier district enthralled the Capitol. Cole Tacking remains a fan favorite.

"It most certainly is, Claudius, but I take my job very seriously. Our audience deserves only the finest of shows, and I'll be damned if I don't provide it. Not to mention it would be a disservice to the districts. They deserve a Capitol that properly exhibits its excellent power, so that they know they will always be safe under our rule."

Rhea Snow, President of Panem

As usual, I was impressed with Minos as I watched his interview on our large holographic screen. He's an arrogant son of a bitch, but he at least knows how to work a crowd. Not to mention his message to the districts, especially those outliers, was clear: The Capitol is all powerful. Do not resist, and you will live.

"It's only his fifth year as Head Gamemaker, and he's already made history. These games are bound to be great, aren't they, hun?" my husband, Tito, said from next to me on the sofa. He's a nice, handsome man, but he does better when he's quiet. I gave him a smile anyways.

"Yes, sweetie, very impressive indeed."

"Do you think he's a fake blonde?" my oldest daughter, Vesta, chimed in. Dear god, she should be preparing to become President after me, but all she's worried about is gossip and pop culture. Even though she's 21, she still acts like a child sometimes. Kids these days.

"I hardly think that matters, dear. What does matter is that, one, everything he said is what the districts need to hear, and two, he pleased me."

Vesta looked disinterested in my spiel, but I know she heard me. Although she's nowhere near ready, she does want to become President. Who wouldn't want that power?

"Yeah, especially considering what happened to the last three gamemakers."

That abhorrent comment came from my youngest, 19 year old Ceres. She's always had a bleeding heart, and I blame her grandfather for not stamping it out of her. She was one of the few who were ever on the receiving end of my father's kindness. But she got extra heapings of it though, being the youngest granddaughter.

However, no amount of love can excuse her words. How dare she passingly mention the past three failures we called gamemakers? The ones who almost sent the country into ruin. Mentioning them isn't sinful in and of itself, but any amount of defiance or pity for their fate is traitorous. While many would not have noticed it, I recognized the sorrow, the snark in my daughter's voice.

"Ceres Snow!" I held my hand up to stop Tito from saying anything else. It was time for a President, not a parent.

"Ceres."

She looked at me as defiantly as she could, but she couldn't hold that face for long.

"Why was Seneca Crane executed?"

She sighed before she answered. Oh, she was exasperated that we were going over this again? Try raising a spineless daughter, and see how exasperated you are then.

I held up my hand to stop her. "Tsk tsk, lose that tone young lady. I'll ask again, and I expect the respect I am due, this time. Why was Seneca Crane executed?"

Ceres tried to put on a brave face, but I knew she was hurting inside. Good. Hopefully she'll break so I can rebuild her into what she needs to be.

"He was executed because he allowed Katniss and Peeta to be an exception to Capitol rule."

"And why was Plutarch Heavensbee executed?"

"He was executed because he was a rebel sympathizer."

"And why was Lucia Morris executed?"

"She was executed because her Games failed to exhibit the true power of The Capitol."

"That's correct my dear. So if you know the answers to all of these monumentally important questions, why must we keep having this conversation?"

"I'm sorry, mother."

"No, Ceres, you will tell me why you insist on this insubordinate behavior."

I could tell she felt small right now. That's fine. If she wants to act like an emotional child, then the shoe fits. But my daughter is a Snow, and at the end of the day, we live up to that cold natured name. Ceres will become the person she's meant to be, one way or the other. It's just a shame she's chosen the harder path...even with all the privileges she's been afforded. It's just disrespectful, really.

Ceres' brown eyes gazed down in embarrassment. I snapped my fingers at her, demanding eye contact. She complied, of course. "I'm just being an immature child, President Mother. I apologize for my-"

"You have no excuse to act like an immature child. You're 19, an adult now. This sort of behavior might've been cute when you were twelve and walking around with that stupid braid in your hair, but those days are over. You're in college, studying to be one of the leaders of Panem. So act like it. You won't like the consequences otherwise."

Ceres was on the verge of tears, and I had to resist smiling in satisfaction. The more she breaks, the more I can rebuild her in my image. Just like our family did to this country.

Oh. My. GOSH! Y'all, I am so excited to be writing my first SYOT! Granted, it's not a full SYOT seeing as I'm only accepting 12-16 tributes, but I figured that would be the best thing to do just starting out. So, please, by all means, throw some submissions my way! Next chapter, which should be out very soon, will have the information for the blog. Yes, the blog will be ready by next chapter. My vision for the blog is to be a supplement to the story. I really want it to have lots of rich background information on all the characters. Not just the tributes, but the escorts, mentors, power players, etc. I'm so stoked to finish it up!

The submission form is on my profile of course, so hop on over there! What are you waiting for?! Anywho. XD Please leave a review. I welcome all kinds of feedback, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. :D

I hope I'm not forgetting anything...