Titian Qin POV

Galba wasn't happy. Usually she let the Games sort themselves out, but something was in the air. Something was in the air before it was time to start planning the Games, though. As long as there was a ruler, there would be someone who resented her. As Head Gamemaker, I was an important figure in Panem politics. I was one of a few people privileged and trusted enough to know that District Thirteen wasn't destroyed, as most of Panem believed. They were decimated and buried, but their former status as Panem's weapon makers made them a big enough threat to forestall conflict. Usually, they kept to themselves and even drained us of a few undesirable reactionaries, but there had been a few incidents lately. A shipment of industrial supplies bound for Five had gone missing. A budding insurrection in Three had managed to obtain Peacekeeper rifles before we found them out and quashed them. Security in the Capitol was through the roof and it was rumored that Galba suspected Games staff of traitorous thoughts and activities. I knew better than anyone that the Games were politics, not entertainment. They were even more crucial this year.

As always, Galba got right to the point.

"You know that usually I allow the Victor to arise naturally. I give the people their bread and circuses and they pretend a few underdogs mean something," she said. "This year, I cannot afford that. We are in no danger yet, and I shall see to it that we never are. If these incidents continue, the Districts will think they are our equal. Each time they gain a new champion from the Games, it increases their confidence. This year, the Victor will be a Career," she said. My mind started running straight away. Plainly she wanted my ideas, and I had plenty. Hysperia had been working on a number of targeted Mutts. I especially liked the terminocanids, and I couldn't wait to see them in action. Otherwise, I could arrange any number of natural disasters. It would be an amusing intellectual puzzle to determine exactly how to procure the proper Victor.

Galba held up her hand before I even started. "I'm sure you have many ideas, but I already know the solution. It's time for another Resurrection Games. But this time, only the Careers."

I was blown away. It was blindingly simple and exquisitely perfect. It worked on so many levels. The outlying Districts would realize they wouldn't lose any children this year, and there would be no Reapings for them. The Career Districts, already so loyal, would praise Galba for this favoritism. At the same time, she would show mercy to them all as she brought their dead to life and spared their innocents. The Victor would be grateful and loyal and the others would be so appreciative of the respite they'd abandon their fleeting thoughts of unrest. A Capitol-selected Victor would bring the greatest unity and celebration Panem had seen in years. For the first time, even the outliers would cheer for a Career, bringing them into agreement with the Capitol. The Capitol's strength would be Panem's salvation. Galba's next words confirmed my thoughts.

"They will see that my benevolence is greatest when my dominance is strongest," she said. Only a composed smile showed her pride in her plan, and then she was back to business. "Naturally, this will change every aspect of the Games. Often, I try to rein in your flights of fancy, but this time I encourage you. I want a Games as luxurious and lush as the Capitol. Let your extravagance run wild."

Galba was discreetly amused with my enthusiasm. I often thought she liked having me around more than she'd admit to. She was so resolutely sedate. She enjoyed watching someone so effervescent and sometimes scatterbrained. She asked me for a colorful show, and there was nothing I could do better.

It's ALL STARS TIME! But this time, Careers only. There will be blood. More information in the next chapter.