The Hunger Games Channel

[CowMasterTrojan]

And now... Brought to you live via the capital, the one and only Caesar Flickman & Claudius Templesmith!!!

http://static.hypable.com/wp-content/gallery/catching-fire-high-res-stills/caesar-claudius-catching-fire-movie-9.jpg

"Hello Everyone. I'm Caesar Flickman, and this is my co-host Claudius Templesmith. Coming to you live with all the footage from the reaping ceremony from districts 1, all the way to 12."

“Ladies and gentlemen, let the 73rd Hunger Games begin!”


________________________________________________

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Alright, let's start off with district 1. It's always so nice to see such spirit from the career districts. "

DISTRICT 1

A crowd of 18 year olds fills the front rows of this mass of people. Among them are excited faces. With a little hushing, the announcer takes the stage. A name is read. Quickly a hand shoots up, just slightly faster than the others. "I Volunteer!"

Rushing to the front stage, the girl takes her place. Her pink hair stands out only slightly more than her smile for being first.

Then the man reads the boys name. This time no one rushes with an outburst. A strong and firm voice shouts out. "I Volunteer". Emerging from the side comes a strong looking blue eyes human, with a cold determination on his face.

When he joins you on stage, the Capital man takes a hand from each tribute and holds them up in the air. "Ladies and Gentleman, I give you your volunteer tributes for District 1" He proclaims loudly into the microphone.
The crowd responds with a strong applause.

________________________

"Two fine eighteen year old volunteers. Very nice"
"For district 1, we have Valora for female tribute..."
http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/pinkcandy/pinkcandy1207/pinkcandy120700047/14598920-confident-young-woman-with-pink-hair-on-a-blue-sky.jpg

"And Kaine for male Tribute."
http://www.e-farsas.com/wp-content/uploads/clarkkensmallville.jpg
__________________

DISTRICT 2

The crowd is gathered together, looking rather orderly. The excitement of the district is there, but not nearly as high as district 1. A muscular capital man, rather simple dressed, steps up to greet the crowd. Then he reads a name for the girls.

A muscular and attractive half elf raises a prepared hand. "I volunteer as tribute". The crowd clearly knew it was coming, and they give the girl room to make her way to stage. With a handshake the make greets her before returning to his duties.

He makes the motions, drawing the name from the bowl. No one really listens closely as he reads it. They all wait for the male volunteer to step forward. None does. And the crowd silence quickly turns to whispers. Shocked, the capital man repeats the name. "Corvis Igriden". And then a boy steps into the open. He couldn't be more than 15.

An odd look is on everyone on stage. The crowd begins to murmur before the announcer holds the tributes hands up in the air. "Ladies and Gentlemen. I give you the tributes for District 2." Quickly the two are rushed off stage.

___________________

"Wow. Can you believe that?"
Ceasar clears his throat, surprised as well. "Yes, can't say I have ever seen that happen before." Trying to brush it off, he moves one.
"Representing District 2 female for tribute is Kallistrate!"
http://1-media-cdn.foolz.us/ffuuka/board/tg/image/1349/58/1349587521935.jpg

"And the male tribute for district 2 is Corvis Igriden"
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs15/f/2007/015/b/4/Larp__Prince_by_Iardacil_stock.jpg

______________________________

DISTRICT 3

A cheery capital woman in a green suit greets the somber crowd. Taking the bowl, she carefully picks a paper out. Clearly believing this is a important task. "And the Girl Tribute for district 3 is.... Ralla Veer."
Within a moment, the peacekeepers come and collect a girl still in the crowd. Until they arrive it appears she wasn't even aware they called her name. After the has been escorted back to the stage, the woman steps up once more.

"And the Male tribute for district 3 is... Parison Smiley."
Once more the children begin to look around. A tall half in the back looks up, looks around, and realizes he was just called. As the peacekeepers escort him up you can see his shirt hangs loosely off his mossy green skin despite his size, and his hard-bitten face begins to turn purple.

Taking their hands, the woman congratulates both of them. "I give you your District 3 Tributes." A quite crowd looks upon them with sadness and relief.

________________________

The two announcers nod, still haven been shaken up from district 2.

"And the female tribute for District 3 is ... Ralla Veer!"

http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/7200000/hermione-hermione-granger-7293174-1794-2200.jpg

"And the male Tribute for district 3 is... Parison Smiley!"
http://www.monkeyinthecage.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Half-Orc-Bro-300x300.jpg

DISTRICT 4

Just finishing the treaty of treason is a tall elf with long blonde hair in a garish golden suit and dark, kohl-like shapes patterned around his eyes. He has a smile plastered across his face. "... May the odds be ever in your favour. Gentlemen first.”
Digging a name out, he calls it happily.
“Enale Deakin! Enale, come on up!”
A masked boy calls out "I Volunteer"
The crowd seems slightly stunned, and there is ample time for the boy to walk to the stage.
The elf smiles and goes back to his duty “Maura Kyss!”
"I Volunteer" comes the call of a girl in the back.
She makes the way up calmly, and no one seems particularly surprised by her volunteering. The elf congratulates them both while asking their names.
“Yes. Very well done. Pyrom and Ponine everyone.”

_______________________________

"Oh my?! He did the ceremony backwards. How dreadful."

"Hmmm? Ah yes. Looks like he won't have a job next year." Ceasar jokes.
"And so the District 4 female Volunteer is Ponine"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v723/rcgothic/girl_by_cvet04ek-d3k1w4w_zps11d73aa5.png

"And this mysterious male Volunteer is called... Pyrom!"
http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/033/e/1/____masked_man_____by_naruto_gomes-d4of8ua.png

___________________________

DISTRICT 5

On stage is a beautifully makeup-ed woman. She had an almost literal beehive on her head, Bees pinned on to look like they are flying about. She then spoke out, with a nasally and droning voice.
"Terry Kell!" The name for the female is called out. Before many had time to register who's name had been called out, a confident and leveled girl with black hair calls out "I Volunteer as tribute!"

She lowered one meticulously manicured hand into the Male's fishbowl filled with slips of papers. She drew it out and announced "Kaidan Reece." Wails erupted from the family of the 13 year old boy, but soon after, as Isadora expected, Patyr called boldly out "I Volunteer!"

"Two Volunteers! Let's all give a big hand to District 5's Volunteers! The 73rd Annual Hunger Games Tributes from District 5."

__________________

"Oh, you're going to love this folks. Not only was that two volunteers from district 5... THEY WERE BROTHER AND SISTER!!!" Ceasar squeals with delight.
"Ah yes. I think it's safe to say there's going to be a alliance there!"
"Right you are..."


"So for the district 5 Female Representative... Isadora!"

Pretend this is black hairhttp://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/frozen-still-1.jpg

"And for the District 5 Male tribute... Patyr!"
http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac124/Suuns/062207b.jpg

________________________

DISTRICT 6

The Capitol man on stage is smiling too bright, hair spiked out like a crown of thorns. His suit shimmers and shifts in color as he moves, silver and pink and green and sparkling. He makes small talk and laughs, alone, high and thin. No one laughs with him.

"Ladies first. Your feminine representative is... Liss O'Malley!"
Quickly the peacekeepers come and collect a girl in the crowd. It is a halfling, dimple cheeked with red curls for hair. The crowd quietly parts for the girl. As she reaches the stage, the man quickly moves on to the next name.
"And now for the male tribute" With care, he reaches into the giant bowl and draws out another card. "Ogden Novus".
A dirty dwarven boy, red haired with a small stubble of a beard eventually is separated from the crowd. He looks scared, and the peacekeepers walk him to the stage.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the 73rd annual Tributes from District 6!"

_______________

"Oh my, a halfling and a dwarf...."
"Yes... you could say District 6 came up... a little short this year" Ceasar laughs.

"And so the District 6 Female tribute is Liss O'Malley!"
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTj0_v3MZJHyHPO0blS1uIGM54YlVCrs K0sBl3VwSnUINJPlxBz
"And the District 6 male tribute is Ogden Novus!"
http://gratianads90.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/kili-only-image-torso-shotoct1311ranet.jpg

[CowMasterTrojan]

DISTRICT 7

A capital woman dressed in purple stands atop the stage. With a few greetings, she then quickly moves on to the reaping. "And the female tribute is Lelaine Varra." A half-elf girl is quickly separated out. Ffifteen or so in age, she looks like a cornered animal with no clue what to do. Confused, the peacekeepers drag her onto the stage.

"And next up is... Odath Fergusson." Looking around, there is no immediate response. Then a dazed looking half-elf is singled out. Muscular, yet lean in appearance, he looks as confused as the girl. "Odath Fergusson. There he is... He seems a bit dazed, someone help him up to the stage."

"Please everyone, show some respect for the tributes for District 7!"
A dry and empty series of claps fills the crowd before the two are taken off.

________________________-

Claudius nods as if he had just said something, a smile on his face.
"And the District 7 Female tribute is... Lelaine Varra."
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTq58gBHE-UPVN2p3Y_N9qZvljhg6G0cdS6d4SYSZO7chf97cvETw

"And the male representative is going to be... Odath Fergusson"
http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/159/0/4/half_elf_by_azzedar_san-d3iewu5.png

__________________________--

DISTRICT 8

A lime dressed woman, with pale skin stands on the stage. The cameras already having cut out her physically drawing the name.
“Peony Trisone”
The typical silence fall over the crowd, and an older girl begins to walk up to the stage. Before she reaches, a skinny a tiny half starved looking young woman calls out. “I volunteer” she shouts with wild darting eyes. Her long white hair is matted from neglect.
"Oh my. A volunteer! Everyone give a warm round of applause to our volunteer!" The capital woman says. However the crowd stays silent, slightly shocked.

"Alright, and our male tribute for district 8 is... Durass Teilip"
Once more the crowd begins to look around. A moment later a older boy in the middle gives out a cry "SON OF BITCH!!!!!!". Pushing aside others, he accepts his fate and makes his way to the peacekeepers. His hair is shaved, his dress is non-formal, and his arms appear to be heavily tattooed.
"Language young man" The capital woman says. The boy looks at the peacekeepers with a quick glance before deciding to stay silent.

"Alright. Congratulations to the tributes from District 8."

______________________________

"Oh my. A volunteer from district 8, and a colorful character as well."
"Yes... colorful all over apparently."

"Well there you have it, the VOLUNTEER for district 8's female spot is... CASS!!!"
http://data2.whicdn.com/images/31371558/2011-10-18-16-44-44-5-li-bingbing-in-the-forbidden-kingdom_thumb.jpeg

"And the male tribute is going to be... Durass Teilip!"
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ldsko34uY91qf4wbfo1_500.jpg


________________________

DISTRICT 9

A hushed crowd stands quietly as a woman in pink slowly climbs the stage. Her friendly greeting is wasted on the crowd, as the peacekeepers spread about seem to make a thick air in the area. Digging into the bowl, she calls out "Alright... And the first tribute for District 9 is.... Samantha Sickle!"
The quiet crowd begins to look about, but it doesn't take long. A elven girl in the middle drops to her knees crying and sobbing. The drama of the scene is amplified shortly as the peacekeepers descend upon her. Picking her up by her arms, they literally drag her from her spot and down the aisle. Half way to the stage, a elven woman holding a young girl begins screaming at the back of the mass. The little girl, also elven, jumps out of her arms and past the peacekeepers screaming "Mommy!". This of course works up the fresh tribute, who begins kicking and screaming. The peacekeepers react quickly however, and the little girl is grabbed. The female tribute, smacked with a baton. Finally she reaches the stage, her head bloodied and her face daze.

Clearing her throat, the capital woman in pink clears her throat and for a moment looks like a deer caught in headlights. Then she remembers where she is, and heads over to the male bowl. Trying to be quick, she grabs one and calls out "Zehir Elbasik"

The camera pans around, and eventually it finds a human boy about full age. A shaved head, and goggles on his forehead, he plays with a knife in his hand for several seconds. Looking up, it's clear he hasn't heard his name. But his mind registers whats going on. He puts the small knife away and makes his way to the aisle, where peacekeepers escort him to the stage.

Shaking his hand, the woman calls out "Ladies and Gentlemen, your tributes for District 9"

________________________

"Well, quite the drama from district 9 this year." Claudius ponders aloud.
"Yes... I have it in front of me that the little girl belongs to the female tribute. A young mother apparently. "
"Wonderful reasons to be more careful..."
"I'm not touching that one" Caesar chuckles.

"And so our Female Tribute for District 9 is.... Sickle. Or that's what they're calling her."
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d45/Jadefox88/Elf-1-1-1.jpg

"And the Male from District 9 is a medicinal boy by the name Zehir Elbask!"
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/wennpic/wenn380158.jpg

[CowMasterTrojan]

District 10

A fat balding man in a green suit stands on stage, finishing up a speech of the capitals love. With barely a breath, he rolls into his next sentence. "And now it's time to draw for your districts participants..."
Carefully he walks over to a basket, digger a paper from the middle of the pile and removing it. "The first tribute for District 10 will be... Miss Kaitlyn Pierce!"

In the crowd a human girl with blonde hair shrinks to her knees, and she can be easily spotted as the girls around her step back so not to impede peacekeepers. Peacekeepers move upon her like vultures on a carcass, grabbing her arms and hoisting her up. The look on her face says that she barely processing what's going on, the shock having over whelmed her. The capital man of course congratulates her, shaking her hand quickly before moving back to the microphone.

With a quick draw from the top, he calls out "And the male Tribute for District 10 will be... Coten Slohnn" Once more the tribute from 10 freezes in place. Peacekeepers are more prepared this time, and escort him up to the stage. He says nothing, looking into the eyes of his neighbors as he pass.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Your tributes for District 10" The man calls out. Within seconds, both tributes are escorted off stage.

_______________________

Claudius begins to chuckle. Trying to resist, Caesar looks at him and finally gives in.
"What's so funny?"
"Well district 10 is known for it's livestock..."
With a nod, Caesar says "Yes, of course..."
"Well you could say those Tributes were... herded rather well."
"... yes, quite!"

"And so our female Tribute for District 10 shall be.... Kaitlyn Pierce"
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Jan3.png

"And the District 10 Male is... Coten Slohnn"
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDkuCypqDwM/TZllPZY4xxI/AAAAAAAAANk/uHcWxiIIVAI/s640/half_elf_druid.jpg

__________________________

District 11

As per the normal, District 11 is shown with a passing glance. The largest of the districts, the crowd is huge with people. They chatter nervously until the capital representative on stage calls for a silence.

"Karen Ward!"
A girl near the back is quickly spotted by the camera. She remains stationary, unable to find the mental strength to move. And so peacekeepers begin to move towards her, just as family moves towards her as well. A young girl jumps into her arms, most likely a younger sister. They comfort her for only a moment before the peacekeepers arrive, and separate them. She is escorted to the stage with little trouble.

"Rythos Chaim"
This time a older boy, eighteen in age, steps forward and makes his way to the stage before the peacekeepers can even reach him. As he climbs the stage, he meets the gaze of the female tribute and stumbles. Helping him up, the representative congratulates him. A silence is all he is greeted with as the boy says nothing.
"Rythos & Karen, your tributes District 11!"

______________

"Well, those two certainly look like the fit types."
"Yes, but the male looks a little quiet."
"Apparently he's mute."
"Why so sad Caesar?"
"Ever tried to do a interview with a mute? It's going to be a challenge."
"Well if anyone can, it will be you!"

"And so we have Karen Ward, Tribute of District 11"
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6951/333bk.jpg

"And the very intimidating looking Rythos Chaim. Male Tribute."
http://0-media-cdn.foolz.us/ffuuka/board/tg/image/1347/85/1347850087563.jpg

_______________________________

District 12

The screen cuts to Evie Parr, dressed in a bright yellow outfit. Cheerful she speaks to a grim and quiet crowd.
"And now the time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman for the honor of representing district 12 in the 73rd annual hunger games.... As always, Ladies first!"
Slowly the capital woman walks over to the big jar, carefully reaching her hand inside and slowly picking a slip.
"Tess Underburg"
The camera cuts to the crowd, where a young girl is quickly found. Tess appears to be Human, about 14 or 15, with long dark hair. Tears have filled her eyes, and they stream down her face as the peacekeepers approach. Yet the girl manages to stay composed, and walks to the stage with the peacekeepers. Wiping her eyes, she then shakes Evie's hand. "A big applause for our female tribute. Next up, the boy's turn"
Once more she dives her hand into a big jar, carefully selecting one.

"Cy Terrance!" She proclaims. The response is quick and pronounced. A young boy, almost certainly 12, screams at the top of his lungs. "NO!!!"
Turning, the boy tries his best to push his way through the crowd and away from the stage. Shocked boys from around him offer little resistance, but the peacekeepers are ready. Not the first to run, Cy gets only 20 feet from the grouping before he is tackled by a peacekeeper. He is dragged to the stage.

Evie is clearly embarrassed, and clears he throats with a uncomfortable smile. "Well there we go. Everyone give a warm applause for district 12's two Tributes!" The crowd of course makes no sound, watching two young children being forced off to die their demise.

___________________

At this point, Caesar seems to be distracted by something on a paper and hasn't realized it cut back to them. Claudius smiles and quickly takes the initiative.

"So there you have it, the female Tribute for District 12. Tess"
http://img2.timeinc.net/instyle/images/2010/gallery/110910-Hermione-1-400.jpg

"And the Male Tribute, Cy!"
http://fruitcakemovie.com/images/Zac-400x400.png

"Did you just steal my lines Claudius?"
"You snooze, you lose my friend."
"I'll remember to tell you that when we get lunch."

"Well folks, there you have it. The 24 tributes for the 73rd annual Hunger games. It has officially started. I'm giddy with excitement already."

[SamBurke]

"You know, Caesar?"
Flickerman doesn't break eye contact from the unseen masses in the districts, maintaining perfect grin and raised features. "What, Claudius?"
"I think we've missed my favorite part of the Reapings, this year. Perhaps we could put it here, late as it is?"
"Ohhh! I'm so sorry for you, Claud. Whadja miss... forget to record the banter this year?"
"I'm not quite that vain, you know!" The short man looked almost flustered. Apparently, Caesar'd just gone off-script.
"You aren't? That's new. Is your favorite part of the reapings the beginning of self-discovery?"
Now, they were back were they were supposed to be, and Claudius could do a pose as they readied the 3-D behind him. "Oh, no, Caesar! My favorite part is the mid-Reaping RePlay!"
"Ah! The replay!" Said Flickerman, with a hint of happy nostalgia.
On the screen behind him flashed the segment's beginning logo:

The 73rd Hunger Games:
Reaping Ceremony
Mid-Reaping RePlay!

It bounced on screen for a second, as if the animators themselves were jubliant about the miniscule watching of every moment of every tribute's face. They played an old loop, with the voices of Templesmith and Flickerman from at least twenty years ago, keyed up on the excitement of being first year commentators.
"Time for Analysis!" "And investigation!" "Detective work!" "And the finest early speculation of the HUNNNNNNNNNNGER GAAAAAAAMES!"

"Oh, my voice!" Claudius said, hand to his chest in utter shame. "I sounded like I was from the districts! No voicebox at all."
"Ah, it takes me back. Remember all our great games since then, Claud?"
"All of 'em, Caesar. But let's not get teary-eyed with nostalgia, because the Districts this year have given us a real treat! Let's get into it."


Actual commentary coming soon.

[SamBurke]

District 1
"Ah, right into it indeed! Where else to start but..."
"District ONE!" Claudius bounces a little in his seat. "To remind our viewers, the districts are divided by their task, and District One is that fabulous place where we get all our luxury goods."
Flickerman holds up two hands full of rings, flashes a smile with perfect teeth, and dips his head so the audience can see his perfect toupee. "Oh, yes, Claudius! I think we here at the capitol have a soft spot in our hearts for the people of District One. But the two Tributes probably haven't had the chance to make any of this finery, right?"
"Of course not!" Claudius yells."These two have too much self-respect to deal with your clothes."
"Oh? They are a very fine pair, two well-prepared eighteen-year old Career tributes. Valora and Kaine have been training their entire lives for this chance!"
"True, true... but you know how I know they haven't dealt with your wardrobe?"
Caesar's face flickered for a second. "How, Claudius?"
"Because they're still sane!" Templesmith laughed and laughed about that one, and a second later, Flickerman joined in.
"Oh! Oh! You got me there! But I do think we need to move on to the first of several controversies this year, don't you, Claud?"

District 2
Templesmith nodded. "Yes! The first tribute, Kallistrate, is gonna be a strong contender. She's got the size, she's got the skills, the looks, the charisma..."
Caesar laughed, leaned in, and interrupted. "Picking favorites already? Or are you just getting in before she wins, to get on her good side for next year?"
"Just what are you implying there, Caesar? Though... He scratched his second (or third?) chin, with a wry smile. "She does seem pretty memorable, if you know what I mean."
"I do! Because that's exactly the second half of District 2! One of the most memorable moments in years, folks. Kallistrate got her hand up in the air fast, but, look at this footage!"
The screen cuts to a replay, and there's a silence after the Escort announces that it's time for the males.
"Not a one..." murmurs Templesmith.
The camera sweeps across the crowd, and it's evident that the cameramen are looking hard for a single hand raised in the air, anything. The people in the crowd shift awkwardly, and a few closeups on the male Career tributes show that they're looking away. "What could have spooked them, I wonder? They're the fighting hope of all Panem! Warriors and weapons-men, all. Yet no volunteers."
"Tell me, Caesar, how long it's been since there wasn't a tribute in District 2?"
"Ohhhhhhh!" He leans way back in his chair, as if having to mentally search for it. Then, of course, right on cue, the research pops on screen with a fancy graphic to go along. Flickerman does a voice-over to explain it, even though the opaque blue is pretty dumbed down already.
"So, I've never seen it, hasn't been seen at all. There's been a few studies done on the time until a hand was raised, but the longest that's been..."
"Caesar?" Claudius tries to interject.
"Oh, the longest time here..." There's a sound effect of shuffling papers, before Caesar finds what he needs.
"Uh..."
"Yes! Longest time is about eight and a half seconds, with average of...
"Caesar! Stop being a nerd!" Claudius finally pushes the Replay back on track. "You are right, though. It's been 42 years since District 2 had to use the bowl, and that's astonishing."
Flickerman recovers his "composure" after the insult rather quickly, and swings back into things. "I wonder what it means? I wonder what happened? But, you know, there's only one way to find out!"
Templesmith sighs, rolling both chubby hands through his massive curls. "Have I ever told you how much I envy you those interviews?"
"Only every year."
"That ofte--"
"Eight times. On average."
A laugh track is played, and both the hosts crack up, grinning at each other like small schoolboys. They do enjoy their jobs.
"But you're right! The interviews will bring it all out... perhaps Kallistra will have some choice words about the men she knows. She certainly looks like the feisty type!"
"You mean my type, don't you, Caesar?"
"You are a strange fellow. Strange indeed."

The tape cuts for a bit, as they take a break. Writing all that dialogue and getting it churned out only thirty minutes after the halfway point of the reapings is pretty tough work, though it's entirely behind the scenes. There'll be at least five minutes of re-run commentary from previous years until Claudius and Caesar finish their work on the first half.

[SamBurke]

District 3
"Now, for one of the gifted non-Career districts!"
"Ah, yes, Claud, District THREE! It always supplies the most... interesting tributes."
"Say, have you been visiting there recently?" The setup for Templesmith's joke was too obvious, and Caesar pounced.
"No, but I bet you have. There's no other explanation for all those crazy children!" He threw out the scandalous joke with his usual smile, and smouldered at the camera.
"Ugh! Right ahead of me..." Claudius groaned sadly. "Did you peak at my script, or what?"
"Oh, who needs scripts, Claud? When you've been at it as long as I have, you just know the game! And I think there's someone else who knows the game... look at that half-orc!"
Claudius nods, pulling up the replay of Parison Smiley's Reaping. "Ooof! I'd hate to meet that in a dark alleyway!" Caesar laughs, as the computer runs some "calculations" on his strength, though it's clear it's an overestimation.
"Don't you mean a dark Game Arena, Caesar?" Templesmith throws in a jibe.
"Of course, of course... I think this year's competition is shaping up to be pretty tough. What I can't wait is to check at the end on..." He leaves the sentence hanging, as a test for Templesmith.
"How many of the Gifted we have this year?" He says, glancing down at his script for a clue.
"Oh yes! The magic looks like it'll be running almost as strong as the muscles this year... and speaking of magic, there was a district this year that messed up the magic."

District 4
"Ohhhhhhhhhhhh yes." Claudius can only nod feverishly, and flash his hands across his keyboard to bring up the showing.
"Huh... that's Isidorus! I recognize him from somewhere..."
"I don't know where, exactly. This is his first year as an Escort, and it shows... d'you think they'll take his job for this?"
Caesar waggles his head, trying to field the question with his usual confidence. "I just don't know, Claud. I mean, he messed up pretty huge... There'll be a scandal on the covers of Capital and Metropolis tonight, to be sure, and it may just be him. Besides..." He does a little screen-pulling of his own, and up pops a picture.

A hilariously bad picture. Isidorus, mid-reaping, is making a grotesque face, contorted into a dozen different directions, perhaps as he's trying to pick out the face of the volunteer for Enale.


"OOoooooh! Oooooooh! Nobody's going back after that!" Claudius is just groaning, while even Caesar can't keep from laughing.
"Kudos to the intrepid cameraman who dived through thirty hours of footage frame by frame..."
Claudius comes up from his groaning for a quick one-liner, "And may he... someday... find an actual life."
Both of them laugh. "Unless he's from a District, Claud..." THe studio halts for a second, and you can almost hear the crickets chirping.
"In that case, being a nerd is all he can hope for!" The save brings the audience to their knees, and the commentary on actual tributes is brought to a slow as well.
"Alright! Alright!" Chokes Caesar, waving his hands to bring the audience down. "Let's look at the two tributes. How 'bout that Ponine, Claud? She do anything for ya?"
Claud waggles his head, then stops to think. His two (three?) chins keep going for a second, giving the odd impression that he's smuggling something in fake skin pouches. Those things are HEAVY, regardless. "Oh, she's not bad... too skinny, though. She won't be bad at all, though. I expect she can make some sponsors very happy." He grinned devilishly.
"Oh, but what do you feel about this Pyrom? The mask... the mask!"
"Is that even legal?" Templesmith asks.
Caesar and Claudius both grin at the exact some moment, and throw themselves forward in their seats, looking toward the camera.
"Time for a Ruuuuuuuuuullllllllllllle Chhhhhhhhhhheckkkkkkk!""Time for a Ruuuuuuuuuullllllllllllle Chhhhhhhhhhheckkkkkkk!" they say in unison, as the light blue lettters flash on the screen, looking all official.

Rules Check
"Alright, so!" Claud takes the lead, as he's a good few years older, "What we know is that each Tribute is allowed to take no weapons or advantage-giving items into the arena. Remember Slice, two years ago?"
"Who can remember a girl with that sneer, Templesmith? I assume, though, that you're not looking at the girl's face for once?"
"Guilty as charged, Caesar! I was looking at the secret poison in her ring! The ring was her Token, but it was taken away after they found that it gave her a distinct combat advantage. Oldest trick in the District 1 book, that's why they started checking the Tokens in the first place! Poisoned ring..."
"Nearly got disqualified, right?" Caesar asked.
"Quite! Not that it mattered... she died pretty fast, and pretty... sadly, I must say." He wasn't exactly sad, because he was snickering, and typing into his keyboard.
"Sensitive eyes may want to look away..." Flickerman's face is somewhat non-plussed at Claudius' glee, because he knows exactly the clip his cohost is about to pull up.
"This was, I think, my favorite moment from that games. We had just the right angles for those cameras --props to a first year Seneca Crane-- and caught this beauty." He grins from ear to flabby ear, as the screen fades to a sandy Cornucopia scene from the 71st games.

A number of Tributes are racing forward, fighting, dying, when suddenly, everything goes into slow motion. "Slo-mo! He does slo-mo!" orgasms Claudius as voice over.
"Calm yourself...." Caesar mutters, just loud enough for the audience's benefit. Then comes Slice, a District 1 Career, eyes fierce and carrying sword and shield, ready for any threat.

But behind her is the real danger: a smaller boy from 4 is coming up, carrying a trident, and the scene switches to follow from his point of view. Suddenly, he stabs her... in the rear.

The screen fades, and Claudius groans. "I think you can just describe the rest, right?" Caesar hints.

"Long story short, she gets stabbed in the butt..." another banal snicker from Templesmith, "And it turns out to be poisoned, just like her ring. Some sort of irony, right there... That's why I love Seneca Crane." He sighs.
"Gosh. Pull yourself together, Claud. We haven't even come to the Rule Check Ruling yet!"
Templesmith coughs and sits up straighter. "Right! Right! D'you wanna do it?"
Caesar nods sagely, and starts the drumroll. "So... if the mask is chosen as his Token, and it turns out to not be dangerous in any way... I would say.... YES!"


YES!
It parades across the screen, in a very final tone.

"Now, just one more set of districts before this Mid-Reaping Replay is..." He sniffles for a second, wiping his eye over-dramatically.
"Over...?" Prompts Caesar with a massive crooked smile. He's clearly relishing the tease.
"Yes! Overrrrrrr!" Moans Claudius as they move on to District 5.

[CowMasterTrojan]

The Parade


District 1

District 1 has both Tributes standing tall, looking into the eyes of the crowd as they proudly ride past.

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1mi5wy3uX1qcy5wso1_1280.jpg

District 2

The female from district 2 stands tall and confident, just as the careers from district 1. However the male seems a bit intimidated by all the people.

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1oeswKqXA1qcy5wso1_500.jpg

District 3
http://th08.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2013/064/b/9/tribute_parade_outfit__d3_by_bigred194-d5x0567.png

District 4

The two tributes stand tall and proud, with the male oddly covering his face. The female holds a golden trident, and waves enthusiastically to the crowd. Just before reaching the roundabout, the male drinks a potion and suddenly takes on the appearance of being bigger and stronger.
http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2012/159/a/0/tribute_parade__district_7__conway_by_toastytoasti e-d52si4d.jpg
And His mask
http://www.puppetmuseum.com/FREECOLL/WORKSHOP/P7250008a.jpg

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/158/6/c/tribute_parade__district_4__ferryn_by_joceydraws-d52ogpq.jpg


District 5

The two tributes hold their heads proudly. They know their stylist had seen a vision of glory for them, and trusted in their joint design. Each wear a suit with glowing lines running down it, Red on the male, and Purple on the female. As the parade begin, with smiles on their faces, they clasped their left hands in each others and raised them above their heads. The lines of energy began to pulse outwards from this unified point, and just as they reached the roundabout, both tributes extend their hands. Above each extended hand floated an orb of pure energy, tinged with respective to their suit's color. They hold the orbs high, lifting them equal to their still clasped hands, and then, just as they left the roundabout near the president, when all the cameras are on them, they brake apart their hands. With stunning swiftness, the orbs wink out of existence, their glow disappearing when they separate.

http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/115/5/f/my_new_tron_suit_design_by_xelku9-d4xj8bc.jpg

District 6

Riding on boxes, the halfling Tribute and the Dwarf Tribute do their best to hold onto the chariot. The female seems to be struggling to balance in the tall heels she's been dressed in. The male seems slightly dazed by what's going on currently. Yet they manage to stay upright and holding onto the chariot, a mild smile on their face.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5f49fp3bf1qcy5wso1_500.jpg

District 7

The two half-elves from District 7 look uncomfortable, dressed in plants and bushes. Yet they both stand tall, trying to look confident of themselves as they wave to the crowd. Mid-ride the female's dress gets caught in the wind, and pulls back streaming freely behind her. Failing to fix it, she does her best to tolerate it and make it look deliberate. Yet a small amount of tears show on her face from embarrassment.
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSonWNiCKdce1f_gUZFgu2fehJtW-tuX5gJzg7DYRKSX8U4CSD0Ng

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080602201434/forgottenrealms/images/d/d0/Wild_elves.png


District 8
The two tributes stand stern in their elegant, yet tight outfits. After the chariots take off, the female grabs the male Tribute's hand. The male takes her hand, holding it united above their heads and shortly thereafter begins howling the glory of District 8. The female accepts this, standing with blank smile looking confident, almost as if her mind was somewhere else.

http://s30.postimg.org/mejim4jg1/Cass_s_Dress_copy.jpgPretend the male has something similar in garb. I couldn't find a similar picture.

District 9

The two tributes from district 9 look very uncomfortable in their garb. They stand and smile, but spend most of the ride trying to keep their genitals from showing.
http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/236x/c1/3b/e5/c13be59b9136a4ad9abbb3ad073d8ec1.jpg

District 10

Forcing a smile to her face, the female looks about the crowd as the chariots begin to move. The male seems fairly unnerved, until she turns and whispers to him. He stands up straight and forces a smile on his face. Seeing that he followed her advice, the girl forces what she hoped was a cheerful grin as she looks out into the stands while waving as she does so.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxx6xwe41T1qcy5wso1_500.jpg

District 11
The two tributes stand and wave to the crowd, but neither remembers to smile.
http://th02.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2013/065/5/1/d11_chariot_fashion_by_that_little_bird-d5x6gcf.jpg

District 12
The two children from 12, clearly the youngest of the 24, look frightened beyond all belief. The practically shrink below the chariot, and fail to wave or smile. Tears pour down the girls eyes and back into her air. Meanwhile the boy shivers from not being allowed to wear a shirt.
http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5vzr9QBSZ1qcy5wso1_500.jpg

[CowMasterTrojan]

The channel has been playing for the last two hours. The entire time Caesar sits behind a desk, playing clips of all the tributes from their reapings, their brief leave of the train, and of course the parade. A man with little information, he speculates on every tiny fact. It makes the time crawl by. Finally he jumps with excitement.
"Well folks, it appears our eager await is over. The judges have quickly put together the scores, and as always I have them first! Here they are;

"Starting off strong for district 1 is Kaine, who appears to be quite competent. I say this because he earned a... 11! "
http://www.e-farsas.com/wp-content/uploads/clarkkensmallville.jpg

"Next we have Valora ... with a 8"
http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/pinkcandy/pinkcandy1207/pinkcandy120700047/14598920-confident-young-woman-with-pink-hair-on-a-blue-sky.jpg


"Coming in for district 2, the first non-volunteer in decades, is Corvis with a.... 7"
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs15/f/2007/015/b/4/Larp__Prince_by_Iardacil_stock.jpg

"And District 2's pride, Kallistrate, with a... 9"
http://1-media-cdn.foolz.us/ffuuka/board/tg/image/1349/58/1349587521935.jpg


"For district 3, Parison, with a... 7."
http://www.monkeyinthecage.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Half-Orc-Bro-300x300.jpg


"Oh no! Our lowest score yet. Ralla with a... 5."

http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/7200000/hermione-hermione-granger-7293174-1794-2200.jpg

"District 4's masked Tribut, Pyrom, earned a... 8"
http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/033/e/1/____masked_man_____by_naruto_gomes-d4of8ua.png

"And Ponine with a... 9"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v723/rcgothic/girl_by_cvet04ek-d3k1w4w_zps11d73aa5.png


"And for District 5 the male tribute, Patyr, earned a... 9!"
http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac124/Suuns/062207b.jpg


"Meanwhile his counter part, Isadora, earned a X!"

Pretend this is black hairhttp://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/frozen-still-1.jpg

"From District 6, Ogden receives a 8!"
http://gratianads90.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/kili-only-image-torso-shotoct1311ranet.jpg


"And the short but deadly Liss has achieved a big score of a 9!"
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTj0_v3MZJHyHPO0blS1uIGM54YlVCrs K0sBl3VwSnUINJPlxBz

"And the very angry looking male from District 7, Odath, with a 9"
http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/159/0/4/half_elf_by_azzedar_san-d3iewu5.png

"And another impressive female tribute, Lelaine, with a 10!"
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTq58gBHE-UPVN2p3Y_N9qZvljhg6G0cdS6d4SYSZO7chf97cvETw

"Durass, from district 8, earned a 12!"
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ldsko34uY91qf4wbfo1_500.jpg

"And the mysterious Cass with a 8!!!"
http://data2.whicdn.com/images/31371558/2011-10-18-16-44-44-5-li-bingbing-in-the-forbidden-kingdom_thumb.jpeg

"District 9's Zehir earned a 6!"
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/wennpic/wenn380158.jpg


"And next the single mother, Sickle, earned a 7!"
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d45/Jadefox88/Elf-1-1-1.jpg


"And the District 10 Male, Coten, earned a 9.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDkuCypqDwM/TZllPZY4xxI/AAAAAAAAANk/uHcWxiIIVAI/s640/half_elf_druid.jpg

"Next is the lovely Kaitlyn with... another 9."
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Jan3.png


"The mute tribute from district 11, Rythos, earned a 8."
http://0-media-cdn.foolz.us/ffuuka/board/tg/image/1347/85/1347850087563.jpg


"Karen manages a... 7"
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6951/333bk.jpg

"Finally the tributes from Distict 12. Cy with a 5!"
http://fruitcakemovie.com/images/Zac-400x400.png

"And last, and also apparently least, Tess with a 3! Ouch!"
http://img2.timeinc.net/instyle/images/2010/gallery/110910-Hermione-1-400.jpg

[CowMasterTrojan]

The lights go up on the stage, and all is quiet, when the backdrop explodes in a cacophony of flashes and patterns, rolling in color back and forth with the time of the jazz band playing to the side. Down the steps, without an introduction, walks Caesar Flickerman, laughing and smiling and throwing a few winks to the crowd. He stops at the front of the stage, holding his hands out.

It does little, as the Capitol's cheers don't seem to be controlled at all. Caesar is stranded up on stage for a little while, biding his time to quiet them. Finally, there's a lull, and he brings the microphone to his mouth. "What a year!" More cheers. "Oh, yes, what a year! We have so many good competitors, it's gonna be a fantastic Games, don't you think? Almost as fantastic as my hair, that is." Another obligatory wink, and a short commercial break, advertising a product that 80% of the viewers can never buy.

Finally, he sits down, ready to begin the show.

http://static3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120418180955/thehungergames/images/1/1c/Caesar_Flickerman.jpg

"Alright, everyone. Time to get to work, and start the interviews. Ladies and gentlemen --especially gentlemen-- First up tonight, I present Valora, of District 1! Nice hair.." The audience laughs; Valora comes out and it appears her hair perfectly matches the chair she's sitting in, blending into its gaudy folds.

"Oh, hello, Caesar." Her voice is short and curt, and she plays with a dagger.
"Uh.. why is that here? I mean... is this even legal?" He points to the large blade, which is currently being run backwards and forwards between her fingers.
"Oh, everything I do is legal... just not always obvious." She smiles, and the cameras pan over to the host's reaction, before pivoting back suddenly.
"Where'd it go?! It's just gone!" Caesar seems legitimately surprised, and leads the audience in a round of applause. "So is your style the disappearing act, here?"
She shrugs "I've got a variety of Style."
"Y'know, for being such a quiet type, you've got quite some hair, there. You look like Templesmith's mother!"
Valora was the only person in the entire audience who didn't explode into laughter. "Claud! Claud! Joke, joke!"Flickerman made a show of pulling the earpiece out and trying to turn it down. He stood up to make another line to the audience, when, suddenly, the camera panned behind him again. Valora stole the show, and had not one, but two daggers being spun in her hands.
"VALORA! Ladies and gentlemen! "

More commercials and faded footage later, and the screen returns, as Flickerman is wheezing on stage, laughing at some joke in his earpiece.

"Oh, you guys should know... the things the guys backstage say... I mean, who thought giving Claudius an earpiece was a good idea?" The crowd laughs. "Somebody fire that guy! I can barely concentra--"

"Ok, I think I can concentrate now.
Now here we've got a man to watch. My friend, KAINE, of DISTRICT ONE!"
The doors behind him opens, and the spotlight follows a strong figure down to the chairs, and the two complete the basic introductions.

"So, Kaine. You've got an advantage over many of the others, wouldn't you say?"
"Of course, Caesar! I've got this." He grins and points to himself.
"Ah, and 'this' is why you got an impressive 11 on the test, eh?"
"I just showed 'em the things I can do, Caesar. No sweat."
Caesar nods, flipping through some note cards and throwing a good half a dozen on the ground. "You are just burning through my questions, you know? You think you're gonna win this? Gonna share your strategies?"
Kaine shakes his head.
"Oh, come on! Just one little thing?" Flickerman glances down to a screen embedded in the stage, and grins. "The other Tributes seem to think you have anger problems. Any comments?"
"Heh. Well, I'll say this: they can think whatever they want. My scores speak for themselves. They don't stand a chance against me. No alliance even needed."
"No alliance? Interesting, there. No career pack this year?"
Oh, I didn't say that. I just don't need 'em. Just need me." Another arrogant motion to himself, and the cameras decide it's time to finish things up. Caesar takes his cue, and makes a loud, fake, laugh.
"KAINE! ladies and gentlemen! And that finishes District One's offering this year! Stay tuned. District 1... sheesh."