#totplotdrop

Tribute Facility, Capitol - July 6th, Year 25

Just as the tributes are beginning to find their footing in a foreign place, a new burst of energy storms in to shake up the building. Of course, to the rest of the country, everything is only proceeding on schedule. After all, it is time for the Tribute Showcase.

This storm comes in the form of an extensive filming crew. Some set up stationary cameras and microphones in strategic corners. Others keep theirs with them as they meander about the facility, following anything that catches their eyes. Nowhere in the building is truly private anymore save for the bedrooms and bathrooms. Meanwhile, co-directors sit in an office by the lobby, over 20 screens surrounding them, as they flip from feed to feed and broadcasted them live to every screen in Panem.

Naturally, the tributes are the stars of the show. The audience hungers to know them more, to be close to them if only through a screen. That said, this filming crew is comprised of seasoned professionals, and as such, they know very well that the tributes are not necessarily the only source of intrigue and entertainment.

Anyone who happens to be in the facility today may just end up with a celebrity status, regardless if they want one or not. They can try to hide or they can try to take advantage of the opportunity. That choice rests in every individual's hands. Nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that the wealthy—the ones with the power to influence a tribute's trajectory in the arena—are definitely watching.

The day does not end until the early hours of the 7th. Only then does the crew clear out, taking their equipment with them, leaving the tributes to prepare for their next moment in the spotlight.

The Avenue of Tributes & City Circle, Capitol - July 5th, Year 25

The midday sun casts a bright glow over the assembled crowd. Thousands upon thousands of Capitolites have assembled to attend this year's Tribute Parade, a show of the first Quarter Quell's very special stock of tributes.

Nothing like it has ever transpired yet. Never before have the Tributes been chosen by the very people they are usually reaped from. Whether those who were chosen are the very best or worse the Districts have to offer is left up to debate.

District teams ready their Tributes for the chariot ride. Then one by one they emerge, District 1 kicking off the glorious parade with their entrance. Commentators narrate the spectacle on air for those who can't be present on site. Very loudly, underscoring the air of patriotism, Panem's anthem is played as drummers line the long road in ceremonial garbs, adding to the ceremonial flair.

The message is clear; make no mistake, despite the unconventional nature of the Reaping, this is still an affair of tradition. A reminder, especially twenty-five years later, that the Hunger Games are a ritual that is to be taken seriously.

Once all twelve chariots assemble in the City Circle, everyone readies themselves to hear the president’s address. This time, however, yet one more thing interrupts the long-established practice. The person who takes the podium is a Ravinstill, but not the one the people expect. It is instead the president’s daughter who greets the crowd and the cameras with a smile.

Verity Ravinstill sends her father’s regards. Apparently, the president is preoccupied with national matters, hard at work for the betterment of Panem. The rest of her address is rather uneventful--though the aftermath is decidedly less so.

Whispers of the president’s ailing health continue to circulate. It has gained even more traction given his public absence, quickly becoming a widespread subject of discussion especially among the elite. A number of them even seemingly support the narrative, if only in low voices, safe behind closed doors.

Whatever the truth may be, the excitement of the Quell maintains its grip on the people’s interest. The pageantry of the Games boldly marches on nonetheless.

Panem - July 4th, Year 25

On July 4th, assembling for the annual Reaping Ceremony is a quiet affair. This is not unusual in the slightest, though for the 25th Anniversary of the Hunger Games, the atmosphere is one of resolve instead of resignation.

The registration stations have been intensively upgraded. In every district, there are now twice the registers than ever before, twice the administrators, and twice the peacekeepers maintaining order. This year, it is not just the 12-21 year-olds who need to report for attendance. Nobody is exempt.

25 long years after the Capitol smashed the rebels' efforts to pieces even in the furthest corners of the nation, this occasion is a special one. The votes have been counted. Where the bowls usually brim with with names to the very top, only one piece of paper now sits on the bottom of each.

The tributes are called to the stage. Farewells are delivered, some more tearful than others. Then, along with everyone within their teams, they board the trains bound for the Capitol, where the Tribute Facility has been made ready yet again to welcome them.

A NATION AS TRIBUTE - THE FIRST QUARTER QUELL

A certain air of restlessness stirs the nation in the late afternoon of June 4th. Everywhere in the Capitol and districts alike, broadcast satellites crackle to life, as is mandated by order straight from the Presidential Palace. Crowds gather where they are facilitated to do so, where booming speakers and massive screens are stationed in town squares and workplaces specifically for this purpose. Those who tune in are met by the sight of a familiar face; President Ravinstill, standing at a podium. A little to the side behind him stands a fair-haired man. His is not a face as recognisable as the president, but nobody could deny that Coriolanus Snow has made a name for himself, especially when he has just been publicly announced as the new Head Gamemaker not two weeks ago. The president addresses the nation with an impassive greeting, which includes a brief speech on the tribulations Panem has faced, the triumph they have all fought for and earnt, and the sanctity of the annual Hunger Games. This in itself is nothing unusual. What is out of the ordinary is that the president then steps back, relinquishing the podium. Head Gamemaker Snow steps forward in turn, holding something wooden and ornate in his hands. “Every twenty-five years since our shared victory, we, together as a nation, celebrate the Quarter Quell,” Snow begins. “Since the founding of the Hunger Games, the founders themselves have prepared noble guidance on how we should observe the Quells for many centuries to come. Their guidance comes in the form of instructions, stored in boxes just like this one.” He holds up the item in his hands, the box which almost resembles a small vault. “Today, we are all honoured to open our first.” The box clicks open, from which a piece of paper is drawn. A moment of silence passes before Snow reads the instructions aloud. “On the twenty-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that their children are dying because of their choice to initiate violence, every district will be made to hold an election and vote on the tributes who will represent it. This year, no District citizen is exempt from the Reaping. The age limitation is waived until further notice.” Just a few more critical details are laid out; that everyone over the age of 12 is obligated to vote, that the voting will be held within the next couple of weeks throughout the districts, and that further arrangements and announcements will be made by the mayors. Head Gamemaker Snow concludes by bidding the nation good day. There is no mention of odds for this reaping, the tribute selection now fully in the Districts' hands. Not a second later, the seal of Panem flashes across screens, marking the end of the broadcast. The districts erupt in explosions of gasps and whispers—and even some stronger voices—but peacekeepers manage to keep everyone in line.

Interactions are now open!

For this cycle, tributes are voted in by the people of the Districts instead of randomly reaped. Furthermore, no age limit is imposed this time (though we still require playable characters to be at least 18 years old), as a signal from the Capitol that no one is safe, not even if aged out of the reaping bowl. Please keep this in mind when applying for tribute characters. This is the Districts' chance to put forth their very best - or their very worst.

Applications for tribute characters are now open as well. If you're unsure of a faceclaim, you can check out our wanted faceclaim list for a little source of inspiration. We look forward to having you here with us!

OOC Date for Reaping Announcement: April 12th IC Date for Reaping Announcement: June 4th