Beauty of Annihilation [Virga's 98th Content]

The Dawn of the Reaping
Virga sat on his plush velvet stool in front of his vanity, his piercing eyes scanning over his face. He leaned forward and, with tweasers in hand, moved his arm with precision to remove the imperfect hairs from his brow. Once they were perfect he bagan his arduous skin care routine with some light make up to completely smooth out any problematic lines or creases that dare creep into sight. After carefully preening himself in front of the mirror for a few moments longer he got up to get changed. It was early, the morning sun lazily shimmered through his windows and painted a beautiful blush across his room. In his excitement for the big day, he had already set up his streaming equipment days ago. He tested it and tested it and tested it again to ensure nothing would falter. He pulled his outfit together, nothing too striking, he didn't want to distract the viewers from the real show after all. 

He paused by a window and stared down at the people below. People going about their day, some were off to watch parties, others to work. He scoffed. How pathetic they all looked, do they not know just how wonderous the day was? He wanted them to cheer and dance in the streets. He should be complaining about how loud they are but instead, they gave him nothing. Perhaps they would liven up once they reached the bar or house they were going to, but that was not good enough. Nothing was good enough for Virga. He strut to his desk and sat down in a huff. No, nothing was ever perfect... well, except the Hunger Games. With his streams of the district's reapings queued up and ready to, it was time to start the livestream. 

District One

Before the escort took to the stage he discussed with the chat the previous games and how he was correct in his prediction that Seraphina was going to be a formidable tribute, and that she was. "If I turn out to be right again I may get banned from betting for having a six sense for victors. I hope you're all taking notes so that you may spend your money on my behalf dears." A short un-enthused laugh escaped his lips before his attention was snatched away by the escort stepping forward. 

Mikael Le Roux. Le Roux, now that name was a familiar one. "Chat, I don't know if you have a memory like mine, but I do believe Le Roux is the last name of the Mayor." Before the chat and him could begin theorising about Mikael's chances a voice spoke up from the crowd, a volunteer. "Hold on everyone, is District 1 back? Have they finally decided to stop being pathetic wimps and actually make up for the fact they have been slacking the last goodness knows how many games." Eulalie Blake had strode through the crowd proudly, a warped rage ablaze in her eyes. Virga leaned forward in his seat, his own twisted gaze staring back at her. "I believe Miss Blake here is in for a very good chance. Look at that, not even a hint of hesitation within her. I am very excited to see her progress." The reapings were off to a fantastic start, he felt invigorated with adrenaline being pumped through his veins as his hands clenched in anticipation for the next name. Andromache Stewart. The confidence oozed off of her. Cool, calm, and with a swagger that spoke to the crowd. She didn't just want to be there, she deserved the chance at glory. The hair flip, the icing on the cake and with a smile to top it off. "Oh my, darlings I cannot believe it. District 1 is truly back. They have me in a chokehold, they have finally brought us their best they may actually have a chance at winning, incredible."

District Two

"Ergh, did they have to show us the sweaty ones. I mean really, please only show the crowd when the names are called I don't want to see them, I mean do any of us really?" Another forced laughed left him, his chat made up for his fake enthusiasm for his jokes, so there was no need to put too much effort into the vamping between names. Noah Vau. Virga's hand rubbed across his chin as he eyed Noah carefully. He watched him go through the motions as he took his place on the stage. His chat whirled past his screen as they tried to coax words from Virga's mouth but he simply shrugged. "What do I think of him? Chat it's giving nothing what do you want me to say?" He waved his hand dismissively as he leaned back in his chair with a large gesture of his hand at the screen in frustration. "I know, I know, we can't understimate the ones that seem still on the outside during a reaping we have to wait for assessments and then the games et cetera et cetera but I'm impatient! I want to know who this kid is now." He sighed, well that slowed things down.With a scowl he waited for the next name. Thomas Harvard. At least Noah seemed to have prepared himself for this moment this boy looks about as prepared as a leaf clinging onto a twig for dear life in autumn. "It's Snow-over everyone, let's pretend that we don't consider District 2 as careers this year okay? I think that's for the best. Let's hope these two impress us in the assessments otherwise it ain't looking to good for them and I'll tell you that one for free."

District Three

Virga's eyes watched in horror as Sparky walked up to the microphone. "Oh my god, that hair is truly hideous." He looked directly at the camera before back to the screen. "Truly, someone needs to shoot this guy. Please let this be quick so I do not have to see him for much longer." 

Kingston Césaire. Virga watched the kid with distrustful curiousity. After District 2's performance he wasn't too enthusiastic about what District 3 had to offer. He leaned forward as he watched the boy stride forward, gaze steady. Don't waste your potential. His eyes lit up and his lips stretched wide as his smile matched Kingston's, "let's hope you live up to your potential then Kingston, it would be a shame to let that sweet old man who was calling out to you down." He sighed, "at least Kingston is trying to give us something, could it be that these games are just a dud?" He couldn't bare the thought, he could almost feel tears breaking through his empty gaze. He would have to go and spend more money on Style Street, that would make it all better, it had to. The energy had almsot been completely sucked out of him until a volunteer stepped forward. Her faced scarred from what, Virga did not know, but what he did know is that her face spoke of vengence and satisfaction. Nothing was going to hold her back, not even what had happened to cause her face to be disfigured. Virga sat back up in his chair and shook away the sluggish feeling that clung to him, "so far a theme is forming with tributes this year that are screaming out to us that they have something to prove. We shall see who gets to prove their worth when they are crowned victor and the others are lying in ashes."

District Four

Bro forgot chat exists. "If you darlings were even remotely interesting than maybe I would pay more attention to you or if you tipped me." He said with a cheeky wink and a bashful smile. The chat erupted with reactions and spam, with the familiar ring of the donation bell going off. "The vibes in district four are definitely off but I mean, why wouldn't they be? When was the last time they had a victor? Seriously? Might as well just write off the whole district at this point!" He let out a laugh and mimed with his hand an explosion, setting the chat off once again. Pearl Mcclain. He smiled coyly as he watched Pearl hug her friends and make her way calmly to the stage. "This is what I consider a baseline tribute. Respectful, calm and ready for what's ahead. Truly a prime example of a good district citizen, maybe district four has a chance." Florentine- I'm sorry, the writing is smudged... He watched Forentine walk up tot he stage in a sparkly dress and rolled his eyes. "Aren't district careers so cute guys? like look at them all, so many of them are dressed nice and they think they have money. They really think they're worth anything at all! So adorable, I mean that's why we have these games someone's gotta humble these people."

My name is Pearl Mcclain and this bitch stole my bracelet last night! Virga sat up in surprise and bellowed, "and there it is everyone. Rats! That's what they all are and I can't wait to see these two tear each other a part int he arena. Which, by the way, did you guys see that the arena this year is going to be fairytale themed? I for one am so excited for it."

District Five

"Did Mayor Nox just roll out of bed this morning? What is this behaviour? Absolutely no decorum at all, does he even know where he is?" He scoffed and shook his head in disappointment slumping back into his large desk chair as his eyes narrowed angrily to slits. Brad Bradford. Virga's eyes, bored, glazed over the screen with not a hint of emotion appearing on his face. His eyebrow raised when he watched Brad smile as he stared into the crowd. I wonder what he sees. A life left behind? A new chance moving forward? I hope it makes him hopelessly sad in the arena. A sad tribute makes for a tragic death and they are always fun. Virga smiles in response to his thoughts as the next name is called. Ambrose Jumeaux. The tribute looked frozen, he looked as though he couldn't breathe, he looked as though he was about to run. Before he gets to chance another citizen stepped forward, Maverick Hale. His smile turns to a grin, the source of the tributes smile into the crowd was making its way to the stage. He clutched his chest dramatically his sharp pearly white teeth coming across like a predator ready to devour a delicious meal. "Oh my dear viewers what is it that we have here? I think we have two little lovers who are going to fight side by side Oh! How it breaks my heart to think that someone may get inbetween these two. Oh dear viewers how I wish to see them slaughter each other! It's sooo~  romantic!" He laughs, almost maniacally, about the prospect of these two, who hold each other so dearly, killing each other most brutally. 

District Six

"Not to brag anyone but I did attend the Victor's presentation last games. Yes, yes praise me now for how wonderful and cool I am. Yes indeed I was wearing a piece designed by Panem's very own Bebe, if you have a sense of style, and money, you should check out her Boutique on Style Street." He watched the Mayor give their presentation, as boring as the last. "Who votes for these people? Surely Cham could have drummed some kind of buzz out of the district? I mean hell they won!"

Georgie Cham. "Oop-" He covered his mouth as his eyes widened in surprise. "Well, now I understand his glum nature, he must have sensed it in the air the poor lad. I guess its what they deserve really for trying that little protest nonsense not too long ago... What you guys never saw it? You all have you heads buried in your phones and you don't even take a moment to look at the news. This is why you all make terrible bets, you're not doing your research." D'Arcy Mason.  He squinted his eyes to try and find the girl in the crowd. She didn't stick out like most tributes, and that was because she was brealy the age to be reaped in the first place. "Oh deary me, this little birdie is so small! She's got no chance in the slightest... Unless... Surely one of you is going to sponser her right? How funny would it be if we we all pooled our resoruces together to get this kid to win!? Oh my god that would be hilarious just this little twelvie running around killing tributes, could they even carry a weapon?"

District Seven

Virga crossed his fingers and began to feign prayer with his eyes closed as he repeated. "Please more younger tributes, please more younger tributes, I want to see little children fighting cause it will be the funniest thing ever witnessed." He stopped after a few moments as he glanced down at the chat who were all chanting manifest in the comments.  Skiplaurel Hayjer.  He choked on his drink when he heard the name. "Listen, listen listen. I know district people are backwards and all that but wow, that name? A tragedy, that kid is destinied to die. Ah- a kid! Doesn't quite look twelve but it will have to do!" He clapped his hands in delight before the kid took to the microphone to speak. His face spoke all he needed to say, oh how terribly cringe. August Vance. He watched with glee as the tribute clung to his loved ones reassuring them. The desperation in their cries and pleas washed away that second hand embarrassment he felt from the last tribute. It was so beautiful to see and so terribly sickening. 

District Eight

Virga sipped from his mug as he watched the escort approach the podium. "Hot chocolate is truly one of the best things ever invented."  The proceeded to spam mug emojis and inside joke references to Virga's love the hot beverage. Izzabel Bennet. He winced at the sound of her mother wailing that seemed to echo through his headphones. "Well now that's gone and spoiled my lovely drink." He laughed at her mother's anguish and quietly noted that she didn't seem to be sharing the same despair as her family. Cynder Adair. He leaned forward as he eyed the tribute hungrily. let me guess, a break down? A terribly upset parent? Perhaps even another lover in the crowd? Go on little miss show us the truth behind those eyes. Cynder refused to satisfy his twisted need for pain as she hid her feelings behind a trembling smile. Her family not so much as they sobbed and yelled for their child, hoping to have her back in their arms forever. 

District Nine

"This little peacekeeper ritual they do weirds me out. I feel like its too special for them you know? Just odd vibes from it all." Kristof Parks. Virga's face twists into a dramatic frown as he begins to fake sob. "Poor wittle Kristoff, this poor wittle sap better enjoy the train ride because the only thing he'll be able to enjoy before someones puts him out of his misery." His voice is laced in condescenion with a look in his eye that, if anyone looked close enough, would make it seem as if he wanted to join Kristoff in the arena to have the pleasure of ending his misery personally. They would be right. Helga Wessex. He watched as Wessex comfortingly clung to her friend, as if she found herself in a dream. "Is she ah- ya know, all there in the head?" He gestured with his hand as he spun his finger in a circular motion towards his head. "I think we should make a spot on a tribute bingo card and have 'lowkey crazy tribute' on there. We had Junie last time and now this Helga girl this time round."

District Ten

The day was beginning to drag on him. He felt the call for a pleasant nap, like that warm hug-like feeling you get after eating a christmas feast. All these emotions were draining his energy from him, he needed more drama to fill himself back up to keep going. Andres Bramwell. Like a deer trapped in a snare the tribute thrashed about calling to a man Virga couldn't see yet. He flailed wildly before a peacekeeper put the tribute in his place. Then the man of his affection came out of the crowd and cried out to him. He too was humbled by a peacekeeper. Virga clutched his hands to his chest again and cheered. "Oh the lovers separated! How horrible! Oh dear let's hope poor ol Andres here can fight his way back to his love. The poor wounded sap better hope he can get back into the arms of his dear love!" He let out a dramatic 'aww' with the chat going wild. Two stand-out couples these games, should be a wonderfully tragic time to watch them die. Lucius Branwen. Virga was so caught up in his false emotion that he barely heard the next name. By the time he went to provide commentary he already was flicking to the next district. 

District Eleven

He rubbed his forehead as he felt a headache try and tear its way into his head. He spoke again once his emotions had settled. "Nearly lost myself for a moment there chat. We're almost done, and I hope you've been enjoying it so far, we've had some quiet moments but wow the loud moments have truly been wonderful to witness live." Tsiuri Dermott. He watched her accept her place, hesitantly, but she still stood there on that stage. No breakdown, perhaps not yet. Revel Latimer. No fireworks with this acceptance either. These two were a curious couple of tributes. Not standing proudly ready to take on the arena, but not they were not completely broken down in fear either. "These two are a curious pair, complete whiplash from the previous district."

District Twelve

He raised his mug to the camera to toast his audience. "The last district everyone. It's been a bit of a wild one, let's hope district 12 ends this with a bit of a spark and then we can all go partying until the bloodbath begins." The chat erupted in cheers with some bragging about the bender they were going to embark on. Virga had no intention of partying, he'd be too busy analysing every bit of televised training, the ceremony, the interviews anything he could get his greedy hands on. You'd be lucky if he so much read your text message let alone replied. "The pantsuit? It's a look I'll tell you that much." Tick- Uh, Tick something? The machine seems to have cut off the last name. Virga sat back in his seat and held his hands out to the side questioningly. "This is the second tributes name to be butchered what is happening here? Who's in charge of printing these slips they need to be fired." Umber Vivuus! That one looks correct! "Finally, let's end the drawings ona  good note with an actual name on the paper." He watched Umber slowly make his way up to the stage, his eyes teasing tears. He gasped, and then laughed, when Umber held his middle finger up at the camera in defiance, quickly subdued by a peacekeeper. "How cute. He's so dead." That last part was a quiet manifestation, as much as the defiance amused him he couldn't stand tributes being cheeky unless it was for purely entertainment purposes. 

He sat back and heaved a sigh. His hand flicked over to his tablet as his changed the streams scene to just his face. "Well dears, this games we have a mixed bag of tributes. I don't really know what to make of them. Last games I was certain I could see some standout performances but for now, we are going to have to wait and see. Ciao for now and remember, keep your eyes and ears peeled for the next episode of the only show that matters. Mine. Ta-ta!"