The 81st Hunger Games Victor Presentation Ceremony

The president of Panem stood on the magnificent stage in the City Circle, addressing his people as he had done numerous times before. Another of his prized Hunger Games had come to a close. As usual, they had been an enormous success; enough blood, death, and tragedy to satisfy the viewers, and also to subdue the thoughts of rebellion that the high government official knew were brewing in the minds of some of Panem's citizens.

Something had changed in the months after the Quell. He'd expected there to be unrest, true, but he'd also expected gratitude. What greater gift could he, their generous leader, bestow upon his carefully curated citizens? He found, instead of thanks, anger, resentment, even outright rebellion. And having offered such an olive branch, he found that there could be only one path forward: discipline.

He impressed upon the Gamemakers that this, the 81st Games, was to be as traditional as possible. The arena would be made of rocks and grass, a splash of color, nothing too obscene. He thought they listened. Zaya remained as enigmatic as ever, but there was a practicality to Josiah Layton the President appreciated, and a hunger in Beatrix Alfray he thought he could cultivate. But they, like so many before, disappointed him.

From the very first death, the loss of the District One Female Myrcella Hudson, he knew the 81st was doomed. This would not be a victory lap for District Four, or any of the Career districts. In the end, the finale had been more of a battle of words, an epic poem sown between sunflower blossoms. But still, a middle district faced a lower district, and he had to pinch his nose to steady himself before taking one final look at the District Twelve victor before he stepped onto the stage.

President Snow quieted the crowd and prepared to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to welcome you to the victor presentation ceremony of the Eighty-First Hunger Games!" As usual, there was the deafening roar of approval that followed. "Tonight we will show a recap video of this year's Games, so be sure to stay tuned!" Like they have a choice, the president thought. The recap video was required viewing for all of Panem.

Snow went on to announce the prep team, stylist, escort, and mentor of the victor; all were received with tremendous applause. But then, the moment they were all waiting for... Snow plastered a smile across his face before speaking once more. "And now, may I present the victor of the 81st Hunger Games... Nico Thorne!"

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OOC- RPing is permitted in this thread by Capitol characters and past victors. This is the place to have your Capitol character react to viewing the recap video, if you planned on doing that. All characters from other districts can create their own threads in the districts, if they wish. Also, apologies for the delay in getting this up!