Now was the time. Aeneas, along with the five other Gamemakers, was turned around in their seat, watching the screen eagerly while the anthem played over the speakers.

As the trumpets faded, and the screen gradually shifted to show them the President's office — meant specifically for televise events — the air in the room intensified, like there was electricity shooting between the particles.

Aeneas felt a hand reach out and grasp theirs. They looked over at Albia, their eyes meeting, and ve smiled. It was the day they had been waiting for for weeks, an obstacle that had been preventing them from moving on. The Gamemaker's jobs during a Quell year were more than a little precarious; their progress followed a loping stop-and-go as things developed, and oftentimes there was a time crunch, where the Arena wasn't finished until a few days before the Games were set to start. After all, the Games had to reflect the grandeur and excitement of the Quarter Quell.

President Oak entered the frame. She resembled the great tree so much sometimes that it made Aeneas wonder if she had changed her name to suit herself more. She was tall, broad, and dark, and her influence spread far and wide. Despite her somewhat intimidating appearance, her mint-green eyes had an incredible cleverness in them, and in their few dealings with her, Aeneas had found her to be incredibly kind and sensible.

She sat at the desk and folded her hands in front of her, a smile coming to her face. "Greetings, Panem," she began. "As you are all aware, this year marks the sixth Quarter Quell. It was one-hundred and fifty years ago that our ancestors quelled the rebellion that threatened to throw our peaceful way of life out of balance, and seventy-five years ago, we squashed a revolt that threatened us again. Now, in remembrance of that time, and as a reminder to the Districts that further barbarity will not be tolerated, I will draw a Quell card, providing a twist to the Games this year."

As if on cue, an attendant, invisible outside of the frame, reached in and placed a cherry oak box before the President. She opened it with a great show of delicacy and fingered through the cards for a few deliciously tense moments, before pulling a card out and shutting the box. It was immediately removed while the president's eyes flickered over the card.

"As a reminder to the Districts that any rebellious thoughts or actions, even within an individual, will lead to harm and misery for others, the Reaped in each District must choose someone of their same age to replace them in the Arena." She smiled benevolently. "We will see you again in two weeks, Panem, and may the odds be ever in your favor."

There was a moment of silence before the screen once again shifted to the national symbol and the anthem resumed.

Albia let out an appreciative whistle. "Holy shit," ve said. "That'll get some real survivor's guilt for the Reaped."

"No kidding," Laurentia said. "And she didn't specify that they had to be the same gender — just the same age. So that could lead to some interesting stuff this year."

"Alright," Aeneas said, clapping their hands and turning in their chair to the holograph table, which projected the area of wilderness they had chosen to place the Arena in.

They motioned to an Avox who was standing nearby. "Champagne?"

With a nod and a bow, the Avox left and returned a moment later with a tray of tall glasses. He handed one to each of them and filled it with champagne.

"Let's get to work, everyone."

A/N: So, just for some explanation: on the form, where it says "Reaped," still say whether they were Reaped or Volunteered, because this Quell does allow for Volunteers. If they were Reaped, in this case it just means they were chosen.

Also, like Laurentia mentioned, this Quell means we can have people of the same gender go into the Arena.

Also also, please keep in mind, I haven't read the Hunger Games or interacted with its content in... a long time. So if any of my canon is out of place? Just ignore it unless it's a huge deal but Sydni will probably tell me anyway. I'm gay. I'm writing an SYOT on ffn in the year of 2018. Let me rest.

Again! PM me with any questions, and thanks for reading!