Chapter Text
“TRIBUTES WILL BE REAPED from the existing pool of Victors.” Snow announced and Mars Caleta’s heart sank.
He had done everything they asked of him, performed to perfection every single day. He had become what the Capitol loved, pleasing whoever wanted to be pleased. He listened as they told him exactly what to say, how to act and what to feel. He became the ultimate Victor, and in time became the ultimate Capitol celebrity. Mars Caleta had been sculpted into something he didn’t quite recognise. He was an actor, acting in movies and Capitol TV, but also acting his own life. The role of Mars Caleta was his hardest and yet the least appreciated because most people didn’t realise it was an act.
But everything wasn’t enough.
“WELCOME, WELCOME! Today, we are joined by a very special guest to discuss some of his upcoming work and, of course, the approaching Quarter Quell... Ladies and Gentlemen! Please welcome me in joining our beloved Mars Caleta!” Caesar smugly announced, dramatically turning as Mars walked onto the stage.
He was in one of his calmer outfits, thankfully. It was a linen shirt, stitched with complex patterns that swirled around and down to the cuffs.
“Now, Mars is here to specifically talk about- What are you here to talk about?”
Mars laughed, playing into Caesar's banter as he always did. “I'm here to talk about my campaign for Capitol Couture, coming next week. It's a very exciting time in my life right now.”
Because the recent announcement of the quarter quell hadn't impacted his mental health at all, no! Mars Caleta had to continue as normal, ignoring the threat of death looming just around the corner.
Caesar’s pressed anyway. “And?”
“Of course, I can't not talk about the up and coming games.” Mars teased. “But that's for later on, alright?”
“Ahh!" Caesar exclaimed. "Don't tease us Mars!”
“But Caesar, that's my favourite hobby.”
The audience chuckled and Caesar's grin widened. “Alright, so first is a modelling shoot you did for Capitol Couture.”
“Yes. We wanted to develop something that really resonated with people and connected everyone.” Mars is talking bullshit out of his ass but his press team nods from the side-lines. The audience is lapping the bullshit up and reacting like Mars said the most profound things known to man. “I have some sneak peaks just for you guys.”
They explode with cheers and applause, jumping from their seats in excitement. Caesar waves his hand to the screens to show a shirtless Mars posing provocatively at the camera. Mars was convinced he saw a woman faint in the audience but he couldn’t be certain.
“Look at that!” Caesar plays up the crowd, egging them on to admire Mars. “You’re making me jealous.”
“Come on Caesar, I bet you’d look just as fabulous in that outfit.” Mars joked.
Caesar let out a laughing yell, playfully nudging his shoulder into Mars. “Bad boy.”
“Only for you.”
“I love it! Well, as the Quarter Quell approaches, we’ve been looking back on the history of our beloved games.” Caesar smiled. “Who is better to talk with than a Victor of the Games themselves, what do you think of the Games Mars?”
Mars forced a smile. “That’s a loaded question. I think it’s incredible to see the way the games have been developed and evolved over the years because the games weren’t always what we know them as today. When they first began, it was penance for the District’s Rebellion in the Dark Days. It was 24 tributes in an arena where they had to fight for themselves because no one else was going to save them.”
“Go on…”
“Now, tributes have the resources of the entire Capitol at their disposal. We have mentors, previous Victors who can offer advice and suggestions. We have sponsors, who can make or break a game. And we have the game makers!” He continues talking, singing the Capitol’s praises, singing Snow’s praises as the main re-inventor of the games. The Capitol has spared no expense for these Games, Quarter Quells don't come around every year. The rarity of it made people crave the excitement even more.
Mars is aware of his position in this game. There's always a chance he'll be reaped, and if he is, he'll have no one. He's not particularly close to any other Victors, his lifestyle meaning he doesn't have free time to maintain friends. His only hope would be to not get reaped or get as many sponsors as he could.
There was more that wasn’t being spoken. Mars wanted to yell and kick and scream and shout. This wasn’t what his life was supposed to be about. He wasn’t supposed to go back in, they promised him that. But they lie. Everyone lies. Victors and fighting Victors now, liberty is about to die.
The Hunger Games would prove far more deadly for Mars Caleta the second time around.