The room was full of murmured voices and darting eyes. Raven Verona sat at the head of the table, Alma Coin opposite her. They glared at one another steadily. At Raven’s side, two infants clung to her hands, one set in stony silence, the other humming softly. The child didn’t understand that life for her family was about to change forever.

 After a while, the voices began to die down and Alma Coin rose to her feet.

 “We are here today to discuss the issue of leadership,” Coin said with authority. “For some years now, Raven Verona-Grey has been in charge of District 13 by default. We’ve never had a democratic election, so she has remained in power until now. We understand that she has done many good things for us. But now, I believe it is time for change. As you all know, I think it is time she stepped down.”

 Raven’s eyebrow flicked up over her wrinkled forehead. The curls of loose hair around her ears were greying, though she wasn’t old. Stress, the District doctor told her. The child at her feet giggled softly as she began to untie and retie her mother’s shoelaces, a cloud of black hair sitting upon her head.

  “So it is to you, the people of District 13, that I appeal. I have asked you, our small council, to vote. Before you make your final decisions, I would like to point out that we are no longer in a war. Raven was a good war-time leader, but that time has passed. We don’t need her in power anymore. Perhaps it’s time she got some well-deserved rest. She’s…drooping a little.” She paused, smiling smugly at Raven. They both knew she was winning “Have you got anything you’d like to add, Mrs Verona-Grey?”

 A nervous titter spread through the crowd. They all knew well enough Raven couldn’t speak. Raven fumed, the remains of her tongue feeling swollen in her mouth. Next to her, Drew Harper rose sharply, his eyes skittering wildly.

 “A cruel joke, Coin. I will speak on her behalf. Understand this. Our battle with the Capitol is not over. Don’t you want to help our kin in the other Districts? We have the power to put an end to this-”

 “Please cast your votes,” Coin said, interrupting Drew. His lips drew in a line and he sat back down. No one wanted to hear his opinion. Raven knew that. She met her best friend’s eye and nodded solemnly in thanks. But Drew’s skittish eyes were too soon distracted by a dancing shadow on the ceiling.

 The sound of scratching pens was bothering Raven. It reminded her of rats digging through the ruins of District 13. The bombs had devastated the District, and they were still fixing their lives. How did they expect post-war would be? Full of roses and happiness, everyone joining hands in unity? She wanted to shake everyone, show them what she could do. She had so much left to give. But they weren’t interested. They wanted the quick-fix that Coin’s lies offered. They wanted her as their leader.

 The small council left the room, putting their slips of paper in a box. Drew stayed beside Raven as Coin counted. A smirk rode over her face.

 “An interesting result, Raven. The vote was unanimous,” she said. She gave Raven a slow wink as though letting her in on a private joke. Raven scowled “Now, now, Raven. There is no need for that childish attitude. Have more respect for your…President.”

 “President,” Drew spat at her title “You’re just the same as Snow.”

 “I like to think of myself as more of a socialist,” Coin said, “But call me what you want. Be careful as you go, though. Another comment like that could be your ticket off the council.”

 Drew seethed, but Raven remained as calm as she could be. She nodded to Coin respectfully and took Drew’s hand, dragging him from the room. Karissa Verona-Grey laughed and chased Raven’s trailing shoelaces, Elliott lagging behind.

 “I could kill her,” Drew muttered as they shut the door behind them. Raven smiled, closing her eyes. A minor setback she thought now I have two Presidents to defeat. But no matter. I will be the victor of this game, Coin. I can play it better than you. Time will tell. Let our Games begin, Coin. Let the Games begin.