Dress Like a Tribute - Spend Like A Victor

Every Hunger Games brings a new set of tributes, a new arena and - to the delight of Capitol Stylewatchers - a newly designed tribute training suit! It’s just been announced that designer Lucas Hugh has won the honor of dressing our tributes-in-training for the Third Quarter Quell.

Cashmere models the speke tank, dial crop top, and dial caprisCashmere, one of our favorite victors from District 1, modeled the new training suit at the launch and press conference held, appropriately enough, at the tribute training center. Cashmere showed us the high-performance suits in action during a thrilling knife throwing demonstration. We can safely say that this victor has not lost her edge!

Using the latest technical advances, the featherweight, quick-drying suits not only look good, but they also enhance tributes’ performance. “Looking good is important for me psychologically,” Cashmere told us exclusively, “But this training suit is also technologically innovative, so not only will this years’ tributes look great, they’ll have confidence in the engineering of the suit.”

And now YOU can dress like a tribute in training! Lucas Hugh is making the tribute training suits available for purchase exclusively through it’s website. The suit will have you looking like a tribute, but you’ll need a victor's bank account to get your hands on one! Starting at a cool $130 for the crop top, these suits top out at $850 for the complete kit.

“We’re keeping the aspirational quality of being a tribute alive in the pricing structure of the training suit.” said an insider. “Not only does the extraordinary high quality warrant it, imagine if just anyone in an outlying district could get a hold of this craftsmanship! Horrors! It would dilute the exclusivity of such a unique and special item.”

So, skip this month’s visit to the plastic surgeon or skin-tinting salon and go get yourself suited up like a tribute!!

Super-Stylist Cinna Sparks

Girl on Fire's Creative Side

As savvy Hunger Games-watchers know, every Hunger Games victor receives not only the glory and honor of winning the Games, but also wealth, fame, and the opportunity to pursue his or her own unique passions. With their new lives of leisure and luxury, each victor's Talent becomes their primary focus.

Katniss Everdeen’s Talent has just been revealed to Panem Propaganda exclusively, and it’s is Clothing Design! It’s clear her incredibly talented stylist, Cinna, has inspired the Girl On Fire. Who knew this plucky victor would wind up a couturier? We spoke to Everdeen about her newfound sartorial interests.

“Well, Cinna is my fashion hero. I aspire to create designs for myself that are as incredible as the ones Cinna now creates for me. At the moment, Cinna is giving me lots of helpful critiques. He believes I show a lot of promise.“ 

At her new home in District 12’s Victor’s Village, surrounded by sketchbooks and piles of fabric, it’s obvious Everdeen is dead serious about her new endeavor. She showed us one of her first sketches, a fur-festooned overcoat - perfect for those chilly D12 winters.

Image courtesy CapitolCouture.PN

“Cinna has been helping me fine-tune my fashion sketches. This coat was inspired by the snowy reunion Peeta and I had right before the Victory Tour. I was wearing a beautiful coat Cinna made for me, but I wanted to design something that was a little easier for Peeta to get his arms around!  My Victory Tour coat was built for warmth but was a little bulky. With just a touch of fur down the front of the coat and a paper- thin inner liner of techno-down, I stay warm, stylish, AND huggable.” 

Katniss & Peeta had a snowy Victory Tour reunion  Who could resist Katniss’ combination of design innovation and romance? Not the Capitol! Looks like this victor might be taking her talent to the catwalks. Capitol fashionistas are already buzzing about the possibility of a Katniss Kouture fashion line to be sold exclusively in high-end boutiques. Capitol style-watchers are already clamoring for anything with Everdeen’s mockingjay token, just imagine the frenzy for a full-fledged fashion line.

Stay Tuned, Style Watchers!

The Hunger Games, much like any competition, calls for frontrunners, dark horses and underdogs. The odds that are in one victor’s favor one hour could easily reverse in a matter of seconds. Why? Because the Gamemakers who design these complex battles of brute strength and street smarts are architects of chaos. Like M.C. Escher’s interlocking, mathematical optical illusions, the Games are never as they appear on the surface.  

Since the Games were first conceived, twelve scholars from the Capitol have sat on the creative board, planning and designing every detail of each year’s arena.  Utilizing the most advanced technology District 3 has to offer, these innovative minds produce spectacular visuals. They also create captivating natural scenery and landscape—from the structure beneath the tributes’ feet to the unpredictable sky above. Every facet of the competition is plotted and executed with precision.  Even the tributes’ arena outfits are conceived in the Gamemakers’ minds, tailored to complement the conditions of the chosen terrain.  What are we to surmise from the rumors of the Gamemakers eyeing neoprene this year? Capitol Couture can only assume that Finnick and Mags may have a decided advantage.

The Head Gamemaker, appointed from a group of candidates by majority vote, takes over the unique role of seeing the live event through and adapting to whatever the tributes may bring to the table. This year, Plutarch Heavensbee—Head Gamemaker for the Quarter Quell—will be at the helm. His unique vision of the arena will become a historical landmark and tourist destination, like all of our past Hunger Games venues.

“As an artist, the games will provide me with almost unlimited creative freedom,” says Heavensbee, who is always circumspect about the details. “Allowing for the event itself to happen in real time adds a layer of constant excitement and anticipation. Add the human variable of the tributes themselves, and no one, not even I, can predict what will happen next.”    

Be sure to follow Capitol Couture for the latest updates on all things Quarter Quell!

Welcome to Celebrate Your Victors: Spotlight, a weekly feature where we take you back to the moments where those eligible for this year’s Quarter Quell first became victors.

 Johanna Mason by Samantha Sisson (@65thvictor)

Johanna Mason At Fourteen

Seventy-First Victor

District Seven

While Johanna Mason wasn't the first tribute to feign innocence, she is one of the most treasured. The switch from weak little girl to savage killer was so instantaneous, a Games that looked like it was going to end with another Career Victor took a sharp turn that shocked everyone. Johanna immediately won the hearts of millions in the Capitol, where an excellent show is always prized, and an excellent actor even more so!

Johanna has since enjoyed enduring popularity in the Capitol. Her biting wit and dry speech are her trademark, and there are those who actively antagonize her just to be the receptor of one of her wonderfully quick comebacks. While we doubt that Johanna will try to pretend innocence again in the Quarter Quell, we'd certainly be wary of her ability to deceive.  

Welcome to Dear Effie, a new weekly column in which effervescent District 12 escort and duchess of decorum, Effie Trinket, answers Panem’s burning questions about life, love, and most importantly, manners!

This week Effie tackles a lovelorn lad and persnickety party host. Read on!

Dear Effie,

I'm completely in love with someone, but I'm not sure if she loves me back. She acts like she cares some of the time - even acts like she needs me sometimes. But I wonder if she's using me. Her best friend is a very handsome guy, and I can't help feeling jealous. How do I know if her love is real?

 - Lovesick P

Dear P,

Oh, P what a quandary!  If she's torn between the two of you, walk away. You want a girl who'll flip her wig over you, P, not a coin! The only way to know for sure is to ask her. Hike up your britches and ask her if it's real.

I'm rooting for you, P. May the odds be ever in YOUR favor!

 - Effie

Dear Effie,

I'm hosting a Quarter Quell pre-party and the market is out of caviar! It's not a QQ party without caviar! I'm about to have a fit! What does one serve for a QQ party when one's local market is so idiotic it "forgot to order" such an important item RIGHT before the Quarter Quell? Inexcusable!

 - A Panic in Panem

Dear Panic,

No caviar for a Quell party, now that IS distressing. Firstly, roundly scold your local fishmonger! There is no excuse for irresponsibility. Secondly, I say it's time for evasive action. Overwhelm your guests with colorful confections. Pile the dessert tables to overflowing with a riot of colorful cakes and tinted treats. Ply them with pastels!! When they see your mountain of morsels they won't notice what's missing. Make sure you have plenty if emetic on hand - you're going to need it!

 - Effie

Do you have a question for Effie? Submit your questions HERE and you may see them answered in a future Dear Effie!

Every woman needs a transforming gown

The modern woman has high-tech needs. We juggle roles, shift identities and adapt our style accordingly.  Katniss Everdeen—brave tribute in training, fashion trendsetter, and Victor’s Tour darling—has become the face of the multi-tasking female.

Already, Capitol Couture reported that her wedding dress is a confection of Swarovski crystals and sheared chiffon designed by Tex Sevario. And today, we can reveal that it comes with its own transformative finale. When Katniss spins, the gown morphs into a sensuous, winged creation that, in our mind, symbolizes new heights of glory for the Girl on Fire.

For her wedding dress look, Katniss also dons a new, sophisticated take on the utilitarian braid. Her hair stylist entwined two thick tresses to create a double halo of braids that look almost like lace and encircle the nape of her neck.  It’s as chic as a chignon, only cooler and more contemporary—just like the modern woman.

By Monica Corcoran Harel for Capitol Couture

District 6 Image by Aaron Darcy

A reminder to residents of District 6 in light of the upcoming Quarter Quell: addiction subtracts. Avoid morphling. For each user there is a worker who cannot perform at optimal ability. See something? Say something. Report morphling abuse to your local Peacekeepers.




Marina Chekov (aka Samantha Sisson) and Aaron Darcy are the founders of PanemKitchen.com. Our favorite place to explore Panem through it's cuisine. 

Four rules for navigating President Snow’s soiree. 

by Capitol Couture Party Correspondent Kaysa Minox

Party Tip Number One: When the limo line is longer than the winding driveway, you know you’re in for a raucous night.  Pace yourself. The outside of President Snow’s mansion dazzles with a kaleidoscope-pattern spotlight and the massive, columned building is bathed in a swirling riot of color.  I step out of the car and wobble for a moment in my Givenchy six-inch platform sandals before I start my long ascent up to the entrance. Weathered stone steps are framed by genetically enhanced Technicolor roses;  the Lucite platform at the top extends to several large fountains, which are burbling with Champagne.

Party Tip Number Two: Timing is everything. Never be the first to arrive, as you can’t make a dramatic entrance. I time my arrival around 45 minutes after a party begins. Once amongst the crowd, my attention veers between the fashion and the food—and that’s saying a lot about the food.  Lavish spreads overtake banquet tables as far as the eye can see, with whole cows, pyramids of lobster tails and dozens of pumpkins filled with an exotic broth.  I snatch a glass of pink Champagne from the nearest Avox server and begin my first energetic lap.  

The Capitol elite are everywhere, showing off the talents of the city’s finest stylists.  Rosalie Fawn, curator at SOCA and noted fashion aficionado, bewitches in a Thierry Mugler techno-cut draped dress. Our own Editor In Chief Monica Corcoran Harel stuns in an elaborate feather headdress, paired with a laser-cut leather jumpsuit and YSL purple suede booties.  I’ve scarcely had a chance to take notes when a collective gasp announces the arrival of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Effie Trinket, always preternaturally radiant, shines in lavender Alexander McQueen.  

Party Tip Number Three: Strategize accordingly. I bypass the throng that surrounds our Victors  and head for Plutarch Heavensbee, who is speaking with an already-inebriated Haymitch Abernathy.  As I approach, Abernathy holds up a hand, downs his drink, and says loudly, “I think I need another.” As he walks away, his iridescent, teal suit jacket glimmers like a rare skin.  Heavensbee ushers me over, as soon as he sees my reporter’s notebook. Like everyone else here, he has an agenda.  ”It’s quite a show, isn’t it?” he says with a smirk, as he gestures to the crowd. “Katniss and Peeta would be smart to leave by midnight though. They don’t want to become overexposed.”  I ask him if he can share just one little detail about the upcoming Games. “Well, I would love to tell you everything…” he says, leaning in conspiratorially. “But I can’t spoil the suspense,” he adds with a wink and walks away.  

Party Tip Number Four: Always be gracious and pretend to laugh along with the joke—even if Heavensbee made me feel like a fool. After a quick nibble on an endive boat with caviar, I spy Katniss Everdeen, unaccompanied, at a soup table and nearly trip over the hem of my Jan Taminiau gown to get to her.  I introduce myself and she is just as warm and unassumingly likable as everyone claims.

When I gush over her embroidered black and crimson gown that looks to be made of glossy black feathers, she says “It’s Trish Summerville” with a smile.  ”Effie and Cinna must have been so tired of showing me dresses when I finally picked this one.  It seemed…strong.”  She eyes my red bodice and black tulle skirt before exclaiming, “Oh look!  We sort of match.”  Everdeen then grabs me to smile with her for President Snow’s personal photographer. I’m so overwhelmed that I swoon for a moment. When Katniss trots off to dance with Peeta, I am left with a lone black feather.  I hold it tight and know that I will keep it forever.  

Nothing speaks to clan heritage like a fisherman knit sweater. Typically passed down through generations, these rugged pieces date back to islands off the west coast of Ireland. Finnick Odair’s own Aran cardigan—comprised of over 100,000 artful stitches—is a sartorial relic from his father, who fished District 4 back when sea bass and cod were bountiful. Rumor has it the debonair Victor sees his sweater as a talisman representative of his family’s Celtic strength and pride.

Look for more Victor-inspired looks in Capitol Couture's new series devoted to fashion from the Districts. Next up? Step and repeat patterns from the runway, directly influenced by District 8 and its textile industry.

Keeping Panem safe from threats both external AND internal is a dangerous job! And one needs to look the part. The elite warriors of our nation, The Peacekeepers, just got a major style upgrade from designer Trish Summerville. She's completely upped the intimidation factor in the powerful new Peacekeeper look. Find out all the details in this special report from Capitol Couture:

Just as our favorite clothes speak to our personality, military uniforms telegraph a lot about a country’s political structure or priorities. Think of the Royal Canadian Mounties in their crimson blazers with reflective brass buttons and wide brimmed Stetson hats. The look is festive, approachable. Italy’s Carabinieri or military police wear stylish black outfits with a bandoleer of white leather and purple or red stripes designed by Valentino.  The finery includes a two-cornered plumed hat that originated almost three centuries ago.  

In Panem, the Peacekeepers forego pomp for intimidation. Just recently, the Capitol turned to designer Trish Summerville to help update the look of the gendarmerie. Previously, their white uniforms featured a black stripe and District insignia on the helmet with a transparent visor. Summerville, who often collaborates with Cinna and other local designers, was asked by President Snow to take a more menacing direction with the look of the law.

“I was inspired by insects, particularly the praying mantis,” she says. The helmets—almost triangular and now with a visor of a dark, opaque lens—are just part of the sleek transformation. Now faceless, the Peacekeepers seem almost robotic, even inhuman. If the eyes are the windows to our soul, Panem’s military has no spiritual core.

Summerville also added shoulder pads and spiny, bulletproof armor shields that nod to a new world order—and possibly predicts civil unrest. The once snow-white uniforms, an interesting choice of hue for a military force, are now more of a greyish white. No doubt, the Peacekeepers mean business in the Panem of today. As one citizen anonymously told Capitol Couture, “When you can’t meet eyes with a man, you know that he owes you nothing and that is very scary.” Clearly, Summerville has achieved her goal.

Grazia spoke with super-hot Capitol designer Trish Summerville about her soon-to-launch capsule collection, Capitol Couture By Trish Summerville. Capitol fashionistas have been clamoring to get a look at the line since it was announced last month.

Grazia: Congratulations on a great collection! Tell us more about it.

Trish Summerville: It’s made for the Katniss girl of today and ranges from dresses to leather pants and T-shirts so there’s something for everybody.  It’s made up of key pieces that you can keep in your wardrobe and work with other outfits. There are a lot of black pieces, but we all love black!

Grazia: So how did you make the flamboyant Hunger Games costumes wearable?

Trish Summerville: We took certain pieces that we thought could translate into a ready to wear line. It was about keeping the detail of the beading or the sheerness of the fabric and making it into a silhouette and shape that can fit all body types.

Grazia: Which pieces are directly inspired by Katniss?

Trish Summerville: There’s a coat based on the one Katniss wears when she goes to Victors Village and it’s snowing. It has a faux fur collar which is detachable. There is also one piece based on Cinna's design for her chariot dress, which is a laser cut leather but I chose to do it in patent [below right].

Grazia: And the green dress [above] is gorgeous.

Trish Summerville: I was inspired by Johanna who is the Tribute from the Lumber District. Her stylist gave me a peek at her interview dress. It's this beautiful dress made out of chiffon with a high neck. So for the collection, I made it in green in keeping with her district and included the chiffon high neck.  I’d team it with big cuffs and boots to make it a little more edgy.

Grazia: Were you inspired by any other Panemites?

Trish Summerville: The leather pants are my tribute to Cinna. He is really cool and smooth and because he’s also a stylist, I can relate to having one piece that you can work in without it being too flashy. Most stylists like to step back and let others shine.

Read more at Grazia. Capitol Couture by Trish Summerville will be available exclusively at Net-A-Porter in November.

The Hunger Games reminds us of the atrocities of the Dark Days. Tributes, you are duty bound to serve your District, and your great nation, with honor and courage. The sacrifice you make is for the continued betterment and safety of Panem. We salute you. 

Exclusive Interviews with Our Victors From Capitol Couture

Backstage, at Caesar Flickerman’s show

 by Kaysa Minox

Caesar Flickerman’s personal stage is a lot like a fashion runway.  You enter, sashay and perhaps even twirl if you’re Katniss Everdeen. Flickerman, ever the impresario, will always do the lingering once-over from head to toe. The audience watches for his reaction—a slight smirk at a chewed fingernail or a delighted nod with a reflective pocket square—and applauds accordingly. In the Capitol, Flickerman is our fashion thermometer, a benevolent Karl Lagerfeld meets a warm and gregarious Anna Wintour.

Just a moment ago, I stood backstage as the only reporter allowed a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the proceedings. Earlier, Flickerman complimented my leather obi by Cerre and Acne frock.  But my mission was to catch the tributes between Flickerman and their seats.  A few brushed by me, which is understandable. Emotions couldn’t be any deeper right now, as we gear up for the Quarter Quell.

Gloss, the Adonis from District 1, stopped next to me as his sister Cashmere—wearing a dress by Capitol darling Jan Taminiau—strode past without a glance.  

Built like a stallion, Gloss is even more intimidating in person in a sleek silver leather coat by Logan Riese and boots by Trippen. “How does it feel out there?” I ask. “What’s running through your mind after being first on the stage?”  

"Never thought I’d have to be first again,” he chuckles, before he furrows his brow. “But rules are rules. Cashmere and I are grateful for the opportunity to prove ourselves a second time.”

Beetee, looking professorially dapper in a plaid, lame vest by Trish Summerville, proves to be as eloquent and soft-spoken offstage.  ”It’s difficult to express how I feel in this moment,” he says with a subtle grin. “As for the Games, brawn does not conquer intellect. I like my odds.”   

On stage, I watch as Finnick Odair gives a rousing but cryptic declaration of love without naming the object of his affection. The audience swoons. I, too, find my pulse jump. Afterward, he saunters up to me and before I can ask him a question, Odair leans in close, sighs, and whispers in my ear: “That dress is a knockout.” He walks away without a backward glance.  I can’t feel my feet.

Johanna Mason bolts by me in a huff, cursing like a thug in her Jan Taminiau couture gown and platform heels. Peeta—wearing a winter white wool suit by Juun.J and Rick Owens boots—dashes by me, as well. He looks too stricken to speak.

When Everdeen passes me, the hall is resonant with the earthy smoke of her transformed wedding dress.  (Leave it to Cinna, a perfumer, to add the scent of amber, black violet and vanilla to the dress’ spectacular pyre.) Everdeen stands before me as a dark angel and symbol of the unity between the Capitol and the Districts.  I am almost too overcome to speak until she nods to me. “That was an incredible transformation,” I stammer. Everdeen tilts her head, as if she’s not clear on the focus of my comment.  

"I didn’t really know who I was before my first Games,” she starts to say and then looks down at her dress. “Oh, right—the wedding gown. Cinna just wanted me to be myself and I did that today."  

It takes a village—and an Avox—to make magic.

by Monica Corcoran Harel of Capitol Couture

Like anyone thrust into the public eye of the Capitol, our tributes undergo a dramatic transformation. In the case of Katniss Everdeen or Johanna Mason, a starlet is polished, primped, poised—and then, reborn. But the most talented stylists know that fashion becomes art when it lends subtext and reflects a deeper meaning. Imagine our fierce Katniss Everdeen with pin-straight hair or edgy Johanna Mason in stiff pink taffeta instead of cork and shredded organza?

Our best Capitol prep teams eke out the essence of a tribute and enhance it to new heights.  Sometimes, they misfire in their zeal to be recognized. There was the year that a District 4 tribute was dressed in a suit festooned with fishhooks and buoys—too literal. Or the clunky marble clutch a poor District 2 tribute was forced to carry for her publicity tour. It’s no wonder she was exhausted when it came time for the Games.

Behind the scenes, it’s the quiet, submissive Avox who adjusts the final nuances of every look, from pinning a hem an inch higher to sewing on a nebula of sequins.  And unlike certain high profile stylists—except for subtle, humble Cinna—the Avox understands that his or her role will always be eclipsed by the tributes they assist. Edith Head, the famous costume designer of long ago pre-Panem days, once said: “I always wear beige, black or white. When I’m beside a star at a fitting, and she looks into the mirror, I don’t want to be competing in any way.”

The Avox can’t compete, of course. They are forever silenced by their acts of rebellion—as President Snow mandated that their tongues be cut as punishment.  And it’s their role as trusted servants that makes these reformed hellions the confidantes of our Victors. An Avox can’t repeat secrets or traffic in gossip. He or she merely observes and nods when commanded.  Their uniforms range from simple earth-toned minimalist ensembles to full body cat suits that allow them to blend into backgrounds like living wallpaper.  And as many a tribute will attest, an Avox can be your best source of comfort and company on the night before the Games.  A human presence with no expectations.

All citizens must identify themselves with a physical District Identification Pass. Go to this Capitol sanctioned outlet to obtain your free DIP.

The “Graffiti Eye” is key for this season.

By Athen Claith of Capitol Couture

If ever there was a time to unveil a new beauty look—be it a permanent crimson pout or faux lashes made from macaw feathers—now is it. With the Quarter Quell nearly upon us, the city’s best make up artists and hair stylists are working overtime. The most popular salons of the Capitol have been booked solid for the past three months—even a certain escort, who shall remain unnamed, couldn’t wheedle an appointment no matter how much she harangued the staff.

This season, the emphasis is on the sense of sight. Eyes become the focal point of every face and the most advant-garde spectators are turning to street artists for the new “graffiti eye.”  Using stencils, these beauty ruffians outline the orbs in brilliant halos of any shade. For instance, an ombre blue effect starts at lapis around the lashes and blends into cerulean at the cheekbones. Stars, clovers, lightning flashes  and rings are also en vogue. Capitol graffiti artist “Gravitas” says, “This look dates way, way back before our time to David Bowie’s face paint for the Aladdin Sane tour. It’s retro mod!”

For the more conservative type, a sultry, smoky eye is another shortcut to high drama. A few tips? Play with metallic shades like copper, steel or bronze on the lid and the lower lash line. (An all black smoky eye can make you look like a one-night-stand about to happen.)  Another trick for enlivening a kohl-lined eye is to rim the waterline with a sweep of white pencil. This touch makes eyes appear brighter and will enhance the color of your iris—whether it’s a true blue or an amethyst-hued contact lens.

Remember that Capitol Couture’s style reporters will be scouting the best looks for our party pages. Will you make the cut?

Reminder to all Panemites: It is forbidden for common citizens to enter their District's Victors' Village without invitation. Please respect your Victors. Violations will be prosecuted to the highest extent of the law.

Our leader expounds on the importance of the Games.

by Helena Thomas, political correspondent - Capitol Couture

President Coriolanus Snow smiles benevolently from behind his desk, an island in a sea of resplendent cherry woodwork, upholstered club chairs and walls lined with countless tomes. An antique globe atop a side table is a sly wink to the world, pre-Panem. As usual, he is outfitted in cut velvet, a seemingly soft, delicate fabric with amazing durability. His navy blazer bears his floral trademark—a delicate white rose on the precipice of bloom—tucked in his lapel. “Shall we?” he asks.

We shall. It’s no secret that the President hasn’t spoken one-on-one with a publication in over five years. His press conferences typical take place from his gilded balcony and questions are not encouraged. With the Games beginning this Friday, it’s a particular honor for us to steal a moment with him.  “I know every citizen reads Capitol Couture, so let this interview be my call to the people of Panem,” he says, standing up for a moment with his hand at his heart. “Are you preparing for the Quarter Quell? It’s part of our civic duty to participate and show your loyalty.”

Outside the President’s sanctuary, the phone bleats constantly.  His desk has its own skyline of paperwork, neat piles of folders, documents and memos. Though his office also boasts the most advanced holograph technology, the President still relies on paper for certain correspondences. “I do appreciate the efforts of District 7 and all those glorious trees,” he says, referring to the lumber district that still produces creamy, vellum stock exclusively for our leader.

A Capitol native, Coriolanus Snow says that he knew at an early age that he would ascend in politics. His undisputed career proved his loyalty and love for the country, as he quickly rose through the ranks to the apex of power as President of Panem. Our country’s CEO has overseen the most prosperous periods in our history. The luxury works coming out of District 1 have never been so opulent. But through it all, he remains a family man and mentor, ensuring that the generations of his house are well and thriving.  So how does a man with so many obligations maintain such a relaxed composure and genial nature?  

"It’s very important to relax," he says with an avuncular smile in his deep but mellifluous voice.  "My gardens keep me calm. I stroll through them when I need to ponder important matters or focus on a developing situation."  Indeed, focus is a necessity for planning an event as large as this year’s Quarter Quell.  The President’s hand is in every aspect of the preparation process, from arena design to revamping the construction on the Avenue of the Tributes.  

"As you know, the rules of the Quells were set in place by the founders of the Games, so I am naturally bound to protocol.  My heart goes out to our victors, especially Miss Everdeen,” he says. He pauses for a moment, with his gaze aloft. “But it is a heart filled with pride for this country and our traditions.  I have every faith that the Quarter Quell tributes will serve Panem as they always have—with loyalty and honor."      

With that said, where will you be seated at the Games? And what will you wear? Be sure to reserve your seats today!

The impresarios sit down and dissect the Games.

by Kaysa Minox of Capitol Couture

"My favorite line? My absolute favorite?  Ever?" Claudius Templesmith—official emcee of the Games—leans back in his chair, the sheen of his metallic gray blazer shimmering like the sun on the sea as he shifts.  He looks thoughtfully at a rapt Caesar Flickerman, seated next to him with his fingers intertwined beneath his chin in the most serious manner. Templesmith sighs, before stating slowly, and with great emphasis: "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the winners of the 74th Annual Hunger Games.”

Flickerman’s manicured hand flies to his chest and flutters gracefully over his heart, as he gushes to Templesmith about the emotion of his delivery that day, while Templesmith manages to appear simultaneously humble and uncannily self-congratulatory. Although Flickerman has held his position for more than Templesmith’s tenure, the duo possesses a most unique rapport. Their quick-witted repartee and mutual love for high fashion—imagine a pair of peacocks in a ring—leave no question that both of these men are distinct and well-loved fixtures of the yearly Hunger Games.  

Each year, these men take us through the ins and outs of the preparation, execution, and follow-up to the Games, acting as our well-dressed windows to the exclusive tidbits and hidden emotions that bring the process to Technicolor life. “You know, there are so many facets to what we do,” Flickerman muses.  ”We connect with the tributes, certainly, but most importantly, we develop real relationships with the members of our audience—in the Capitol and in the districts.  And I couldn’t do that without this man right here.”  He pats Templesmith’s hand, making him beam and blush simultaneously.

"Oh truly, especially with the Quarter Quell nearly upon us!" Claudius exclaims. "And Caesar brings a real passion to his work. He captures the meaning of the Games, the true spirit and necessity of the tradition.” Templesmith pats Flickerman’s hand. Quid pro quo on the admiration. He smiles wide and says: “People know me as the voice of the Games, but Caesar is the heart."  

Reserve your seats to the Quarter Quell!

The Capitol cuts the ribbon on the new, improved Training Center.

As the Quarter Quell draws closer and closer, our tribute victors are taking full advantage of their new Training Center.  While the original center played host to some of the finest competitors to ever step into an arena, our Gamemakers felt that the Quarter Quell was just the occasion to unveil the improved, feature-packed facility that will inspire tributes for decades to come.  The new attributes are wide and varied, and include the following:  

Advanced weaponry exhibits the durable properties of District 2’s revolutionary new alloy blend, heavily favored by District 7’s Johanna Mason; private training footage shows her wielding the center’s axes with wicked precision.  The lighter, industrial-strength metal ensures that our tributes train with weapons as similar as possible to those they will encounter in the Games, giving them that additional edge when it’s time to traverse the arena.  

The layout of the center has been expanded and streamlined for the most efficient training processes, now including several new rooms with isolated functions.  Among them, a holographic projection setting simulating opponents of all sizes, each outfitted with different weapons.  The holo-opponents utilize motion-capture movement and simulated terrain, approaching the tribute from all angles.  We hear District 1’s Gloss has been spending a good deal of time in this area.

For the first time, carefully-selected Peacekeepers have been assigned to combat training duties, giving the tributes a live opponent to spar with if they choose.  Heavily armored and highly skilled in hand-to-hand techniques, these law-enforcement professionals bring their personal training and experience to inspire and aid our tributes.   

Given the high-profile status of this year’s tributes, an added layer of protection has been added for our benevolent Gamemakers, coming and going to observe the training process at their leisure.  Details have been highly guarded regarding this implementation, but we can only assume these masters of design have thought of everything necessary for their well-being.  

We wish the tributes a safe and informative training period in their state-of-the-art facility, and remain on the edge of our seats for the much-anticipated Quarter Quell.  As always, may the odds be ever in their favor, and a very happy Hunger Games to you all.        

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