Chapter 17
The OwlOverseer Matt Neff commands a ton of power, but his position isn't one that anyone should want to have. And yet, "Overseer Tony" or "Overseer Ebere" seem more and more likely as possibilities as Matt's term comes to an end.
He was the only Overseer elected under the age of 60; he will be the only Overseer to willingly pass on his position, because he can't take it anymore!
Slamming his desk with his fists and calming down, Matt goes through the never-ending list of things to do. Build another new city; eradicate the Sun-Men-Nei religion; prepare for the 75th Hunger Games.
And torture dissenters, again.
Now Matt understands why, despite most Survivalists living to their late 70's, all of the past Overseers died before 72 except one. This was the most stressful job. Always keeping the dumb natives in their place...hopefully the
television will change things, and end any thoughts of rebellion.
Matt is considering somehow ordering the switching of his position with Head Game Designer Ebby next year. She would love to do something other than arena designing, which Matt loves, but she isn't good at. The recent arena disaster only killed one person, after all...
Matt's doorbell rings. He sighs as he sees Ebby come in, but becomes interested once he sees how excited she seems.
"Overseer, sir...come and look at what Sayori just did."
Sayori whistles a high-pitched tune, and an owl glides towards her, making soft, chirping sounds. She smiles as the owl lands onto her arm, creating a tickling sensation. Sayori would call him Deca; his feathers were arranged in clusters of tens.
It was tough taming Deca. He has a hurt wing; the debris from the flood damaged it. Sayori approached him carefully, and fed him, earning his trust. She had a gift with animals. They loved her soothing nature.
Deca the owl."Mi heku neibasi hasata," she whispers to the preening owl. "Be my eyes in the sky". Owls were sacred to everyone in Oros, but especially to the religious Údnei. Owl taming has become rare, but Sayori still did it. Her reward is a scout who would guard her for saving its life.
As Deca weakly attempts flying, to his surprise, his wing already feels better.
Deca screeches as, up ahead, he sees conflict.
Sayori nods, and rushes to observe.
