When did the reign of the red king begin? Indeed it started a long time ago, way before we got our first iPhones and iPods, even before we got the first light bulbs. The red king seems to be immortal, but he isn't. He's only part of a long line of kings who believe to be destined to rule forever, being shepherds, priests and slaughterers of the many, the always obedient masses: Panem et circenses all the way.
But food becomes rare in these days, and the first of the many get awake.