A simple metal ring that will let the fire reflect off an undulating water-like surface: this is the chosen design for the cauldrons that will hold the Olympic flame during celebrations and in the evenings it as crosses France. "The ring is the most immediate symbol of coming together," says Mathieu Lehanneur, who designed the cauldron. "Inside, is a pipe perforated with hundreds of micro-holes, one millimeter in diameter, through which the flame will appear." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES