actions are louder than words {Ethuil's mayor speech}

It's one thing already holding the status of mayor, but it's another when the chair is up for grabs, and someone is actually trying to take it. These last five years have been an experience. Many ups and downs, and yet my children are safe, they're alive, but I don't know for how long. District twelve has flown under the radar, however, with that burden comes trials and suffering. I don't think any district can hold a perfect status because this one is far from it, but one day it'll become a place where hopefully the citizens of twelve can easily survive in.

But as I take my place at the podium, the fear of public speaking slowly sinks in. Inhaling the deepest breath possible, I look around eyes darting from person to person, and with the slightest exhale, it's time to begin.

Everything will be okay.

"Every morning when I wake up, one of the first things I do is check on my family and make sure they're safe. After checking on them, I begin walking through every part of the district taking notes on what needs to improve. When I was just a boy growing up in the seam, my mother always told me to never give up. To keep my head held high, and one day everything will come together. She taught me everything I knew, and as she fell ill, I set out searching for answers. Over and over I tried finding options to save her life, but it cost money, and as a young boy, money was something I didn't have."

Pausing, I look around, eyes darting back and forth observing every individual standing in front of the stage.

"My father was a hard working man spending most of his time working in the unsafe mines. Most of the time, he never had any money to spare, and we all went to sleep with our stomachs begging for something to eat, and I never knew where my next meal would come from. But I learned from them. Both my parents were hard working, and they devoted their lives to caring for their children like many of you do now. You offer them the protection that's needed, and as mayor, I hope that I have done the same over these last five years."

My gaze lowers wondering if it's been enough. Wondering if anything could've changed. It's questions I've asked myself all the time, and yet I don't think the answer is there.

"Work still needs to be done. More jobs are needed. Schools need better education. Mines need better safety regulations to help maintain a safe environment while the workers are working. Our children need to not to go sleep hungry, and as mayor I will continue to work as hard as I possibly can to make sure all of this happens. I will set up shelters for those who need a safe place to sleep, and I will make sure that there's a hot meal awaiting each person. I will work with the Capitol to find an agreement to increase wages being paid out. Protecting the citizens of twelve is my number one priority. We're a family."

Taking another breath, once more I fiddle with the tie.

"Family's work together. They stick together through thick and thin. No matter how tough the going becomes, the bond is there."

I hold my family close, and I need everyone to know it.

"As the Mayor, I won't sit around while everyone around me works. I'll be out in the shops selling items, I'll take my place in the mines mining for coal. I'll do my part to make sure that everyone is taken care of. My father was a man who kept his word, and he taught me that my word is all I have, but as I grew older, I realized that actions speak louder than words. If you give me another chance, I will show you all exactly how much I care. I'll lead this family to the right place."

My eyes scan the crowd looking for my family because I need them to know this.

"As Mayor, I'll do what I can to make sure district twelve receives the attention it needs. So much needs taken care of, and I'll set out to make sure it's done."

I take one last breath hoping this is what they need to hear.

"Vote for me, and thank you for your time."