as I say not as I do . charade . blitz

“It's a pleasure to meet you Ma’am,” she said respectfully, shaking the candidates hand. From what she could see, Ms. Strauss was a powerful woman. She had an air of authority about her that was hard to ignore. The brochure was filled with quite a few buzz words and talked a bit about her commitment to family values. Apparently, she and had brothers had adopted several orphans. Chief among them, Meredith Strauss, the female tribute who had died in the quell just a short while ago. “I’m sorry about your daughter.”

Oh was that the wrong thing to say? It might have been. The wound was probably still fresh. Mercedes shook her head; the woman had asked if she had any questions. Best to focus on that. “I suppose I wonder if you’ll do anything to fund the career programs. We do our best here at the academy, and we want to be prepared for the glory and honor of participating in the games.” Maybe their district could finally bring home another victor if they had a mayor willing to put the screws to Cricket and Julian for not doing their jobs.

It was a relief that Ms. Strauss hadn’t started talking about her daughter. What a faux pas, what if she had made the visiting candidate break down in the middle of the school? No, that simply would not do. But she liked the sound of rigorous training and a harder selection process for trainers. Octavia was right. Careers like her were the future. If they weren’t reaped many of them would likely go on to be peacekeeper; the next generation of Panem’s protectors, saving people from their own degeneracy.

“That’s excellent, Ma’am. You certainly have my support. I know many of my fellow students feel the same way when it comes to the various programs.” But what else to ask about? “What’s your opinion on the other districts? The problem ones. Would you be in favor of training more peacekeepers to bolster the ranks in those crime-ridden places?”

It was a good answer. Mercedes had heard enough horror stories about places like district nine and district eleven to know that she wanted her home to be safe and to stay safe. There was a certain standard that everyone needed to be held to. District two was supposed to be better. As good as district one. So what did she want to see from the next mayor of district two? Whether or not it was Olivia her answer was the same.

Mercedes inclined her head in a small bow.

“I would hope that you can return district two’s status as a symbol to be feared and in awe of. Bring back the glory days I’ve only heard of.” There’d been a time when district two was known for the ferocity of its careers. When district four couldn’t hold a candle to them, let alone the lower districts. Those days were gone, but they could return under the right leadership.

“You’re very kind Ma’am.” She hadn’t given much thought to it. If it was Ripred’s will, then she would be reaped without even having to volunteer. “That’s my dream. If given the opportunity, I might very well do that.” She left it unsaid that she would never take that honor away from someone who wanted it, though she had no qualms about volunteering for someone was clearly frightened. She was already prepared to become a peacekeeper if that didn’t pan out.

“Thank you for coming to our academy. I have little doubt you would fail to deliver on your promises if elected.” She wondered if any of the other candidates would come speak at the school. If they did, they’d have to do a lot to convince her to change her mind. Olivia was a hard act to follow. A strong woman. A strong leader.

Perhaps Octavia Strauss was the person they needed.