peacekeeping and strength-keeping [kilo/nixie]

My mother, she told me
"Don't get in trouble"
My father, he told me
He knew I would

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I was invited to make an appearance at a Junior Peacekeeper Academy today. The victory tour was over, and things were starting to settle down, but I was seen as a celebrity now, so I was sure this was only the start of people inviting me to make 'appearances' in different places. I was definitely seen as a role model for careers in Four now, and for other people as well. I was seen as a successful person, which I suppose wasn't entirely wrong. I'd won the Hunger Games, which was a pretty big success if you'd ask me.

I was proud of myself. I felt successful. I was successful. I was a victor, and that took strength to achieve. I suppose it made sense that these people wanted me to show up at the Junior Peacekeeper Academy. I was supposed to be a source of inspiration or motivation for them.

When I showed up, I was asked to make a short speech. Luckily, I'd prepared something the night before and brought the paper with me that I'd written it down on. Notes are a lifesaver sometimes.

"I appreciate you all inviting me here today," I said when I stood in front of the assembled students. I looked at the paper I had in my hands and started to make my speech. "My name is Nixie Summers, but I'd imagine you know that by now. I know you probably don't want to hear some big speech from me. I'm a victor, and there's really not a whole lot to say. It took a lot to get through the Games, and I'm here alive now. It took a lot of mental and physical strength, and whether you're in the Games or working as a Peacekeeper protecting our District, those are important things to have. So, basically..." I paused for a moment.

"Stay strong. Don't back down from challenges, and most importantly, don't lose yourself in it all." I looked at them all. "Your training shouldn't change you as a person. It should only make you stronger and smarter."

I glanced at one of the teachers. He nodded. Apparently that speech passed the guidelines and requirements for what I could say.

"I'd like to thank you all for listening. Keep up the great work with your training, everyone."

I stepped away from the microphone and off to the side.

"If anyone would like to speak with Miss Summers, she will be here for a little while longer. Please feel free to approach her at your leisure," the teacher who had approved of my speech before said to the assembled students.

I waited to see if any of the students decided to approach me, silently hoping that no one was coming here to criticize me too much for my terrible job at giving a speech.

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463 words