ten years a king | novak's speech

Ruslan's fingers counted down behind the camera screen. You had of your six closest allies in the room: him, Uncle Elio and Drea, Sheriff Catastrophe, Damaris, and your doctor. You'd wished all of them but Ruslan would leave and stop staring like you were on the verge of self-destruction. But soon enough, what was once ten raised fingers turned into one index finger pointed in your direction. Your right lip perked into a half smile as your eyes locked onto the camera for your special lunchtime announcement."

"Good afternoon, District Ten! Adrián Novak here, your mayor for the past five years. With the mayoral elections on the horizon, I'm sure it will surprise no one to hear what this announcement is about. I'm pleased to say, finally, that I intend run– and win– a second term as District Ten's mayor.

"I'm sure that this far into the campaign season you're wondering why it took so long to announce this. Well, the decision wasn't an instant one to make. Five years ago, I offered new blood in the mayor's office in the district. It was a breath of fresh air that was very much wanted and needed. Today, though, my blood isn't so new. And to honor what I said, I thought long and hard about making this choice, and with the consultation of my family and friends, in addition to seeing the progress made across the board in Ten, I'd like to continue the work I've started with another five-year term. Two terms in this role is an appropriate amount of time to accomplish what District Ten needs. I intend, after we win this election, to not run for this office again." Your brow lowered. Were you serious? Probably. Did anyone standing in the room believe you? Probably not.

"As many of you know, during the Rose Plague, there was an attempt to steal much-needed medicine coming into the district and sell it at ten times its value. We're all from Ten. We can smell bullshit from a mile away. Working alongside Sheriff Catastrophe, I worked to make sure they couldn't get away with that. And they didn't. My interests in District Ten lie in protecting you, your kids, and our future. Let's not beat around the bush, my friends, we live in a world with risk. I believe that we're minimizing that risk through our actions. By fostering decent relationships with the Capitol and our neighbors, we're setting ourselves up for success. And we are, in fact, one of the most successful districts right now."

"We're among the happiest, too. The Derby, the Fair, land ownership, the list goes on. We've got more churches for you than we did five years ago, and more horse-drawn transport to get you around faster. We're using our expansive district to our advantage to find joy in the place we call home. If we can be happy and not hated by the Capitol…" your words softened at 'not hated' considering all the shit they have pulled in ninety-five years, but the people of Ten know what you mean. "...let's take it! Let's not give that up and risk it all. Take it from some of our victors, Andal and Saffron. They know the Capitol better than any of us, and they trust me to deal with them. I'm honored to have their support."

"In the next five years, I hope to continue riding this wave of joy while shifting our attention to the infrastructure of our district. I have great things in mind for Ten, from the town I can see from my window the rural world inches from the forests. I hope that you give me the opportunity."

"I'm excited to speak with more of you about what I can do. If I can't make it to you directly, I have a few assistants traveling around the district: Arthur Valentine and Damian Bombero. They're two extremely knowledgeable and trusted members of my staff. If you see them, please don't be shy. Say hello!"

"Once again, in the 95th Elections, I'm sincerely asking for your vote. Let's sail this high. Vote Novak!"

-=+=-

The red camera light turned off, and you tried to get up immediately, grumbling about the window creaking through your speech. All at once, everyone in the room rushed to keep you from walking away. "As long as you have the boot on, Adrián, no pressure on that leg." You rolled your eyes and groaned at your doctor's orders and reluctantly accepted the crutches Elio gave you.