the lion of wormwood - leo's election speech

The fundraiser is going exactly to plan, to the letter. I'm stood ahead a large table with other representatives of Wormwood House, whilst we sit and eat in our family home. Food is aplenty. Wine is flowing. People are happy. The people being dignitaries and representatives of various organisations, all brought here under the guise of it being our annual banquet to commend them for their efforts, and to seek further support. They don't know what it really is, and that it will serve to propel our House into the echelons, if successful.

"Thank you. I wanna start off by thanking you all for coming here tonight. I know big election jazz nights aren’t your forte, but…"

"It’s been a long road to get to this point. You’ve all had a part to play in the grand scheme of things. I’ve said it since the start of my career - the Capitol and it’s many Districts are thriving under Councillor rule. It’s true. What’s also true, is those councillors should be made up of a suitable mixture of people. A real representation of the plethora of Capitol citizens, like you and me. That’s why I’m using my authority as owner of Wormwood House to announce my candidacy for the High Council."

In case you have no idea what’s going on, I’m swelling these dignitaries and elites to create secure and firm public spaces on election day. I’m urging these governors to erect quote un-quote “voting centres” so that certain demographics of the Capitol feel safe to come out and vote. I’m commending colleagues on their achievements, influencing media outlets to see my narrative, and enabling thousands of citizens to see my perspective as an “underdog”. But, what I’m really doing, is seducing the stakeholders of four key organizations. Mr Flavia, Casius Brown, Mrs Alba, and… Dignitary Horus.

Oh, you remember Horus, don’t you? Nothing but a municipal caretaker without much of an action in him. A pen-pusher. But, I need him. I need all four on my side if I’m going to win this election. So, my words are sharp. They’re pointed, they’re targeted, and they’re all aimed at getting exactly the outcome necessary. Not just for me - well, it is - but it’s also for Panem.

"But, don’t let me keep you all. You’ve got wine to drink, the next buffet is ready, and we have a performance by the Capitolite Chorus to usher in a new change of the guard, so to speak. Thank you all for coming, and safe travels to your homes and Districts."

On the eve of their last bites, I depart and return to the drawing room. I undo the button on my blazer, let the bloating relax, and sigh privately. That seat will be mine.