comfort & pride [rosemary, 95th mayor speech]

I had pondered a lot about whether or not to run for District Twelve mayor again this year. Caroline is turning eleven soon, meaning she's getting closer and closer to reaping age. If I run for mayor again, I could potentially have the position when Caroline's first reaping rolls around, and frankly that's quite terrifying to me.

As I approached the stage in the District Square for my speech, however, I realized why I was doing this. I wanted to help District Twelve. I wanted to make sure that they had someone in place as mayor who wanted what was best for them. All of our citizens deserved the best, despite being treated as if we belonged on the bottom of the barrel for so many years.

"Good afternoon, District Twelve," were my first words into the microphone. The crowd's attention was gathered toward me. Elections were especially important here. We were struggling.

"I'm sure most of you have heard my name. I'm Rosemary Scarborough. I've been the mayor of District Twelve for the last few years, and I hope that you'll all hear what I have planned for us going forward." There were a few mutters in the crowd that I chose not to focus on.

"I feel that District Twelve has been underestimated for far too long. Many of the other Districts look at us like we're the last pick in the school kickball game. I don't want that to be the case anymore. I want them to see us as strong. Capable. Worthy of the same positive attention that some other Districts have been receiving over us for so long."

A few people in the crowd nod in agreement.

"I want us to be able to feel pride in our District. Of course, to get there, we need to work as a team. I'm ready to help guide us in that direction. To feel pride in our District, though, I feel that we need to actually feel that where we live is somewhere worth feeling that pride for." I explain.

"As someone who grew up in a rough living situation as a kid, I want to help the people of the District so that others don't end up doing the same. The first steps toward this are by improving the District's infrastructure. Our people need safe and comfortable places to be. Our people shouldn't be living in trash and unhealthy conditions. Fixing that will be one of my priorities as mayor."

The time for my speech was close to up, so I made my way to my conclusion.

"I hope that you all can agree with me on the importance of these things, and that we can work as a community to help ourselves and each other. Thank you all for being here, and I do hope that whomever you vote for, I see you all arriving for the ballots on election day."

As I leave the stage with a smile and a wave, the crowd applauds. One man from the back of the audience lets out a whoop, and I can't help but keep that smile on my face as I leave.

Caroline greets me with a jumping hug when I return to her after my speech. She tells me she's proud of me.

It's her opinion, above all, that I value the most.