for the many not the few [pierre's speech]

How many times has he delivered a speech in the past five years? Countless.

Pierre stands at his familiar podium, a straightened posture and smile wiped across his face. He feels at nature here and he isn’t going to let Mr “I cause scenes at tribute support groups” Moon take it away from him.

”Five years later and it still feels so natural to stand here. You have all heard my voice numerous times, in celebration and in loss. I have been stood alongside you all every step of the way. What a blessing we had in the form of Shelby Leviane, a long overdue victor to raise the morale in the District and now two more of our own have come home.

For those who have unfortunately left behind friends and family in the District, I have been running support groups. Anyone is free to come along for a chat and assistance in the time of need. Responses from these groups have been amazing. Everyone copes differently to tragedies, but I am here to care for each and everyone one of you.

Each and every one of you.

For each and every young citizen of this district, I have extended schooling hours against working hours so they can receive the education they deserve.

For each and every working citizen in this district I have improved working conditions and benefits for those struggling. Hours have been shortened so quality time can be spent with family and hundreds of new positions have been opened for those seeking employment

For each and every one of you, I am going to do so much more in the next five years.”

A list of all his accolades, improvements and ideas brought from his own mind and put into practice. He feels so stiff listing them all, all personality torn away and a façade of being a great and powerful man put in place. What about the nights where he sat alone in the kitchen cuddling a bottle of whiskey? Or the days spent away from what is left of his family? A personal life buried under the responsibilities of being of a mayor.

He has consulted with his wife; his son does not give him the chance to ask for his opinion. All these actions that he is promising for the hundreds that stand before him but what about the two most important people in his life?

In the short seconds of his breather, he glances towards his family. Is this all really for them?

”Now how am I going to help the District further?

Crime rates have been creeping ever so slightly and safety for the vulnerable has been a concern brought to me on many occasions. To tackle this, I am going to form a group of community officer volunteers, who with the support of some peacekeepers and medics in the district will help the sick, elderly, young and defenceless. It is about time that we check on our neighbours. These winter months are tough for our weak and for just one person to check on their welfare daily will be enough to help so many more survive. “

Loneliness, an ever-sneaking trait that is developing whenever Pierre is left alone in his office on the evenings. He may share a bed with another every night, but the connection feels as those it is fading.

”Welfare is high on my agenda this year and tackling homelessness will be another major action to fix. I promise that I will cut homelessness in half by fifty percent and even further as it is possible! So many buildings in this District lay in ruin and with some TLC, they will be perfect accommodation for those without any shelter. It is a basic necessity to survive and it is not fair to not have such a thing in our District!”

Sweat begins to run off his brow, it won’t be long until his signs off the speech. Until he can finally breath again. This is just the beginning and he is so much more to fight through.

”I am fighting to improve the quality of life for each and every one of you. I am Pierre Hope, the man who has delivered every promise that I recited to you on this stage five years ago. You can trust me to do it all again.”