A Challenge [Godric's Intro Speech]

We are not built of gold, we come from silver and blood.

Godric Blackburn was never a weak man. Never the type to back down when a challenge presented itself. The glint of silver at his side with that serious tone in his presence making eyes look to him immediately. Not a rich man, but still a powerful one in all regards. The past still sneaks up on District One with memories of his skillful sword taking down many of the best careers. A Blackburn tradition that goes from father to son to grandson to great grandson. Godric had followed his father and trained his little boy into one of the most skilled swordsman, who even could match him, but now things were different. This was no sword match. This was not a clear overwhelming power that he can pressure onto the others. This was the election and only the powerful will stand as the Mayor of District One.

"District One, I would like to welcome you to today's speeches."

Silence, except for the muffled words of people talking to one another. A grin fills his face as he begins once more.

"District One is in shambles. Between the 80th's Bette Sublino's loss and the sheer numbers that continue to create a divide among our district, we are in shambles!"

Let them cling on to that.

"Honor amongst our district is falling. We are weak. We are declining again. Justice Fray may have won years ago, but we've had nothing but failures since then. None of the other Frays could follow in his footsteps. None of the other District One Tributes could make it out as a victor. We are weak, District One. I do not want us to be looked at as weak." A pause. "As Mayor, we will never be looked down upon by the others. All training would be mandatory for every single person of age! We are District One. We are Careers! We are honorable! We are to be feared! Our Careers need to prove that to the rest of Panem!"

Fingers tense on the podium as he stares into the crowd before giving a glare to an unknown space.

"District One has always been a place of wealth. We are lucky enough to be able to support ourselves unlike many districts that deal with starvation and other things of that manner. But, we are not without our own faults. District One's class system is far worse than others. The poor struggle in One while the rich continue to climb. Mrs. Fray would know about this, but she will end up not speaking on the subject. I promise you that as Mayor I will stand up for equal opportunities and fair treatment in the work place! We need to stand together against these wrongs! We can't keep looking down on our poor, they are the backbone to District One."

These candidates were not Godric Blackburn. They weren't strong like him. They weren't up to the challenge that he is. They couldn't do what he could do for the people. All he can do is let his feeling of anger from the words of their endorsements feed into him. Almost like a god, Francis McCoy. A Fray, Ursula Fray. They hadn't been through the struggles that he has been through.

"I have one more request for this election. I'm rather bored with these pleasantries of talking, speeches, and just words. A real leader should be able to fight for their position and prove they are the greatest choice. That is why, I challenge Francis McCoy to a duel. A sword fight, tomorrow at noon, here in the Games Square. I will prove to One that I am the rightful choice as mayor then. Thank you for listening. Vote Godric Blackburn for Mayor."

Silence as he grins to himself.

They are born from gold.

He was born from silver.

Godric Blackburn was the only right choice.