one to another || catherine & diamond {blitz}

    

Right away the Mayor's tone tips towards the gentle nature Diamond has heard her consistently resonate with. Only five years ago it had been that very inclination towards tenderness that had turned Diamond's vote to her. Inside the office it is quiet, almost tranquil. Sensing such a space of solitude, Diamond hopes she hasn't interrupted anything important by scheduling this meeting. Genuinely, Diamond's intention is solely to speak with Mayor Spark and ensure there is no bloody battle. Debates and sharing speeches is one thing, but Diamond has faced a life time of bitterness to know she has no interest in turning this election into a public parade of poison. From what she knows about Mayor Spark, she should be in agreement to such standards of decency.

"I just wanted to make sure we got the chance to talk first, before everything really kicks off."

Diamond settles herself softly into a chair as she smiles sweetly to the other woman. They are both here, strong and independent, despite having faced so many fights in their shared lives. Diamond remembers crying when she watched Industria slip into oblivion. So much pain must have overcome Catherine. Diamond has lost a brother before, but she cannot imagine the kind of cataclysm that shatters a soul at the lose of a child. She prays she never has to face such a fight.

"I have nothing but the highest respect and thanks for what you've done during your term. I really look up to you as leader and as a woman. No matter the numbers or the results, I want to make that clear."

  

    

Diamond wonders while the other woman talks if the shared sentiment to kindness is something that flowers from the sorrowful seed of grief: from those who have lost loved ones. Personally, Diamond knows that the death of her brother brought about an end to many of the "edges" she had. She had always been a soft soul, sticking out of confrontation in the past primarily due to insecurity and fear. However, losing Prism was something entirely different. The pain that passed through her in phases fundamentally altered Diamond's perception of life and all that comes along with it: including hostility. Although fires formed in the pit of her passion for change, hatred seemed to become an empty emotion. Why should she spend time in the heat of hatred when she is only given so long to share seconds with the ones she loves?

Diamond finds herself smiling in appreciation as the other woman returns her sentiment of respect. They have both buried actual bodies, they don't need to bury each other as well. The competition of the election is necessary for the Districts to feel some sense of autonomy, but it doesn't need to breathe disdain into the District. Diamond knows her only intentions are to help as many people as she can and she is certain that is a platform Mayor Spark positions herself on as well. The other woman is right, no result should recoil with anger and regret.

"We want what is best for the District. No matter the results, I know whoever wins will do their best to achieve that."

Diamond runs a hand through her hair to fix an out of place strand before continuing to speak.

"I don't believe I have had the chance to tell you in person, but I am very sorry for what you've had to go through as well."

  

    

The word friend that falls from Catherine's lips reminds Diamond of another time. Of when she would watch the world like a porcelain doll behind the panes of her windows. Her Father kept her confined to home, where the world couldn't see the "killer" of his wife's life. She never had a true friend other than her siblings, half and full. Over the years, as she has freed herself from the shackles her Father placed upon her. Diamond formed connections. She made friends and found both boyfriends and girlfriends. She felt safe and loved at times and felt alone and lost during others. Yet even today, the word friend always seems to surprise Diamond when she hears it aloud. It's almost like a lost taboo that only she knows about. However, she smiles none the less.

"Thank you, I really appreciate that and I want to extend the same to you. I know I can always use more friends in this world."

Maybe she should lean on her if she ends up winning. Diamond has been planning to keep connections to Catherine should she win in order to establish a chain of knowledge, but now she sees she can lean on the other woman for support. Hell, just like Catherine says, even if she doesn't win. Diamond has never been easy to open up, but over time even she lets her diamond-like petals open to expose her heart. Doing that more often certainly can't be a bad thing.

"I shouldn't keep you any longer. I'm sure you have other things you need to get done."

Diamond stands and steps towards the door with a smile.

"Thank you for taking the time again, it was really nice."

  

    

Catherine's offer honestly takes Diamond by surprise. The younger woman is convinced the Mayor has to be busy, yet here she is continuously extending her hospitality. Should Diamond win, she hopes it is a trait she carries on from her predecessor. That being said, Diamond smiles softly and walks away from the door to a nearby window. All she has waiting for her back at home are more charts and more posters that need to be printed. She could use an extension of her time here. She wonders whether that is where Catherine's heart lies as well, a desire for simpler shared space.

"I'd love to stay a little longer, thank you."

Through the slats of the window, Diamond watches the world beyond. She watches the bustling boulevards of people making there way to and from the factories in a constant stream. They spend their lives doing this, toiling away. However, what Diamond sees doesn't bring her sadness but hope. She sees the possibility of change in each and every person she watches walking down the street. It even brings a smile to her face as she stands watching from the drawn window. She turns away from the window and back to Catherine.

"I think talking about our thoughts is a great idea."

  

    

The Games, elections constantly seem to churn up conversations about them and the tributes, most often those that die. So when Catherine speaks of them in relation to her objectives/goals Diamond isn't surprised, especially given her most recent history. It has been almost twenty years since the Games touched Diamond, but she can still feel the fragments of their cruel claws. Often candidates and Mayors alike will push policies in relation to the Games and their District's tributes, even Diamond has several talking points about what her policies will do for tributes/children within District Three.

"Support for those struggling with lose is essential, it's an important point that rightfully needs to be brought up."

Diamond admits honestly. However, Diamond would not be very truthful if she said she thinks the Games will have a high priority in her platform. She knows the importance of establishing policies to help those like Catherine has mentioned, those like the two of them in this office. Alas, Diamond wants to go searching more for the source. Although she may not be directly handling the Games, Diamond hopes her policies create positive trends in regards to the tributes. Still though, she absolutely supports the idea of the establishment of a program for caring for those having undergone severe hardship at the hands of the Capitol's Games.

"Everyone takes their own time to recover and in their own ways, ensuring that there is support for those who need it during every step of their new reality is really important."

Diamond sits for a second thinking of an idea she can share as well.

"Along the same lines of support, I am hoping to create a connection between the economic aspects of our District with the residential. Not working from home, but having greater residential resources for the hard working people in our factories."