i made a resolution [vasco's speech]

[marguerite harvard d2a (zori)]

v a s c o 


***

Nila Suresh had spent much of her life in the districts for her research, and even more for her documentary television show District Discoveries.

“My name is Dr. Nila Suresh, and I’m proud to host this gala in support of Vasco Izar.” She stood at a podium at the front of a small ballroom. People nibbled at canapes and sipped champagne as she spoke into the microphone and motioned to the screen behind her. “I’ve spent a lot of time in the districts, and I can say that without a doubt, he is one of the most honest, hardest working districters I’ve had the chance to meet. He can’t be with us tonight for obvious reasons, but I arranged for him to speak with us. Mayor Izar, the floor is yours.”

***

Vasco watched the young man behind his camera begin his countdown to signal they were going live. As he lowered his finger on one, the lights brightened, and Vasco stood and cleared his throat.

“A lot of people have asked me in the districts why I’m even bothering to do this. Or, if they think any of you will realize that I even exist. I’m not even a valid candidate, and I’m not blind to the fact what might happen to me or my family because of what I’m trying to do.” He had decided to give his speech in front of his mayor’s desk. His world’s best dad mug was in full view.

“And when someone asks me why – why have I been mayor for fifteen years after all we’ve lost and how hard life can be – I tell them it’s because of what I think the world could look like.”

“If you’ll indulge me, I want you to close your eyes. Picture yourself wanting something. Maybe it’s a gift. Or a promotion. Maybe it’s just someone in the room to notice you.” He leaned forward and smiled as he finished. He held the silence for just a moment.

“You know how to get what you want, but that means taking a chance. How would it feel if it didn’t go the way you planned? It’s terrifying, sometimes, thinking about what might happen if you fail, isn’t it?” He could have retired quietly, could’ve not committed, in effect, treason. Except Vasco Izar could never do anything but tempt fate.

“But what if it does work out? That’s a pretty good – maybe the best – feeling, to have taken the chance and gotten what you wanted.”

“Imagine millions of people every day dreaming, hoping, and wishing just like you do. Imagine all of that potential. All that possible happiness. All those people who could strive for something better if they’re given the chance.” He pictured his daughter at her desk, working late into the night.

“It’s easy to say we should hate one another. Or that there can never be forgiveness for what’s been done.”

“But that’s not a whole life. It’ll never be one if we can’t forgive one another. Panem will never be whole until all of us are made whole. That means we could never dream of what’s possible for any of us – going up into space, traveling the rest of the world, going through time – until we are able to sit with one another at the same table.” How could something so small seem so dangerous, he wondered.

“If you support the districts ever being made whole, I ask you to support me. And I thank you for listening. I’m not here to burn Panem to the ground; I’m here to build Panem from the ground up. And if I become part of the council, that’s exactly the type of person I’d be. Thank you, and good night.”

The red light next to the camera flicked off and he was left to listen to the silence that resounded in his office. His suit felt too hot, and he tugged at the tie on his neck.

Whether it would move anyone he couldn’t be sure, but at least he could say that he had tried what no one else had done before.

elegant