Unstoppable {Rubia's election speech}

[Sleepy Fluttershy]

Her throat is as dry as it had never been before. Her stomach feels like it is being split in two parts. Her face is pale. But she can get through this, she knows it. And if she can't, there is no point in her very existence. She walks up on the stage, stands in the center and throws a strand of her gorgeous red flame back. The hot wind rubs her beautiful face and she can feel the smell of the ocean in her nostrils. There is some crowd in front of her - people whom she doesn't know, never did, never will. Life is odd sometimes. Yesterday she was a career, today she is a politician. It is obvious that she must nail the second job just as she did with the first one. Today this district will see what Rubia Lennox is capable of.

"Hi there, everybody."

That could have been a little more formal...

"We all have assembled here today to make one small step towards making our district a better place. Today we decide what our future will be."

And that was too cliche...

"My name is Rubia and I am going to tell you, why you are not making a mistake if you want me to be a part of that future, to help you shape it the way you want."

That sounds about right... She can see her parents in the distance, mouthing something like "That's our Annie-princess" to her. And her sister. Zeph is not smiling. Why would she? She knows Ruby for the bitch she really is. But who cares?

"Like many of you, I was a Career. Was. Because unfortunately, the years in which I could bring glory to my district are now over. I am sure that approximately seventy percent of the people here can relate to that. I understand what it feels like more than anyone - the confusion, the disappointment. And I promise that if you vote for me, I will do everything in my power to help you find decent jobs, to help you fulfill your hopes and dreams here in the district. I also want to do a lot for those, who can still fight for our honor in the Hunger Games. I am planning to give out significant amounts of money to the most promising careers, pay more attention to training children, to begin the renovation of the training center and to hire more trainers for our careers to increase our district's chances of having a victor."

Deep breath...

"You may wonder why you have to elect me. And I am ready to answer that question. I am not ideal, I can actually act like a real bitch sometimes..."

A playful look in Zeph's direction...

"But when it comes to working, I take all my responsibilities seriously and always strive towards perfection, no matter what I am doing, to satisfy my pride and to avoid letting down those, who rely on me. An moreover, I am younger than all the other candidates. Unlike them, I actually represent the younger generation and know what the majority wants. I am ready to give all I have to stand beside you all and we will struggle together to make a real change. Thank you all for being here and hearing me out."

A charming smile. A graceful nod. A few steps towards the stairs and down from the stage. She did her best today. But this is not over yet. It has just begun.