Farzaneh vs Mac [ Four vs Eight Debate ]

[Azalea]

M A R I A H  M A C

He had spent hours just talking at me about how to handle a debate: how to make a fool of the opposition by questioning their answers, and then questioning their questioning of your answers. A lot of it involved exerting power through body language and conducting yourself with care, but in a confident manner. He had told me, again, about the policies he—I—would implement if elected Mayor. He went into great detail about all of it, but of course, I zoned out when the moment he opened his mouth, thinking of brighter, better things. What is a girl if she cannot dream?

Of course, some of his advice stuck. But it was hardly relevant given the fact I'd be taking part in a telephone debate. How do I exert power through body language when I'm talking to someone through a wire? Still, I'd give it my best attempt because although being Mayor was not my own dream, it was my father's, and I told him I'd honour that. Besides, this is all televised and I'd hate to make a fool of myself in front of two Districts.

Sat with the phone in hand, the first question is shot my way and I ponder it for a moment—and in that moment, I realise it isn't about politics or policy, but rather about myself. Talking about oneself is second nature, especially when it regards speaking of a time when I've experienced great difficulty. Every day is difficult, but there are very poignant memories of a time when I was faced with one of the most difficult decisions a girl could ever face, and so I realise that telling my very true, very heartfelt, emotional story, is the best way to try and win the votes of... the voters. 

Besides, a Mayor needed more than just policy—a Mayor needed a personality too.

"There was a time, a couple years ago, where there were two guys I liked at work. It was so hard, you know, because they both liked me back and I know that each of them had their positives and negatives." I shake my head slightly, wiping an invisible tear. I start to imagine the candidate on the other end of the phone as more of a friend. "Picture this: two guys. One is the most gorgeous specimen that has ever walked this world. A real God of a man, buff, beautiful... but brainless... not that that is a bad thing!" I, myself, have been called brainless. "He was unemployed and living in a basement, I should add." He was my dream man before he opened his mouth. "And then the other guy: so intelligent, director at a company, financially stable but not a looker." I sigh. I really don't know if it would be possible for someone, anyone to face something more of a struggle.

"It was such a difficult time in my life. I was ready to settle down with one of them but my head was playing with my heart and my heart was beating up my head. I just—"

What I did was ultimately the best decision possible, especially given the circumstances. It meant that I could move on with my life and not look back, feeling I had missed something. I take a breath to compose myself before concluding. "I didn't know what to do... so I did them both." I nod my head, it was a personal victory. "And I'm a better woman for it."

[Kire]

[attr="class","shirahorizontal"]shira farzaneh [attr="class","shirahorisontal"]candidate

[attr="class","shira"]She had prepared for this debate for days. She knew exactly what she was going to say, how she was going to win over the crowd, how she would show that she had the most solid plan for the district. Then they put her in a debate with a candidate from another district, over the phone. Manageable, she would be able to adjust accordingly. These debates were televised so she would still be able to reach the masses. As for the debate being over the phone, well it would reduce her ability to read the other candidate but that wasn't the end of the world either. After all, she wasn't directly competing against them, if anything they could use this as a way to make both of them look better. Determined, calm, and ready to rip apart arguments before building a tower out of the rubble, she had thought she was prepared for anything that they would throw at her. Except she wasn't expecting Mariah Mac. The amount of self-control she exerted to not roll her eyes as the woman told her tale of "woe" was practically exhausting. She had to be careful to retain her dignity when held up next to a woman who clearly held no concern over her own. They have to be kidding, is this the best district Eight could offer? She felt sorry for them, perhaps this was why they struggled in the Games so much - a lack of leadership and insight. Before she began her rebuttal, she took a breath. She needed a moment to gather herself so she didn't simply spout insults. If anything, this was a truer test of herself than any debate against a truly competent candidate. "If that is the greatest struggle you have had, Ms. Mac, your district must be doing quite well." Her tone held only the slightest amount of scorn, which she was proud of. The sarcasm that wanted to come from her was a sour tang in the back of her throat. "I am not too proud to admit my own difficulties, for every person has had their own. For me, I was certainly more fortunate than some. I had the support of two loving parents, and still do. I was a quick study in school and in training, even if I wasn't so strong in either as some were. I had my goal of being a tribute in the Games and proving that being the best at something wasn't the only way to win." Ruefulness entered her tone, admonishing the young girl she had been for thinking she was destined to fight and kill, to survive. "When I had attended my final reaping I lost my way. My life up to that point had been dedicated to the dream of winning the Games as Leon had. I now had no direction. I know now that there are a lot of people who feel like that, for one reason or another. So many young children in my district focus so entirely on learning skills they will need to survive in the Games that they lose all vision of the future." She smiles into the camera, trying to make it look like the sun coming out after a long day of rain. "I found my purpose when elections were announced to happen in the year of the 75th. Though I was too young then to enter, I knew that where there was one there would be more and eventually I would have my chance to sign up for candidacy. Sure enough, I now have." The smile on her face is more genuine now, holding the true excitement and thrill she felt now. "I'm able now to directly strive for my goal, and I hope to be able to help others do so."

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