For the Future [Althea Perch Mayoral Speech]

[sbeeg]

She steps up the podium, her heels scuffed from time but still holding on to their blue dye. Dark hair is pinned back from her face but the ocean winds had snatched a few locks out of their place, the wild curls framing her determined expression.

Althea takes a moment, staring over the small stand at the people of her district. Her eyes fall on her husband sitting with her children.

Finally, she clears her throat and speaks.

"Citizens of District Four, thank you for taking a few hours from your busy day to come listen to us. Is it important to get to know your candidates and be active in the government of your district.

There is little introduction I can give that you already don't know. Most of you know me, many personally. My husband, Fabian Perch, was mayor a few years ago. Under him District Four welcomed home their victor Leon Krigel and the hosting of the Panem Olympics which brought media coverage and prosperity to our home.

However, with success also comes disaster. I was here when the tsunami hit, I brought water and food to the starving, I helped reassemble houses with my own two hands. I have been a constant presence here, and I always will be no matter the outcome of this election. You know me and I know you. You know I am a reliable and that I know exactly what it takes to be a Mayor of this district. It's hard work, and it can be exhausting but I would happily shoulder that burden to better the lives of our citizens and keep District Four the shining beacon of Panem that it is.

I have the special position of having trained as a fighter in my youth, but also that of a mother. I know how important the Games are to our reaping aged citizens, but also how important their lives are as well. For those yearning for glory, we need to make sure they are equipped to come back home like Anatalia Morrisen: of their own merit. However, for those who do not see themselves in the limelight, and those of our brave warriors who reach nineteen we need to encourage apprenticeships and trades. There is a life after the reaping, and they should not be afraid of it. I will personally open paid internships in the Mayor's mansion to citizens directly after their last reaping so that they can study how the district works and the duties of politicians in our home. Hopefully, they will grow up to earn the title of Mayor in their own right. Any business who opens their ranks for our young citizens will get a stipend to support their wages. With more young workers come more masters. District Four will be flooded with experienced boat builders, mechanics, artists, and of course master fishers.

I want to support our youth and our future. I want to make a change now.

Thank you."