Chapter 99: The speech of the victors

The following is very important, and Effie would take care of most of it since she is the expert. Jacob and Katniss review the program one last time.

In some districts, the victors drive through the city while the residents cheer for them. But in District 11 - perhaps because there is no city to begin with, everything being so scattered, or maybe because they don't want to spend so much time on the harvest - the public appearance is confined to the square. It takes place in front of the Justice Building, an immense marble structure.

In the past, it must have been something of great beauty, but time has taken its toll. Even on television, you can see the ivy covering the decaying facade, the sagging roof. The square itself is surrounded by dilapidated storefronts, most of which are abandoned. Wherever the well-off people of District 11 live, it's not here.

Their entire public appearance will take place outside what Effie refers to as the gallery, the tiled extension between the front doors and the staircase, shaded by a roof supported by columns. He and Katniss will be introduced, the mayor of District 11 will read a speech in our honor, and they will respond with a scripted thank-you provided by the Capitol.

If a victor had any special alliance with the deceased tributes, it is considered good to add some personal comments as well. He should say something about Rue, and also about Thresh, and in this regard, Jacob had the greatest stake as he had prepared a speech for months.

At the end of the speech, they will be presented with some kind of plaque, and then they can retreat to the Justice Building, where a special dinner will be served.

As the train enters District 11 station, Portia approaches and gives Jacob's outfit the final touches, placing a gold brooch.

There is no welcoming committee on the platform, just a squad of eight peacekeepers directing us to the back of an armored van. Effie scoffs as the door closes with a clank behind us.

"Honestly, I would say we're criminals." Effie says angrily.

"I'm fine with it, don't feel so bad." Jacob replies. He has traveled in cars for criminals and knows what it feels like to be treated like one.

The van leaves them behind the Justice Building. They are quickly taken inside. Jacob can smell that they are preparing an excellent meal, but it is masked by the smells of mold and decay. They haven't been given time to explore. As they line up to the front entrance, he can hear the anthem starting in the square.

Someone attaches a clip-on microphone to Jacob, then takes Katniss by her left hand, preparing. The mayor is now introducing them as the immense doors open with a groan.

"Big smiles!" Effie says, giving them a push. Their feet start moving forward.

There is a loud applause, but none of the other responses they received in the Capitol, the cheers and hurrahs and whistles. They walk through the shaded gallery until the roof ends, standing at the foot of large marble stairs under the scorching sun.

As Jacob's eyes adjust, he sees that flags have been hung from the buildings in the square, helping to cover their state of abandonment. It is filled with people, but once again, only a fraction of the people who live here.

As always, a special platform has been built at the end of the stage for the families of the deceased tributes. On Thresh's side, there is only a hunched old woman and a tall girl who should be his family, so either he lied about his family, or she is just an acquaintance.

On Rue's side... Jacob wasn't prepared for Rue's family. Her parents, their faces still carrying fresh sorrow. Her five younger siblings who resemble her so much. Small frames, luminous brown eyes. They form a flock of little dark birds.

The applause fades, and the mayor delivers a speech in their honor. Two little girls approach with two enormous bouquets of flowers.

Jacob looks at everyone for a brief moment, silently apologizing for making them angry with his next words, but since only a fraction is present here, those at home who are listening will know his true speech.

"[Preparing transmission invasion for the entire District Eleven, calculating time, and setting up a previously recorded video!]"

Jacob's plan is about to do something incredibly impressive.

"Dear residents of District Eleven!"

"Today, I address all of you with deep respect and admiration. First and foremost, I want to pay tribute to two brave participants from your district, Thresh and Rue, who were also my allies. Both demonstrated immense courage and sacrificed themselves for the well-being of others. Their exemplary actions teach us that the people of District Eleven are capable of unparalleled love and devotion to the Games."

"Allow me to tell you that I understand the pain and loss you have experienced as a community. The Hunger Games have left a profound mark on all of us, and it is my duty to remind you that your strength and resilience are admirable. Despite the hardships you have faced, each one of you is a living testament that hope and loyalty can arise even in the darkest of times."

"The Hunger Games are an undeniable challenge, a test of our skills and our ability to survive. But let me tell you that they can also be an opportunity. An opportunity to showcase our excellence, our cunning, and our bravery. The games are not just about fighting for our lives, but also about finding an inner strength that we may not even have known we possessed."

"It is true that the selection of tributes is a painful and distressing process. But amidst that heartbreaking reality, we can also find stories of triumph and hope. Every tribute who volunteers or faces the games with courage reminds us that if we truly care for one another, everyone would have professional tributes."

"I am not here to dry your tears or glorify your pain. I am here to tell you that, despite everything, there is something we can learn from this experience. Through the games, I have learned the importance of camaraderie, teamwork, and solidarity. But above all, of being intelligent."

"Today, I stand before you as the winner of the Hunger Games. But I want you to know that my victory is not just mine, but all of ours. Each one of you has contributed to my success, through my alliance with the participants of this place."

...

As Jacob delivered his speech in the District Eleven square, a secret plan was underway. Jacob's intelligent assistant, the orb, was tirelessly working to manipulate the speech reaching the homes of the district's inhabitants.

While those in the square heard comforting words, a completely different speech was being broadcast in the homes of District Eleven. Jacob's intelligent orb, using its advanced technology, modified the words spoken by Jacob and replaced them with a message that resonated in the hearts of the rebels.

The words reaching the homes of District Eleven conveyed a call to action, urging resistance and the fight against the Capitol's oppression. It was a powerful message, designed to ignite the fire of rebellion that was already present in the hearts of many district inhabitants.

As Jacob continued his speech in the square, unaware of the real-time manipulation occurring, the rebels of District Eleven heard the words they needed to hear. The intelligent orb ensured that each word resonated in their souls, igniting the spark of resistance and strengthening their determination.

Only those present in the square, the inhabitants of District Twelve, and a select few could hear Jacob's original speech. The rest of District Eleven, in their homes, were receiving a unique and powerful message that fueled their desires for change and freedom.

In this way, Jacob's speech became a strategic tool to unite the rebels of District Eleven and mobilize them towards the fight against the Capitol. While words of hope and excellence were spoken in the square, a message of resistance and rebellion was transmitted in homes, fueling revolutionary fervor and laying the groundwork for imminent change.

Jacob's intelligent orb had masterfully deployed its manipulation plan, leveraging technology to influence people's mindset and awaken in them the desire for liberation. It was a crucial step on the path to freedom and the end of Capitol's oppression.

"Dear inhabitants of District Eleven, I ask you to continue believing in yourselves and in the power of resistance. Together, we can change the course of history and build a future where no child has to face the horrors of the Hunger Games. This fight won't be easy, but I promise to stand by your side every step of the way."

"Today, here and now, a new era begins for District Eleven. An era of courage, determination, and hope. United, we can challenge injustices and build a world where everyone has equal opportunities."

"Thank you for listening and believing in a better future. Together, we are unstoppable."

"May the flame of hope never be extinguished!"