From the first glance around the room, it is clear who won the war. The man is imposing. Taller than most, he is well-built and looks as if he could handle almost anyone. And indeed, he can, for this is the man who subdued the Revolution, the one who beat the accursed rebels back into their rightful place. Around the table are seated other men and women, most formidable in their own right, but not when compared to him. He looks around slowly and, apparently judging that everyone is present, speaks, his voice surprisingly honey-sweet.
"Comrades, today we have achieved what we have been fighting for: the rebels have been defeated and peace has been restored to our great nation. And now we have the difficult task of building it up again to the glory that it was and even further."
He nods to the man at his right hand and sits down. The attention of the room shifts to the slight, stooped man as he stands. Slender, musicians fingers resting on the table, the man begins to speak in a soft, silky voice that permeates every corner of the room and sends chills up the spines of even these men and women that have all heard him speak before.
"We do not want to face this again. I believe we can all agree that our fragile nation will not survive another rebellion. We need a way to keep the Districts in line and a way to consistently remind them who is truly in control."
He pauses for a brief second and a few of the people at the table exchange looks. A couple look uncomfortable with the proceedings, this is more than they bargained for in the beginning. But they would never speak up for they know that it would mean certain death for them and everyone that they care for. Before anyone can be singled out, attention is quickly directed back to the speaker, who raises a single finger as an evil glint comes to his eyes and a malicious smile slowly creeps across his face.
"Therefore, I have devised a method of ensuring that no one could ever forget no matter how hard they try."
As the plan is outlined and the extent of its inhumanity becomes clear, some faces darken even as others brighten in revolting glee. Yet there is no dissent, no one makes a case for mercy. Fear is too great, even in the room where the greatest freedom to speak up should exist. Finally, he falls silent as he glances around the room and those with expressions of shock or revulsion need to quickly wipe them or they will be disposed of. His eerie grin returns as he sits again.
"Let us cast our votes."