"I don't see why you're so intent on finding about things that don't even concern us."
"We should be aware of our universe, Leonato. Everything in this space concerns us. There are so many things unexplored. Just because you don't see, doesn't mean there is no beauty in science."
"Elisenda, spending billions of dollars on space expedition is madness! What will you gain? What will Panem gain? We have to think of our country first."
"Leonato," Elisenda said, taking a seat on the plush couch of their bedroom, looking up at her husband as if she was talking to a particularly difficult and stubborn toddler, "There is no need for the Games either, if you talk about 'gain'. We're turning our citizens into monsters who lust after blood. We aren't producing good individuals."
"Enough Elisenda," Leonato said with a tone of finality, holding up his hand to silence her, "We've gained a lot from the Games. It keeps the districts in line-"
"-and results in murder of twenty-three children. I know. It isn't a very big price to pay for establishing control."
"Don't start an argument again, Elisenda."
"Who am I to argue with the President of the country I live in? I just wanted to state the fact that while your intentions may be right, you have blood on your hands. And while my experiments may seem unimportant to you, and many others, I can safely say that I am not carrying the guilt of murdering children and wasting billions of dollars every year on that."
President Leonato glared at his wife, trying to intimidate her through his eyes. However, they both knew that it meant nothing. Elisenda was not a person who could be terrified into not speaking her mind. Leonato found it annoying occasionally, for he knew in his heart that she was right, but her strength was what he admired, and the reason he loved her in the first place.
"Honey," he sighed, "The Games are important. I understand your point, and don't even think that I don't feel guilty about it. After all, it was just our luck to be born in the Capitol, where we have the power to not face these atrocities of life. Had we been born in the Districts and decided to have children, we would have been like those wretched parents who die knowing they'll never see their children.
"However, Elisenda, people are used to it. If we even try to stop it, the protests that will rise among the Capitolites will lead to our downfall. The whole of Panem will fall to that. The Games have become a part of our tradition since the past ninety years. People can't accept that it's wrong."
"And that's why," Elisenda said, taking an agonising pause just to annoy her husband further, "We must divert their attention. We must make our citizens focus on things that are progressive. We must awaken humanity in them and teach them to appreciate the beauty of the universe. And that's where Science comes in.
"It's a shame that our country hasn't done anything yet to study space. That's going to change, Leonato, for I plan to open the vast possibilities of scientific world. Our space expedition will be a success."
"The people here aren't-"
"-aren't ones who'll think that something like aliens are as interesting as the Games. And you know what? That's the reason they're so dense.
"We'll make our citizens practical. We'll make our country great."
"What do you suggest?" Leonato questioned critically, raising his brow at Elisenda. It seemed as if the first lady was waiting to be asked, and she did not lose a second to respond.
"Firstly, I think we need to strengthen our ties with the outside world. There are many countries on this planet, progressive countries that are strong as well as peaceful. Yet, we have no interaction with them. They know how to handle things. People there are humane. The thing is Leonato, we need to learn from them, because the truth is that the path our ancestors have created for us to follow is, at best, pathetic."
Leonato continued to stare at his wife, even as she stood up and started walking towards the large, comfortable bed. He did not want to admit it, but she did have a point. Their way of handling politics wasn't really the best.
However, there was nothing he could do to stop something lowly like the Games. For he had the right estimation of the Capitol's reaction if he tried to abolish it. And, although it was too painful to admit it, Leonato acknowledged that he lacked the courage to take on so many people at once.
So yeah, interesting cast we got here. Also the blog for this is up. But before putting on the address, I'll like to thank JustABitMental for making the blog for this story! I was initially not going to make one, but he offered to do so, and he has done an excellent job of it. In fact, if you're free, I'd recommend taking a look at his stories, because Ben is one awesome author! Thank you Ben!
So, the address is- eclipse 91s thg . blogspot . com
I'd appreciate any comments you may have on the tributes, judging from the blog that is, although I'll request you not to judge tributes because of appearance or name, for districts have been moved around for many of these tributes.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Have a great day!
PS: If you haven't, please take a look at Home of the Brave 2 by IVolunteerAsAuthor. It has an interesting concept, so please send some awesome characters his way!