A/N: Hello again everybody! Sorry I haven't posted much, I've been on hiatus for a while, and I had a huge case of writer's block. I've added a bit about the Rio Olympics in this. And, yes I know the Olympics are over, but they were still on when I wrote this. Just imagine that this particular meeting was a few weeks back when the games were still on. Also I forgot to mention that some views the countries express are not necessarily my own, just encase anyone gets the wrong idea over some of the more controversial topics in this series. Ok that's all, as always feel free to suggest any other news stories for the series, and if you'd like "News Today" to continue! Enjoy! :P
The countries had had a tough time since the last time they met up. So many disasters and events, they were all too busy to call a world meeting. But eventually they organised it.
Germany stepped up to speak. He looked at the countries around him and took a deep breath.
"First of all, I'd like to offer my condolences to America, for the Orlando Shootings and other mass shootings this year. France, for the Bastille Day attack, as well as the many others in this room who have suffered attacks and tragedy..."
There had been more countries who'd suffered this year listed on the paper in front of him, even the ones that the Media missed out and had not been covered properly. Germany couldn't bring himself to read them all. So, so many deaths...
Italy looked at his fellow countries. He saw America; we're those tears shimmering in the corners of his eyes?
Not many people knew, but America has always remembered every shooting that has happened in his country. Sandyhook, Roseburg, Orlando... Every single one. After every one he'd demand the full report on it, he'd memorise the victims' faces, some young some old many different races. Real people, with families, hope and dreams not just some figure on the T.V screen. He was torn, on how to stop these shootings, should he ban all guns and risk people not having anything to defend themselves or give other people more guns and run the danger of creating more psychos with guns?
France was sitting staring into space, even though it was a little over a month ago he recalled the attacks during Bastille Day with fresh pain. It was supposed to be a joyful day of celebration. Those people were just watching fireworks, having a good time, what did they do to deserve getting mown down? It was a horrible repeat of the Paris attacks.
Also, it seemed the Kirkland family had been arguing ever since Brexit happened, Scotland even going as far as threatening to disown England as his brother. Today, England sat alone at his place in the world meeting, his siblings were still angry at him and no one called up to say hello as often as before.
And, it was no secret that Germany had suffered a lot in recent months. The shooting in Munich, and other multiple attacks in the space of a few weeks. It was clear he was exhausted. The dark rings under his eyes and his miserable expression said it all.
The other countries also looked down heartened; some of the Middle Eastern countries couldn't even make it to the meeting due to the chaos in their lands. The mood was dark.
"This isn't right..." thought Italy "France and England should be insulting each other and pretending to hate each other (even though we know that they are actually pretty good friends), America should be cheerfully yelling about some burger joint or a new American T.V show airing. Some nations should be here, not trapped in their homes, helpless, seeing their people suffer. Germany should be strong and tell everyone the plan to make things better; he shouldn't be all lost and sad... "
No one should, Yet they all were. Suddenly Italy had an idea, how could they all have forgotten?
"Hey Brazil!" Italy called out to the country from across the table.
"Sim?" Brazil replied
"How are Olympics going?" asked Italy
"Rather well, thank you for asking"
As Italy and Brazil began to talk about the Olympics, all the countries gradually stopped looking sad and began chatting about the Olympics too.
"HA! You frog we've won more medals than you!" England yelled at France
"Ah, you may have more medals, but you know what they, say quality over quantity Angleterre!" France retorted with a flip of his hair.
"What are you suggesting by that?!"
As usual a little fight broke out between the two, this time Spain had to try and settle it.
Singapore was with the other South East Asian Countries animatedly telling them about the victory of her first ever gold medal!
Of course America started boasting about how many medals HE had, but everyone was too busy telling of their own Olympic experiences and triumphs, or listening to Greece talk about the origins of the games again, to listen to America. Germany watched them happily.
"Ahem! May I have your attention please?" Germany suddenly called out to his fellow countries, who surprisingly all stopped and listened.
"I just want to say, that even though we've suffered, we should not let it bring us down, we should not stoop the level of those who wish to harm us. When people try to drive us all apart, we must hold together more strongly than ever. For it is through unity we shall prevail, I realise the Olympics as one of the many examples of this. When we are alone we don't have much but when we come together we are able to create something strong meaningful and beautiful. So, here's the plan we must try stand firm and stick together come what may, we shall fight till our last breath for our friends, family and people!"
The world meeting erupted in cheers.
Amidst the excitement Germany smiled warmly at Italy. Somehow Italy had once again lifted everyone's Spirits, and gave them the inspiration to carry on. No matter what came next they would overcome it, he was sure of it!...
