Two weeks.
That is how long District 12 will have to wait until the coal mine is complete.
I normally do not second guess those below me, but half a month is a ludicrous amount of time for an entire District's sole industry to be down.
It is absolutely vital that you ensure the quota is met. If a single district fails to pull its weight, than the entire nation will experience severe shortages.
"Are you sure?"
The inspector, his formerly white uniform stained almost completely black, was absolutely positive in this aspect.
"Absolutely. The infrastructure of the mines are in such a fucked up condition that at least five of them will collapse tomorrow if we don't make the needed patch ups. If expanding the mines to fit more workers is an absolute necessity, than my estimate is that we will need a minimum of two weeks."
I let out a frustrated groan, "Fine, do what you need to do."
In a bad mood, I head to the Justice Building to see how the civil aspect of District Management is going on.
The Mayor of the District often holds responsibilities such as awarding medals and hosting ceremonies and other government events. The Mayor answers directly to the Headpeacekeeper, and as such must obey your orders.
Mr. Undersee was not a helpful man. This is not to say he was subversive, just that he does not have anything to offer. Honestly, of he was not present here than my job would not be more or less difficult. This is why I do not mind the fact that Mayor is a hereditary position; a monkey could do Mr. Undersee's job easily enough.
On one hand he is certainly nothing like his second cousin, the current Mayor of District 11. When I was in charge there, that man was constantly demanding harsher punishments and coming up with ideas to crush insurrection in its tracks. He was a helpful person. From what Clark tells me, he has not changed.
On the other hand Mr. Undersee is at least not resistant or subversive. A subversive Mayor can end up setting progress back months.
First, I overview the effects of my orders.
First the orphanage is being fixed up; the building is being repaired. More importantly, the orphans and abandoned bastards living there (DNA analysis proved that a disturbing number of them are Cray's children) have a ration increase. I also requested blankets be shipped in with the grain so that they are less likely to freeze.
It is important to take care of the District Orphanage. Nobody else will take care of them, so it falls to you to ensure they are supplied with necessities.
Next is the school. It was rearranged, cleaned up, and (most importantly) the drunks who work there were replaced with actual teachers. District 12 only has a thirty eight percent literacy rate, and that is not unrelated to how shitty Cray allowed this District's education system to become.
It has been proven that District Children who go to school are less likely to act out violently. Since it placates the population of a Production District, it should be ensured that truancy is not tolerated and that the teachers will not be drunk or absent.
Finally, a fire station is being built where the black market used to be. When it is complete (which should be in about eight months), locals will be hired and taught basic techniques to put out fires. This is important because District 12 is a fireman's worst nightmare; the buildings are saturated with coal dust, built close together, and built according to a primitive building code which allows flammable materials to be used to construct houses. This means that a fire will absolutely obliterate the district before anyone can get to safety. Until it is built, I will have one hovercraft ready with fire retardant to put out any house fires.
Have a plan ready to limit the damage caused by natural or environmental disasters. If you are Headpeacekeeper over District 11 or District 10, make plans to ensure tornados do not destroy everything. If you are Headpeacekeeper over District 4, have a plan to evacuate civilians to storm shelters in the event of a hurricane. If you are Headpeacekeeper over District 12, have a fire department working.
While I am looking over these plans in the Mayor's Office, a peacekeeper walks in.
He salutes me.
"Headpeacekeeper, we just received word from District 8. The uprising there was defeated, the district was retaken."
In order to verify this, I turn on the television and change it to the right broadcast. It shows District 8; damaged by battle but under Peacekeeper control. A National Banner hangs over the justice building, and in front of it rebel leaders are hung from gallows.
Finally, some good news.
When I first learned about an uprising in District 8, I saw an angry hoard of fanatical rebels trying to storm the justice building. I saw desperate Peacekeepers bravely holding their own against numerous foe, and I saw acts of rebel cruelty as the Mayor's entire family was executed in cold blood.
I had no doubt that we would inevitably win, but I was still filled with dread and fear when I thought of the peacekeepers trapped inside.
The worst part is that the rebels were seen holding flags with a Mockingjay on it. It is clear that District 12's newest victors inspired this revolt, and I think they would be happy if they found out that their antics resulted in insurrection.
"That is all, carry on."
The peacekeeper leaves, shutting the door behind him.
I see that the Mayor looks very pale when he watches the television.
Mr. Undersee, noticing my scrutiny, tries to explain himself. "Sorry, I don't like seeing blood. It makes me feel feint."
"You don't have sympathies for the rabble, do you?"
"No, not at all. I want to avoid confrontation whenever possible, as I feel it isn't the best solution."
Shaking my head, I go back to looking at the civil projects.