Chapter 2: I'm just too good at Goodbyes
I stand at the only window in the room that they've assigned me for my goodbyes. I look out at the main square forlornly that moments ago housed the population of my district, of my home. The next time that I see this square I will be in a wooden box.
I hear the door open and turn to see a wave of black hair charge at me. I feel her arms wrap around me and the front of my shirt becomes wet from the tears streaming out of her eyes. I look up and also find Eabard, Roman and Tyes, the red haired triplets, standing uncomfortably at the door.
The five us all work maintenance at the hydro-electric dam. The triplets and I all signed up together and Alla only recently joined us. "We'll give you some time alone together…" Tyes said as she ushered her brothers out the door. "Stay strong Gin" she forced out the last words as though she was on the verge of tears. I understood why, the three of them lost their older sister two years ago to the Games after all.
Alla looks up at me after a bit of sobbing. She starts talking to me but I don't listen to what she says, I'm too busy memorising all the features of her delicate face. Her raven black hair accentuates her green eyes and high cheek bones. Her lips form the faint shape of a heart. Her eyebrows give a quizzical look. A look that, overtime, made me fall in love with her. She was orphaned when she was five years old. She didn't have any other family members. My grandfather had known her parents so he took her in. "Please… please you must come back." Instead of giving her false hope I just simply squeeze Alla and kiss her forehead lightly.
The moment is cut short by a Peacekeeper storming in and grabbing Alla. She screams at them for more time but they don't listen, before she disappears forever she throws something at me. I catch it in the air and look to see that it is a pendant in the shape of a star of a silver chain. The stars points are shaped out of lightning bolts. I put it around my neck and look in the large mirror against the wall. Looking back is a terrified fifteen year old with a gleaming silver star around his neck.
My next visitor is my grandfather. He's wheeled into the room by a peacekeeper who leaves instantly. "Sit", I listen to my grandfather's stern voice and sit on the luxurious sofa in the room, "how much do you remember" he asks me in a hushed tone. "Everything" I whisper back. "Good" is all he mumbles. "Your main concern will be those Career's. Remember you're fast and nimble. You also know basic survival skills and you know how to fight." "With my hands and feet." I mutter. "Weapons are just extensions of your own body. Make them as if they are part of you then it will become second nature." His eyes drift to my neck to find the pendant and his eyes flash in excitement. "Where did you get that?" "Alla gave it to me" I say. "I believe that girl just saved your life." He tells me what I must look out for in the Games until the Peacekeepers come to collect me. "See you soon my boy", he calls as I'm taken away, "My Silver Star".
The drive to the train was a blur and so was the short walk to the train. Even though we were bombarded by reporters at the train station. Olriv ushered us into the train before we could be overwhelmed which I was thankful for. I take a moment to appreciate the interior of the luxurious Capitol train. The white metallic walls give off a slight cyan hue that hurts my eyes. All the furniture is made out of metal, giving a strong futuristic theme. I'm sceptical to sit at the table because of how uncomfortable the chairs look but when I do they are surprisingly comfortable.
I only stare at the delicious food before me. There is so much available that I don't know where to start. Olriv sits and plucks a hot pink cube of something and pops it in her mouth. "Don't be shy darlings. Dig in!" "Don't call me darling," Lydia says while she starts putting food on her plate, "I'm old enough to be your younger sister." Olriv looks at Lydia with glee, "Oh thank you!" I zone out on the rest of their conversation as I begin grabbing as much food as I can.
I keep eating until I hear a door hiss open and a woman saunters through and sits down heavily next to me. Her black hair is highlighted with midnight blue streaks that give it a reflective look, and the look on her face makes me shift uncomfortably in my comfortable seat. Next to me is Tazmin Graze. And she looks horrible.