Goodbyes
District 8
Axel Tarra (15)- District 8
Silence...I hate silence. At a time like this, I wish my gang would show up and fill the empty air with mindless chattering and laughter. I want the twins to bicker about something pointless, while little Vince watches quietly. I want Zane to tell them to shut up and smack them over the head. Anything to get rid of the horrid silence in this overly decorated room.
After the Reaping took place, those damn Peacekeepers led me straight into this torture chamber; better known as the Justice Building. Some may find the silk furniture and shiny decor appealing, but it makes me feel uncomfortable. It's almost as if the little glass statue across the room is judging me and my worn out clothes.
My friends are supposed be here at any moment to say their goodbyes, but as the enormous, golden clock mounted on the far wall ticks on and on, I begin to feel antsy. I pace around the room, watching the ground as my dirty sneakers scuff up the perfectly clean white carpet. When I reach the far end of the room where the statue is sitting smugly atop a shelf, I frown and pick it up, weighing it in my hand. It's probably worth a a lot. On any other given day, I would've stuffed it in my pocket and walked straight out of here. But it isn't just any other day.
Dropping it carelessly back on the shelf, I turn and trudge slowly toward the door, debating whether or not I should open it. With a shrug, I finally reach out and twist the handle, cracking it open just enough to get a peek outside. Almost immediately, a Peacekeeper swivels around and slams his palm against the other side of the door. I jump back quickly as the door slams in my face, narrowly missing my nose, "What the hell, man?" I yell hitting a fist against the thick wood.
"You are not to leave this room until your visiting time is up," the Peacekeeper replies calmly, as if reciting a poem.
"Well, my buddies aren't here yet, so I'd like to make sure they're coming," I say, mimicking his tone of voice and snickering to myself.
I wait for a response but the Peacekeeper remains silent, "Ughhh..." I groan dramatically, making sure he can hear me as I lean heavily with my back against the door.
Then, almost as if on cue, the door swings open and find myself stumbling backwards into the hallway. Just before I hit the ground, two sets of arms hook under my armpits and hoist me back onto my feet.
"Careful there, Axel, we wouldn't want you breaking your neck right before the Games," a familiar voice taunts as I regain my balance and turn to face my visitors with a grin. The voice belongs to Darren; twin number one. His identical brother, Kase, is standing beside him, grinning from ear to ear as if watching me fall is the best thing that's happened all day. Behind them is Vince, who looks like he's been crying for quite a while, and Zane with a stony expression upon his face.
"Everyone back in the room," the Peacekeeper demands, waving his arms until we all start to shuffle back into the torture chamber. As soon as little Vince's feet are through the door, the Peacekeeper slams it shut. To my relief, the suffocating silence from before is immediately filled.
"Good thing I caught you. You would've looked like an idiot landing on your ass before you even left the District," Darren comments, smirking as his eyes take in all of the strange items around the room.
Kase frowns and shakes the shaggy red hair from his eyes, "What are you talking about? I caught him,"
Darren shoots Kase a challenging look, "Yeah, right,"
And just like that, the twins begin their usual bickering, leaving me with the sullen company of Zane and Vince. They both stare at me for a long moment and I fight the urge to crack a joke to break the tension. It would probably be inappropriate for the situation.
Then, without a word, Vince hurries forward and wraps his arms around me, "Don't go," he pleads quietly.
That's when I'm hit with a rather unpleasant realization. I'm going into the Hunger Games. It hadn't really bothered me when my name was called; in fact, I'd basically shrugged it off and strode casually onto stage. But seeing Vince like this reminds me that I might be dead in a few weeks time.
"I have to, man," I say as he releases me from the hug and looks up at me through hazel eyes rimmed in tears.
"It's not fair," he mutters, looking down at his dirty, old sneakers that look out of place against the spotless white carpet we're standing on.
I reach out and ruffle his blonde hair like I've always done, "Don't worry about me, Vince. You know I've always wanted to be on TV anyway," I tell him light-heartedly. It's partially true...I've always wanted to be on one of those Capitol talkshows. But the Hunger Games? Maybe not.
Vince shakes his head slightly, as if to let me know that he isn't going to fall for my lame consolations.
"You two are acting like you don't even have a chance," Zane says suddenly, voice harsh. I look up to find him standing with his arms crossed and eyes narrowed at me, "You've given up before it's even begun,"
"I haven't giv-"
"You're not weak, Axel," Zane interrupts before I even have a chance to argue, "You may play around like a five year old most of the time, and you may be one of the laziest people I've ever met, but I know you. I know what you've been through and I know that it's made you strong,"
I frown at him, even though I know he's right. I've been through some terrible things in my fifteen years- things that broke me physically and mentally. But, like a broken bone, I'd healed and become even stronger than before. I can't give up, even if my chances of winning are slim to none. Zane is always right, like a wise big brother to the four of us. I still remember every detail of the day we met two years ago...
~ "Hey, you lost kid?" he'd called to me as I trudged through the pouring rain one night. He and the other boys had been huddled under a small awning, waiting out the storm. I had simply stopped and stared at them, unsure of whether I could trust the strange street kids- or anyone for that matter.
"You hungry?" he had asked, holding out a piece of bread. My stomach had ached and growled painfully at the sight of fresh food; I couldn't resist, so I nodded. Smiling kindly, Zane had walked straight out into the rain and offered me the bread, which I took immediately. Then, without any further questioning, he had led me under the awning and accepted me as a brother. Just like that. ~
"I haven't given up," I say firmly, "And I won't give up, okay? If anything, I owe it to you guys not to,"
Zane looks like he wants to say more, but stops himself. Instead, he extends a hand to me, which I shake. It's a goodbye gesture and I find myself wondering if this is the last time I'll see the boy who saved me- who gave me a family.
For a second, he looks like he's going to simply release my hand and tell the others that it's time to go, which is what I expect him to do. What I don't expect is for him to pull me into a tight embrace- which is exactly what he does.
"If anything, give those Capitol people a piece of your mind, you hear?" he says, voice low next to my ear. I swear I can hear tears hiding in his voice. I've never seen Zane cry, or even come close to crying for that matter, and I honestly don't want to see it. It would force me to face reality.
All I am able to do is nod.
Finally, he releases me and takes a step back. To my relief, he is not crying; in fact, he looks perfectly calm and under control, "It's time to go," he tells the others, shoving his hands into his pockets. Good...that's the Zane I know.
The twins, who had finally stopped fighting, approach me with wide grins. It always amazes me how easily they get over their heated arguments. Kase slaps me on the shoulder good naturedly, "Good luck, bro," he says.
"When you come back, I'll be expecting my own room in the Victor Village," Darren adds, rubbing his fist into my shaggy black hair.
I shove him away, but can't help but smile, "You'd ruin the place in two hours," I taunt.
Darren shrugs, not denying the truth. They couldn't live in a normal house if they tried. We are all so used to living on the streets that it has become natural for us. We don't consider it a bad life; we're happy on our own. It's better that way.
"Time's up," the Peacekeeper's stern voice startles me and I notice him standing with several other guards at the doorway. The sight of their shiny uniforms reminds me of something just as the boys begin to head for the door.
"Wait!" I call, hurrying toward the back of the room. I snag the glass statue off of its place on the shelf and jog back to the front of the room where the guards are busy shoving Zane forcefully out of the room. While they are distracted, I manage to get Vince's attention with a flash of my wide grin.
He looks up at me curiously through puffy, red eyes and I swiftly toss him the statue. Vince instinctively reaches out and catches it, taking a moment to examine the shiny decoration carefully before looking back up at me.
"Make sure you guys get something good to eat tonight," I tell him with a wink.
Vince grins knowingly from ear to ear before shoving the statue into his shirt and scurrying toward the door. The last thing I see are his tattered, blue sneakers before the door is slammed shut and I am left in silence.
Paisley Brookins (18)- District 8
All good things come to an end. Some people don't believe that this is true, but I do. I know it's true. Just when things were starting to go right in my life, everything decided to veer to the left- straight off of a cliff. That cliff being the Hunger Games.
Sighing, I lift my face from my palms and brush my brown hair to the sides. I have to straighten myself out before my visitors arrive. They need to see that I'm strong; that I can do this.
My fists clench almost involuntarily and I take a moment to examine the shiny ring on my left hand as it glints in the light. It is dazzling and takes my breath away for the millionth time. I'll never get used to the feeling of being engaged, especially to Scott. Scott Panjack...Victor of the 97th Hunger Games.
I quickly bite my lip to stop the sudden urge to cry. Franklin, my timid little brother, cannot and will not see me crying. Pressing my hands into the velvet couch beneath me, I slowly rise to my feet and stare at the door. Any minute they will be here and I plan on using every second of our time together. It may be the last time I ever see my baby brother.
The seconds tick by and I swear I can hear yelling down the hall followed by the slamming of doors and laughter. I tap my fingers nervously against my leg and try to focus on what I'm going to say to everyone. How can I handle telling Franklin goodbye? I've basically raised him, especially after my mother passed away last year. We were on our own until Scott proposed and offered to let the both of us live in his house in Victor Village with his older sister. I had felt so blessed to have him at that moment- like nothing could ever go wrong. Then again, all good things come to an end.
"Paisley?"
I whip around at the sound of Franklin's trembling voice behind me. He is standing in the doorway and watching me through teary, grey eyes. I swear I can seem him shaking from where I stand. Behind him is Sonia, Scott's sister. She has a careful hand placed on my little brother's shoulder as she stares at me sympathetically.
Without another word, Franklin charges forward and envelopes me in a tight hug, wrapping his small arms around my waist, "Paisley, you can't leave me, I-I can't, I can't lose y-you," he sobs into my dress and I hold him tight until he begins to calm down.
"Franklin, you'll never lose me," I murmur, stroking his soft brown hair back, "I'll always be with you, you know that,"
He sniffles as he pulls back to look at me, "Scott has to go with you, too," he whispers.
I frown slightly, but continue to run my hand over his head comfortingly. I had almost forgot that Scott was mentoring this year; that he will be coming with me to the Capitol. It should comfort me, but it only makes the urge to cry return. It will only prolong the inevitable; me having to leave him.
"Sonia will be here to take care of you," I tell him, looking up at Sonia who has approached us slowly and is standing quietly behind Franklin.
She nods, attempting to smile and fight tears at the same time, "Of course," she says, making me forever grateful to her.
"Where's Scott?" I ask, my voice almost choking on his name.
Sonia sighs, "He started arguing with the escort again and told us to go ahead. He even tried to get to the mayor, I think. I just hope he doesn't try to hit anyone again," she pauses and I can see how much this is affecting her, "He's devasted,"
I nod once, remembering the moment my name was called...
~ "Paisley Brookins!" the peppy male escort had announced. I was frozen with horror and had to force myself not to cry as I moved toward the stage. Scott, who was already on stage since he was this years' mentor, had risen from his seat and started yelling at the escort. I'd never seen him so angry.
"That's a mistake!" he had yelled, waving his fist in the air as he confronted the escort. He was prepared to hit the scrawny man in his blind rage as I hurried on stage.
"Stop it Scott!" I had screamed at him, causing him to freeze and drop his fist. He looked shocked, like he hadn't expected me to be the one to stop him. I felt bad doing so, but he would thank me later. ~
"But Scott will protect you, right?" Franklin says hopefully, regaining my attention, "He can train you, and- and you can win, too. Just like him,"
I smile down at my little brother, although I don't want to give him too much hope, "Just like him," I repeat.
Just then, the door swings open and Scott is standing in the opening. His black hair is messy, like he's run his hands through it in aggravation a thousand times. His dark eyes are much calmer than I expected, full of pain and sorrow, but still calm as they search my face. He blinks at me and I know instantly that he needs to speak to me alone.
Lip trembling, I look down at Franklin again, "Promise me you'll be strong while I'm gone," I tell him, "Be happy and be strong, alright? I love you, Franklin," I murmur, wrapping him in my arms one last time.
Franklin seems to understand Scott, too, because he just squeezes me tight and whispers, "I promise,"
Then, after I hug Sonia and tell her thank you, the two of them head toward the door. Scott ruffles Franklin's hair in a brotherly way as he passes and I feel a lump forming in my throat. As the door closes behind them and my baby brother looks over his shoulder one last time, the tears finally spill.
Scott rushes forward immediately and pulls me into his arms. Without a word, he presses his lips to mine in a passionate kiss that makes my skin tingle, even as salty tears pour down my face and between our lips.
"You don't deserve this," he breathes when we part, "You don't," he repeats.
I look up at him, blinking rapidly to clear my eyes, "I'll be okay," I tell him, though I'm not sure if I can even believe myself.
Scott shakes his head as his hand finds mine and wraps around our engagement ring, "I won't be," he whispers.
"You have to be," I tell him, "For Franklin," I add, squeezing his hand.
He meets my eyes carefully and there is a long silence. I find myself noticing more about him than I ever have before; the way his eye brows crease when he's thinking, the way his eyes are so dark that they appear black, and the way his jaw clenches right before he speaks. Maybe it's because I'm afraid it's one of the last times I'll get to be with him.
"I'm going to fight with you every step of the way," he says finally, voice determined, "I'm going to train you and tell you everything there is to tell. I'm going to get you more sponsers than anyone else, I can promise you that. I'll never give up on you, Paisley, just know that,"
"I know," I whisper.
And with that, a Peacekeeper opens the door and calls, "Time's up," Somehow these words are the worst of them all, like the Peacekeeper is trying to tell me that I have no chance: time is up.
Since Scott is a mentor, he doesn't have to leave like other visitor, and that is a comforting thought. I won't be alone through this. I have an advantage.
Scott and I walk out of the room side by side and follow the Peacekeepers down the hall and into the Justice Building's main foyer. It's a room with high ceilings, elegant pillars, and many large windows that allow light to stream over the various decorations and silk furniture. On one sleek, silver couch in particular sits a boy who looks rather out of place, with his feet kicked up on a polished wood table. He's my District partner.
As soon as he sees us coming, he smirks and shakes his shaggy black hair out of his eyes to get a better look, "Hey," he calls, obviously delighted to be speaking to someone.
I manage a small smile as we approach him, but it dissapears pretty quickly. I keep picturing Franklin's teary eyes and I just want to hold him and tell him that everything will be alright.
The boy turns his attention to Scott, "You're our mentor, huh?" he asks, and then continues without waiting for an answer, "I remember watching you...three years ago, was it? Yep, I think that was it,"
Scott nods once and I can tell he's thinking the same thing as me. How was this kid in such high spirits after being reaped?
"I'm Scott," he replies simply.
"And I'm Paisley," I add quickly. It was probably best to make friends with as many people as possible, especially my own District partner.
"I'm Axel," he says, lowering his feet from the table and leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. He's still grinning at us and I feel a sudden jolt of guilt.
Scott is going to be focusing all of his attention and training on me. He's not going to want to help this poor kid at all because that would only hurt my chances of winning. Basically, I was putting this boy at a disadvantage already. I was contributing to his almost inevitable death.
So what do you think of these two? I tried to get a lot of their background in, so hopefully you got a feel for them. Also, sorry about the semi long wait for this chapter. Hopefully I can stick to a chapter a week schedule until exams are over, then I should be faster. Anyways, review my friends! Next chapter will be Train Rides with District 7.