Watched a lot of Disney movies with friends this week haha. Yea for maturity!
Farewell You Poor Souls - Part 2
District 7
The moment Ayla's mom, Lia, stepped into the room, the two of them were in each other's arms. The strength that Ayla had tried to portray on stage vanished, allowing herself to breakdown in private. Grief racked her entire body as she felt guilty for being Reaped. Her mom had sacrifice so much for Ayla, only to have her get Reaped!
"I'm so sorry, mom." Ayla muttered.
"It's ok, sweetie." Lia responded. "Everything's going to be ok."
"I promise I'll win!" Ayla blurted out. "I'll be this year's Victor and then you and I can live in Victor Village together!"
Lia smiled sadly, hoping that her daughter's dream could become reality. There was an unspoken fear shared between the two of them though, a fear of the Careers. Ayla would be their prime target the second she stepped off the starting plate. The odds were not in her favor and both of them knew it.
Due to that thinking, Ayla mustered enough courage to ask something she never asked before.
"Can I just ask you one thing?" she whispered. Lia stiffened, already knowing what Ayla would ask. Knowing it couldn't be stopped, Lia nodded her head. With a deep breath, Ayla asked her question.
"What's my dad's name?"
A pause ensued as Lia composed herself, a rush of memories flooding her mind. With a small smile of warmth, Lia spoke.
"Decimus." she said, the smile widening at warm memories. "It sounds like such a vile name, but he wasn't anything of the sort."
"Decimus." Ayla mussed, thinking it over in her head. 'I'm Ayla Thorn, daughter of Lia and Decimus.'
The doors flew open and a Peacekeeper announced time was up. Lia gave her daughter one last hug and one more whisper of comfort.
"Never forget that you're the most important thing to me, Ayla! There has never been a day that I haven't loved you! I'll love you forever!"
"I love you too, mom!" Ayla cried, hugging her mom back tightly, trying to convey all her love into it. The Peacekeepers had to step in and separate the two, grumbling angrily as they dragged Lia out of the room. Ayla was left behind shaking with sadness as the doors closed.
Afterwards, a steady stream of visitors came to wish her luck. A lot of them Ayla didn't know, but those people said they were customers of her mom's tailoring business. Ayla accepted their wishes happily, filled with happiness by people's support. A few school friends visited as well, mainly guys. Ayla had never really liked hanging out with other girls. Her life long bully Maggie had essentially made that impossible. For a brief moment Ayla worried that Maggie might come and visit her for one final tease. But as time passed it become apparent she was not, probably scared of getting arrested by Peacekeepers.
Ayla was surprised by her last visitors though.
Before they entered, Ayla could hear yelling coming from outside the doors. One of the voices sounded like her mom's, while the rest were unknown. The voices died down once a Peacekeeper called for order and let them into the room. It was a rather large group of people whom Ayla had never met before. Two elderly members with three middle aged adults and a bunch of small children. They all had similar physical characteristics to her though.
And then Ayla realized who they were and why her mom was shouting.
"Hello Ayla." The elderly man started, looking at her with sympathetic eyes. The elderly woman, obviously his wife, looked sympathetic as well, along with the other adults. The children just looked confused, their poverty stricken eyes gazing over Ayla without betraying anything.
"Gran-" Ayla began, before stopping herself. "You're my mom's family, aren't you?"
The elderly couple nodded their heads together. "We're your family too! I'm your grandmother, Delia." the elderly woman said. "And this is your grandfather, Trevor."
"What the hell do you want?" Ayla responded.
Her extended family looked surprised by her tone, but Ayla did not relent. She owed these people nothing.
"Do you not recognize us, sweetie?" Delia said. "I know it's been a while since you've seen us but-"
"I've never seen any of you before!" Ayla interjected. "You kicked my mother out and haven't had anything to do with her since!"
"Is that what she told you?" one of the other adults, most likely Lia's brother, said.
"Oh sweetie, you're mistaken." Delia said in a sad tone. "You're mother left us! When you were two no less. She took off into the night, shouting at us how we were being unsupportive of her."
"All rubbish, of course." Trevor said. "We were angry she had become pregnant obviously, but we never turned our backs on her! She did that all by herself."
Ayla remained silent, not really listening to their words. Instead she observed their body language and clothing. As they spoke of a differing history from her mother's tale, Ayla figured out exactly what was going on. They spoke of how they cared for her when she was little but lost contact as she grew older. They spoke of how they always wanted to see her again but couldn't find her until today's unfortunate circumstances. They spoke of their love for her.
'They speak lies.' Ayla thought angrily.
"I think you should all leave. Now." Ayla interrupted.
"Sweetie, you don't mean that." Delia said.
"Yes, I do you old hag."
There was a collective gasp from the children and a few adults at Ayla's boldness. Before Trevor could defend his wife, Ayla continued her rant.
"You people don't care about me. In fact, I'm sure this is the first time you've ever seen me. That was a nice little tale you were trying to weave right there though. Trying to make things seem like we're family! We'll we're not! I don't care if we're related genetically, you're not true family members!" she shouted, eyes blazing. Rage powered her as memories of her hard worked mother came flooding back.
"Look at all of you, you guys look poor as shit." Ayla said. "My mom and I are better dressed and better fed than all of you! You just came here because you want to have a piece of the wealth I'll bring back when I'm Victor! Yeah, I said it! I'm going to be Victor of these Games! And once I am, all of you will feel stupid! Everyone of you will regret the day you turned your backs on my mom, who is a thousand times better than all of you combined!"
The mood of her extended family darkened, the adults all looking bitter while the children looked shocked. They looked at their parents, perhaps realizing for the first time what corruption they could be guilty of. Without another word, all of her extended family turned and left the room. As they did, Ayla saw her mom outside, her face brightening when she saw their downtrodden faces and Ayla's angry expression.
Lia continued looking at her daughter until he doors closed and then left. Tears fell joy and sadness fell down her face as she prayed Ayla would return to her.
Bruce's parents were as supportive as they could be. They worked tirelessly everyday at the lumberyard, even on Reaping Day, and had developed a very cynical view of the world. Still, they knew their son was tough and could probably handle himself in the arena.
"Keep away from anyone who's going to slow you down." Bruce's father commanded. "Only ally with those that can make you stronger."
"But not strong enough that I can't end them if I have too." Bruce commented.
Both parents nodded. While it was a grisly thought, neither of Bruce's parents outwardly expressed concern over their son killing. It was what it was. Killing was part of the Games and they wanted Bruce to come out alive. If he had to kill off a few others, so be it. It was a worthy price for Bruce's life.
They stayed for the rest of the time, offering suggestions and plans for Bruce to follow. He listened only half-heartedly, figuring that he'd come up with something once he saw the rest of the competition. Maybe he could join the Careers? He knew they'd be after District 7, but they'd probably overlook him in favor of killing his partner. Bruce had seen Ayla around school and knew she was a bastard, but never bothered talking to her. She was just part of the scenery for him.
His parent's time ran out and they left the room after some hugs. Bruce made a vague promise to return as Victor, to which his parent's smiled sadly. Once they were gone, his mood dampened when he began thinking more about the Games. It improved though when his goonies Conin and Sal arrived, looking positive and supportive of their leader.
"Tough break, boss!" Conin said.
"You said it." Bruce said.
"Be careful in there." Sal said softly.
"Psh, please! It's everyone else who should be careful! They've got Bruce Spruce to deal with now!" Conin cried, tossing a supportive arm around Bruce's muscled body. "You'll be in that arena taking names like you always do, boss!"
Bruce chuckled at that, feeling better from Conin's words. "Yeah... you're right!" he said, puffing his chest out proudly. "I can totally win this thing!"
Conin smiled brightly, happy that he had made his boss happy. Sal put on a smile, though continued to worry internally. Bruce was a tough guy, but he had always picked on the little guys in District 7. Sal doubted the Careers would take kindly to him. They'd rip him to shreds in the Bloodbath if Bruce were not careful. So while Conin looked proudly at District 7's next Victor, Sal looked sadly upon a future corpse, knowing it would be the last time he would talk to Bruce.
After Conin and Sal left, Bruce waited patiently for others to wish him luck. He was surprised though that no one else came. 'Idiots.' Bruce thought angrily. 'They'll probably act all buddy, buddy once I return as Victor!'
'Will you return though?'
'Of course I will! I have too!'
'Just like twenty-three others have too.'
Bruce growled angrily at his internal debate. He had never empathized with others, always living by the mantra that the weak suffered because they were weak. The Hunger Games was just the most blatant manifestation of the survival of the fittest idea. Only the strong survived, and Bruce was strong! He had spent his entire life showing his strength to all.
'I'm not about to lose it now!' Bruce thought proudly.
District 8
As soon as the doors to the Justice Building closed, Tassel's facade broke. Heavy gasps escaped her lips as Peacekeepers dragged her to a side room, unmerciful to the grieving girl. Already Tassel's body was sweating, tears beginning to dot her eyesight, and her stress making her head pound. She didn't care what anyone, even Twill, thought of her at that moment. Tassel was to far gone to care.
Shortly after, another set of doors slammed on her and she was stuck in a private room. Visibly shaking, Tassel sat down in a plush chair and placed herself in a fetal position. The chair was comfy and soothed her nerves slightly, but didn't stop the shaking. She brought up the hem of her elegant dress and wiped it across her eyes, ruining the cloth with tears and mascara. For a moment, Tassel thought about how she could escape. The wall opposite of her was made up of a large glass frame; perhaps she could smash through it with a chair?
'If only.' Tassel thought, 'Those windows are probably thick enough to withstand a bomb.'
She was alone for a few more minutes before the doors opened and her parents entered. On instinct, Tassel hide the ruined part of her dress, knowing it would upset her mother to see her dirty. However, Mrs. La'Bowe wasn't looking so good herself. While Tassel was still wrapped up in the chair, Mrs. La'Bowe launched herself at her daughter, crying ugly tears into her shoulder.
"My baby!" she screeched. "My sweet, darling Tassel!"
Tassel's mouth was agape and her eyes were filled with shock. Her mother was being sympathetic and caring? She hadn't been like this in... well forever!
'It only took me getting Reaped to bring it out.' Tassel thought for a moment bitterly. The feeling was quickly squashed though when she realized she had never been the easiest daughter. Tassel and her mother had never seen eye to eye on much, always resulting in loud arguments between the two. Still, they were family and at the end of the day loved one another dearly. Before long, Tassel had released herself from the fetal position and was hugging her mother back.
"I'm really scared!" Tassel confessed, surprised by how weak her voice sounded.
"I know you are, darling!" Mrs. La'Bowe said, refusing to let go of her daughter. "But you were strong on stage!"
"I thought I looked like an idiot…"
"My daughter may have bad taste in fashion, but even then she could never look like an idiot!" Mrs. La'Bowe insisted. Tassel laughed, fresh tears coming from her eyes, along with her mother. Mr. La'Bowe, happy to see his wife and daughter reconnected, lowered himself to their level with a sad smile.
"You're a smart girl, Tass. Whatever the Gamemakers throw at you, we know you can handle it!" Mr. La'Bowe encouraged, unable to keep the emotions from his face. Releasing one hand from her mother, Tassel held her father's hand tightly for support.
"We can also help!" Mrs. La'Bowe contributed, turning to look at her husband. He seemed to have read her mind and gave her a nod, leaving Tassel in the dark.
"How?" Tassel asked.
"We have contacts in the Capitol." Mr. La'Bowe said. "Business associates and what not. With proper motivation, and perhaps slashed prices, I'm sure we could round you up some sponsors."
Tassel's heart leaped with joy at the thought. At that moment she completely forgot her life long distaste for her family's wealth, reveling in it when it suited her. "I promise I'll work hard in training and get a good score to help! And give a great interview!" Tassel said.
"We know you will, sweetie." Mrs. La'Bowe said. "It seems silly to ask, but please be careful? Don't try and do anything too crazy."
"I'll try." Tassel said, trying to figure out what her mother meant by crazy. Was killing someone crazy? She'd most likely have to do that if she wanted to come home. 'The Capitol isn't keen on Victor's with no kills.' Tassel thought to herself.
With their time dwindling, the La'Bowe's sad their final goodbyes with tears in their eyes. The doors opened and Tassel's parents were escorted out of the room, leaving Tassel alone once more. She was overrun with grief, but sparks of hope began flashing through her. If her parents could secure her sponsors than that would be a major benefit in the arena. She'd just have to work hard to make sure they knew she was worth it.
'I need a good training score, a killer interview, and probably some allies.' Tassel thought. All of that seemed hard to achieve, but Tassel was happy she was at least thinking clearly now. She wasn't sure what she could fight with, but she was confident she'd find a weapon she could use. Her interview she'd probably do fine in, but what about finding an ally?
Twill came to mind as her first choice, something she was very conflicted about. Yes, they were District partners… but Twill? She had known him since they were toddlers and time had done little to endear him to her. He was the living representation of everything she hated about wealth.
'But you still need him.' She thought.
'He'll be looking out for himself. I know he'd let me die if it meant saving his own skin.'
'Wouldn't you?'
Tassel cringed at the thought, not wanting to think about what evil she was capable of just yet. She'd have to face that side of herself once she was in arena. Whatever hell the Gamemakers dropped her in would bring out the worst in her, Tassel confident of it. The only question that remained was whom she wanted around her when that happened.
Twill was feeling rather confident when his parents walked in. His smirking look annoyed both of his parents, who were shocked to see their son enjoying himself.
"Are you happy, Twill?" his father questioned. His mother looked more concerned, wondering if her son's sanity had been snapped before the Games had even begun.
"No, I am merely content." Twill replied, the smirk not leaving his face. "You'll be happy to know that I already have a plan for the arena."
Both of his parents looked at one another with a mix of confusion and relief.
"And what plan is that?" Mr. Zephyr asked.
"Well it has a lot of threads to it. Too many to explain in the span of three minutes. But rest assured that I'll have an alliance and sponsors to help me out."
"The latter of which is a field we can help you in." Mr. Zephyr continued.
"Oh really?" Twill asked innocently.
"Of course! Our business has many ties in the Capitol, some of which owe us a few favors. We'll have the money pouring in before you even enter the arena!"
"That is excellent news!" Twill said. "I promise I'll use that money to make it far in the arena!"
"With Tassel? You are going to ally with her, correct?" Mrs. Zephyr asked. Already she was thinking of the awkward parties she'd have to endure with the La'Bowe's if their children didn't get along in the arena. 'It'll be awkward regardless when I come home Victor and Tassel a corpse.' Twill thought.
"I considered it." Twill admitted. That much was true. He had, if only for a moment. Then he dismissed the idea. "I'll just have to wait and see what she wants."
Accepting of that answer, His parents said their final goodbyes and left the room, Twill's demeanor relaxing as they did. He actually didn't have much of a plan, but so what? He always planned on his family's wealth helping him, even in the Capitol. Perhaps he could survive all by himself with the help of good sponsors?
Though was Tassel such a bad ally? Besides the fact that they couldn't stand each other, they might actually benefit one another. Twill didn't doubt his ability to woe the Capitol, but a little extra ammunition never hurt. An alliance with Tassel would help since the Capitol always loved it when District partners stuck together.
'Fine, I'll make an ally out of her.' Twill thought. 'And once she runs her course, I'll have no qualms about slicing her throat and claiming my place as Victor!'
District 9
Aylin's large, nine member family packed themselves into the small private room, barely leaving enough space for Aylin herself. Even when she was faced with the possibility of her oncoming death, the Capitol refused to allow their citizens any form of comfort.
"My poor baby!" Aylin's mother, Andrea, cried. She wrapped her arms around Aylin, who shifted uncomfortably in her mother's grasp. Her younger brothers looked just as sad while her older siblings all looked resigned to Aylin's fate. Aylin thought about snapping at them, but decided to give them this moment. Still, the pity they were showing was extremely irritating. It was like they were purposely trying to get her mad!
"I'll be fine, mother." Aylin stated, keeping her face as emotionless as possible. Not an easy feat for her. Her other siblings began crowding around, offering her their apologies and best wishes. Aylin tried to keep from rolling her eyes or giving them bad looks, knowing she shouldn't act badly for possibly their last time meeting.
'No, this won't be the last time I see them. I'll see them when I come home as Victor.' Aylin thought.
"You guys don't have to act so glum." Aylin said out loud, voicing her opinions. "I'm going to come home as Victor."
The reaction to that statement was mixed. Her parents looked hopeful, while her older siblings thought she was a little too hopeful. Her younger brothers though suddenly brightened up and began smiling. Aylin's brothers, despite her negative reputation among those older than her, had always idolized their older sister.
"Yeah! You can win this thing!" one of them said. "You're tough and you're strong!"
"For sure!" the other confirmed. "Remember that time I was being made fun of by all those mean kids and you beat them all up? You can totally do that to the other tributes and then come home!"
"And then we can all live together in Victor Village!"
Aylin couldn't help but chuckle at their optimism. It was exactly what she needed at that point. "I don't know if everyone can live there, but you two certainly can." Aylin said, causing both boys to become even more excited. It was contagious to Aylin, who continued to smile and think of her bight future.
'Victor Aylin Henrickson… Victor Henrickson… that sounds really good…' Aylin thought.
Dagan was surprised when his sister Boston came to say goodbye to him. He figured that she'd stay away, as she had for the past several years. But here she was, looking more angry than sad. She didn't try to approach him, only taking a few steps into the room before stopping.
The siblings stood at opposite ends of the room, staring at each other intensely. Dagan was the first to react, releasing a small chuckle.
"Seeing you twice in one day? I don't know if it makes this whole Reaped thing better or worse." he commented.
Boston was not amused. "You... you should try and stay alive." she instructed.
"Hmm… hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the tip."
"You're a survivor." Boston continued, "I know you'll figure something out."
"I'm a survivor because you forced me to be one." Dagan replied harshly. It may be the last time he ever saw his sister, but Dagan had no intention of letting her get away with her past faults.
Again, Boston didn't respond. She knew she deserved to try and right herself with her younger brother. "Maybe you could ally with Aylin. She looks tough."
"You know, why don't you just leave already Boston? We both know you want nothing to do with me."
Boston's lips pursed as she shifted uncomfortably back and forth. She thought about offering Dagan a hug, but dismissed that thought along with all others. Maybe Dagan deserved to know the truth? There was little chance that District 9 would be able to replicate the success it saw in last year's Games, with both tributes probably being targeted by Careers in the Bloodbath. Did Dagan need to know what his parents had really been like? What their father had tried to achieve for the District? How Boston was trying to carry on his legacy by aiding rebels?
No... no he didn't. It wouldn't help him in the arena and would distract him from preparing for the Games.
"Can I at least hug you, one last time?" Boston asked.
Dagan sighed, not entirely comfortable with the idea. But he couldn't deny that he wanted to hug his sister. He opened his arms and Boston came running up, embracing him tightly. They stayed like that for about ten seconds, until Dagan broke them apart.
"Now please leave." he whispered.
Boston nodded her head and left the room, turning quickly to prevent Dagan from seeing the tears. He'd probably just be enraged by them. The doors closed behind her and Dagan was alone, like he had been for all his teen years.
The silence was welcoming though. He didn't feel bogged down by it or lost in depression. Yes, he had been Reaped and that was truly terrifying. But he also felt ok for some reason.
'You've survived on your own for six years, Dagan,' He told himself. 'And not easily. You've been against Peacekeepers, drug addicts, and all the other screwed up things about this District. You can handle the arena and return a Victor!'
Victor… that was an enticing future. Victor Dagan Hollis… he had to admit it had a ring to it. Could he really do it? Perhaps, with the proper planning.
Fueled by inspiration, Dagan began planning his future moves that would lead him into Victor Village.
District 10
Clair only had one visitor after the mayor and her family visited.
"Where are grandma and grandpa?" she asked her older brother, Lennox, immediately.
"They couldn't make it. Weren't feeling so good." Lennox replied, looking rather angry. He hadn't been able to find their grandfather, who was still wandering around the District in his mental daze. Their grandmother was a different matter entirely. She had been at the Reaping and had fallen to pieces when she saw Clair on stage. Instead of visiting her granddaughter, she had run away back to the Amberson's run down apartment. Lennox, not wanting to keep Clair waiting, went on without them.
"B-but this could be the last time I see them!" Clair said.
"Don't say that!" Lennox shouted.
Clair recoiled from his rough tone. His current rage seemed to be a culmination of something that had been building for years. Distress was apparent across all of Lennox's features as he struggled with an internal dilemma. Clair kept silent while Lennox fought with himself, her mind drifting to her grandparents. She was upset they hadn't come, though tried to understand their perspective. Both of them were very sick mentally, perhaps seeing her would only cause them to snap fully.
As for Lennox... Clair was sad to leave him because of their family ties. But a more dominant part of her was relieved. Ever since the fire, Lennox had become way too overbearing towards his younger sister. He constantly scrutinized her every movement, always making sure that she was doing what she was supposed to and having as limited social interaction with others as possible. If it weren't for school and work, Clair probably wouldn't have been allowed to leave the house. Those complaints didn't even include the doctor visits and the pills Lennox made her consume afterwards. He was like Clair's own personal President Snow at times.
'Speaking of pills...' Clair thought when she saw Lennox pull something out of his pocket. They were the bottle of pills the doctor had handed him earlier that day.
"You should take these with you as your token." Lennox said, holding them out in his hand for Clair to take.
Clair looked at the pills doubtfully. "The Gamemakers aren't going to allow that." she said.
"Make them allow it." Lennox growled.
"How?"
"I don't know! Figure something out!" Lennox shouted before shoving the pills into Clair's hand. "Tell your escort to help you! That's her damn job after all!"
Sighing, Clair complied and slid the bottle into her pocket. "Lennox, can you please finally tell me what these pills do?" she asked.
"They make you stronger." Lennox said, as he always did.
"No they don't. They make me feel dizzy and weak." Clair replied, as she always did in response.
"We don't have time for this dance right now, Clair." Lennox said firmly.
"Why can't you just tell me!" Clair snapped. "You never tell me anything! You won't tell me what these pills do! You won't tell me why the doctor never helps grandma and grandpa! You never talk about the fire-"
"Because there isn't anything to talk about! The fire is in the past and all it did was kill mom and dad! And now you're going to die too if you don't take those pills!"
"Maybe that's for the best." Clair responded in a low tone.
A loud cracking sound erupted as Lennox slapped Clair across the face. Clair stumbled back, barely staying on her feet. She looked at her red faced brother with horror, hot tears erupting from her eyes to match the stinging slap mark.
"Don't you ever say that!" he growled.
Before Lennox could follow up, the door opened and Lennox's time was up. He stared at his sister with fury for a few more seconds before turning to leave. As he left, Clair noticed him pulling something else out of his pocket. It appeared to be money, which he then handed to the Peacekeeper on guard duty. Then the door's closed and Clair was alone.
Sterling's family burst into the room a collective emotional wreck. Upon seeing them, Sterling rushed over to them and hugged all of them tightly. His pre-teen siblings, Austin, Annabelle, and Rose, were shaking violently as their tears bled into Sterling's clothes. His father and step-mother looked equally as distraught, though they tried to look strong for all of their children.
"I don't want you to go, Sterling!" eight year old Austin cried.
"I don't want to go either, Austin." Sterling admitted. "But I have too."
Austin began wailing uncontrollably. His young mind had not yet come to understand how horrible Panem was. Sterling looked at his brother sadly, knowing this event would shape him forever.
"I promise you that I'll come home!" Sterling blurted out before he could stop himself. Austin and his sister's eyes lifted, filled with a new found hope. To them, Sterling always kept his promises. If he told them he was coming home, then he was coming home for sure!
Meanwhile, Sterling tried to keep looking positive, though knew he had made a mistake. He looked at his parents, knowing that they were thinking the same. The promise he had just made was not the same as a promise to help a sibling. He'd be fighting against twenty-three other kids, all of who no doubt promised their families they'd come home as well. Sterling was no killer, he was tough but too kind hearted for outright murder.
"Have you had time to think of strategies?" his step-mother Alicia asked.
"Not yet." Sterling admitted.
"Work with weapons when you can," his father, Dean, said. "But don't forget about learning some survival skills."
"I could try to learn how to use a whip. Or maybe even a spear." Sterling offered. The whip would come naturally from ranching experiences, and he worked enough with pitchforks to feel like he had some base for a spear. A pitchfork and spear were entirely different instruments of course, but at least it was something.
"And get allies too!" Annabelle chimed in.
"Yeah, you should!" Austin said. "Maybe you partner wants to help you win!"
Sterling and his parents looked at Austin sadly, knowing that Clair would be wanting to come home as well. "This is a terrible thing to say, but if you have allies... well there will be a time when you won't need them anymore..." Dean said, his voice trailing off at the unspoken ending to all alliances.
"I'll figure something out." Sterling said, even though thinking was never his field of expertise. Muscle over mind had been most of his life, and that's usually what won the Games. Otherwise Districts 3 and 5 would have more Victors, if the stereotypes were true.
The second they were gone, all of his friends came rushing into the room. None of them wanted to go alone. The four of them were like siblings and knew they would need one another during such an emotional time. Sutton was the first to hug Sterling while Justin and Ethan hung back, looking ashamed of themselves. Sterling knew what they were thinking and gave them a comforting smile.
"I wouldn't have let either of you take my place." Sterling said.
Those words seemed to do little to ease the both boys' guilt. "Still we should have at least tried..." Justin said.
"No you shouldn't have." Sterling insisted. He remembered briefly his anger at them, but quickly squashed it. There was no way that he would have let them volunteer for him.
Sutton let go of Sterling and beckoned for Justin and Ethan to come over. "All three of you hug it out." Sutton said, wiping away tears.
Awkwardly, all three of the boys looked at one another, not usually involved in physical contact. Nevertheless all three of them hugged it out while Sutton continued to cry. They tried to look uncomfortable in a way, but internally all three were happy with the support they gave one another.
"Can we please get a girl in this hug?" Ethan said after a few seconds.
Sutton laughed and the boys opened up, allowing Sutton into the hug. "I'll try my hardest to come home." Sterling said.
"We know you will!" Sutton said.
"And when you do come home as Victor, you have to let me have some of the fan girls!" Ethan commented.
All in the group began to laugh, except for Sterling. He looked at his friends, fear still in his eyes. "Guys... if I kill someone in the Games... would you hate me?" he asked.
"As in killing a Career?" Ethan asked. "Because no if it's one of those bastards."
"What if it isn't?" Sterling followed up.
"We want you to come home. You need to do what you have too." Sutton answered.
"And we could never hate you." Justin said. "We all love you. Like a brother I mean."
Sterling calmed at that proclamation. He knew his family would accept whatever he did, but he wasn't sure about his friends. Now he didn't know why he had been so nervous. They weren't just friends, they were family too. A family that he would help. Childhood memories clouded in ignorance came back to him, how he imagined himself a hero Victor for his District.
'Maybe that dream could become reality.' Sterling thought.
District 11
Luna's only visitors were her mother and twin brother. Both of them reflected her worried face, barely able to hold back a tidal wave of tears.
"Thank you for not volunteering, Moon." Luna began, giving a small smile.
Moon wasn't able to return it. His upper lip quivered violently as he stood by their mother's side. He thought about saying how he didn't want her to go, but stopped himself before the words came. It was silly sentiment that everyone already acknowledged.
"I don't know what to do." Luna said to both family members. "I want to come home but... I don't know how to!"
"You have to be strong, Luna." Mrs. Shade said. "Strong and smart. You can ally with your partner!"
Luna nodded her head, but internally fretted about that. Haspen looked tough but also rather mean. 'But I can be mean to! Sort of...'
"I was thinking of doing that." Luna admitted. "And if I can't ally with him, I'll find someone else. Going it alone seems dumb."
"If not, try one of the other outlier tributes." Her mom said, voice still soft from sadness.
"Yea!" Moon confirmed. "They're never the strongest, but when we stick together we do alright. Last year's alliance did pretty good!"
"Until Kaden began killing them…" Luna commented. Fear once again seized her as she thought about the brute boy. What if there was another crazy tribute in the Games? What if a tribute tricked her? Horrible memories of Tianora being practically curbed stomped came flashing to her mind and Luna felt as though she'd be sick.
"And you need a weapon!" Mrs. Shade followed up. "Something more than just a dagger though."
"I-I can't fight."
"You'll have to, sweetie." Mrs. Shade told her daughter. "It's the only way that you'll come home."
"Mom… I don't think I can kill someone…"
"Luna, please come home." Her mom said, voice cracking. "I-I need you too. I've already lost your father, I can't lose you as well!"
Bringing up Luna's deceased father was always a sore spot, and today made it no better. Waves of twisted nostalgia came running back to Luna as she remembered the warmth her father provided for the family. His public execution was pleasant for no one as the Peacekeepers made sure he suffered.
"I… you know I can't promise anything…" Luna breathed, trying to find strength for her words. "But I can say I'll try my hardest!"
"Thank you, Luna. That's all I wanted to hear." Mrs. Shade said. She then embraced her daughter, beckoning over her son to join them. He did and the three Shades held one another in support until their time ran out. As soon as her mother and brother were gone, Luna collapsed onto the sofa and began to think.
'Feeling sorry for myself isn't going to help anymore.' Luna thought. 'It's time to start thinking about how I can win.'
Already, Luna knew that the most important key to her success would be in finding a strong ally. She liked to think that Haspen would help her, but she had never seen him before today and didn't get the impression that he liked her. Most tributes avoided twelve year olds anyways, knowing that they stood very little chance of surviving.
However, maybe she'd be a benefit to some? An older tribute caring for a younger one was always perceived well in the Capitol. It gave some tributes more of a heart and always created more drama, something that the Capitol absolutely loved. Even so, those relationships always seemed to end in the younger tribute dying tragically and the older one forging on alone and broken.
Did she really stand a chance of changing that overdone plot line? Over it's seventy-six Games, there had never been a twelve year old Victor. Luna liked to think that she could be the first, but that would be a difficult task to accomplish. She had no fighting skills, knew very little about surviving out in nature, and wasn't refined in social skills. The Capitol would love her for being a twelve year old 'cutie', but Luna doubted they would place any money on her.
Sighing in frustration, Luna continued to ponder on her options, finding them few and fleeting.
Haspen's family stood around him with stony faces. All were concerned for him, but they all knew how to control their emotions. Years of crime had taught them that losing control in crisis situations never worked out for anyone. Apologies for his situation were issued, but his family quickly changed gears and started offering advice.
"Remember to use allies." Sylvester told his son. "They'll be good for a time so know how to use them wisely."
"Maybe you could get in good with the Careers?" Alexis, his sister, offered.
"I would avoid the Careers entirely." His mother, Catherine, contradicted. "The Bloodbath is where they like to target the strong contenders first. Lay low and it will be easier for you too get out of there."
Sylvester nodded his head in agreement. "I wouldn't go for outlier tributes either. You want someone smart to think and someone strong to fight."
"I can easily be the intellect." Haspen said.
"I know, that's why you need someone else who's smart. It's always good to have someone to bounce ideas off of."
Haspen conceded that point. District 3 tributes immediately came to mind, but they were usually pretty weak. District 5 might offer better pickings. As for strong… well he'd just have to wait and see on that one.
"What are you planning with fighting?" Catherine asked. "I'd suggest avoiding it unless you have no choice."
"Exactly what I was thinking." Haspen said. "Hopefully I'll have one strong tribute with me too who'll do the brunt of the fighting."
"Good. And if I were you, I'd go with a bow or spears. Something that can do long distance in order to minimize close encounters."
"You know I have no experience with either of those."
"That's why you have three days of training." Catherine said. "Acquaint yourself with them so you can use them."
"Wouldn't that involve him running into the Bloodbath to retrieve those though?" Alexis pointed out. "Those are some high quality weapons, and the Gamemakers are probably going to place right inside the Cornucopia."
"Well I'm a thief, aren't I?" Haspen smiled smugly. "I'm sure I could sneak back later and talk those weapons."
Alexis rolled her eyes while their parents were happy with that answer. They knew their son was capable, but that didn't stop them from worrying. Their time ran out and they were escorted from the room, wishing Haspen luck as they left. Haspen watched them go sadly, knowing they'd probably start working on their heist. Or would they? The Reaping and coming to say goodbye to their son had put them behind schedule. Still, that was all right with Haspen. It was good to know that his family loved him enough to endanger a job.
He loved them as well. And there was nobody in the Capitol or from the other Districts who would keep Haspen from returning to them.
District 12
Mayor Undersee and his family were the first to arrive. Aileen talked to them respectfully though detached. She never held much of an opinion on Mayor Undersee anyways. It wasn't like he had any actual power in the District, that was reserved for the Head Peacekeeper. Half way through his speech, Aileen's eyes drifted to the baby in Mrs. Undersee's arms. For a moment, Aileen thought of their lost daughter Madge.
She had been taken by the Capitol.
'Just like I'm about to be.' Aileen thought.
She had probably been abused by the Capitol.
'Just like I'm about to be.' Aileen repeated.
She was probably killed by the Capitol.
'Just like I'll be soon.' Aileen concluded.
Mayor Undersee realized that Aileen cared little for his words, but finished his speech regardless. Once he was done, he shook Aileen's hand sadly and then left with his wife. Shortly after they left, Aileen's distraught parents entered the room, running to their daughter to hug her. They broke apart shortly after though, standing separate from one another.
No one spoke for a full minute in Aileen's room. Her parents and Aileen had nothing to say. What was there to say anyways? Getting Reaped in District 12 was a death sentence, everyone knew that. There was no point in sugar coating it.
The silence finally broke when Aileen's mother did, who began crying hysterically. "They can't take you! They've taken everything else from us!" she cried out.
Aileen shuffled nervously in her place, unsure of herself. She knew this was the last time she'd be seeing her parents, but for whatever reasons she felt no real urgency to say anything. She loved them and everything, but accepting that love at that moment seemed unimportant. Aileen needed a moment to think by herself, far away from District 12.
Both of her parents offered some last minute comforts, remarking on how good of a child she had been for them. To Aileen it sounded more like they were preparing their eulogy. 'I guess they are.' Aileen thought, the thought causing dread to fill her. She needed them out. She needed them out now!
"Can you two please go?" Aileen asked.
Both of her parents became even more shocked then they were before. If Aileen had been a third party looking in, she might have found their exaggerated expressions comedic. They refused to leave though, wanting to spend every second with their daughter. Finally, the Peacekeeper knocked on the door and Aileen's parents left. She breathed a sigh of relief once they were gone, the emotional cloud over her gone with them.
There were a few others that visited her. Various patients she had treated at the clinic thanked her again and wished her luck. Her boss did too, though he appeared angry with her rather than supportive.
"I have to find a new assistant now! It's going to take forever to train another street rat!"
"When I win, I promise I'll come back to work." Aileen said with a half hearted smile.
Her boss squinted at Aileen's comment, but made no further comment. Like everyone else, he had little faith in Aileen's ability to survive. Visitors dried up after her boss, something that Aileen was perfectly fine with. It gave her time to think by herself. She liked to think that she could pull out a win, but what were her chances? She wasn't good with fighting or making friends, so already she alienated sponsors and potential allies. Aileen could of course advertise her medical skills, which she would, but they'd only get her so far.
She was dragged out of her thoughts when the doors to the room opened and two figures stepped into the room, her ex-friends Elaine and Silas.
"I'm surprised to see you two." Aileen said, narrowing her eyes. "Here to rub it in? You wanted me Reaped and here I am. Off to my death."
Neither of them said anything, instead just staring at her sadly. Aileen started to grow agitated, part of her wanting them to either apologize or just laugh in her face. She wanted them to do something! Their pity filled faces were not helping her at all, just like her parents.
"Aren't you going to say something?" She asked the two of them.
Elaine swallowed hard while Silas' eyes deviated in shame. "Aileen… we're sorry this happened to you."
"I don't need more apologies." Aileen snapped.
Silence fell over the room again and Aileen huffed in annoyance. "You guys should leave, now." She said.
The looked at her angrily, obviously not expecting her to react that way. But what were they expecting? For her to be balling her eyes out and beg for their forgiveness! They tried to hold themselves to a higher level than Aileen, tried to believe that Aileen had a choice in the decisions she could have made. They didn't even try to understand how Aileen had made the choices she had. She owed them nothing, they just didn't realize that and probably never would.
They were smart enough to turn around and leave though, whispering 'good luck' to her as they left. Aileen snorted in response, happy when the doors slammed behind them. As they left though, she felt a pang of sadness and perhaps despair.
What would she be coming back to if she survived?
'Nothing.' Aileen suddenly realized. 'Nothing but dust and shit.'
Rufus's parents arrived twenty minutes after Mayor Undersee and his family left. Both parents looked at their son, unsure of what to say or do. Rufus seemed unaffected, completely at ease as he sat vacant minded on a ruined couch. His calm demeanor scared both of his parents who feared that Rufus had now truly gone insane.
"Maybe this is for the best." his father said. He had long stopped caring about his son, accepting that there was no way they could help him. If he wished to live his life in misery and silence then so be it.
Mrs. Ventra was crying heavy tears, fearing that her husband was correct. Slowly she went to her son and wrapped her arms around him. Rufus didn't react. He felt comforted, but refused to act on it.
Once they left, Rufus had no more visitors. He waited on the couch until the hour was up and Peacekeepers opened the doors once more.
"Tribute Ventra," Head Peacekeeper Romulus Thread said. "The train awaits."
Slowly, Rufus got up from the couch and followed the Peacekeepers from the room. Aileen was waiting for him, Peacekeepers surrounding her while Effie Trinket waited in front of the doors. Effie looked over her two tributes, both reserved and seemingly unaffected by their situations. Before she could feel anything for them, she plastered on her fake smile and gave a hearty laugh.
"Are you ready tributes?" she asked in an overly high pitch tone.
Neither said anything.
"Well, that's encouraging."
The doors to the Justice Building opened and the party moved outside to the waiting car that would take them to the train station. Peacekeepers lined the area and formed an aisle for the party to walk through, surrounded by the District 12 populace. If it were a Career District, the citizens would have been cheering and through flowers or confetti at them. But it was dreary District 12 in which the final farewell was conducted. Only dead eyes gazed at Aileen and Rufus as they walked on by.
They reached the end of the line and Effie, Aileen, and Rufus were loaded into the fancy car. It sped off as soon as the doors were closed, shocking both Aileen and Rufus, both of whom had never been in a vehicle before. As they drove on the District's bumpy and ruined streets, both tributes reflected on their own havoc ridden lives. Neither tribute was sure if they'd miss District 12.
'Probably not.' They thought simultaneously. But still, it would be better than where they were going.
'Into the Games… into hell itself.'
Train Rides next! I'm not going to show all the tributes so sorry about that!
Also the favorite tribute(s) poll is up! Go vote you guys! Results will be shown later!
AND fun question for you guys! What's your favorite Disney movie? Mine's Aladdin or Hunchback of Notre Dame. Frollo and Jafar are just awesome villains, and Jasmine and Esme are pretty strong female leads for Disney :)
