THE GOODBYES

DISTRICT ONE

Sardonyx was taken to a fancy room inside the justice building where there was a crystal chandler and soft velvet couches. She saw Latte Whip being escorted into the couch across from hers. The first person to say goodbye was Dylin Chaser.

"Sardonyx", Dylin said. Out of the corner of her eye, Sardonyx saw Latte Whip surrounded by friends and family who were tearfully saying goodbye. She immediately felt resentful.

"Yes?", Sardonyx asked.

"That was a very brave thing you just did", Dylin responded, "try to win OK?" He gave Sardonyx a kiss on the cheek and walked away. Sardonyx sat motionless and stunned until her dad and older brother came. There was lots of tears now as Sardonyx's dad assured her that he loved her and wanted her to come back alive. Her sister, Sardonyx noticed was absent from the few people that came to visit her. Rage and resentment immediately rose in her.

DISTRICT TWO

Three of Topaz's friends immediately came in to say their goodbyes. "Hey 'Paz", Thalia Rodes said, "congratulations on getting into the games."

"We don't want you to die though", another one said.

"I'm not going to die!" Topaz reassured, "I did really good in our academy training and I'm going to win."

"We will be rooting for you", Nico Talisams said. They left and after Topaz saw her parents a final time, she was taken away.

DISTRICT THREE

Thompson felt numb as he and Kendra were lead into a room fancier then anything they've ever seen. They sat on a soft piece of furniture that looked like a bench. Kendra started crying again and Thompson soothed her. He felt like crying himself but Thompson wanted to be strong for Kendra. The first person to say goodbye was..

"Sevylin Orcus?", Kendra asked in surprise as she saw the possible male tribute come in. "I just want to wish you luck", Sevylin said, "thank you for saving me Thompson." Sevylin walked away. Lola Chambers came into the room, sobbing hysterically.

"I don't want you to go!", she cried, " I don't want my two children to die."

"We won't die", Thompson responded shakily, "one of us will win."

"One of you?", Lola asked. Through this entire time, Lana was saying nothing but Kendra noticed tears coming down her cheeks.

"It's time to go", a peacekeeper said.

"Goodbye aunt Lola", Kendra said as they went away.

DISTRICT FIVE

Acadia Tin sat in the fancy room in the justice building trembling with fear. She knew the capitol didn't like her stealing and she won't have very good odds. Acadia's parents came in first.

"Well Acadia", Ferrica said, "I'm not sure what to tell you but-"

"What your mother's trying to say is she wants you to win", Acadia's dad said quickly before Ferrica could say something that would make Acadia feel bad. Next, Acadia's friends she stole with came in and Acadia was taken away.

DISTRICT SEVEN

Tank Stark was escorted by two peacekeepers and placed in a large fancy room. He was immediately greeted by his mom and sisters who hugged him.

"I don't want to go into the games!", Tank suddenly blurted out.

"I'm sorry", Tank's mother said, "the only thing I can do now is sponsor you."

"You're so good with an axe", one of Tank's sisters said, "you may win."

DISTRICT NINE
Rennia Sawyer gasped for breath as she sat down on one of the couches in the justice building goodbyes room. She trembled and slightly sobbed as she sat.

"At least I don't have to pick fruit anymore", Rennia said to herself. This instantly cheered her up and she waited eagerly for her visitors to come. The only person that said goodbye was her older sister.

"Remember", Taurien told Rennia, "don't linger at the bloodbath. If you don't, you will have a good chance of surviving." They hugged.

"I believe in you", Taurein said, "try to win."

DISTRICT TEN

Fay Ross came into the room where tributes say their goodbyes, a million thoughts racing through her head. Fays mom came into the room.

"Mom", Fay said, "I've thought about it and although I may be sweet, I'd do anything to get back to my family."

"Really?", Fay's mom asked.

"Yes", Fay said, "I still don't want to kill though."

"Well OK", Fay's mom responded, "good luck!" They hugged and Fay's mom walked away. A few of Fay's classmates came in to say goodbye and Fay was told to go to the train.

Authors note: I couldn't do every goodbye so I chose a few that I thought would be important to the characters. Not every chapter will feature every character but I'll try to write about each one at least four or five more times.