AN: So, I may have been inspired to write another chapter less than a day after the most recent update. I'm trying to write from only Grain's perspective with words/grammar she might use. I'm thinking of opening a SYOC story soon, but we'll see how this one goes! I might be able to finish this story sooner than I initially thought! I'm always looking for reviews, so don't be afraid to post one!

As we were ushered off stage in an awkward mixture of marching and stumbling, I barely had a moment to glance at my fellow District 9 citizens. My parents had always taught me that envy was wrong, but I couldn't care less in that moment. The smiles and tears of joy from the younger children and parents were something I used to understand. However, at this very moment they bit into me like thorns. Never had the reality of the tesserae occurred to me. It was certain that the cameras picked up my trembling, but I was scared. My mind was blank, and everything was a blur as I was pushed into a crowd of District and Capitol workers.

When we finally arrived at the train station, our families were soon to follow. Rye's mother had long since passed in a factory mishap, leaving him alone with only his father and younger sister. I watched from a distance as they embraced, shoulders shaking from crying. His sister couldn't have been any older or younger than I was. Rye had easily picked her up, cradling her in his arms. I knew his promises that he'd be home safe were purely for their benefit, but I hunched into myself knowing we didn't have a chance. I waited near the tracks away from the family for what seemed like weeks until I finally saw a comforting face. The sole silhouette of my father stepped solemnly from the shadows. I was afraid it was only a figment of my imagination until he enveloped me in a tight embrace, his calloused hands shaking around my shoulders. We were both crying at this point, but nothing else mattered but home. Gruffly rubbing his eyes, he offered me a pained smile before placing a kiss to the top of my head.

"Oh, my little oat. You really reaped the shortest stalk this time." He tried to joke in his deep voice to comfort me

He's never been great in serious conversations, but the kindness was all I needed to here.

I laughed slightly, rubbing my tears from my face as he took a step back. We stood there in silence for a few moments, the air stagnant and suffocating. There was something missing – someone missing. Taking a long inhale, my now raspy voice rang out,

"Are Mama and Flax coming?"

I fidgeted with the hem of my dress, fingers picking nervously at the fraying stiches. I knew his answer. I knew it was going to hurt. I knew I wouldn't understand why. MY father gently took my face in his hands, breath shaky once again.

"She's hurt Grainy. We all are. Flax doesn't understand what's happening: none of us do."

The words came out with many a pause. He didn't know how to pick his words, and I shied away. I hadn't meant for anyone to get hurt. Quickly realizing his mistake, he spoke in a panic,

"It isn't that you've hurt anyone, God knows you're going to have to face the most. She wanted to see you, she truly did."

The "one last time" was obviously implied. I leaned into his embrace, wishing I could stay with both forever. The noise of the train and the movement of the Peacekeepers harshly brought us out of the moment. I was grabbed roughly by the arm and marched to the entrance as I yelled to my now in shock father.

"I love you Papa! Tell Mama and Flax I love them too."

I had no idea whether he heard me as his figure became smaller and smaller in the distance. I always thought I'd fight during goodbyes if I was a tribute, but time seemed to pass as quickly as an eye blink. I'd never seen a Capital train up close, and it towered above us. All fear was replaced with awe for a moment as I took in the sleek and shiny frame. I thought about how much Flax would love this. I wad drawn out of my thoughts as an icy hand was laid on my shoulder. Quickly tuning me neck, my eyes fell on the striking Capitol representative. I remembered her name from all the Reapings: Eucleia Pavensie. She embodied confidence and giddiness; cheeks pulled into a seemingly painful smile.

"Oh, I just love Reaping Day! So many new outfits and faces!" She giggled, gesturing all over the place with her pristine gloved hands.

I could only imagine Rye was rolling his eyes next to me, as we stood there in awkward silence. Was she honestly expecting us to have a conversation?

"Smile loves! You're on camera!" She grandly spun around, motioning to the recording technology all around us. Not knowing what to do, I managed a weak smile and timid wave. I knew it wasn't what the Capitol wanted, but I wasn't like Rye. He appeared hesitant before offering a boyish smirk, making Eucleia swoon dramatically.

"Oh! Caesar is going to have a blast with your interview! I can see it now: the charming underdog of District 9!" She gushed, words leaving her made up mouth almost faster than I could understand.

Her eyes drifted over to my direction, excitement dimming, yet still more chipper than anyone I've ever met. She took in my small form, and I self-consciously toyed with the strands of golden hair that fell from my bun.

"Well aren't you cute!" She took a pause, I assumed trying to find a trait to point out, but it was left at that. She turned like a dancer on her heel as the door of the train opened showily. As we boarded the train, I worried about what would become of my family. It wasn't a matter of might; I knew I would never see them again. Going to the Capitol was just one step closer to losing.

Next chapter is the train ride! What did you think of the goodbyes? I'm hoping to only post chapters with a 1000 word minimum, so we'll see how that goes!