Chapter 3: Hard Goodbyes

I walk into the nice room in the Justice Building. I can't believe something so nice is in District 12. It's time to say goodbye to my family and Samie. Mother and Cevin walk in the door first.

"Oh Haymitch," Mother says and hugs me, crying.

"Mom," I say, trying to coax her out. "I can fight. You remember that me and Samie prepared." Plus, I don't say it, but it would be embarrassing for a tribute to have to deal with their weeping family during the Games. But I do love my mother, I owe it to her to comfort her just in case I don't return.

"I know," she weeps. "But I don't want to lose my son."

"Where's Justin?" I ask.

I just couldn't put him through this," she says. "He's with the nice Head Peacekeeper."

"Okay," I say. Good, he's safe from the stress of me leaving. "I'm going to try to win."

"Haymitch," Cevin says. "It's 47 other tributes. Are you going to kill that many people?"

"Shut up Cevin," I argue back. "There's always a bloodbath at the Cornucopia, and with 48 players, more people will be going to the Cornucopia."

"What about you?" Cevin asks. My mother gives him a look saying "back off". "Seriously? How would you survive if you don't go to the Cornucopia?"

"Scheming," I say easily.

A Peacekeeper comes in and says, "Time to go, Miss Abernathy."

"Ok," she says. "I will miss you Haymitch. Please try to be the victor. District 12 needs another win, and….and I need my son alive." She starts balling as she walks out of the room. Poor Mother.

But what was with Cevin's douche like actions. He is just trying to scare me because of the Games. I'm surprised he didn't volunteer when he was young enough, because it seems like he could be a victor with his attitude.

Samie comes in next. She has tears in her eyes and I go and hug her immediately. "Shh, Samie, it's okay," I say. "I'm going to win, for you."

"We practiced." she gets out. "You can fight."

"I know." We just stand there hugging until the Peacekeeper comes to escort her out. "Samie, stay strong. I'll see you soon., as victor of the 50th Annual Hunger Games." It looks like the Peacekeeper grins, I guess wanting a win for District 12 as well.

"Okay," she says before she walks out. After that, I wait for a Peacekeeper to escort me to the car outside to take us to the train station.

I've never been in a car before. It doesn't even make a sound. I have walked through the district my whole life. We drive through the district until we make it to the train station. "You'll love this train," Sheila says. "It's an offering of what the Capitol has to offer. You 4 will enjoy this." I exchange look with Kaylin, Owen, and Maysilee before we are pushed into the Capitol train.

Note: Somewhat of a filler chapter. There were the good byes, but not too much else. I need some more tributes, the SYOT is still open. The next chapter will be long, the train ride and the parade through the Capitol.

Tributes already selected:

District 2:

Female #1: Naiad Elphaba, 16 Years Old.

District 3:

Female #1: Yoorea Conchuss, 13 Years Old.

District 5:

Female #1: Jenny Winterwood, 15 Years Old.

District 7:

Female #1: Rika Palavine, 12 Years Old.

Female #2: Aura Avalanche, 14 Years Old.

Male #1: Jax Falcon, 17 Years Old.

Male #2: Ash Tripper, 18 Years Old.

District 10:

Male #1: Ashton Grayson, 17 Years Old.

District 12:

Female #1: Kaylin Shroudnet, 15 Years Old.

Female #2: Maysilee Donner, 16 Years Old.

Male #1: Owen Wireson, 13 Years Old.

Male #2: Haymitch Abernathy, 16 Years Old.