James Rivers' POV
Crystal and I were pushed forcefully to the Justice building, where we awaited the arrival of our family. The two of us were too afraid to speak. We just sat there, perched on the dark green velvet chair, trying not to think about the tortures we were going to face in the arena. Finally, the mahogany doors burst open, and my parents and Sofie come rushing in. Sofie's face is wet with tears and she's clutching the ragged doll she has loved since she was born.
"You have three minutes," a threatening peacekeeper muttered and left us alone.
"Mom, Dad, will be okay?" Crystal asks with worry.
"Just protect each other, and everything will be alright. Train with only a few weapons that you think you're good at and stick together. If you can try to join with the career. Do you understand?" My dad says seriously. His forehead is creased with worry lines and his hair seemed grayer than it was this morning.
His hands shaking, he slowly pulls off his gold ring, with an opal fish in the center and hands it to me. This was a great honor, he never went anywhere without it.
"James, take this ring and use it as your token. Take care of it and don't loose it," Dad says with seriousness. I look over at Crystal, who has a jealous look on her face.
"What will my token be?" She asks, the envy showing through her voice.
"Hewr, sissy," Sofie says, taking her rag doll in her tiny hands and handing it to my sister. I couldn't believe it! She was parting with her beloved doll.
"Sofie, I couldn't! She's your favorite," Crystal pushes it away, not wanting to accept it.
"Pweeze? You can wemember me wif it," I had never heard anything so mature from such a little girl.
Not knowing what to say, Crystal accepts the doll, tears forming in her eyes.
Suddenly, the peacekeeper rushes through the door and roughly pulls my family away.
"Good luck! We love you!" Mom calls just as the doors begin to close. Crystal and I are pulled away to the train.
Dannin Grande's POV
I sit in the justice building, fidgeting with my hands, trying to keep calm. I was terrified for the fears I would face in the arena. Two peacekeepers in white uniforms escort my family into the room. This room is easily the nicest I've ever been in. The seats are covered in a fine embroidery and the floors are made of an expensive pine wood. My Granny is the first person to come to me and hold me in her embrace. She whispers in my ear,
"Listen, Dannin. I know you can win this. Stay hidden, make a small group of friends and try not to kill anyone unless it's absolutely necessary. You will win, I know you will," she whispers with determination.
"Take this," she pulls out her silver hair pin with a ruby ladybug on the tip. Granny uses it to pin my hair behind my ear. "This was a wedding gift from your grandfather, my most prized possession. With this, you will always remember me, and I will be in your heart."
I smile sadly, I know how valuable the pin was to Granny. And now, it was being passed to me. I embrace her and the rest of my family.
"Good luck, Dannin," Matt whimpers to me.
"I love you, you'll do great," mom says.
The peacekeepers then step forward and take my family away, leaving me alone.
Heaven LaFratta's POV
I wait, alone. In my white dress, which now became my funeral gown. The first person to enter to say goodbye is my mom, Grace. She is tall, taller than any woman I know and her blond hair is pulled tightly into a bun, much like mine.
"Heaven, honey, I'm so sorry this had to happen. But you'll win, promise?"
I nod my head reluctantly, knowing that I wouldn't. Tears filled my eyes as she embraced me, holding me tightly.
"Get some allies, keep below the radar. Use your skills and do what your mentor tells you to and just win!"
We hug again and don't let go until the peacekeepers pull us apart. They drag her out the door, sobbing. Then, they bring in another person.
"James!"
We run towards each other and embrace.
"Listen, Heaven. There's not much time. Train as hard as you can. Become an expert at survival and you will win," he whispers with urgency. Quickly, he pulls out an academic medal from his pocket. I remember when he won it. It's was at the all district spelling bee, in which he won first prize. He had always cherished it.
"This was going to me my token if I was reaped. I want it to be yours," he gently puts it into my hand. It was a round disk made from mock gold, since no one could afford the real thing. On the back, the words "James Brooks" were engraved. Attached, was a thick black strap.
"Thank you James. James, there's something I need to tell you."
"Anything, Heaven."
"James, I... I-"
Suddenly, the peacekeeper bursts through the door.
"Times up, time to go."
"No! James! James..." But it was too late. He was gone. And I never got the chance to tell him I loved him.
A/N
What did you think? I might do another goodbyes chapter, or I might go on to the next part. Tell me what you think I should do. Also, if anyone has ideas for mutts or traps for the arena, let me know via PM. Also, don't forget to vote for fan favorite! Here's the sponsor question!
Who visited Katniss during her goodbyes?
Don't forget to review!
Angelofmusic4ever