*Cracks Knuckles* Aaaaaand we're back!
So sorry for the delay. The Reapings really exhausted me and I needed some time to recharge. But we're back and full steam ahead!
Enjoy!
Chapter VII The Goodbyes – Part 1
District 1
Once Reaped, every Tribute was escorted – or dragged depending on the Tribute – into their District's Justice Building, the heart of each District's government. Separate rooms were assigned to them and put in there alone. Every Justice Building had two such spaces, specifically designed for the Tribute Goodbyes. Following the Reaping, the Tributes would be allowed an hour for any guest to come and visit them. Each guest would get one minute while family members would get three.
The Goodbyes were an event in District 1. Everyone wanted to visit their Tribute, eager to brush up against fame. As Lana and Reko were brought to their respective rooms, a line of admirers and well wishers already gathering to meet them. Reko gave them a wave as they passed, which the audience responded to with a jubilant cheer. Reko paused for a moment to bask in it, waving more.
"Come on, Lana, smile for them! They love us!" Reko told his partner, who was, already annoyed with him. An attention hound was not what Lana needed from a District partner. Behind them, a Peacekeeper approached respectfully.
"We need to get you to the rooms, Tributes." He said softly. Both Tributes complied and Lana was whisked to her designated room, the door shut behind her and guarded once she was inside. The room was formal and dignified with little emphasis on comfort. There were a few chairs of mahogany with comfortable upholstery, a large couch pressed up against the wall underneath a landscape painting of the snow capped mountains that surrounded the main city of District 1. Under her feet, the hardwood floor was covered with a viscose rug, dyed red with the emblem of the Panem – a stylized eagle with twelve feathers for wings surrounded by barley laurels – in gold.
Traditional dictated that the Mayor and their spouse were the first to for the Goodbyes. They entered and the Mayor said his farewells, offering Lana and later Reko the well wishes of the entire District and hoping they brought honor and glory to the Capitol and District 1. Once they were done, Lana's family entered.
Unfortunately, Amelia and Aunt Katie came together. Amelia was smiling, delighted for her younger sister. Aunt Katie was noticeably cool, standing near the entrance to the room while Amelia crossed it to hug her sister.
"I'm so proud of you!" Amelia breathed, hugging Lana tightly. "You worked so hard for this!"
"Thank you." Lana replied, embracing her sister back. "I can't believe it's finally happening."
"You'll be a Victor in no time." Amelia whispered, just so Lana could hear.
The hug went on for a while. Lana didn't mind at all. She didn't have anything to say to Aunt Katie and just hoped that for once she'd remain silent.
It wasn't to be.
"So do you actually think you'll win?" Aunt Katie asked, in such a noncommittal tone, so lacking in belief, Lana suddenly felt every doubt of her life creep back in. She didn't say anything back, holding Amelia tighter, but Aunt Katie wouldn't let it go. Even today, she wasn't going to let her niece have anything. "Forgive me if I don't say much, Lana, but I really don't know what to say. How can someone possibly know the right, final words to say to someone?"
Lana was waiting for Amelia to say something, anything to put their Aunt in her place. But no words came. Just like always. Amelia muttered some additional praise for Lana but nothing more.
A knock on the door and a Peacekeeper poked his head in, respectfully informing them time was up. One more hug from Amelia and a cool glare from Aunt Katie and they were gone. She wouldn't see them until she was back.
Lana could hear others mulling around outside the door, eager to meet one of their Tributes, but she was thankful the next person in the room could instantly bring a smile to her face.
"My girlfriend the Tribute and 58th Victor!" Evelyn coed, rushing in to pull Lana into a tight hug and spin her around.
"Stop it! I haven't won anything yet!" Lana laughed.
"But you will. I know it." Evelyn said. "And when you're back, we'll live happily ever after in Victor Village."
She kissed Evelyn deeply after that. The two of them would make their own life together and she'd never have to see Aunt Katie again.
The line for Reko seemed to be endless. Throngs of well wishers and hanger ons wanted to shake his hand and wish him well. Reko had no qualms about that though, eager for their love.
"You're a super star." Calix commented when he finally got in.
"Only natural I guess." Reko replied, playing it seriously."I was the best after all."
"You really were." Calix admitted. "District 1 picked the best when they picked you over me."
"Yes they did, didn't they?"Reko said, feeling very superior. He couldn't believe once that he had thought Calix a threat to him. All those months of weaseling his way into Calix's friend group and into his life, learning his strengths and weaknesses just so he could get an advantage. Now it all seemed a great waste.
Calli was equally excited when she came squealing in later. "I can't believe it!" She screamed. "For the rest of my life I'll get to say I was best friend with a Tribute!"
"With a Victor." Reko corrected gently.
"Hmm, we'll see. Come back safe, and rich! We're going to have so much fun!"
More men, women, and children came to visit him and pay their respects. Among them friends he had made over the years. Quite a few of them Reko had discarded, but they still seemed to love him. As the allotted hour drew to a close, there was only one more person left.
"How dramatic of you to show up last, mother." Reko commented when the door closed behind her. Penelope Dunas was approaching middle age but still very pretty. She dressed far more simply then Reko did though, and one could never tell she had been born into the echelons of District 1's society only to be cast out due to an untimely pregnancy.
"You did it." She said simply.
"Like I always knew I would." Reko replied with a smile.
"You have such drive. I never had that at your age." His mother commented.
"No, I suppose not."
"But I did when you were born." His mother continued, voice hard and disappointed. "I built a life for us, but now you're throwing it all away."
Reko held back a sigh. He couldn't have this argument with her again. "It's my life. And I won't lose."
"I wonder, in this room alone, how many Tributes have said that over the years?"
"If you're going to be a bummer you can leave." Reko said dryly. "I'll see you when I'm back and we're living in Victor Village."
His mother seemed to crumble a little, her lower lip trembling. Reko had never seen his mother look so weak and pitiful. It even moved his heart and for a moment, a brief moment, he thought he was doing the wrong thing. His mother's own family had thrown her out when she got pregnant with him. He had never met them and it looked like they weren't even coming to say goodbye to him. He was all she had and he was risking his life.
But then his resolve hardened. He stepped forward and hugged his mother, dutifully and sufficiently tight. His mother returned it, arms clawing into him and she seemed to not want to let go. They stayed like that for the remainder until a knock on the door told them it was time.
"I love you, Reko." His mother whispered.
"I love you too, mother." He replied, eager to be on with things. His mother left and as the door closed behind her, Reko let an angry sigh.
The moment was ruined.
She really had been a bummer.
DISTRICT 2
In District 2, Valdez was quite the star following the Reapings. Everyone wanted to come and meet him and talk about his fight with the other prospective tributes. Even better, quite a few of them mentioned his father's dojo, which made Valdez feel proud.
His father was equally as proud, coming into the room beaming. "This, son, this is everything you've been working towards since the day you were born." He said, extending his hand. Valdez with a smile returned it, and the too exchange a firm, proud handshake. He had never felt more his father's equal.
"I won't let you down. Or the District."
"You never could, son." His father said. That much was true. Valdez's father was stern but loving towards his only child, even before the death of his mother. His father had thought him how to survive and come out on top. They were always tough lessons though, helped along by a rod or paddle tanning his hide on occasion, but Valdez knew it was all done out of love and to mold him into a man.
"Estelle will be a good partner too. She's strong. Reliable. And the Capitol will love her." Valdez commented, already planning ahead and wondering who else would be in the Career Pack.
"She's fanatical, I'll give her that." His father allowed. "But you know about her parents. The Capitol will too and the President and Gamemakers aren't about to let her slide. Tread carefully with her and don't let her lead you about. Show the Capitol you're your own man and that when the time comes you can do what's necessary. You've done it before."
Valdez nodded, not needing any elaboration. That hot summer night would stay with him forever. His mother in the house, the gleam of the silver knife, and unknown men in the home. Valdez brushed the memory aside. He knew how to compartmentalize and stay focused.
"And I'll do it again." Valdez affirmed.
"And come home a Victor." His father said, pride radiating from him. Another firm handshake between men. Valdez said nothing of the debts his father had incurred, the gangs who would prey upon them if Valdez didn't come him, or the hundred other terrors that Valdez worried about. In that moment it was just the two of them, father and son, a perfect scene.
Afterwards more came. Students from his father's dojo were among them, all of them blustering and eager to be near him and tell them about how one day, they'd volunteer just like them Valdez. He indulged them, smiling and hoping that one day he could mentor them when they went off to the Games.
Kevan came near the end. "I wanted to be first, but figured I'd let your adoring fans get you for a bit." He teased.
"Oh you're so kind." Valdez laughed. The two boys kissed, deep and passionate. "I'm glad you're here."
"Oh yeah, because I could be literally anywhere else right now, huh?" Kevan asked, eyebrows raised. Valdez knew he was afraid. He only acted this standoffish when he was nervous.
"I'm coming back." He assured him.
"Of course you are! I don't doubt that for a second." Kevan said. "I just… I wish your father knew why you were going in a year early."
"He doesn't need too. And please, don't' tell him. Ever."
"You know I won't, though it'll kill me. He deserve to know how brave you are."
"He already does."
"True. And soon all of Panem will see how amazing you are as well."
Valdez smiled again at that and kissed his boyfriend once more. The future seemed so bright and rosy. In Five days he'd be in the Games and, hopefully, be Victor shortly after. Then he'd be back. His father's dojo would be safe with the Victor money, District 2 would be bathed in glory yet again, and Kevan and him could live the rest of their lives in delirious happiness.
"Do you think you'll get to walk around the Capitol when you're there?"
Estelle's younger sisters were buzzing with excitement, Jazmin was hopping up and down as she asked the question. Anaya was equally excited as her sister, both of them thrilled Estelle was finally going to the Games.
"Probably not, which sucks." Estelle laughed, always happy when her sisters were. "They'll probably want to keep us away from fans that could bother us. Afterwards though I'm sure I can explore."
"I saw the Capitol has hanging gardens! Like, they float through the air and down the streets or something and you can walk through them and drink wine and eat expensive cheeses from District 1! You should visit them and take photos for us!" Anaya chimed in.
"Why don't we all go? I have to go back for the Victory Tour anyways. You two can come with." Estelle promised. Both her younger sisters brightened at that. The three girls embraced, each proud of each other and the life they had built. The future could only promise better things.
'It has to.' Estelle thought.
After her sisters, more people came in to pay their respects. A few of them she knew, but most of them were with the District government, eager to wish her luck and remind her of her duty to the District. She didn't need to be reminded of that. She was embarking on a great journey, the highest honor for a citizen of the Districts. She wouldn't fail them or the Capitol. Others came, but the only person who came to visit her from the Academy was Eden.
"Remember when you were just a little runt starting off?" Eden teased. She was a year older than Estelle and, having failed to be picked for the Games, was settling into a Trainer role at the Academy. "Now look at you. Off to win the Hunger Games."
Estelle felt herself going red. Eden had been a sparring and weightlifting partner for years. A big part of why she was even going to the Games had been Eden. "Let's hope so." Estelle said. She usually wasn't someone for humility, but for whatever reason Estelle felt herself get easily flustered around Eden.
Eden smiled, instantly correcting Estelle. "Don't go modest on me now, Stella." She said, putting a hand on her shoulder. Estelle felt her face go red. "We all know you can win. The Capitol is going to love you and the other Tributes will fear you. Just come back in one piece."
And suddenly, Eden leaned in and planted a kiss on Estelle's cheek. "Eden…" Estelle breathed, butterflies in her stomach.
"And don't forget about us little people, huh?" She said with a wink.
Estelle could hardly concentrate after that, her elevated mood now in the stratosphere. She hardly paid attention as Raeya, Tike, and Sable – friends from the political events Estelle attended – stopped by to revel in Estelle's glorious duty. The crowd eventually thinned until there was only one left.
Yannis came in last, looking worn out and a far cry from the gleeful crowds before. He came up and embraced Estelle, kissing her softly on the top of her head. "You did it, girl." He whispered. It was a nice bit of paternalism from Yannis, but while Estelle respected Yannis as her trainer and as a man, she could never see him as a father figure. Still, she returned the hug. She was going to miss the old bear while she was gone.
"What did you mean when you said the Capitol is the most dangerous enemy." She asked. They only had a minute, and despite the exhilaration of the day, the words still stuck with her.
"And the only one that matters." Yannis replied without hesitation. "Don't forget that as well."
"The Capitol is our shared glory though. The glory of the world, really. And we're not Outliers." Estelle replied.
Yannis let go of her and took a step back. He looked at her with care, but Estelle couldn't help but find the look patronizing. "They killed your parents." He said.
A silence in the room. "They were traitors. And they didn't kill my mother. She's up at a penal colony."
"That's as good as dead, girl." Yannis said. "And even if they were traitors, they're still your parents. Does that mean nothing to you?"
"I'm not a monster, Yannis." Estelle said, an edge creeping into her a voice, a specter of the rage and ferocity she could display when needed. "I miss them everyday. But I can't ignore the fools that they were."
A knock on the door and their time was up. "Just remember what I said, ok, girl? And keep your head on straight and come back safe, ok?" Yannis said.
Estelle nodded, relieved when he was gone, taking with him thoughts about her parents. This was her day and her Games to win. She wouldn't let that be sullied.
DISTRICT 3
For the first time fifty-eight years, the Peacekeepers were seriously considering cancelling the Goodbyes in District 3.
Poe was proving to be entirely uncontrollable. Her screams were bad enough, which echoed throughout the entire Justice Building, but she was also providing to quite violent and strong. A group of Peacekeepers had been needed to keep her pinned down just to put cuffs on her, which didn't prove enough once she started kicking and brokea Peacekeeper's visor. Eventually they settled on tying her to one of the chairs… which didn't last long as she stood and jumped backwards, smashing the antique chair to bits.
Eventually, Peacekeepers tracked down her parents, hoping they could help.
It proved to be entirely ineffective.
"Just breath, Sweetie, ok?" Her dad pleaded. Poe, face purple from exertion, wasn't listening, writhing and resisting the vice like grips of the Peacekeepers who were at a loss.
"I'm going to kill her! I'll kill that bitch! She did this to me! I'll gut her and dance with her freaking guts!" Poe hollered, kicking out and almost hitting her dad. In the corner, her mom watched, face pale white and horrified.
"Who did this?" Her dad asked, voice broken.
"Evangeline! Evangeline that bitch, who else!? She rigged the Reaping and got me Reaped so I won't be with Omar!"
Her dad was confused, but her mom, on her last bits of patience, barked out a laugh. "Are you serious, Penelope?"
Poe froze at that, surprised to hear back talk from her mom. "Of course I'm serious! She's always been jealous of Omar and me! Now she took her chance to get rid of me!"
"Oh you stupid, stupid, stupid child!" Her mom screamed, suddenly coming alive. "Evangeline didn't do anything! And Omar doesn't love you!"
"Who's stupid now, huh?" Poe shot back, tired of everyone telling her that Omar and her weren't in love. "He's waiting for me right!"
"He doesn't even know who you are!" Her mom continued, not leaving the corner. "He had no idea who you were until you almost killed Evangeline, his girlfriend!"
"She is not his girlfriend! She's just some whore, like those people who work the Nodes!"
"You almost killed her, Poe! You beat her and strangled her and she almost died! All because you're insane and can't see that Omar never loved you, had no idea who you were, and didn't even know you were stalking him for months!"
Silence fell over the room, but Poe remained purple faced and defiant. "Get out! Get the hell out! I don't ever want to see you again!"
Both her parents left, her dad dragged by her mom. The Peacekeepers remained though, pinning her to the ground. "Where's Omar?!" She demanded. "I know he's waiting outside."
"There's no one else here." The Peacekeeper at the door said.
"Liar! Liar! LIAR! He's coming right now, I know he is! Just you wait!"
But no one came. And with each passing minute of the hour, Poe grew more and more violent and distressed, screaming curses and promises of vengeance to the world.
Eddie was pacing the room, a bundle of nerves and anxiety. No one had come to visit him yet save the Mayor and his wife. Did his family forget about him? His friends? Did they not want to come because they knew he was a dead kid and probably a Bloodbath!?
A blood curling shriek rung out from somewhere in the Justice Building, making Eddie shake in terror.
He just wanted to go home…
The doors burst open and Twyla rushed in, looking as distressed as Eddie probably was. She rushed over to Eddie and enveloped him in a tight hug, letting him sob into her shoulder.
"What's that noise?!" He cried, as another howl erupted from outside the room.
"Your future Partner." Twyla replied, voice serious and concerned. "She's losing her damn mind right now."
"Oh no!" Eddie cried, shaking more. And insane Partner for the Games?! He saw that she had a convict suit on. What if she turned on him and killed him?
TwylaT broke away, grabbing hold of Eddie by the shoulder and looking him directly in the eyes. "You listen to me, Eddington!" She demanded. "You stay away from her, you hear me? You saw that prison uniform. You stay the hell away from her!"
"Oh no, no, no, noooo!" Eddie whined, misery in each syllable. "I can't do this!"
"You have to! You need to come home, Eddie!"
"No!" Eddie screamed, crying once again and his lip trembling violently. "I want mom! Where is she? Where's dad?!"
"They're trying!"
"What's wrong?" Eddie demanded, frantic.
Twyla sighed, trying to keep her voice calm. "There's no ramp into the Justice Building, and the Peacekeepers won't carry yoTur mom up the stairs. Their trying to find people to help with the wheelchair."
"I want them!" Eddie screamed, hysterical. "Please! Please don't let them take me!"
Twyla was in tears herself. She drew in a deep breath and dug deeper into Eddie's shoulder's, forcing him to pay attention. "Listen to me, ok, just listen to me! We can't stop them. You know this, Eddie. You have to go into the Hunger Games-"
"No, no, no, no, no, no!"
"You have to! And you have to win!"
Eddie was screaming. Why couldn't she understand him?! "I can't win! Please just stop them and tell them to pick someone else! Please!"
"Listen! Just listen! I love you, ok! And you're a brother to me! Do you love me?"
"Y-yes!" Eddie replied instantly. They weren't family, and Twyla was just his mom's nurse, but she was true family and a true friend.
"Ok. That makes me your older sister, ok? And I am telling you, as your big sis, that you must come back! I don't know how, but you find a way, Eddie! Got it?"
"Ok.."
"Say you will!"
"I will!"
The two of them hugged and the Peacekeepers came in, breaking them up and dragging Twyla out of the room. He waited there, still crying and watching the clock in the corner. The hour went on and no one came. No friends and no family. Where was his mom? The clock kept going, each tick of it like a slap to the face.
And five minutes before the hour was up, the doors opened and his mom, sweaty and being held up by his dad who looked equally exhausted, entered the room. Eddie ran to them and embraced them, and began to cry all over again. None of them said anything, just holding each other what could be the last time ever.
DISTRICT 4
Mara found the whole Goodbyes to be rather tedious. Thankfully she only had her family to deal with.
Only her sister came into the room, which didn't bother Mara. "Mom can't do it." Elpis said. "She just blubbering about your dad while my dad comforts her.
Mara rolled her eyes. "Figures."
"I can't believe they Reaped me! Guess that makes you my hero, huh?"
"If there was a Bonavich girl who should be sent into the Games, it's me."
"Very humble." Elpis said. Mara tilted her head, was her sister upset with her?
"I'll be back soon." Mara reassured her.
"You didn't have to do this." Eplis said. "Nobody forced you into the Games. Why you're deciding to do this is beyond me!"
"It's for dad. And the District."
"Your dad wouldn't want this!" Elpis cried out. "He died in the Games for nothing. For the Capitol's vanity. And now, you're going to as well."
"I won't die." Mara replied. "And you should leave if you're going to be like this."
She did, leaving Mara alone in the room. Her family would never understand, especially her mom. Didn't she understand why she had to go into the Games? Her dad had been Reaped and made it so far, just think what she could do!
She took a seat in a chair and waited. It didn't seem like Jenny was coming, which was just like her. She tapped her foot impatiently against the too soft rug.
Was it time to go to the Capitol yet?
Cean was tapping his foot nervously when his family entered. An air of reluctant acceptance hung over them. They were all familiar with tragedy at this point, but they were able to take comfort in one thing.
"It's like I said earlier, at least you have some training!" Sirena said.
"You can do it." His step-father said.
"The Odds will be in your favor!" His mom tried.
"They haven't been for a long time." Cean said.
"The Odds are always shifting, like the wind." His mom said, covering the ship memorial tattoo on his body. "Your's have to be improving soon."
They hugged and kissed and wished him luck. They were dutiful citizens of Panem and wouldn't make a spectacle. Cean took a long hug with Sirena though, perhaps too long. He smelled her hair, felt her warmth, and memorized how her body felt. She seemed uncomfortable, but Cean didn't care. He was going to his death. He deserved this.
"I like you…" he whispered to her and only her.
Sirena didn't respond. Nor did she look at him the rest of the time.
They left and Cean was left with his thoughts. Maybe this is how his sister Gulla and his dad felt when the ship capsized and they were stuck below deck, waiting as the water filled in and got ready to drown them. The Games would be coming closer each and every day. Could Cean really fight the inevitable fate that awaited him?
Maybe, if Cean could find something worth fighting for.
DISTRICT 5
The Dramatics were high for Olivia's Goodbyes.
"How could this happen!" her mother whined, absolutely beside herself. "First we lose everything and now we're losing you!"
Olivia bit her tongue, not wanting the last words she said to her mother to be didn't take long to crack though when her father chimed in. "This has to be rigged!" He cried out, full of indignation. "A jab at me by the Mayor over spilt milk! There's no other way! Taking my child from me and sending her to her death!"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence you two!" Olivia hiss, voice shrill. Her parents both were taken aback, not used to Olivia's rage. Luckily, Nadine was there to calm the family.
"We believe in you, Olivia." She said.
Olivia turned to her younger sister, trying to hold back tears. "I'm going to fight like hell to come back, Nadine. I promise you! But if I don't-"
"Don't say that!"
"It's the truth! You have to face it, don't be like these two here stuck in the past!" Olivia said, waving dismissively at their parents. "If I don't come back, I need you to work hard, ok? Do well in school, get a good job, and do freaking something with you life! You have the brains I never had and can do it! Ok? Don't end up like me working at some diner for tips!"
"Promise me you'll come back!" Nadine demanded.
Olivia paused. Nadine was thirteen now, almost the age Olivia was when their family's fortunes went down the toilet and Olivia had to start taking care of the family when her parents failed to. She looked so young though in her despair. But Olivia couldn't shield Nadine from the truth.
"I can't make that promise." Olivia choked out. "But I will try my hardest! Harder then I ever have!"
"No!" Nadine sobbed, failing into a tear filled embraced with Olivia.
Peacekeepers removed them shortly afterwards. Next up were her friends, who helped Olivia get her composure back. To them, Olivia could vent her frustrations.
"It isn't fair! I was almost done with the Reapings forever!" She breathed, voice weak.
"But you're tough, Olivia!" Peggy said, holding her best friend tightly. "You can win the Games!"
"I'm not 'tough.'" Olivia replied.
"Sure you are! You deal with Anders all day." Mark said, trying his best to lighten the mood. It got a stiff chuckle from Olivia, which was something.
"Do you think he'll show up to say goodbye?" Olivia asked, despite herself.
"Probably just to complain about having to find someone to cover your shift." Mark said dryly.
"Well, when you win you'll be rich and can buy his stupid diner and flatten it!" Peggy said.
There wasn't much else to say other than how they supported her and wished her the best. With only a minute, how could you say besides that? The last one to visit was John, who wanted to say his goodbyes separate. Part of Olivia was glad of that.
"Hey." He said softly.
"Hi." She replied.
She wasn't sure why but she ran up and kissed him, just like she had two weeks ago outside the diner after a late shift. She didn't feel particularly attractive right now. It seemed to be some sort of animal instinct overtaking her, a desire to feel normal, or just forget.
John didn't stop her though, returning the kiss gladly. She had to be the one to tear herself away, feeling shaky. "It's not fair." She repeated.
"You can win, Olivia." John said, "We all believe in you."
"John… you have to kill someone to become Victor. I'd have to…"
"That's not true! There are Victors who never killed anyone."
"But they're few and far between." Olivia said grimly. Could she kill someone? No, she didn't think so.
"But you're Olivia freakin Echeberría!" John said, voice filled with conviction. "If anyone can beat the Odds and do it, it's you!"
She kissed him again, this time wanting to. "I'm coming back." She whispered.
"I know you are." John said. "Nothing's ever stopped you before."
The Peacekeepers entered and led John out, leaving Olivia alone with her new promise.
She was coming home.
Despite the circumstances, Aleko found the room they stashed the Tributes in for the Goodbyes to be the nicest place he'd stayed in his entire life. Never had he felt a rug so soft or upholstery so comfy.
The Mayor was the first one to visit, not that Aleko expected many. She and her husband looked at him with pity and, if Aleko wasn't mistaken, admiration. "That was a brave thing you did for that other boy." The Mayor said. "District 5's only had two volunteers in our history. You'll be remembered for your bravery, I assure you.. Is that boy you volunteered for family?"
"Yes, I consider him to be." Aleko said. The Mayor just nodded and went into the formal aspects of the Goodbye. She gave him a shake of the hand, her husband wished him luck, and they were gone. Silence enveloped the room, the lone window in the room looking out over the emptying courtyard of the Reaping Ceremony. For a bit, Aleko thought a former client or "co-worker" from The Waxing Moon would come to say goodbye. Nobody did.
There was only person who visited Aleko besides the Mayor, which was plenty enough for him.
"Why?" Navajo asked. He had been crying. Eyes red and tears fresh on his cheeks. He held Aleko tightly, as Aleko did him, knowing they only had a minute.
"You know why." Aleko replied softly, letting his hands move across Navjo's body. He wanted to remember every part of him. He breathed him in, absorbing his smell and scent. He had never loved anyone more in the world. He was at peace with his decision.
"You didn't have to!" Navajo sobbed.
"I know." Aleko said, kissing Navajo softly on the cheek before placing his forehead on his. "But I wanted to anyways."
"You fight!" Navajo demanded, red eyes looking at him with intensity. It was a more a plea than a command though. "You fight hard and you come back alive!"
"It wouldn't matter, Navajo." Aleko said gently. "There's no cure for what I have. And I want you to live and be happy. Find a nice apartment, build a life for yourself and live."
"No!" Navajo shouted. "I don't accept that and neither should you! You're going to win the Games! And when you do, the Capitol will have to cure you!"
A jolt of realization hit Aleko. There was no cure for him in District 5. But the Capitol would have it. And they'd have to give it to a Victor. "I… I honestly didn't think of that." He replied. He really hadn't.
"I know. Because that's the person you are Aleko. You're a good guy with a good heart, and you think of others before yourself. Even with Ciera."
A flash through his mind. A mirror. A glimpse of auburn hair. Words left unspoken and word said that haunted him. He brushed her from his mind. This was about Navajo.
"I'll try. For you, I'll try."
"Promise me!"
"I promise you."
They two boys hugged each other tightly until Peacekeepers came in and broke them apart. "I love you!" Navajo cried as they led him away.
"And I love you." Aleko replied, tears now coming down his own cheeks.
The door shuts behind Navajo, and Aleko was alone again, with only the Games before him.
DISTRICT 6
Amadeus was literally tossed into the room by the Peacekeepers, hitting the floor hard. The rug was comfy though, far comfier than anything he'd ever felt in his life. They shut the door behind him quickly and locked it, the bolt slamming hard against the door frame and trapping him inside.
Amadeus had never been claustrophobic, but trapped in this room, even with the window, he felt himself struggling to breath. The walls seemed to be closing in around him, the colors of the paintings and rug blurring, and his whole world came crashing down with it. He looked down, focused on the rug, but right now the bright red flag of Panem only reminded him of an endless pool of blood.
He reached into his pocket and grabbed hold of the cool vial of poison. They had not done a real search of him and had missed it. He gripped it tightly as he began the breathing exercises his dad had taught him. He had to focus and get a hold of himself.
He was curled up in a ball on the ground when his dad, step-mother, and little Dimitri came in. His dad was instantly at his side while his step-mother held Dimitri tightly. The five year old was confused and seemed hysterical.
"Calm down, Amadeus. I'm here for you." His dad whispered, rubbing his son's back. "I'm here."
"Why are we in the Justice Building, mommy?" Dimitri asked, voice high.
"Shush, shush, sweetie." She whispered back.
"Amadeus, remember to breath. Calm your nerves and come back to us." He said instructed, worry in his voice.
"Mommy! Why are we here! Why is Ama all sad!"
"Not now, sweetie!"
"AMA!" Dimitri cried. "AMA GET UP! Why are we here?!"
"I'm up!" Amadeus said, forcing his body to stand. "I'm ok, Dimitri! See, I'm up!"
He was, but very shaky about it. Unfortunately, his face was pale white and eyes red from the coming tears. It did little to sooth little Dimitri who began screaming and crying himself. Amadeus rushed to his brother, kissing his hand softly.
"It's ok! Everything fine!" He said, instinct taking over. "I just need to go to the Capitol for a little bit!"
"The Capitol!?" Dimitri screeched. "But we're going to the Reaping festival!"
"We'll go to the Festival when I'm back!" Amadeus said, voice cracking.
"No, you come now! Come now!" Amadeus screamed, face red and nose stuffing up. "Why won't they let him leave?!"
Dimitri was becoming to erratic. His dad and step-mom exchanged a look and his step-mom leaned in, kissing Dimitri on the cheek. "I have to take him out. I'm sorry!"
"I understand!" Amadeus said.
"I don't wanna leave Ama!" Dimitri screamed.
"You're not my blood, but you are my son." His step-mom said. "And you fight like hell and come home to us!"
"I promise I will." Amadeus said, even though he didn't feel it. His step-mom hugged him tightly and Amadeus leaned in for the most gut wrenching goodbye. "I'll see you soon, little man." Amadeus said.
"Ama, come with me! Ama come!" Dimitri screamed as he was carried out of the room by their mom. "AMA! AMA NOOO!"
The door shut behind them, but Dimitri wails could still be heard beyond it. His dad was instantly next to him and the two embraced, Amadeus letting tears flow freely. "I don't want to go, dad!" He cried.
"I know." He whispered back. What else was there to say, Amadeus realized. His dad could save him from his mom and her 'boyfriend,' but even he couldn't fight the Capitol.
"I promise I'll come back." Amadeus said. "I promise you."
"I know you will. I truly know you will." His dad, pride in his voice.
"And dad… don't let mom come say goodbye."
"Never." His dad replied, voice firm. Amadeus held his father tight, glad to have such a champion as a dad.
Once he was gone, Amadeus' friends came in all together, each of them shocked and in hysterics. After plenty of hugs and crying, Amadeus spoke. "I'm coming back. This isn't the end for us. I have to come back for the wedding!"
"What wedding?" Serafina asked. Amadeus blinked, realizing he just spilled the beans on Damian's surprise.
"Err… nothing." He tried, though Damian just shook his head and chuckled.
"Not the best place for a proposal, huh?" Damian said, giving Serafina a soft smile. She looked at her boyfriend, shock, delight, and horror all in one over the multitude of circumstances around them. Damian gazed back at Amadeus, smile growing. "Now you really need to come back with that Victor money. You owe us an amazing wedding for that!"
There was some laughter despite themselves and more hugs to follow. Stephan pulled him aside briefly, voice low as he spoke. "I just want you to know that despite us not working out, you're an amazing guy. And if anyone can win the Games, it's you."
"T-thank you." Amadeus said, blushing a little.
"Seriously, after everything that happened to you, all that you endured, there isn't anyone who can put up with the Games better than you."
Amadeus just nodded at that, happy when Stephen was gone with the others. He didn't want to think about that life before, not right now. Instead he stuck his hand back in his pocket and held the poison once more, ignoring the world around him and just focusing on it's cool sensation.
(PAGE BREAK)
If she remained still, Sarah could almost forget everything that was going on.
It was like dealing with a horrible customer, Sarah thought. Just remain composed and everything would be ok.
Deep breath in, deep breath out…
It didn't last for long when her parents came in, bawling.
"My girl! Not my sweet girl!" Her mom screamed, hugging Sarah so tight that her nails were leaving marks in her skin. Her dad just stood back, face white. Chuck, her fourteen year old brother, looked at her with dread. Of the two of them he was the social butterfly, someone who always had something to say, but even he was struggling.
"We… we believe in you." He offered finally, tears in his eyes. The false confidence hurt Sarah more than her parents crying. Her grandmother was there too, the woman who truly raised her since her parents had to work all the time. She looked said but gave Sarah a stern yet caring look.
"Be strong, Sarah. Be strong and you can come home." She said. Sarah merely nodded.
They were gone soon and Ben was next. He looked about nervously, a bottle of stress and nerves as he approached. "I can't believe this happened." He said.
"I know." Sarah replied. She felt dumb for saying something like that, but what was she suppose to say?
"Sarah… I just can't believe this." Ben said, looking pitiful. Suddenly, Sarah felt a pang of rage. Why was everyone acting so upset? They weren't going off to the Games, she was!
"I can't either." Sarah said instead.
"You can't care at all about the other Tributes!" Ben told her. "Just imagine they're the worst customers we've ever had to deal with! Or one of our bullies but like… ten times eviler or something! Just think that and you can do it!"
Sarah didn't want to think about the 'it' of that sentence. An awful, awkward silence engulfed them. Ben looked like he wanted to say something, but his mind wouldn't let him. Sarah just stared back at him, for some reason wanting this moment to end. There was a knock on the door and the Peacekeepers entered, only for Ben to suddenly blurt out his confession.
"I'm in love with you, Sarah! Please come back!" He said as the Peacekeepers dragged him. The doors closed behind him, leaving Sarah with that suddenly revelation.
And the anger that came with it.
Why hadn't he said something sooner?
Tony came next and he at least wasn't crying or in hysterics. The two old friends hugged one another tightly. "You better freaking come back!" Tony said. "You can't leave me with our boss alone!"
Sarah actually laughed at that. "I'd never."
"Are you scared?"
'What do you think?!" Sarah screamed inside.
"A little." She admitted.
"Well you better come back, ok? And when you do, we'll have the run of District 6."
"Ok." Sarah said lightly. She felt like she had to scream. Tony's minute was up and he had to leave shortly. As he did, Sarah looked absently around the room, noticing the lack of sharp objects.
'Nothing a Tribute could use to kill themselves' Sarah realized.
She couldn't get any peace though. Her final guest was entirely unwanted, and unlike the rest, came in with a big grin.
"At least nobody important was Reaped this year." Jorina mocked, eyes filled with malice. "I just had to come get a look at you, and let you know how pathetic you are. And just to let you know, we have a pool going now. I bet you're a Bloodbath. Maybe we'll have better luck next year, huh?"
And then something snapped.
There was a loud crack. A scream.
Jorina was on the floor, holding in her bright red cheek with tears in her eyes. The Peacekeepers were already in the room, looking between the girls.
"You… you hit me!" Jorina, Sarah's childhood bully, said in disbelief.
The Peacekeepers were already on her before she could do anything. Jorina was dragged out of the room, leaving Sarah behind with a cathartic wave rushing over her. The Peacekeepers looked at her, surprised that the quiet girl had shown teeth, and shook his head.
"Maybe she has a chance in hell of winning." He said, shutting the door behind him.
Please review with your thoughts!
Next up: Goodbyes: District 7 - 12