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*Cracks knuckles* Ok we're back! Sorry for the delay. Post-Reapings I needed a little break and then work got crazy. Enjoy part 1 of the Goodbyes!

Chapter VII The Goodbyes - Part 1

District 1

Once the Reapings were concluded, all Tributes were taking into the Justice Building and placed in a private, secure room by themselves. For the next hour, anyone in the District could come to say their goodbyes, well wishes, or – if they were inclined – last insults. Family members received three minutes to say goodbyes while everyone else only got one.

For Cas, his visitors were one minute. The Mayor and his wife wished him well, as was custom, followed by a line of people from Cas' lives. People from the Academy, Trainers and peers, showed up to give their best wishes. His friends did too, each coming individually. Vintage gave a quick thirty second serenade praising his muscles and charm. Excelsa wished him well but kept circling the conversation back to how she would have shown off while volunteering. Merlot assured him the stars were aligned in his favor and that the summer was "his season." Even Ambrosio was in a chipper mood.

"Seriously, I think you'll do good. Sorry for being in a mood earlier." Ambrosio apologized. The boy was always apologizing for something.

"You can make it up to me while I'm back." Cas said, giving the boy a wink. The flustered look on Ambrosio's face was treat enough.

People kept coming, wave after wave of lookie loos eager to brush up against one of their volunteers. No doubt Elegance next door was receiving the same treatment. Cas kept them all entertained, easily walking the line of boastful and humble that all District 1 citizens aspired to. The hour went by fast and, near the end, it happened.

To his joy – and fear – he did have one more visitor.

Lothario Rothschild was everything a rich parent from 1 could hope for. Really, any parent could hope for. Composed, proper, and with the right tone of superiority in his tone, Lothario was a worthy heir to the Rothschild name – everyone Cas felt he wasn't in his darkest moments.

"Hey, brother." Cas began.

"I don't even know why I'm here." Lothorio said, voice frigid.

"Appearances? Dad would be proud." Cas joked. Their dad would actually be proud, but of course their dad had loved them both. Lothario snorted and said nothing else. Cas continued, suddenly grasping the magnitude of what he signed up and the high probability of his own death. "Are you doing ok? I hear you don't go out anymore."

"The Head Peacekeeper informed me that it would be best if I kept a 'low profile' for the next several years." Lothario said.

"Oh."

"Yes."

An awkward silence. This wasn't going how Cas wanted it to go. He was a master at conversation and winning people to his side – the last hour was proof of his reputation – but he felt utterly unprepared for this. What was needed now was sincerity, but Cas only excelled at charming.

"I've missed you." Cas said. "I hope when I'm back we can be like we were."

That raised Lothario's mood. "I hope you die."

"Excuse me?"

"I hope you die." He said. "I never told you about our father's killer, did I? Nobody did. All neatly cleaned up. But he looked just like you."

"E-excuse me?"

"Just like you. Same face, same eyes, same everything really."

"I don't understand?"

"Don't you?"

Lothario turned and left, leaving Cas with a million questions and no answers.

Unless he won and could confront Lothario.

Elegance's parents were as thrilled as she was when they arrived. The whole thing felt like a dream. It was the culmination of years of work but Elegance was finally heading into the Hunger Games. She kept expecting someone to come in and tell her that there was a mistake and someone else would be volunteering instead. Thank goodness that never came to fruition.

"You'll do us proud." Her mom told her.

"Stayed focused and you'll be back before you know it." Her dad told her.

"Where's Splendor?" Elegance asked.

Her parents scoffed at the same time, tired of their eldest child's antics. "She's not sure if she wants to come say goodbye." Her mom said.

"Why?"

"Oh who knows. In a mood. Probably jealous." Her dad shrugged. "You can deal with that when you're back. Todays about you. We love you and know you'll succeed!"

She appreciated that, but Splendor's temper tantrum was putting a damper on the day. Once her parents left, a steady stream of well wishers appeared, all eager to say hi to their Tribute and potential future Victor. Elegance had done something similar when she was younger, but once in the Academy it was considered tacky. Still, her academy "friends" Tiffany and Navetta stopped by. They complimented her and wished her well, but there was certainly an undercurrent of annoyance that she had gotten the position over them. At least from Navetta. Tiffany had actually told her she was happy not to have to volunteer, which only infuriated Elegance. Why was everyone such quitters about being Careers?

The hour passed and still no Splendor. Elegance actually began to think her older sister was serious about not coming. She had expected Splendor to break as she usually did. So wishy washy about everything. Elegance didn't believe in that. If someone was going to commit to something they had to give it their all. Splendor obviously considered her obligation as a sister the same as being a Career: optional.

It bothered Elegance and put a damper on the rest of the Goodbyes. Still, everyone seemed happy with her and she was happy to be going into the Games. Everything in her life had shaped her for this moment. She had fought through hell to get here and she wasn't going to back done.

Victory was her's.

District 2

Pietyr's parents arrived without Maura, putting him a bad mood.

"She wanted to say goodbye by herself." His mom explained. Pietyr kept from rolling his eyes, just barely though as his parents wished him well. His mother hugged him while his dad gave him a firm handshake. It was plenty for Pietyr, who's mind was already on the Games.

A few others came by to say goodbye, but most people had already done so during the pre-Reaping reception in the Justice Building. Eventually, Maura arrived, all smiles for Pietyr's frown.

"Congratulations!" Maura began. "This is so exciting!"

"Yep." Pietyr replied.

"Father is just itching to add your statute to the Hall of Tributes. Mother's worried but, you know her, everyone knows you'll do great!"

"You don't mean that."

The atmosphere shifted with that statement, though Maura didn't seem affected by it. She sighed and finally replied. "Pietyr, before the Hunger Games… can you just tell me what I did to you?"

"What?" Pietyr said, surprised to be called out.

"I'm asking you to be honest. What did I do to deserve this hate from you? You've been like this for years and, for mother and father, I never said anything. But now… can you just tell me?"

Pietyr felt a vein in his forehead throb. "Of course you'd make this all about you." He hissed.

Maura shook her head. No tears, she was too composed for that, but she looked crestfallen. "You're just full of spite, aren't you?"

She still hugged him, tightly, an expression that Pietyr's did not reciprocate. He finally relaxed when she left, annoyed that she could be like this even on his Reaping day. When he won, he'd make sure she never stepped foot in Victor Village.

To Amaya's annoyance, her family wasn't the first through the door after the Mayor.

"I can't believe you were in a limo and didn't. Invite. ME!"

Amaya's gorgeous and vain girlfriend, Milanka, was in common form that morning, screaming about how Amaya didn't treat her right. At first, it had been fun having a richy rich girl from the Mountains on her beck and call, a little pet Amaya could hand out gifts too. Now, Amaya wasn't really sure what it was. Still, Amaya did love the attention she got from her needy girlfriend. And who else would put up with her? Thankfully Milanka only had a minute, which at the end of she didn't even wish Amaya luck, just saying she'd make it up to her once she as Victor.

'I suppose that's a vote of confidence still.' Amaya thought amused.

Thankfully, Mom and Eki came next. Both of them were excited for her, having enjoyed the limo ride and the reception in the Justice Building. Just a whiff of the wealth they would get when Amaya won was enough to sell them entirely. Her mom pulled her close, whispered that she was proud of Amaya, and kissed her lightly on the forehead. In that moment, Amaya felt a purse joy.

'I'll make sure everyone is ok, Enara.' She thought, thinking of her late sister.

Cosmo came in next, her only friend from her "profession" and a reminder of Enara. "You looked good on stage." He complimented. "But what am I supposed to do while you're gone?"

"Pay the bar tab at Sajra's?"

"Ha ha. Only the Victor's purse can pay that tab off." Cosmo said. "Still, I wish you well! Wish I could have your back in the Hunger Games too but then… you know.. I'd have to kill you."

"You'd certainly try." Amaya joked, hugging her friend. Cosmo had kept her safe when she first started her "work." Amaya thought highly of her skill, but knew she wouldn't have made it without him. When she was back, she'd make sure he got a portion of her winnings.

And as thanks for his help with Esther…

The hour was almost up when, hobbling in on crutches, Amaya had one more visitor.

"I was going to be a Victor!" Esther screamed. She'd been screaming ever since she entered, acting tough despite the bruises and broken leg.

"You're making a fool out of yourself." Amaya told her. "Leave."

"You're not going to win! You bitch! You won't win! And I can't wait to see you choking on your own blood!"

Amaya was unamused. She had endured worse than this spoiled little brat ever had. Her mommy bought her spot in the Academy and probably her spot in the Games. If Esther wasn't smart enough to see that someone would try to take it from her, then she was clearly too stupid for the Hunger Games.

Peacekeepers came in and dragged her away. Amaya easily shrugged off the encounter.

She had more important things to consider.

District 3

Web was used to pressure. Growing up with an genius level intellect came with outrageous expectations.

But the Hunger Games were a whole other beast that Web was terrified to face.

It was awkward when Henry and his parents came in. Henry was shaking his head, a mix of anger and grief on his face. "Why would you do that?" He screamed, voice echoing off the walls.

"You're my brother, Henry. Of course I would." Web replied quickly.

"But… you wanted to have your own life!"

It was a sore point between them. Web had to escape his parents' impossible goals for him. When he finally left and made his own way, Henry was left to deal with them. Resentment was still clear, even now.

"It wouldn't mean anything if you were gone." Web said honestly.

No other words were exchanged between them. A hug was what capped it off between the brothers, feeling that a bridge had been gapped. His parents were unsure of their footing too. Web had left just after a major fight. Even now, they clung to their lost dreams they had invested in their son.

"So much potential wasted in the Hunger Games." His dad bemoaned.

"I'll beat these damn Games." Web promised them, speaking mostly to Henry. "I'm coming home."

That got Henry to smile. When Web set his mind to something he could pull it off.

Afterwards his friends came, helping with his confidence. "You volunteered!" Zero said. "Nobody in 3 volunteers! The Capitol is going to love you."

"That and your big brain!" Matilda continued. "Just watch, you're going to engineer some crazy shit in there like… a bomb!"

"I am highly dubious the material for a bomb will be in the arena." Web replied.

"You never know! The Gamemakers are weird like that. And if there is, you'll find it!"

"We're all rooting for you! Play smart and you'll be home before you know it!" Norm said.

Web certainly hoped so. He had just started his new life, a life where he could choose for himself what he wanted. The Capitol had taken it away, but there wans't a part of him that regretted his choice to volunteer.

It was his choice. And that's all he wanted in his life, to make his own choices.

Hypatia had never felt more alone in her life.

Seventeen years in District 3 and the only people who knew her enough to come to the Goodbyes were the two head Matrons of the orphanage. That was it. Not a single other soul in District 3 would miss her.

She had never felt alone and pathetic.

She clutched the ring tightly as she sat curled on the couch. It was lonely realizing just how little she mattered I the world. Just another useless orphan, destined for nothing. She'd probably just be a nothing Tribute too, someone the recaps wouldn't even bother to focus on. They'd flash her face and name once and then the next time she'd pop up was when she died. That was her fate.

The ring was cutting into her palm as Hypatia desperately tried to pull strength from it and silently praying that her mystery father from the Capitol would save her.

If that story was even true.

The hour passed slowly, each second excruciating.

Even time was mocking her.

District 4

Everyone seemed very pleased with Nicola, especially after his District partner's bizarre meltdown on stage. Nicole wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, but the breakdown certainly confirmed all the whispers at the Academy that she wans't ready for the Games. The Mayor – who had seemed in a dour mood during the Monaghan's party – was all smiles for him and complimenting him, wishing him well in the Games.

"Let's hope for a District 4 Victory from you!" He said. Nicola thought it was odd that the Mayor excluded Maddie but after what just happened, he supposed it could be forgiven.

Several others came, Trainers from the Academy, a few peers, but the only people that Nicola really had in the District were his parents. Both of then were incredibly proud of him.

"You've done everything you can. You're ready for the Games." His dad told him.

"Just know we'll be watching! And we both know you'll make us proud!" His mom exclaimed.

It's words that Nicola cherished. His entire life he felt he never belonged in the District, so scraps of approval were what he lived on. The idea of a District cheering him on? That was delightful. His parents time ended and they left, leaving Nicola to his thoughts. Maddie's breakdown would make things awkward with the other Careers, but after last year, Nicola knew that Maddie still needed to be in the Pack. She was a decent archer though, so hopefully no of the other Careers favored a bow and arrow and could potentially kick her out.

Briefly, he still puzzled over the fact that an entire District, a place he felt no real connection to, was now relying on him for Victory. It made him feel beyond special, more like he was becoming a pillar in which District 4 society would rest upon.

Or, perhaps better, a king that everyone would have to bow down to.

Nicola liked that image more.

By the time her family showed, Maddie had mostly recovered from the Reaping. Her parents and grandparents had not.

"What in Panem was that display?" Her grandma demanded. "Crying like some Outlier!"

"Twelve year olds act better." Her dad said, equally upset.

"I'm going to die, dad." Maddie confessed, voice barely a whisper.

"With that attitude you will." Her dad replied, mom equally annoyed. "We paid for the best Career education in 4 just so you can win! But it will certainly be harder to get you a sponsor now thanks to that meltdown!"

"We can always pay for sponsor gifts ourselves." Maddie's grandma commented. "But such a nuisance."

"You already paid off the Mayor. What's a sponsor gift compared to that." Maddie muttered, loud enough that the adults heard.

"Psh, we didn't pay him. We blackmailed him." Her grandpa confessed easily.

Maddie's eyes went wide. "What?"

"Blackmail." Her grandpa repeated. "The Mayor has a wandering eye, we had proof, and told the Mayor we'd use it. So he got you a spot in the Hunger Games. Don't look so surprised, Maddie. You needed to be in the Hunger Games and now you are."

Maddie was choked at how casually her grandpa explained it to her and the utter lack of surprise on the others faces. They all knew. They knew that Maddie wasn't the top rated in the Academy but they didn't care. The Monaghans wanted a Victor and they were going to get one. And damn whatever she wanted.

'They already drove a son to suicide. What's bribing a Mayor compared to that?'

Her family didn't stay much longer, just giving her pointers on how to "buck up" and act like a proper Career and do the Monaghan name proud. Once they were gone, few people came to see her. Her friend Shale did, offering her best pep talk and lying through her teeth, telling her that everyone was rooting for her. Maddie wished she could believe her. Even Eymon & Hudson popped in. Neither were aware that Maddie was "dating" both of them… and even Lola a bit. Being tied down never made much sense to Maddie.

What did it matter anyways when she going to die?

After them, things fizzled. Maddie was left alone with the weight of what lay ahead on her shoulders.

She felt a frightening sense of finality touch her.

Death was coming for her.

District 5

Seph was a tears and snot covered mess when his parents, Lily, and Klara burst into the room, immediately wrapping Seph in a tight hug. His older brothers, Simon and Ray, didn't follow.

"Where-where are Simon and Ray?" Seph cried. "They d-didn't volunteer!"

"They..." his mom began only to come up short. Her dad also wasn't sure what to say.

His sisters were less reserved. "Cowards, both of them!" Lily screamed. "You're twelve and Simon is eighteen! He should have saved you! Any brother would have done what he should have done!"

"It all happened so fast…" his dad tried.

"I would have volunteered if I could!" Lily countered, face red and tears streaming down it. Klara was crying too, which made Seph cry and then everyone else cry.

"Listen, Seph." Klara told him. "You have a big advantage, ok? Victor Echeberría! She's loved by the Capitol and she's smart and she can help you win!"

Seph nodded. Olivia coming up to him had been a bright spot. And his District partner seemed ok. And everyone in the District said Olivia was nice and an honorable Victor! His parents latched onto that advice too, a ray of hope on an otherwise desolate situation. The whole family remained in a hug, Seph drawing strength from them, taking in their love and warmth and wishing the moment would never end. The three minutes came to an end though and his parents and sisters were pulled from the room by Peacekeepers. They had pry Seph off of his mom, showing him no comfort.

For the rest of the hour Seph waited for Simon or Ray to show. As the hour came to an end, he was only filled with disappointment.

He was still crying by the time the Peacekeepers came to collect him.

Tegan's whole family was with her yet she felt utterly alone. Mom and dad, Cordelle, her wife Leilani, and Emilia all falling over her, all telling her that they loved her and supported her and that she could win, she hadto win.

Teagan's life as an introvert and spending most of her time with her late Aunt V out on assignment meant she had didn't expect many others to come say goodbye. Still, she had a few people in 5 who cared about her. Fellow misfits and kids who didn't fit the mold. Conall, one the smartest kids in school stopped by to wish her well. Him and Teagan had been in a quasi-competition for highest grades for their class and Teagan was touched he'd even bother to come say bye. Benoit stopped by too, hoping the best for her and promising to root hard and make up a song about her. And of course Midori, just as introverted as Teagan, stopped by only to start crying, making Teagan cry too.

After them it was just Teagan. She had never been claustrophobic before, but standing alone in the room with the Games in front her, Teagan felt the walls of the room closing in around her. Her breathing grew more laborious, thoughts running too fast to be helpful.

The door opened once more and a man stepped in, offering her a smile. "Hey, Te." Her Uncle Carlton offered.

Teagan was instantly in his arms, hugging him tightly. Uncle C was her last real connection to Auntie V and, while unable to fit her role entirely, was committed to making sure Teagan knew she could still pursue her passions.

"Dry those eyes, girlie." Uncle C told her softly, holding her tightly. "Dry eyes, open mind."

"I'm going to d-d-die." Teagan said.

"No you aren't, girlie." Her uncle said. "You're brains too big for that."

"B-b-brawn is more import-t-t-tant than brains in the arena!"

"No come on, Teagan. You know better than that. Plenty of Victors won without muscle. Just look of Victor Echeberría. She used her brain and charms and pulled through."

"She still had to f-f-fight, Uncle C. She had to fight the Butcher." Teagan said, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I couldn't do that. And I can't charm anyone. Who want-t-ts a girl with a stutter as Victor?"

"I do. Your mom and dad do. Your sisters do. And your Auntie V would too." Uncle C comforted. "You can do this, Teagan. You just play smart. You get a good ally, run from the Careers, and find something, anything in the arena you can turn to your advantage."

Teagan nodded and before long the three minutes were up. She was alone again, just her thoughts, just like she liked. She found fighting her thoughts hard, so full of doubt and danger. Auntie V would have hated seeing her so defeatist.

In her mind, she could picture Auntie V, smiling at her, encouraging her to go on. It was enough for Teagan in that moment.

'I won't give up.' Teagan resolved.

District 6

If Diesel won and they wrote the story on his journey to Victory in the Hunger Games, he'd make sure the part about him vomiting his guts out once in the Justice Building was left out. Thankfully he vomited outside the room they were keeping him in. And he'd even gotten a little on a Peacekeeper. A nice little screw you to the Hunger Games.

His family was first in and Diesel wasn't prepared for them. His walls were still broken and down, but he kept trying his best to put up a good face. "They picked the best Chase for prime time." He tried, "Could you imagine Colorado's ugly mug on TV?"

His older brother hugged him tightly. "Don't do anything stupid! Just come home!" He told Diesel. Behind him, Freya, Colorado's wife, offered support too.

"Our family will round up money and send you sponsor gifts when things get desperate." Freya said.

"I'll take them before that point too." Diesel joked, mostly serious. Albany, his sister, hugged him too.

"Don't piss off the Careers!" She told him.

"What? Me? Never!"

His mom was still distant, even now. The two of them never really bridged the whole "sorry I let your dad beat the shit out of you for fourteen years till his crappy black heart gave out" chasm between them. They hugged, but there wasn't much warmth, causing another crack for Diesel's walls.

To his surprise, once his family was removed from the room he had a steady stream of visitors. Boys and girls from school, his old and new neighborhood, and work. Slowly his walls came back up and he was cracking jokes, encouraged by the sight of how many lives he impacted and hopefully uplifted. Even his ex – a boy who dumped him three days priors – came back and Diesel handled it smoothly.

Maybe he could pull this off? The Hunger Games were also about winning the Capitol's support.

He could pull that off at least.

Who didn't like a jokester in the face of death?

Intellectually, Dallis knew bad news affected everyone differently and shock could manifest in different ways, but the only thing that was startling to Dallis as she waited for the Hunger Games to start was how composed she was.

Maybe because she was already working out a plan? Keep her mind busy and hope alive. Or maybe there was something wrong in her, some part of her that didn't click into place and process emotions right. Is that why spreading gossip and exposing secrets came so easily? It was a frightening thought. Whatever the reason, she felt in control when her brother come bursting into the room, Sloane and Damon behind. They were family too.

Artem was shaking angrily and pulled her into a hug, looking and acting more appropriately for the moment than Dallis. "How could this happen! You don't even take out that much tessare!"

"Bad shit happens." Dallis told him. "But I'll make it work."

"How?"

"Do what I do everyday. Dig up secrets, learn weaknesses, find an edge."

Damon was more practical. "You do that for our gossip rag. And I don't think 'ho ho! I found out this Career likes weird stuff in bed' is going to deflect a sword through your chest."

"Well, that's where allies come in. If I can get any. Something tells me nobody is allying with 6 this year. But my District partner seems normal. And his brother married rich so that means sponsor gifts."

"Just don't do anything too stupid." Artem pled, already knowing it fell on deaf ears.

"You know I can't promise that." Dallis confirmed. "But don't worry, I'll figure something out. I always do."

Their time was up and Dallis' family was removed from her room. Briefly she wondered if anyone else would come but wasn't surprised when the door didn't open again. Who wanted to come see her? She'd learned early on that people were out for themselves. Family could count for something, if they didn't up and die on you like mom and dad did. No, once she won the Games she'd lay back and enjoy her life in Victor Village and never think about the horrors of this world again.

She settled in on the couch, enjoying how comfortable it was.

She knew comfort would be in short supply soon.

But when had she ever been comfortable?

Up Next: The Goodbyes Districts 7 - 12

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