#cocgoodbyes

[avenbosworth]

Gonna Leave These Blues Behind || Goodbyes

That was my first thought as my brother’s stepped into the room, my eldest brother’s absence like a knife in my chest. Surely he wouldn’t leave me without a goodbye? Ridge dragged me into an embrace; I could tell he was sorry. That he wished he could take my place, but I was all alone now. I had to come back or die trying. Maize came to join the two of us, his hand touching my back to try and soothe the sobs that I hadn’t let the rest of the District see. How could I do this without them? I’d never been apart from my brother’s in my entire life. If someone had bullied me or had a grudge against me they had fixed everything. What was I going to do in the Capitol without them here to protect me? The five of them surrounded me, murmuring words of encouragement and love that we normally didn’t say. It was a goodbye in the truest sense of the word, tinged with a feeling of finality as my brother’s bid me farewell.  The sound of a peacekeeper opening the door dragged me out of my pity fest, hugging each of my brother’s but keeping Ridge for last.

“Where’s Reed?” I managed to whisper as the other four walked from the room. I needed to know that the stupid bastard hadn’t done something he would regret later. Ridge shook his head, glancing behind us to the peacekeeper.

“He had someone else to see. Just come back, okay Aven? Don’t let them fuck with you, just come home.” He hugged me again, squeezing me tight before dragging himself away. The sound of the lock clicking sending me into the chair. I didn’t want to cry, I needed to show them that I wasn’t some fragile flower. I was a Bosworth, we had an image to uphold. There was no crying, no failures. We had created our fortune on the backs of farmer’s and the downtrodden. We were above them. I just needed to remember that going into the Capitol. I looked up as the door was pulled open, Big Daddy and my mother standing there waiting for me. I didn’t care how childish I looked but I got to my feet, launching myself into their embrace as they held me tight. My mother playing with my hair and my father pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

“I’ll make them regret ever voting you in, bug. And if something happens…trust me they will never live it down.” His words comforted me somehow, to know that those who had condemned me to fight would be just as miserable as I was going to be. The two of them gave me advice, telling me how to fight and how to win. I knew our time together was drawing to a close when my mother began to sob, my strong emotionless mother folding into a heap as my father wrapped his arm around her.

“I love you, bug.” Big Daddy finally spoke, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I’ll see you again real soon, you hear?” I nodded once, my mother enfolding me in her embrace and begging me to come home before Big Daddy took her arm and walked out the door. I had just turned away from the closed door when it opened, the heavy sigh escaping the new entrant so familiar that I turned. My brother stood, eyes red rimmed and his knuckles bleeding.

“Reed?”

“I had to make sure she would keep you safe. That after everything she would keep you safe.” It was Reed’s only explanation to his absence, pulling me into a hug as he shook with anger. “I hate that I can’t protect you from this, all the bullies in the world I could take but I can’t save you from this. But Cecily will look after you, she will make them love you as much as we do. District 9 will have another victor and you can come home and be an even bigger pain in my ass...”

Reed wasn’t going to cry, he tucked my head into his chest. Letting me take strength from one of the biggest constants in my life. “I’ll miss you, Reed.”

“I’ll miss you too, bug. Now you have to go and be strong, make us proud okay?” He brushed my tears from my face, deeming me acceptable as he offered me a shaky smile. “I’ll see you around, Aven. Remember, I taught you to punch and you better break some poor guy’s nose if he gets fresh with you.” I laughed, his last piece of advice filling me with confidence as he left without a second glance. I had no friends to speak of that would make the journey to see me, hell most of them had probably watched as their parents voted me in. They had probably voted for me themselves. It didn’t matter why they had voted me in, it only mattered that I was ready to face this challenge head on.

It was time to put on a brave face and show the world what Aven Bosworth was made of. 

[liliahwinters-blog]

My Duty || Goodbyes

Vanity ushered us into the Justice Building.  As the doors slammed shut behind us, Colt pulled me into his arms.  I wasn’t sure how to react at first, but I gave in, squeezing him back.

“I’m so sorry.”  He whispered into my hair, before the Peacekeepers dragged us into our separate rooms.  The door snapped shut, and I sat on the velvet couch, waiting for my parents to come say goodbye.  All of a sudden, I heard shouting coming from outside the doors.  I got up, pressing my ear against the wood to hear.

“This can’t be right!  It’s impossible!”  I heard a voice scream.  I recognized it right away as my fathers.  “I demand you let my daughter go this instant!....Do you know who I am?...I’ll have you fired for this!”  I heard, missing the Peacekeeper’s replies.  I took a few steps back as the door opened, and my parents stormed in.  I had never seen my father look so angry.  His face was red and his fists were clenched.  My mother had tears streaming down her cheeks.  She kneeled down, wrapping her arms around me.

“Oh dear, oh my baby.”  She cried.  “Leon you have to do something, don’t let them take my baby away.”  She sobbed, her tears staining my dress. 

“There’s nothing I can do!”  He shouted back.  “You heard the man, she was born here, it makes her a citizen.”  He growled, covering his face with his hand.

“Mother, I’ll be fine, I promise.”  I said, pushing her away.  She frowned, putting her hand on my cheek.  “It’s my duty.  I have to fight for my country.  I have to go.”  I said, trying to calm her down.  She nodded, tears still falling.  My father knelt in front of me.

“Listen sweetie, I am going to do everything in my power to make sure you get out of there alive you understand me?  I’ll send you every sponsor gift available.  You’re coming back to us.”  He said before pulling me into him and squeezing me so tight, I couldn’t breathe.

“I’ll be okay Daddy, really I will.”  I said, smiling.  He nodded.

“I know sweetheart, I believe in you.”  The door swung open and two Peacekeepers marched in, pulling them away from me.

“I love you!”  I shouted as the doors closed again, and they disappeared from my sight.  A tear rolled down my cheek as I realized that might have been the last time I see them.  I took a few steps back, falling into the couch.  I sat there in silence, thinking about everything that was to come.  The Parade, training, scores, the actual games.  And of all people, Colt was my partner.  

As the door opened and a Peacekeeper led me to the train, I knew one thing was for sure.  

It was going to be one heck of a ride.

[lyra-from-five-blog]

Betrayed by Blood.|| Goodbyes || Oneshot.

Sitting inside a small dusty room wasn’t very pleasant. Somewhere inside me I knew Ramona will beg her father to have me reaped. I wait for the first person to walk inside the room to say their final goodbyes before I get sent to the Capitol. The door bursts open and my sad mother walks in along with Ian. She screams as she grips onto my jumper, I see Ian with red eyes. He is fighting back the tears like I am. “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.” She screams. I loosen her grip and look my mother in the eyes, “Why are you sorry?” I ask with a wild look on my face. She walks over to the sofa and rests her face inside her palms.

“The Mayor came to visit me yesterday, and he said if I didn’t vote for you, he would have me killed.” My jaw drops, the tears begin to fall from my eyes, filled with betrayal. “What? And you did it? You voted for your own daughter to be sent in to be murdered?!” I turn to Ian, “Did you know about this?!” He begins to look at his feet to avoid eye contact. “Yes.” He says faintly. I was betrayed by my own family. They sent me to my death; their own family. “Get out. Now.” I point to the door. My mother begins to look at me, “Honey,—“

 I hold my hand up. “GET OUT! The both of you just leave. You obviously do not want me around, so just go!” They begin to walk towards the door. Ian turns around to face me, “I’m so sorry Lyra. I’m so sorry..” Together they leave the room, and once again, I am alone.  I walk over to the Peacekeeper near the door, “I know my friends are going to come, tell them I don’t want to see them.” The Peacekeeper nods and I walk back into the room. I begin to realize, if I am going to be sent to my death, I shouldn’t worry about my family or friends. My own family didn’t care for me, and I don’t want my friends to worry. If I’m going to win, I don’t want to have any attachments. I grab an old book off the many bookshelves filling the room. I turn the book over and read the back— “An old fairytale, about two kids who are abandoned in a forest by their own parents.” I turn to read the title, Hansel and Gretel: An old fairytale. I walk over to the old sofa and begin to read the book. “How ironic,” I say to myself before opening the book.

After reaching the end of my goodbye visit I am carried away in a car with Talon and Laelia. Once we reach our destination I am greeted by a train; this train will send me to my death sentence. Stepping on the platform along with Talon, we enter the hovering transportation. The train was filled with rich leather and marble tables, carts filled with Capitol delights, mahogany furniture. Laelia sits in one of the love seats, Talon is looking out the window facing the very own thing that sent us into these games. I walk over to my District Partner and watch the view of District Five fade away into trees. We are now heading to the Capitol, I hear Talon faintly whisper his last goodbyes to our district, “That’s not our home anymore. They sent us in to die, Talon.”   

[andre-galin]

We Don't Need Much Time || Goodbyes OS

I’m quickly rushed to a small room with an somewhat an antique vibe to it. I know this is not going to take long, so I sit down, waiting for my parents to come say their goodbyes. I wish I could say I’m scared, but I can’t. My muscles were twitching with energy and all I wanted to do was run from one place to another, but I had to maintain my composure. Who knows if there are hidden cameras here? So I just sit quickly, looking around

It takes a few minutes for the door to open. When it does, Bia comes running towards me immediately. “Are you going to die?” she asks once again, embracing my leg. “We talked about this already, didn’t we?” She nodded, still looking slightly defeated and gave a step back, eyes on the ground and I’m almost certain I caught a tear running down her cheek.

“You have made everyone proud, Andre,” my father says, resting his hand on my shoulder. “I plan to make them even more by winning this thing.” My smile is cocky, but I deserve it. I know I can win this. I know I can bring glory to my family, my District and myself. “We’re going to miss you,” Mother outlines a sad smile. “I’m going to miss you too.” With a sigh, I hug them all briefly, whispering in Bia’s year: “I never break my promises, okay?”

“Don’t forget your training, and remember not to show all your strengths until Private Training.” Father advises. “And be nice to your mentor and escort!” Of course my my mother would feel the need of saying this. “Goodbye sweetie, see you in a couple of weeks,” she adds, kissing my forehead. Then, as quickly as they come in, they left the room and I’m again alone with my thoughts.

But there’s not too much I can think about now. I don’t have tributes to analyse yet so I guess all I can do is sit here and wait for them to take me to train. Just relax and wait...

[cashmere-cawl]

Goodbyes || Cashmere

As I was rushed inside the Justice Building, peacekeepers pushed me forward into a dark room. The small window did not let any light enter and the dark clouds had begun to pour their angriness onto District 8. I felt the wall to find the light switch and turned it on. At the same moment, the sky thundered and the door reopened. Nyla came in rushing to me and hugged. She stroked my hair before taking my face making me look at her.

“Remember your promise Cashmere? You can go through this. You use what’s in there” She touched my forehead and smiled. “I couldn’t stop them from doing this to you. But it doesn’t matter, because I know you can come back. I know you’re smarter than most of the people.” She kept speaking as I was opening my mouth to tell her she was wrong. But she didn’t let me.  Tears fell down on my cheeks.  

“Cashmere, listen to me, trust your instincts.” She said before giving me a kiss on my forehead and getting up. The door opened again and a peacekeeper huffed as Nyla gave me a last look.

“I love you Cashmere.” She said as I answered back. “Nyla…” I managed to speak before the door closed.

I head back to the window and looked at the crowd disappearing out of the square as rain fell down. That’s when I saw him. My father was sitting on the stairs up to the Peacekeeper building. He was soaked. I could have sworn it was him. But if it was, why wasn’t he heading to see me? I put my hand on the cold glass of the window as I registered how all of this had originally happened. He was the one who wanted to get rid of me. He stopped loving me the minute I put fire to our house and killed my mother.  Thunder growled in the sky and rained dropped harder, blocking my view from the one person who was supposed to always have my back. 

[virtuoso-eames-blog]

The Vengeful and The Damned || Goodbyes

They do not uncuff me when I'm in the Justice Building. When I enter the holding room I see Esmour standing there with his arms crossed.

"Hello Gabriel."

The urge to lunge at him was great. But the presence of peacekeepers behind me kept everything at bay.

"Why did you do it?"

"You cheated on me." He is insane. I didn't do that. I like her but I could never act on it.

"I was writing a friend."

"A friend who I can tell you like which would lead to cheating on me."

"Who wouldn't cheat on someone who tells you they love you but turns around and decides to beat the crap out of you for no apparent reason."

"Are you finished?"

I sigh and bow my head. "Yes sir." I couldn't do anything else. If I said something wrong then he would hit me. The peacekeepers would not stop him. I would go into the games with injuries and that would not work in my favor.

He crosses the room to me. "I was telling you the truth when I said I wasn't mad. I was not mad at the moment. When I first found the letters I was incredibly mad. So I decided to get a few of my friends to go into the database and change your information. Then after that they entered your name for nomination. Thank goodness you have built up such a large reputation around here. They voted you in while I sat back and just bathed in the brilliance of my plan."

"You're a jealous,possessive,and abusive egomaniac." I snapped.

"Yes I am." He was only a breaths space away from me now. "I own you Gabriel Eames. I always have and I always will." His sour breath was making me nauseous. I thought he loved me. He said he did. But I guess it was just love like he had for an item. "Don't expect anyone else to come and say goodbye. Oh and I hope your friends don't try to plead your case. It will be a waste of breath. No one will believe them."

I shut my eyes trying to block him out. Eventually he just left. The only way I could tell was because the handcuffs were taken off. He was right about one thing. He did own me. 

[isobel--holloway-blog]

Dash of Curare || Goodbyes

The room was cold, empty. Despite the small amount of light seeping through the curtains, the room seemed dark and cut off. I sat in the single chair that they provided and drummed my fingers against my knee. I knew who would say their goodbyes, whose faces would be the last I saw of home. I may not have a crowd of people who cared about me, but those who did were my whole world.

I stood up as soon as I heard the door slide open, only to see Lara rush in with tears in her eyes. She threw her arms around my waist and buried her face in my dress. I held her close for a minute before dropping down to my knees in front of her.

"Hey," I said, smoothing down her hair, "you'll be fine, alright." I pulled her chin up to look at me and wiped away a stray tear. "Alright?" I was determined to get an answer out of her, to make sure that she would make an effort to be alright while I was gone. A small nod was the only response I got, but it was good enough for me.

Just as I stood up, still holding onto Lara's hand, I noticed that Nila had brought her into the room. There were no visible tears in her eyes but I recognized the way she looked at Lara. That was how she looked when she spoke to the family of someone who wasn't going to make it through the night, a look of sympathy. 

Unclasping the small necklace from around her neck, Nila placed it in my palm and curled my fingers around it. "Take it," she said simply before taking Lara's hand in her own and escorting herself out of the room. I took the necklace out of my palm and looked it over, the one that Nila always wore. I had never seen her without it. She told me once that it taught her to find beauty in the darkest places, to find hope when it seems that there is none. I laughed at the memory of little me who was more mesmerized by the sparkle of the crystal than the meaning behind it.

I had just clasped the necklace when I heard shouting and pounding outside the door. I slowly twisted the doorknob and opened the door just enough to where I could make out the shapes of whoever was outside.

"Let me see her!" The woman's voice was frantic as she tried to break through the two peacekeepers who were blocking the way to my door. I couldn't recognize the woman's face, but the dark bags under her eyes and obvious soot in her hair gave away the fact that she was no friend of my father's. "Please, let me see my daughter," at this point there were tears in her eyes and she was slowly giving into the racking sobs that began to shake her body.

"Let me see her," she said as she landed another soft hit to the peacekeeper's chest.

I closed the door and leaned against it, trying to sort through my thoughts. It could have been Atticus' mother, but it wasn't. She said let me see her, not him. My mother was still at home, hooked up to the morphling that was both killing her and sustaining her. I found myself playing with the necklace Nila had just given me, still wondering why the woman outside wished to see me.

I opened the door open a crack again, only to see that the woman was no longer there and the peacekeepers were still stationed outside my door. Whoever she was, I wanted to know why she called herself my mother.