Justice Building

[Aria]

THE HALL OF JUSTICE

Peacekeepers lead the new District 9 tributes into their own designated rooms in the Justice Building. Their feet march in unison and open the double doors to the lonely room for the girl tribute. They let in her first visitor and announce, "You have three minutes."

The other Peacekeepers lead the new male tribute to another room, announcing the exact same. "You have three minutes." They shut the double doors boorishly and wait outside, counting down the seconds for the next visitor.

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[ayelen]

Three minutes was all you got to say everything you wanted to say to anyone you cared about. She'd have to make it count.

The first to enter was her family of course. Briar, Cale, and Fae... but no Theo. Briar must've seen the slight alarm in her little sister's eyes, because she gave her a soft smile and patted her on the cheek.

"Don't worry, he just went to go and get you something at home. He'll be here soon,"

Ayelen nodded stiffly and tried to relax. She and her sister didn't always talk much and didn't always agree, but she always had a deep respect and admiration for her. After all, she was the one who kept them out of the orphanages their first years... made sure their uncle didn't ruin anything for them.

"I'm gonna miss you," she finally choked out. "All of you," she then looked down at the twins and kneeled, opening her arms to hug them. They of course quickly ran to her and clung tightly, making this time even harder for her. "You guys gotta be tough for Briar and Theo, okay? You can cry now, but no more crying after,"

The two sniffled for a bit, but then finally agreed. Of course, it's something that's always easier said that done, but she hoped that it would make it easier.

Oh how Ayelen wanted to say more to them all, but three minutes really isn't enough. Before she knew it they were already being told their time was up.

"I love you! Be safe!" was all she could say before they were escorted out.

The next person to enter was the old lady who had employed her at the farm. She had to admit, she was rather surprised that she would bother coming to see her, but it was a nice gesture.

"I just wanted to let you know that you were a good worker. Real quick and well... it'll be tough to find someone to replace ya," the old nodded to her and then offered her hand out. Ayelen nodded back and took the hand in hers and shook it.

"Thank you, m'am," she replied.

"Now then, you do your best to win. Get yerself a lot of sponsors,"

Always easier said than done. Sponsors were usually reserved for people who were built like bulls, or ruthless or had a bunch of charm. Ayelen wasn't exactly sure if she had that.

After a bit more idle chit-chat the old woman left and finally Theo showed up. At first the two of them just looked at each other, stunned that they'd actually be in this position. This would probably be the last time they'd ever speak to each other. The brother-sister duo who went through everything was going to end like this? Despite Ayelen being 17, she felt like a 5-year-old right now. Slowly, she felt tears welling up in her eyes. She didn't want to leave. She didn't want to die.

"Hey-hey-hey. Don't cry," Theo quickly wrapped his arms around her and hugged his sister tightly. "Don't go acting like you're dead yet. You gotta keep your head up. Just remember all the stuff we talked about,"

Theo and Ayelen would spend year after year just analysing the different tributes during the Games. Not because they actually enjoyed watching them, but because they knew someday, that could be them up there. In a way, it could be considered 'unofficial training', but really, it's not like Ayelen would be able to even top the fighting skills of someone from District 1 or 2. If this was all about trapping and living off the land and camouflage, well... maybe should could stand a chance. But that all depends on the arena. Right now, she'd do anything to survive.

"Now...here. A little something to remember us by when you're in the arena," he then let go of her and pulled out a little silver charm bracelet from his pocket. She remembered this... it used to be their mothers before she passed away. A little flower representing each of her children. She always thought that if it were to go to anyone, it would've been Briar... the gift was sort of bittersweet. Lightly, she took bracelet from his hand and fastened it around her wrist. Through her tears, she forced a smile.

"Thanks Theo... take care of them for me, okay?"

"I will as long as you promise not to give up. Deal?"

"Deal,"