8th District: A Refresh Story

Goodbyes

   Fresh still tried to process what was happening. He had never understood the hunger games... What was the point of wasting valuable workers? Deep down there was a memory of mom trying to explain the purpose but... it never clicked.

   To each side of the pair of brothers stood a peacemaker. Most likely to keep them in line.

   Error hadn't said a word since the reaping. His trembling continued almost like a glitch in a computer screen. His hands gripped tightly on the fabric over his knees.

   If Fresh could feel he might feel bad for dragging Error into this.

   "Bro. You're gonna rip a hole in your pants." One good thing about district 8 was that the clothes were all well made. Perks of living in the textile district.

   Error barely spared a look at the younger.

   Odd... usually a comment like that would send Error into hysterics. What was up with him?

   "Error! Fresh!"

   Fresh looked up at the sound.

   Geno and CQ both hurried across the platform. Geno went straight for Error who let out a sob as soon as he was in the eldest's arms. CQ stood next to her youngest and brushed a hand through his hair.

   "How are you feeling?"

   Fresh shrugged. He didn't really "feel" any different than usual. "Fine I guess."

   CQ's smiled wavered. "I see. Fresh, baby..."

  "Yes..?"

   "Look after your brother okay? I know you can win."

   Fresh was still drawing up blanks. Why was mom crying? Why was Error crying? There was no way the Capitol would actually kill this many children.

   Right..?

   CQ had moved along. "Error... Don't fight with Fresh during this. Please. Stick together. I love you both."

   Fresh frowned in thought. He was getting real mixed signals here.

   "Fresh."

   The youngest looked up again. "Yeah Geno?"

   "You'll do great! Both of you! Can't wait to see you come home!" He smiles through the tears in his eyes.

   Fresh eased a smile onto his face. "Sure thing brah! See you when we get back!"

   Geno's smile faltered only for a second before he nodded. "I love you."

   And then they were boarding the train.