The 300th Hunger Games

Chapter 8 - Goodbye to a Person You Love

Isobel Angora P.O.V. (District 8)

Soft silk covers my arms. I slowly open my eyes, taking in the world around me. Tall, dark pines, a blue sky, the birds whistling. All part of my home in District 8.

I slide out of my four poster canopy bed, and look at my sister. Alicia Angora. She's 17, not eligible for this Reaping. While she sleeps peacefully, I am kept awake by a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. I step onto our balcony, overlooking a small courtyard. On the other side, my brother, Nikolas, plays catch with Juan, and our dog, Ario. Together, with our mother and father, we are one big happy family.

"Isobel, catch!" Niko yells, and throws his ball at me.

I duck, and hear the impact of it hitting the wall.

"Niko!" I yell.

He laughs. Then I hear Alicia wake up, and walk to me.

"Good morning sister." She says lightly.

I don't get it. They are all lighthearted about the Reaping. None of them are entered accept me. Of course, I still probably won't be picked. After all, we are the richest family in District 8. My mother was a factory worker when she became pregnant with Nikolas, and she wanted him to have a better life then she had. She had moved from a place called Es, which used to be a country called Spain.

When she moved here, she took refuge in District 8. So this is where our family is. But my mother is hardly ever home. She is one of the most famed designers in Panem. All the Capitolites wear her work. Our father tries his best to take care of us, but as he is the head of Angora Industries, the leading brand for fabrics, he hardly has time. So we have raised ourselves in our mansion, not wanting to venture out of its safety.

"Isobel? Iso? Iso?" Alicia waves a hand in front of my face.

"Get ready!" She yells, then tickles me in the ribs.

"Sì, sì." I sigh.

My dress is a high low dress made of red silk. I wear it with a gold belt, and many gold accessories such as my bangles, earrings, and the heavy, old, Angora Locket. It is my prized possession. Alicia puts my hair in a bun, then pins it to the side with a large red flower. I then slip into black heels.

I rush downstairs, and see breakfast. Bolo, hot chocolate, eggs, and my favorite, freshly made churros. After eating my meal with my family, we all head to the Reaping.

I say goodbye to Alicia, Niko, Juan, Mama, and Papa, before going to the 16 year old section.

"Hello District 8!" A new escort shouts into the microphone.

"I am Daphne White, your new Escort!" She beams happily.

"Well then." She mumbles when no one returns her smile.

"Our first tribute is... Lacey Weft!"

A girl gasps, and then is dragged to the stage by Peacekeepers.

"No! Please! My brother! He needs me! We have no one, and he's blind! Please don't take me! Please!" She screams.

She is thrust onto the stage, and the tears start flowing freely for her eyes.

"Name?" Daphne says.

A Peacekeeper leans in a says something in her ear.

"Lacey Weft, 14." She says.

Lacey's blonde hair is matted against her face, her eyes red and bloodshot.

"Our next tribute is... Isobel Angora!" Daphne says.

I gasp, my eyes wide.

"No! Iso!" I hear Juan say.

"Don't go!" Niko echoes.

"I volunteer as tribute!" A voice screams.

Every head turns to see the brave soul. Alicia.

She steps forward, courage shining on her face.

"My name is Alicia Angora." She steps to the stage, only to be pushed off by Daphne.

"Silly! You can't volunteer this year, and you're 17!" Daphne giggles.

"I refuse!" She stomps her foot, and is dragged away by Peackeepers.

"Isobel, come on up!" Daphne urges.

I slowly walk to the stage.

"Isobel Angora, 16." I mumble.

"Wonderful!" Daphne shouts.

I am ushered inside, waiting to say goodbye to my family. First, mama and papa come in. They tell me to win and come back to them, that I will survive. I don't believe them. Then, Juan and Niko come in. The two of them hung me, and wish me good luck, then each give me a rose. It's a tradition for the people of Es, it means goodbye to a person you love. They think I will die. Then, Alicia walks in.

"I'm so sorry! I tried to volunteer-"

"It's okay." I chide her.

"Good luck." She says.

As she walks out, she hands me something. A blood red rose.

It means goodbye to a person you love.