VICTOR | nctpink

05 | farewells - districts 1 & 2

01/09/20 - 11:00 AM

District 1

Kim Jisoo - Jung Jaehyun

Jisoo and Jaehyun made their way into the stone building behind the wooden doors, no longer joining their hands as they were lead into a large, empty room; doors closing behind them immediately. There were a couple of chairs and tables scattered around, the two quickly noticed, but nothing serious.

Jisoo quickly recognized the room as what several citizens in her district called the "farewell room". The process was simple: say goodbye to your family and friends, and hop onto the train straight after.

Then again, it wasn't that simple, Jisoo thought, as the doors opened behind her, revealing her older brother.

"Jisoo." Jinwoo called out as he ran over to Jisoo, hugging her immediately. Her parents were quick to follow, embracing the two siblings tightly.

"Jisoo, remember," Jisoo's mother told her, "you should be grateful you've been given this opportunity. Go out there and prove that District 1 is indeed the most powerful district. Do it for your family, and do it for the Capitol."

"Your mother is right, Jisoo." Jisoo's father interrupted. "We want you to win these Games; bring pride to our district."

"I will." Jisoo assured them, smiling as she waved goodbye to her parents, who were led away by Peacekeepers shortly after. As soon as they left, Jinwoo turned back to face her, holding onto her hands tightly.

"Listen, Jisoo," Jinwoo said solemnly, "I'm not saying I don't believe in you - I really do - but don't get too cocky out there. Ignore what mom and dad just said; this is a survival game, not something you can get in over your head about. Get to the weapons and food sources quickly, and make whatever alliances you need to; but at the end of the day, remember that you must put your trust into yourself. Now is not a time to be selfless; this is about you."

"I know, Jin." Jisoo exhaled slowly. "I can do this."

"Good." Jinwoo ruffled his sister's hair before pulling her in, hugging her tightly.

"Fight hard and stay safe." Jinwoo whispered into Jisoo's ear. "I love you, sis."

"I love you too, Jinwoo." Jisoo whispered back, moisture suddenly taking over her eyes. She willed herself not to cry, however; she was strong.

"I'll see you when I win." Jisoo told her brother.

Jinwoo smiled comfortingly at her as he was lead away, giving her one last glance before the doors shut behind him, leaving Jisoo alone as she listened to her other district competitor - Jung Jaehyun; an attractive, modest seventeen-year-old - say his goodbyes as well.

Meanwhile, Jaehyun was greeted by the sight of his parents, who rushed over to him excitedly.

"You did it, Jae!" Jaehyun's father said proudly. "And you didn't even have to volunteer."

"Yeah." Jaehyun sighed, putting on a smile whilst feeling disgusted that his parents could ever think in such a way. "Yeah, I did."

"Do us proud, son." Jaehyun's mother whispered as she pulled him in for a hug. "We love you."

"Do you?" Jaehyun said out loud, quickly shutting his mouth as soon as he realized that he'd voiced his thoughts.

"What do you mean, Jaehyun?" His mother asked as his father stared at him suspiciously.

"Nothing, sorry." Jaehyun responded, grinding his teeth together. "I'm going crazy."

"Don't go crazy right before the Games, Jae." His father said, laughing it off. Jaehyun could see, however, that his father somehow knew everything that Jaehyun was thinking of at the moment; he somehow knew that Jaehyun didn't want to be in these Games, yet he was still willing to fight for his family.