[i]"I don't want you to go."[/i] 

Noelle shut her eyes, running one hand through her dark brown hair. She continued the motion, combing her hair with her fingers despite the pain caused by the tangles. When she was done, Noelle was certain that she had a bald spot on her head, since a good amount of hair was on the floor. She stood up from the wooden chair, bending down to collect the discards. At that moment, a tall and lanky boy burst through the door, a huge smile on his face. "Noe, you ready?" he asked, his eyes shining with excitement. 

[i]"You'll die."[/i] 

"Yes. Just give me a moment," she said as she straightened up, her hands filled with hair. "Alright!" the boy said, stepping out of the house. "Don't take too long." Her lips pulled up into a tiny smile. His happiness was her happiness. Noelle stopped clutching her fist, letting the hair fall back onto the ground. After they were gone, father would be all alone. She sighed, walking towards a closed door that her father was currently holed up in. She stood there for a moment, wondering if she should tell her father that they were leaving. Would he like that? Noelle blinked a couple of times before opening the door, stepping inside the room to see a huddled figure on the bed. 

"Daddy, we're going," she whispered, her voice strained. No response. "We'll come back." Still no response. Noelle stepped up to the bent old figure, planting a small kiss on the man's cheek before stepping out of the room. She paused and glanced back, worry filling her eyes as the figure still didn't move. 

[i]"Don't leave me."[/i] 

She shut the door, exhaling once before leaving the comforts of her warm and compact home. Outside, her brother, Jay was waiting. He was leaned up against the wall, a distant look on his face. "Hey," she called out, briefly touching Jay's arm. Jay looked at his sister, a smile forming on his lips. 

"Lets go." 

-----

The siblings were one of the last few to enter the training corps camp. When the two stepped into the camp, they were separated. Noelle took one glance at her brother, anxiety sketched on her face. Yet, Jay had a look of confidence and eagerness; he was finally taking that one step to his dreams. She went on her tip-toes, planting a small kiss on Jay's cheek before heading towards an already filled and bustling cabin. Inside, there were many unfamiliar faces. Noelle didn't recognize most of them, but she did see a few from her district. She walked over to get a uniform of her size, and in a few minutes, she was already dressed and ready. Glancing around, Noelle decided to just claim a bunk and head off out of the cabin. On the field, she just awkwardly stood off to the side near another girl; feeling quite vulnerable without her brother. 

---

Jay whistled happily as he was herded off to another cabin. He put on his uniform, took a bunk, and headed outside. In a hour, all the trainees would be at the field. Joy bubbled inside of him as he looked around. After a few minutes of walking, Jay had passed by many people who didn't look very interesting at all. At first, Jay had thought there would be people like him searching for a way out of these walls. Yet, most of these people just wanted to live safely within the inner walls. Disgusted, Jay didn't even feel like talking to any of these people. Yet, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a boy who was just standing there. Looking closer, he could see the two scars decorated his face. His curiosity piqued, Jay went over to the trainee, extending his hand for a handshake. 

"Hey, the name's Jay," he said.