2008 Honda Civic Brake pads and rotos

Am the first owner of my car. I just took it in for its 2nd B1 service since taking delivery of it on november 4, 2007. I am told that the front wheel brake rotors and pads needs to be replaced, because they are 98% worn out.
my question is: is it just the brake pads that are worn out or the rotors too. I am a female. I do not drive my car hard.
I am told that the cost to repair the rotors and pads will be about $500.00. I understand that the pads may need to be replaced, but do not know enough to know if the rotors need to be replaced as well. So this is my question. Can the pads be replaced without replacing the rotors as well?
I'm taking the car in for servicing tormorrow and would appreciate your answer.
thank you