1 - Uncharted Waters [Hunger Games]

EPILOGUE

Epilogue

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"Need something, dear?" Mira's nan asked with a warm smile as her granddaughter entered the house. Unlike before, Mira's grandparents were now fully supportive of her relationship with Finnick. They believed it was for the best that she stayed with him, especially after those first nights when no one could calm her down after waking in a cold sweat, screaming from the nightmares that haunted her.

"Ah, yes, Nan," Mira replied, glancing over at her grandmother who bustled around in the kitchen, grinding herbal remedies and preparing medicine. "Finnick and I have been reading this book together, and we're both really enjoying it. Apparently, the second book is missing at his place, so I thought I'd check if we have it here."

"Then go check the study, dear," Nan said with a gentle nod. "You've got plenty of books there. Your mother wasn't much of a reader, but I remember your father coaxing her into bringing back a book once. She'd retreat to the study and read that book for hours."

The sudden mention of her father made Mira pause. She had always wanted to know more about him, but before she could voice the question, Nan seemed to realize her mistake and quickly shifted the conversation.

"Go on now, dear," Nan said, bustling again in the kitchen. "Your old nan's busy. Better get that book and take it back to Finnick."

Mira hesitated, a dozen questions about her family history swirling in her mind. But she decided to leave them for later and headed toward the study. As she stepped into the room, she immediately began scanning the shelves. After a moment of searching, she spotted it: Troubled Waters. She smiled softly as she pulled the book from the shelf, but as she did, a folded piece of paper slipped out from between the pages.

Curious, Mira unfolded it, only to find a letter bearing the Capitol's seal. Her breath caught in her throat as her hand trembled, holding the letter with dread. She forced herself to read its contents:

Dear Ms. Fairkin,

It has come to my attention that you have made a grave misstep, one that cannot be ignored. Despite my generous offer to you to serve the Capitol and your fellow citizens, you chose to defy reason and act on impulse by bearing a child with the son of your mentor. This reckless act of rebellion is both alarming and unacceptable.

Your actions have made you a significant threat to the stability of the Capitol. Your striking beauty and the strength of your character have captivated the people of Panem, leading them to view you as a symbol of resistance. You have unwittingly become a beacon for those who seek to challenge the Capitol's authority. We cannot allow such a symbol of defiance to remain uncontained, for as history has shown, the people will always rally behind a leader who embodies both strength and conviction.

You should know, Ms. Fairkin, that defying the Capitol is not without consequences. I trust you understand the gravity of the situation, and I implore you to make the right decision for the sake of your family and your unborn child.

The choice, ultimately, lies with you. Choose wisely.

Respectfully,
President Coriolanus Snow

Mira hadn't even realized she was crying until a tear fell onto the letter, leaving a wet spot on the Capitol's cruel words. The weight of the letter hit her like a storm, her mind overwhelmed with questions that surged in a tidal wave of confusion and fear. She clutched the letter with one hand and the book with the other, the Capitol's seal mocking her as if it were her very fate stamped upon it.

'Defying the Capitol is not without consequences.' the words echoed in her mind like a warning bell.

Suddenly, a heavy knock on the front door broke her thoughts. She heard her Nan open it and then the murmur of voices. Mira remained still, the letter still clenched in her hand, her thoughts a jumbled mess when she heard footsteps approaching the study.

The door creaked open, and in walked Annie, her face pale and tear-streaked. Mira immediately snapped out of her reverie, her heart clenching in concern as she crossed the room to her. "What happened?" she asked, her voice soft but urgent.

It took Annie a moment to speak, as if the words were too painful to say, but when she finally looked Mira in the eyes, her voice trembled. "It's Destan—" she started, her eyes never leaving Mira's, "He was my brother."