THE SIREN'S SONG 𓇼 F. ODAIR

39 ~ the family photos

"This is bullshit!" Fletch shouted. "We were told we would be left alone for the rest of our lives! They promised us!"

"Yes, because the Capitol is known for keeping their promises," Carolina scoffed.

Every victor in District 4 met at Reef Selby's house the day after the Quarter Quell was announced. It wasn't exactly a planned meeting.

Mags had been the first person to arrive at Reef's house that morning. She came to check on how Reef was reacting to the news.

Then Fletch showed up. He was furious at the news, but he was trying to keep his temper in check for Marina, who came alongside him. According to Fletch, she hadn't said a single word since the announcement.

Finnick came next. He went to Fletch's house first, then Mags's, and finally found everyone at Reef's. The moment he stepped foot in Reef's house, he let out every bit of anger he had.

Around noon, Annie showed up at Carolina's house with tears streaming down her face. That was when Carolina, who had spent her entire morning watching every other victor inevitably end up at Reef's house through her window, realized they should probably join the party too.

Plus, Reef's liquor cabinet was better stocked than Carolina's.

"No, no, no, no, no," Annie shook her head furiously. "Why is this happening?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Finnick said. "The Capitol is pissed off at us."

"It's all that girl from Twelve's fault," Fletch said. "She just couldn't keep her mouth shut. She's ruining everything!"

"This is no one's fault but the Capitol's," Reef snapped. He and Mags were the only people in the room who kept a level head after the announcement. Without them, all of the victors would have gone insane one way or another. "And I will not have you blame anyone who is just as much of a victim as the rest of us."

"She is the only female in her district," Annie said quietly. "She's going in no matter what."

Carolina sat up in her seat. "And I bet her little fiancé will be volunteering to protect her."

Everyone in the room turned to look at where Carolina was seated.

"Lina, don't even think about it," Reef said before turning back to the rest of the group. "In fact, none of you think about it."

"Think about what?" Fletch asked.

Mags stood up with a pointed expression and motioned for everyone to sit down. Without hesitation, everyone moved to a seat around the dining room table. Carolina remained in her seat by the bar cart and topped off her drink.

"None of us want to go back into the arena, but nearly every single one of you has a hero complex." Mags signed. She gave a pointed look to the men in the room, each of whom would easily volunteer for the games if it meant the others wouldn't have to go. "So, let's make an agreement. No one volunteers, and we leave it up to chance."

"No," a shaky voice said from the room's entrance. Carolina turned and saw Fiona Selby standing in the doorway with a blotchy red face. She was young, maybe 15 or 16, and had the same eyes and hair as her father. "No, Dad, you can't go in."

Carolina felt bad for the girl. She reminded her of Charlie. He would be doing the exact same thing if he were still here.

Reef stood up. "Fiona, please go upstairs. I will talk to you when this is over."

"No," Fiona shook her head defiantly. She turned to Fletch and Finnick. "Please don't let my father go into that arena. Please. You can't let him go in, you just can't."