1 - Uncharted Waters [Hunger Games]

4 - Tears and Farewells

Chapter 4

"The Night We Met" by Lord Huron

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

As the anthem faded, Mira and Destan were led through the Justice Building's doors and into separate rooms for their final goodbyes. Mira stood at the window, gazing at the vast ocean, trying to steady her breath. She was jolted from her thoughts by the door opening.

Her grandparents entered, and Coraline immediately rushed forward, pulling Mira into a tight, tearful embrace. Hurley followed, placing a comforting hand on his wife's back and Mira's head.

"I should've let you train as a career!" Coraline sobbed. "I was selfish, keeping you safe here." But Mira took her grandmother's shoulders, offering a brave smile. "Nana, don't blame yourself. I know how to fish—that will keep me alive." Her voice held a note of uncertainty as her own fear grew. What if there was no water? She pushed the thought away, focusing on comforting her grandmother. "I'll be fine, Nana."

Coraline blinked away her tears to meet Mira's gaze, gently caressing her cheek. "You don't deserve this. Neither did your mother." Overcome with emotion, Coraline moved to the couch, leaving Hurley to speak.

He fought his own tears, masking them with practical advice. "All those street smarts you picked up as a kid—use them in the arena. I've seen you run, sneaking off to that favorite place of yours. You're good with a spear, and you know how to fish; those skills will serve you well. And if you don't find a weapon, you can make one. You're clever enough to find ways to survive," Hurley encouraged.

Mira hesitated. "I don't think I can kill someone, Papa—especially not other children." she admitted quietly, which made Hurley's face tighten with sudden anger—a look she'd never seen before.

"You have to, Mira!" he said, voice rising. "If you don't, they—" He stopped, softening as he met her gaze. "Those kids will kill you without a second thought. Promise me, you'll do what you must to survive."

Mira hesitated, feeling his grip tighten on her shoulder. "I promise," she whispered, allowing Hurley to pull her into an embrace.

Then, reaching into his pocket, Hurley produced a small, delicate anklet made of pearls. "This was your mother's," he said, his voice softening as he handed over the anklet. "She made it herself when she was just a little girl." A faint smile flickered across his face, touched with a bittersweet memory. Her grandfather placed it gently in her hand as he pulled her in for another hug.

They lingered in each other's embrace, joined by Coraline, until a Peacekeeper entered the room, waiting to lead her grandparents away.

"Time's up," a Peacekeeper announced, shattering the moment. Hurley kissed her head, holding both Coraline and Mira close. "We love you, dear. Remember, we can't bear to lose you too." Coraline, overwhelmed, covered her mouth as tears fell again. They exchanged one last look before the Peacekeeper guided them to the door.

As they left, Mira whispered, "I love you too."

As soon as the door closed, it swung open again, and Seanna came bursting in, sobbing as she threw herself into Mira's arms. "I don't want you to go!" she wailed, clutching Mira's dress as tears soaked the fabric.

Mira held her tightly, gently rubbing her back. "I have to, Sea. But don't worry; I'll be fine," she said softly, though her heart ached. Seanna looked up, her face streaked with tears and snot. "Promise?" she hiccuped.

Before Mira could reply, Tom's voice cut in, trembling with anger. "Seanna, don't make Mira promise things she can't keep." Mira looked at him, surprised, her heart breaking as she saw his own tears beginning to fall. "It should've been me, now I can't protect you just how you protected us all these years."