1 - Uncharted Waters [Hunger Games]

6 - A Breath Away from Chaos

Chapter 6

"Youth" by Daughter

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Mira blinked her heavy eyes open, disoriented by the opulence surrounding her. The room was beautiful but foreign—a cruel reminder of her new reality. Just as she was gathering herself, a soft hand rested on her shoulder. She turned to see Mags, who smiled gently, though the worry in her eyes was unmistakable.

"You poor girl," Mags murmured, observing Mira's face. She noticed the faint puffiness around Mira's eyes, evidence of last night's tears. "Come now, we're almost there." She lightly touched Mira's cheek before helping her out of bed.

Once Mira was up, Mags directed her to the bathroom. "Freshen up, dear," she encouraged before slipping from the room.

Before stepping in, Mira quickly checked the lock on her door—a precaution to avoid another unwelcome surprise like yesterday's encounter with Finnick. With the lock secured, she finally allowed herself to relax in the bathroom.

When she emerged, Mira nearly collided with Finnick, who looked as though he'd also just finished showering. For a long, charged moment, they held each other's gaze, each silently taking in the other's face. Then Finnick broke into a playful grin.

"Like what you see?"

Mira felt her cheeks flush. "I could ask you the same," she retorted, heart pounding at her own boldness.

Finnick's grin widened. Just then, the train lurched, causing Mira to lose her balance. Finnick steadied her, his hands firm on her arm. She looked up at him, hyper-aware of his proximity, and remembered a similarly close moment with Destan the night before.

As she steadied herself, Finnick leaned in close, his warm breath brushing her ear. "As a matter of fact, sweetheart, I do." His words were a whisper, laced with charm. Just before her knees gave way, he released her, a wink thrown her way as he sauntered off down the corridor.

"Better get a move on, sweetheart. We're almost there," he called back. Mira's pulse raced as she watched him leave, struggling to regain her composure. Damn Finnick Odair for making her feel like this.

By the time she reached the main compartment, Thalassa was already waiting. "Late again, hmm? That won't serve you well in the arena, dear," she chided, sparing Mira only a brief, disapproving glance. Mira's eyes found Finnick, who seemed lost in thought, staring at the train doors, his usual cockiness momentarily softened.

A wave of nerves hit Mira as the train slowed, and they approached the Capitol. Outside the glass, the city's citizens waved and cheered for them, their odd, vibrant clothing dazzling under the city lights. Her mentors stood close by: Thalassa was beaming, but the others, even Eldoris, wore somber expressions.

"Best to try winning them over," murmured Finnick, still gazing at the door. "You both have something the others don't. Use it." Mira swallowed, knowing he was right.

As one of the districts closest to the Capitol, they arrived early and had to wait for the other districts before the show could officially begin.

The train doors slid open, and a cacophony of applause and cheers greeted them. As they stepped onto the platform, the sound was deafening. Reporters, photographers, and Capitol citizens crowded around, straining to catch a glimpse of the District 4 tributes. Finnick moved confidently, urging her and Destan to follow suit. Mira tried to look confident, though the sheer intensity of the crowd was overwhelming.

The tributes were ushered through the crowd by Peacekeepers. Mira stole a glance at Destan, who looked unphased, his expression cold and unyielding. The crowd noticed too; some were even pointing, commenting on his aloofness. Mira, meanwhile, couldn't meet their eyes for long, unnerved by the way the crowd stared, their eyes following her every move.