1 - Uncharted Waters [Hunger Games]

10 - Siren's Song

Chapter 10

"My Jolly Sailor Bold" by Ashley Serena

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Mira's eyes blinked open, met by dappled sunlight streaming through the branches above. She frowned slightly, looking around. The Capitol? she thought, confusion filling her as she took in the scene.

Birdsong filled the air, the warmth of the sun touched her skin, and she could hear the gentle crash of waves in the distance. It felt like District 4—a beautiful, dreamlike version, as if reality had softened around the edges. Mira looked down, surprised to find herself barefoot in a delicate, white dress. The fabric danced in the breeze, as did her dark hair, which drifted lightly across her face.

Upon one summer's morning, I carefully did strayDown by the Walls of Wapping, where I met a sailor gayConversing with a young lass who seem'd to be in painSaying, "Glaucus, when you go, I fear you'll ne'er return again"

My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glittering goldThere is nothing can console meBut my jolly sailor bold

A familiar melody floated through the air, coming from somewhere beyond the trees. The hauntingly beautiful tune tugged at her memory, urging her forward. She walked almost without meaning to, her feet brushing through soft sand as she approached the shore. Then she saw her.

His hair, it hangs in ringlets, his eyes as black as coal

My happiness attend him wherever he may goFrom Tower Hill to Blackwall, I'll wander, weep, and moanAll for my jolly sailor, until he sails home

My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glittering goldThere is nothing can console meAnd my jolly sailor bold

A mermaid with golden hair and a tail that shimmered in brilliant shades of blue was perched on a rock at the water's edge, her back to Mira. She combed her hair with her fingers as she sang, her voice clear and sweet—a song Mira had known since childhood, the one she had never dared sing alone until now.

My name, it is Marilla, a fisherman's daughter fair

And I have left my parents and three thousand pounds a yearCome, all you pretty fair maids, whoever you may beWho love a jolly sailor that ploughs the raging seaWhile up aloft in storm, from me his absence mournAnd firmly pray arrive the day he's never more to roam

Mira's own voice rose to join the melody, unexpected tears streaming down her cheeks. 

My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glittering goldThere is nothing can console meBut my jolly sailor bold

As if sensing her presence, the mermaid slowly stopped singing and turned, her gaze meeting Mira's. Time seemed to slow, and Mira felt her heart swell with awe and sorrow. She was looking into the face of her mother.

And then, she woke up.

Mira blinked up at the ceiling of her Capitol room, her body still, the traces of her dream lingering like an echo. Slowly, she sat up, brushing a tear from her cheek, her thoughts swirling. It had been years since she'd last dreamed of the mermaid, of her mother.

Before she could process it fully, there was a brisk knock, and the door opened. Lassie bustled in, her bright hair and painted face filling the room with energy. "Rise and shine, Mira, darling! Goodness, you're already up! Eldoris is waiting to give you your first lesson in... survival!" Her words hung in the air with an odd cheer, as if the idea of killing was just another Capitol entertainment.

"What time is it?" Mira managed.

"Just past sunrise," Lassie chirped. "Now, don't keep him waiting—he's terribly excited to show you the basics of strangling, or some such," she said, all brightness as if describing a tea party.

After Lassie left, Mira tried to shake off the remnants of her dream, determined not to let it cloud her thoughts. She washed, dressed, and entered the main room, where Eldoris was waiting. He was an older man with a wiry strength and eyes that saw straight through her.

"So glad you could join me—care for a drink?" Eldoris asked, extending a glass to Mira, who shook her head with a polite smile. He gave a small nod. "A pretty one, just like your mother. She was fiery, a handful... but you seem more compliant." He poured himself another drink and sipped it slowly, assessing her.

"Now tell me, what do you think these Games are for?" he asked, sinking back into the sofa.

"They're meant to remind the districts of the Capitol's power," Mira recited automatically. "And punish us for the rebellion."

"Yes, yes," Eldoris interrupted, "that's what they tell you. The career districts teach children that these Games are an honor, not a punishment. Your mother saw it that way too—brave enough to volunteer. But that changes once you're in the arena." Setting down his glass, he rolled up his pant leg, revealing a metal prosthetic where his leg had once been. Mira gasped, eyes widening. "This is what the Games are—a gamble where winning doesn't always mean coming back whole."

Mira felt her throat tighten, instinctively starting to apologize, but Eldoris cut her off with a wave of his hand. "I didn't tell you this for pity. I told you because these Games aren't just about being strong or skilled. They're about knowing what they'll expect, and showing them something else entirely. Your mother understood that. So does Finnick." He leaned forward, fixing her with a steely gaze. "From the moment you were reaped, you were theirs. So remember—follow my lead, do as I say, and you might just make it out alive."