Book One. In the Boston QZ, ten-year-old Isha Miller has only ever known two constants in her life-Joel and Tess. They raised her, protected her, and taught her how to survive in a world that had long since collapsed. But when a smuggling deal goes south and an unexpected job forces them beyond the quarantine zone, Isha finds herself going on the most dangerous journey of her life. All with the help of her grumpy father and a strange teenage girl. Tasked with escorting a girl named Ellie across the country, Joel struggles to keep both her and Isha safe. What Isha doesn't know-what she was never meant to know-is that Joel isn't really her father. Her real father is Tommy, Joel's estranged brother, who left years ago without realizing he had a daughter. And now, as they fight to survive, Isha must learn what it truly means to be family in a world where love is as dangerous as it is rare. She thinks she knows who she is. She thinks she knows who Joel is. But some secrets don't stay buried forever. Ranked #1 in thelastofus 10/9/25, 1/12/26, 1/24/26 Ranked #1 in belleramsey 1/5/26

Mice were common creatures inside the homes of District Nine. A constant reminder of their failure during the rebellion. Originally released by their oppressors as a form of biological weapons, it wasn't uncommon to see their descendant's scurrying the dirt streets. When the Capitol learned of them being easily slayed during the war, they modified the failed jabberjays to attack anyone who harmed the disease carriers. A trait that the Mockingjay sadly kept. To this day the people of Nine can't go near a mouse without the birds attacking. As after all... what was a Mockingjay without a Mouse by their side? ༻❁༺ pre hunger games, to mockingjay part two