Chapter 7:
Muir Barak, 18, District Four
Two years before the Reaping
With a heavy sigh, Muir kicks off her heels and sits down on the edge of the dock, rubbing her feet but it's no use. Standing around in the heels slightly too big for her for hours have caused nasty blisters to form, but she'll take the pain. She would take any pain over the suffering she had to endure for hours this morning.
She pulls up the hem of her black skirt before dipping her feet into the cool water, cringing slightly as the salt water stings her blisters. But she keeps her feet in the ocean, swinging her feet as she stares out at the water, eyes getting blinded by the sun reflecting off the gentle waves. How can it be such a beautiful day? It seems unfair that the universe isn't also mourning with her. Everything she's had to deal with for the past year is unfair…
Muir puts her head down, twisting around the bracelets on her wrist as her eyes start to prickle again with tears. She puts up a hand, gently rubbing her forehead to fight off the headache that's starting to form from crying so much today. She can't do this on her own…
She knows she isn't really alone. The occasional sniffles from her aunt in the house behind her are enough for her to know that Muir isn't alone. But it sure feels like it. She doesn't have the one person she could always count on here anymore.
How can the universe be so unfair to make a sixteen-year-old bury their mother?
Muir chokes out a sob and brings her feet out of the water so she can hug her knees, trying to get rid of the empty hole in her chest. She knew this day was coming. She's known for a year now that her mom was slowly dying. Slowly dying and refusing to let Muir stop training so she could afford some medicine to stop her illness.
"Why Mom…" Muir whispers out to the ocean before closing her eyes, trying to let the sound of the waves crashing on the shore calm her like they so often do. But the reason they always calmed her was because her mother would always join her, giving her a warm mug of tea and putting an arm around her, cracking a joke to cheer Muir up.
But no one is coming now. There's no one left in Muir's life to come to her when she needs someone.
"It's all my fault," Muir shakes her head, causing tears to fall down onto her knees, slowly soaking into her dress. "If I wasn't training…you would still be here."
Muir opens her eyes and stares out at the horizon again, not seeing the water there. All she can see is the open casket, holding the one person Muir has ever loved. But that body was a shell of the woman who had raised Muir, withered away to half her weight, hair dull from the disease ravaging her.
A white gull swoops in front of her and lands in the water, almost splashing her. Muir had always hated the birds, yet her mother loved them, for some reason that Muir never understood. The bird tilts it's head as it stares at her and Muir blinks to clear her eyes, staring down at the bird in confusion. It lets out a caw before someone clears their throat from behind her. The bird takes off, taking away and flying west towards the horizon, leaving Muir to stare after it as a bit of peace slowly spreads out in her.
Muir quickly wipes away her tears as she glances back at the doorway to the house to see her Aunt Nora staring out, not trying to hide the tears she's been shedding as she packs up the house. Muir hadn't been able to handle it, watching her aunt mourn the loss of her sister, knowing that she was going to put a burden on Aunt Nora by having to live with her now. Muir also couldn't stand to look at the identical twin of her mother any longer. "Someone is here to see you."
Muir shakes her head as she turns back to the ocean, not wanting Aunt Nora to see her scowling. She just couldn't take any more people coming up to her, claiming to say they're sorry about her mother's death. But where were they when Muir needed help in taking care of her? "I don't want to talk to anyone."
"Well too bad."
Muir tenses up at the harsh voice, recognizing her mentor over at the training center. She had been avoiding the place since her mother's death, claiming she needed time to plan the funeral and mourn before she returned to training. But that was only half of the truth. She was also trying to figure out if she would even be able to continue training.
Okeanas Var plops down on the ground next to Muir, crossing her legs and staring out at the ocean with her for a minute in silence. "I'm sorry about your mother, that really fucking sucks."
It's about as close to Okeanas actually showing emotions that aren't brutal, and Muir raises an eyebrow as she glances over at the young victor. Muir has been lucky – although some days it might not seem like it when she gets her ass kicked over and over – to work with her. She was part of the reason her mother wanted her to start training in the first place, her and Amelia. If these two woman could train and win, getting a better life for themselves, why couldn't Muir do it to?
Okeanas shrugs her shoulders before glancing over at Muir. "I'm here because someone paid off the remaining two years of your training."
Muir gasps at this, turning to face Okeanas completely so she can study the victor's face, making sure she isn't pulling some cruel, twisted joke on her. Yet Okeanas' face is as serious as always. If her training is paid off…she can complete her mother's dying wish. Volunteer and become a victor. "Who?" She whispers, having no clue who would have done this for her. Her extended family doesn't have the money to afford this, not after already helping her pay for all the funeral arrangements.
"I have no fucking clue who this guy is," Okeanas answers and crosses her arm as she stares at Muir with narrowed eyes. "He was a beast and looked like he could beat most of our trainees in a fight. Also had reddish hair like you…"
Muir tenses up, staring at Okeanas with unfocused eyes. Could it…? Could he really still care?
Okeanas reaches into her pocket and pulls out a letter that she offers to Muir. "He asked me to give you this letter. I asked why he couldn't just do it himself, but the asshole wouldn't give me an answer."
Muir stares down at the envelope, her name written in messy handwriting. Okeanas waves it around, giving Muir a hard look that finally makes her reach out and take the letter with shaking hands. She holds it to her chest, unable to open it just yet as Okeanas' phone starts to ring. The victor sighs as she looks down at the screen, shaking her head and muttering to herself, "I can't leave for 20 minutes without them needing something. What is it, Leith?"
Muir half listens to Okeanas on the phone, mostly staring down at the letter in her hands. She's spent her whole life telling herself that she wouldn't know her father. And she was okay with it. She understood why he wasn't around. And if her mother didn't resent him putting duty first, why should Muir?
"What? Are you fucking kidding me?" Okeanas shouts and Muir cringes a little as she glances back over at the victor. She shakes her head as she listens to Leith on the phone, pinching the bridge of her nose. "How the fuck did he injure himself on a mat? It's meant to protect you!" She lets out an annoyed sigh before continuing, "Fine, I'll be back in ten minutes. Try not to let him injure himself further."
Okeanas suddenly throws her phone out to the ocean and Muir watches with wide eyes as it splashes into the ocean, completely ruined. "Link Bashara injured himself, again." The victor stands up, scowl on her face as she stares down at Muir. "You have a week before I better see your ass back in the training center. If not, I'm giving that money to pay for someone else who wants to train more."
Muir nods her head in understanding and once Okeanas has her confirmation, the victor storms off to deal with the mess back at the training center. Muir doesn't doubt it, she'll be back in the center. She needs to keep going. She's put in too many years to stop now. She can't quit and stop her mother's dream. And Muir knows deep down that she's going to need this to keep her mind busy so she doesn't completely spiral into depression from losing her mother.
She looks back at the envelope, almost scared to open it and find out what is inside. What will Lukas even have to say? Surely it's from him. From the few stories her mother has told her…reddish hair, tall frame, and looking like he could take on anyone in a fight? There's no one else Muir can think of that would pay off her training.
Muir slips a finger under the edge of the envelope and slides it along, cursing when the paper cuts her. She brings the finger up to her mouth, trying to stop the bleeding as she pulls out the letter with her other hand. Right away, her brings her hand down to run her fingers over the words written, feeling the way the pen pushed into the page.
'Daughter.'
Muir quickly shuts her eyes as she feels tears forming, not having realized just how much she had wanted to hear her father say those words to her. Didn't realize how badly she needs him right now, even if she doesn't know him. Because he might be one of two other people who understands the pain Muir is going through right now at losing someone she loves.
She opens her eyes, struggling to read the letter through her tears. 'I want to start by saying I'm sorry I have not been around to watch you grow up. I hope Corinne explained to you why I couldn't be there. You may not believe this, but please trust me when I say I wanted to be there for you. But a Peacekeeper's life is supposed to be a lonely one. When I first met Corinne…things were different. We both could have been killed for being together. That was before Xavier became president. Now, things have become more laidback. There are rumors spreading that he might be changing that old law preventing Peacekeepers on active duty to have families.'
'But that will be too late for me.'
'I missed out on the chance to be a husband and father. I didn't get to see my little girl take her first steps. I didn't get to hug my daughter and kiss her injuries when she fell and hurt herself. I didn't get to raise my daughter.'
Muir has to stop reading to choke out a sob at the letter. Why is the universe being so cruel to her? First taking away her mother and now telling her about the father she missed out on?
'But I know Corinne did her best to raise you. I might not have been able to get to know you, but I watched you grow up. Perhaps you have noticed that there often is a Peacekeeper around you. Do you remember that time when you were six and some boy tripped you when walking home from school and a Peacekeeper stopped him?'
Of course Muir remembers that moment. She had been so angry at that little prick that she was ready to punch him. But a Peacekeeper had stepped in, grabbing his arm and telling him that if he did that again, he would spend the night in jail. The poor boy had peed his pants in fear, but Muir had gained new respect for the Peacekeepers that day. She even thought about someday becoming one.
She finds herself smiling at the memory, it only being improved now that she knows it was her father that day looking out for her. 'I hope you forgive me for not being around more. I've wanted to. I have less than three years left in my service to Panem. When that time has come…I hope you'll forgive me for being absent your whole life and we can try to make up for lost time.'
'But for now…I'm so sorry about Corinne. My heart is breaking with yours. I've loved her ever since I met her and there has never been anyone else for me. But there were a few times we talked and she told me about her dreams for you…so while it might not seem like much for me to do – who knows if you don't completely hate me at this point? – I went and took care of the remaining cost for your training. It's about as much as I can do for you right now while still on duty. I hope these eases some of the stress placed on your family and gives you something to keep working towards. While terrified to see you possibly volunteer someday…I'm proud of you. It's a big honor to compete in the Hunger Games. And I have utmost faith that you can win.'
'I'll keep watching over you until I can finally take off this uniform and be your father. – Lukas Oreste'
By the time Muir finishes the letter, she can barely see the words any longer as tears stream down her cheeks. She holds the letter against her chest, smiling a little to herself despite the deep pain still inside her. She didn't know how much she needed this letter, to know that she isn't completely alone.
She carefully folds up the letter and puts it back into the envelope, finally starting to feel like she knows what she has to do. For the past year, she's been spirally out of control, desperately holding on to the life she grew up with as her mother grew sicker and sicker. She didn't know what she would do once her mother died and it had been terrifying. How is a sixteen-year-old supposed to deal with all of that?
But now? Things are clear. It still hurts so much to think about her mother, knowing she will never see her smiling again or dance in the kitchen with Muir in the middle of the night just because they could. But maybe she can someday have a father. She has someone rooting for her, even if he can't openly show it.
And she doesn't want to let him down.
She doesn't need the week that Okeanas gave her. She'll be back in training tomorrow. For her mother, since she always wanted this. For her father, who is proud of her. And for herself…because she wants to prove to both of them that she is strong enough to fight through this and win.
"Muir?" Aunt Nora asks hesitantly from behind her and Muir stands up, brushing off her skirt and picking up her heels. Once standing, she takes a good look at her aunt, so different yet so similar to her mother. Where her mother had kept her dark hair long and always braided, Aunt Nora has kept it cut short. Her mother always wore heels, but Aunt Nora proudly accepts their short height. But her mother didn't have the dark circles and red eyes that Aunt Nora does.
Muir suddenly steps forward, pulling her aunt into a hug that both of them need. "What are you going to do?" Her aunt whispers to her, voice cracking with the pain of losing her sister.
Muir takes a deep breath, suddenly feeling terrified of her future and letting everyone down. "I'm going to not let her down."
Morning of the Reaping
Muir lets out a content sigh as she slips her toes into the sand, unable to care the she's going to ruin the bottom of her pants. She just needs this moment of peace… One last time of standing in the ocean, letting the sound of the waves calm her down before she goes off to the Games. Thankfully whoever designed Four put the Justice Building right next to the beach.
A few people are also out on the beach, able to enjoy the beautiful summer morning without fear for themselves or their children in the Reaping. Fear that Muir has taken away from them, and kept inside herself.
She rolls up the bottom of her pants before stepping into the edge of the waves crashing along the shore, walking along with her hands tucked into her pockets. She keeps her gaze down, not wanting anyone to see one of their chosen volunteers showing fear.
And why wouldn't she be a little afraid of today? She's not guaranteed to make it out of that arena alive. This is going to be the greatest challenge she's ever faced and there is a chance that she won't be successful. Despite working her ass off for years, there's still a chance she hasn't prepared for something. She certainly could have worked better at dealing with people…but oh well. She can't go back and change things now. If she could turn back time, how she trained would be the last thing she changed.
Muir tugs at the high neck of her blouse, feeling her throat getting tight at the thought of her mother once wearing this blouse. She should have been here to see this day. She should have been in the crowd, proudly cheering for Muir when she steps forward and calls out 'I volunteer'.
But at least she knows her father will be there, somewhere in the crowd. She might not be able to see him, but she knows he'll be proud of her. And Aunt Nora will cheer for her. Muir just hopes she won't let them down…
Muir glances down at her watch and sighs, knowing she should head over to the check in. She closes her eyes for a minute though, just taking in the waves crashing on her feet and the gulls crying out in the distance. She's going to miss District Four so much.
But she supposes she'll just have to make sure she gets back home.
Muir shakes her head before opening her eyes, clearing her face of emotions as she starts walking back towards the Justice Building. This is it. The day she promised her mother she would reach.
As Muir gets closer to the edge of the beach and closer to other people milling about, a few people start to stare at her curiously. Rumors have spread throughout the District about the two volunteering today and just like Muir has done in the past, they're curious about the two.
Muir reaches the pavement and stops, brushing off as much sand as she can from her feet before slipping her sandals back on. Once she straightens up, she meets the stare of a mother standing with her hand on her daughter's shoulder, who must barely be Reaping age. When the woman gives Muir a smile, she has to quickly turn away so she doesn't see her eyes tearing up at the action. She doesn't deserve to receive these kind looks. She hasn't done anything to deserve it. All she's done is worked most of her waking hours towards volunteering.
"Muir!"
Muir lets out a tiny sigh at the excitement in Soren Lovette's voice as she starts walking towards the boy heading her way. He waves at her, almost bouncing on his feet as he comes to a stop in front of Muir. "Are you ready for this? I'm very excited about volunteering!"
"I can tell," Muir responds quietly as she continues walking towards the line forming for check-in, her soon to be District partner right by her side. She picks up her pace, trying to get away from his excitement, but he just keeps up with her. He's not a bad person…just too much for Muir to deal with.
"Can you?" Soren lets out a chuckle when they reach the end of the line. He rocks back and forth on his feet and Muir glances over at the boy, a little shorter than her. She raises an eyebrow at the dark circles under his eyes, not expecting him to get nervous about volunteering. "I could barely sleep all night because I was so excited and also a little nervous, mostly about going up on stage in front of all these people – oh! There are my friends. Well, good luck and I'll see you soon on the train!"
Muir watches him run off, shaking her head a little as she steps forward a bit. Soren is…something else, but Muir supposes there could be worst people for her to enter the arena with. She knows she can beat him in a fight, so no concern for her about him beating her and claiming the victory for Four.
Slowly, the line keeps moving forward, Muir keeping her gaze locked straight ahead so she can avoid all the stares coming her way. She hates the attention from them and wishes she could just be back at the beach, letting the water calm her.
"Oh my god!" A girl lets out a shrill scream and Muir's lip twitches in annoyance towards the screaming girls behind her. "He just pulled out his eye ball!"
Muir cracks a small smile at this as she glances back over her shoulder, only knowing of one person of Reaping age that could possibly pull out his eye. She had just spent the morning working with his older brother and Okeanas at the training center.
Link Bashara glances up from his hands, using the edge of his shirt to clean off the small wooden eye. He squints around at the girls who keep shouting about how gross he is before popping back the wooden eye in his socket.
"I'm gonna throw up," one of the girl says, covering her mouth with her hand and turning away from Link. The boy just keeps looking confused at why the girls reacted that way and Muir shakes her head as she turns back around, but not before seeing Link trip as he tries to catch up with the moving line.
But when Muir turns back around, she forgets about the accident prone boy behind her. As she gets closer to the front, she gets that deep feeling of someone watching her, which is dumb, considering a lot of people have been watching her today. But as she scans the crowd, her eyes land on a Peacekeeper seemingly staring at her. She recognizes the tall frame from one that she often sees, be it by the training center or when walking home. She watches them for a few seconds before they give the tiniest of nods and turns back to scanning the rest of the people gathering. Muir starts to smile at the man hidden by the mask and brings her attention back to the line she's in.
"What are you grinning about?"
Muir's smile quickly drops as she turns to face the tiny girl next to her, glaring up at her and arms crossed. If Muir hadn't fought against her and known just what she is capable of, the sight would almost be funny. But Rietta is the last girl she feels like dealing with right now. She already dealt with her when the victors were deciding which one of them would be the volunteer this year. "Is the salt I smell in the air coming from the ocean or from you?"
Rietta's scowl gets even deeper as she takes a step closer to her, only making her have to strain even more to glare up at Muir. "I should be the one volunteering this year."
"But you're not," Muir answers as she turns back to the line, done with dealing with Rietta. "Okeanas made her decision and you must really be dumb if you're even thinking about going against her."
Rietta starts sputtering as Muir steps forward to have her finger pricked by the Peacekeeper at the front of the line. "Don't turn away from me!"
"Is there are problem?" The Peacekeeper who was staring at her steps forward, glancing back at Rietta with his hand resting on his baton.
Muir has to blink a view times to get rid of her surprise as she recognizes the voice from twelve years ago when her father said he stood up for her. "No, sir," she answers him quietly as she flinches slightly at the pain from the finger prick.
"Muir Barak?" The other Peacekeeper asks and Muir nods her head as she stares up at her father, wondering what he looks like under the helmet. She's only seen one fade picture of him from when he first met her mother…but she had told her many times that Muir looks very similar to him.
"You're all set," he says to her, motioning for her to move into the area. "Good luck today."
Muir nods her head again, whispering as she takes a step forward, "Thank you, sir."
As she steps past him, she so badly wants to turn back and take of his helmet, to say fuck it to the laws he has to follow. But instead, she keeps walking forward, knowing that she only has one more year left of him pretending. A smile starts to form once more as she heads to the very front of the crowd.
At least her guardian Peacekeeper is here to look out for her today.
Mari Sol, Escort for District Four
Mari is so incredibly blessed to be in District Four. Well, she would be feel blessed to be in any District, but especially Four! She can hear the waves of the ocean and the sun is shining…how could she not be happy to be here?
Sure, she would have loved to be back in District Six with Dampero – he was her very first victor after all – but cute Belinda has things under control there. Well…maybe she's part of the reason she wants to be in District Six, but no matter, she'll see her in the Capitol soon!
Mari lets out a little giggle of excitement as she hears the mayor introduce her and throws her long teal hair over her shoulder. She got a new set mermaid sea shells this year – covered in sapphires! – and she wants to show it off. She carefully steps out onto the stage, her long skirt restricting her leg movement. But who cares, the sun is reflecting off the green scales and she can't help but smile about today.
"Good morning District Four!" Mari cheerfully says to the crowd, clasping her hands in front of her to keep them from shaking in excitement. The crowd responds with some applause, only making her smile grow. She just loves being in a District that's almost as excited about the Games as she is. And she doesn't think she ever wants to leave this place. "I'm Mari Sol and can I just say, what a beautiful day it is!"
"As much as I want to stay out here and enjoy your District, we do have a schedule to follow. We'll just have to bring you back a victor so I can return soon," Mari winks at the crowd, getting a few cheers at her statement of bringing home a victor. Mari glances back on the stage, grinning happily at the most recent victors, especially Okeanas…She's like a tanned, beautiful goddess! Mari turns back to the crowd, still smiling and started to get excited about what volunteers their might be this year. "No more waiting, let's see who our tributes are!"
Mari takes quick, tiny steps over to the bowl filled with slips for the girls, taking a moment just to stare at them in wonder. Who will she pick? Mari's too impatient to take her time and quickly selects a name and runs back to the microphone, letting out a tiny scream of excitement and clapping her hands. "Alright District Four! First up is…Rietta Bann!"
Mari waits a few seconds, searching throughout the crowd before a girl steps forward from the front, staring around at the crowd, sending glares at the people around her. From her fit physique, Mari can't help but wonder if this is one of their trained tributes. "Hello Rietta!" Mari motions her over to the center of the stage before grinning out at the crowd. "Now of course, I do have to ask if there are any volunteers!"
A few long seconds pass before a voice calls out at the front of the crowd those two words that Mari loves hearing every year. "I volunteer!"
"Lovely!" Mari claps her hands as the girl steps out from among the eighteen-year-olds, keeping her head held high as she straightens out her white blouse and tucks her hands into her pant pockets. A Peacekeeper steps forward to escort her up to the stage and the girl briefly glances over at them before walking up the stairs. Once up on the stage, Mari has to shoo the other girl off as she glares at the volunteer. But the red head pays no attention to this, instead just giving a shy smile. "And what is your name?"
"Muir Barak," she answers, keeping her voice steady as she turns to face the crowd, staring out at them as the cheer for her.
"Wonderful! Now, shall we pick our male tribute?" Mari asks, getting a few shouts of affirmation from some of the people in the crowd. Mari hurriedly makes her way to the opposite bowl, almost tripping on her mermaid skirt in her haste to pick another tribute. Once she has a slip, she picks up the end of her skirt to get back to the microphone quicker. "Okay and our male tribute is Lincoln Bashara!"
A boy steps out of the seventeen-year-old section, looking around with a mildly surprised expression. When he brushes back his shoulder length brown hair, Mari lets out a little gasp in shock at the jagged scar across his left eye and the dark wood sphere replacing his eye. Lincoln grabs on to the rail on the stage steps and starts walking up them and Muir can just stare at his eye in shock.
Snap!
The wood snaps and suddenly Lincoln slips, tumbling back down the few stairs he had walked up. "Oh no!" Mari says and covers her mouth in shock as Peacekeepers rush over to help him up. One grabs his arm and he brushes off his black slacks as they help him up the stairs. Once on the stage, he sheepishly smiles down at her. "Are you alright?"
"I've had worse," he responds with a shrug and a small chuckle as he points up to his wooden eye. Up close, the scar is terrible looking, jagged, raised, and pink, still looking fresh.
Mari nods her head and turns away, still uncomfortable by Lincoln. "Okay are there any volunteers for- what are you doing?"
Lincoln – God help her – has pulled out his wooden eye, keeping his eyelid closed as he wipes the wood on his shirt. He looks up at her in confusion, shrugging once more. "I had to make sure no dirt got in there when I fell."
Mari shakes her head, turning back to the crowd and feeling a little queasy when she can see him put the eye back in out of the corner of her eye. "Now, as I was saying, are there any volunteers for Lincoln?"
Mari stares out at the crowd, waiting for someone to come up and take Lincoln's place. Yet no one is stepping forward and the boys start to look around in confusion. "No?" Mari asks, hoping that the boy will get his courage. This is just so unusual in District Four since she moved here three years ago… But no one calls out. "Well, alright then… Your tributes this year are Muir Barak and Lincoln Bashara!"
As the crowd cheers for them, Mari here's something slam against the stage and glances behind her to see Okeanas standing up, her chair knocked over behind her. The victor glares out at the boys and Mari has to force her smile to stay on her face. She has never seen Okeanas this mad…this is going to be a very uncomfortable train ride.
Goodbyes
Muir stands at the window, staring out at the ocean, wanting to memorize everything about it. Don't get her wrong, she fully plans on returning. But she wants to be able to recall this sight when things get tough in the arena.
The arena… She's finally done it. She reached the goal she's worked towards for years. I hope you're proud, Mom.
Muir lets out a sigh when there's a knock on the door but still smiles when she turns around and sees Aunt Nora there. It's just so bittersweet to know that her mother isn't here to say goodbye. Aunt Nora walks over right away and brings her close, rubbing her back comfortingly. "I know she's looking down and she's so proud of her, Mu."
Muir smiles sadly at her childhood nickname and pulls her aunt closer to her, trying to pretend that she's hugging her mother. But it's impossible to do when just the smell of her aunt is completely different. Muir sighs as she lets her go, turning back around to stare out at the ocean again. Aunt Nora joins her, slipping her hand into Muir's and holding it tight. "I'll be honest. I'm a little scared right now."
"I would call you crazy if you weren't scared," Aunt Nora answers with a light chuckle. Muir can see her turn to look at her out of the corner of her eye, but she keeps her gaze trained outside. Aunt Nora reaches up and brushes a piece of hair back behind Muir's ear. "Being scared is good. It means you aren't about to rush in and do something stupid."
"But volunteering kind of is a stupid decision," Muir counters, making her aunt laugh loudly. "I mean, I just volunteered for a fight to the death."
"Yes," Aunt Nora starts and Muir finally turns to look at her, getting a kind smile from her aunt. "One that you are very prepared for and have worked your butt off for years towards. You're going to win, Muir. I have no doubt about it."
But Muir has some small doubts…but now is not the time to focus on that. Now's the time to make sure she focuses on getting back home. She has to get home when her father will be finishing his duty soon. "Did you ever meet him?"
"Who?" Aunt Nora asks as she stares up at Muir before realizing who she's talking about. Someone she never brings up. "Ah, Lukas…no, he was the one secret Corinne was able to keep from me. But the way she talked about him…" Aunt Nora turns to look at the window and Muir stares at her, watching her eyes start to water. "You could tell he meant the absolute world to her. She loved him, and he loved her."
Muir nods her head at this, not quite knowing how to answer that. But a bit of her fear fades away, replaced with another piece of motivation. She truly wants to get to know this man.
There's a knock on the door and Aunt Nora sighs as the door opens, revealing a Peacekeeper. "Times up," he says and Muir tightens her grip on her aunt's hand. It can't be…
Aunt Nora hugs her again, interpreting Muir's reaction as fear of her leaving. "I believe in you, sweetie. I'm proud of you." She steps back and reaches up, squeezing Muir's cheek like she did when Muir was a child. "Now go knock 'em all dead."
Muir smiles at this and watches her aunt leave the room. But the Peacekeeper doesn't; instead, he closes the door behind Aunt Nora. Muir watches carefully as he takes a hesitant step forward, reaching up to take off his helmet.
Muir knows right away who he is, recognizing so many of her own facial features. From the reddish brown hair to the green eyes, the way his one cheek indents slightly as he smiles at her to the crinkles by his eyes. "Hi Muir…"
"Lukas," Muir whispers, unsure what else she should say right now. What is she supposed to when she's officially meeting her father for the first time? His smile drops at the use of his first name and Muir takes a step closer, staring up at him in uncertainty. "Father?"
At this, Lukas grins, his eyes even tearing up as he steps over to Muir. "You don't know how long I've waited to hear you say that." He reaches out, ready to put his hand on her shoulder but stops a few inches before touching her, giving her a look of uncertainty. Muir gives him a small smile and nods her head, and he sets his hand down, squeezing it gently. At that, the walls Muir has tried to keep up for years whenever thinking about him break and she steps closer, awkwardly hugging him around his armor. "I don't have much time. But I had to see you before you left. Just once without this stupid helmet on."
"Thank you," Muir whispers, holding him close as her eyes start to prickle with tears.
"Do you have a token?" Lukas asks as he leans back, just enough to stare at her face as she shakes her head. He smiles at this and reaches into a small pouch on his armor. "Good, I have something I want you to take with you. I bought this years ago…" He holds out a small chain, a gold band lined with tiny diamonds hanging from it. Muir takes a step back to look up at this man, holding out her hand hesitantly for it. "About 18 years ago, to be exact. I always knew I wanted to marry your mother, once I was done serving Panem. She was the only woman for me and she'll stay that way forever."
At that confession, tears slip down Muir's cheeks as memories fill her of her mother talking fondly of him, still so clearly in love. Aunt Nora's words echo in her head, 'She loved him, and he loved her.'
Lukas awkwardly tries to wipe away the tears with his gloves, "First time talking to you and I made you cry. Not exactly what I imagined."
"She never stopped loving you," Muir whispers as she closes her hand around the small ring.
Lukas pauses at this, his face shifting from happiness to deep despair right in front of her. "I never stopped loving her either." He lets out a sigh and glances back at the door before turning back to Muir and smiling sadly at her. "I have to go before they start questioning me. But Muir…"
"Yes?"
"Please make sure you get home."
Wow, two updates within a few days of each other? Crazy how much writing I get done while procrastinating studying for finals haha. But anyways! Muir and Mari in this chapter are my kiddos and Link belongs to Little Knight Mik! Mik, I hope you enjoyed all the chaos your unlucky son experienced in this chapter haha.
So yeah, I want to know what you think about Muir! She was a tribute idea that I had came up with for a submission, but I got too busy and was never able to finish her form. But I'm happy she now has a home here :) I just really enjoyed exploring the idea of how Peacekeepers aren't supposed to have families. And why not throw in a Tragic Backstory (TM) too?
RQ#4: What dumb way would you injure yourself in training? Honestly, I would probably injure myself by tripping over a mat like Link did haha.
Alrighty, hopefully I'll keep having this motivation and get the next intro out soon! We'll be heading to District Eight with another one of my tributes! See you soon!