Mira Marlina, 17

District 4 Female


Boom.

Panem, I give you the victor of the 58th Hunger Games: Mira Marlina!

Hands shaking, I released my spear and stepped away from Rain's body. A light rain was beginning to fall again and I tilted my face up to the sky, allowing a smile to show. I did it.

The wind picked up as a hovercraft silently materialized above me. A ladder descended from it and I reached up to grab it. As soon as my hands closed around the rungs, a jolt of electricity ran through me and my body froze. I remained locked in place as I was lifted from my arena.

The energy released me as the hovercraft door closed. A purple-haired woman in scrubs rushed over to me, a big smile on her face.

"Ms. Marlina! Congratulations!" she gushed.

"Thank you," I breathed, suddenly feeling lightheaded. I stumbled a little and she grabbed my upper arm.

"Easy there," she said in a soothing tone as she helped me lay down on a cot.

"I'm okay," I assured her. "It's just… a lot."

"I know dear," she said kindly. "Just rest. We have to run a few tests, just to make sure you're alright. But I can give you some medication to make you sleep, if you'd like."

"Sure," I said. The original flight to the arena was long, and I was suddenly feeling exhausted.

She brought me a paper cup and a single white pill, which I gulped down. Almost immediately, I began to feel drowsy.

"Get some sleep," the nurse said gently. "We'll take good care of you." Nodding sleepily, I closed my eyes and let sleep take me.

When I woke up again I was in a small hospital room filled with beeping machines. An IV was in my forearm and I was wearing soft cotton pajamas. After sitting up slowly, I stretched out the stiffness in my joints and shook myself awake. I had a bit of a headache still, but other than that and the stiffness, I was feeling pretty good.

Slipping the thin hospital blanket off my legs, I stood up and tested my steadiness. After a brief moment of lightheadedness, I was able to take a few steps. I made my way around the room, dragging the IV pole beside me, until I was steady on my legs.

The door opened just as I sat back down. A tall, buff woman in a doctor's coat came in, followed by Sienne, who had a big smile on her face.

"Mira!" she said excitedly when she saw me. She placed a hand on my shoulder and gave it a tight squeeze.

"I'm proud of you," she said warmly. I nodded politely.

"Thanks."

The other woman, who introduced herself as Dr. Lohan, began to go over some test results with Sienne. I listened with a frown on my face. She should be talking to me. It was my body.

"Mira is quite pretty, so we didn't make any modifications. But it can be discussed in the future."

"Modifications?" I cut in. "What modifications?"

"Oh, sometimes we cover up old scars and do some minor cosmetic surgeries," Dr. Lohan said flippantly. I wrinkled my nose but didn't question her further. I wasn't sure if I wanted answers to my questions right now.

"You suffered a pretty nasty concussion," Dr. Lohan continued, directing her attention to me instead of Sienne. "Luckily there's no permanent damage, but recurring headaches are possible. You'll be prescribed medication for pain management. I would suggest limiting exercise and media intake for several weeks, but I am comfortable clearing you."

She proceeded to remove my IV and place a small bandage over the mark. Then Sienne offered me some clothes to change into while Dr. Lohan called someone on her walkie talkie.

Ducking behind a curtain, I pulled on the soft gray t-shirt and leggings. Sienne had also provided comfortable black sneakers, which I laced up quickly, pushing aside the dizziness from bending down.

Dr. Lohan had me sign something on her clipboard and then I was allowed to follow Sienne out of the hospital. We were greeted by a man in a suit next to a car with blacked-out windows. He held the door for us and we climbed inside.

Once we were on the road, Sienne turned to me with a serious expression on her face.

"Mira, a lot is going to change now," she said. "You are more famous than you can imagine. Your spotlight will last until next summer, and even beyond that. The Capitol will require things of you… and it will be difficult to say no."

I swallowed hard.

"What sort of things?" I asked, even though a sinking feeling in my gut told me I knew the answer.

"Wealthy Capitolites will pay good money to spend an evening with a victor." Sienne's tone was solemn and she wouldn't meet my eyes.

"The required activities can vary greatly. And I know your history. You have a sob story you can lean on; it might help you avoid certain situations."

"Sob story?" I growled. "I've fought for years to make people drop that. I won the freaking Hunger Games. I'm not going to use that asshole's behavior as a scapegoat to avoid horny Capitolites!"

Sienne observed me in silence for a moment.

"Okay," she finally said. "Ultimately, it's your decision. I'm just here to help guide you." I nodded, still angry, but unwilling to upset Sienne. She was right. She was just trying to help.

The rest of the ride passed in silence. When the car stopped in front of the Tribute Center, Sienne and I were escorted inside by two men in black suits. Two rows of Peacekeepers lined the empty street.

"They're making sure you don't encounter any eager paparazzi," Sienne explained, catching my confused expression.

Once we were inside we rode the elevator up to the fourth floor. When the elevator doors opened I was nearly tackled to the ground in a hug. I grabbed onto my happy assailant and kept us both from crashing to the ground. Finally, they released me, and I was greeted by a very teary Daphne.

My escort dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief as I gave her an awkward smile.

"Mira!" she gushed once she'd composed herself. "Oh my goodness, you did so wonderfully! I'm so proud!"

"Thanks Daphne," I said, settling a little. Her enthusiasm was overwhelming, but at least it was familiar.

"We have a wonderful dinner on the way, and then tomorrow will be your victor's interview with Caesar!" Daphne said, linking her arm through mine and leading me further into the apartment.

"Quigley is putting the finishing touches on your dress, but he'll be here soon, don't worry."

"I'm going to take a rest in my room," I announced, untangling myself from my overeager escort. "I'm pretty tired."

"Oh! Of course!" Daphne gasped. "I'm so sorry! I'll fetch you when it's time to eat!" I nodded, too weary to give a response, and slipped quietly down the hallway to my old room.

It looked just the same. A large, comfy bed with a thick comforter and white bedding. Pale blue walls and darker blue accent furniture. An extravagant bathroom with a big tub and too many soaps to count.

I stripped out of my clothes and sank into a hot bath, letting my eyes close and the warmth seep into my bones. So many thoughts were whirling around in my head, but I let the gentle swish of water wash them away.

I must have dozed off because I was startled awake by Daphne's rapid knocking.

"Mira? Are you in there? It's time for dinner!"

"I'm here!" I called. "I'll be out in a moment."

"Oh! Okay! That's good." Daphne called back. Then I heard the sound of her heels clicking as she retreated down the hall.

I quickly dried off, using the strange drying mat all the Capitol bathrooms had. Then I combed my fingers through my now-silky hair and pulled on a simple gray sweater and some jeans before joining my team in the dining room.

Everyone was there. Sienne, Daphne, Quigley, and my prep team; Damon, Liliana, and Jasmine. Everyone greeted me warmly as I took my seat at the head of the table. I returned the sentiments with a nod and a forced smile.

As we ate, Daphne and Quigley chattered away about my Games. I did my best to tune them out. Tomorrow night I'd have to relive them and I didn't want to think about it any more than I had to.

Sienne's words were still stuck in my head, as was Rain's expression as I plunged my spear into his throat. He didn't look afraid. He just looked disappointed. I set down my fork a little too forcefully and the chatter in the room stopped.

"Sorry," I grumbled. "I'm just pretty worn out."

"Well, we had a delicious cake prepared, but if you're tired, you should rest," Quigley said. I shook my head.

"I'll be alright." He nodded, looking a bit suspicious, but the conversation started up again.

Starting now, I had an appearance to keep up. I wasn't the friendly victor like Sienne, or the funny victor like Trenton. I was cool, collected Mira. But I was also scared, lost Mira who just wanted to feel like she was good enough.

'I am good enough', I told myself forcefully. 'I won the Hunger Games. I left Flynn. I got myself here and I'm only going to continue to improve'. Reenergized, I nodded to myself and took another bite of roast duck.

The cake was delicious, but I only ate a small amount because I was so full from dinner. I excused myself early from the table and slunk back to my room, where I collapsed on the bed. I truly was exhausted. Kicking off my sweater and jeans, I tucked myself under the covers and fell fast asleep.

That night, my dreams were strange. Lumine and I were standing in the training center and she was teaching me to use a bow. Her words and hands were gentle, and she laughed kindly whenever I asked silly questions.

And then a spear tore through her back and she screamed. She collapsed in a pool of blood and I turned to see Ronald smirking at us. Without hesitating, I whipped an arrow into position and fired it into his skull.

Then the scene shifted and I was on our fishing boat with Kai. He was drinking lemonade and eating a sandwich from a picnic basket. I was standing at the edge of the boat with a spear, staring down into the water.

There was a flash of white beneath the surface and I plunged my weapon down. But the creature I speared was not a fish, but the head of President Snow. I screamed, dropping it and the weapon into the water.

"Kai!" I gasped. "Did you see that?" I turned to look at my brother, but he was gone. Only an empty glass of lemonade remained.

I woke up with a gasp, my eyes searching the room for my brother. But the morning light filtering through the curtains and the soft sheets signaled that I wasn't on our boat. I was in my bedroom in the Capitol.

I took a cold shower to reset my frazzled system before heading out to the main room. Sienne was the only one there, sipping from a mug and reading something on an ePad.

"Good morning Mira," she said, only glancing up for a moment. "Daphne will be joining us soon. We have a lot to discuss."

Once our bubbly escort had consumed several cups of coffee, the training began. It was like preparing for my interview, but worse. Daphne scolded every wrong move I made while Sienne pushed me to smile more and grumble less.

I did my best to obey, but I was struggling to keep all the advice straight. Finally I threw myself down on a couch and groaned.

"I cannot process a single other piece of information or my head will literally explode," I announced. Sienne pressed her lips together, examining me as Daphne rolled her eyes.

"Mira, you have a role to play," she lectured.

"I know!" I snapped. "But that role isn't smiling until my cheeks hurt and batting my eyelids at the audience. I'm going to go up on that stage, stand strong, be who I am, and face this like a victor!"

Both women were silent for several moments. Then a big smile spread across Daphne's cheeks and she cheered.

"Excellent!" she said. "Now, let's get you dressed."

Thirty minutes later, I was ready for my interview. My wavy black hair was clipped back on the sides with pearl clips, allowing the longer part in the back to brush against my neck. A thin pearl choker decorated my throat and my silky dress hugged my curves perfectly.

The dress was like a work of art. It had thin straps that led to an intricate criss-cross of ties on my back, and hung to my mid-calf. The top was a blue so dark it was nearly black, but the color slowly grew lighter until it became a pale, frosty blue at the hem. I had strappy white sandals on and each of my fingernails was painted with ocean waves. Silver makeup made my golden eyes pop.

Quigley fiddled with the ties on the back for a few moments before applause began to shake the stage. He gave me a wink before scrambling over to his pedestal. And we all waited with baited breath for the ceremony to begin.

Jasmine, Liliana, and Damon were brought to the stage first. They were greeted with whoops and cheers, as was Quigley when his podium rose. Then went Daphne, and then Sienne. And finally, it was my turn.

I took a deep breath as my podium began to rise. It was like rising into the arena all over again. But I held my head high as the cheering and bright lights washed over me. Caesar was by my side in an instant, graciously offering me his arm. I took it, thanking him politely as he guided me to a plush white armchair.

"Mira!" Caesar gushed. "It is so wonderful to have you back with us."

"It's wonderful to be back," I said. "Thank you all for such a warm welcome." I gave a nod of thanks to the crowd, who erupted in cheers again.

"Now Mira," Caesar began. "Your time in the arena started off quite rocky. How did you feel, knowing your alliance had fallen apart already."

"It was shocking," I said, keeping my voice level. "But in the arena, anything can happen. You have to be prepared at all times, and you can never stop fighting." More cheers filled the air and Caesar waited for the audience to quiet down before continuing.

"You took out quite a powerful competitor in the bloodbath, despite your injury. And you still kept your fighting spirit. Was that difficult?"

"At times. But I knew I could roll with the punches. I wouldn't have volunteered if I couldn't."

"And about Lumine," Caesar said. "Did the two of you have any plans before the Games?"

"No. Lumine surprised me. But we made a good team and I was glad to have her on my side."

The audience cooed at that and I straightened up a bit. I couldn't get emotional about Lumine.

"Your ally also expressed some unique beliefs about the world," Caesar commented. The crowd went completely silent at that.

"Yes," I said. "Lumine believed in a higher power. Not all of us do, but it gave Lumine courage, and I am certain she is resting peacefully."

"Do you believe in this higher power?" Caesar asked.

"I do not," I said. "But to Lumine, and the other Sacramites, I believe that you believe, and I admire that conviction."

"What a lovely sentiment," Caesar said, but he looked mildly uncomfortable. I kept my chin up. This was one part of the interview I would not compromise on. If Lumine could face death with courage, I would honor her strength.

"Well, that's all the time for questions we have, because we have an exciting Games rerun to watch!" the Master of Ceremonies gushed. The crowd quickly heated up again as Caesar and I sat back to rewatch my Games.

I watched as the bloodbath began and Ronald and Spartan both made bloody kills. I watched myself fall and collide with the Cornucopia walls, but get to my feet. I watched myself face off with Spartan and take him down with a cleverly-timed jab. I watched Lumine haul me to my feet and drag me off into the jungle.

The other days and other deaths flashed by. I was surprised by the tree mutts, which I was lucky enough not to encounter. They killed the boy from 12 quite brutally. Ronald also had his fair share of screentime. He abandoned his original alliance and came after mine, but Lumine fended him off with a branch.

Zeppelina poisoned her ally. The small boy from 10 killed half of his alliance before Ebony took him out. Zeppelina's ally died. She incapacitated Hugo and made him start working on several bombs. That was shocking as well. I didn't realize she was popular enough to be sponsored such expensive items. And I didn't know Hugo was capable of assembling such a deadly device.

Rain had several interesting interactions with miniature people who lived on top of a stone pyramid. They seemed to be helping him in exchange for gifts. They'd even driven the girl from 12 away after Rain stole her supplies.

Then Ronald attacked our camp. I tried and failed to fend off Ronald, and Lumine took the death blow. They showed me alone in the jungle, humming a soft funeral song. Then the girl from 8 was killed by a large hairy beast. The girl from 12 received armor as a sponsor gift.

Then it was the Feast. Zeppelina completely mutilated young Hugo, but the rerun didn't heavily feature it. Still, it was the hardest thing I'd had to watch yet. That girl had been absolutely insane.

Then she was blowing people up at the Cornucopia. First was Evelyne, and then it was Ronald and Beria. I clenched my fists as Ronald's face appeared. I should have been the one to kill him.

I killed Zeppelina. Rain fled with all the sponsor gifts. Ebony was killed by the tree mutts. And then Rain and I fought. The film ended with my spear sinking into Rain's throat and a blast of triumphant music and the crowd leapt to their feet and cheered.

I smiled politely and gave another nod of thanks for their enthusiasm.

"Well, this was certainly a unique and intriguing year," Caesar said. "Thank you for joining us, Mira. And now, let us all rise for the national anthem."

Everyone stood and placed a hand across their heart. I joined in as the music swelled in the air. I could see Quigley in the crowd, tears in his eyes as he swayed to the melody. And as it ended and the audience began to cheer again, President Snow walked onto the stage. Caesar moved back and I went to the center of the stage, as I knew I was supposed to do.

An assistant approached us with a round black box. Snow took the lid off and lifted out a sparkling rose gold crown with gold and turquoise gems embedded into the metal. It wasn't as big and fancy as some of the crowns I'd seen, but it settled perfectly onto my head. I stood tall as the large screens all around the mansion showed my face. I looked like a queen. Like a victor.

"Congratulations Ms. Marlina," President Snow said as we stood side-by-side.

"Thank you, sir. I'm very honored to be here." He nodded once and we stood together until my feet hurt.

The next morning I was on the train home to District 4. The landscape flew by outside as I sat with Sienne in the last train car and played cards. It was somewhat boring, but I needed to keep my mind occupied. And at last, we arrived.

Cameras flashed as I stepped off the train. I drank in the sight of the sparkling ocean before someone called my name and I turned to see Kai, who was standing with Ciren and my parents. A genuine smile crossed my face as I walked over to him.

His hug lifted me off my feet and I let out a light laugh.

"Put me down," I demanded, playfully smacking his shoulder.

"Never," he teased. "I finally got you back."


Hi everyone! We did it! We have completed Death & All Her Friends! I had a lot of fun summarizing this story thus far and I think Mira has really grown as a person. This chapter did get pretty long though, so apologies for that. I hope it's still fun to read!

I don't have much to say here, but thank you all again for joining me on this journey. I appreciate each and every one of you SO much. And I have opened submissions for a new SYOT: Lay Me To Rest. There are still plenty of spots open, so if you want to submit, check out my profile. I'll be accepting escort submissions as well. So please go check it out! The second prologue will be posted tomorrow.

Congratulations again to Kkstar47 and Mira, and I promise she will be showing up in future stories. I'm hoping to publish a story of victor one-shots some time soon, though I'm not entirely sure when. They'll just be little side snippets I write when I'm in the mood to do so.


Have a nice day, be kind to each other, and never stop reading!

- Fiona