"I don't know about this Finn. I mean – What if I don't – I – it's really far- I just –"
"Don't think about it Annie. I've got you. I've always got you." As usual his voice makes me feel immediately at ease. I feel myself relax, my muscles loosening, preparing for the drop. His warm hand snakes out to entwine his fingers in mine. I sigh and nod. We take 3 long, synchronized strides and leap off the edge of the cliff. Arms out in front, hands still locked together. The air rushes through my hair and I can smell the salt of the ocean whizzing past me. We break the surface of the water with our hands, and are submerged in the murky depths.
_I shoot up into a sitting position and whip my eyes around the room. He's not here, of course he's not. Why would he be? He can't be. I pull my knees to my chin and begin to cry the first of many tears for today. The realisation hits me like a slap in the face. It's the Quarter Quell reaping day. This year, the 75th Hunger Games, marks another twenty-five years which mean another 'special twist' on the games. As if they weren't twisted enough. I can see the horrible yellow card that has thrown my entire world upside down, and on it was written one of the worst things I never thought I'd hear.
"On the Seventy-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from their existing pool of victors."
Existing. Pool. Of. Victors. Finnick had almost shouted to me over and over again that neither of us would have to go back, ever. Even when I had finished teetering on the edge of a breakdown, he was still whispering to me, more for himself I think, so I let him talk me to sleep. That was 2 days ago, and he'd never left me. Now, he is nowhere to be seen; on the day when I need him the most. As if on cue, his bronze head pokes around the door. He smiles at me, the skin around his brilliant green eyes crinkles up a little. I sniff and pull the duvet up over my tear-streaked face, wiping the moisture away.
"Oh, Annie." He sighs, smiling a little sad smile. He closes the distance between us and wraps his strong arms around my fragile shoulders. I lean into his chest, inhaling the smell of salt, and warmth and Finnick.
"I'm so scared Finn." I whisper, wishing today away.
"I know Annie, I know. You just have to sit through it. I can't promise much, but I can promise you that I will do everything I can to make sure you do NOT get reaped again. I damn near broke my heart last time." He whispers into my hair. He pulls away too soon and I look up, fresh tears painting my cheeks.
"Just wait outside for me before it – happens."
He nods, and tears welling in his own eyes, he kisses both my cheeks then my forehead before walking downstairs. I hear the front door click shut and I squeeze my eyes closed. I don't want to be alone. But I have to.
I have to face the reaping today.
Just a bit of a preview to get you in the mood for the story. In this fanfic you get to see what it's like while Annie's watching the games, when they brought her to the Capitol. What it's like to be tortured and what she goes through when Finnick goes off to fight the Capitol and finally, dies. Also what happens to her after the rebellion. Just an idea that's managed to bury itself in my brain and make a house there. If we reach say, 5 reviews, I'll carry on. If not I'll drop it. I just want to know what you think of it :) Thank you much yes!
- D7Tribute oxoxox