Knots, Knots, and more knots. That's what I had to use to help me focus on something other than Annie; how she was being tortured in the capital by Snow. Crying and screaming my name as she was hurt, in more ways than one, while I sat here uselessly. I sat there continually tying knots when Katniss walked in.
"Their sending out a rescue team," she looked at me her eyes gleaming with joy but a worried look behind them. She couldn't wait to see Peeta again, I'm sure of it.
My breath caught, "She's coming back?"
Katniss nodded and it felt like my world could be whole again. I would get to see Annie again. This time though, I'd keep her safe. I would marry her.
We stationed ourselves in Command, so that we will get the first word of their return. I still tie my knots though, afraid that they won't make it out safely. I ignore everything around me, trying to focus on something that won't make me panic. But, Katniss's unexpected question pulls me concentration.
"Did you love Annie right away, Finnick?"
"No." It was true I didn't. She was a mere tribute while I was a mentor. I didn't love her, not like that. But, over time, the feelings I felt increased and seeing her in the arena… well, I realized I cared, more than I probably should have.
"She crept up on me," I add as an afterthought.
I remember those flashbacks so clearly now and it makes my stomach clench is pain. I needed to see her, and I needed to see her now.
As though to answer my prayers, Haymitch pushes open the door, "They're back. We're wanted in the hospital."
I feel numb, what will I say? Will she forgive me for letting her get hurt? Only Katniss's tugging hand allows me to move and follow her down the hall.
Wounded friends are everywhere. People I feel like I should thank for helping me retrieve my love, but I can't focus. I just continue to search for Annie, and then I hear the one voice I have missed for so long, "Finnick!"
Her hair is tangled and she's covered in nothing but a sheet and I run for her, those sea green eyes guiding me forward. "Finnick," She calls again.
I grab her and hold her my arms, tightly as she does the same to me. We lose our balance and press up against the wall. Nothing exists anymore, nothing except me and her.