Chapter 1

The waves crashed onto the shore and crept up the sand, soaking my feet. The cold water woke me up from my peaceful slumber. My eyes opened, and I tried to sit up, but something was pinning me down. I wiped my eyes, and soon realized Annie was draped over the left half of my body, as her head lay across my chest. She was out cold.

I looked around; the entire beach was empty. We must have passed out on the beach again last night. I tried shaking her to wake her up. Nothing. "Oh well, I suppose it couldn't hurt for us both to rest up a bit before the reaping today." I thought.

Without hesitation, I plopped my head back down into the imprint I had made in the sand and dozed off again. I woke back up about an hour later. Only this time, the ocean was calm, much calmer than usual, and Annie was up, fishing in the shallow waters.

I chuckled as I rose to a sitting position. "Catching anything?" I asked.

She looked back, somewhat embarrassed and confused, yet happy that I was finally awake. "No I still can't seem to get it right."

I waded into the water and met her with a hug and a soft kiss on her head.

"Here, I'll show you." I said. "You see, the key is to stay quiet, and be patient. You don't want to startle the fish. If you do it right, the fish will come to you; all you have to do is catch 'em." I explained as I stabbed the helpless fish with my trident.

"See, it's that easy."

There was no response.

I looked over at Annie. Her hand covered her mouth.

"What?" I asked.

"I don't think I could do that. Kill something so helpless. It's too sad."

"C'mon Ann, it's just a little fish. That's how us humans have stayed alive on this Earth. We kill things that can't kill us, and then we eat 'em. The weak don't survive in this world."

"So what happens if a really big fish comes by, and…bites you!?" She exclaimed playfully as she jumped on my back and tackled me into the shallow water.

We laughed as we wrestled around in the shallows until I finally picked her up and carried her over my shoulder back to the shore. There, I gently laid her down on the warm sand and leaned in for a kiss. We laid there silently for a few moments.

"Hey Fin?" She finally said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah?"

"Do you ever get nervous on the day of the reaping?"

"No, not really. The odds are like thousands to one that either of us get picked. I try to stay calm. You should too." I said, relaxed.

"Well what if you do get picked?"

"Then I'll win the games, just for you, ok?"

"And what if I get picked?" She asked nervously.

"Annie, listen to me, you gotta stop worrying about things you can't control. Now come on, that reminds me, we should get going, our parents are probably worried sick; the reaping starts in a couple of hours. You know we have to look our best."

"I just want to lay here with you all day. I hate the reaping." She said.

"Everyone does. It sucks, but its something we just gotta do. I'll catch up with you here afterward ok?" I told her comfortingly.

We shared one last embrace before I left and headed back towards home. Annie, however remained sitting in the sand.

On the walk home, I started thinking about what Annie had said. What if I do get picked? A stupid little fourteen year old kid won't survive in the arena. And what if she gets picked!? No, I can't think like that. Besides, there's no way either of us get picked. I continued walking.

I was nearly home now when I noticed a few girls hanging out on the corner of my street gawking at me. Something that has become a common recurrence lately. I gave them a nice smile as I strolled through my front door. They all blushed and started to giggle.

Inside, I was quickly greeted by my mother.

"Where on Earth have you been Finnick!? I haven't seen you since yesterday morning, your father and I were so worried about you! Do you even know what day it is today?" She shouted.

"Yes ma, of course I do. I came home to get ready. I was just out with Annie last night, and we fell asleep on the beach."

"Just get upstairs and make yourself look presentable. You'll be representing the family out there today." She said.

"Yeah, yeah, I know the drill."

I ran upstairs and noticed there was an outfit already laid out for me. Nice tan pants, a white button down shirt, and some dressy shoes. Ugh. I hate dressing up. Everything is always so uncomfortable. Nonetheless, I slipped into the tan pants, threw on the shirt, and stepped into the shoes, then took a look in the mirror. The shirt was a bit too tight, but oh well, at least I looked good. I fluffed my feathery bronze hair, and headed towards the stairs.

"Aww sweetie, you look handsome." My mom commented as I walked back downstairs. "Now get going, the ceremony will be starting soon, you don't want to be late."

"You aren't coming this year?."

"No, I've got a few things to take care of around the house. I'll be sure to have it on TV though." She said as I made my way for the door.

"Where are Gallus and Juliana?"

"Your brother and sister were home early this morning, and got to the reaping early! Now get going!" She said urgently.

"Ok, ok."

"Oh, and make sure you come back around five o'clock tonight for dinner, hun." My mom added. "And remember to smile!"

I closed the door behind me, took a deep breath and made my way towards the center of town.