Before the reaping for the 64th Hunger Games, Finnick Odair was already in love with Annie Cresta.

When he was reaped-

Time stopped for me when I saw her. I considered myself an expert in women. Almost every girl threw themselves at me. Almost. Except for Annie. I fell, hard, and deep, when I saw her green eyes, so like mine, her long wavy brown hair.

She was unlike all those shallow girls. She had her own aura, she held her own.

I fell for her when we were 13. At 14,

I was reaped.

Finnick Odair!

I couldn't comprehend it myself. I went up to the stage robotically, watching the faces of the girls. It was disbelief. Then anguish. Then they broke down crying. I barely registered who my partner tribute was. My eyes sought out one face. The brown hair, the green eyes. Her eyes met mine, I could see the tears welling inside. Her hands were over her mouth.

Then I decided.

I had to come back alive. I had to tell her that I loved her, I loved her more than anything in the world.

After the 64th Hunger Games, Finnick Odair returned home alive.

The first thing I sought was her. She was one of the welcome party waiting by the station. Our eyes met, then I was swept up in a volley of questions. I swore I would come back. But now, I'm not sure I want to face her. If she knew what I had to do once I turned an adult, she would distaste me. I know that.

When I finally had time to myself, I plunged into the sea to have a refreshing swim. I forgot almost everything in the sea. Until a voice jerked me back to reality. Hey Finnick. I turned around. Annie.

I don't know about you, but... I'm glad you came back. I really do.

Then she turned to swim away.

Wait!

Hmm?

Annie, I have to tell you something.

Alright.

I... I...

She smiled and swam back closer. What about you use actions to tell me?

My head jolted up. I pulled Annie closer. Her face bore a puzzling expression, and a blush was creeping up her face. I leaned down and kissed her.

Sparks flew. It was not my first kiss, but it was the first kiss I ever felt the electric current. When we finally drew away, I hugged her tight. I love you.

I love you too.

Before the reaping for the 70th Hunger Games, Annie Cresta was madly in love with Finnick Odair.

When she was reaped-

Annie Cresta!

Time stopped for me. Shaking, I went up the stage. I gripped my own hands tight, I knew my face was pale ashen. I looked up at the victor's table. Finnick was looking at me, his face echoing my own.

We kept our dating a secret, nobody knew. Finnick insisted it was to keep me safe. Seemingly it failed. We told nobody, but rumours spread that Finnick Odair was taken. He was still the ladies' man, but he was no longer gave free kisses to anyone. Only me.

Finnick had chosen his dress myself. He said I looked gorgeous in it. Mags, the other victor, wrapped an arm around Finnick's shoulder.

I don't understand. I wasn't one of those who signed in more than once for rations. My name was only entered once. My chance of being reaped was very, very small.

I waited in the room. My parents had just come and left, and I was waiting for the next visitor.

Hey Annie.

Fin.

I- I spoke with Mags. She agreed to let me mentor you.

My head snapped open. Tears were brimming.

Annie, don't cry, you'll come home alive. He wrapped his strong arms around me, as tears racked my body. I don't want to go.

Shhh, Annie, I won't let you die.

Promise?

Of course. I can't live without you.

After the 70th Hunger Games, Annie Cresta returned home alive.

Annie. I looked up, terrified. My knife was out. He looked at me with a bewirlded expression. Then I recognized him. Hey Fin. I whispered, lowering my knife.

Oh good, finally she responds. My father said. He reached to hoist me up. I bared my teeth and knife at him. I didn't trust him. My head was hurting. Painful. Come on, Annie, let's go to swim. Finnick came over and hugged me tightly.

The water soothed me. But once I left it, the memories rushing back. His head, rolling next to my feet. My opponent's body dragged down by the current. I screamed.

Finnick was next to me in a second, holding me to his chest. It's not the Games, we're back home, we're safe... I only cried harder. When would these nightmares disappear.