This is my first ever fan fiction post. To start off, I instantly found Finnick to be an awesome character. I tried searching for his biographies, but always ended finding stories about Finnick & Annie or Finnick's sex journeys through the Capitol. I started writing his story as perceived by a dedicated Finnick fan to his journey in becoming the man that we know. Please feel free to share any constructive criticism, thoughts, and concerns. Appreciate you taking the time to read this. Enjoy.

P.S. I'm a 21 year old dude that plays Rugby for a living that just started embracing my 'geekyness' thanks to my supportive fiancée .

Gliding just over the sand, I listen to the pure silence of the ocean; watch the sand flow through the water, as if it was dancing for the moment only to settle later. If I could survive underwater I would never leave, it would be perfect

My head emerges from the water and before I open my eyes, I hear my older brother Nav calling me from down the shore. Have I really been under that long again?

"Hey fin-boy, must be nice playing on the beach all day while Pops & I are out meeting quota." He says it like he doesn't love what he does and the glory that comes along with it. Let alone being able to double quota on a bad day. Nav's a deep sea fisherman. Being one at such a young age is a huge honor. The fact that he's one of the best makes him god-like here. My brother is a lot more muscular and burlier then I am. In fact, if there was an opposite of him it would be me. Tall, lanky, and awkward; I look more like his fishing pole than his brother when I stand next to him. He looks a lot like those people in the Capitol they call body builders, except more natural and not… altered, you know? Tatted, pierced, painted, and whatever else they do to themselves.

"So what's for dinner?"

His eyes dart straight to my fishing net. I use it as a game bag to carry the day's catch.

"Not much just some clams, mussels, crab, small reef fish, and…."

I smirk a little

"A Tiger shark."

Nav eyes light up. It's not that he loves the taste; he's just always had this vendetta against sharks. Maybe it's the challenge or the image that comes along with being a shark hunter, but I've seen this look in his eye's… It's not natural, the kind of look you see in a predator before it kills. Only it's not for survival, but for pride. None the less impressive and brave though. I've seen him dive in the water after an eight foot Mako shark about to snap the line. Funny thing is that every fisherman out with my father and us that day turned and watched my dad, waiting for panic to set in. Except my Pops just stood there; Arms crossed, chest out, chewing on his widdled pipe that grandfather gave him, proud and waiting for Nav to emerge.

Nav won. Of course he did.

You would think he's one of the greatest story tellers by the way he talks about his bout with the Mako, but not a single line is a lie. Nav's never been one for exaggerating, which makes it all the more impressive.

As we walk back to our house on the shoreline, I can feel the crisp breeze billowing off the ocean waters, and I smile.

I love where I live. There's no other place equal.

Yeah sure the Capitol may control us and make life a little hard, but I almost feel sorry for them. They just take what we provide them with. Never once appreciating the ocean and its power, love, nurture, serenity, and freedom.

"You going to bring that food in or what? I'm starving, fish boy!" I don't think Nav has ever called me by my real name.

"Hold on shark bait! Just making sure I got all the sand off me." I like reminding Nav that his whole shark hunting thing is only half bravery. The other half, or vast majority, is stupidity. I was making sure I wouldn't track any sand in the house. Last time I did, mom cracked a clam so hard over my head that Shell jumped from how intense the vibrations were.

Inside our little open home on the coast, I set my net bag in the bucket next to where mom usually cooks dinner. I sit down at the table and practice my knot tying. Pops says I'm getting better but still need to learn more advanced knots. I barely make it out, but I hear Shell's little feet scurry over to where I am. Shell is my little sister and the baby of the family. She's only around five feet, is very tan, and has piercing green eyes like that of fresh sea kelp. Her face is framed by thick long brown hair. Simply put, beautiful. I spin around and catch her as she squeals, hold her close then set her down. She pinches her fingers together and motions toward her mouth, her way of asking what's for dinner. I place my hand on my head to make the shape of a fin and show my teeth symbolizing shark. A smile forms from her lips. Shell giggles, rubs her tummy, and then runs away.

We're the closest of the family because we are the 'off' children. Myself being awkward, not resembling my father in anyway; looks, attitude, or talent. Shell because she's sweet, humble, caring, timid, and…

Deaf.

It's probably best this way, she doesn't have to hear how Pops is always disappointed in me, or his rants on why I can't I be more like Nav. She doesn't have to listen to all the girls gawk and rave about Nav; but the same girls say they're not interested in a boyfriend when you try to ask them to the Sunday festivities. She doesn't have to hear them giggle to their friends when they think you are out of earshot.

The nice ones wait at least.

That's when I'm glad Shell can't hear. She doesn't need to know how mean people can be. It would slowly deteriorate her innocence.

Honestly though, it's not like all people are mean. Nav for instance, is tough on me, but 'Shark Bait' has always saved my skin when he's needed to. Then there's Stryker, my best friend. Fiery little bastard. He's my equal brother. Not that Nav is a bad brother, but there is no living up to his expectations. Stryker is the brother who stands by my side instead of above me. I'm never left in his shadow. Then there is my mom. Terrifying and loving all at the same time. She has definitely mastered when to use which. Among a few others it's not all that bad, but I'll hold off on my Pops for now. At least until the 'incident' blows over.