Hello there! This is the story of Finnick and Annie titled "Not Today". The story will run from Annie's games through Mockingjay. I do not own the characters or the story of The Hunger Games. I feel that I started the story at the worst moment because these next two months will be constant studying and exams. Not to mention, a TON of homework, so don't give up if I don't update. I will update as soon as I can. Please review. I will only continue the story if you guys like it. Thank you to all. Happy reading!

Chapter 1

Annie stared into the distance. The sun was a sweet orange and the clouds ranged both from pink to purple. She closed her eyes and savored the salty smell that will always signify home. This could be the last time she would feel so at peace. Even with the reaping for the 70th hunger games tomorrow, she was at peace. The ocean served her as a sedative. The warm May water covered her feet and gave her a bit of warmth from the chilly spring winds that still ruled the days.

She heard someone's feet rushing towards her and struggling against the power of the heavy sand. She turned and smiled to find Finnick. He was holding a blue blanket in his arms and unfolded it to wrap it around her body.

"You ready?" Finnick asked

Annie chuckled sarcastically "No"

"How many times is your name in?"

"Six."

"Annie, its only six slips in hundreds. What are the odds of your name being called?"

"There's still the possibility"

Finnick sat down on the sand next to her. He knew she was hurting inside and she was terribly nervous. He saw her take a deep breath and it came out shaky. Annie was his only friend. But, damn he wanted to kiss her and to hold her. But, he didn't. He knew she only saw him as her best friend. The one who she could tell anything to. She didn't want to be with him and he knew that. Mainly because of his mandatory job, serving as the Capitol whore. And God, there was nothing he hated more than being with strangers. He loved Annie more than his own life. In fact, he hated his life.

"Finnick what am I going to do when you're at the Capitol for the games?"

"You can stay with Mags. I won't be back for a month."

"Clients?"

He nodded and instantly Annie was succumbed into her own darkness. She hated to be without Finnick. A few minutes of silence past and neither of them said a word. Hearing each other breathe became a hobby both of them loved because it was a sure sign that both were alive. Annie suddenly laughed remembering a good moment from both of their past.

"what? Why are you laughing?" Finnick asked curiously. He himself laughing.

Annie talked in between breaths unable to control her laughter. "Remember when we were ten and we were in your father's boat, planning to throw him and my father overboard and steal the boat." She kept laughing.

Finnick burst into a guffaw. "I found the drawing yesterday on his boat"

"No way!"

"Yes"

Both took a huge deep breath. Finnick broke the silence:

"It's getting dark you should rest"

"I can't go back home and face my dad"

"He's been acting up again?"

"He's more violent now. And more drunk"

"Then stay with me"

"you have an extra bed?"

"And an extra room"

"Thank you Finnick" She got on her knees and hugged him. He hugged her back tighter whispering in her ear:

"You'll be okay"

Finnick went back to his house in Victor's Village while, Annie went to her house to pick up a few things. They would go together to the justice building tomorrow for the reaping. Finnick prayed that she wouldn't be reaped especially on the last year of her name being a possibility.

When Annie came back he had prepared dinner for her. Fried snapper, her favorite.

"How did you find your dad?"

"Hungover as usual. Passed out, drooling on the couch with a few empty bottles of beer surrounding him." She sighed. "Dangerous habit"

"At least you're safe with me here"

"Thanks again, Finnick. What would I do without you"

Finnick just smiled , but in his mind he thought the same about Annie.

Once they finished, Annie set to help Finnick wash the dishes and talked about tomorrow. After that, both went to their respectful rooms to rest. But neither of them slept. It seemed that both had demons they couldn't drown.