I look around, waiting for the person who's name was called to go up on stage.
"Finnick, that's you!" Jonathan says. He pushes me forward.
Wait, what? My name was called? Yes, it was. I remember now. I walk forward, making it more of a strut. I need to impress the Capitol. When i get up on stage, Electra grins.
"Well well! I like the look of our tribute this year!" she says. I flash a smile at the camera's while grimacing inside. Who could electra be so happy about this?
"Let's here it for our District 4 tributes!" Electra said. The sea of people cheered. Probably celebrating because they don't have to go.
Peacekeepers escorted Beatrice and I into he Justice Building. We were each escorted into separate rooms. It was time to say goodbye to our family and friends.
My parents were first. My mother had tears streaming down her cheeks. Her eyes were red and puffy. My fathers jaw was set. My mother hugged me, whispering over and over, "my baby. My poor, poor baby."
My father gathered both of us into his arms and squeezed us tight.
"Finnick. You know how to use a trident. It's the same with a spear. Do what your mentor tells you. Find water. Get an ally. Don't go looking for trouble. Come home," he said. I could tell that he was remembering his own games. I wondered what he thought now that his son was going into the arena.
Much too soon, Peacekeepers came to take them away. Next to come see me was Jonathan. We had never been to good of friends, but I could always count on him for some guy time when I didn't feel like hanging out with Annie.
He looked awkward, as if he didn't know what to say.
In the end, he just said, "Good luck," and then left.
Last to come in was Annie. She was the one I was dreading saying goodbye too the most. Annie. Beautiful Annie. Kind, sweet, affectionate, Annie. My Annie.
She had tears streaming down her face, and she looked tragically beautiful. She wrapped her arms around my neck and sobbed into my shoulder.
"Shhhhhh." I shushed her. She looked at me, searching my eyes.
"Finnick, promise me. Promise me you'll come home," she said. She looked desperate.
Looking at her, seeing her so desperate, I couldn't help but say yes.
"I promise. I'll come home," I said.
She reached to her wrist and pulled off a knotted rope. She knotted the rope whenever she was nervous or scared.
"Finnick, take my rope. Will you wear it as your District token?" she asked.
I nodded and, not taking my eyes from hers, put the rope around my wrist.
'It's now or never,' I thought.
"Annie, I have to tell you something," I began.
She gave me questioning look.
I pulled her onto the couch with me and took a deep breath.
"Annie, I've always liked you. As more than a friend I mean."
She looked up from her hands.
"Finnick," she said.
I felt a piece inside of me break. She didn't like me.
"I like you too," she said.
I looked up at her. She was smiling. She hugged me around my neck. I made a decision. I kissed her. It was the most amazing experience of my life. Butterflies erupted in my stomach, and a warm tingling sensation erupted in my chest.
Finally, Annie broke away because of her need for air. We were both breahting heavily.
"Wow," was all she said. I pulled her back into my chest, holding her to me. I could feel her breathing and her heart beating.
All too soon, a Peacekeeper came to take Annie away. "Stay safe Fin! Come home! I lo-"
But she never got to finish what she was saying, because the door closed. I sat down on the couch and fully excepted the possibility that would be my first and last kiss.
