Finnick and Annie
"It was torture for me, Annie," Finnick whispered, "the- the not knowing. I had always been there to protect you, and now I couldn't. I had no idea what was going on or what you were living through. I didn't know for sure if we'd find you alive."
"There were times when I wished I wasn't," Annie admitted, "but I did my best to hold on because I knew you'd never stop looking."
"If I'd had to look until my dying breath, I would have. I was prepared to spend whatever time I had left looking for you. I wanted to make sure I'd done everything I could to make sure you were safe in my arms again."
Annie smiled. "I know you would've, and that really kept me going. Having the understanding that you were waiting for me on the other side of that hell gave me the strength I needed to keep my sanity or what was left of it. It wasn't easy, though, believe me. Every time they'd come in to see me, I knew I was in for another fight, and there were times when I genuinely believed I'd given all I had. When I'd have those moments, I'd focus on your face and what we'd have after I got free, and it would get me through. Sometimes, I'd scream out your name even though I knew you hadn't found me yet and there was no way you could hear me. Even though they slapped me to try and get me to stop, I kept going because it reminded me what I was fighting for. It's hard to talk about what happened there, but I know I need to do it cause it'll eventually help."
Finnick came around and pulled her close. "But you have no need to rush yourself, Annie," he soothed. "I have nothing but time, so if you want to stop for now, I would completely understand. I know you've been through a lot. You don't have to talk it all through in one night."
"Really?"
"Of course."
"So it wouldn't disappoint you if I wanted to stop? Just for now?"
He shook his head. "Of course it wouldn't. Annie, we've all been through things that to most people would seem insurmountable. Working through this may take years. Take all the time you need. I'll be here whenever you're ready."
