The Ocean Rolls Us Away

Chapter 4: Finnick

When Mitchlin read her name, I could see the audience's cheeks go white, and then I saw her clutching onto her father for support before he pushed her towards the stage. Right then I understood why her father hadn't wanted her entered in the games. Annie Cresta was as fragile as glass.

In school I had mocked her just like the other kids, and I hadn't really cared if she went home crying everyday. She was a disgrace to our district, and everyone knew it. But when I saw her stumble towards that stage, knowing that her brother might have to kill her, I truly felt sorry for Annie. Because I felt sorry for her, I was trying to be nice at dinner. I said hello, and even smiled, but she just looked at me like she thought I was the devil. Which to her I guess I was. Then suddenly she's screaming at Martin, and crying again. I looked around, and could see the entire room was just as shocked as I was. Mitchlin started mumbling about his eyebrows, Mags tried to soothe Annie, and Martin since she had known their dad, and Martin finished his peas in a daze. I felt awkward just sitting there staring at everyone, but what else could I do? Just the air in the room was awkward on it's own. So I finished my dinner, and then walked to the lounge cart to watch the recaps of the reaping.

Mags and Annie had come in behind me, and Mitchlin and Martin came in just after them. When we were all seated on something, Mitchlin turned on the TV and we watched the reaping.

The Capitol went through each district. When they got to Four, I saw Annie's shoulders tense out of the corner of my eye. Then Martin was reaped. He really showed him self off to the audience, and it was clear he was looking for sponsors, which he would most likely get. But when they called Annie, everything went silent. Eventually you could see her thin body walking towards the stage. When she shook Mitchlin's hand I saw her lips tremble. Then she passed out.

When the screen moved on to Five, Mitchlin spoke up gaily, "Well it's obvious you both will get many sponsors."

Annie turned towards him, and cocked her head like she honestly didn't believe he would say that, but he did. "You really don't have to lie to me you know. I have to get used to the idea of dying and I wont if you patronize me."

I really considered standing up, and clapping for her because this was the second time she had stood up to someone in one day. Innocent Annie Cresta was showing off her backbone. But instead I leaned back in my chair, and looked at Mitchlin.

"Really dear have you ever looked in a mirror?" Mitchlin looked up at her, and then back at the TV. "Your beauty will win you many more sponsors than you would ever receive for agility."

I had to admit, Mitchlin did have a point. Everyone might have hated Annie in school, but it wasn't just because she was a wimp or a loser. It also had something to do with how pretty she was. Stunning is actually a much better word for her.

"You really believe that?" Annie's voice had softened, and I could tell she was easing up a little.

"Oh yes," Mags put her hand on Annie's shoulder, "you may not be able to tell now but I was once young and pretty like you. The Capitol citizens like that in a tribute." Mags turned towards me, and winked. She had been like a grandmother to me ever since my games. So sometimes she liked to tease me about my…confidence.

"Yeah I should know." I grinned back at her while jokingly puffing out my chest. Then I started laughing because Mags was trying so hard not to smile, but she just couldn't do it.

"This is why the Capitol loves you!" She exclaimed throwing up her hands. "You have uncontrollable charm."

Mags and I could only laugh for a little while longer because everyone else was awkwardly staring at us. Besides, we were still watching the reaping, and when they showed the 6 foot 9 guy from One again, all I could think about was how sorry I was for Annie. If she were standing next to him, you wouldn't even be able to see her.

Her level of confidence was evident through out the recaps, and part of me wanted to stand up and turn off the TV because I couldn't take looking at the fear in her eyes anymore. But I was honestly more inclined to deal with her emotions than have Mitchlin start whining at me. So I ended up just waiting for the recaps to end. When they finally did, I was about to get up and go to my room cause I was honestly just worn out, but then Mitchlin decided to bring up the 'pleasant' subject of training.

My first thought was to look over at Annie and see her reaction. She was scared shitless.

"I've never been trained before," she said with panic, "and I don't think that starting now would make any difference. Just look at me." She gestured to her self meekly.

I had to agree, she did have a point. I mean she was so fragile, and weak that I doubted she had much more than an ounce of fat or muscle on her.

"I've been thinking about that," Mags chimed in, "and I had an idea. What if I worked with Martin since he's already had so much training, and then Finnick could teach you the tricks of his trade? I'm sure that once he's done with you no one will even know that you weren't trained to begin with."

I leaned forward, and was about to throw out my own opinion which was 'there is no chance in hell' but then Mitchlin opened his mouth again.

"I think that's a wonderful idea! We'll start immediately once we reach the Capitol. Until then you two can spend all your time together. Meals, free time, any time really. And your rooms happen to be right across from each other! It will be wonderful."

I looked up at Annie to see how she felt about all this, since she wasn't too good at hiding her emotions, and it was clear by the look on her face that she was dreading this just as much as I was.