Author's Note: O.K. so as always, want to thank; Dancing-Soul, decodeme312, and bbymojo for the great reviews. And again yes, I do not own, nor claim to own, the rights to the song; Mean by Taylor Swift, (as far as I know all rights belong to her)

And sorry that most of this chapter is just dialogue. You could say it's more of a Alanna/ Finnick relationship builder.

So, yeah, I admit this probably not one of the most exciting chapters though hehe. Hope you guys like it anyways.

(yeah, and still editing some typos so sorry if guys catch any.)


Chapter 9: Pushing Buttons

Mean: by Taylor Swift

You, with your words like knives and swords and weapons that ya use against me.

You, have knocked me off my feet again, got me feelin' like I'm nothing.

You, with your voice like nails on a chock-board callin' me out when I'm wounded.

You, can take me down with just one single blow.

You, are pointing out my flaws again as if I don't already them.

I bet you got pushed around, somebody made you cold.


"You found them?" I hear his voice down the hall, Odair's standing in the doorway.

She rolls her eyes, "What do you think pretty boy," and then punches him in the arm, "your girl better not have been trying to seduce my cousin."

I clench my fits, a low growl emits from the back of my throat, I am sick and tired of people treating me like that. Like I'm nothing more than a worthless tramp!

"I'll be sure to talk to her Jo," is all he says. Then he looks over at me, and me standing there my arms crossed glowering at him with such intensity I hope he dies. "Dinner's getting cold you know, are you coming or what?"

I grudgingly stomp over to him not loosing my sour mood for a second.

As the elevator stops at the 7th floor to let them out I wave good-bye to Jack and we say we'll see each other in the morning. It's a long silent ride down to our floor. Odair has made several attempts to talk but I curtly brush him off.

When we get there I abruptly take my plate and leave for my room, slamming the door shut for a second time today.

But of course he just has to stop it before it can slam shut. He stands there leaning against the door-way the only light, coming from the hall illuminates his shadow, making him look even taller. I swear he looks almost as angry as me. He's stands there purposefully blocking my only exit in case I try to leave.

"What is the matter with you!" he shouts at me.

"You want that alphabetically or in order of agitation," I say, getting up and striding over to the window which somehow seems to have been put back together. The moonlight is bouncing off my face.

I can hear him huff behind me and the door shuts, probably so he can yell at me in privet, "Honestly Alanna you are the most frustrating tribute ever!"

I'm shocked this is the first time he's ever use my name, he must really be angry.

"Oh really," I say, my voice dripping in bitter sarcasm, "I would never have guessed."

I guess I must have pressed a button or hit a nerve because next thing I know I pinned to the wall or rather window, "What the heck is your problem you've been goin' off like a loose cannon at everything I say!"

His breath is hitting my face and it's hot, like his temper. I try to shove him off but it doesn't work.

"Well maybe if you didn't act like such a jerk I wouldn't be so angry!"

I see that dark cruel smirk on his face again as he leans in, "Hate to break it to you sweet-heart but I'm not called Panem's bad-boy for nothing. You're stuck with me so live with it."

And then he backs off I don't know why but I'm glad he does.

"Oh I'm the loose cannon am I?" I mutter, plopping down on the bed crossing my arms.

Then he glares at me and starts leave.

"Brat," I mutter loud enough for him to hear.

"What?" he stops and growls at me.

"You are!" I smirk, "you hear something you don't like so you stalk away. Real mature!"

In the flash of a second he on me, pulls me off the bed and I'm pinned to the wall again, "Shut it, you don't know what my life's like, you have no clue." His eyes are cold and his harsh words are like venom spilling from his mouth.

I can't help but feel somewhat scared by our situation, if he gets any angrier I swear he could kill me.

Before I can get a word in he put his finger on my lips shushing me, "And let me guess, you've got some pathetic back story of a sad little sailor's daughter who hopes to win the games cause her family needs the money, well here's a wake up call for you; the 'nice good girls' are always the first to go at the blood-bath!"

Somehow I get enough strength to push him off me, "My life's far from being that perfect Odair!" And now I'm shoving him back. 'But you wouldn't about that would you! Oh no, my mistake. It must be so hard to be the hottest guy in Panem and have girls throw themselves at you! And getting whatever your little heart desires when ever you want? Yeah that is tough my mistake!"

I pick up the knife on my plate and throw at the wall, "You know what go! I'm sick and tired of you messin' with my mind anyway." I sink to the floor picking at the carpet, "besides her highness is probably waitin' out there for you, better not keep her waiting."

Then I realize, oh no! I said that out loud.

"So that's what this is all about," he says, with that stupid smug smirk then bends down in front of me, "Seashell if you were that jealous you could have just said somethin'"

"I am not jealous!" I hiss through clench teeth, I just know my cheeks are burning up.

He rolls his eyes, "Oh sure you're not," and then he has his arm around me, whispering into my ear, "don't worry, I won't tell anyone you're in love with me, it can be our little secret."

"For the hundredth time I am not in love with you!" I shriek whisper, glaring into those cocky green eyes that somehow seem to glow in the dark.

He's leaning in now, his lips dangerously close to mine as he says, "We'll see about that."

Then he winks and gets up heading to the door and turns on the light, "See you in the morning Seashell."

I roll my eyes; that guy can sure push my buttons sometimes.