That was it.

In less than 10 minutes I would be in the arena...

I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins already. It was the only thing that kept my body from completely paralyzing. My heart was beating fast, faster than I had ever felt it beating, and my hands were sweating. Damn, I couldn't stand this feeling of anticipation.

"Mia." Finnick's voice reached me. He was already in the room. When did he open the door? I was so focused in my own thoughts that I didn't even hear him approaching.

"Finnick." was all I could say.

"I don't like the way you wear your hair." his comment really got me by surprise. I expected some words of consolation or encouragement, the things most people would say. But Finnick seemed to know exactly what I needed. To be surprised. To forget, even for some minutes, what made my heart race and chest hurt.

"What do you mean?" I asked full of questions. My bun wasn't something special, it was just a way to keep the hair of my face.

"We are from District 4. We sail the sea, we weave nets and we bread hair. A simple bun is no way for a girl from District 4 to wear her hair." he said simply.

"So, may I bread your hair?" his offer was simple.

"Yes, you may bread my hair." and it was simple for me to accept. His was very quick and skillful and I felt that not a single strand of my long and curly hair escaped as he braided a firm, french braid. It took him less than 5 minutes, but it was perfect.

"Here. That's better." he commented on his work.

"Thanks..." I was grateful beyond words for his simple gesture of support.

"Are you still wearing your pearl?" he asked.

"Of course." I showed him the pearl I was wearing around my right hand. There was no way I could have removed it.

"Great. I hope it reminds you that you are not alone. You never are. I will be watching you every single moment. Me, Mags, Annie, your family... Our thoughts and prayers are with you, ok?"

No, I shouldn't cry... But still I felt tears in my eyes, hanging on my eyelashes and sliding onto my cheeks. I wasn't alone. All these people would be there for me all along, no matter how far away from the arena they were. I wasn't gonna let them down. I couldn't.

"You have the oceans in your eyes. You'll make it through this alive. I know it, Mia." he whispered as he embraced me and dried my tears.

"Thanks Finnick. Thank you for everything." I whispered as I let him go and backed away from his arms. They felt warm and safe, but I had to.

I couldn't let my guard down. Not now.

Cause the time had come.

I was aware of the danger that awaited.

And I was finally ready to face it.