Chapter 10-Surprise!

Warm rays of light shining on Annie's face woke her up from the most restful sleep she had experienced in years. Her thoughts were fuzzy and her movements were slow as she pushed the covers off and slung her feet over the side of the bed. After rubbing her eyes for a few moments, Annie looked around and took in her surroundings.

Almost immediately, Annie remembered that she was staying at Mags' house because had been attacked by Dominic and his friends. She also remembered that today was Milo's birthday and she hadn't even remotely finished getting ready for his party because Finnick had drugged her with some sleeping serum. Fear raced through her because, based off the position of the light coming through the window, it was past noon. That didn't give her any time! She jumped up and ran for the door. At that moment, however, Finnick opened the door with a smile on his face.

"I thought I heard you stirring in here."

"Finnick! What the hell! Why did you—"

He threw something at her. It was a light blue dress.

"After you shower, put that on and come downstairs." He started to leave the room.

Annie was extremely confused. "Finnick, wait!"

He turned around.

"What is going on?" she wondered.

"Trust me."

"But the party…"

"Trust me." He flashed her one final smile before shutting the door.

Although Annie wanted to double check everything and make sure that Finnick had truly handled Milo's party, she knew that he had definitely earned her trust with his actions last night. Therefore, she let go of all of her cynicism and distrust and just went into the bathroom that adjoined her room.

While the warm water poured over her naked back, Annie could have sworn that nothing in her life had ever felt as good. She began feeling better and better as the mud that caked her hair and body slowly went down the drain. She scrubbed her body gently, careful to avoid the bandages.

When she got out of the shower, Annie wrapped herself in a thick towel and looked at herself in the mirror. Even though she only had a few cuts on her face and a giant bandage on her head, Annie barely recognized herself. Something had definitely changed about her. She wasn't the same naïve person that she had been the day before.

After she dried her body and her hair, Annie slipped into the dress that Finnick had given her. It was beautiful, and the skirt flowed to halfway down her calf. The material was soft on her skin. It felt like water falling over legs.

When Annie finished putting her long hair in a loose bun, she took one final look at herself in the mirror before opening the door and going downstairs. Before she even reached the staircase, she heard numerous voices coming from downstairs. As she got closer, she even recognized some of them.

The first person to notice Annie coming down the stairs was Milo. He rushed over to her, a giant smile on his round face.

"Annie! Thank you so much! This is the bestest birthday party that I ever had! And look what Finnick got me!" He indicated a small gold trident pinned to his shirt.

"What is that?" Annie wondered.

"It's a limited edition token collectible from when Finnick was in the games! No one else has it! My friends are so jealous!"

"Well that's wonderful, Milo."

"Yeah it is! Now, I have to go play with my friends Annie. I hope you don't mind. I love you."

He hugged her tightly before running off after some of the neighborhood boys.

Once Milo left her sight, Annie took in the entirety of her surroundings. The decorations that adorned the walls, ceiling, and counters were absolutely perfect. They were differing shades of blue and red, which were Milo's favorite colors.

In the middle of the large living room was a table of delicious looking food. Annie had never seen some of the dishes before, so she assumed they were from the Capitol. Everything about the party was infinitely better than what she could have done. Tears of joy and gratitude began to form in her eyes. She definitely needed to find Finnick and Mags, so that she could thank them.

Before she had a chance to look, however, her mom came over to her with a concerned look on her face.

"Annie, I wish you would've come home last night. You had me worried sick! Finnick explained everything but that doesn't excuse you." She reached her hand to touch the bandage on Annie's head. "Oh Annie, are you alright?"

Finnick hadn't informed her of what exactly he had told her mother about the events of "last night", therefore, she didn't really know how to respond.

"Um, yes I'm all right. Sorry for asking, but I'm still a little fuzzy from this injury. What exactly did Finnick tell you happened last night?"

"Oh, I understand dear. He told me that you accidentally tripped on the way home and hit your head. He said he just happened to walk by and find you. Then he brought you back here so that Mags could bandage your wounds. That was when he made the suggestion that he should plan the rest of the party and hold it here while you rested."

Annie's silence caused Adelaide to become skeptical.

"Is that not what happened?" she inquired.

"Yes! That is exactly what happened." Annie avoided eye contact with her mother. "It's all coming back to me now."

Annie was a terrible liar, but Adelaide must have been too preoccupied with the festivities to even notice.

Adelaide smiled. "Even though it was extremely rude to change the party spot at the last minute, I think this day is a success."

"Thank you. But I think you mostly have Mags and Finnick to thank for it. Do you know where I could find either of them?" Annie questioned, fiddling her thumbs nervously.

"I think Finnick went out front to set up some games. I haven't seen Mags."

"Thank you." Annie kissed her mother lightly on the cheek and headed out the front door.

Finnick was exactly where her mother had indicated. He was standing out in the hot sun setting up various games and other outdoor activities. He wasn't even enjoying the party himself because he was too busy making it perfect for Milo.

"Hey! Odair!"

Finnick looked up just as Annie jumped off the porch and ran to him. When she got to him, he caught her in his arms and lifted her a few feet off the ground. Once her feet were back on solid ground, she stood up on her tip toes and kissed him softly on the lips.

When they broke apart, Finnick looked confused.

"I thought you said we couldn't kiss anymore."

Annie couldn't look him in the eye. "That is the last time, I promise. It's just that…well…you deserved it."

"I deserved it? Why?"

"This party, Finnick. It's wonderful. Milo will probably remember this for the rest of his life. I could never thank you enough or pay you back."

Finnick's manner suddenly became serious. "Annie, you don't need to pay me back. I didn't do this because I wanted something in return. I did this for you because well…I—"

He was suddenly interrupted by Naomi running up and throwing herself on Annie. They both nearly tumbled over from the impact.

"Annie! My wonderful and beautiful and understanding best friend! Please don't be upset that I'm late."

Annie broke away from Naomi and straightened her dress, saying nothing.

Naomi continued in a breathless voice. "I woke up late and then the party location changed and I just…" She trailed off and stared at the bandage on Annie's head. "What happened to your head Annie? Are you alright?"

"It's nothing. I tripped." She shot a glance at Finnick, to let him know that she knew the story he had made up for the events of the previous night. "And I'm not upset, Naomi. I'm sure Milo hasn't even noticed."

Naomi seemed relieved at first, but then she suddenly became self-conscious.

"I didn't interrupt anything, did I?" Naomi's eyes darted between Finnick and Annie.

Annie's face went red. "No. We were just talking."

She wasn't convinced. "Oh, alright. Sure."

"How was the party?" Annie asked, attempting to change the subject.

"It was okay. I wish you'd been there though." Her eyes suddenly went wide. "Oh I didn't tell you!"

"What?"

"Someone beat the shit out of Dominic. They like broke his arm and everything. He was walking away from your house when I ran in to him."

Finnick was suddenly interested in their conversation.

"Why was he at Annie's house?" Finnick wondered

"I'm not sure."

"Well, did he say who had hurt him?" he asked, a little too eagerly.

Naomi looked at him suspiciously. "No, he didn't. But now I think I know who did."

Finnick's face was expressionless. "I don't know what you mean."

"You know exactly what I mean, Finnick Odair! You beat up the mayor's son! I can't believe you. And I'll bet it was only because he hit on Annie!" She poked him in the chest with her index finger. "That was uncalled for, buddy! You should be ashamed of yourself!"

"Naomi! Calm down!" Annie pulled her away from Finnick.

"No! You didn't see Dominic, he was in major pain. He didn't stand a chance against a Victor! And I—"

"He attacked me!" Annie interjected.

The color drained from Naomi's face. "What?"

"Dominic and his friends attacked me last night while I was walking home. Finnick saved me."

Naomi couldn't speak.

Annie got close to her. "You can't say anything. Only the three of us know."

"But..but…"

"But nothing, Naomi. Promise me you won't tell, okay!" Annie's face was only inches from Naomi's.

"I promise," she whispered.

"Good. Now go inside and wish Milo a happy birthday. Try to smile and act like nothing is wrong, okay?"

"Yeah."

Annie had never seen Naomi at such a loss for words. Without another sound from anyone, Naomi turned and headed toward the front door of Mag's house. Before going inside, however, she turned around and looked at Annie with sad eyes.

"I'm sorry."

Annie nodded her head. "I am too."

Once Naomi was inside, Finnick turned to Annie. "Are you alright?"

"I will be, I think. It might just take some time." She admitted.

He placed his hand gently on her cheek. "I will be here if you need me. I promise."

She smiled and laid her hand over his. "I know."

The sound of someone letting out a forced cough caused Annie to pull away from Finnick's touch. For a moment she feared it was her mother. It was much worse.

Dominic stood in front of them with his arm in a sling and a pained expression on his face.

Annie grabbed for Finnick, but it was already too late. He lunged for Dominic, his hand going right for his throat. "What the hell are you doing here? I thought I made it very clear last night that you were to stay away from her."

"Finnick! Stop!" Annie ordered, pulling at his arm, which was still tightly around Dominic's throat.

"Please…I…" Dominic choked on his words.

"Finnick, let him go! I want to talk to him."

"No, he doesn't get a second chance." Finnick growled, tightening his grip.

"Finnick!"

The desperation in Annie's voice stayed Finnick's hand and kept him from breaking Dominic's neck.

"Please." She begged.

Finnick let go of Dominic's throat and backed away from him. He brought his hands to his sides and clenched his fists.

"I want to speak with him." Annie said, unable to look Finnick in the eye. "Alone."

"No."

"Yes." Annie protested, turning to him. "Leave us for a moment."

Finnick shook his head. "I won't leave you, but I'll stand a few feet away."

Annie didn't argue with him, because she honestly felt safer with him near.

After Finnick took a few steps back, Annie approached Dominic who was clutching his throat with his free hand.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

"Yes, I am." After a few moments, "Are you?"

Annie nodded her head but didn't say anything.

"Annie, I'm sorry." He took a step towards her.

She backed away. "Don't."

"Look, I know how you must feel about me but I just have to say that I wasn't myself last night and…"

He trailed off when he noticed that Annie's face began to contort with rage.

"Annie?"

"I can't believe," she began, "That after everything that happened last night, you are trying to make excuses."

"I'm not trying to make excuses, I'm just trying to—"

"Stop. Just stop. I accept your apology but I need you to know one thing. If you ever come near me again, I will tell everyone what happened last night." She turned away from him.

He grabbed her upper arm. "Annie, wait."

She turned on him quickly, punching him square in his already bruised nose.

He cried out in pain, letting go of her arm and bending over.

"Stay away from me!" She ordered. "You were just going to watch while he…while he…" Annie couldn't go on.

Dominic gave her a pitiful look while he held his bloody nose.

"You're a monster, Dominic. Just leave now."

He was about to say something else.

"NOW!"

Dominic looked at Annie one more time before running out of Victor's Village.

She watched him until he had disappeared completely from her view.

After a moment she felt Finnick's hand on her shoulder.

"I think you should go inside and spend time with your family." He offered.

"Are you coming?"

"Yes, after I finish up out here."

She turned around to face him. "I want to stay with you."

He couldn't argue with that.