Finnick left for the hospital as soon as he was showered and dressed. He snuck by the receptionist with the purple eyelashes and neon pink lips and hurried down the hall. When he got to Celeste's room he stood outside the closed door for a bit trying to decide if he should knock or not. He couldn't hear anyone speaking.

Finally he knocked quietly. There was no response so he opened the door without a sound. Celeste lay snuggled under the blanket sleeping soundly on her bed. Finnick sat down in the chair next to her bed and watched her sleep. He leaned over to brush a wisp of hair out of her face. She stirred a little but didn't open her eyes.

Finnick slumped back into the chair. He felt his body relax into the cushions. He was very tired, as he had not slept at all last night. The capitol woman he had been with had kept him quite busy. He shuddered at the thought of the activities they had done.

His head bobbed three times each time causing him to jolt awake. Then he noticed for the first time that there was another bed in the room. Finnick walked over and sat on the bed trying it out. For a hospital bed it was not too bad. He laid down resting his head on the fluffy pillow and closed his eyes figuring that even if he did fall asleep he was a light sleeper.

Usually he would wake up at any little sound. All those nights of being with capitol women had caused his body to be very sensitive to sound and movement. He was usually grateful for this, except that Annie moved around a lot in her sleep because of nightmares so sometimes Finnick relied on sleeping during the day while Annie was with Mags or Melanie. Soon he had drifted off to sleep.

Celeste rolled over and squinted at the clock. It was nearly 11 o'clock. She sighed as she hoped Finnick would have been here by now. She was trying to decide what to do to occupy her time when she heard a soft snore come from her left. She looked over and smiled when she saw Finnick sleeping in the bed next to her. He looked so young and peaceful. Celeste lay back down and watched him sleep. She figured he must be tired as he spent his nights in the capitol doing who knows what.

Tears came to her eyes as she was reminded of how she enjoyed watching Matthew sleep on the couch when he fell asleep after work. Usually Oceana was lying on his chest as she always commanded his attention as soon as he walked in the door. She couldn't stop the tear from falling down her cheek. She missed her family so much. If only they could be here with her. Matthew would surely be home soon, which meant she could leave this place. Gavin had been a good friend and doctor and of course the nurses were kind, but it was not the same as having family around.

She tried to stifle the little sob that escaped her lips. She watched as Finnick moved a bit, then opened his eyes. He looked at her as his mind cleared of the fogginess of sleep. When it registered that Celeste was crying he sat up and came over. "Celeste, what's wrong? Are you hurting?"

"No," she whispered as another tear escaped and she wiped it with the back of her hand.

"Did you have a bad dream?"

She shook her head. "I…I was just thinking about Matthew and Oceana," she managed to say before gasping out a few ragged breaths. "I just miss them so much."

Finnick brushed the hair from her face. "It's okay. You'll be out soon," he smiled.

"I'm…I'm sorry I woke you," she choked out.

"No, don't be sorry. I didn't come to nap. I came to see you."

"But you always look so worn out."

Finnick shrugged, "I'll rest when I get home."

"When do you go home?"

"I still have another week."

"Oh," Celeste stifled a yawn.

"Are you still tired? I can leave so you can rest if you like," he pulled the covers up to her chin and rubbed her arm. "That medicine seems to really take its toll."

"I don't want you to go," Celeste blurted out as her bottom lip began to quiver.

"No, no, don't cry again."

"I just get so lonely."

"Do you want me to lie with you?" She nodded and scooted over. Finnick carefully lay down beside her and pulled her close wrapping his arms securely around her. Celeste rested her head on Finnick's chest.

Soon Finnick could hear her breathing deeply. What could he do? Could he get Matthew's parents to bring Oceana? Would they even let them in the hospital? These thoughts swam in his mind as he lay there looking at the ceiling listening to Celeste's soft breathing. He completely understood how lonely she must feel. He often felt that same loneliness when he was alone in his room at the training center. As his eyes closed he thought of a plan. Maybe he could work a little of his Odair charm. Besides what good did his charisma do if he couldn't work the system a little?

Celeste woke later. She was curled up on the edge of the bed. When she flipped over, she was startled and let out a little gasp. She quickly covered her mouth.

She had completely forgotten about Finnick being there. He must have been very tired, as he didn't move. He was sleeping with his hands clasped behind his head. Celeste smiled as she pulled her hands in close and watched him. Her eyes traveled slowly down his broad shoulders, over his muscular chest, to his chiseled abs that were showing as his shirt was slightly raised.

She bit down on her lip when she noticed the long red scratches on his hips that ran parallel to the top of his jeans. "Poor Finnick," she whispered. "What have they done to you?" Without thinking she reached down and softly ran the tip of her finger over one scratch.

"Hey, no touching the goods." Celeste jerked her hand back and turned her face, looking up through her long lashes to see Finnick's green eyes watching her. His face was serious but a smiled pulled at the sides of his mouth but it didn't reach his eyes, "I'm kidding."

Her gaze stayed on him but Celeste just looked at him as her expression changed from surprise to sadness. Her eyes returned to the scratches. "Do they hurt?" she whispered.

"No," he said reaching down to trace one of the scratches as if examining them for the first time. "You can touch my goods anytime," he used his seductive voice, trying to distract her.

She shook her head and rolled her eyes as she cautiously reached down and ran her finger along one scratch. Her voice caught in her throat. "Remember, I'm a married woman, Mr. Odair," and she tried to smile.

"Oh really," he said playfully, "Does that make a difference?"

Her eyes turned more serious, "Probably not to most, but to me it does," she said softly.

Finnick lifted her chin so their eyes met. "You are one of the few capitol women I have not been able to seduce. I like that it matters to you."

She met his gaze, but then turned to lay her head on his chest. She let her arm lie across his chest as she closed her eyes. She could hear the beat of his heart as they lay in silence.

When Julian came in she found them both sleeping peacefully. She badly wanted to leave them alone but knew Celeste would need her medicine. "Celeste," she called lightly and touched her elbow.

Celeste turned and opened her violet eyes. She sat up and smiled at first but then her countenance fell, as she knew why Julian was here. She gently shook Finnick awake.

"Hmm," Finnick mumbled as he opened his eyes and sat up.

"I have to take my medicine," Celeste whispered.

Finnick blinked and rubbed his hand across his face with a confused look. He looked at Julian who stood beside the bed. She held up the syringe and gave both of them a sympathetic look. "Oooh," Finnick said as what was going on finally sank in. Celeste nodded her head.

"Will you stay with me?" she asked her voice barely audible.

"Of course," he nodded.

"Are you ready?" Julian asked. Celeste entwined her arm in Finnick's then reached down for Finnick's hand then nodded. Finnick entwined her fingers in his as Julian expertly injected the medicine then smoothly removed the syringe from Celeste's arm. "Dr. Matix will be in to check on you," she patted her leg.

When Julian left Celeste leaned against Finnick's side. He felt her body tense as she readied herself for the pain. "Maybe if you think of something else it won't hurt as bad."

"Like what?" Finnick shrugged. "Can you tell me about your childhood, before your games?"

Finnick thought for a moment. "How about the day I was saved by a dolphin."

"That sounds like a good story."

When Finnick didn't answer Celeste glanced up at him. Finnick stared at the wall as the memories came pouring into his mind that he had stored away long ago. He jumped slightly when he felt Celeste tighten her grip. When he looked down, he saw the pleading look in her eyes.

"I was 10 and I stood on the deck of our fishing boat. Dad and I were anchored deep in the harbor away from the other boats. Dad sat moping by the railing. My mother had left us about four months ago, but I still thought she would return someday.

I glared at him as he took another swig of the cheap wine. We had not had a decent catch in nearly three months. Our nets were full of holes because my dad was too drunk to mend them. I did the best I could but I was too young to know how to do it.

All of a sudden the boat jerked. It was almost enough to knock me over. 'Check the nets,' my dad slurred."

Finnick stopped when he heard a quiet sob come from Celeste. He looked at her. Her face was turned into his shoulder and a few tears stained her checks. She looked up into his eyes, "Please, tell me more," she clenched his hand then released, "It helps some." Finnick reached over to wipe the tears from her check then continued.

"I knew the nets had snagged on some rocks. They did that often so I removed my shirt and dived into the water. My arms and legs worked hard to propel me down to the ocean floor.

In the darkness it took a while to find the net. I followed it to the point where it was stuck. I gave the net a hard jerk but could not free it. The current had pulled the boat, lodging the net tightly between the two rocks. My lungs began to hurt and I knew I had to get air soon. I tugged hard on the net again but still it would not budge. I swam to the surface taking a deep breath.

'You didn't get it,' snorts my dad.

'I know. I need to cut it free.'

'That will ruin the net.'

'It's ruined anyways,' I half yelled as I climbed up the ladder of the boat. I started to head for the knife lying on the deck when my dad jerked me backwards.

'You're not cutting it,' he hissed, 'Get back in the water and don't come up until it's freed.' Even though he was drunk he was still three times my size. He easily picked me up and tossed me back in the water.

I manage to hold my breath as I sank beneath the surface. I swam down once more to the rocks where the net was imprisoned even though I knew I could not remove it. I pulled as hard as I could as I felt the net dig into my fingers. I kept pulling even as I saw the tiny red cloud of blood.

I didn't stop until I felt something brush against my back. I turned startled to see a gray reef shark glide past me. I knew the smell of my blood had attracted it, so I tried to swim to the surface.

My arms were weak from pulling and my lungs burned from lack of air. My mind began to go fuzzy even as I saw the shark gliding toward me. I flailed my arms, but knew I was about to pass out. Just as everything was going black, I felt something pull on the waist of my pants.

When I came to, I was floating on the water. I lifted my head and felt something smooth and almost rubbery pressing against my chest. I looked over to see a fin that I recognized. I had heard stories of sailors being saved by dolphins, but had rarely seen them in our harbor.

When I ran my hand down its side, it started squeaking at me. I looked around and found I was only a few feet from the boat. I reached out a shaky hand and tried to grab the ladder. The dolphin swam closer. I climbed clumsily up feeling the dolphin nudge me with its nose.

Once on deck, I lay motionless as my body relaxed. Finally I sat up and saw my dad passed out on the deck. I never saw the dolphin again."

As Finnick finished the story he looked over to Celeste. She had let go of his hand at some point in the story. She was leaning against him with her eyes barely open. She gazed up at him with a slight smile. "Thank you for the wonderful story."

"You're welcome," he smiled back and leaned his head on hers.

After a short time he slid out of the bed. "Rest," he whispered as she slumped down at the top of the bed and closed her eyes.

Finnick waited until he knew she was asleep before slipping out the door. He sauntered down to the receptionist's desk to where the purple eyelashes lady sat. She blushed when she looked up at him. "What can I do for you, Mr. Odair?"

"I have a favor to ask of you." Her strangely plucked brows rose as Finnick continued to speak.

Finnick returned to Celeste's room to find Dr. Matix at her bedside. He was listening to her heartbeat as he talked with her. "Hi, Finnick," Celeste beamed.

Finnick smiled back, "Did you sleep well?"

Celeste nodded. "Gavin says I won't need any more treatments and that I can go home when Matthew returns."

"Good."

When the doctor was done he turned to leave. "Can I speak with you in the hall?" Finnick asked following the doctor.

He returned after a few minutes pushing a wheel chair. "What is that for?" Celeste questioned.

"You."

Celeste raised her brows, "Why?"

"I'm taking you someplace."

"I can walk," Celeste said standing on shaky legs, but quickly had to sit back down. "It has been a while since I got out of bed."

"See, that's why I got this." Finnick pushed the wheelchair right next to the bed. Celeste kept her eyes on him as she settled herself in the chair. Finnick pulled the blanket off the bed and laid it across her legs.

Celeste placed her hands in her lap, "So where are we going?"

"You'll see," Finnick winked, then turned to open the door. He wheeled her down the hall to the front lobby. The receptionist jumped up from her desk and opened the front door. "Thank you," Finnick grinned at her as they walked through. The lady blushed and batted her lashes.

Finnick pushed the wheelchair over to a bench just outside the door then sat down. "Why are we sitting out here?"

"Just wait."

Celeste's eyes darted around at the people passing by. She was glad for the blanket to cover her legs as she was only wearing the paper-thin hospital gown. She was soon lost in thought as she gazed up at the floating clouds in the sky.

She didn't even notice the car pulling up and people getting out until she heard a baby cry. Her head jerked to attention as she recognized the cries. Only a few feet away stood Matthew's mom with a blanket in her arms.

Celeste's eyes grew larger as the smile on her face widened. "Oceana," she whispered.

"Hello, Celeste," Matthew's mom said smiling. "Finnick called me and asked me to bring her to see you." She gently laid Oceana in her arms. Celeste pulled her in close and lovingly looked at her. "I have some errands to do. I'll be back in an hour."

Finnick nodded as Celeste was consumed by her daughter's presence. As Finnick looked over at her he saw tears gliding down her cheeks. "Is something wrong?"

"No," she gasped out, "I'm just so happy to see her." She wiped her cheeks with her free hand then giggled as Oceana smiled up at her. "My dear sweet daughter," she whispered stroking her soft chubby cheeks. Oceana yawned and soon fell asleep. Still grinning from ear to ear, Celeste looked into Finnick's green eyes. "Thank you so much. This is the best thing someone has ever done for me."

Finnick's eyes twinkled, "I doubt that, but you're welcome."

"How did you ever pull this off?"

"I have my ways."

"Do I want to know?"

"I just had to kiss some neon pink lips. It could have been worse."

After Matthew's mom came to take Oceana home, Finnick rolled Celeste back toward her room. The receptionist winked and waved at them as they passed by.

Celeste turned in the chair gaping up at Finnick, "Are those the pink lips?"

Finnick nodded. Celeste turned back around and shook her head in feigned disgust. "You got to do what you got to do," Finnick spoke as he kept walking.

When Celeste was back in bed, she hugged Finnick. "Thank you for everything," she choked out as tears pricked at her eyes.

"It's the least I could do to repay all your kindness," he whispered, "Besides as a special person I know once said, 'That's what friends do.'"

"Who said that?"

"You when you washed my back."

"Oh," Celeste shrugged her shoulders like it had been no big deal.

"I have to go and get ready for tonight," Finnick said as he stood up. "But I'll come back tomorrow."

"Okay."

Finnick waved and headed out the door. Celeste settled into her bed and pulled out one of the magazines Julian had left for her to read.

Yeah for good friends! Please review and tell me what you think.