Chapter 24

Those words of Haymitch caused a spark inside me. But instead of rushing to put it out like I always did when seemingly " crazy" ideas like this entered my mind, I let it be. And it grew every day, eventually lighting into a fire blazing mightily inside my heart. I wanted to rebel more than anything. I wanted with my life to see Snow's blood on my hands. And, for the first time in forever, the thought was a possibility. Because I wasn't alone in my desires. Katniss' victory had caused unrest. The Capitol and she herself tried to show that two had won because if their undying love, but the districts were not so easily fooled. Especially when they were looking for an opportunity to fight back. Secret schemes were brewing, and people were plotting against the Capitol. Some even had the audacity to uprise. People within the Capitol themselves were in on the plan as they, despite having lived there for their whole lives, were dissatisfied with the situation. Mentors like me, Haymitch, Beetee and Johanna were involved. Ideas took shape and a general plan was laid out. After the assassination of last year's Head Gamemaker, Plutarch Heavensbee filled his place. He turned out to be part of a secret rebel organization force, and the third Quarter Quell was apparently going to be planned carefully with a twist of rebellion to it. I was not let in on all the plans, just tidbits, as my fellow mentors were. We were told tiny bits and pieces for fear of word getting out. So far, there was no danger. With Katniss' engagement and preparation for the 75th Games, the Capitol was very busy. Before I left for home, I, along with some of my fellow mentors, were told that these Games would be different, and our assistance would be required. I puzzled over this on my journey to District 4. On my way to Annie's house, I realized that I had been spending less time with Annie ever since I heard about the rebellion. Guilt threatened to choke me, because I had promised to stay with her, and more than that, I needed to look after her. It was my duty, and she came before everything else. Even the rebellion. So I decided to treat her. I backed away from the front door of Annie's house, and sped to mine instead. Dropping off my things, I got to work. Since I had been at Annie's house for most of the time, the furniture was gathering dust. I did my best to clean everything. When I entered my room, I flung myself onto my bed and inhaled the scent of it for a moment. I had forgotten how much I missed this place. I softly touched my family's picture, wishing that my hand could reach through the glass and feel their skin. But the thought of decorating the place for Annie distracted me, and I hurriedly started to work. After an hour, I stepped back to admire my work. The room was as spotless as I could make it, and flowers sat in vases, hung from the windows, and spiraled around the main light. A bright banner reading: Welcome home, Angelfish! hung from one corner of my bedroom to the other. The curtains had been pulled back to reveal sunshine that lit up the whole room, and a jug of orange juice lay next to two cups and a plate of cookies on my table. The wardrobe doors were open, revealing my clothes and some if Annie's that she had dropped off at my house in case she needed to stay. Right above the bed, I had placed a photo of me and her at the beach, lounging on the sand and sticking our tongues out. Losing no time to be proud, I dashed to Annie's house. As soon as she opened the door, I hoisted her up and carried her down the road to my house. She squealed and giggled the whole way, and when we entered my house, I set her down. She turned to me hands on her hips, but I gently set my hand over her eyes. "It's a surprise for you, " I said, as I guided her up the stairs. Pushing the door of my room open, I lowered my hand from Annie's face. She gasped as she looked around the room. I saw her eyes take in everything, from the flowers to the chocolate chips on the cookies. When they finally settled on me, she didn't hesitate before pressing her lips to mine. They conveyed gratitude and happiness, and when we drew away, she said," So I'm living with you now." I grinned as I replied,"Yeah. You better like this place, cause you're staying here no matter what." Annie laughed lightly as she replied," You've given me no reason to dislike you." The days passed like that, with me spending time with Annie, and trying to contact the rebels secretly at the same time. I was not permitted to tell Annie anything, even though I was burning to. The head rebels had said that she might somehow leak the news out. I was angry at them, but knew they were right, so I kept quiet. Annie was too intelligent not to recognize that I was keeping something from her. She kept pestering me, trying to force the truth out, but I insisted it was nothing. Eventually, she gave up, but she had come to the conclusion that I was plotting against the Capitol. This terrified her, and she begged me to stop, but she knew it wouldn't work. So she tried to spend more time with me, and grow closer. I responded with enthusiasm, and spent the days enjoying with my Angelfish. One day when we were curled up on the couch, Annie muttered against my shoulder," Finn?" I grunted in response, and she spoke," Promise me that whatever happens we'll stay together." I lifted my head and looked her in the eyes, saying with all the faith I could muster," I promise, Angelfish. And Finnick Odair never breaks his promises, especially when he makes then to a girl." I waggled my eyebrows suggestively at the last sentence, and Annie laughed, saying," I should hope not." That night, ad Annie fell asleep on my chest, I thought that what I had said to Annie was probably one of the truest things Is had said in my life. Because I knew that even a rebellion and a war couldn't keep us apart .