Meet me down by the sea
Disclaimer: I own nothing, Suzanne Collins wrote the book. It just inspired me.
Chapter 11
ANNIES POV
The odds were definitely against me. They have been for some time now. After Mama passed I had to live at the girls orphanage. I sold nets to buy what I needed. Times did get rough and I had to put my name in a few times. Doesn't surprise me that my name was picked.
I'm only saddened at who my tribute partner was. Tomas Wade. Corals old crush. He was a sweet kid. Only 16 but he could win this. I'm hoping he does.
"How are your parent taking it?" I ask as we wait to be escorted out of the Justice Building.
"Well mom was crying of course. Dad, he teared up a bit but said he thought I could win this."
"You can and you will."
"You could win too Annie."
"Lil old me? Yeah right."
"I've seen you spear, you're great. Plus your nets could come in handy"
"I'm gunna get you out of that arena Tomas. You have a lot more to live for."
They escort us out of the Justice building. We pass Finnick and Mags. And I finally look at him, really look at him. The look he gives me surprised me. It was full of hurt, sadness and fear. Nothing like the last time I saw him.
The four of us and Izadora were then driven to the train station. It was a very uncomfortable drive. Mags did her best to lighten the mood. Izadora chatted away.
Once on the train Tomas decided to get some rest.
Mag and I talked game strategy right off the bat.
"We know nets, swimming, and spearing are your strengths. I want you to brush up on editable plants, creating shelters, and I want you to practice your combat skills." She tells me.
"Should I keep my skills a secret?"
"Everything is best kept a secret." Finnick say as he enter the room.
"He's right. Its better kept secret until your private session." Mags confirms.
"Okay I'll do that."
Finnick takes a seat next to Mags. It's hard to not look at him.
I will admit, he's gotten even more handsome over the years. That boyish round face gone. Now a chiseled face of a man. But hair still that lovely copper color. And eyes. Oh no. No, I have to look away.
"I think I'll get some rest too now."
"You do that dear." Mags says as I walk to my resting quarters.
I lay down for a bit but actual rest escapes me. I was doing my best to be calm about all this. But deep down I was scared.
A knock at the door startles me. I wonder who that could be. I say sarcastically to myself.
I answer the door and low an behold. It's Finnick. Behind that gorgeous face was pure nerves.
"h..Hey Annie."
"Hello Finnick."
We stand there staring at one another. It had been so long since we stood together alone face to face.
I waited for him to speak.
"It...it's been a long time."
I take a deep breath.
"It has."
"Listen Annie, I...I want to apologize for everything."
"Everything?" I question.
"For how I acted all those years ago,"
The memory I buried away came back to me hard. My eyes begin to water.
He continues.
"For how much I missed, for not being there when your mom past, for not beings able to help."
His eyes are full of sincerity.
"You were young Finn, a victor and you found a new, more exciting life in the capital. Moms passing was rough, but I pressed on like I always do. And it's not your responsibility to help me. I took care of myself."
"Annie, I'm just sorry. So sorry. Please forgive me or at least tolerate me these next few days." He pleads to me.
"I've grown up a lot in these last five years Finn, I forgave you a long time ago."
His eyes were filled with unshed tears.
"I'm gunna train you as best as I can Annie, you're walking out of that arena." He vows.
I shake my head.
"I'm no Victor Finn. Just keep me alive long enough to help Tomas as much as I can. He's the one that has to win."
"What?" He asks shocked.
"He has a family waiting for him back home and so much more life to live. Help him."
I push him out the doorway and close the door.
Time to get some rest.
FINNICKS POV
Help him? Is she insane?
My priority is her. I need her to walk out of that arena. If I lose Annie.
I didn't even want to think about it. The thought alone made me sick. But it was a harsh possibility wasn't it? I tried to sleep but woke up in the middle of the night hungry.
I walked into the kitchen/ dinning cart.
I grabbed an apple. I walked the halls as I ate. When I tossed the apple core away I saw her.
Dark hair cascading down her back as she watched out the window in the sitting area. A light rain began that night.
"Up late I see." She says seeing me in the windows reflection.
"So are you." I reply walking closer.
"Can't sleep." She says turning to me.
"Yeah me either." I said.
"I though you'd be used this by now."
"Well, This year is turning out a bit different then other years."
She nods.
"Mind if I sit?" I ask.
"Not at all."
I sit next to her an arms length away.
"Why can't you sleep?" I ask.
"Got a lot on my mind, can't seam to shut it off."
"First nights the hardest. It was for me too."
"I guess. I just miss the sea right now."
"You could always change the setting to the sea in your room once we get to the capital." I suggest.
"It's not the same. I'll be able to tell the difference."
"You got me there." I agreed.
Then it hit me.
I reach down around my ankle and unwrap her necklace from it. I've always had it on me in some way.
I hold it in my hand conflicted if I should try giving it back.
Here goes.
"You may not want this but, here. A little bit of the sea. And if you'd like, your token for the games. " I say holding it out to her.
She looks down to my palm. Her eyes go wide before coming up to meet mine.
"Is that my..."
"Yes."
She hesitantly reaches out and takes it from my hand.
She examines it in her hands, thumbing the pearl.
"I didn't think you'd still have this." She whispers.
"I always have it on me."
She looks back at me.
"Always?" She asks stunned.
"Always."
We're staring at one another. The stern look she's had in her eyes this whole time dulls and I can see a faint sign on my Annie.
Her eyes begin to water. She blinks rapidly trying to get rid of them but it's no use. Her tears fall.
"I...ummm." She whipped them away quickly.
"Thank you Finnick." She says hiding behind a veil of black hair. I bravely scoot closer and reach out to tuck it behind her ear.
Her tears never stopped.
"Hey, please don't cry Annie."
"I'm sorry, I just."
"You don't have to apologize."
She looks up at me. I whip away her tears. All I want to do is kiss her. Make this all go away and just have it be the two of us again.
But I don't deserve her. And I don't want to hurt her anymore.
I pull away. Sitting a bit farther.
"You should try to get some sleep. You're gunna need your energy tomorrow." I tell her.
"Yeah, you're right." She stands. And walks a few steps away before turning to me.
"Finn?"
"Yeah?"
"This meant a lot," she says clutching the necklace to her chest.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome"
"Good night." She say as she heads down the hall.
ANNIES POV
I don't know how to feel right now. He kept my necklace, he actually kept it. He had it all this time.
How can someone push you away so hard and still keep you close at the same time? It didn't make sense.
I set the necklace down at my bedside and did my best to sleep.
In the morning we arrived at the capital. The crowds cheered for Tomas and I. A lot of woman screamed for Finnick.
They escorted us to the training tower where our stylists began their work. They waxed me completely. Exfoliated, cleaned and moisturized my skin. Soaked my hair in all kinds of treatments. Nails and hair were done to perfection.
They were in the midst of doing my makeup when Finnick walked in to examine their work.
"Not too much makeup. Don't want to hide her natural beauty." He says looking at me in the mirror.
I look right back at him.
"Have her dressed soon. They're expecting us."
"Yes sir." One of my stylist says.
As soon as he leaves my main stylist Rhae says.
"Oh that man has got it bad."
"What?" I ask.
"What did you do to him, and how do I do it?"
"I'm still not following." I say.
"Honey, did you not see that man. He was like a deer caught in the headlight when he saw you."
"I didn't notice that."
"Trust me, that man is mesmerized. I'm sure he's been flirted with you right?"
"No not really."
"What? That's a first."
"Odair flirts with anything with two legs." My second stylist Gen says.
I shrug my shoulders.
"Well anyways, lets get you dressed." Rhae says.
They themed this years outfits to the ocean. I wore a dress that was an illusion of a wave. It ripples in the light. The trim looked and acted like sea foam bubbling at my chest. They even adorned my exposed skin with seashells. Tomas had the same concept.
We all met downstairs all the tributes dressed and ready for the Tribute Parade. Finnick and Mags are by the chariot. Finnick petting the horse. The moment Finnick sees me his mouth gaps.
"Oh you two look wonderful, I'm sure the crowd will be pleased." Mags tells us. Izadora agrees enthusiastically along side Mags.
Finnick walks up to us.
"They did an excellent job." He says eyeballing me up and down. I blush.
They signal for us to enter our chariots.
"Remember you two. Smile and wave, you want these people to like you." Izadora says.
Tomas enters the chariot first.
Finnick offers me his hand to lift myself up. I take it.
Before he lets go, he kisses my knuckles.
"Good luck" He says closing the door.
The chariots began to move then.
Smile and wave, smile and wave. I chanted to myself as we're wheeling into the stadium of cheering capital people.
"Here we go." I whisper.
Finnicks POV
The parade went smoothly. The capital loved them. Hopefully I could get enough sponsors to help them, preferably Annie. I don't care what she says. She is my priority.
I walk up to the chariot.
"You guys were great!"
"Think we'll get some good sponsors?" Tomas asks.
"Without a doubt." I confirm.
Tomas jumps off the chariot and runs off to Mags and Izadora. That boy doesn't stay still.
"Finnick?" Annie calls for me.
"Yes?"
"A little help?" She asks.
I offer her my hand. She takes it and steps off the chariot.
"Could you help me out with my shoes? I can't stand them any longer and I can't really reach them in this dress."
"Sure," I lean down and move the dress to reach her shoes. Good god they were tall heals. I should have checked what they were making her wear before hand. She's not used to wearing these things and I can't have her feet sore while training. I unclamped the shoes and slip them off her one at a time holding herself up by my shoulders.
She sighs in relief when her feet hit the ground.
"Thank you."
"I'm gunna have a chat with Rhae, these are too much. God forbid you twisted your ankle in them."
I say holding up the shoes. She giggles. It's music to my ears.
"I managed Finn. I'm not that delicate."
We head to the elevators. Mags, Izadora and Tomas had already gone up.
It's just the two of us in there. And I can look at her all I want. She looks absolutely beautiful. Stunning.
"What?" She asks when she catches me staring.
"You just look, very lovely."
"Oh, thanks." She says with a blush.
I missed that blush like crazy. I step forward. Her sparkling green eyes follow me.
I stop right in front of her, she doesn't move away. She just watches me. I stand in front of her. It almost feels like how it used to be. Almost.
I take a chance and hold her hands in mine. She doesn't pull away. Feeling her hands in mine felt perfect. Like I could finally breath again. I lean in close caressing the side of her face with mine.
"Finn..." she whispers.
"I...I miss you Annie." I confess.
She slowly pulls her hands away from me as the elevator stops at our floor.
She steps out without a word. It hurt.
She's all I've ever wanted. And she didn't want me.
Later at dinner. Mags eyes me. As I tried my best to not stare at Annie.
"Well I think we made a good impression today." Izadora tells us.
"I'm hearing whispers of Tomas being a top favorite."
"That's wonderful." Mags says.
"And Annie here had a lot of gentleman fawning over her. That'll bring in some good sponsors." Izadora tells us.
I bite my tongue. The thought of capital men eyeing my Annie filled me with rage.
When I retired to my room a short while later a knock at my door surprises me. I answer the door and Mags walks in.
"Finnick. You need to tell her the truth."
"What do you mean?"
"You need to tell her why you left her and the truth of the capital."
"I can't Mags."
"Finn, she told me she wants Tomas to win. Which is noble and very Annie but this isn't right. This is Annie. Our Annie. She at least needs to try and make it and she deserves the truth if she ...doesn't make it out."
"I KNOW MAGS...I know."
"Then talk to her Finnick."
The next day I lead them to the training gymnasium. I directed Tomas to the sparing section.
"Can I speak with you for a moment Annie?" I ask pulling her aside.
"What is it?" She ask.
"We need to talk about your strategy in the arena."
"I told you already, my strategy is getting Tomas out of there."
I grab her arm keeping her there.
"You need to fight to get yourself out of that arena Annie. You need to stay alive."
"I'll stay alive as long as I can, but I'm not walking out of there. Tomas is."
"Will you stop that!" I say in a harsh whisper.
"I...Mags and I can't bare the thought of you not walking out of there."
"Its a slim chance I'll make it. And I'm not killing anyone, I refuse."
"You have to fight. If you don't want to kill that's fine. But fight Annie. You can't just lay there as they take your life. Please I'm begging you."
She looks at me. Conflicted with what to tell me.
"Fine okay, I'll try to stay alive and fight. But I'm not killing."
"I'll take it, thank you."
She nods.
"Now why don't you go brush up on editable and medicated plant forms. Hopefully this year they'll have plant life around."
"Okay."
She walks off.
I watch as they trained. Ready to give them pointers tonight.
I thought about telling Annie the truth. But I was scared. I didn't want her to see me any differently. I didn't want her to see me as this toy everyone uses.
That night I went over a couple things with Tomas after dinner. I may be biased as to who I wanted to win. But I could still give him advice.
"If you can try to get on 1 and 2s good side. An alliance with them at the beginning could strengthen your chances." I tell him.
"Well do."
"And be sure to look after Annie."
"Oh don't worry about that. Annie has my full partnership in the games. I got her back."
"Good to hear."
Once I left him I ventured down the hall to her room. I was terrified. I lifted my hand up to knock. But I just hovered. The door then opened.
"Aah!! Jezz Finn you scared the crap out of me!"
"Sorry, I was just about to knock."
"Well come on in." She waves me in.
"Guessing we'll be talking strategy again?" She asks.
"Among other things." I say softly.
She sits on her bed. I grabbed a chair.
"You did good today. Did pretty well on the plant life. You're sparing wasn't too bad either."
"Thanks."
I lean forward looking down.
"I mentioned to Tomas that you should befriend tributes from 1 and 2, make an alliance once you're in there."
"That's to be expected, happens almost every year."
"It's a good starting point." I tell her.
"Okay so what should I focus on tomorrow?" She asks.
I look up at her.
Her hair, dark waves down to her waist. Freckles speckling her nose. Those eyes. I could lose myself in them. I had to tell her.
"Annie, we...I... I have to tell you some things."
"What kind of things?" She asks.
"Things about why...why I left and why.."
"No, no Finnick."
She stands putting distance between us.
"Annie.." I stand and follow.
"What are you doing Finn? Why are you doing this? You left me thats that, you didn't want me...thats that..why do you have to bring this all back up. I told you it's done with."
"It's not Annie, I have to tell you..."
She covers her face. Sobbing.
"Annie.."
"Please don't break me anymore Finn, I'm barely holding myself together as it is."
"Please Annie, I can't bare the thought of you never knowing why this all happened." I say grabbing her forearms.
"I never didn't want you." I whisper.
She slowly lowers her hands. I cup her face, brushing away her tears with my thumb. I was tempted to kiss them away.
"Talk." She whispers.
Here we go.
"Back during my victor tour, Snow asked me to perform services for the capital. I refused. And when I came home, my sister was dead and you were poisoned. I didn't think anything of it."
I took a deep breath. Annie held onto my arms.
"Then I left to mentor. And Snow asked me once again. Only this time he laid it all out on the table. He confessed to... killing Coral..."
Annie's breath grows unsteady, her grip on my arms tighten.
"And he told me if I didn't comply this time. They'd kill you."
"F...Finn..."
"I wasn't going to let that happen. Having you by my side was like putting a target on your back. So I...I had to..."
"You had to push me away?" She asks.
I break. Tears filling my eyes.
"I'm sorry I did it the way I did. I just had to make sure you were safe and away from me. I'm so sorry Annie. I'll never forgive myself for the pain I caused you."
"So since that moment Snow had you working for the Capital?"
"Yes.."
"What kind of work?" She asks.
I grow silent.
"Finn?"
I let go of her then. Stepping back.
"He sells me."
"Sells you? How?"
"My body Annie, he makes me sleep with anyone who will pay for me."
Annie covers her mouth.
"Since...since you were 15?"
"Yes.."
"That...that monster. You were still a child. This is inconceivable."
She ran to me her arms coming around me.
"Finnick, I'm so sorry. No one should ever have to do this."
"You'd be surprised how many of us are subjected to it. But it was all worth it to keep you safe."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I couldn't Annie, Snow had a close eye on me and if he suspected that you were still my... if he knew we were still seeing each other he would have killed you. I wasn't taking any chances."
She's silent. Processing what I've told her. It makes me anxious.
"Do you think any less of me?" I ask hesitantly.
"What?"
"Now that you know that I'm the capitals play thing. Do you see me any differently?"
She comes closer to me. I tower over her.
"No, never. Everything just makes sense now. I don't see you any differently. They make you do those things. It's not who you are. And it doesn't define you."
My worries vanish.
"Thank you." I say with a watery smile.
She takes my hands in hers. She feels like home.
"I've missed you too Finn." She tells me. Replying to what I said before.
A shaky breath leaves me.
"I've tried so hard to stay away from you. Every time I went home all I want to do is run to you. I've done everything in my power to keep you safe, and now..."
"Now I might die." She says.
I shut my eyes tight. Not wanting the idea of that outcome to riddle my head.
"Finn..."
"I'm not letting that happen."
"Finn, maybe with me gone...maybe you can be free..."
"NO!!! Don't you dare say that. Don't even think that." I crush her to me. Her arms coming around me.
"You're the only thing that's keeping me going Annie. If I lose you..."
"But my odds are slim Finn. And even if I did make it out. Snow won't let us be together."
"I'm big on secrets these days. Maybe we could be one."
"But what kind of a life is that Finn?"
"One where we have each other."
I cup her face in my hands. It's been so long since we've done this. I kiss her. She gasps. But doesn't pull always. She kisses me back. Her hands holding onto my forearms. Everything I've ever felt about her comes flooding back. She would always be mine.
"I love you Annie." I whisper against her lips.
Her eyes snap open. I rest my forehead against hers.
"I always have and I always will, you have to stay alive for me Annie, for us. I can't lose you. Not again, not like this."
Then the most wonderful words escaped her mouth.
"I'll do my best."
I smile and return my lips to hers.
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Hello wonderful readers! I hope you enjoyed the new chapter. Please remember to review. Hope everyone is doing well. Stay safe out there and remember to be kind to one another.
Much love.
-Jacobs Nessie