Disclaimer: I own nothing, Suzanne Collins wrote the book. It just inspired me.

Chapter 12

Annie's POV

The truth, I finally knew it. I knew that this world wasn't fair but this was just so dark. I knew our leader wasn't a good man but I didn't know he was the purest form of evil. He killed Coral. My hands fist into balls of rage. He took her from us because of his perverted business.

The hell my Finnick went though. All to protect me. And look where I ended up.

But at least Finnick was Finnick again. He was mine again, at least for the time being. It's difficult hiding your feeling when all you want to do is be in his arms.

Today we have our private training sections where they'll score us. I was nervous.

"Remember you guys. Show them your best strengths, use what you've learned."

"Gotcha Finn". Tomas says

"Good luck." Finn says.

He looks me straight in the eyes. A silent good luck to me. I smile and nod.

Tomas and I wait for our turn with the rest of the tributes.

When I'm up I demonstrate my netting skills. I spear three dummies in a row. I dive into a deep tank holding my breath for as long as I could. I finish with my gathering skills and sparing.

We'll see what they think later on.

When I return to the 4th floor Mags and Finn are waiting.

"Annie, how do you think it went." Mags asks.

"Good I guess. Hard to tell, they sure have some resting faces."

Finn chuckles.

Tomas comes in a little after me.

"I am pumped. I think I did pretty well."

"That's wonderful Tomas, can't wait to see tonight scores." Mags says.

I went to my room to shower and dress for dinner and the results.

Once I'm dressed I sit at the edge of my bed. Nervous. A knock at the door snaps me out of it.

"Come in!" I call out.

Finn walks in. I smile.

"Hey," He came to me.

"Hey." I say as he kisses my forehead.

"You okay?" He asks.

"Yeah just nervous." I say standing.

"Me too." He replies.

I smile.

I through my arms around his shoulders. He wraps his arms around my waist. I kiss him. These secret moment are what I look forward to.

"Thats the good luck I wanted to give you earlier." He says against my lips.

"I know."

"Come on, dinner is being served."

After dinner we all sat around the projector screen waiting for Cesar to give the results.

"What do you think you'll get Annie?" Tomas asks me.

"I have no idea."

"As long as mine is over 7 I'm happy." He tells me.

The program then begins.

District 1 victors both got a 9.

District 2, 10 and 9.

District 3, 5 and 8.

"And now District 4s Tomas Wade. With a score of 9."

We all cheered for Tomas.

"Wonderful!!!" Izadora exclaimed.

"We can do good with that." Mags said.

"Good work Tomas." Finn said.

"And District 4s Annie Cresta with an 8."

Everyone cheered.

"You did good Annie!" Tomas says.

"We can manage with an 8." Izadora said.

"8 is perfect." Finnick says.

"It's a well rounded skill number". Mags adds.

"Plus with all the men gawking at her she'll have plenty of sponsors I'm sure." Izadora adds.

Finnick eyes her with fire in his eyes. Don't think he liked that very much.

That night I couldn't sleep. I ventured out into the sitting area gazing out at the capital city lights.

It wasn't long till Finn found me. He sat down next to me. He didn't say anything at first. He just sat with me, playing with my hair like he used to.

"I never really asked you about your hunger game. Didn't want to make you uncomfortable. But, what was it like in there?"

He sighed.

"It was, hell. Constant fear. You're always on edge. Then there was the fighting and killing. I think a part of me will always be trapped in that arena."

I look over at him.

"Do you think I can take it? Being in there? Experiencing what you did?"

"I know you're strong, you've always have been. You can do anything. And when you walk out of there. I'll be there to guide you back."

I take his hand in mine. He kisses my knuckles.

"Can you lay with me for a bit? Just till I fall asleep?" I ask.

"Of course."

We stand and head off to my room. Finnick pulls me down into the bed with him. I lay on his chest. His arm cradling me as he rubs my scalp. It was so easy to fall asleep.

I wake in the morning, still in Finnicks arms.

"You stayed?" I asked when I realized he was awake.

"I didn't have the heart to leave." He tells me.

"What's on today agenda?" I ask.

"After your final training session we'll go over how you should handle your interview tomorrow night."

"Right, okay. I'm going to get ready now." I lean towards him. He kisses me tenderly. I wished so badly I could just stay in bed with him.

Final training went well I suppose.

It was hard to believed I'd be in a arena soon, fighting for my life, fighting for Tomas's life.

I promised Finnick I'd try to survive and I will. But. I just couldn't see myself walking out of this alive. I couldn't tell Finnick that though. But I couldn't kid myself.

My only regret is I'll never get to be with Finnick ever again after I enter the arena. It breaks my heart every time I think about it.

I return to my room after training and take a nice long hot shower. Once I dressed I went out to the dinning room for dinner.

"Tomas, you should really sell your family life in the interview. Talk about your mother and father. How your siblings look up to you. Talk about how proud they would be of you if you won." Mags coaches Tomas as I come to the dinner table.

"What if he asks about my talents?" Tomas ask.

"Tease the crowd with it. Let them wonder. They like a hint of mystery."

Finnick says.

I sit and serve myself some food.

"Annie I was thinking we could go with sympathy on your pull to the crowd." Mags said.

"Sympathy?" I asked.

"You've had a hard life dear. Harder then the people here can ever imagine. I don't mean it in a bad way sweetheart."

"Yeah I...I know Mags."

She looks worried. Concerned that she hurt me.

"What Mags is trying to say is Capital people don't know the true feeling of loss and pain. They feel it second hand through us. We can talk about how strong you were during your fathers accident and how you stepped up to support your ill mother." Finnick says.

"Isn't that a little dark?" Tomas says.

"We're not saying lead with it. But if Cesar asks about your family, then go with that. It may be sympathy sponsors but sponsors non the less." Mags says.

"It's a good strategy. You're right." I tell them.

We continue talking about the interview over dinner.

When I retired for the night it didn't take long for Finnick to knock on my door.

"Come in!" I call out.

"I'm...I'm sorry about that Annie. I know you feel uncomfortable bringing up your parents, it's just the..."

"Don't apologize, this is just a strategy game to get the sponsors. I get it. It's a good strategy." I tell him.

"So you're not angry."

"No silly."

He exhales in relief.

"Good to hear."

He leans down and kisses me. I kiss him back. He softly pushes me backwards, never breaking the kiss. I run my hands into his silky copper locks as he hunches over me.

We've never kissed like this before. It was hunger. It was need.

One of his hands held himself up as the other cupped my face. That hand traveled; caressing my neck, my collar, my ribs, down to my hips. Where he hinges my leg up and around his hip. I had never done this before. It was exhilarating. My heart was beating so fast. His tongue skimmed my bottom lip asking for permission. I opened my mouth to him. Our kiss deepened in passion.

I shifted and both my legs were around his hips now. His hands grow more needy as his fingers lingered at the hem of my shirt. His fingers just grazing my stomach.

He breaks our kiss only to kiss my face and my neck.

"You're so beautiful, so perfect. You're all I want." He whispers into my neck.

I want to say it back. Because it's true. He was all I've ever wanted.

But then a dark thought invades my mind. Did he tell this to all the girls he was with? Did he tell them they were beautiful too? That he only wanted them? I'm sure it was something along those lines.

I'm lost in thought and he knows it.

"Annie?" He says asking for my attention.

"Yes?"

"What's wrong?" He asks concerned.

"It's nothing, just...just random thoughts."

"About what? Tell me." He says.

I don't want to, it would only hurt his feelings.

"It's nothing really."

He pulls away from me.

"It's something about me? Something you know I won't like right?"

"Finn..."

"Just tell me Annie! What? You thinking this is what I do with all of them?"

I'm silent. And his face grows hurt when he realizes he was right.

"I thought you didn't care what I had to do."

"I don't, Finn it's not that."

"Then what!?" He asks harshly.

"For years I've had to listen to the gossip about you. I had to deal with Nora and Islas saying you'd find someone better in the capital. I'm sorry. So many years of that and then to have everything turn around in a matter of days is just a lot. I'm sorry it crossed my mind okay."

"Do you love me?" He asks suddenly.

"What?" I ask shocked.

"Do you even love me? I've told you I love you and I've yet to hear it back."

"Finnick..."

"Are you just humoring me till the games begin? Do you even care that I might lose you in the next few days?"

"Finnick I...I'm just...I can't.." tears pool in my eyes.

"You can't say it back can you? You don't love me..."

He turns for the door.

"Finnick wait."

"Save It Annie."

He walks out. My tears fall. I sob into my hands. It's not that I didn't love him. I loved him more than anything. But I was scared. I had lost everyone I ever loved. Dad, mom, Coral, and once I die Finn. I guess a small part of me thought maybe if I kept that love hidden destiny would spare me in the arena. But who am I kidding. Im not walking out of there alive. And it's not fair for Finn to never hear it coming from me.

Finnicks POV

I knew it. I knew she saw me differently. I knew she couldn't see past all my faults. Damn if that didn't hurt. I love her. I love her so damn much. And she's disgusted with me. With who they made me.

I walked into the kitchen and found the liquor cabinet. I pored myself a tall whisky. I haven't numbed the pain in years.

I tossed the first one back quickly and pored myself another.

I then went to my room to sulk. The effects of the drink were starting to kick in quick. I almost didn't hear the knock at the door.

"Yeh, come in!" I slur.

Annie walks in. Oh great. Now she's gunna see me drunk and judge me for that too.

"Well well if it isn't Annie Cresta." I say.

"Finn are ...are you drunk?" She asks surprised.

"Yeah and what if I am? You gunna think bad about me being drunk too?"

"No Finn, I just rather you didn't drink when you're upset."

"I wasn't, till you though I was telling you what I tell all those Capital ladies."

"Finn I'm sorry. I said I was sorry before. I wanted to talk, tell you..."

"Tell me what?"

"Doesn't seam right to tell you while you're like this." She says bashfully.

I grab her wrist and pull her to me.

"Tell me what you wanted to say."

"Finnick, please."

"Come on then darlin', tell me your secret." I say cupping her chin, the great Finnick Odair coming out in full force.

She slaps me across the face. Hard.

It sobers me up a bit.

"What the hell!?"

"Don't you dare pull that shit on me Finnick." She said angry and hurt.

"Annie I..."

"Finnick I don't have the time for you to be acting foolish. You want to drink the pain away do it after I'm dead."

She turns to leave but I catch her.

"Don't fucking say that. You're not dying."

She's crying then. And I'm sobering up fast.

I pull her into my arms. She doesn't fight me thankfully.

"I took this too far, I'm sorry." I whisper.

"I'm sorry for thinking those things. I know when it's you and when it's "The Great Finnick Odair" I was being stupid." She looks up at me.

Her eyes puffy, cheeks stained with tears.

I brush them away with my thumbs. Her gorgeous eyes staring back at me.

"I love you." She tells em.

I'm frozen. My heart beating out of my chest.

"I love you more then anything, I was just scared. I am scared."

I pull her to me. Enveloping her. Trying to get as close to her as I possibly could.

"My sweet girl. I love you. Don't be scared. I'm going to do everything in my power to bring you back to me."

She nods into my chest.

I pulled her to my bed. I cradled her till we both fell asleep. It's been a rough night.

In the morning I woke up alone. She must have went back to her room early this morning. Which was a good call because Mags barged into my room right after I woke up.

"Morning Finnick."

"Morning Mags. What's going on?"

Mags sat at the edge of my bed.

"When did you and Annie get back together?" She asks.

"How did..."

"I suspect it a couple days ago but last night I saw her come in here and only come out till the morning. Then I knew for certain."

"Guess the cats out of the bag."

"Finnick, you have to be careful."

"I know, I am."

"If I can see it so can anyone else."

"Mags were just..."

"In love, I know. You two always have been. But Finn have you thought this through? What's it going to do to you if she doesn't come back?"

"Yes Mags I have." I say frustrated.

"What about if she comes back?"

"What do you mean? That's the goal." I say confused.

"Finnick, Annie is a beautiful girl. If she walks out of there. Snow is going to do to her what he's done to you." My eyes widen at the revelation.

"No no, I won't let that happen."

"You can't protect her forever Finnick."

"I'm going to try my best. No one is touching her."

The thought of Snow selling off MY Annie made me physically ill. She's mine, only mine.

I had a small breakfast that morning. My thoughts and the drinks from last night making it hard to stomach anything bigger.

They took Annie and Tomas early today to begging prepping them for their interviews. I took my time getting dressed. So much so I lost track of time.

"Finn? Let's get going now." Mags said from my door.

We boarded the elevator and descended.

"Remember to keep yourself composed when you're around her."

"Yes Mags I know."

But the moment I laid eyes on her I couldn't help but gawk at her.

She looks incredible. They dressed her in a dark green mermaid fit dress. Her dark hair cascading down to her waist in thick waves. Her flawless skin shimmering. And her face, gorgeous.

Mags pinched me as we approached.

"Oh Annie you look Beautiful." Mags commented.

"Very lovey." I say holding back.

"Thank you." She says bashfully.

I take the opportunity to check her shoes. I made it clear with Rhae before that extremely high heals were a no no.

I kneel down. Annie knows what I'm looking for and kicks the dress away.

I hold her heel in my hand. Not too high. And it was a more manageable heal.

"Thank you for following my request Rhae." I say to him.

All the while giving Annie I caress on her ankle.

Tomas then joins us, he's dressed in a sharp suite that matches the color of Annie's.

"Oh you two look amazing." Izadora exclaimed.

"Now remember smile and wow the crowd." She tells them.

"You'll do great. Just remember what we talked about." I tell them both.

"Annie, they need you side stage." Izadora announces.

"Good luck" I mouth.

The boy from threes interview was just about wrapped up. The crowd cheered and he walked off.

"And now ladies and gentleman, from District 4 Ms. Annie Cresta!!!" Cesar announces. Annie walks out. A beautiful smile on her face and she approaches Cesar. The crowd cheers for her.

"Hello my Dear, Welcome."

He leads them to their seats and Cesar begins.

"Well Annie, we're so happy to have you in the capital."

"Thank you, its quite extraordinary here. I've never seen so many bright lights at night."

The audience giggles.

"I'm sure it's a big change from the dark nights and constant sound of water."

"It is, but I do miss the beach and dark nights are great for star gazing."

She tells him.

"I take it you spend a lot of time at the beach?"

"Oh yes, I try to go every day."

"I guess that means you're an excellent swimmer."

"Well you don't really have a choice if you're from district 4 Cesar." The audience laughs, so does Cesar.

"Touché my dear. Now tell me about your family."

Here we go.

"Well, I actually don't really have a family." She tell him. The audience gasps.

"No family? But how?" Cesar asks.

"Well I lost my father when I was young, he was a fisherman and he got caught in a nasty storm."

"Are you referring to the big storm that took out all those fisherman 7 years ago?"

"The very one." She confirmed.

"How tragic. And your mother?"

"My mother had grown ill and passed away a few years ago."

"Well Annie seems you've had a tough life."

"Yes but one has to power though to survive." She say and the audience erupts in applause.

"What strength! What courage! I love that! I love that! Thank you for sharing with us Annie,Thank you."

"Now is there someone special in your life?" Cesar asks her.

As if on que she blushes.

"No not really, don't have much time for that." She answers, the audience awes.

"Now come on Annie there must be someone out there, that blush can't be for nothing. Maybe it's that fan favorite mentor, Finnick Odair. Now you must have a crush on him." I hold my breath when he asked that.

"Oh no, he's a wonderful mentor. And an old friend but that's it."

"An old friend?"

"Yes I was best friends with his sister."

"His late sister?"

"Yes, but he and I were just passing friends."

"Very interesting. Now let's talk about your score." I exhaled when he changed the subject.

"8, a noble score. Can you share with us what got you that score?"

"Well I could but why spoil your viewing experience?" She teased. The crowd cheered. Cesar laughed.

"One last question Annie. Whats the first thing you'll do when you home, if you walk out of that arena?" He asks. Annie thinks for a moment.

"Maybe go Fishing."

The audience laughs and applauds.

"Very good Annie, very good. Thank you for being here. Good luck in the games."

Annie is then directed off the stage.

"That was perfect Annie." Mags tell her when she reaches us.

"I don't know, was the joking too much?"

"Not at all they love that kinda stuff." I tell her.

Once the interviews were done with we all went up to the 4th floor.

"Wash up for dinner everyone, a feast is being prepared to celebrate the games tomorrow." Izadora says as she walk off to her room. Mags leaves, then Tomas. Annie and I stare at one another. She starts walking backwards to her room. I follow. When we reach her room. I close and lock the door behind us. I pull Annie to me her arms draping onto my shoulders.

I crush her back against the door.

"What's gotten into you?" She giggles.

"You just look so beautiful tonight. Lovely was an understatement." I kiss her. Her lips opening up for me. I've kissed a lot of girls. But this was real. This felt real. This felt right. I frame her face in my hands. Not letting her go. Her sounds drove me wild. I ran my hand down her neck, down to her collar bone. She was so soft. My fingers danced at the top of her dress.

"Do you want to help me out of this dress?" She asks.

"Very much." I replied.

She pulled her hair to the side and turned her back to me.

I found the zipper and pulled down. Kissing her exposed shoulder as I did. Her dress began to fall. A silk dress lay underneath. I pushed her gown over her hips. It falls at her feel. She turns to me. She grabs my tie and yanks me to her. She kisses me fiercely. Her small hands pushing my jacket off. Once I was rid of it I grabbed and hoisted her up. Her legs coming around my waist as I pinned her back to the door. I kissed her neck like a hungry man. Her hands snagged into my hair.

I returned my lips to hers. My hands venturing up her dress. She whimpers when my hands touches her exposed skin.

"After dinner, stay with me the night?" She asks against my lips. I nod.

"You know i will." I respond.

"I love you." She whispers.

"I love you too."

I set her down onto her feet. We had to clam ourself before dinner. I left her to freshen up. I did the same.

At dinner we sat across from one another.

"I heard a lot of good buzz about you two." Izadora tells us.

"We just might have another Victor. She say patting Tomas's arm. He grins.

"We're going to do our best to get you both what you need." Mags adds.

Annie was a little quiet. With my foot I reached for her. She looked up. I smiled, she smiled back.

Once everyone went to bed I sneaked over to Annies. I knocked.

"Come in." She said softly.

I walk in she's at the window gazing out to the city. I walk up behind her. Sweeping her hair away from her shoulder. I kiss her there.

"You okay love?"

"I'm scared." She whispers.

"Me too."

She turns to me.

Her hand caress my cheek.

"I...I don't want to think about it. I want to forget about the games. Help me forget?"

I nod bringing her lips to mine. And when we touched it was only us then. Me and Annie.

She pushes me back towards her bed. The back of my knees hit the edge and I sit. I look up at her as she straddles me. Grabbing my face as we kiss. I held onto her thighs giving her support. She starts unbuttoning my shirt I let her. She pushes my shirt down my arms. I toss it away.

I lay back bring her with me. I roll us over so I'm now on top. She pulls me down to her. Very much in need.

"Slow down sweetheart." I whisper.

"I want you, I want you to make love to me." She whispers back at me.

She...she wanted that?

I pull away.

"Annie. I don't think..."

"You don't... want to?"

She asks a bit discouraged.

"I do want to, believe me I really want to. You're the only person I would ever willingly want that with."

"But?" She added.

"But I don't want us doing that just because we're both emotional. I don't want it to happen in the capital. I would prefer we were back home at ease. Surrounded by what we know and love."

She sighs.

"You're right. I'm just being crazy. This isn't the time or place. I can wait."

"I'm glad. Why don't we just lay in each others arms. You're going to need your rest."

"That sounds good to me." She replies.

I lay down with her on my chest. I savor the moment. Enjoy the feel of her skin, the smell of her hair. The sound of her breathing. It may be my last night with her. I know I've been very optimistic about her winning this. But the reality was 24 tributes were going in and only 1 was coming out. I knew I had to cherish these moments.

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Hello readers!!! Hope you enjoyed the new chapter. Next one is almost ready to go.

I want to give a special thanks to the guest who reviewed. Your note was very kind and I greatly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much.

Hope everyone is doing well in these crazy times. Be safe and be kind to one another.

Much love to you all.

-Jacobs Nessie