Don't Forget
A Hunger Games Fanfiction
By Juliet Crowe
Annie brushed her hair back behind her ears, letting her fingers run through the long curls as she sat on the warm sand, letting the waves tickle her feet. Looking out to the horizon, she remembered another day just like this, but five years ago - the day her life had changed forever. Annie had changed too, she thought to herself. She wasn't the free spirited eighteen year old who loved to have sleepovers with her best friend, Tari. Now she was a solemn young woman of twenty three, still trying to cover up the scars of the past.
"Annie.."
She looked up to see Finnick, the love of her life, the only person she felt completely safe with.
"Finn."
"We have to be at the Hall in an hour. How are you feeling?," he asked, with concern filling those green eyes the color of the sea.
"It's not fair," she replied simply, and started playing with driftwood.
Finnick ran his fingers through his bronze coloured hair nervously.
"I know, Annie, but I swear, the chances of it being us are low. There's so many victors to choose from. Please remember that."
Annie made herself look at him. "I know, Finn, and I'm sorry. This Quarter Quell has brought up so many memories…" her voice trailed off as her bottom lip trembled and her sea green eyes filled with tears. Finnick knew she was thinking of Torsti, the male tribute for District Four the year Annie had gone to the Games. She'd watched him get beheaded, and ever since, she'd had episodes in which she went to another place. Finnick was the only one who could ever bring her back from that mysterious land. The nightmares were horrible for her too, but those were less frequent now, as she and Finnnick slept together every night. Finnick put his arm around her waist and drew her close, whispering quiet things as he stroked her long black hair, the way he always did. They sat like that for a long time, both of them wishing their lives could always be like this. It was an old dream for the two, but as soon as the telephone rang and Finnick's face confirmed it was President Snow setting up his next appointment, their dreams would be slashed all over again.
"Finn?"
"Mmm?"
"Is it time to go?"
Finnick checked his sea themed watch Annie had made him and cursed.
"We're going to be late if we don't hurry!"
Annie reluctantly rose, brushing the sand off her pale blue dress and followed Finnick down the beach. When they arrived at the Hall of Justice, the crowd was fidgeting boredly and Pansy, Four's Chaperone was giving them a dirty look, evident that she'd held off the Reaping because of them. Finnick swiftly kissed Annie's forehead and gave her an encouraging look before he broke away towards the boy's line and she to the girls. Mags put her hand on Annie's shoulder and smiled, calming Annie more than she wanted to say.
"Well," said Pansy in her ridiculous Capitol accent. "Now that all our Victors are here, let's begin with the ladies, as usual!" Pansy dipped her long, painted fingernails into the bowl that held Annie's name, along with dozens of others, swirled them around and finally pulled one out. This was so much like her last reaping that Annie shook with fear, covering her ears with her hands. She caught Finnick's eye and he shook his head slightly, indicating that he wasn't able to come to her. Annie gathered up her courage and slowly pulled her hands down in time to hear Pansy announce the name of the female tribute. "Annie Cresta!"
Annie screamed an awful, gut wrenching scream. They promised her. They promised, if she won The Hunger Games she could go back to her life in peace. And now she had to go back? She vaguely felt herself fall to the ground, sobbing, and not even Finnick's arms around her could be of any comfort. Annie was drowning in her fear and grief until she saw a familiar figure come forward and raise their arm. Although the woman couldn't speak, her message was as clear as day - I volunteer as a tribute!
"Well!," exclaimed Pansy excitedly. "It seems we have a volunteer! Mags, please come up!"
"Mags!," Finnick choked out as she passed him. "I can't thank you enough," he whispered, looking close to tears himself. Mags nodded sympathetically and patted Annie's hair soothingly before she shuffled off to stand beside Pansy. Pansy paid no attention to the dramatic scene, and instead drew a name from the boy's bowl and unfolded it swiftly. "The male tribute from District Four is…" she paused for dramatic effect before triumphantly declaring, "Finnick Odair!"
Annie was still clutching to Finnick's waist, trying to capture as much as Finnick in the short amount of time they had together. Pansy was now congratulating the two tributes, and informed them that they would be escorted to the train shortly. She felt like she was falling, falling, falling. She'd rather go back with Finnick than have to stay behind without him, watching those awful Games for a chance to see if he was still alive. Suddenly, Peacekeepers swarmed around them, detaching Annie from Finnick and leading him away. Finnick fought against them and kissed Annie, then whispered to her, "Don't forget -," and before he could finish, her Finnick had been pulled away along with Mags.
"FINNICK!," screamed Annie, her hair flying wildly as she tried to catch a glimpse through the wall of Peacekeepers that had formed. "FINNICK!," she screamed again, but after no reply she slowly crumbled to the ground. Don't forget what?, she wondered over and over again. What was he trying to say? In an instant her parents were beside her, pulling her up and getting her off the stage.
"Mummy…" she mumbled stupidly, not knowing what else to say.
"Shhh, it's alright darling. It'll all be alright. You're safe, Mags took your place."
"Finnick," Annie murmured, and the name brought on another round of fat teardrops.
"That young man knows more than he lets on. He'll be fine, you'll see," said her father (who couldn't stand Finnick) with grudging respect. Annie nodded silently and wished Finn was the one stroking her back, not her mother. Wished he was the one tucking her in and leaving a kiss on her head, not her father. Annie quickly realized something - Finnick was her whole world. What would she do if - no. She wasn't going to let herself think that. At least not yet.
Annie leaned forward expectantly towards the television set as she watched the Tribute Parade. One, Two, Three, and there he was, Finnick, dressed only in a golden net tied around his legs like underwear. Annie felt like crying. Poor Finnick, having to dress up and impress everyone around him to protect those he loved from the atrocities of Snow. He vanished quickly and she lost interest, fiddling with her shell bracelet instead.
"Ah, there they are! Our favorite tributes from District Twelve, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark! Looks like - wait a minute! They're on fire! Again! Why, would you look at that!," laughed Caesar's familiar voice, causing Annie to look up in disbelief. Caesar was right, they were on fire! A smallish girl with curly and dramatic dark brown hair and grey eyes rode on one of the chariots, holding hands with a strong looking boy, who had curly blond hair and sky blue eyes. Both of their outfits were engulfed in flames, making them appear deadly and fierce at the same time. Annie searched her memory, and recalled that those two had won the Games only last year. Annie never watched the Games, and avoided all talk of it, so she really had no idea what or who these people were, other than the older Victors she knew through Finnick.
A few days later, Annie sat on the same couch in front of the T.V in her and Finnick's house, waiting for the tribute interviews. She hadn't bothered to watch the broadcast that announced the scores, as she already knew quite well what Finnick and the other tribute's abilities were. The interviews started, and Annie was surprised to see that even Caesar was getting teary at the thought of so many Victors dying. Her heart leapt when Finnick came on, smiling and waving for the cheering crowd, but resting his other hand protectively on the seashell strung around his neck. Annie knew that necklace well, she had made it for him years ago, and when he touched it she knew he was thinking of her. The thought made her smile. Not even President Snow could figure that one out, she thought.
"So, Finnick, I understand you've written a little something for a special someone. Would you like to share it with us?"
Finnick smiled graciously."Yes Caesar, I would," and began to read a poem, dedicated to the love of his life. Thousands of Capitol women in the audience stood, each thinking it was her, but there was only one girl in all of Panem who knew it was her, and that was Annie. Every reason she had for falling in love with Finnick came rushing back to her as he poured out his heart in front of all those awful people, and her heart swelled with pride. Annie's cheeks were still crimson by the time the District Twelve girl came on wearing a - what was that? A wedding dress? Caesar cheerfully greeted the girl he called Katniss, and after a few questions Annie picked up on the story. She felt sorry for that poor little girl, who had to cancel her wedding to another Victor because of the Quell. It reminded Annie of herself, never allowed to marry Finnick because of President Snow… she was lost in the unfairness of it all when the screen lit up with flames. Katniss was spinning, and her dress was burning away! Annie was frightened, thinking it was going to burn that poor girl, when suddenly the smoke cleared and Katniss was in a completely new dress! The girl's face was filled with astonishment as she raised her arms and her dress spread out, making her look like she had wings. Caesar was spluttering, asking what kind of bird it was when Katniss raised her head and said, "Like a Mockingjay."
The crowd cheered enthusiastically when the boy with the curls she had seen at the Tribute Parade entered. He and Caesar made several jokes about burnt poultry before Caesar asked about his wedding. Annie realized that was the girl's fiance, and hastily pushed the volume button down so she could hear better.
"Surely some time is better than none!," she caught Caesar saying.
The boy grimaced. "I'd think that too, Caesar, if it wasn't for the baby."
The effect on the crowd was instantaneous as they rose from their seats, protesting at the injustice of the Games. Annie's heart lurched as she watched the boy, Peeta kiss Katniss's cheek and stand beside her. Katniss was pregnant, so not only was the Capitol killing an innocent girl, they were killing her unborn child as well. It could also be a clever trick, Annie thought suspiciously. She knew Finnick didn't buy their "star crossed lovers" act. It was quite clever, she decided. He turned the people against their precious Capitol.
Annie had been watching the Games for days now, thanking Mags wholeheartedly that she had volunteered. The moment that gong sounded, Annie knew she would have been too scared to move off her stool. Everything had been going well for the group she was most interested in - Finnick, Mags, Katniss, and Peeta, until Peeta had hit that force field and his heart had stopped. Thank god Finnick was able to restart his heart, and a very distraught Katniss crushed Peeta in a tight embrace. The group kept moving along at a steady pace until the fog came, and Mags, poor Mags, had sacrificed herself so Finnick could save Peeta. That night, after Annie watched the woman she had known for five years die, her nightmares were as bad as they'd ever been. She tossed and turned on the large bed, missing the comforting warmth of Finnick beside her.
Annie watched in disbelief as Katniss shot an arrow at the dome around the arena, causing it to explode in lightning. The Hunger Games footage stopped. What had happened? Why did they stop the Games! She needed to see if Finnick, her Finnick was alive! She punched the television set angrily and stormed out to the beach, where her anger was replaced by sorrow. Don't cry Annie, she thought. Tomorrow they'll tell you what happened.
A knock on the door brought Annie running from the kitchen where she was making a meager meal for herself and the cat. Expecting Tari and her boyfriend Theon, she swung open the door only to reveal several Peacekeepers.
"Miss Cresta. We've come to escort you to the Capitol."
"Why? Is Finnick there?"
"Yes ma'am. We've been giving strict orders to escort you, no later than today."
"I'll get my things," Annie replied, trying to close the door. A Peacekeeper grabbed her wrist and pulled her outside before she could.
"That won't be necessary."
Annie realized she was in trouble now and started screaming and kicking like a wild animal, hoping that Tari, who lived in Annie's house next to Finnick's, would hear. The Peacekeepers quickly shoved a gag in her mouth and shackled her wrists together, then threw her in the back of one of their cars. Annie rocked back and forth in the darkness, putting her hands over her ears as best she could and cried, just like she did in her Games after Jarek had killed Tor -
"No Annie, don't think of that," she imagined Finnick saying. Finnick was the reason she was here, she guessed. She doubted the Capitol had him too. President Snow took me to hurt Finnick, she realized. What will it take for that horrible man to stop?
Finnick sat on the side of his hospital bed, trying to knot rope through his tears. "Mr. Odair, intelligence confirmed early this morning that the Capitol has indeed taken Miss Cresta hostage." "Are they…" he had asked, unable to say the words. "Yes, as far as we know." Then the District Thirteen Soldier left him to his rope and his memories. Annie was being tortured now. He knew she wouldn't last long, being as unstable as she was. If he ever did get her back, would she be the same? Or would they have broken her beyond repair? He pictured her in a dirty cell, with her hand over her ears, rocking and crying. He knew she would scream lots, too. Her nightmares would only get worse. Finnick didn't even have his necklace with him. It had been burned beyond repair in the explosion. He sighed and laid down on his bed when the lights flicked off, still playing with his rope in the darkness. Finnick wished Annie was dead. He wished she was dead and he was, too.
"Annie?"
"Annie?"
"Miss Cresta?," voices whispered through the cell door.
"No!," sobbed Annie. "Go away! Please don't hurt me! I know nothing!"
"Annie," a voice said softly. "It's okay. We're rescuing you. We're soldiers from District Thirteen, where Finnnick is."
"Finnick?," Annie whispered hopefully, and looked up into the speaker's grey eyes.
"I'm Gale. I know Finnick. I'm here to bring you back to him," the young man said gently.
"Okay… Are we leaving now?"
"Yes," said Gale, and quickly broke into her cell and picked her up.
Annie tried to forget about everything as Gale carried her through those awful halls where screams echoed constantly. Gale seemed to understand and let her sob into his bulletproof vest, the nicest someone had been to Annie in the weeks she had been in her miserable cell. She noticed when he laid her down in a seat on the plane before someone poked something in her arm and she drifted off instantly.
Finnick was sitting with Katniss when they found out Peeta and Annie had been successfully rescued. Finnick sprinted down the halls to the hospital and looked around for her. Annie! Where are you?," he wanted to scream.
Annie sat patiently while the nurse checked her.
"A few more minutes, and then you can go see Mr. Odair," she promised. Annie nodded obediently and tried to keep herself from running off to find him. Would he cry? Would he kiss her? She didn't care, as long as it was really him. She didn't care if he was completely different, as long as he was still hers, the Finnick she fell in love with. Suddenly a tall young man stormed in, turning in all directions. She didn't have to see his face to know it was him, the same as always with his bronze hair and tanned skin.
"FINNICK!"
He spun around.
"ANNIE!"
The two rushed towards each other, and Annie flung her arms around his neck. He picked her up and they held onto each other, not noticing anything or anyone.
"I thought I would never see you again," he whispered, running his fingers through her hair.
"I'm right here. I'm never letting you out of my sight again, okay?," she murmured, sniffing in his comforting scent. Finnick kissed her, and once they broke apart, Finnick's arm still wrapped around her, he led her away. He would have days, weeks, to introduce her, but right now they were together, and that was more than enough.
Sunlight streamed through the window reflecting onto Annie's hair as Finnick stroked it gently. He had been lucky to get one of the last apartments with an above-ground window, as most were destroyed in the bombing and the rest of the apartments were completely underground. Annie opened her eyes slowly and smiled when she saw Finnick watching her.
"Morning, sweetness," Finnick whispered. The use of her old nickname made her laugh.
"Good morning."
"Do you want to have a tour?"
"Sure, Finn. Sounds wonderful."
Finnick showed her around District Thirteen, outside and inside. He showed her the classrooms, the cafeteria, introduced her to the nurses in the hospital who Annie ended up liking a lot - especially young Nurse Everdeen, who was gentle, kind and patient with Annie. They were just heading out when a voice greeted them.
"Why, hullo, Finnick! ," called out his usual doctor. "I didn't think I'd see you around here anymore! Who's this gorgeous young lady with you?"
Finnick forced a smile. He hated Dr. Mickeln, with his wandering eye and interest in Finnick. "Good morning, Dr. This is Annie Cresta, she arrived last night so I've been showing her around."
The doctor smiled creepily at Annie. "Welcome Miss Cresta. Yes, I think I remember you know. You won the Games - four years ago? No, five. I must say, I was quite surprised when the boy from your district died, but I shan't blame him - his head wasn't quite attached to the rest of his body, now was it!"
Finnick's jaw tensed and he tightened his grip on Annie's hand, hoping that the horrible things Dr. Mickeln was saying wouldn't bring her down. She lifted a hand up to her ear, covering it, and stared off into space with her bottom lip trembling.
"I think the most hilarious part of those Games is when you were in the flood, and you reached out for the log but it was actually that girl's body! Oh, and when that boy from Seven just
about -"
"Dr! Miss Cresta has had enough! Besides, you're needed in a surgery now," said an angry voice. Finnick turned around in time to see the older Nurse Everdeen, Katniss's mother, storm off after delivering her message.
"If you insist," the doctor sighed. "Tata, Finnick! I hope to see you soon!"
Finnick ignored that and turned back to Annie. "It's okay, sweetness. You're here, with me, in District Thirteen. We're safe. We're safe. It's okay." Annie's eyes met his.
"Real or not real - Torsti got his head cut off by Jarek," she asked, using the technique he had taught her to distinguish nightmares from real life.
"Real," he said, nodding to her.
"I killed Lumina - that's why her body was beside me."
"Not real. Lumina drowned and was swept towards you in the current."
"And Aidan…"
"That was real, Annie, but you were so brave. You fought him off."
"Oh Finn. I'm so sorry. I wish I wasn't like this," she apologized.
"I love you just the way you are, Annie. Don't forget."
Finnick ran a hand through his bronze hair as he waited at the door. It opened slowly, to reveal a woman with a curtain of iron gray hair that framed her slightly lined face flawlessly.
"Finnick Odair. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"President Coin, I'm here to ask a favor. I don't know what the system is in 13, and I couldn't find anyone who would answer my question. I want to ask Annie to marry me. Is there anything we have to do or sign?"
President Coin smiled, amused, at the usually bold young man's bashfulness. "That sounds wonderful. All you have to do is sign a paper and get assigned a new compartment - all of which can be arranged easily. Wait just one minute, Mr. Odair. I have something that I think you'll find to be useful." Finnick watched her disappear into her quarters, and waited patiently until the soft footsteps announced her arrival.
Coin handed him a small box, which Finnick opened. A beautiful emerald ring sat in red velvet, which instantly reminded him of Annie's soft eyes. "It belonged to my daughter," said Coin with fondness in her eyes, but grief as well. "I have no idea where she could have gotten it, seeing as we have nothing like that down here." Finnick nodded.
"Thank you, Madame President. I know Annie will love it."
Coin nodded, with a trace of a smile on her lips, and Finnick turned away and walked down the hall, just to turn around at the last minute. "President Coin?" she turned around to face him, as she too had started towards her apartment. "I'm sorry about your daughter."
"Thank you. I am, too." And with that, the gray head turned around and disappeared before Finnick could see the tears flowing down her face.
"Annie?"
"Finn?"
It was 18:00, Reflection, so the two of them were sitting in their room reading.
"I was wondering… if you would…" Finnick trailed off sheepishly, his cheeks colouring.
"What is it, Finn?"
"I was wondering if you would...um...go for a walk with me!"
Annie looked at him suspiciously. She knew when Finnick was hiding something and this was definitely one of those times. She could press him further, but that might just embarrass him. Annie decided to play along.
"Of course I'll go. Is that all?"
Finnick ran a hand through his hair, something he always did when he was anxious. Why is he acting so nervous?, wondered Annie as they made their way outdoors. He didn't take her hand like he usually did, and it seemed like he was trying to stay away from her. What if he's going to break up?, she thought, but quickly brushed that away. There was no possible way that could ever happen. Right? They made it to Finnick's favorite pond, with Annie's special creek supplying the water. Annie liked to tease him about that murky pond, with duck poop and ducks always floating around pointlessly. Maybe bringing up a joke would ease the tension.
"Look, Finnick, there's a new duck in your pond! What are you going to name it?"
Finnick laughed. "I guess I'll name it after you," he said, flirting.
"Annie?"
"Nope."
"Annie Cresta?"
"Try again."
"Well, I don't have any other names, so please tell!"
"How about Annie Odair?"
Annie spun around to see Finnick down on one knee, holding out an emerald ring and wearing a look in his eyes that made her heart melt.
"Annie, will you -"
"Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!," she screamed! Finnick slipped the beautiful ring on her finger and spun Annie around until they were both breathless from laughter.
"I thought you'd never ask!," she teased, when he had finally put her down.
"I was still getting up the courage. I'm not as brave as I pretend to be, you know," he said, flexing his muscles. Annie shoved him in the creek and he roared like a wounded lion. Finnick picked her up and threw her in the water, just like how they used to play back home on Finnick's secret beach. When they couldn't run anymore they lay down on the warm rocks, talking of their plans for the future - would they go back to Four, what to name their children, how many they wanted and when. They finally made their way back to the entrance of the underground facility, only to be greeted by a furious guard.
"There you two are. Command's been looking for you for hours. I'd head down there and give them an explanation if I were you!"
Annie looked mischievously at Finnick. "I guess we left without permission."
Finnick took her left hand and reminded her, "We have a good excuse."
Plutarch Heavensbee was in a very bad mood when the very people he was mad at entered the room. "Where in god's name have you two been! We thought you'd been kidnapped, for crying out loud!"
Finnick grimaced. "Sorry Plutarch, we were just in the woods."
"In the woods! Without permission? Who do you think you are, the Mockingjay?! Miss Cresta, I know -"
"Actually it's Odair now," said Annie coldly. No way was a Gamemaker who had designed traps for innocent children making her feel bad.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Annie Odair. Finnick and I are getting married. Oh, that reminds me, we'll need someone to organise the whole thing. Do you think you're up to the job, or are you too busy fawning over you Mockingjay?"
Finnick turned in astonishment, surprised at Annie's courage. Even Plutarch looked impressed. Finnick smiled proudly and squeezed Annie's hand.
"So you're telling me… you're getting married?"
"That's exactly what Annie means," said Finnick boldly.
Plutarch gasped and clapped his chubby hands in delight. "That's absolutely perfect! This is just what we need for our next propo! Oh, I must start planning right away!," and ran off, muttering something about flower garlands and wedding dresses. Finnick and Annie looked at each other in disbelief before they both broke out in laughter at Plutarch's animated personality.
"Well that was much easier than I thought it would be," remarked Annie.
"Come on, Annie Odair. Let's go celebrate," Finnick said in a voice that sounded eerily like Plutarch's.
"Oh, yes please, Finnick Odair!," said Annie in a tone that mocked President Coin, and the two of them ran down the halls hand and hand.
Annie looked out the window of the hovercraft, trying to catch a glimpse of District Twelve. She hadn't been there in five years, not since the Victory Tour she had tried so hard to forget. Katniss, or the Mockingjay, as everyone now called her, had offered to find Annie a suitable dress for the wedding from her collection of clothes back in Twelve. Annie looked sideways toward Katniss. The girl stared at her strangely sometimes, as if she was trying to read Annie, but was otherwise pleasant and conversational. As the hovercraft lowered towards the surface, she saw Katniss's face fall, and Annie felt so sorry for the seventeen year old who carried the deaths of thousands on her shoulders. When they got out, Annie felt a sickening crunch under her shoe, Katniss warned her, "Don't look. By the sound of it, it's probably a skull." Annie shuddered and quickly moved on, knowing that an ocean of skulls would join her dreams tonight.
Katniss showed her around the house in Victor's Village, so much like the house Annie used to share with Finnick that it almost felt like home. A large wardrobe in Katniss's old room was full of elaborate dresses she had worn for the Victory Tour, and invited Annie to try on whichever ones she liked. Katniss had brought her prep team along, and they were eager to help the young bride, complimenting her on her beauty and taste. Annie spotted a green dress that reminded her of Four, and Finnick's eyes, and instantly knew this was the one.
"I wore that one in District Five. It was one of my favorite dresses I had to wear on that tour," Katniss told her, obviously pleased she could help.
"Thank you, Katniss. It's absolutely beautiful," said Annie wholeheartedly, which Katniss received with a small smile. She's doing this for Finnick, Annie thought. I'll go ahead and like her anyways.
"Oh, and how it compliments your figure!," squealed one of the preps. Annie spent the trip back being smothered in compliments and tried to be gracious, but she found it hard to stay focused and not slip away. Katniss made sure to give her a break however, drawing the conversation away from Annie when she started struggling. When Annie gave a sigh of relief after being rescued again, she swore she saw the younger girl give her a small wink.
Finnick stood at the end of the isle on his wedding day, watching Annie float down the hall, cheered on by every man, woman and child who inhabited 13. Plutarch had stressed about every small detail - from the flowers to the music, but finally he had been remotely satisfied (the wedding was too grand for President Coin and too boring for Plutarch's taste). So there they were, minutes away from becoming man and wife. Finnick had always found Annie beautiful, but today she was absolutely radiant. Her long dark hair hung in curls around her face and her sea green eyes sparkled with the matching gown. Annie's smile was the brightest of all - anyone who didn't know them would assume Annie and Finnick's life was a beautiful love story just waiting to be told. It really is, thought Finnnick. An unusual one, perhaps, but nonetheless romantic. They had overcome so much together - Annie's Games, her mental health struggles, Snow selling Finnick, and their inability to ever be married. Despite all that, Finnick and Annie had stayed together, and after today they would never be parted. Once Annie had reached Finnick, he took her hands in his, looked into her eyes that matched his own, and promised to love her as long as he would ever live.
This is the most perfect day of my life, thought Annie, as Finnick twirled her around during their dance. As a little girl, Annie had always dreamed of this day, but she never imagined it would be quite like this, with no hysterical mother or a father to walk her down the aisle. Annie knew that she wouldn't have it anyother way. She and Finnick were just about to start the next dance when someone rolled in a humongous cake, frosted with sea creatures and boats. Annie gasped.
"It's so beautiful!," she murmured in awe.
"That must have taken ages!," said Finnick, just as taken away as Annie was. Before long, flocks of people had gathered around it, so they had no choice but to cut the magnificent cake and distribute it around to groups of children who smiled up at her and congratulated her sincerely. It's so nice, decided Annie as she received their kind comments, to have people actually be happy for you.
Annie had never been happier. Everyday felt magical, and she knew Finnick felt it, too. He smiled more often and never let go of Annie's hand. On another one of these special days, Annie suggested they go eat lunch with Finnick's friends.
"Really, Annie? Are you sure you want to do that?," he asked with concern.
"I'm sure, Finn. They're your friends after all, and I should be getting to know them," she answered, squeezing his arm reasurradly.
Finnick led her to a table that already consisted of Katniss, Gale, Johanna, and the girl from Twelve that Annie didn't remember the name of. Annie smiled nervously and sat down beside Finnick as he greeted them. Finnick was halfway through telling his favorite story about a sea turtle that stole his hat when Peeta approached them, accompanied by two large guards and shackles around his wrists.
"Peeta!" says the girl, and Annie quickly remembered she was called Delly. "It's so nice to see you out… and about."
"What's with the fancy bracelets?" asks Johanna innocently.
"I'm not quite trustworthy yet," says Peeta. "I can't even sit here without your permission." He turns his head to indicate the guards behind him.
"Sure he can sit here. We're old friends," Johanna tells them, patting the chair beside her. "Peeta and I had adjoining cells in the Capitol. We're very familiar with each other's screams."
Annie's blood ran cold and the memory of that awful place. She vaguely felt herself place her hands on her ears and fade away. Don't think about that, don't, don't, don't. I'm Annie Odair, I'm married to Finnick Odair. We live in District Thirteen, we're safe. No more Capitol. Then Finnick whispered things to her, and slowly she began to remove her hands. Even Johanna looked a bit embarrassed, and the table was silenced as everyone pretended to eat.
"Annie," says Delly happily, "did you know it was Peeta who decorated your wedding cake? Back home, his family ran the bakery and he did all the icing."
Annie looked over at Johanna, worried she was going to say something more about adjoining cells and screams.
"Thank you, Peeta. It was beautiful."
My pleasure, Annie," he replied kindly with a gentle look in his clear blue eyes. Annie noticed Katniss's face twist into a bittersweet expression. Peeta was finally sounding like his usual self, but not towards Katniss. Annie could only imagine how heartbreaking that must be for the girl.
"If we're going to fit in that walk, we better go," Finnick tells Annie, arranging their trays on one hand while holding her tightly with the other. "Good seeing you, Peeta."
"You be nice to her, Finnick," said Peeta in a tone as cold as ice. "Or I might try and take her away from you." Annie blushed beet red and glared at her hands, tightening her grip on Finnick.
"Oh, Peeta," said Finnick as lightly as possible, but with obvious tension under the fake smile. "Don't make me sorry I restarted your heart." Finnick cast a concerned glance at Katniss before turning to Annie and leading her away.
"He didn't mean that, Finn, did he?"
"I don't know, Annie. I don't know him anymore," Finnick answered, the muscles in his jaw tightening.
"What do you mean?"
"That boy there isn't Peeta. The Peeta I know would never say anything to hurt anyone, especially Katniss. Did you see the look on her face? I think she's beginning to realize how much she actually loves him."
"I wish everyone could be as lucky as us," she whispered softly, leaning against him.
"Me too. But at least we're as lucky as we are," he told her with a warm smile.
"There's that," Annie said, smiling, and together they stepped into the sunshine.
Annie watched with a sad smile on her face as she waved goodbye to Finnick as he slowly soared away onboard a hovercraft headed for the Capitol. She had heard rumors about the war zone - pods filled with death traps, mutts, and horrors Annie had no interest in learning about. Still, she had let him go, understanding that Finnick would be unhappy knowing his friends were off fighting for freedom while he was enjoying a relaxing honeymoon with his wife. She sighed, and pulled her wool shawl tightly around her thin shoulders, turning back towards her quarters.
"Don't forget me," he told her before he left, to which she replied "never." Maybe this was a warning to her, warning her that she would never see him again. Pushing those thoughts from her mind, Annie ran down the halls to her bed and stuffed her head under the pillow, trying to banish the what if's.
Annie was walking down the halls, desperately trying to find something to do or someone to talk with. She noticed the door to command was open, and peeked in, hoping to find something worthwhile.
"We've recovered video footage from one of your sources, Mr. Heavensbee. It confirms what we suspected."
Annie saw Plutarch run a hand over his exhausted face. "Can someone please go tell the families, then? And make sure to break it gently to Mrs. Odair. She's already a bit unstable as it is, and telling her that her husband was ripped apart by mutts won't exactly help."
Annie fell to the floor numbly. Was it true? Finnick… was… she couldn't even say it. She was too in shock to cry. They must have heard her, because soon enough Plutarch himself was by her side, trying his best to bring her back from her world.
"Mrs. Odair, it's alright. Let's get you to the Hospital, they'll give you some medicine that'll make you feel better in no time."
"Finnick," she gasped, starting to panic. "FINNICK!," she screamed, and this time no one could calm her down. "FINNICK!" and that's when she felt them stab something sharp into her arm and everything went dark.
Annie sat up in bed abruptly. She was in a hospital room, with things beeping all around her. Where's Finn?, she thought, and then remembered. Annie started to thrash around wildly, trying to take off the binds that held her to the bed and screaming. A nurse ran in, and Annie recognized her as Katniss's mother, Nurse Everdeen.
"Shhhh, Annie. It's alright. But you have to calm down now. You were close to losing the baby."
Annie stopped and stared. "What baby?"
Nurse Everdeen placed Annie's hand on her abdomen and looked into her eyes. "Your baby, Mrs. Odair. You're about a month and a half along."
Annie tried to smile, to be excited, but her feelings were so numb she couldn't. "And Finnick?"
Nurse Everdeen looked straight at her with sympathy in her eyes but also honesty. "Finnick died a few days ago."
Annie shook her head. This couldn't be happening. How could she live without him? How could she give her unborn child a loving home when there was no one to love her? How was it fair that their baby would grow up never knowing the adorable genius that was his father? It was all too much for Annie to handle.
"Give me that stuff that makes me sleep."
Nurse Everdeen nodded. "Alright. It'll take a few minutes to kick in, though."
Annie nodded thankfully when Katniss's mother gave her the shot, and she instantly started to feel a bit sleepy. Nurse Everdeen stroked her hair, and started singing a song that soothed Annie.
Deep in the meadow
Under the willow
A bed of grass
A soft green pillow
Lay down your head
And close your eyes
And when they open
The sun will rise
Here it's safe
Here it's warm
Here the daisies guard
You from every harm
Here your dreams are sweet
And tomorrow brings them true
Here is the place
Where I love you
"Goodnight, Annie," whispered Nurse Everdeen and kissed her head before Annie felt herself drift off into a dreamless sleep.
Annie sat up in bed suddenly and plumped her flattened pillow. It was no use, as the pillows in 13 were nothing like her comfortable down ones at home. She sighed and lay down again, trying to find a soft spot in the hard lumps. Her huge stomach wasn't exactly helping her get comfortable, and Annie found herself resenting her baby for the millionth time. Tired of sleepless nights, Annie reached into her bedside table and groped around until she found the small pill. Nurse Everdeen had given her the pills shortly after Finnick's death - as a woman with two children, Nurse Everdeen knew that Annie would need them.
"They won't stop the dreams," Katniss's mother had told her. "We can't give you anything like that anymore, you're too far along in your pregnancy." Annie had taken them anyways, and most nights she dreamed of Finnick's gruesome death; sometimes Annie even dreamt it from the perspective of the mutt. Whatever the nightmare was, she would always wake up screaming for Finnick, like she had always done, and it took her a while sitting in the darkness, staring at the door to remember he was dead. Annie swallowed the pill quickly, and lowered herself down onto the scratchy mattress again, tossing and turning until the heavy sensation in her eyes indicated the drugs had kicked in.
"Annie!," Finnick called, laughing as he raced ahead through the sunlight forest. "Hurry up! You're pregnant with a baby, not a rock!"
Annie glared at him and stuck her tongue out. "You try being pregnant, see how you like it."
Finnick stuffed some moss up his shirt and caressed the lump. "Oh, it's so hard," he whined teasingly. Annie shot him a mischievous smile and pranced off towards her creek. Finnick, still in the act, shuffled slowly after her.
"You have to wait for me, Annie, I'm pregnant with your baby!" When Annie didn't reply, he called out louder. "Annie?" She ran out of the woods from behind and jumped on his back. Finnick roared like a lion and spun around. She jumped off, breathless from laughter, and he picked her up like a child.
"Do you want to go back now? Are you tired?" he asked with concern in his eyes, laying a hand on her stomach.
"I'm fine, Finn! I'm just a little out of breath, that's all," she answered, looking into his sea green eyes caringly.
"You're going to be a wonderful mother, Annie," he said softly. She blushed at his loving gaze and looked down.
"Not as good as you. You've always had a way with kids that I've never been able to copy."
Finnick put his hand under her chin and lifted her head up. "No, Annie. Our baby is going to have a loving home no matter what. Ok?"
She nodded. "Okay, Finn. I promise."
"I love you, Annie."
"I love you - oh! Feel that! It's kicking!," she exclaimed joyfully. Finnick's face flooded with boyish wonder.
"The baby's mad - I only said "I love you" to you, Annie. Sorry, bud! I love you, too!"
Annie laughed at his nervous banter, and was amazed when the kicking suddenly stopped. She looked at Finnick with astonishment. "It actually stopped once you said that!"
Finnick laughed. "Of course it did," he said, flexing his muscles and giving her a winning smile. "I'm very persuasive. Now you say it, too."
"Alright," she agreed, still laughing. "I love you - both of you."
Annie woke up suddenly, only to find herself in her living quarters, not the peaceful chatter of the forest. It had seemed so real, she had almost forgotten it was a dream. It seemed like Finnick was trying to tell her something. Annie smiled when she imagined Finnick's hand on her belly, and then hesitantly laid a hand on it herself. The touch filled her heart with warmth, and she shuddered. For the first time, she had felt real love for the small person growing inside her, not fear. Smiling to herself, she got dressed and skipped of to breakfast for the first time in months.
When Johanna Mason saw Annie Odair skipping down the cafeteria, she rubbed her eyes and blinked, thinking she was suffering from hallucinations. Annie had been inconsolable for months. Johanna wondered what could have made the poor, mad girl so happy. Annie collected a tray and slid into the seat next to Johanna.
"You're looking cheerful this morning," Johanna said with a hint of jealousy.
Annie considered this for a moment. "Yes, I guess I am," she shrugged.
"What happened? Did you find a new boyfriend to replace Odair?," said Johanna cruelly.
Annie looked wounded. "How could I ever replace Finnick?," she whispered nervously, starting to rock back and forth, something she did when someone said something that upset her. Johanna cursed silently in her head. The last thing Finnick had said to her before he had left was; "Take care of Annie, Jo. She doesn't have many friends here, and I'm worried about what would happen if she has an episode. Promise me?" Johanna had scoffed. "Of course I will, you stupid idiot. That's what friends are for." Since that moment, Johanna had conveniently forgotten her promise to Finnick and had given Annie as much attention as a sewer rat.
"I'm sorry. That was a terrible thing to say, and I shouldn't have said it," Johanna admitted meekly. Annie stared at her in amazement. Apologies from Johanna were incredibly rare, so she must have meant it. "So, what are you so happy about?"
"I had this dream where Finn and I were in the woods. It was just a normal dream, but it made me feel so much better about this," she explained, patting her belly. Johanna nodded. She could imagine that it would be hard for someone like Annie to let go of the fact Finnick was never going to meet their baby. "I know I would have been so excited if Finnick were here," she continued, "but it took me till today to realize I'll love it and take care of it just the same."
Johanna smiled. "I'm glad. And Annie? I know you would rather have Finnick, and I'm a poor substitute, but do you think I could be there? You know, when the baby is born?"
Annie looked close to tears. "Oh, Johanna!"
Johanna felt her face redden. "It's alright if you don't want me there, I'll -" "I'd prefer you to anyone," assured Annie before Johanna could finish. "So, what should we do today?"
Johanna looked down at Annie, then shuddered and looked away again. When she agreed to be there when Annie gave birth, she thought it would be quick and effortless. How hard should it be to get a baby out anyway? Unfortunately, Johanna had to learn the hard way that her naive assumptions were very far from the truth. Annie screamed again, and Johanna lost it.
"Why would you do this to yourself?," Johanna yelled.
Annie laughed through the tears. "It makes me wonder if it's really all worth it."
Johanna suddenly realized what Annie needed in this moment. "We'll find out soon enough. Now push before I do it myself!"
In a matter of minutes a piercing cry echoed through the halls of the Presidential Mansion.
"It's a boy!" announced the doctor, and handed the squirming baby over to his hysterical mother while Johanna clapped her hands gleefully.
"Oh!," she murmured, lifting him up so Johanna could see. "Have you ever seen anything so perfect?"
Johanna nodded. "He's not bald or red faced, so I'd say as far as babies go, he's pretty damn adorable. Annie nodded and rested her cheek against the baby's head.
"My little Christen," she whispered. Johanna looked at her.
"Christen? Is that his name?"
"Yes. Christen Finnick Odair. Finn and I decided on names for our kids a little after we were married. We decided that if we ever had a boy we'd name him this."
Even Johanna had tears in her eyes when she said "It's perfect," and crushed Annie in a hug. The two women cried together until a squall from Christen made them laugh and break apart.
"I'm going back to Four," announced Annie one summery day as she and Johanna sat outside of the Presidential Mansion, soaking in sunshine.
"I'm coming," said Johanna instantly. Annie laughed at her eagerness. The two had been more lighthearted and happy since Christen's birth.
"What about Seven? I thought you wanted to go back?"
Johanna looked to the horizon bitterley. "Thanks to Snow, there's no one left to go back to. Just ghosts." Annie understood instantly.
"Of course you should come, then! There's plenty of room in my house."
Johanna chuckled. "I know. Yours is the same as mine!"
They decided to leave the following week, accompanied by Nurse Everdeen who had recently moved to Four to escape the painful memories of her youngest daughter; Prim's death, and was only back in town to recruit more nurses for the hospital she had founded. When Annie arrived back at the house she had shared with Finnick in Victor's Village, her heart had stopped for a minute as she reminded herself Finnick wasn't about to come running down the stairs, forgetting his signature roasted vegetables were still in the oven.
"Bluh!" screeched Christen loudly, and waved his small fist. Annie smiled and bounced him in her arms, which made him breathless with childish laughter. She walked upstairs slowly, and laid Chris on the bed once she had reached her old bedroom. Finnick's light woven sweater was hanging off the small couch, and she pressed it to her face, breathing in the smell of salt water and soap. It still smelled like Finnick. Without hesitation, Annie pulled it over her head and stood in front of the mirror. It went down to her knees, and the sleeves were balled up at her wrists, but she was still satisfied. Annie picked Christen up and ran downstairs to find Johanna.
That night, Annie, Christen, Johanna and Nurse Everdeen sat on the beach watching the sunset.
"Katniss called today," said Nurse Everdeen unexpectedly. "She said she's thinking of all of you, and would like to exchange letters. Even you, Johanna."
Johanna laughed. "The Mockingjay should know I hate writing. But whatever. Why not. How are she and Peeta?"
Nurse Everdeen raised her eyebrows. "I'm not the person to discuss the details of Katniss's love life with. If you want to know, write to her yourself."
Johanna scowled. "I'd get an arrow in the head for that." she mumbled, causing the other two to laugh.
"I'm just happy she's getting a bit of peace. She deserves it," remarked Annie.
"Yes," agreed Nurse Everdeen. "She also asked for a picture of Chris, for this book she, Peeta and Haymitch are making."
Johanna smirked. "I could never see Haymitch sober enough to write a book." Nuse Everdeen shook her head at Johanna and explained the idea of the book to Annie, who agreed to send a picture the next day. As the sun finally disappeared into the sea, Annie looked around in the fading light and thought about the people surrounding her. All three had been broken apart by the deaths of their loved ones, but each one was piecing themselves together as best they could. For the first time since Finnick died, Annie knew she and Christen had found a family.
Dear Peeta and Katniss,
Thanks for writing back to my latest letter - can you believe it's been nearly a year since I sent you that picture of Christen? I can't wait to visit when he's older, and able to understand the wars, the Games, and most importantly Finnick's death.. I can't believe he's only a year old - it's hard to remember a time when even the thought of him didn't exist. He's helped me heal from Finn's death without knowing, but just by looking up at me with those sea green eyes and a smile that matches his father's. Johanna says that she would've died of shock if Chris had been born with average looks! That reminds me, Johanna says "Hi" to both of you. Christen loves his birthday gift - he named the kitten "Kitty." Kitty adores Chris (most of the time), at least when he's not playing doctor with the toy instruments Nursie got him! Johanna scoffed at Kitty and said "Chris is one, not eighty!" As if her present was close to being as good - she got him a full sized axe! No way is Chris touching that thing until he's at least thirty! Things are almost back to normal here in Four, but the ghosts of the past still haunt all of us. The mass grave is now covered with wildflowers and grass, and everyday one more fishing boat sets sail. The Hall of Justice has been destroyed, along with all traces of the old Capitol. All this has brought peace, and I hope you're finding some, too. Don't forget that we owe it to our children, the children of today, to keep going and remember the dead instead of shutting them out.
Take care of each other.
All my love,
Annie
Dear Peeta and Katniss,
Thanks for writing back to my latest letter. I've added a photo of Christen for your book, which by the way sounds amazing. I can't wait to visit when Chris is older, and able to understand how we know each other. I can't believe he's only a year old - it's hard to remember a time when even the thought of him didn't exist. He's helped me heal from Finn's death without knowing, but just by looking up at me with those sea green eyes and a smile that matches his father's. Johanna says that she would've died of shock if Chris had been born with average looks! That reminds me, Johanna says "Hi" to both of you. Christen loves his birthday gift - he named the kitten "Kitty." Johanna scoffed at Kitty and said "he's one, not eighty!" As if her present was close to being as good - she got him a full sized axe! No way is Chris touching that thing until he's at least thirty! Things are almost back to normal here in Four, but the ghosts of the past still haunt all of us. The mass grave is now covered with wildflowers and grass, and everyday one more fishing boat sets sail. The Hall of Justice has been destroyed, along with all traces of the old Capitol. All this has brought peace, and I hope you're finding some, too. Don't forget that we owe it to our children, the children of today, to keep going and remember the dead instead of shutting them out.
Take care of each other.
All my love,
Annie