PART I

FINNICK

He first saw her in the school yard. They were young—14 years. She had long fiery hair that fell in waves over her shoulders. Yes, there was something off about her, but no matter, she was the most beautiful crazy that Finnick had ever seen.

Gah, she was wonderful. Finnick didn't even know her and he knew that no one in Panem could possibly be that beautiful. Her eyes sparkled, practically blinding him from even this far away. She reminded him of a gentle flame, the way she moved was so fluent and her red hair seemed to change colour in the sunlight. Her smile was gorgeous. He had to meet her.

Finnick had a confidence about him that made walking up to her simple. His charming smile caught the girl's attention when she finally realised he was walking up to her.

"Hello there," he said to her. She was walking alone, probably back home.

"Hi," she said in a soft tone.

"What's your name?" he asked. He was so confident initially, but now he was speechless. She was so shy, he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.

"Annie. Why?"

Wow, this girl was something.

"You do know that an appropriate response would have been to ask mine as well."

Annie glared at him smugly. "I thought you'd just tell me," she said. "What's your name?"

"Finnick, Finnick Odair."

"Hello, Finnick. Now why do you want to know my name?"

Finnick had no idea how to respond to this at first, but quickly gathered his wit.

"Because you're beautiful," he said, smiling his charismatic grin at her.

Annie rolled her bright blue eyes and kept walking. Well, she was gliding more than walking. She had a grace about her stride that made up for the lack of grace elsewhere. Finnick made a conscious effort to keep up with her, barely successful.

"You see, Annie," he began, "I see things past what the typical eye would see. Don't get me wrong, you're a beautiful sight for any eye, but most would be misled by your interesting mentality."

She stopped and looked at him.

"Are you saying I'm crazy?" she asked.

"Well you aren't necessarily crazy, just interesting."

"Just so you know, not everyone is as privileged as you are to live in a lovely home with a loving family. If you will excuse me, I will be on my way. I can manage to follow the road home myself."

And, with that, she disappeared down the cobblestone street with a trail of flaming long locks flowing in the wind, leaving Finnick wishing he had gone after her.

Finnick waited for her again the next day and felt little remorse for his word choice because he felt as though she took it the wrong way. Who is honestly that sensitive?

When she exited the school, he was leaning on the trunk of a tree watching her. She never looked up.

He watched her leave the grounds and began after her. She never looked up.

He approached her, keeping in pace with her. She never looked up.

"Hey, Annie," he said to her.

She spun on him and looked him dead in the eyes with an angry glare.

"Look," she hissed, "I don't know how much clearer I can make myself. I don't need you, your help, or your company. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. So please back off. I won't say it again. Go."

She continued staring at him, her eyes the colour of her hair.

Finnick stood there in awe. He couldn't bring himself to move, to breathe.

"Go!" she repeated.

"Why are you so against becoming friends with me? A lot of people would love to be in your position right now."

Annie let out an irritated laugh. "That's why. You're arrogant and selfish and you think that the whole nation of Panem should be bowing at your feet. You know what? Not everyone is going to be like that. The shallow girls that want beautiful men are going to throw themselves at you, praying for your love. Sorry to say that I'm not one of those girls. So leave."

"Who said I want anything but a friend? You know what frustrates me about those girls? They ask for too much. I can't find a single friend that doesn't have an ulterior motive. You...you don't want anything from me. I admire that. Why can't you give me a chance?"

She paused. "Because I don't want anything to do with someone that has everything handed to them."

With that, she ran off.

Finnick didn't understand. As he sauntered home, his mind was stuck on Annie. What had he ever done to her? He couldn't control what others thought of him, and many of his peers found him attractive. His golden blonde hair and dark, ocean blue eyes were only the beginning of the many attributes that made him desirable. His smug grin that was constantly plastered on his face was a constant lady magnet; any time he smiled in the general direction of a girl, she would practically swoon. He was a strapping young man with a muscular build to be reckoned with, but not that of most boys in District 4. His length spread his strength out to give him a more toned appearance. But something no one knew about Finnick would surprise everyone.

His parents were Avoxes.