Author's Note: Hi everyone! Thanks for checking out my story! Ever since Mockingjay came out (that was ages ago, I know), I've wanted to flesh out Finnick and Annie's story. This is the result. As such, be forewarned that this story will contain spoilers to Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games Trilogy. It all belongs to Suzanne Collins.

Chapter One:

"Annie Cresta!" The name rings over the loudspeaker in the square of District 4.

Ice floods my veins as I recognize my name. Around me, the other 18-year-old girls are turning to look. Signs of relief and pity flit across their faces, and my friend Jorja reaches for my hand with tears in her eyes. I take it numbly and she gives my hand a squeeze. Somewhere my brain registers the sound of someone wailing, and I can only assume it is my mama. I look over towards the noise and catch sight of my papa holding my mama up, her outstretched hand reaching for mine.

"Annie Cresta," Aplysia Overture says again into the loudspeaker.

Slowly, I turn and walk towards the stage. I can feel peacekeepers moving in behind me. They keep a few steps away, but I've watched the Hunger Games enough to know they're there to prevent any last-minute escape efforts. Every so often, a chosen Tribute decides his or her chances are better with the Peacekeepers than they are in the Hunger Games and they make a break for it. Most are caught within moments and never seen again.

I keep my down on the ground and concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other. My stomach is churning and I feel shaky, despite having had a good breakfast. Mama always makes a special breakfast for the day of the Reaping. Today it was a fresh loaf of District's 4 seaweed bread with one freshly cracked and fried egg for each of us. My family is not poor, but neither are we well-off, and fresh eggs are something we eat maybe once or twice a year. I've signed up for tesserae a few times, but not half as many as a lot of other families in the district.

I come to a stop when the stairs to the stage enter my field of vision, and it is only then that I glance upward. Aplysia is gesturing for me to make my way up, her purple hair blowing in the wind. It's curled and falls about her bare shoulders in ringlets. I'm not sure how she isn't cold, seeing as how it appears she is almost wearing nothing, but then again, fashions from the Capitol are strange.

A throat being cleared to my right gets me to turn my head, and when I do so I find myself staring into the most famous seagreen eyes in all of Panem.

Finnick Odair.

He's extending his hand, and when I reach out and grab it, he helps guide me up the stairs and onto the stage.

"Wouldn't want you to fall," he says with a wink and a smirk, before heading back to his chair next to Mags, the other victor who will be mentoring this year.

Mags is something of a legend in District 4. She won her own Games 58 years ago. It was the 17th Hunger Games. Ever since then, she has been mentoring the female tributes from District 4. Now that she's 75 years old, everyone thinks she should retire and pass on the task to some of the younger female victors, but Marina, who won 12 years ago, has a young family, and Lise, who won 23 years ago, has reportedly flat out refused. Or at least that's the rumour that makes its way around the district. And so Mags continues, year after year. Even this past year, after having a stroke, Mags is back on the stage and ready to hit the train for the Capitol. She's now walking with a cane, but she hasn't let that hold her back.

"Welcome!" Aplysia says joyfully once I've finally made my way over to her on the stage. The lights are blinding, and it's hard to pick out anyone in the crowd. "What a lucky lady to have been chosen!" she chirps. "Does anyone want to volunteer for this lucky lady?" After a moment, where the only sound is the seagulls cackling overhead, she finally moves on. "Shall we find out which lucky boy will be joining you?"

I watch absentmindedly as Aplysia reaches into the large fish bowl holding the names and swirls her hand around in itbefore grabbing a piece of paper. "Aigneius Starkin!"

Oh no. Not him. Not him. Not him. Don't do this to his family again.

My heart sinks to my feet as I watch one of my friends separate from the group of male 18-year-olds. He readily climbs the steps to the stage, his face set grimly. Aplysia practically swoons at his feet once he nears her, although I'm not surprised. He's a handsome man. Blond hair cut shaggily and bronzed skin from the sun. He's also built up some muscles from helping out on his father's boat when he's not in school. Aplysia bats her eyelashes at him as she welcomes him to the stage, and I feel mortified for her. Doesn't she realize millions of people are watching her right now, and that Aigneius is probably at least fifteen years younger than her?

"Happy Hunger Games!" I hear Aplysia trill, and then she has Aigneius and I shake hands before we're whisked by the Peacekeepers into District 4's justice building to say our final goodbyes to our families.

The moment my family enters my room in the Justice Building, I rush over to them, tears running down my face. I had managed to hold them in until the door had closed behind me, but when I saw the tiny room with no windows, pretty much a jail cell in my mind, they had freely fallen from my eyes. Now my family embraces me, a circle of strength in the sullen room.

"You can fight and win!" my older sister Brynn says. But she would. She's always been the strongest amongst us Cresta sisters. She even briefly trained for the Games, just in case she got picked. She's tall and well-built, muscular but lean. Her brunette waves are always pulled back in a ponytail or braid, and her tan skin shows how much time she's spent outside. At 22 years old, she already has a few suitors looking to marry her.

My younger sister Orla, nods in agreement. Tears shine in her eyes, and I envelope her in a hug. My bubbly younger sister is quiet for once. Her dark blond hair hangs in a wavy bob around her heart-shaped face, and in her eyes is an immeasurable sadness. "We'll be waiting for you when you get home," she whispers into my ear.

Then my mama is pulling me away from Orla and crushing me with the strength of her embrace. "Oh Annie!" she cries sobbing into me while my papa rubs her back and grips my hand tightly in his.

"Stay strong and true to yourself in the arena," my papa says. His voice is gruff, but I can see the tears shining in his eyes as well. "We'll be right here waiting for you when you get back."

I give him a small smile, but as I do so the door swings open and the Peacekeepers step inside, ordering everyone out. My mama sobs harder and my papa has to untangle her from me and half drag her out of the room.

"I love you Annie," she calls out as the door shuts behind them.

Silence fills the room, and then the door swings open again.

"Annie!" my friend Jorja runs into the room. "Oh Annie!"

"I guess the odds were not in my favour," I attempt to joke.

Jorja's face all but crumples. And why shouldn't it? One of her closest friends and her boyfriend chosen for the Games? Where there can be only one winner? If Aigneius or I is the lucky one to make it out alive, it will be at the expense of the other. Either way, Jorja is going to lose one of us.

"Please watch out for each other," she begs. "I know it won't be easy, but if you stick together then maybe..." She breaks down sobbing, her hands twisting in front of her.

"He'll come back, Jorja, I promise," I tell her gently.

"Annie—"

"We both know I'm not cut out for the Hunger Games," I point out.

It's true. Whereas Brynn is athletic, tall, and street-smart, and Orla is bubbly, small, and a social butterfly, I'm quiet and petite. I'm fit, but not strong. A good swimmer, but not the best. As for friends, I've had the same group since I was small. A group that has always included Jorja and Aigneius.

"But you have to at least try," Jorja finally whispers.

I force a smile. "Of course."

Then the door is flying open again and Jorja is followed out by the Peacekeepers and a few more of our friends enter. We chat, skirting around the subject of my depending departure, until finally the two minutes are up and they too are escorted from the room.

The door closes with a resounding thud behind them. Then all is silent. I lick my lips, my mouth suddenly very dry.

Finally, after what seems like hours the door opens again and two Peacekeepers step into the room, motioning for me to join them. With one flanked on either side of me, we emerge from the room and head out the back door of the Justice Building, into a waiting car. The car ride to the train station is short, and when we get there, my eyes widen at the crowd of cameramen thronging to get pictures of myself and Aigneius.

Up ahead, I can see Aigneius being pushed through the crowd by two other Peacekeepers, their arms fighting to keep the cameras back. As Aigneius disappears up and onto the train, one of Peacekeepers mumbles "showtime" and swings open the car door.

Flashbulbs explode as cameras go off, and I'm temporarily blinded. It's only the Peacekeepers arm at my elbow that propels me forward and keeps me going. I'm jostled this way and that by the crowd, and I feel panic rising within me with every step closer that I take toward the train. The camera crews shout my name, trying to get me to turn and look, but I keep my eyes firmly on the ground, focusing on putting one step in front of the other.

It's not until I step into the train and the door clicks shut behind me that I let out a little sigh of relief.

I look around warily. The train car I'm in is empty, save for a few attendants that stand near a far door.

"Hello," I call out to them. They look up briefly, almost hesitantly, but don't respond in return.

I walk forward, not quite sure what to do or where to go. It appears I'm in the last train car and that there's only one way to go so I make my way forward. Peering into the next train car, I see Aigneius sitting with his head in his hands, his shoulders drooped wearily as if the weight of the world rests on them.

"Aigneius," I say quietly, catching his attention. He looks up, giving a sad smile.

"Hey Annie," he says back. When he opens his arms to me, I rush into them, returning his hug.

"Well isn't this the cutest pair of little lovebirds I've ever seen," I hear a voice chirp behind me. I feel my face reddening, and Aigneius and I immediately separate, each protesting the relationship.

"We're just friends," Aigneius says emphatically, and I echo his words.

"Whatever you say darlings," she trills, waving a hand for us to follow. When Aigneius gets close, she hooks her arm through his. "I'll show you the train. It's not as luxurious as where we'll be staying in the Capitol, but it is nicer than the train you would get if you were from, let's say, District 12."

"This here is the sitting room. It's where we'll all gather tonight to watch a recap of the Reapings." Aplysia gestures grandly, one arm still ensconced within Aigneius', who is too polite to pull away. The room features two couches and a pair of matching plush chairs that look to be about the comfiest pieces of furniture I've ever seen. Aigneius' eyes widen as well at the extravagance and the size of the television. It takes up one whole wall of the train car.

"And this is the dining car," Aplysia continues, walking forward into the next room. "The table is made of maple wood. Such a lovely colour. It was all the rage a few seasons ago and I had them completely redo our dining car to match the trend. This is where dinner tonight will be served, and you can have a quick breakfast before we arrive in the Capitol tomorrow morning".

"You mean we have to stay on this train overnight?" Aigneius asks.

"Yes we do," Aplysia replies cheerfully. "But don't worry, I'd be happy to keep you company if you'd like."

Aigneius looks at her incredulously and finally pulls his arm away. "I have a girlfriend back home."

"Well I won't kiss and tell if you won't," Aplysia replies seductively.

Aigneius' mouth drops open in shock, and I can only stare at our escort wide-eyed.

"This is your room, Annie," Aplysia motions at a closed door. "Inside you'll find changes of clothes, toiletries, and a private bathroom should you need one. Dinner will be in one hour. We'll meet you in the dining car at 6:00 p.m. promptly."

Aplysia tugs on Aigneius's arm. "Come on darling, I'll show you where your room is". The car goes silent as they move onto the next train car, Aigneius mouthing 'help me' as they move through the doorway. I shrug my shoulders at him and grimace, not knowing what to do. And then they're gone. I slowly turn around and open the door to my room.

Inside is a massive bed, and just as Aplysia promised, a closet full of clothes that look perfectly sized to my figure. When I poke my head inside the bathroom, I find a shower and bathtub that have both hot and cold water at the touch of the button. No salt water either. Just clean, pure water.

Sighing, I turn back and sit down on my bed. Out the window, the world rushes by. One week. One week and I will likely be dead. My family crosses my mind and then tears prick the corners of my eyes. I blink rapidly, but not before several make their way in tracks down my face. Quietly, I cry myself to sleep.

At dinner that night, Aplysia sits at the head of the table with Aigneius to her left and Finnick Odair to her right. Mags sits next to Finnick, while I sit across from Mags and next to Aigneius.

At first, I could not believe the amount of food on the table. Aigneius' family is fairly well off, but even he seemed surprised by the sheer amount and diversity of the food. Supper had started with a bowl of soup and some salad, and then the table was covered with wild duck, roast beef, and stuffed salmon. Baskets of bread were passed around regularly, while attendants stood against the wall and continuously refilled our glasses. I took one sip of the wine and then had drank only water, finding it too strong for my taste. Aplysia on the other hand, seemed to be on her third glass before dessert was even served.

"And then I told Lovie," Aplysia trills in a high-pitched voice, "that I have the most wonderful district to represent, even if it does smell funny."

Aigneius' eyebrows raise and we share a look.

"Not to mention," Aplysia carries on, "that it does have the best looking Victor ever to come out of the Hunger Games." She turns and looks at Finnick. "Isn't that right, Finn?" Her hand reaches over and rests on Finnick's thigh.

"You know it," Finnick says with a wink. It's the first thing he's said since dinner started. "I heard Mags was quite a looker in her day."

"Oh, you're so funny Finnick," Aplysia giggles. "I was talking about you of course!"

"Well thank you Aplysia," Finick purrs at her. "It does help one get sponsors." I resist the urge to roll my eyes, while beside me I can see Aigneius gripping the arms of his chair so hard his knuckles have turned white.

"You would know all about that, wouldn't you?" Aigneius asks, his voice cold.

Finnick looks over at Aigneius above the rim of his wineglass as if bored. "What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly what I said," Aigneius replies.

Finick smiles silkily. "Well I made it out of the Games, didn't I?"

"Yeah, but you haven't helped anyone else make it out since you did," Aigneius accuses.

The tension in the room is palpable, and it's a relief when Mags interrupts.

"Enough!" Her speech is slurred slightly, and one side of her mouth droops as if it doesn't work properly. "We are all on the same team, and I will not stand for fighting between us. Lord knows we have enough other competition as it is."

Aigneius looks like he wants to say more, but before he can Mags pushes her chair away from the table. Surprisingly, Finnick jumps up and offers his assistance to help her stand from her chair. "It's time for the recap," she announces. "We will find out who looks like they could be allies and who looks like they could be formidable opponents."

"We never even got to dessert!" Aplysia hmphs. I tune her out as I watch the receding backs of Finnick and Mags, Finnick's arm steadying Mags as they walk. Sighing, I stand up too, getting ready to follow.

"Annie," Aigenius says, his voice low. "I don't trust Odair. I don't think either of us should have to be mentored by him. As soon as we get to the Capitol, you know we won't get a second thought from him."

I raise my eyebrows questioningly at him. On one hand, Aigneius could be right. Finnick has never brought home a victor, and for the past few years, he seems to have made the Capitol his home. While most Victors seem to enjoy spending their days quietly back in their home district, Finnick has been seen all over the Capitol with many women hanging off his arm. They change almost nightly, or at least weekly, and vary from young to old, but all appear to be extremely, extremely wealthy.

And yet…

I think about Finnick's hand, reaching down to help me up the stairs to the stage at the reaping. Of Finnick jumping up to help Mags from her chair and down the hall.

As I walk down the hallway to join the others watching the recap, I decide that there might be more to Finnick Odair than meets the eye.

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