A/N: Hi everyone, sorry for my hiatus! I had a lot of things going on, writer's block, etc. But... I am back with more chapters coming!! I hope you all are enjoying this story. I am definitely experimenting with Finnick and Annie because I'm usually an Everlark writer, but I am excited to dive into their characters and understand them better. Anyway, hope you like it and review!!

Finnick's POV

It seems overnight Panem has suddenly transformed into a worsening nightmare. As if the districts haven't suffered enough already, yesterday evening the Capitol sent hovercrafts to bomb the small and destitute District Twelve. Annie and I were greeted this morning with alarming reports on the news, along with several urgent messages from Capitol rebel spies insisting we contact our most trusted allies. It seems the revolution has finally caught flame.

The only issue is our symbol is nowhere to be found. Katniss Everdeen is our Mockingjay, the girl who defied the Capitol and gave the districts hope even without being consciously aware of it. I hardly know anything about her, other than witnessing her win the 74th Hunger Games and hearing her respond in Caesar Flickerman's interviews. From my observation, she harnesses an amazing amount of strength. Unlike many victors who put on various personas to earn the favor of the Capitol citizens, Katniss seems authentic and unscripted.

Well, other than the obnoxious star-crossed lovers act she displays with Peeta Mellark. Anyone with half a brain in their head knows their relationship is heavily sugarcoated and purely entertainment for the people. I shouldn't be surprised, for a victor is doomed to entertain the Capitol in one form or another for the rest of their lives. It is simply a lie to believe that they will leave you alone in peace because you won the games.

Katniss has somehow earned a strong following from the districts. The rebellion needs her, yet her, Peeta Mellark, and Haymitch Abernathy have disappeared. My first thought is that they are dead. It's the most logical, especially because I don't think many of the residents of Twelve escaped the deadly flames.

As I sit rigidly on the couch watching the footage of Twelve burning on the screen, I reveal my thoughts to Annie, but she disagrees.

"No, I have a feeling they're still alive," she tells me seriously. I smile at her sadly.

"Oh, Annie, a feeling? Nobody has seen any trace of them. They're probably burned to a crisp next to all the other bodies in that town of theirs," I mutter darkly. Annie gives me a pained expression.

"Don't say that. We need to have hope because there is no evidence either way," she tells me. I wrap my arms around her waist.

"I'm sorry. You're right," I whisper into her auburn hair. I may be more pessimistic than Annie, but from experience I've taught myself never to tell a woman that she's wrong. I kiss her tenderly on the forehead before announcing that I have to head out to contact the rebels. About two miles along the beach there is a hidden rock cavern that I have used for a few years now as a safe space. I have never found any cameras or listening devices there, and at high tide the cavern floods so it is extremely difficult to reach on foot. Only during early mornings and right before sunset does the tide go out far enough for me to enter the cavern. I have to hurry this morning if I want to make it in time.

I drain the rest of my coffee sitting on the counter and quickly clear the breakfast dishes with Annie. She reaches up to stroke my cheek and orders me to not take too long.

"Don't worry. I'll be back soon, my dear. I know you hardly stand it without me," I tell her, putting on my deep, seductive voice as I wiggle my eyebrows. She rolls her eyes and laughs before shoving me out the door.

I give Annie one last wave before speedily walking down the sloping streets of the village until I approach the shore. After trudging along the wet sand for a while I reach the secret place. I shove my hand in my pocket and slip out the little black device each of us rebels received and turn it on to block any of the Capitol's systems within my radar.

I find a tall, flat rock to sit on in the cavern. The place feels cold and damp. The water sprays me as it crashes against the rocky walls. I'm used to it all nonetheless. I fold my legs inward and slip out my cellular device to call Plutarch. He picks up immediately.

"Finnick? Oh good, I was just about to contact everybody. The Capitol is in shambles. I just left with the majority of the other spies. We're heading to Thirteen at this moment. I've already arranged for a hovercraft to pick up you and Annie," Plutarch informs me.

"When are they coming?" I ask. "Today?"

"Yes, in a few hours. I suggest you head home, pack up everything, and travel over to Cyprian Bay. As you already know, it's on the edge of your district and the safest place to escape without getting caught, he replies. "They're already rounding up anyone suspicious, and the victors are one of their main targets right now."

I nod. It's best to get out of here now-especially for Annie's safety. "Do you know anything about Katniss Everdeen or the others? Do you think they're alive?" I wonder, trying to resist from feeling too hopeful.

"I don't know," Plutarch admits, sounding distressed. "The rebellion may still go on, but it will be a thousand times harder to get the districts to reunite without that girl. Thirteen is searching the remains of Twelve at this very moment. President Coin is determined to find them at all costs. I overhead that some of Peeta Mellark's family was found an hour ago... their bodies were amidst the ashes of their bakery," he sighs.

"Oh... that's unfortunate to hear. But he wasn't with them?" I ask suddenly.

"No. That part is very strange. They found only three bodies, and from what I know, Peeta came from a family of five. But he could have been with Katniss or Haymitch when the bombs were dropped. And here's another thing: Haymitch's rebel device is still activated. It wasn't destroyed in the fire. But whether it is with him or just in his Victor's house, I'm not sure," Plutarch reveals.

"The Victor's houses weren't destroyed?"

"Correct." He confirms.

"And nobody was found in those homes?"

"No one. Their lights were on, the doors unlocked, but they were empty. It's as if they hurried out of their homes when the bombs hit..." Plutarch trails.

"Like they were planning on helping people or run from the flames," I finish his sentence. I shake my head. This isn't looking good.

"Did you check the forest beyond the borders? And the wilderness that separates Twelve and Thirteen?" I probe him.

"Thirteen's hovercrafts have been searching all over by air, but have failed to find anything yet. And they're afraid to land too close to Twelve because if they do the Capitol might notice and think someone important made it out alive," Plutarch explains.

I'm not sure what to make of this. Twelve's victors either made it out of their district and are wandering aimlessly through the woods or their dead bodies are buried in the rubble and ash. Only time will tell the truth.

"Okay, thanks Plutarch. Annie and I will ready our things to leave. I will meet you in Thirteen," I tell him, standing to hop down to the rocky floor. The tide has already begun to rise.

"Alright. Be careful, Finnick, and hurry to the bay," he replies before hanging up. I shove my devices in my pocket before wading shin deep in the water to reach the main shore. I try to reach my house quickly, where I can let Annie know that we have to leave as soon as possible.

After we pack, we can take the small fishing boat I own out to Cyprian Bay. I hardly use that boat anymore. I have it anchored near one of the fishing docks and usually rent it out to other fishermen. It used to belong to my father when he was alive. After I won the games there was no need for me to work as a fisherman to make a living.

A slight drizzle begins as I approach the Victor's Village, and I lift my head to allow the water to dampen my face. I squeeze my eyes shut and beg (I'm not sure to who) that somehow Katniss Everdeen and the others have been spared. If they're really dead, then unfortunately I think we've already lost half of the battle.

When I reach my front steps, I discover my door half-open. I frown and head inside, slipping off my wet and sand-packed sneakers.

"Annie?" I call from the foyer. It's dark and quiet in the house. I check the kitchen and the living room before quickly rushing upstairs. She is nowhere. My nerves begin to attack me as my heart pounds against my rib cage.

"Annie!" I yell frantically throughout the house. There is no answer.

Oh god, where did she go? No, don't get ahead of yourself. She might have just headed back to her place.

I shove my soaked shoes back on and stumble out the door. I sprint across the street and bang on her door. I hardly wait two seconds for her to answer before I throw the door wide open. Her house is completely empty. My mind begins racing with a dozen terrible thoughts as I go and check my house a second time.

Maybe she had an episode and hid in a closet? It happens sometimes when she hears strange noises or something unexpectedly frightens her. I raid my house, checking every closet, every nook and corner where someone could choose to disappear from the world.

I momentarily collapse in a chair in the living room, out of breath from the search. I bury my face in my hands.

Maybe she went out looking for me? I jerk my head up to peek out the window. Well, now it's pouring. Was she out walking and took shelter in some shop in town? Or could she be rushing home in the rain at this very moment?

Just when I decide to go out to find her, I suddenly smell a sweet yet strange odor coming from the side coffee table. I glance down and discover a small bouquet of white roses resting on the polished mahogany wood. The buds have newly blossomed, almost sparkling and translucent in the lamp light.

Horrified, I clench my fist around the roses and hurl them across the room. The petals scatter across the carpet, only making the scent more poignant. I know the sickening stench anywhere. Only those who are trying desperately to hide an odor truly repulsive mask it with these white roses.

This is a sign. The Capitol was here.

Oh no. No. Where is Annie? What have they done with her?