Four Years Later
"Finnick! Wake up!" A cheerful voice rang in the boy's ears, as the sound of curtains opening invited a new light into the room.
"Annie," He grumbled, placing his arm over his eyes, "It's... too early."
Finnick felt a new weight upon the bed, as Annie jumped to sit beside him. "C'mon, buddy. It's noon, and it's your birthday!" She cheered, moving his arm away from his face and pouting. "I would have woken you up earlier, but my mom wanted me to let you sleep."
"Your mom is right. You should let me sleep."
His grumpy attitude left Annie with a sour taste in her mouth. Finnick had been distant lately, as if something was bothering him. He always denied the claims when she asked, but she knew something was going on. Annie asked Mags, Finnicks mentor from the games, and got nothing in return. She began to wonder if she was the problem. Was her childish spirit too much for him? He is older, and had been forced to grow up so quickly after winning the Games.
"I have a whole birthday celebration planned for you! I have cake, a picnic, some gifts. Oh! I even decorated-" Annie spoke quickly, showing off her excitement. She loved celebrating people, especially Finnick.
He cut her off before she could finish, "Annie." Finnick snapped, sitting up quickly, "Just let me sleep. I'll see you tomorrow."
He never spoke about his experience with her, and she never asked for him to. The one time she had, Finnick shut down. He wouldn't speak, or even look at her. She decided it would be best to steer away from the topic entirely, and tried to be a ray of sunshine for him.
Finnick wasn't trying to hurt Annie in anyway, but he had. He didn't care about his birthday, he knew what it meant by now. Eighteen years old. Old enough for Snow to start selling him off to the highest bidder. Of course, Annie knew nothing about what today meant. Why would she? Finnick spent the past four years sheltering her, trying to protect the innocence she held inside her. Now, he feared he had waited too long to open up.
The two had been friends since they were children. Both their fathers were fishermen, and even worked on the same ship. They grew up together, and they fell in love, as everyone expected. However, Finnick never let their love grow too far. He knew that one day, she would know the truths. She would know how he lied, how he betrayed their love, and how he would never be fully hers.
President Snow made sure to warn Finnick of his future duties. If he hadn't, the whispers in the wind would have told him, anyways.
"My boy," The snake whispered, "When you're old enough, all their years of wanting you, will leave you richer than you could ever imagine."
It wasn't a choice. Finnick reminded himself that. He wouldn't have chosen this path. The money meant nothing, considering he already had more than he knew what to do with. He supported himself, Annie, and her mother. He would support his family, too, if they were here.
When he was reaped for the Games, his father and mother were unhappy, as you would expect. They had fought their way to the stage, and ultimately would up with a bullet to their heads.
It was a reminder that none of this was his choice.
"I'm.. I'm just going to go, if that's okay." Her voice was barely above a whisper now, all sense of joy ripped away.
Finnick waved his hand, before turning over, and continuing into sleep. He was beating himself up for dismissing her in such a way, but he knew he couldn't look into her eyes, knowing what would come next.
She walked out of the room, feeling the heat of fresh tears forming in her eyes. Annie escaped out of the house, and out of the Victors Village. She swore she would never go back.
The two of them were the first to admit they were in love. There was no speculation, or awkward glances. They loved each other like the sea loved the sun. Finnick had learned, though, that love wasn't an option.
After Annie left, Finnick felt guilt wash over him. He felt tears pool in his eyes. He hadn't meant to be mean. He meant to hold her, and kiss her. He wanted to thank her for everything she is.
But he was afraid of what would come next.
How would she react when he told her about his new trips to the Capitol? How would he even tell her, without destroying their love? He didn't know. In a way, by dismissing her, he was defending himself. He was a scared little boy, who was about to have to be a man.
Finnick got out of bed, tossing on a blue robe. He made his way downstairs, and began to make himself a large cup of coffee, when he noticed the strange objects on his dining room table.
First, there was a cake. Obviously made by Annie. It was absolutely hideous, but it still made him feel warm with guilt. Beside the cake, there was a letter, and a plain white box.
His calloused hand reached down for the letter, and opened it, receiving a small paper cut on his index finger.
"Finnick—
Happy Birthday, my boy. We have awaited this day for many years. Tomorrow night, we are holding a party in your honor. The guests can't wait to see how much you've grown.
In the box next to this, you'll find your first payment for your services. I hope it will be enough. Maybe, you could afford a fancy necklace for your Ms. Cresta?
Or, perhaps, you're cutting her off now that your attention is required elsewhere.
Regardless, let her down easy. It would be a shame to see such a sweet girl get hurt, wouldn't it?
Your train will pick you up at Five O'Clock tonight. We will see you soon.
—President Snow"
Snow had never mentioned Annie before. Finnick had assumed that Snow would never know about her. Was this letter a threat? Or advice? He was sure it was both.
Break up with Annie, or she will get hurt.
He couldn't bring himself to do it.
So, at Five O'Clock, Finnick boarded the train, afraid for what was to come. It would take a whole day to ride to the Capitol, and after that he would probably be given some form of makeover. Then... he didn't want to think about it.
——————————————
Late the next day, Annie made her way to Finnick's house. She pulled herself together, and walked in.
"Finnick," She called out, "I'm sorry I never came back, I was upset..."
Annie was speaking to an empty house, but she couldn't have known that. She walked down the hallway, looking for him in the kitchen. There she found the cake, a letter, and money laying all over the table.
She walked up to all of it, and picked up the letter. As she read, tears welled in her eyes. What was this letter talking about? What was Finnick— her Finnick doing?
She felt panic set in, and her heart shattered a million times over. Annie began to think of the worst scenarios. Was he dating someone else? Was he sleeping with someone else?
Then it dawned on her.
He's with another woman.
Annie felt like she hardly knew him, hardly processing what she had just uncovered. She decided to wait here, at his house, until he returned. She was going to confront him, and she was going to break it off.
Her anger was misplaced, but she didn't know that. She was blind about everything revolving around Snow, The Capitol, and The Games. Finnick had sheltered her, to protect her. He wound up hurting both of them, though.
She was hurt by what seemed like a disloyal partner. He was hurt by her assumptions.
They were both hurt by the others broken promises, and how could they ever recover?