Once Annie had fallen asleep, Finnick made his escape. He knew he had to visit a client, but he couldn't stop thinking about Annie. How could someone be so innocent? Not just in her actions, in her face and her voice.

He still saw her as the frail girl she was before. She had become strong in the past few years, and he knew that. Finnick still believed that he was responsible for protecting and taking care of her.

Finnick looked at the crumpled up paper in his hands, walking down the wet streets of the Capitol. It had rained, although he wasn't sure when. He could still smell it in the air, and he wondered if it would begin again. It was late enough in the night that the city lights had died down, and he was walking alone.

Reading the paper, he confirmed he was going to the right apartment. Her name was Lydia Sparksfest, and he was sure he'd met her before.

Upon arrival, he knocked on the door, leaning into the doorframe. She had requested him to come at 3 AM, and he was a little early, but he figured she wouldn't mind.

Usually, when clients wanted him to visit late in the night, they had a husband or children that needed to be asleep. It made him feel sick anytime they told him, "Be quiet, Finnick. My husbands in the other room."

He would never understand the desire to be unfaithful to your partner. If he had a choice, Finnick would leave all the money behind, if it meant he could have a life with Annie.

Lydia opened the door, smiling widely. She had pasty white skin, and jet black hair, with a small build. Her voice was soft as she invited him in.

Finnick did his best to make Lydia feel important and loved. He whispered compliments in her ear, kissing every inch of his body he could. He just wanted this to be over.

Once Lydia had decided she had her share, she looked to him, shy. "I have a confession," as she spoke, her face turned red. "I don't have the money right now, but I'll have it once the Games start."

Finnick's eyes turned dark. I just fucked you for free? That wasn't how it was supposed to work. They were supposed to pay an amount to Snow before, and an amount to Finnick after. He didn't want to wait. "So, there's nothing you can give me?"

"You're a mentor this year, right?" She questioned, biting her lip. Lydia was wearing a sheer white robe, leaning against the wall beside the door.

Finnick nodded, unsure of what she was about to suggest.

Lydia clapped, and smiled. "How about this. I tell you what I know about the arena, and that can serve as collateral, until I pay you."

"I'm listening. How would it be deemed collateral?"

"You can record me saying it. It's classified information, so if I don't pay, you report me." She explained, clearly confident.

Finnick knew this was a bad idea, yet he couldn't resist. Knowledge of the arena was more valuable than money, especially with Annie on the line.

"Tell me what you know."

Lydia paused, "The arena is wooded, and cold. It surrounded by a stone wall with water behind it. That's called a dam, right? Oh! The cornucopia is going to have one weapon per Tribute. So, one spear, one sword, and so on. Also, most people are betting on your tribute, Gerald."

Finnick smiled, his eyes brightening. "That is very valuable information, Lydia. Don't bother getting the money to me, this is payment enough."

With that, he went back to his temporary home. It was early in the morning, around eight. He knew what Annie was about to face, and he could only hope that this would work in their favor. He began to run through the items he would need to send in a cold environment, and debated telling his tributes what to expect.

The money never mattered to him, but he wasn't about to give himself away for free. Maybe his new form of payment could be the secrets they hold?

He decided against sharing the information, it was more risk than it was worth. Regardless, tomorrow was the day. Annie would be competing for her life in twenty four hours.

It was almost too much to bear.