By the time Finnick reached the Tribute Center, it was around nine in the morning. The building was silent, it was clear that everyone was sleeping in. Today was the last day before the Games, and that meant it was time to prepare for the interviews. Most people saw the interviews as the least important part of training, but Finnick knew how much they meant. If the Capitol is on your side, you have a greater chance at winning.
As the elevator stopped at his floor, he felt a sense of relief. Annie had a great score, and he knew what the arena would be looking like. He wasn't going to announce the information, but he planned on running his tributes down on how to deal with cold situations.
When Finnick entered the apartment, his eyes were immediately directed towards Annie, sitting on the couch by the windows. She looked so small in her spot, curled into a ball in the corner. How did we get here? He thought to himself.
As soon as he opened the door, he noticed Annie's head snap towards him. She was already alert, which was good, yet it still worried him. He knew that she was safe in this building, but she still looked terrified.
When their gazes met, her expression softened into a smile. It was true that Finnick was her saving grace. What she didn't know, was that she was his, too.
"Did you sleep okay, love?" He questioned, walking towards the couch she sat on. On his way over, he tossed his jacket on the kitchen counter.
Annie sighed, and shrugged her shoulders, "It was well enough. I'm just getting nervous." She admitted this, but it was an obvious thing. Why wouldn't she be nervous? He didn't want her to know, but anyone could take one glance at her and see the fear she felt. That was always her weakness. She wore her hearr on her sleeve.
"Well, if you weren't nervous, I'd be a little worried for you." Finnick spoke, now kneeling in front of her, caressing her face with his calloused hands. "You're going to be okay, my love."
Their sweet moment didn't last long, as everyone soon poured into the livingroom. It was time to prepare for the interviews.
—————
The dressing rooms were filled with commotion, Annie could hardly hear herself think. Her stylists threw her into a gown, and made quick work of her hair and makeup.
As they were styling her hair, Finnick walked in, leaning against the doorframe. "May I have a word with my Tribute?" He questioned, smiling towards them. He could get away with anything in the Capitol, and all he had to do was smile.
They left quickly, making sure Finnick knew they could only spare a few minutes. He walked up to Annie as she sat in the chair. The bright fluorescent lights showcased her pale skin, and the millions of freckles all over her body. She really was beautiful. With her rosy cheeks, pink lips, and dark hair. She was absolutely beautiful.
It hurt him to see the Capitol touch her.
"You're going to hate me." He stated, looking at Annie. Her expression turned to confusion, her head tilting to the side. "I can't be with you tonight. Snow booked me after the interviews... But I'll be back in the morning, and I'll be able to escort you to the Arena."
Annie felt tears fluster in her eyes, and she stood aggressively, almost losing her balance. Fire filled her expression, and her eyebrows tensed in anger. "I don't get to spend my last night with you?"
She felt a surge of energy go through her body. For the first time in a week, she wasn't feeling fear. Annie was angry at Snow for taking away her Finnick, and for taking away her life.
"Annie, lower your voice, and you don't know that it will be your last night.." Finnick spoke soothingly, placing both hands on her shoulders.
Annie turned away from him, brushing his hands off her shoulders. "Just go. I need to get ready." She whispered, looking up, not allowing tears to flow down her cheeks. "I'm not angry at you, but... I just can't, Finnick. I'll see you in the morning."
Finnick wasn't sure where the anger had come from, but perhaps he didn't understand. He knew she would be coming home, but she didn't. Did she really think tonight was all they had? If she did think that, he was ready to pull some strings to ensure he could be with her tonight.
He couldn't let her days in the arena be filled by the feeling of abandonment, even if it wouldn't be his fault.
Her stylists entered the room again, escorting Finnick out. He stood there for a minute, feeling drained. Eventually he made his way to the audience, shaking hands and waving as he found his seat.
Annie watched as they styled her long hair. They put two braids on top of her hair, and curled the rest. Her face was almost unrecognizable, as she had blush on her cheeks, and blue eyeshadow complimenting the green of her eyes. Her lashes were longer than she had ever seen, and she felt beautiful.
Her dress was very tight in the stomach, but it flowed down in beautiful waves. There was a single slit this time, but it went as high as her hip. Blue and green fabric hugged her body, and she noticed how many sparkles the dress held. It looked like it was constantly moving.
She felt beautiful.
—————
The flashing lights of the stage were almost too much to bear. Annie felt as though she had lost her vision, as all she saw were flashes of white. She walked on, holding her breath, don't trip.
Once she got to the middle of the stage, she was met with Caesar Flickerman, who looked very orange in person. She had to admit, the cameras added a touch of beauty to this man. On screen he seemed handsome and daring, but here... he looked damaged. Maybe years of sending kids off to their deaths had an impact?
He wore a green wig, that added at least six inches to his height. I wonder if he includes his hair when he measures himself,Annie thought.
"Here she is, ladies and gentlemen, Annie Cresta! The woman after our hearts." Caesar said, taking her hand and lifting it up, pulling her to look at the audience.
A loud scream erupted from the crowd, and she could hardly make out faces. I wonder if Finnick is in the audience, she questioned. No sense looking for him, though, she'd never be able to see.
Annie waved towards the crowd, forcing a smile on her lips. Before she knew it, Caesar walked her to the chairs and they both sat down. She took her left leg and crossed it over her right, the slit of her dress exposing more of her lower body. That was on purpose.
"Now, Annie. I have a question that I'm sure everyone here has been dying to know the answer to." He said, leaning forward in his seat. He paused for a moment, glancing to the audience before returning his gaze to her. "Is there a special boy at home waiting for you?"
The question caught Annie off guard. They wanted to know if she was in a relationship? She smiled softly, leaning in towards the microphone.
She remembered that Finnick was asked this same question. Did they think of her the way they thought of Finnick? What was his answer..
Annie let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "No, Caesar. The only one waiting for me at home is my mother."
It wasn't a lie. Her special boy was waiting in the audience.
"Well, I bet somebody out there let out a sigh of relief," He chuckled, waving his hand as if to dismiss the question. "Tell us about your mother, Annie. Do you miss her?"
"Yes, Caesar. I miss her a lot. My father died when I was younger, so it was just us for most of my life." Annie confessed, looking to the audience, and placing a hand on her heart. "I know that he is with me now, though."
She felt like a phony, just playing the role. They needed to root for her, and she could only hope she was doing enough.
"I'm sure they're both very, very proud." He spoke, and cleared his throat away from the microphone. "Now, let's talk about your score in the personal assessment. You scored higher than anyone else. What are you most skilled in?"
"Well, I'm good with close-ranged weapons. Spears and knives, especially." She spoke, leaning towards Caesar, being sure to smile. "I also showed my survival skills... Making fire and other things."
"Well, I think I speak for all of us when I say that you are one extraordinary woman, Annie."
The rest of the night was a blur for her. She remembered coming off the stage to see Mags, who smiled at her, and gave her a welcoming hug.
Mags had spent most of her time with Gerald, teaching him how to survive. Finnick didn't want to work with him, out of fear of his bias.
Geralds interview went as well as it could, and he mostly talked about his strength and family. Annie hadn't heard him talk about family before, and she was surprised to hear that he had three sisters, all younger than him.
Gerald needs to make it home, she decided. He's needed more than me.