Finnick couldn't help but feel as though he was choking with guilt. It burned his throat, clawing it's way through his body. He felt as though he had a virus, one that was not forgiving.

He walked down the streets towards his client slowly. The streets were empty, the air thin and cold.

What if she doesn't live? Is this really our last night?

He began to doubt the arrangements he had made, and felt a cold sweat break out down his back.

I have to go back.

His footsteps continued on towards his destination, and he placed his hands in the pockets of his jacket, fiddling with his fingers.

What if she gets killed because I didn't see this client?

He began to look over his shoulders every few steps, feeling paranoia set in. His body felt too heavy, and his mind felt numb.

What if I never see her again?

————————

The next thing Finnick remembered was standing outside of Annie's bedroom door, and feeling a ring in his hand. His heart was beating heavier than in had in the past, and he knew why.

Regardless, Finnick opened the door. He found Annie sitting by the window, which she had set to view the ocean. She didn't move her head when the door opened, she just looked at her view.

Finnick walked into the room, closing the door behind him. He made his way to Annie, and sat beside her.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

Annie didn't move her gaze, and she repositioned herself so that she was hugging her knees to her chest.

"I might have just written your death certificate by being here tonight. I'm... so sorry."

She turned her head to him, and smiled. She had decided she wasn't going to live, anyways. "I'm glad you're here," Annie spoke, ever so softly.

Finnick adjusted his position, and looked at her, "I always wanted to do this by the beach."

Before Annie could ask him what he meant, Finnick moved so that he was on one knee, and he smiled. His smile was bright, but his eyes were sad, coated with tears waiting to fall.

"Annie— I have loved you since we were kids, and you have been my saving grace. Without you here, I don't know what I would have done. You give me hope, just by existing.

You've accepted me through all my faults. Even though I feel so, so broken.. You found a way to fix me. You're the love of my life, and there's no one else I would want to spend my life with." He spoke slowly, and his body shook, filled with nerves.

She wasn't prepared for this, and it was clear. Her whole body softened as he went on, no longer guarding herself.

"Annie Cresta, will you marry me?"

There was a long silence, and they both stared at each other, trying to guess the emotion on the others face.

Finnick thought her answer would come easily, but he could tell her indecision. Is he only doing this because he thinks I'm about to die? She questioned herself. No.. Stop overthinking, Annie. Say yes.

Still, she had to ask the question.

"Why are you asking me now? My answer is yes, and it has been a yes ever since we were kids, but..." She trailed off, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

He sighed, his demeanor changing. "I planned to ask you after the Reaping. I was going to stay home from the Games this year, and I was going to propose. We were going to get married on the beach." There was a hint of sadness behind his voice.

Annie smiled, looking down at the ring presented to her. "It's beautiful," she said, smiling as she bit her lip in excitement.

"I want you to wear it as your token." Finnick said, smiling at her. He gestured towards her hand, "May I?"

She nodded, and he took her hand and placed the ring on her finger.

It was a simple ring, with a silver band and a sapphire stone. It reminded them both of the ocean, as stereotypical as it sounded.

"Finnick..." She said, her eyebrows turned in worry. "If I don't make it out..."

"Then your last thoughts should be of my lips," Finnick joked, taking both her hands in his, moving closet to her on the floor. "Annie, you're going to make it out."

No I'm not, she thought to herself. Gerald is.

Finnick continued, "I know you will, and when you do... We'll get married. We'll be together forever. I promise."

But how could he promise something she already planned to defy?

That was a lie, she thought. He just doesn't know it yet.

———————

They woke up as suddenly as they had fallen asleep. The two of them were on the floor, sleeping peacefully, when Sylvia knocked on the door, startling them both.

As they jumped off the floor, beginning to get dressed, Annie looked at the mirror in horror. Her face was white, her eyes wide with fear, filling with tears.

"I'm going into the arena." She whispered. "Finnick.. This is it."

He swallowed, looking at her with his eyebrows raised in worry. In a second, he made his way to her, embracing the frail girl in his arms. She felt so cold, and he hoped he could warm her.

Sending her off to the arena terrified him. Finnick has spent his whole life protecting and caring for Annie, and once she entered the Games, he couldn't do that anymore.

It's my fault, he kept reminding himself. If she dies, it's my fault.

"Switch your ring to your right hand. If anyone asks, it's from your mother, okay?" He spoke into her ear in a low voice, before bringing his head down to lay a sweet kiss on her neck.

Annie trembled in fear, "Will they kill me if I don't show up?" She questioned, letting a small bit of laughter come out, followed by a sniffle.

"They're more likely to force you into the arena, then let you die a slow death for the views." He said, tensing. "You're going to be okay, Annie. You'll make it out, and we'll get married. We'll run away together if we have to."

"Promise?" She asked, pulling away to look at him.

Finnick smiled, brushing her hair away from her face before kissing her forehead. "Promise."