A/N: Yeah… this is another chapter I would tag 'interesting' it's more about Annie and her son because well... Finnick is dead in this one shot :(. Also this has Katniss and Peeta in it and I've never written about them so I hope I did an okay job there.
It is really long, I probably could've made this a short story but, I figured I wrote it all at once and was writing it for this little series in mind so here it is!
Thanks for reading!
In Annie's POV
Reunion
I stare at the horizon while sitting on the front porch I was unable to sleep last night. It wasn't nightmares keeping me up it was today's events.
Katniss and Peeta are coming sometime today. I haven't seen them in five years since the war ended. I send mail so they know I'm alright but other than that I don't really talk to them or any of the reaming victors. Johanna calls from time to time. I think she does it purely because she was close with Finnick. She didn't hide her distaste for me.
It's not like they just invited themselves here. They are seeing Katniss' mother as well the reason they haven't come yet is because I have canceled twice already. I figured if I said no this time they would not bother anymore.
I am curious to see how they are, especially Peeta.
I think the reason they are coming is because they are getting married and they want me to be there. Johanna told me she thinks that they are going to get married which is why they are traveling to all the Districts. All the Districts they know people anyways. They were at my wedding and are the same age I was. I should go, I know Finnick would want to. He would be so excited and so happy for them.
I close my eyes.
100, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 91, 90...
If I count down all the way to zero from a hundred I can usually calm myself down enough.
30, 29, 28
"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" I hear my son shout frantically.
I open my eyes and walk inside.
"What's wrong sweetie?" I ask.
He comes over and hugs me.
"I couldn't find you." He whispers. I pick him up and take him outside. I sit back down and place him in my lap.
"I'm never going to leave you Finnick." I say and kiss his forehead and he wraps his arms around me.
I stroke his hair. He rests his head on my shoulder and I can still smell the sea salt on his skin from going swimming yesterday. Going in the water isn't my favorite thing to do but, I know he likes it just like his Daddy. I would do anything for this boy.
I run my fingers through his bronze hair. He looks just like Finnick the man he is named after and the only man I will ever love.
"Mommy?" He whispers after a long silence.
"Yes." I say and he pulls up his head and smiles.
"You said people are coming over today right?" He asks.
"Yes." I say and kiss his forehead.
"And it's not Grandma and Grandpa."
"Correct it's someone else."
My Mom and Dad come here frequently. They say they want to see their grandson but, I know they are coming here to make sure I'm alright. Sometimes I'm not alright but I am smart enough to admit it and ask for them to help me. I ask them to take care of Finnick so I don't just leave him alone while I cry or sleep all day or when I just want to forget.
"Who?" He asks eagerly.
"My old friends Katniss and Peeta."
He nods.
"How old are they?" He smiles and so do I.
"Not old in age, old as in I knew them awhile ago."
"So you don't know them now?" He whispers.
"I do... just not like before."
"Oh." He says. He sits up and runs his fingers through my hair.
"I love you Mommy." He says and kisses me.
I smile.
"I love you too. Now let's go inside and get you some breakfast."
"Mom-eeee"
"Wh-aaat?" I mock his tone and smile.
"I'm not hungry." He says and crosses his arms.
"Well you gotta eat something so you can get big and strong."
"Mom-eeee." He says again.
I stand up with him in my arms.
"I can make you pancakes." I say and kiss his cheek. He will usually eat these no matter what.
"Are you gonna make them into fishys?" He smiles.
"Whatever you want baby." I say.
We go back inside and head towards the kitchen I set him down and he drags the step stool over so he can watch me.
"Mommy they are circles now." He says.
"I know but when I'm done you will get your fishys." I smile.
He puts his hands on the counter and then starts to move them closer to the stove. I see his thought process and pick him up and set him down before he can.
"No, no. Finnick you don't touch the stove. You know better than that." I say firmly.
"Mommy."
"No, you don't touch the stove only Mommy, Grandma, and Grandpa can touch this."
"But-
"Do you want to go in time out until your pancakes are done?"
"No." He mumbles and looks at the ground.
"Then don't touch the stove and don't talk back."
"Okay." He whispers and crosses his arms.
"I love you sweetie but the stove gets hot and you could get hurt. I don't want you to get hurt okay?" I ask.
He looks up.
"Okay."
"I love you sweetie." I say again.
"I love you too Mommy." He smiles.
"Why don't you sit at the table, breakfast is almost ready." I say.
He nods and does.
I take them off the griddle and put them on a place and get the fishy cut out and make his pancakes fish.
"Here you go sweetie." I say and give him a glass of milk and oranges too.
"Thank you Mommy." He says and starts to eat them.
"They taste good?" I ask and he nods.
I watch him eat he is almost finished when I hear the phone ring.
My phone doesn't ring very often and when it does ring it is either my parents or Johanna. I have a feeling it is neither of them. I have a feeling it is Katniss or Peeta.
"Mommy?" Finnick says.
"Yes?" I say.
"Are you gonna answer that?" He smiles.
"Oh right." I say and stand up and answer the phone.
"Hello?" I say.
"Annie?" I hear the gently voice of Peeta say. I sigh. I hope that means he has been alright within the last five years. In the letters it sounds like he is but, you can easily leave things out in a letter. I don't tell them sometimes my parents have to take care of Finnick.
"Peeta." I say.
"I just wanted to let you know we are probably a few hours away."
"O-okay." I stutter.
"Annie if you don't feel comfortable-
I stop listening to him and just look at my son. I know they would want to see him. Peeta always asks how he is doing in the letters and they love when I send pictures.
"Annie?" I hear again.
"Oh I can't wait for you to arrive." I say in monotone. It's probably not convincing but I do believe it. I'm sure once I see them it will be okay.
"Okay I'll see you soon." Peeta says confused.
"Bye." I say and hang up.
"Who was that?" He says excited.
"Katniss and Peeta."
"Who's that?" He asks still excited.
"Those are my old friends."
"Oh right." He says.
"Are you done eating?"
He nods.
I clean up the dishes and then pick him up.
"We should give you a bath and then you can get dressed and ready for the day." I say and kiss his forehead.
"Okay." He says.
"What do you want to wear today?" I ask before we go into the bathroom.
He points to a normal shirt and shorts and then I head to the bathroom.
"All clean." I say once we are done. I get him dressed and then start to towel dry his hair causing him to giggle. He always giggles when I do this.
"Mommy." He says and then hugs me when I stop.
"I love you sweetie." I say.
"I love you too." He says. I carry him downstairs and set him down and he goes to the playroom.
I watch him pick up various toys and wonder where his imagination has taken him. To be innocent and young again would be lovely. He doesn't know that much he is only four he will be five at the end of the year.
I just sit at the couch and watch him, I'm really just waiting for Katniss and Peeta to come. I look at the clock and focus on the tick tock noise. I close my eyes.
I feel a small pat on my shoulder and open my eyes. I look at the clock and see an hour has passed. I must have fallen asleep.
"Mommy people are here." Finnick whispers.
Katniss and Peeta. I think.
I hear the doorbell go off. I know that would've woken me up so they couldn't have been here for long.
"Let's go see who it is then." I say and pick him up.
"Mommy I don't know." He says wary. Like myself he doesn't like meeting new people but he is four so that isn't abnormal.
"It's going to be fine baby." I say and kiss his forehead. He rests his head on my shoulder concealing his face from the world.
I open the door and sure enough it is Katniss and Peeta. They both look older and Peeta has gotten taller. I wonder if he needed a new prosthetic leg so the height will be even. I'm not going to ask because that would be rude.
Peeta has the gentle smile and Katniss looks relieved maybe that I answered the door. I wonder how long they have been here before Finnick woke me up.
I clear my throat.
"Hi, won't you come in?" I say. I sound wooden. I don't mean to I am probably making them uncomfortable.
"Hi Annie." Katniss says.
I smile.
"Hi." I say.
"Who's this little guy?" Peeta says and smooths Finnick's hair.
"Do you wanna say hi sweetie?" I ask.
He shakes his head.
I smile.
"He's shy." I say.
"We are very nice." Peeta says.
Finnick being the curious camper he is looks up this time and smiles at Peeta.
"Hi." He says sheepishly.
"He looks just like him." Katniss says. She looks like she regrets it.
"I know." I say and kiss his cheek.
"Like who?" Finnick asks eagerly.
"Like Daddy sweetie." I say.
"You knew Daddy?" He asks excited. Any information he can get about Finnick makes him happy. I have told him almost everything I know or want to tell him. I tell stories some more than once and he still has a look of glee. He wants to know more about him. I know he wants to meet him but that won't be possible.
"Yes we did." Katniss swallows hard. "He was my friend."
"Can you tell me about him please please please." He begs.
Katniss' face says no but you can't exactly say no to a child. Especially since he is so eager.
"Sweetie why don't you go play."
"But Mommy they knew Daddy."
"I know." I kiss his forehead. "But we need to have grown up talk."
"Like you do with Grandma and Grandpa?"
"Yes." I say because I talk to my Mom and Dad when I want them to take care of Finnick when I know I can't. When I need to be alone. It isn't often but I always say this so he will leave us alone.
He leans in and whispers.
"Do I have to leave after?" I shake my head.
Even though he was whispering I know they heard him, well I know Peeta heard him.
"No sweetie. You're gonna stay right here with Mommy."
"Okay." He says and kisses my cheek. "I love you Mommy."
"I love you too baby." I say and kiss him. He hugs me and then I set him down. "Go to your playroom." I say.
"Okay bye." He says and practically runs there.
"We can sit in the living room." I say and we do.
"How was the train ride?" I ask.
"Long." Katniss smiles. It does take a few days to get here and I know Katniss isn't fond of transportation.
"I see." I say.
"They've redone the trains now Annie they are a lot simpler and are more accessible to carry more citizens instead of… items." He says.
"I wouldn't know, I haven't been on a train since I came home." I say. "And I don't have a reason to go anywhere else." I whisper.
"Well from your letters it seems that you are doing well." Peeta smiles.
"I am." I smile. "I like it here. I can go on the beach and I'm teaching Finnick how to swim. He's gotten really good. Swimming in District Four comes almost as easy as breathing though."
Katniss smiles and it isn't a forced one or a 'I feel sorry for you' smile. It's a genuine smile. She is happy that I'm happy.
"That's good, I still can't swim." Peeta smiles.
"It's not so hard once you know how to do it." I smile.
"She's right it's pretty easy Peeta." Katniss says.
"How have you two been?" I ask.
"We've been really good Annie. Well for the most part." Peeta says.
"The nightmares are still there." I whisper.
"Those aren't ever going away." Katniss says.
"I know." I say. I can tell by their dark circles that they don't sleep through the night either. The only time I sleep through the night is when Finnick is near me, especially when I'm holding him in my arms. "Are you okay then Peeta… I mean with the."
"Most of the time Annie." He smiles.
"How's Haymitch?" I'm mostly just being polite.
"He's fine, better than before when there was that alcohol shortage." Katniss smiles.
"He made lots of friends with geese." Peeta smiles. I don't know if this is an inside joke or if Haymitch went running around the woods making friends with wild animals. I could see him doing that though especially if he was going through withdrawal.
"I see. Your Mom talks about you a lot Katniss."
"Really?" She says surprised.
"Oh yes, she loves when she gets your letters. If I'm honest so do I." I am being honest. I like getting mail about how everyone is doing. Mostly because everyone seems to be great. If it was terrible news it might be different.
"Annie we wanted to ask you something." Peeta says gently.
"Okay." I say nervous.
"Katniss and I we are going to get married and we would like everyone we love to be there. Annie we would really like if-
I hear his footsteps and then he jumps on the couch before Peeta can finish.
"Mommy do you know where Teddy is?" Finnick asks where is teddy bear is.
"I think he is upstairs sweetie. But do you remember what I said about interrupting?"
"That I shouldn't because it isn't nice and other people have important things to say."
"That's right." I say. "Now what should you say to Peeta?" I say.
"I'm sorry." He says.
"It's okay." Peeta says smiling.
"Annie we really would like if you were there if you would be willing to come." Katniss says.
"Where do they want you to go Mommy?" He asks.
"District Twelve." I say.
"Really! That's great Mommy! You should go! Because Brad's Daddy goes to District Six all the time for business and says it's nothing like District Four."
"Well we are all different." I say.
"It's not like it was before Annie." Katniss says probably knowing what I'm remembering, the poverty and everything. District Twelve did get blown up so they did have virtually have nothing but now that the world is more even I doubt everyone will be living in ruins like before.
"You've been there Mommy?" Finnick asks surprised.
"A long time ago, remember I said I have been to all of them."
"Oh yeah."
"They're all different now though." Peeta says
"Oh." Finnick says. "You should go to see it then." He smiles.
Peeta is smiling too. I can tell Peeta wants to have a little one. I don't know about Katniss though. They would both be good parents even though the games are over you still have a bad feeling that something is going to happen to your kids at least I do.
I would go but I don't want to leave Finnick with my parents when I'm not here. I need to make sure he is alright.
"She can't go without you Finnick." Peeta smiles probably picking up on this.
"Mommy puh-leaaaase can we go." He smiles and looks so excited.
"I would love to go to your wedding." I say.
"Thank you Annie." Katniss says.
"We wanted to see Mrs. Everdeen before we left." Peeta says.
"She's going to need convincing to come back home." Katniss whispers.
I'm sure she would, she is going back to the place her young daughter grew up and then she later died.
I couldn't be in my house for too long after I came back it was too painful remembering Finnick living here with me. But, after I eased back into it, it wasn't so bad. Besides I knew I want to raise my son in this house. The house where his father once lived.
"Okay." I say.
"We'll say goodbye before we leave." Peeta says.
"Okay." I say and walk them to the door.
"Mommy are we really gonna leave District Four?" He says still excited.
"Yes but not right away we are going to have to wait."
He groans.
"I'm sure it will he soon sweetie." I say and kiss his forehead.
ONE MONTH LATER
"Okay Finnick do you have everything you need?" I ask.
He nods.
"We are probably gonna be gone for a week so make sure you have all the toys you want because we can't come home for them."
"I'll be fine as long as I have teddy."
"Okay." I say but he does have other toys.
We get on the train and are taken to our cart.
I can see what Peeta meant they remodeled most of the train cars so they could have more bedrooms but they still have the dining and bar car.
"Woah Mommy look how nice it is." He says.
"Yes it is something."
The rooms are just how I remember them fancy wood and fabrics everywhere and then there is the mini chandelier on the ceiling.
"Okay baby, let's put your stuff here and then you can take a nap." I say because it is early and I can tell he is still tired.
"Okay Mommy." He says.
He grabs teddy and then heads in bed.
"These sheets are so soft Mommy."
"I know sweetie." I say and tuck him in. If these trains didn't hold such painful memories I would probably be excited too.
He falls asleep before the train leaves. I lay next to him and wrap my arms around him. I have a bad feeling in my stomach just being on this train. I need him close to me so I know everything will be okay.
I close my eyes
100, 99, 98 … 3, 2, 1.
I open them, it helped a little.
After a few hours on the train he wakes up.
He notices my arms are wrapped around him.
"Are you okay Mommy?" He asks still tired.
"I'm fine sweetie. I'm always fine if you're with me." I say and kiss his forehead.
"I love you Mommy." He says.
"I love you too." I say and he kisses me.
The train stops in every District and Finnick looks out the window excited to see what they all look like. More people get off than get in but it doesn't matter. I can tell Finnick is loving this.
"Mommy?" He says.
"Yes?" I say.
"I'm hungry."
"Let's go to the dining car then." I say and pick him up.
We sit down and I order him Mac and cheese.
"I like this Mommy." He smiles.
"I know you do baby." I say and kiss him.
They bring out our food and he starts eating.
"How does it taste?" I ask.
"Good." He says and takes another bite. I stroke his hair as he eats and am watching him carefully.
"You too?" I hear a familiar voice say and turn to see Johanna.
"Yes." I say.
She smiles and sits down.
"Hi Finnick." She smiles.
"Hi Johanna." He smiles. He knows who Johanna is because she calls frequently and comes to Four at least once a year.
"You excited to be leaving Four?" She asks him. She already knows my answer and it is no. I know I can get through this though, for Peeta and Katniss. It is helping that Finnick is enjoying himself so much. I love to make that little boy smile.
"Yes." He says and takes another bite. "I want to go all over." He smiles.
"Ain't that something." Johanna mutters.
"Johanna." I warn. She doesn't frighten me as much as before but I know her.
"Sorry Annie." She says. "Did you bring them a gift or anything?" She asks.
"No were we supposed to?" I ask worried.
"I don't think so besides, Katniss and Peeta never seemed to be very materialistic." Johanna says.
"Well look where they grew up." I say softly.
Johanna sighs.
"We can all move on." Johanna says and smiles.
"I know." I say.
"We got two days left on this, do you know where Mrs. Everdeen is?"
"In District Four." I mumble.
"She's not coming." Johanna says surprised.
"Peeta told me she said it would be too painful."
"If you can go I'm sure Katniss' Mother can." She scoffs.
"You don't know what it's like Johanna." I say and stroke Finnick's hair. I don't think I would want to go anywhere if he died young.
Before I know it I'm wrapping my arms around him.
"You okay Mommy?" He asks.
I kiss the top of his head.
"I just love you so much." I say.
Johanna smiles.
"I guess. Well I will see you in Twelve. Bye Finnick." She smiles.
"Bye!" He says as she walks away.
"Mommy?" He whispers.
"Yes?" I ask.
"Are you okay?" He says.
"Yes why?"
"You're holding on really tight."
I let go.
"I'm sorry sweetie." I say and kiss his forehead.
"You usually do that when you cry." He looks at me and looks sad. "Are you gonna cry Mommy?" He whispers.
"No I'm not going to cry." I say.
"You're allowed to, that's what you tell me." He smiles.
"That is what I tell you." I mostly told him this incase I did cry in front of him. I haven't that many times. It usually the screaming nightmares that get him.
"Are you finished?" I ask noticing his bowl is clean.
He nods.
"Let's go back to our room." I say and he nods.
I sit down on the bed and place him in my lap so he is facing me.
"Mommy?" He asks
"Yes sweetie?"
"Why do you look sad?" He asks and it's like the world around me freezes. It does whenever he asks me questions like that. 'Why do you look sad?' 'Why are you crying?' 'Why are you afraid?' 'Why are you screaming?' I never have an answer for him.
"I'm not sad sweetie."
"Mommy."
"I'm not sad I'm just nervous."
"About what?"
"Leaving District 4 and you." I kiss his forehead.
"I'm not gonna leave you Mommy."
"I know." I say and fall back in bed and he goes down giggling.
I hold him tightly to my chest and rub his back. I don't want to let him go. I want to make sure he is okay. It's also because he makes me feel okay.
"I'm not gonna let go of you." I tickle him.
"Mom-eeeee." He laughs. "Mommy stop." He giggles. I do and then kiss him.
"I love you Finnick." I say and lie down on the pillow.
"I love you too Mama."
I have him rest on my chest until he falls asleep and then I do too.
The train slows and we finally get to District Twelve.
"Okay do you have everything sweetie?" I ask and he nods.
"Let's go then." I say.
I look out at the new District Twelve the coal dust covered buildings that looked like they could fall down by the wind are gone. The sky is clear and so is the air. They rebuilt the town and everything seems nice. The only difference is the population.
District Twelve did get blown up and so did most of the population. After the war ended you could live anywhere you wanted. Most of the people who left wanted to find better jobs but most of the population stayed put. I'm sure most of the citizens looked at other Districts or even the Capitol. Finnick wants to go to the Capitol to see it but I will never go back there. When he is older he can go there and see what it is like. However I wouldn't want him to go.
"Wow Mommy look at these tress!" He exclaims because we don't really have those at home.
"I know sweetie, they are very tall aren't they." I say.
He looks around.
"What's wrong?" I ask.
"There's no water here Mommy, how do they fish?"
"They don't do that here. Just like we don't have these trees. Each place has different things." I say.
"We should go allllll over then."
"Maybe one day." I say and kiss his forehead.
Johanna comes over here.
"Hello again." She smiles.
"You staying in town also?" I ask. We are staying here for a few days because the train ride did take a few days and it would be nice.
In most of the District hotels came a big thing because you can travel anywhere. I know lots of people head to Four for vacation. They want to relax on the beach. Here though I think it's because they want to see where Katniss is from. Although this is not how it was before.
"Yes, where else would I stay?" I ask.
"True." She says.
"Have you been here Johanna?" Finnick asks still excited.
"Once or twice like your Mommy I have been to all of them but they're different now."
"If they're different don't you want to see them?" He asks.
"There's something I like about home Finnick." She smiles.
"Mommy says that too, right?" He smiles and looks to me.
"Right." I say.
We get checked into the hotel it is nothing special it doesn't really need to be.
"Mommy the train was better." He complains.
"That's because this wasn't designed by the Capitol." I say and kiss his forehead.
"We should go there sometimes." He smiles.
I sit him down and smile.
"Sweetie we might go to the other Districts sometime but I don't think I will go to the Capitol." I say and kiss his forehead.
"Why not?"
There are lots of reasons for that. The Hunger Games, mentoring, President Snow. I think the real reason is that is where Finnick died.
"It's just real far away." I say and kiss his forehead. Which is a lie we can get to the Capitol in a day rather than the three days we took to get here.
"But when you grow up you can go there." I say.
"Okay." He says and hugs me.
I hear a knock on the door and open it and see Johanna again.
"Hi." I say.
"You wanna walk down to their celebration together." She smiles.
"I was gonna wait a few hours." I say and pick at my finger nails.
"You'll be fine Annie." She says.
"I guess." I say.
"Just bring Finnick and stay for a couple of hours. I don't think they invited many people anyways Annie."
I sigh.
"Okay." I whisper. "Finnick." I say and he comes running towards me. "We are gonna leave to see Katniss and Peeta, do you remember them?" I ask.
He nods.
"The blond guy who gave me cookies." He smiles. When they came back Peeta did give us cookies decorated with flowers. I know he made them.
"Yes, that's Peeta. Katniss was the girl she had brown hair."
"Oh yeah the quite girl." He smiles.
I smile.
"Katniss quite." Johanna scoffs.
"She was, she didn't say much to me just that I looked like Daddy."
Johanna doesn't have to say it we both think that is the reason.
"Let's go sweetie." I say and pick him up.
We head to their house it is still known as Victors Village so is where all of the house victors reside. I wish they could rename it. I am the only person who lives there in Four so it isn't really a village. You can buy houses in the area but people don't want to because they think they are cursed. Mags' and Finnick's houses still have all their belongings in them so they will never be sold. I have a feeling lots of people would want to buy Finnick's though but, I won't let that happen.
We get there and I can see a small tent with tables underneath and lots of flowers.
"Primroses." Johanna says immediately.
"How can you tell?" I ask.
"We have them back home." Johanna says. We both know it is not a coincidence, Katniss probably has them to honor her sister.
"They're pretty Mommy." Finnick says.
"I think so too."
I make small talk with most of their guests. I talk with Gale's brothers but don't see him anywhere in sight. Maybe because he had an unhealthy obsession with Katniss and didn't want her to be around Peeta all the time. I doubt he would approve of her marrying him, that is not a good friend. A good friend would be happy, no matter what.
Hazel, Gale's Mother, was very nice I think she is a second mother to Katniss.
Finnick loved talking to all of them and they loved talking to him too.
After I get almost everyone I sit in one of the chairs to avoid people. I saw Haymitch but didn't seek him out and I don't think he will seek me out either.
"Mommy?" Finnick asks.
"Yes?"
"Aren't you gonna talk to more people?"
"A little later sweetie." I say.
"Okay." He says disappointed.
"Finnick." I say.
"Yes?" He smiles
"If you want to go over and play you can." I say.
"Okay." He smiles
"Just stay where I can see you."
He smiles.
"Finnick if you don't stay where I can see you, you're going to get in trouble."
"I don't want that." He whispers.
"Then stay where I can see you." I say and kiss his forehead. There are enough people to make sure he won't go anywhere besides, I know Johanna will stay near him.
"Okay, I love you Mommy." He smiles.
"I love you too." I say and he goes off. He is mostly twirling around and looking at the nature we don't have in Four and like I predicted Johanna is keeping a watch on him too.
I feel a strange sense of loneliness.
"He won't stay with you forever." I whisper and close my eyes.
100, 98, 97 … 3, 2, 1
I open my eyes and jump because I didn't expect anyone to be there.
"How are you Annie?" Peeta smiles.
"I'm okay." I smile.
"I'm really glad you're here Annie because I know it probably wasn't the easiest thing for you."
"Well I want to be there for my friends. Besides, you were at mine you made the cake and everything." I smile remembering.
"I did didn't I." He smiles "That seems like it was so long ago."
"Yeah I guess... it's better now though." I say.
"It's better being owned yes although I think we all have our moments." He smiles.
"You still think Katniss is going to kill you?" I whisper.
"Sometimes but it only last for a few minutes." He smiles. "I would rather have that than be afraid that someone is going to kill me."
"Me too."
"You get bad feelings too." He asks.
"Besides, the nightmares?"
He nods.
"Sometimes." I swallow hard. "Sometimes it just all comes back hard. That's when my parents have to take Finnick because I can't take care of him. It's too much." I say.
Peeta smiles.
"Well at least you know you need help."
"Yeah but I just wish I could do it by myself."
"Well I think you're doing great and he seems to be unaffected by it."
"I guess." I pause "On a happier not are you excited that you're getting married tomorrow?" I ask.
Peeta smiles.
"Of course, I'm just glad the women I love, loves me too." He smiles.
"Well, I hope it is fills you with happiness and lasts longer than mine did." I smile that sad smile I do when I think that my marriage to Finnick only lasted a few weeks. The love we had will last forever but I wish I could've been married a little longer. I wish Finnick could've seen his son or at least know he was going to be a father.
"Annie, I know Finnick dying before his time is unfair but he would be so proud of you."
I smile.
"I know he would be." I say.
"Good." Peeta smiles. "I should get back out there people are here to see me after all." He says.
"I know."
"And don't feel obligated to stay here, you can leave when you want to Annie or stay for as long as you want to." He smiles and then leaves.
Peeta is so nice. I think he always was well before the whole tracker jacker take over. He still is nice though, he's a good person probably better than most.
I see Johanna carrying Finnick back over here. It looks like he is crying. I walk over to them before she can come to me.
He is crying.
"Here's Mommy." Johanna says.
"What's wrong sweetie?" I say as Johanna hands him to me.
"I fell down, it hurts Mommy." He says and a few tears roll down his cheeks.
"He scraped his elbow and knee." Johanna says.
I didn't even notice the blood.
"You need to be cleaned up." I say.
He starts crying louder.
"Shhh shh shh. Mommy is gonna make it better." I say and kiss his forehead.
"Annie!" I hear someone shout it's Katniss and she motions towards her house.
I sigh in relief. I needed to take him somewhere to clean him up.
"You don't have to go with me." I tell Johanna because I see she is following me.
"I know I don't have to." She smiles meaning she wants to
I walk into Katniss' house and it looks similar to mine minus the photos and dishwear and toys lying on the floor.
"Here." I say and set him down on one of the chairs.
"It's hurts Mommy."
I kiss his forehead.
"I'm gonna make it better."
I get a wet paper towel to clean up the runny blood.
"It's okay sweetie." I say.
The crying has stopped and he is just whimpering now.
I kiss his forehead again.
Katniss comes back with bandaids and antibacterial gel.
"Thank you." I say.
"You're welcome." She smiles.
"This is gonna sting sweetie."
He sniffles.
"Okay." He whispers. I start to put on the antibacterial gel and he winces.
"I'm almost finished." I say and then put the bandaids on. "All done." I say and he hugs me.
"Mommy, I want Teddy." He whispers.
"We can go back to the hotel and you will be with him." I say and pick him up.
"I'm sorry Katniss for not really talking to you so much but it was nice. I'm so happy for you and will see you tomorrow." I smile.
"Don't apologize Annie and thank you I can't wait for tomorrow." She smiles and I leave her house and head back to the hotel.
Finnick is still whimpering.
"It's okay baby we're almost there. You can see teddy and you can play with all your toys." I kiss his forehead.
"Please don't leave." He whispers.
"I'm never leaving you sweetie." I say. He looks up at me with this tear stained face. "Okay." He croaks and kisses my cheek.
I get him back to the room and set him on the bed and he cuddles up with his teddy bear.
"You're alright." I sit next to him and rub his back and kiss his forehead. "I love you." I say.
"Love you too." He whispers.
He eventually falls asleep with teddy pressed securely to his chest.
He wakes up in a few hours.
"Do you feel better sweetie?" I ask.
He nods.
"Good." I say and kiss the top of his head.
He starts telling me all of the things he was doing before he tripped and fell down. He was pretty much talking with everyone and he liked that some of them talked about his Dad.
He throws teddy up in the air and catches him.
"Mommy they said the dress Katniss is wearing tomorrow is one you tired one to marry Daddy." He smiles.
"That is probably true."
"Why didn't you wear that one?" He asks.
"Because that nice green dress looked better on me and green was Daddy's favorite color."
"Ohhh." He says in amusement.
I still I have that green dress
I remember that night.
We head back to our new compartment laughing.
"I finally get to say it." Finnick says:
"Say what?" I ask confused.
"That I am married to Annie Cresta."
"Well I think more people would love to say they are married to Finnick Odair." I smile and he comes over and kisses me. When he stops my hands are around his neck and his are around my waist and he sways us back and forth.
"Well that's because they don't know the gem you are Annie Cresta and that is what makes you so great." He says and kisses me again.
"You keep calling me that." I say and rest my head on his chest.
"Calling you what?" He asks confused.
"Annie Cresta" I smile.
"That's your name isn't it?" He asks confused.
"It was but now it's Annie Odair because I married you… unless you don't want me to have the treasured last name." I smile so does he and he leans in and kisses me.
When he pulls back he smiles.
"Annie Odair." He says and then kisses my cheek and says it again. Then my forehead. Then my jawline. Then my sholder. Then back to my lips.
"I think I like that." He smiles.
"I thought you might."
He let's go of me and just holds my hand.
"I know I said this multiple times tonight Annie but you look so beautiful."
I smile. I love it when he calls me beautiful. Pretty and gorgeous are nice but there's something at that word that makes me feel special.
"Thank you." I smile.
He twirls me around and I find myself back against his chest.
"I love you Finnick." I say.
"I love you too Annie Odair." I look up and kiss him. "How do you feel?" He asks.
"Indescribable happiness." I smile.
"You too" He smiles and brings one of my hands to his lips. Then the other one. I smile and let go of his hands.
Finnick looks at me worried.
"Are you okay Annie?"
"Of course." I smile and kiss his cheek.
I turn around and Finnick presses me to his chest and wraps his hands securely around my waist. He rests his head on top of mine and starts to sway us again.
"Finnick." I say after a few minutes.
"Yes?" He says and kisses my shoulder.
"Do you want to help me unzip?" I say. I don't know how to be all seductive mostly because I've never done anything with Finnick except kissing. I don't know why I wasn't saving myself for marriage. I might have subconsciously only wanted Finnick for myself, I didn't want to share him with those Capitol trolls.
Finnick might not even be picking up what I'm putting down because I have asked him to help me unzip dresses before.
Finnick removes his hands from my waist and rubs my shoulders and his hands move all the way back to mine and he laces our fingers together. He leans in and whispers in my ear "Okay." He says and kisses my shoulder. This tells me he knows what my intentions are.
He let's go of my hands and moves his hands to my shoulders and sweeps my hair out of the way. He kisses my shoulder again and then slowly starts to unzip my dress. It seems like a full minute has passed until he reaches the bottom. The zipper went all the way down to my lower back but it shouldn't have taken that long. Then it occurs to me that maybe he is savoring the moment.
"I love you Annie." He whispers before me lets go completely and the green dress starts to slide off my body until it hits the cold ground of our compartment.
I turn around facing him and he smiles.
"You're so beautiful." He whispers and kisses my cheek.
I'm not sure if I should start to undress him or if I should take my panties off. Then a thought occurs to that after all the people Finnick has been with I might be terrible. The self consciousness is setting in and it's a little worse because I'm the person who initiated this.
Finnick hugs me and whispers in my ear.
"You're the only one Annie." He kisses my forehead. "The only one who I want to be with." He says. Maybe he knew what I was thinking it could have been all over my face for all I know. "I love you." He says and kisses me.
Everything seems to work it's way out until we are on the bed kissing.
I go to that place I do whenever I kiss Finnick for a long time. The place where nothing else matters except for him and me and the love we share.
I break the kiss to say three words.
"I love you."
He smiles.
"I love you too Annie… Odair." He smiles and kisses me again.
The rest of night was filled with new sensations. I do remember that the whole time it was like I was in that land with just Finnick and our love. It was so intense that eventually it didn't feel like two people it felt like one person one soul.
"Mommy." I hear Finnick say and pull me back to the present.
"Yes?"
He comes closer and wipes a tear from my cheek.
"You're crying." He whispers and hugs me. "Are you okay?"
I smile.
"Yes." I pause. I don't know if I'm crying for the happy memory or that Finnick is dead. I'm pretty sure I know the right answer. "I was just remembering something, a happy memory." I say and kiss his forehead.
"You cry when you're happy?" He asks confused.
"When you feel extremely happy Finnick, sometimes you shed a few tears." I say and kiss his cheek.
"What did you remember?" He asks.
"Something about Daddy." I say.
"Something that happened when you were here before?" He asks excited.
"No, I was just thinking about the day I married Daddy one of the greatest memories I have."
"Oh." He smiles.
"The other memory that makes me tear up is the day you were born."
"Really." He says happily.
I nod.
"I was so happy." I kiss him. "And I still am everyday."
He smiles.
"I love you mommy."
"I love you too." I say and kiss him.
"Okay sweetie today is the day." I say.
"Okay, then we're leaving tomorrow?" He asks.
I nod.
"Yes."
Johanna and I head back to Victors Village to see Katniss and Peeta get married.
It is pretty straight foward except for the bread toasting ceremony. It is probably some tradition they do it District 12. Like in District 4 we put water from sea on our lips to seal our eternal bond.
The best thing about this is the smiles on their faces. Katniss and Peeta have been through a lot but, so has every victor. Katniss was conflicted for a long time and confused for a long time.
I love going to weddings because when you look at the faces of the bride and groom you can see how much they love each other by the smiles on their faces.
After the wedding it's also nice to watch them. They are in their own world of happiness. I remember that feeling.
I kiss the top of Finnick's head.
"They look so happy Mommy." He says.
"I know sweetie it's because they love each other so much." I kiss his cheek.
"Will I love someone that much?"
"I'm sure you will." I smooth his hair. "You can do whatever you want sweetie."
"Mommy, did you love Daddy as much as that?" He says and motions towards Katniss and Peeta.
I nod.
"I loved Daddy very much, more than any words in any language can describe." I say and kiss him.
"Okay." He says.
Before I know it, it is sunset and they thank everyone for coming and then people start to leave.
"Mommy." I say once we get back to the room.
"Yes?"
"We're leaving tomorrow?" He asks.
"Yes." I smooth his fire "Are you sad about that?" I ask.
He shrugs.
"I don't know."
"Okay." I say.
I said goodbye to Katniss and Peeta and then we got on the train. They still have that just married glow. I remember that. I don't think mine wore off because it was so short.
The train ride home seemed faster than the one there. I think it is always that way because you're going home.
We get back home and Finnick runs inside and jumps on the couch.
"Are you glad to be home?" I ask.
He smiles and nods.
"Yes."
"Did you miss it?" I say and sit next to him.
He nods.
"I thought you wanted to travel everywhere though?" I ask.
"I do but I like this place better."
"Why is that?" I ask.
"Because it's home." He smiles.
"Yes it is." I say and kiss him.
A/N: This is the longest single chapter I have written and I don't usually ask this but I would love to hear what you think in a review. Thanks again for reading!