Valentine's Day
I look out the window and see Annie sitting on her porch twirling her hair. That's sign number one that she isn't alright. I should run out to her and comfort her, but right now I have other plans because it's Valentine's Day.
I know I love Annie, she's the only person I have ever fallen deeply in love with. I never expected anyone to love me. When I was younger none of the girls really liked me because they didn't understand my humor and after I won everyone wanted me because I was a victor.
District Four has certain romantic festivals that all of the citizens share. Annie doesn't like going to them because of the large crowds and music. It reminds her of Capitol parties for some reason. Our silly little town festivals aren't like the Capitol parties and I would know because I've been to my fair share.
I've never been in District Four for Valentine's Day. Well not since I've been with Annie. I know Annie likes celebrating silly holidays like today. Even though she doesn't like going to town events I try to impersonate them so she can still enjoy the day and not feel sad. I like seeing the smile on her face. Hell, I always like seeing the smile on her beautiful face. These days they've been appearing less and less. I don't know why that is. I'm not going to ask either. I think it's because I won't like the answer. After her Victory Tour she was okay, but I did profess my love for her only days after it was over.
I've been thinking about what I should do for her on Valentine's Day. Traditionally you're supposed to give the girls flowers or chocolates, but Annie doesn't like getting flowers because once they're picked they start dying. She thinks it's unfair. She also isn't one for sweets. Although before her Hunger Games I remember she couldn't stop eating the Capitol desserts, maybe that's why she hates them. Making dinner for her might feel romantic, if I didn't do it for her all the time. I could've asked Mags or my sister for help, but then it wouldn't be as special. I did figure out something I thought was good enough for her because Annie doesn't deserve anything less.
I leave my house and walk towards Annie's. She's still on the front porch playing with her hair. I can hear her mutter to herself, another sign that she is not doing well. I sit next to her and take her free hand. She doesn't even react. I don't think she's aware of what's going on around her.
I kiss her cheek.
"Down by the lake. Down by the lake. Down by the lake." I hear her repeating over and over again. Her District partner was beheaded near the lake in her arena. She stayed out there for days covered in his blood and muttered who knows what to herself. She likes repeating this statement when she is… gone.
I take the hand that is twirling her hair away and bring it to my lips.
"Annie, it's me, it's Finnick." I say.
She turns towards me confused. I kiss her cheek again.
"It's Finnick." I say and rub my thumb across her knuckles. "I love you." I say and kiss her cheek again.
Annie smiles.
"I love you too." She says and presses her lips to mine.
"Are you okay?" I ask. I know she hates when I ask this, but I don't care. I want to make sure. I want to hear her say it.
She nods and moves our hands back and forth.
"I'm okay Finnick." She smiles.
"Good, because I want to take you somewhere and I need you to be happy to do so." I say.
"Where are you going to be taking me Mr. Odair?" She asks.
"Somewhere nice." I say and pull her up.
"That's not vague or anything." Annie says with a smile.
"I thought you liked mystery." I say as we leave Victors' Village. Annie's grasp on my hand tightens as we pass the peacekeeper who is currently 'guarding' the entrance/exit. In reality I know the peacekeeper is there to keep tabs on us and I'm pretty sure Annie has figured this out too.
"Why are we leaving the village?" Annie asks.
"Like I said I'm taking you somewhere nice." I say.
"I want to know more." Annie says.
"It's a surprise Annie, a Valentine's Day surprise." I say and she smiles slightly.
"You don't like this holiday though." Annie says. She isn't wrong, there shouldn't be one day a year where you are 'required' to do something nice for the person you love, you should do something special every day.
"But you do." I say. Annie smiles and gets on her tip toes to kiss my cheek.
"You know that's enough for me." She says.
"I know, but it's not for me. I want to do something special for you."
"You do special things for me all the time." She says.
"I know." I say.
"Just tell me you didn't get me flowers, because you're technically killing them Finnick." Annie says.
"I know how you feel about flowers Annie." I say.
She nods.
"Good." She says. Annie looks around the town and sees all the town decorations. Heart shaped cutouts and red and pink flowers hung everywhere. I can see where they are going to release flower petals later in the day. It makes it look like it is raining beautiful colors.
She crinkles her nose at all the flowers.
"Why are you taking me to the beach Finnick?" She asks.
"That's where the spot is Annie." I say.
"But you could've taken me to the beach on Victors' Village." She says.
"Not for this." I say.
"Why?" She asks.
"Because we can't see a proper sunset there." I say.
"You mean when it looks like the sun is disappearing into the water?" She asks and I nod. Because of where Victors' Village is we usually don't see a sunset like that.
"Is that the surprise then, because I think it' a little early Finnick." She says because it is only one in the afternoon.
"I brought activities to do." I say.
Annie rolls her eyes.
"Not those kind of activates Annie, besides we are in a public place." I say.
She smirks.
I help Annie over the sand dune and now she can see the surprise. It's basically just a picnic. The real surprise is the sunset. It doesn't sound very special, but I know it is to Annie.
"Finnick." Annie says with awe and approval.
"Let's go." I say and playfully pick her up causing her to giggle.
I set her down on the blanket and kiss the top of her head. Snow isn't fond when I go on 'outings' with District Four citizens, but it's not like it will get back to the Capitol citizens and unfortunately Snow knows about my relationship with Annie. Besides, the District citizens aren't going to care anyways, they are all going to think I'm just having 'fun' with another girl.
"Did you bring me food?" Annie asks in a playful voice because she already knows the answer.
"What kind of picnic would it be if I didn't?" I say.
She smiles.
I pull out what I brought and Annie is very happy that I brought seaweed chips. I find them disgusting, but Annie seems to love them. She can make her own, but the ones she likes best are the ones bought at a stand in town. She also has an obsession of sea salt ice cream which I plan to get for her later. Although, I know Annie won't be too fond of going into town with all of the people for the festival.
"Aren't you going to eat them?" Annie says with a smile and holds one out for me.
"Those are for you only my love." I say and Annie blushes. She likes when I call her love so I don't do it very often. I want it to be special.
"So when are you leave-"
"We aren't here to discuss anything on that matter. No Capitol. No Snow. No me disappearing. This is just about today and just about you and me." I say and kiss the tip of her nose.
Annie smiles.
"I like that." She says and kisses me. "I love you." She whispers when she breaks away and holds me close.
"I love you too." I say slightly distracted. I can feel the peoples stares close to us. I can also see them. I can see the two girls probably around mine and Annie's age whispering to one another.
I did think this through and hung a mosquite net from the tree above us, but I'm sure Annie will be able to figure out it's just not to keep the bugs and sun away.
Annie lets go and leans back on one of the pillows I laid out.
She is blocking her hand from the sun.
"Here." I say and give her sunglasses.
"You thought of everything." She smiles and pats the spot next to her. I lie next to her, but can still tell those girls are staring.
Annie doesn't say anything, she is looking at the waves and eating some of the fresh fish I caught.
"Finnick." Annie says after awhile.
"Yes?" I ask.
"I can see them too." She says softly.
"Do you want to go home then?" I say and move closer to her.
"Of course not." She kisses me. "I want to be here and spend Valentine's Day here with you just the way you intended" She says and I smile. "They're just jealous I've got you." She says sarcastically.
"They probably just think it's for today." I say.
"But we know it's not." She whispers.
I lean in and kiss her.
"I love you." I say.
"I love you too." She says.
Annie lies back down and I lie next to her. She rests her head on my stomach and I play with her hair.
"I don't remember the last time I was outside for so long." Annie says. "I like to stay inside."
"I know." I say. I hadn't considered this. Annie likes being inside rather than spending a day on the beach or in the sun. I never understood why. I had always assumed it was like that before her games.
"I like it." She says and runs her hand up and down my forearm.
I think Annie has fallen asleep because she's been silent for awhile so I'm startled when she speaks.
"We should go for a walk." Annie says.
I want to say yes because Annie and I go on walks in Victor's Village all the time, but the beach there is usually deserted. Sometimes we see Mags or the other Victors but not usually. Since this is a public beach there will be more people than Annie would probably like.
"I don't know Annie." I say.
"We won't go far." She says with a smile.
"Annie-"
"I just want to collect some seashells." She says playfully.
"Okay." I say and stand up. I pull her up as well. She takes my hand and walks us towards the water. The sand feels like fire on my feet. I can tell Annie is feeling the same way because she is pulling me quickly to the cool wet sand.
"There." Annie says and starts to walk us down the beach. She stops every once in awhile to look at the seashells or has us turn around when there are too many people.
"I like this one best." Annie says and holds out a nice swirl seashell. It isn't broken either. I'm sure the seashell shop would love to sell it, but I know Annie isn't going to sell it to them. Annie likes collecting sea shells.
We eventually walk back to our stuff. I can tell those girls moved closer to our things. They're probably close enough to overhear us now.
Annie sets the seashells down carefully.
"Which do you like best?" Annie asks.
"That one." I say and point towards the swirl one she found.
Annie smiles and nods.
"I thought so." She says and takes it and starts to fiddle around with something.
"What are you doing Miss.?" I ask.
"It's a surprise." She says.
"Ah." I say and look around. "Ann?" I say.
"Yes." She says concentrated.
"I'm going to get us some ice cream, okay?" I ask her. Since she is so involved in doing… something I don't think she will mind if I leave for a moment.
She looks up at me and smiles.
"Was that also part of the plan?" She asks with a smile.
"Yes." I say and she smiles.
"Do I need to say what kind I want?" She smiles.
"Of course not." I say and kiss the top of her head causing her to giggle.
"By the time you're back your surprise might be finished." She says.
"Are you making something for me?" I ask.
"You'll have to wait and see." She says with a smile.
I roll my eyes.
"I will then." I kiss her cheek.
"Remember Finnick I don't like cones." She says.
"I know what you like Annie. I will never forget that."
She smiles and I leave. Before I'm too far away I look back at Annie to make sure she is alright. She seems to be in her own little world, but this time it is one she is happy to be in. I'm pretty sure I know what she is doing is well. She is probably making something for me. She did make me a woven bracelet made from colored rope. She wanted me to have it so I could be reminded of her and home when I left for the Capitol. I did wear it and it reminded me of Annie every day until one day a client took a liking to it. She asked if she could have it. I'm not allowed to say no, so I had to give it to her. So someone in the Capitol is wearing a bracelet Annie made specifically for me. I didn't tell Annie that's what happened. I told her the rope broke. Which isn't an unbelievable lie, rope breaks all the time. I just couldn't tell her the truth. It would make her sick and sad. I don't want to make Annie feel sad or guilty.
I wait in line for the ice cream the line isn't very long which I am glad. I know Annie is okay to leave alone. She isn't a small child or insane like people say, but I like being with her. I want to make sure none of these people say something to her. I don't think I thought this plan all the way through.
"Finnick." I hear a female say behind me. I know it's not Annie. The voice is too high and excited.
I sigh I don't like pretending at home. This is my home. I'm supposed to be me.
"Hello." I say as politely as possible.
"My name is Shelby." She says. A very common name in Four.
I smile.
"Pleasure." I say.
It seems like the guy in front of me is taking forever.
"Are you going to the festival tonight because-"
"My apologies Shelby, but I have Valentine's Day plans of my own." I say. I can tell I'm sounding to formal for this to be real, but I'm not in the Capitol so I don't care.
"With that girl you've been with all day?" She says. It sounds like jealously but something else as well.
"Yes." I say monotone.
She tugs on my arm as if to take me away.
I raise my eyebrows.
"You do know she's… crazy." She whispers.
"She's perfectly fine to me." I say trying to ignore her.
"I heard her telling you that she loves you. She probably doesn't mean it though."
"And you will?" I ask annoyed.
"I know you probably bond over winning the games, but you don't need to be with her because of that. I know she has gone to the Capitol, but there are plenty of nice girls here." She says.
"I'm not fond of girls from here." I say.
"We could just leave for a few hours. I don't think that girl will notice or mind." She says and reaches for my hand which I quickly move away
"Next." The ice cream seller says.
"Two large sea salt ice creams and can you put extra sea salt in one of them." I say. The man nods unamused.
"Extra seasalt?" The girl asks. She sounds disgusted but that is the way Annie likes it and I could care less of what this girl is saying.
I don't respond.
"Well, if you change your mind I'll be hanging out around there and I'm literally up for anything Finnick." She smiles.
The other worker who is seventeen or eighteen gives me the ice cream and I put down the coins to pay.
"Dude, that girl means literally anything you should take advantage-"
"Just keep the change." I say and grab spoons and leave.
You should take advantage rings in my head. Even though this girl is offering herself to me that guy thinks nothing of her. I feel disgusted.
I head back to Annie and see her looking in my direction. I sit down next to her and hand her, her ice cream.
"What took so long?" Annie asks worried.
"Long line." I say.
Annie looks at me strangely. She can probably tell I'm lying.
"What's wrong?" She asks.
"Nothing. I just love you." I say.
She nods and takes a bite of ice cream and a smile forms instantly on her face which makes me smile. It makes it worth having to deal with that rude girl.
"I love you and I love this ice cream." Annie says like a small child.
"I could get this for you more often Annie." I say.
"Then it wouldn't taste so good." She smiles and takes a bite.
Annie lies back down and reaches for my hand which I take.
"What's really bothering you?" She asks after a few minutes.
"Nothing. Remember it's just about you and me, no drama."
"Isn't our life full of drama?" Annie says with a smile.
"It doesn't need to be." I say.
"You're right." She kisses my cheek. "So tell me what's wrong." Annie says and takes another bite of ice cream.
"I forgot that I don't like going into town either." I say softly.
Annie sits up and kisses me.
"What happened?" Annie asks worried.
"I just don't like pretending here." I say.
Annie leans her forehead against mine and kisses me.
"You're not. You don't pretend here even if one of those girls tries to take you away from me." Annie whispers.
"Why is that?" I say confused.
"Because you're here with me on the beach instead of with her, you're here with me on Valentine's Day because you want to be." She kisses me. "You're here with me because you love me." She whispers. "And I'm here because I love you." She says with a smile.
I hug her and run my fingers through her hair.
"I do love you." I say.
"I know." She kisses my chest. Annie turns towards the town. You can hear the noises of the festival starting. The sun still hasn't set yet, but I'll go home if Annie wants to. "It sounds lovely." She says surprising me.
"It does?" I say surprised.
She nods and lets go of me and we eat our ice cream.
"Almost time." Annie says and looks out at the water. She's right it is almost time for the sun to disappear into the ocean, which means it is almost time for them to release the flower petals. The sky in the distance is a nice orange, pink, and blue color.
Annie rests her head on my shoulder as we watch the sun disappear into the ocean. The flower petals are released right before the sun disappears and some of them land in Annie's hair, but she doesn't seem to care. She just looks so happy. I kiss her and she kisses me back.
"Do you want to leave?" I ask Annie.
She shakes her head.
"I want to look at the stars for awhile, if that's okay?" She asks.
"Of course that's okay." I say and kiss her cheek.
We leave in a few hours because it is getting dark out.
I lace my fingers with Annie's and we walk to Victors' Village together.
I kiss Annie when we get to her front door.
"Goodnight Annie." I say and kiss her hand before letting go. I then kiss her cheek. I'm about to turn around to head towards my house, but I hear Annie's soft voice.
"Finnick wait." She says.
"Yes." I say.
"Do you want to come in? I just… I just… I want you to stay." She whispers. "But, only if you want to." Annie says even softer.
"I'll always stay with you Annie." I say and take her hand and bring it to my lips.
She smiles and opens the door and we walk inside.
Annie doesn't ask me to stay over often. She usually only does when she's had a bad day, is very sad or scared, she's been having horrible nightmares and can't bare the thought of being alone, or she wants to be intimate. I think it is obvious which it is tonight and it's not just because it's Valentine's Day. Some people would think her flat out asking me if it's okay to have sex would 'ruin the mood' or something, but with my messed up life Annie asking is perfect because I know she cares.
Annie gets on her tiptoes to kiss me. It's soft at first but is soon filled with passion and becomes messy. I pick her up and she wraps her legs around my waist.
"I love you." She whispers when we have reached her bedroom. She leans her forehead against mine.
"I love you too." I say and set her on the bed gently. I kiss her and she kisses me back passionately. I could honestly just kiss Annie and feel perfectly content even though my body is looking for something more, kissing her will always be enough.
Soon Annie and I are in nothing but our underwear and yet I still feel safe with her. I make sure to touch and caress every inch of Annie's body and she does the same to me. Annie isn't like a Capitol girl I want to make Annie feel good and she wants the same for me.
When the pleasure starts to become more a more prominent I stop touching her and kiss her stomach which makes her giggle softly. She always does and I love that sound. I kiss and nip her hip bones. Remove her underwear. Kiss her.
Annie intakes breath and starts making her own melody of moans. I always feel satisfaction knowing I'm making Annie feel good.
"Finnick." Annie says softly.
Annie helps slide off my boxers and our hips start pressing against one another, but not yet entering. Neither one of us wants this to end yet. Sadly though it will be over soon, but we will still have one another. It can still be like this until Annie sends me away. Until that day though I will always make sure to love Annie like this and make her feel nothing but love.
Annie and I are moving together and feeling each other. Annie's body feels as if it were molded to mine. We fit perfectly together. When I lean in to kiss Annie she sighs into my mouth while I grunt into hers. She's perfect. I move my hands between us and start to touch her. Annie rests her head in the crook of my neck and her back arches off the bed then her shoulders. She's pressed closer to me that it is almost impossible to move. I feel Annie's muscles start to tremble and her hands move to my hair. She holds onto it tightly and sighs out my name loudly. I kiss her lips and pull on the bottom one gently. Annie moves her trembling hands up and down my back. She kisses me and whispers softly and tiredly in my ear. "I love you." Her soft voice and these words make me come undone.
I roll off her and kiss her softly. We are both panting and sweaty, but I don't care and neither does she. Annie intertwines her fingers with mine and takes my hand to her lips.
"I love you." I say and kiss her cheek.
"I love you too." Annie whispers and moves to rest her head on my chest. She wraps her hand around me and is cuddling me like I'm her teddy bear.
"Your heart is beating really fast." She whispers and kisses my chest.
I kiss the top of her heat which is slightly damp from sweat.
"That's what you do to me Annie Cresta." I whisper.
I run my free hand up and down her spine which causes her to squirm because I know she is ticklish there.
"Finnick don't" She giggles.
"Okay." I say and kiss the top of her head.
"Finnick" Annie mumbles after awhile. I thought she had fallen asleep. I was admiring her peaceful expression.
"Yes?" I say.
"I love you." She says softly.
"I love you too." I say and kiss her forehead.
She clears her throat and sits up. I raise my eyebrows wondering what she is going to do.
"I have something for you." She says.
"Okay." I say confused.
She takes the top sheet off the bed to cover herself and leaves the room. It sounds like she is going downstairs.
I notice she has her jacket that she was wearing earlier before she took it off.
She hops back on the bed and pulls something out of the pocket.
"I made you something at the beach." She smiles.
"I figured that is what you were doing with that seashell."
She smiles.
"Yes." She says.
"Let me see then." I say and reach for her hand.
She places it in my hand. I assumed she made me something to replace the bracelet. She wove blue rope together and has the seashell hanging off as a pendant. It's a necklace and it's beautiful.
"I figured since your bracelet broke I could make you something else." She smiles. "I hope it's okay. I thought maybe it would be a little-"
I kiss her.
"I love it and I love you." I say and put it on.
She smiles.
"Thank you." She says.
"No, thank you." I say.
She runs her hand up and down my chest and stops to play with the necklace.
"I love you." She says.
"I know." I say and kiss her forehead.
"I know you don't like Valentine's Day Finnick, but I think this was a good one." Annie says.
"It was the first one I got to spend with you." I say and kiss her.
"Hopefully it won't be the last." She whispers.
"It won't be." I say and kiss her.
"FInnick-" She starts but I cut her off with a kiss.
"Remember no Capitol or Snow for today." I say.
She nods and kisses me.
"Besides, if I miss Valentine's Day next year we can just celebrate late." I say.
Annie smiles.
"But, what about the Valentine's Days we have already missed together?" Annie asks with a mischievous smile.
I pull Annie back down on the bed and she giggles on the way down.
"I guess we just have to make up for them then." I say and kiss her. She's still smiling and giggling.
"Finnick! Stop!" She shouts as I start to tickle her. I do and she lays down. She laces our fingers together and kisses me. I really don't want to miss this dumb holiday again because it seems that it is easier to make Annie smile on this day.