So this is obviously the next chapter... I want to get to 15 or more reviews before I update. Please spread the word! Nobody's really reading this... Is it that bad?

Over the next five months, life returned to normal. Finnick came every day, talking to me all day, every day. I wondered how he didn't run out of things to say but it never failed, he had an endless supply of talk.

It had to end sometime. I could tell, one day, that he didn't want to tell me the news. "Annie... It's time for the 71st Hunger Games." He whispered, his eyes finding mine as he leaned forward. "You have to mentor. They insist. President Snow won't let you leave." He smirked, "I'll be with you. The entire time, okay?"

The time passed and soon we were sitting at the reapings, sitting in chairs behind the escort, Julius Wilks. I watched his hair, which was spiked blue with green ends. His skin had a blue tinge to it.

The mayor did his speech and showed the annual video. Then Julius stood and walked to the microphone, clearing his throat. "Welcome, District 4, to the reaping for the 70th Hunger Games!" He listened to the applause then smiled. "May the odds be ever in your favor!" He wet his lips and as the people cheered, he walked to the ball of the girls. He grabbed a slip and opened it.

"And the female tribute for district 4 is... Leah Shelburne!" He smiled as the crowd split, clapping, as Leah started to walk confidently to the stage. She shook Julius's hand then turned and waved to the crowd.

Julius watched as the crowd cheered, waiting for it to die down before reaching into the boy's reaping ball. "And the male tribute for district 4 is... Xavier Thine!"

There was clapping then voice yelled from the crowd, "I voulunteer!" The crowd parted and a seventeen-year-old boy walked up to the stage, waving at the screaming crowd.

Julius smiled widely, shaking the boys hand, "May I ask what your name is?" He asked politely.

"Noah Thine." He replied as he shook the Julius's hand.

Julius nodded and grabbed their wrists raising them above their heads. "May I present to you the tributes of district 4! Leah Shelburne and Noah Thine!"

I waited with Finnick as the tributes said goodbye to their families and friends. Soon, the Peacekeepers brought the tributes to us. We all got on the train and Finnick led me to the table. He pushed me down gently and I sat in a chair, staring ahead. After a while, the tributes came in for dinner.

Noah looked at me, "Annie Cresta," He looked at Finnick, "and Finnick Odair as mentors?" He laughed. "That's great."

I stared ahead, my eyes taking in everything. Finnick looked at me then at Noah. "We need to think of a strategy. Do either of you have talents?"

Noah smiled, "Yes. I'm wicked with a sword." He looked at me, eyes curiously taking in my appearance.

"Spears. I'm good with spears." Leah replied, her eyes fixed on Finnick tightly.

I zoned out for the rest of the conversation- Finnick could care for the tributes. He didn't need me.

-I watched Mags and she whispered, "Annie, do you have any special talents?" I shook my head, blushing slightly. I could see Finnick's face darken as he did the math- most likely neither Vetro nor I would win. He was twelve and both of us were helpless.

I looked away and we went to our rooms. Later that night, I couldn't sleep so I went to find Vetro. I passed by a door and heard soft voices whispering.

"Four's not going to win this year Mags. You need to understand it. You need to understnad that these children won't make it! Neither of them can use a weapon! Neither of them! The girl is timid and she's been through a lot!"

The reply was quieter, "Finnick, believe in them. Come on. Believe."

A snort. "Did you ever think that I don't want them to win? Mmm? That I don't want any tribute from Four to ever be a victor, to deal with the pain of winning and killing? No, of course not!" I heard footsteps storming towards the door and I gasped, jumping into the closest room as the door to Mags's room banged open.

"Mags. I've met Annie Cresta. I don't want her to win. I don't want the Capitol to destroy her innocence like they did mine. Just, please, Mags. Just try to understand." His footsteps retreated down the hall.-

When the meeting was over, Finnick led me to my room. I sat on the bed quietly and stared at the door after Finnick had left. Not long after, there was a knock on the door. Silence. Another knock. Then the door opened.

I expected Finnick so I was surprised when Noah opened the door. "Annie..." He walked to me quietly and sat on the bed. He looked down, waiting for an answer. When he didn't get one, he looked at me again.

"Annie, I have to tell you something. Something important."

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