Chapter Five


Things returned to normal the next day, Katniss pretending nothing had happened, and leaving her door open for him the that night. They spent the week in relative ease, slowly getting to know each other again. Finnick made some new fishing poles and Katniss showed him the creek where she used to fish. Sae now only came several times a week to check on Katniss, the rest of the time the two of them taking turns cooking.

It took some days, but Finnick finally convinced Katniss to venture out into town again. "Hazelle would love to see you," he persuaded.

The brunette frowned, playing with her fingers nervously. "I don't know..."

"She's always asking about you."

"You'll be there right?"

Finnick smiled at her. "I'll always be there for you Kat."

"Okay. But lets have her over here for dinner."

"Her kids will be with her." At her horrified look he quickly added, "Not Gale. Will you join me in town then? I was thinking we could buy some food for dinner." It was more a ploy to get her out of the house than anything, and after a few more minutes of persuasion Katniss agreed.

She was nervous as they headed towards town, and Finnick was pleasantly surprised when she clung to his arm. People stared at them as they walked through the town square, though some people smiled and greeted the pair. Finnick headed down the lane towards Hazelle's house and knocked on the door. Posy answered the door.

"Hi Posy, is your mom home?"

"Yes. Mom!" she called.

There was a shuffling from the back and Hazelle soon appeared. "Finnick hi. What can I-oh! Katniss. Hello dear, how are you?" She was flustered.

"Hi Hazelle," Katniss replied quietly, stepping out from behind Finnick a bit more.

"We wanted to invite you over for dinner tonight," Finnick told her.

"Oh sure. Of course. Can I bring something?" she asked.

"Maybe some dessert?" Finnick asked.

Hazelle smiled. "Sure."

Before things could get awkward Finnick said goodbye. They headed to the produce stalls that replaced the Hob. They strolled the aisle slowly, scoping out the options. When they reached the end they turned around and decided to buy potatoes, green beans, garlic and onions. They headed back into town, and as they passed Mavis' shop Finnick paused. "Can I invite someone else too?" he asked Katniss.

She shrugged her shoulders. "Sure."

He led her into Mavis' shop where the young seamstress was busily working. "Hi Mavis," Finnick greeted.

"Hi Caspian."

"Finnick," he corrected. "Finn."

"Okay," she said, dragging the word out. "Finnick. Finn. What can I do for you?" She glanced at Katniss who was hanging back near the door.

"Wanted to invite you over for dinner," he told her.

"Dinner?"

"Yes. You know, where you eat food."

"Hah hah. Okay. I'll go to dinner. Where?"

"Victor Village. The big white one with blue drapes," he told her. "You may even see a mangy little cat hanging around." Buttercup had finally moved from Katniss' old house to her new one. They fed him scraps of food from their meals.

Mavis smiled lightly, her eyes a little wide. "I've never been to a Victor's house..." she mumbled.

"Well, you will tonight. See you then!" Finnick grabbed Katniss' hand and pulled her out of the shop. "Mavis makes me clothes for me," he explained. "She's an orphan. Her mother died when they bombed the District."

"Oh," Katniss said, her brow furrowing. "She's so little." Finnick knew that Katniss was thinking of Prim. Mavis had light brown hair and blue eyes, a similar look to the pictures of Prim that he had found. Of course, Prim had been blonde, but they shared the same innocent, youthful look, and maybe even the same age.

"She lives in her shop and does all the work," he told Katniss. "Her mother taught her when she was young. Mavis said that she'd be in an orphanage if they were up and running."

Katniss frowned at him. "I had to do the same or else Prim and I would have gone to the orphanage. Mom went catatonic after Dad died and we almost starved to death."

Finnick decided to change topics before Katniss disappeared too far into herself. "Let's go hunting."

"What are you thinking of?"

"Whatever crosses our path," Finnick said cheerfully. Hunting always seemed to bring some joy to her and he was eager to sooth out the furrows in her brow. "Come on!" Finnick began jogging back to their house and Katniss took off after him.

They quickly deposited their items and gathered some hunting supplies. Katniss had been trying to teach Finnick how to shoot with her bow but he couldn't quite get it down with his bionic hand. His fingers weren't dexterous enough nor did they have the strength to hold the string when he tried to pull it back, so instead he had been practicing with a spear. Katniss told him he used to be quite skilled with a trident and Finnick had fragments of memory return to him: a parachute with a silver trident floating down, him spearing some fish with a trident, and then one he didn't like, his trident impaling the soft flesh some faceless person.

They quickly headed out, and Katniss told him she was pleased by his lightness of foot. "I could never hunt with Peeta," she told him. "He sounded like a giant stomping on bubble wrap, it was awful."

They quietly traipsed through the woods, searching for game. There was much Finnick wanted to talk about, to ask about, but he knew it was imperative to keep quiet. Suddenly Katniss threw her arm out, motioning him to stop. She stood entirely still for a few minutes then slowly reached back for one of her arrows, silently notching it. Finnick shifted slight to the left and was finally able to see the young deer that Katniss was aiming at. Finnick readied the spear he held in case he needed to throw it. Katniss took a deep breath, aiming, and let her breath out as she released the arrow.

It struck the deer in the neck but didn't immediately kill it. Frightened, the deer started to run, but Katniss had already notched and released another arrow. Finnick watched, mesmerized, as she repeated this once again, until the deer final stumbled and fell. Katniss sighed heavily, letting her arms drop. She walked over to it, Finnick trailing behind, and she pulled the arrows from its neck. The blood rushed out and they waited a few minutes until it stopped bleeding and twitching.

"I always feel so guilty when I hunt now," Katniss told him quietly. Finnick removed the blanket from the pack he was carrying and threw it over the dead deer. He groaned as he lifted it and Katniss had to put her hand on his shoulder to steady him.

"We should take this to the butcher." Katniss nodded and they began the trek back to town. The pair caused a little stir as they carried the carcass by the different shops towards the butcher. They had seen their Mockingjay not once but twice today, which seemed a small miracle in itself. Katniss opened the door and greeter the butcher, Rooba, that she'd known all her life.

"Deer?" Rooba asked from behind the counter.

"Could it be done by this afternoon?" Katniss asked her as Finnick followed Rooba to the back room and divested himself of the deer onto a big butchers table.

"Be done by five," Rooba told them. "Usual payment?"

"Yes," Katniss agreed.

"What's the usual payment?" Finnick asked as they exited the shop.

"Half the torso and a leg."

"Oh." They headed back to the Victor's Village slowly, enjoying the day's cooler weather. "I have the day off of work tomorrow too. I was thinking it would be nice to do some yard work." Katniss raised an eyebrow in question. "The lawn needs mowing, the bushes need trimming, and I found a nice pair of trees that are begging for a hammock."

Katniss shrugged. "If you want."

"Also, I was thinking it might be nice to make a little cat door for Buttercup."

Katniss made a face at him. "Damn cat comes and goes whenever he likes anyway." He figured that meant he could do it. Cheered by this he chattered away happily to Katniss the whole walk home.

When they reached home, however, there was someone waiting for them on their porch, bottle in hand. Finnick stared at the man while they approached, but the latter seemed to be in a bit of a stupor and didn't notice as Finnick and Katniss came closer. He looked familiar, Finnick thought, with his curly dark hair and gray eyes. But it's the way he takes a swig of his liquor that makes Finnick remember.

"Haymitch?"

The man looks at him blearily, struggling to stand up. "Heard the Mockingjay was out and about again," he says, stumbling towards them. He trips on his shoe and Finnick reaches out to steady him. Haymitch reeks of alcohol. The older man claps him on the back and looks up into his face, studying it intently. There is intelligence in his eyes, Finnick decides, despite the alcohol. Haymitch clings to him, staring at his face long enough for Finnick to feel awkward. "Finnick?"

Finnick glances at Katniss who looks stricken. She finally mobilizes and drags Haymitch off of Finnick and towards the house. However, Haymitch struggles and calls out, "Finnick Odair? You're dead!" The man begins to laugh the inebriated way that drunks do when. "How drunk am I, sweetheart?"

Finnick follows them inside to the kitchen where Katniss had forced Haymitch into a chair. She takes away his bottle and replaces it with water. "Hey!" the man slurs. "That's my-that's my-mine."

"You're drunk," Katniss spits out, frowning at him. "What do you want Haymitch?"

Her former mentor took a drink of the water, grimacing at it afterwards. "Came to see you, check on how Panem's hero was doing, now that she's not catatonic anymore." He takes notice of Finnick again. "Am I hallucinating?"

"Come back when you're sober," Katniss said, her temper short.

Haymitch laughed. "You mean never then?"

Katniss shot a look at Finnick and he understood what she wanted. "If you won't do it on your own, then we'll make you."

Katniss distracted him while Finnick went behind Haymitch and grabbed him, trapping his arms. The drunk man screamed in protest, flailing and kick to now avail. Katniss quickly led the way to one of her empty rooms and Finnick pushed the man inside. Katniss quickly shut the door and locked it.

"One of the few rooms that locks from out here," she explained. Haymitch banged against the door, swearing at them. "I'll let you out in a few hours," she shouted through the door. "Now shut the hell up!" Katniss stomped off and Finnick followed in her wake.

"I remember him," he said, slightly in awe.

"Yeah," Katniss grumbled. "And he remembers you too apparently."

Finnick frowned. "Is that a bad thing?"

Katniss flushed lightly. "N-no, I guess not. He's just drunk. I don't want him to say stupid things like he usually does." They could head Haymitch's shouts even in the kitchen. "Come on, let's go outside." Finnick followed her outside and watched as she picked up her bow and quiver, aiming at a tree far away.

Knowing he was in for a while of watching Katniss's target practice, Finnick glanced around the yard. Weeds were growing all over the yard, taking over the nicely sculpted beds. He made his way over to the first patch of weeds and started pulling them out. Luckily his bionic hand was unaffected by the prickers that ran down the body of each weed. The flowers that had been planted were wilted, dead from neglect. He wanted to visit the garden shop in town and buy some new flowers. It might be fun to plant some edible things as well, and some herbs. Finnick planned in his head as he pulled up the weeds in each section. He might even be able to dig a pond and entice some ducks into living there. Maybe have some fish live in the pond for easy catching. The grounds were certainly large enough for it, and Finnick missed having water so close.

Katniss jogged over to him, rubbing her arms. "Finnick, will you pick up the deer?"

Finnick glanced up at her from where he was working. "Sure," he said, wiping his face with his hands.

Katniss giggled. "You just put dirt all over your face." Finnick tried to wipe at the dirt but had a feeling he only made it worse by the growing grin on the brunette's face. "Oh just go wash your face," she said, helping him up. She ran her hand through his short hair after he stood up. "Your hair grows fast," she mused. "Still not as long as it used to be though."

Finnick almost groaned when her hands left his hair. It felt so nice to have her threading her fingers through it, her warm hand tugging slightly. He turned quickly and went inside, lest she see his expression. Haymitch was quiet now, and Finnick quietly rinsed his face then filled a glass of water. He silently opened the door, holding his breath. His worry was unfounded, though, as he saw Haymitch passed out on the ground, snoring heavily. He left the water on the table in the room and quietly closed and locked the door again.

He turned to head out the door, but a mirror caught his eye, and for the first time in months he paused to look at himself. The scarring on his face was significantly less noticeable, though he could still see the white lines running all along his face. His hair was perhaps two inches long now, and Finnick was pleasantly surprised that he didn't think himself atrocious. Finnick ran his hands through his hair quickly, trying to get some order to it, and wished it was Katniss playing with his hair instead.

He turned and headed out, waving to Katniss as he left. The deer was ready and waiting for him when he got to Rooba's butcher shop. He grabbed the bag they were in and headed off home again. He noticed the garden shop on the way and stopped by briefly to browse the flowers and discuss his idea with the shopkeeper.

"Sure it's possible," Alyssa told him. "'Course, it would take days to dig a hole big enough for a pond."

Finnick smiled at her, and he thought for a moment that she seemed flustered. "Thank you, Alyssa. I'll be back again soon." He retreated outside again, hurrying home now that the sun was setting. When he got back, Haymitch was reclining on the sofa, ice on his head and eyes closed. Finnick paused, thinking he might say something but then decided he didn't know what to say, so he headed to the kitchen instead.

Katniss was there, cubing the potatoes. "Will you cook the steaks?"

"Sure," Finnick said. She'd shown him the grill the Capitol had so graciously provided to all the Victor houses. He went outside, pressing the button and twisting the appropriate knobs to light the grill. He placed the pre-cut steaks on the grill and went back inside to grab some seasonings.

"You took a while," Katniss told him.

"Stopped by at the garden store," Finnick explained. She only nodded and he went back outside to season his steaks.

"Hi Casp-uh, Finnick."

Finnick turned around and came face to face with Mavis. She was dressed in a pale yellow summer dress and it made him smile. Finnick had rarely seen Mavis in anything other than the plain pants and shirt she wore under her apron at work. "You look nice," he told her.

Mavis tugged her dress self consciously. "Thanks."

"Will you check on Katniss? She might need help."

"Okay." Finnick watched as Mavis knocked tentatively on the door before entering when no one answered.

Finnick patiently waited for the steaks to finish before bringing them inside. He was happy to see the two girls conversing lightly. He placed the plate on the counter and startled when Greasy Sae and her granddaughter entered. Sae sniffed the air appreciatively and asked, "Deer? Smells good."

Finnick quickly counted the steaks then turned to her and smiled. "It'll be ready soon. We're just waiting on a few more people." He set the table in the meantime and then went to check on Haymitch. "Come to the dinner table," he told Haymitch.

The man groaned at him. "Go'way."

Finnick heaved the man up and helped him totter over to the table. "There you go." A knock on the door alerted Finnick to the arrival of their other guests. "Hi," he greeted.

"Hi Finnick," Hazelle said, offering him the cake she was holding. He let them inside and went to place the cake in the fridge. Hazelle herded her kids to the table where Mavis was sitting. The girl brightened up when she saw Vick, and the latter darted to the chair next to her.

"Finn?" Katniss called. He hurried to her side. "Will you serve the plates?"

Finnick arranged the plates along the counter and added a steak to each one, followed by a serving of green beans and finally the oven-roasted potatoes. He placed the plates in front of each person and went back to help Katniss reach the glasses for water. She was up on tiptoe, her slight frame making her too short to reach the top shelf on one of the cabinets. She had grabbed one of the glasses when she lost her footing. Finnick grabbed her from behind, one arm going around her waist to steady her, and one reaching up to grab the glass. She fell back into him and he nearly tripped himself from the force.

Finnick placed the glass on the counter and whispered in her ear, "Are you alright?" Katniss blushed, nodding yes. Finnick couldn't help but nuzzle his nose in her hair for a moment, inhaling deeply. She shifted in his arms to face him and for a moment he was distracted by how pretty she was, gray eyes staring up at him through dark lashes, pink lips slightly open. His heart surged with affection for her. I want to kiss her, he thought.

"Finnick?" she asked quietly. She was no stranger to that look in a man's eye, but she was thoroughly surprised to see it in Finnick's. Even when he'd been such a flirt before and during the Quarter Quell, there'd only ever been mischief.

He pulled back suddenly, giving her a grin. "You're too clumsy for your own good." Finnick reached up and easily grabbed the glasses down while Katniss filled them with water. Finally the pair sat down to dinner and the group dug in.

Greasy Sae's granddaughter, whom Finnick finally decided to name Poppy because of the way she would pop up to chatter when you least expected it, was happily talking with Posy while Mavis and Vick giggled to each other in their own little world.

"Katniss, thank you for having us over. I'm assuming tonight's venison is your handiwork?" Hazelle attempted at conversation.

"Well I shot it, but Finnick cooked it." She was trying, Finnick knew, and he thought Hazelle could tell too.

Haymitch perked up at the name Finnick. "Finnick?" he asked, a piece of potato falling off his fork. "Could a sworn he was de-"

"How have things been?" Katniss asked Hazelle loudly. Clearly she didn't think now was an appropriate time to talk about this, and Finnick didn't mind.

Hazelle caught on quickly, not even sparing a glance at Finnick. "Oh you know, getting by. When the school opens I'm going to teach," she said excitedly.

"Oh, I didn't know that," Finnick said.

Hazelle smiled. "That's why I stop by so often."

"Ought to be a cooking class," Sae butted in. "Nobody 'round here is creative enough."

"I'll be sure to let them know," Hazelle said kindly.

Haymitch was watching him silently, carefully chewing his meat. He pushed the green beans to the side and took a drink of water. For some reason, Finnick was nervous. Nevertheless they had a pleasant dinner.

"Ready for dessert?" Hazelle asked them after they'd finished their meal and had sat talking for a while. They all chorused their consent and she went to the kitchen to slice the cake. She enlisted Katniss' help in serving the party, and they dug in happily. It was a rich chocolate cake and they all savored the treat.

"That was wonderful," Finnick exclaimed at the end.

"Vick, Mavis, would you mind helping with the dishes?" Hazelle asked the pair. They had been whispering in each other's ears, and their cheeks were pink when they nodded.

"There's a dish washer," Sae said. "I'll help the young ones."

The three of them gathered the remaining dishes and headed to the kitchen. Haymitch took his chance to talk to steal the chair next to Finnick and began to speak lowly. "Do one of you want to tell me what the hell is going on?" Katniss grimaced at the man, and Hazelle glanced at Finnick. "'Cause last I heard this man here was supposed to be dead.
Finnick did his best to explain how he was still alive. Haymitch listened quietly and at the end he didn't say much. Finnick noticed, however, how he and Katniss seemed to be having a silent conversation. Before he could question it, Mavis and Vick returned.

"Well, we should get going," Hazelle said, standing up. "Thank you so much, Katniss, Finnick, for dinner." She collected her children and the left over cake and ushered them out the door. "I'll talk to you soon," she told her hosts as she left.

On his way out Rory stopped next to Finnick. "Nice to have you back."

"Thank you," Mavis said as she exited the house.

"Should I walk you back?" Finnick asked her, concerned.

She only smiled at him. "Vick is going to walk me."

Finnick ruffled her hair slightly. "Tell him he better keep his hands to himself," he told her quietly.

"I'll make sure this one gets home," Sae told them, poking Haymitch. The latter grumbled at her but stood up anyway. Poppy tugged on his hand and started chatting at him now that Posy had left.

Left alone in the house, Finnick yawned. It had been a long day, and he was ready to snuggle up next to Katniss. The pair went up to get ready for bed, and Katniss told him she was going to shower. "I'll leave the door open."

After brushing his teeth and rubbing the last of the cream on his face Finnick headed back to Katniss' room, crawling slowly under the covers. For the first time it struck him as odd that Katniss seemed so natural with all of this. Sleeping under the covers together, living together...nothing seemed to phase her. Then again, Finnick couldn't quite understand the trauma of the Games or of the second rebellion, seeing as he had no memory of it. He figured he shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, though, and enjoy whatever convoluted thing he had going on with Katniss.

Finnick was asleep by the time Katniss slipped into bed beside him. He turned over sleepily so that he was facing her and threw his arm around her. In his fuzzy state he though he felt Katniss press a kiss against his neck but he couldn't be sure. Sighing lightly he pulled her to him more tightly and let the darkness overcome him again.