"Reuniting with the one that you love is both the greatest and scariest experience one can imagine. You get to see your loved one again, but you fear that things have changed between the two of you over time. You wonder if they still love you. You fear that they have found someone else. What makes matters worse is that only they can assuage those fears. The moment of truth."

Katniss Pov:

My mind keeps shifting back and forth between what those bastards did to Finnick and this mystery that is this Annie girl. Of course I am worried that Finnick might attack me as soon as he sees my face, as I wouldn't put it past the Capitol and Snow to try and brainwash him. However, I am not sure if I am more afraid of being physically harmed as much as emotionally harmed.

What's sad is that I am not all worried about being injured if Finnick snaps. Rather, I'm terrified that he won't recognize me or that he will hate me.

Which brings my mind back to this Annie lady.

What is so special about her?

Is she Finnick's girlfriend or wife?

Was everything that happened over the last month or so a ruse?

As I attempt to deal with these questions during my fruitless attempt to sleep, I hear a light knock on the door.

"Hey Katniss, you awake?" A voice that I can easily recognize as Peeta's rings through the door.

I nod before I realize that he can't see that action.

"Yeah, come on in." I quietly respond, as I feel the effects of the fatigue weighing on me.

The door slowly opens to reveal Peeta standing outside, wearing a gentle smile.

When he doesn't make an attempt to enter the room, I give him an inquisitive look as I mumble, "Uh… You can come in, you know…"

He chuckles as he shakes his head and answers, "I could come in. But that would also mean that you wouldn't get to see a certain District 4 tribute who has woken umph!"

I interrupt Peeta's answer by nearly tackling him in a hug and thanking him profusely.

He pulls away and awkwardly pats me on the head as he says, "Yeah yeah. I know you are grateful. As much as I enjoy you hugging me like this, you gotta save some of that for Finnick. He's waiting for you."

I give him a quick smile before I turn around and start sprinting towards the hospital wing.

Nothing else is running through my mind as I running excitedly to Finnick's room.

I burst through the doors, although I know that I will incur the wrath of the night shift nurses.

"Finnick! You are awake!"

The subject of my joy turns to me before giving me a genuine smile. This smile immediately warms my heart, as I know that he still loves me above all else and that I have nothing to be afraid of. Even with the rebellion going on around us as I know that people are dying as I speak, it doesn't matter at this point. His smile insolates me from the hell occurring around us.

"Are you going to just stare at me, or are you going to at least give me a hug?" Finnick asks with a hint of sarcasm while still wearing the same smile as before.

I start to dash towards him, before one of my fears resurfaces.

What if he has been brainwashed and is using this ruse to harm me?

Finnick notices the halt in my movements almost immediately, as he tilts his head in a way that would make even me label as adorable.

"What's wrong Katniss? Are you okay?"

My eyes start welling up before I ask, "Did Snow brainwash you to think that I am the enemy?"

Finnick's eyes widen in concern, as I can feel him looking into my soul.

"Katniss, I won't lie. They tried. Like, they really tried. But they forgot about the fact that I have built up my mental state enough after all the shit they put me through over the years. I acted like they succeeded, in order to prevent them from trying something that might succeed. But I promise you Katniss, I'm still the same guy. You have to believe me, please."

I can see Finnick's heart break as he pleads, which causes mine to begin to break as a result.

I give him a watery smile as I respond with, "Okay, I believe you."

Finnick's heartbroken look is quickly replaced by a look of relief as he says, "Good. Now, don't make me come out of this bed to get a hug from ya Everdeen. And no, I will not take no for an answer."

I chuckle at his words as I quickly walk over and give him a tight hug.

"AH! Easy Everdeen! I know you missed me, but I would like to use my lungs after this!" Finnick yelps.

I quickly back up while saying, "Shit, I am so sorry. Oh my God, do you need a nurse? Or…"

My panic is interrupted by Finnick giggling, which was something I thought that I would never see.

"You jackass…" I mumble in annoyance.

"Aw… I'm sorry! I couldn't resist! Want an apology hug?"

"Will you still be a jackass?"

"I promise, no jackass." He answers while giving me a genuine smile.

"Fine." I respond before I timidly wrap him back into a hug.

As soon as he wraps his arms around me, I am pulled onto the bed with him.

"That's better…" He sighs while tightening his grip on me.

"Finnick, I can't breathe…" I mumble while trying to fidget out of his grip. Even with someone like Finnick hugging me, I still hate being hugged.

His smile grows as he sees me squirm.

"I have to call bullshit on that love. You just hate hugs."

"What? I'll have you know that… Wait, did you say love?"

Finnick looks down shyly while he mumbles, "Yeah…"

"Finnick…"

He looks back into my eyes with a look that a combination of confidence and vulnerability.

"I'm not afraid to admit it to you anymore. I'm in love with you Katniss. Before you say that you are too screwed up to be loved, look at me. We can be screwed up together. Now, I hope you feel the same way. But if not, my love for you will never cease. Never doubt that. I will always be there for you."

I try to respond, but I feel myself choking on the words.

"Finnick, I…"

(To be continued!)