Wild Heart
A/N: We will see Katniss interacting more with Finnick. Training is about to begin for Katniss, and Snow plans on making it a miserable experience. Coin also makes contact with an Everdeen, but not the one she expected. Johanna will reveal another key player in the Capitol.
Setting: We begin the chapter in Finnick's quarters about a week after the last chapter. We then move to Katniss' quarters before ending in route to Caesar's office.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
∞K&F∞
Chapter 05
That fire in your eyes…
(Finnick's POV)
"Coriolanus is seriously going to consider killing you before the Games if you keep breaking the rules, you know." She snickers mischievously as she balances precariously on the edge of the pool.
"Just as long as he avoids involving Prim. She is completely innocent in all of this, and even though he is malevolence at its best, I would hope that he has at least that much humanity left in him." I smile.
"Trust me, Prim is in no danger. Everyone here has fallen in love with her, including Snow. She reminds him of his granddaughter." She looks at me curiously, but I shake my head. Another story for another time…
I move to stand beside her, tugging at the t-shirt and jeans forced upon my body by the young woman currently smirking in my direction. I cross my arms over my chest tightly to prevent myself from shoving her into the water behind her. She is wearing a backless burgundy sweater and a pair of silky black slacks. Her heels have been kicked off so that she can dip her toes in the water. I reach over, toying with the lengthy braid resting on her shoulder. She glances over at me, mirth lighting up her clear grey eyes…
"I am glad to see you dressed for once, Odair!" she chirps happily. I smirk seductively as I lean impossibly close.
"I am still going commando," I whisper in her ear. I laugh wholeheartedly as I feel her punch me in my arm.
"Asshat," she grumbles irritably. I just smile at her.
After escaping the Coliseum last week, we have been relatively inseparable. Reapings are soon to begin within the various districts, so the Capitol has been abuzz with preparations and whatnot. With more and more people rushing into our homeland, the reality of her situation is finally settling in with Katniss. I can honestly say, though, that she is one amazing young woman. She is handling it all in stride, just as she did all those damn wolf mutts that day. She was the reason we got out of there alive, her keen shot and inhuman senses directing Peeta and I beautifully. I just wish we could have gotten to Thread…
"Sugar cube?" I ask, offering her one of the sweet little delicacies. She turns her nose up in disgust…
"No thanks. I really do not see how you can stand to continuously eat those things. They are both unhealthy and unnecessary. Prim and I grew up without that luxury," she chides lightly. I shrug indifferently as I pop one in my mouth.
"Your loss. Besides…I need the energy." I am not surprised to see her turn to glare hatefully towards the camera near the entrance. Snow has not been able to watch it much as of late, his time consumed by meetings and arrangements.
"You never really had a choice in the matter, did you?" she asks softly. I shake my head sadly.
One thing that I have come to know about Katniss is that she has a deep-seated hatred for impositions. Her free will is the one thing that she and I both cherish most about her and her darling sister, who I have come to learn is also wise beyond her years. This week has been absolutely impossible with all of the unfortunate souls coming through my door. There has been so much blood spilled in this room that I fear I may never wash it all away. I have had so much sex that I have considered castrating myself. I am lucky to still be able to get an erection at this point…
"Nope, but that is Capitol life, love. I would say you will learn one day, but I have come to the conclusion that you never learn. Your heart is a wild one, so I should not expect much," I say, laughing quietly. She rolls her eyes before turning to face me…
"I promise you this, Finnick Odair: with my victory comes your freedom. I have not quite figured out the plan as of yet, but I will, and this will end indefinitely. I cannot help but think about what would happen should someone chance vengeance for someone you have murdered. No matter what Snow disillusions himself into believing, there are forces at work in Panem other than himself. I have read my father's books, so I know what can happen. Julius Caesar was brought down by his own friend, you know."
I place my hand on the side of her face, stroking the soft skin there. She looks at me for a moment before withdrawing from me and walking over to the bench nearest us. Today, she has a meeting with Caesar Flickerman (how is that for irony for you) to prepare her for the many interviews and sponsorship events that she will have to partake in as a Tribute. I have also offered to help her, although all attempts so far have ended with the two of us fighting. The girl can be downright incorrigible at times!
"How many do you have today?" she asks suddenly, staring distantly across the glassy surface of the pool. I move to sit beside her…
"Originally, just one, but two were added on before you showed up. Only one of them is a guy this time," I toss playfully. She smirks.
"The fortunate thing is that you have always been the dominant, so you have at least something to be thankful for." I smile ruefully at that.
"That is not exactly true, you know. As penance for what I was forced to do with Peeta, I offered myself to him. It was rather unpleasant, but it was what needed to be done." She surprises me by leaning over and placing a gentle kiss upon my cheek, linking her hand with mine. I smile at the feeling…
"Everything that you have done for Peeta is very much appreciated by Prim and I. He was the first boy that I ever loved. After he left, everything just seemed to fall the hell apart. Worst of all, he happened…" She does not say anything for a moment, something that makes me uneasy. She is always so vocal about anything bothering her…
"What you do not remember about our incident was how you reacted to me touching you. I had you pinned to the floor, my hand sliding up your thigh. I was just about to touch you when you flew into a ballistic rage. If the Peacekeepers would not have arrived when they did, you would have killed me. I can only imagine that whatever this other guy did to you triggered your reaction. And just so you know, it is not normal for a woman of your size to be able to throw a large male literally on the other side of the room." I smile when she punches me.
"After Peeta left, I was stuck with our other childhood friend, Gale. Peeta actually thought that Gale and I were born for one another, that we were meant to be together all along. I never believed that shit, but Gale, he took it to heart. We were a thing until Prim grew ill. He lost his damn mind, literally, when I told him that I was going to volunteer. Finnick, I have a feeling that you have been in love before, even though you have never said anything of the sort. I can just tell it, somehow, which probably makes me weird. Anyway, he tried to kill me in order to keep me from coming to the Capitol. He failed."
An intense hatred for this Gale alights within my heart, the promise of future retribution forming within my mind. She is right, though, I have been in love before. It no longer matters, though, her 'death' having happened years ago. For Katniss, though, the pain is still very much alive. Even though she did not exactly go apeshit, per se, she became a beast of endless strength. She only stopped after Haymitch came in and managed to get through to her. Knowing the jackass' name now, I have a feeling it was something to do with him that he whispered in her ear.
"You are safe now, Everdeen, you got that? The demons cannot get you here; I will not allow it. Before you say anything, I am not saying you are incapable of defending yourself or whatever. What I am saying is that you cannot do it all alone. Just as you promised to help me, I will return the favor in kind." She nods at me slowly, squeezing my hand reassuringly.
Looking into her eyes, I could see the two of us living happy lives in a perfect world. She could actually live freely with her sister and family without the threat of the Games or Snow's wrath, and I could safely and happily live within the waves of beautiful Mother Ocean. Maybe she would have married Peeta, and I could have gone to the wedding. I would like to think that maybe we could have met at some point on much friendlier terms, the three of us. I am not going to include this Gale character, seeing as he is on my shitlist right about now…
"Stop storming over there," she chides playfully. We laugh, the sound echoing throughout the room.
"It is almost time," I say softly. She nods, turning to look me directly in the eye…
"Remember what I said, Finnick, and I will return the favor in kind," she grumbles threateningly as she rises to her feet. I smirk as she saunters off.
"You got it, kiddo."
∞K&F∞
(Prim's POV)
I giggle happily as I am pampered by my sister's Prep Team. She dislikes having to be scrubbed and dressed and made up, but she does not realize just how much of a handful she can be! Katniss, left to her own devices, would walk around looking like a madwoman if they let her. Sure, she does shower and comb her hair, but she never aims to be pretty. I remember when Mom was alive, how Katniss used to fight and complain when it came time to get ready for something or other. She would gripe and gripe, but in the end, Mom would win. It was sad but sweet…
"You are just so sweet, little Primrose!" chimes Octavia, the plump one. She is really pretty, although her beauty is mostly hidden behind her green skin and crazy hair.
"Thank you!" I reply nicely. She giggles girlishly.
"You are certainly welcome, sweetie!" Flavius is the orange-haired male of the trio. He is really sweet, but can be more girly than the girls!
"I do hope Katniss does not mind," worries Venia. She is the eldest of the three, and certainly the most mature. She constantly worries over my sister, which is refreshing. I do not feel like the only one whenever she is around…
"She will not care as long as I am safe," I assure her. It is true, though.
After prepping Katniss for her meetings this morning, I asked them to stay and play dress-up with me. Since I will not be participating in the Hunger Games, I really have nothing to do. Rue promised to come by when she could, but the President keeps her busy. I really, really like her, so I hope that she gets to come play soon. I still cannot believe that she competed in the Hunger Games at one point, winning against people much bigger and older than her. I want to be strong like her; that way, I could maybe save Katniss for once!
Katniss.
Over the last week, she has spent a lot of time with me, even playing dress-up once! She has been so wrapped up in everything lately that she has not had any time to just relax and be happy. Thank goodness Finnick came into her life! After Gale tried to kill her, she has not let any men even remotely close to her. I just cannot seem to understand exactly why he did that to her, even if he said it was to protect her from the Capitol. Finnick wants to protect her (he told me as much), but he has not tried to kill her…well…knowingly.
"Are you okay, Primrose? You have gotten far too quiet," comes Venia. I offer her a soft smile, not wanting her to worry. Katniss makes her worry enough as it is…
"I am fine, promise!" I pipe cheerfully. It seems to work as she smiles brightly before returning her attention back to doing my makeup.
I really like Finnick, although I am confused as to what he does. I was always taught to pay attention to the people around me, learning as much as I can should it ever become pertinent. Finnick says he is an entertainer, but I have never seen him in anything other than the Games. I figured he was lying to me to protect me, but I do not need him to do that. I can handle much more than anyone gives me credit for, you know. That is the one thing that I can always count on my sister not to do. She always tells me the truth, even when it is dark and scary.
A knock at the door grabs my attention.
"Ms. Everdeen?" calls a woman from the doorway. She is someone I have never seen, and I know that I do not like her. There is something dark about her, something not to be trusted…
"She is in meetings," says Flavius, clearly shocked by the sight of this woman. I would be too, though, especially with that creepy hairstyle. It is like a curtain of ice!
"Well, I…who are you, little girl?" I force a polite smile…
"I am Primrose Everdeen, and I believe you are looking for my sister." She blinks a few times before gathering her composure, also forcing a polite smile…
"You are very perceptive for your age," she says slowly. I just shrug, a habit I picked up from my sister.
"I must be, given the circumstances." She is stunned by my maturity, as are most people. Katniss would be extremely proud at this moment, her lessons having paid off immensely through the years.
She steps into the room, her colorless eyes focused solely upon me. The trio behind me is unnaturally silent, an aura most terrified leaking from around them. I watch her closely as she walks slowly towards me, a curious spark within her gaze. She is dressed in a snow white suit, something that I could imagine an angel wearing. This woman is no angel, though, and anyone would be hard-pressed to describe her as such. My tiny hands cling to the sides of my perch, fingers teasing the hilt of a perfectly hidden knife. My sister has armed every inch of this place, and I know how to use every single one of the secret arms.
"So, Primrose, how long ago did your sister depart?" she asks curiously, standing only a few feet away. I narrow my eyes at her…
"An hour or so, give or take a few minutes. Is there something that you require of her, or may I be of any assistance to you?" She seems to think for a moment, contemplating my inquiry.
"Actually, there may be something that you can help me with. You three, I would have you depart," she tosses dismissively. The offer me a quick glance of worry, but I nod them off. Once they are out of the room, I turn to her…
"What is it that you want?" I ask bluntly. She chuckles darkly.
"There are a lot of things that I want, young one, but of them can wait. What I need is your sister's cooperation for a time. There are things going on that cannot continue any longer, and I cannot end them myself." I nod. Although I understand her position, I cannot allow Katniss to become involved in a situation that will surely end with her in danger.
"You know my name, so it is only fair that I know yours, common courtesy notwithstanding." She laughs heartily at that.
"She has taught you well, I see. I am Alma Coin, President of District Thirteen. I am also the wife of President Snow." With those words, everything falls into place. I smile brightly at her, leveling her with a look most sinister…
"Very well. I will inform my sister of your request. Be warned, however, that I will also offer her my take on this situation. If I were you, I would be very afraid." With that, I hop down and head for the door. The look on her face is both dumbfounded and appalled…
Who says Primrose Everdeen is just another sweet little girl?
∞K&F∞
(Johanna's POV)
"About time you got here, Twelve dos!"
"Shut it, Mason."
I cannot help but smirk as she glares at me dangerously. Katniss Everdeen is truly one hell of a woman, and I cannot wait to get to know her better. As we walk towards Flickerman's office, my eyes peruse her schedule for the week. Only once before has Snow personally designed a Tribute's training regimen, and that was my own. He absolutely hated me, so he made everything damn-near deadly. Training became torture for me, but it seems that even my misery was nothing compared to what Everdeen is about to encounter. I was not able to really hear what was said between the two of them that night in the Gardens, but it really must have been something…
"He wants you dead," I say offhandedly. She snorts derisively.
"The feeling is mutual, trust me. Honestly, I can only imagine that he has arisen Hell upon Earth for me to endure prior to the Games. He seems like the type of man to destroy the spirit before a killing, you know," she tosses easily. It is frightening just how well she knows him.
"Mellark said that you are one smart cookie. Seems that he was right." She chuckles lightly at that, although I can tell that the mention of his name truly warms her heart. I can understand that, though, more than anyone could ever really know. Caring for people is not really my forte…
"Snow wanted him as a prostitute at first, you know, just like Finnick. Luckily, Swimmer Boy saved him from that, just as he did me." She nods, frowning deeply. We come to a stop in the middle of the hallway suddenly, something troubling the young heroine.
"Snow is one sick fuck, you know. There truly is nothing more dangerous than human sexuality, even for those who would claim to be undesiring. He found unexpected success with Finnick, so it would make sense that he would seek to expand his 'resources', so to speak. However, the shit is just plain wrong. What I just cannot grasp, though, is why he would need more than Finnick. I can see him having more than enough enemies, but still…"
"Ask Trinket," I say. She looks at me quizzically for a moment.
"Really? As much as I love her, she does not seem like the most powerful of forces here in the Capitol." It is my turn to snort.
"True, but trust me, she is more than a walking box of crayons. Effie knows every little thing that goes on in this place, as does Flickerman. If you are ever really curious about anything, ask the two of them. Snow may be all dark and dangerous, but he knows to never cross either of them. The people of the Capitol adore the two of them more than the members of their own families." Realization begins to dawn on her face suddenly, causing a frown to form on my own.
"What?" I ask slowly.
"When I first arrived, Effie sent my paperwork directly to Caesar. I would figure that Snow would be the first one to know of my arrival, but he was not. Also, after my incident with Finnick, some guy was quick to seek her out. I think his name was…"
"Seneca Crane," I finish for her. She nods.
"That was him. When I was done showering and attempting to kill anyone and everyone within my reach, I came out to find him gone. I can only guess now that he met a…less than desirable end."
"He was the Head Gamemaker, as well as the head of Capitol Security, which is where I work. He failed at his assigned task, so it would only make sense that he would be killed. For Effie to be the one to kill him, though, that is certainly worth noting." I watch as her brows furrow…
"I need you to do me a favor. Tell Caesar that I had something personal to attend to, and that I will see him soon. And go get Prim and take her to Peeta." I nod numbly, dread beginning to settle within my chest…
"What are you about to do, Everdeen?" I ask slowly. She smirks at me.
"Something that will certainly piss Snow off to no end. Hopefully, he will not find out until I return." I do not get to ask anything further because she decides to rush off…
"Yep, she is truly something else…" is all that I can say before heading off to go find Mellark…
∞K&F∞
Shit is about to hit the fan in the next few chapters, so be prepared. Here are a few things to note about this chapter:
Johanna refused Snow's offer to become a prostitute after her reaping. He was pissed.
Unlike Peeta, her reaping was not rigged, nor did she have to sleep with Finnick.
Finnick did, however, suggest her for Security, given her dominance of her Games.
Coin had never really met Prim, so she was uncertain of how to act around her.
Prim is an effective Healer like her mother, but can fight fairly well.
The Prep Team knew who Coin was, hence their reaction.
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, followed and favorited. I appreciate you all more than you will ever know Special thanks to LizZin, babykatnissfirefly, GryffindorMagicianDemigodGirl, herecomesthebang, Tenn, and eveningshades1107!