I don't own The Hunger Games. Also, in this story Finnick and Annie's son is the same age as Lillia, even though he should be much older.
District 4 proves to be an interesting experience. We visit them last, as they are the nearest to the Capitol and we will be taking an order of lobster back with us for the feast in Snow's mansion. 4 was the home of Reg and Crystal and they were my allies, so my speech is fairly heartfelt. I make sure to say how I admired Reg for not letting the Games change him, and how I will forever remember Crystal for being a hero. I receive very little glares from Reg's family, and Crystal has none so I do not feel so uncomfortable here as I did in most of the other Districts. These people are supposed to follow us into war in less than a year, and I am not doing a very good job at making them like me.
My Mother sits between a Victor from before the second rebellion and her son when we have our feast. I remember being told about how Katniss was good friends with her and her deceased husband, Finnick Odair. I do not get a chance to talk to her, so instead I talk to Annie Odair's son Finlay.
"Finlay is an interesting name." I say as I spoon a mouthful of fish stew into my mouth.
"I'm named after my Father." He says, and I can tell that he is proud of his name.
"I'm named after my Aunt." I say. I haven't had a conversation with anyone from another District since I visited 2.
"She's alive you know. She's like forty or thirty or something like that, but Primrose Everdeen is alive." Finlay says, pulling apart a piece of bread. I drop my spoon and it lands in my bowl, splashing droplets dark stew down my light blue dress.
"What are you talking about? My Mother watched her die." I hiss at him, keeping my voice low. There is no way a thirteen year old girl could have survived a bombing like that.
"That's what the Capitol want you to think. I know for a fact that she is alive. So is your Father, Grandmother, my Father and Haymitch." He responds. I glance at Katniss, hoping she hasn't heard him. News like this would kill her.
"My Mother and I watched them get murdered!" I whisper. This is all too ridiculous to be true.
"They're alive." Finlay repeats calmly.
"Tell me how you know this and maybe I'll choose to believe you."
"Two weeks ago, a Jabberjay flew into my bedroom. It must have come from my Father because it carried a message for me. It said 'All of the rebels that the Capitol once loved, or the ones that Snow thought he could use for either black mail or his army are alive. I am alive. But do not tell a single soul, or the Capitol will come for you. I love you son and I always will. F.O.
"How do you know that the Capitol is not playing a trick on you?" I ask, but I am beginning to believe him.
"I just know. But I can't tell my Mother. And you shouldn't tell yours!" He says. I nod in response. I will not tell her unless it is vital. When I leave District 4, I think that it is the last time I will ever see Finlay. I couldn't have been more wrong.
A few days later, I am home. The feast in the Capitol was a very sophisticated event, but it was more boring than anything else I have ever had to do. True to my word, when I get back to Victors Village I collect some photos of my Father and bring them to a marble cutter in the Seam. I give him a bag of coins, and he builds a statue of Peeta Mellark right in the middle of the square. The statue is of him holding a loaf of bread in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. Katniss, Mitch and I take fresh flowers to it every day. The handyman also builds three benches and positions them outside the houses in Victor's village. They each have a small plaque on them; one is dedicated to Primrose Everdeen, the other to Mrs Everdeen and the last to Haymitch Abernathy. Two benches go outside my house, and the one dedicated to Haymitch goes outside of his old house. I promised my Mother I would do this, and I can't go back on my promise just because there is the slightest chance they may all be alive.
The television flickers to life one rainy afternoon. It is a newsflash. Annie and Finlay Odair have been arrested for telling Capitol secrets. They are still unsure of which secrets have been told and to who, but the prison guards are definite that they will soon find out the extra information.
"Lillia-Primrose." My Mother, who is sat right next to me, says gently. "I saw you and Finlay whispering in District 4. What did he tell you?" Her voice stays calm but I can tell that she is panicked. When the Capitol finds out that I am involved, they will kill me for sure. But I cannot tell her what was said.
"I…"
"Annie's my friend, sweetheart. I need to know what was said so I can help her, and help you." She sounds more urgent this time, and I know that I must tell her.
"Father, Aunt Prim, Grandmother and Finnick Odair are alive." I blurt. Katniss's eyes widen, but when she speaks she uses a calm voice.
"Get Mitch and then meet me outside in the garden."
"Why?"
"We have to leave."