Chapter Five
Finnick awakens to a banging on the front door. Finnick hasn't left his house since he talked with the students at the school. Mags came to visit him, but that is the only other person he has had contact with.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"I'm coming." Finnick mumbles as he goes downstairs quickly. He opens the door and blocks his eyes from the sun that is piering in.
"How can I help you Head Peacekeeper Garrison?" Finnick asks annoyed. The peacekeepers in Four aren't very threatening. When they come to the house of a victor they are usually there to invite them to an event.
"I just wanted to remind you and the other victors of your required meeting with the mayor."
"Great thanks." Finnick says unamused.
"It's at six and also I am throwing a get together to get ready for the reaping."
"You're throwing a party?" Finnick asks annoyed.
"Well, the busiest part of our year is during the reaping. It is best to raise the staff's spirits before a busy work day."
"Ah I see." Finnick says.
"Besides, everyone else seems to enjoy celebrating for the Hunger Games. The festival the night before is very-"
"Yes, yes festive." Finnick says unamused.
"Alright, well remember to meet at the town hall at 6:00 p.m."
"I'll be sure to do that Garrison."
"And I hope to see you afterwards." He says as Finnick closes the door.
"Don't count on it Garrison." Finnick mutters under his breath and heads to the kitchen.
He turns on the coffee pot and the coffee starts to brew. Finnick doesn't have a particular taste for the stuff, but it's already noon and he just woke up.
Finnick goes back to the living room and removes a book from the bookshelf and behind it he takes out the pack of cigarettes he hides back there. Finnick doesn't make a habit of smoking or particularly likes it, but sometimes he wants the relief. The only reason he hides it behind a book is because they're from the Capitol and certain goods are not supposed to leave the Capitol, cigarettes are included. There's something about the Capitol ones that are better. Finnick figures it is the tobacco which is from the plants located in District Ten.
Finnick takes the box and heads back to the kitchen to pour himself some coffee. Then he heads to his back porch. His porch isn't anything special it has a few chairs and a small round table. There is a great view of the beach that has a calming effect on Finnick and many other citizens in District Four.
Finnick gets a match and lights his cigarette
"Those are going to kill you Finnick." Finnick hears the voice coming from the porch next to his.
Finnick turns to see the soft smile of the old woman who lives next to him. The women who has cared for him like a son.
"It's only in moderation, everything should be fine Mags." Finnick says.
"That's not what I hear." She says as Finnick takes a puff of smoke.
"I'll be fine Mags." Finnick says.
"I know you will be darling, but I still worry for you." Mags says.
"That's your job, isn't it?" Finnick teases.
"Yes because I love you." Mags says.
"And I love you." Finnick says.
"Remember to wear something nice for the town meeting Finnick." Mags says.
"I've done this before Mags." Finnick says a little annoyed.
"Yes, I know but I feel better reminding you." Mags says.
Finnick nods.
"So how did the presentation go at the school?" Mags asks.
Finnick doesn't respond.
"It must be hard for you going back there." Mags says
"It was fine Mags." Finnick says.
"When was the last time you were there?" Mags asks.
"Uh I can't remember." Finnick says and rubs the back of the neck. He does remember though. He used to see his sister every day after school. After she died he tried his best to avoid that part of town.
Mags can tell he is lying. Rubbing the back of his neck is Finnick's tell.
"I see darling. Well, I will see you later tonight." Mags says.
"See you later Mags." Finnick says and hears her porch door close.
"Alright everyone is here I see." The mayor says as he sits at the head of a long shiny table. Exactly in the middle of the table is a vase of flowers there are also dreamcatchers hanging on the walls of the town hall room.
Every year the victors meet with the mayor before the Hunger Games. They discuss possible volunteers, possible sponsors from Four, new strategies, and of course the town festival before the night before the reaping.
Mayor Gunderson is a small plump man with salt and pepper hair. No matter where he is he has a scent of fish on him. People think it is because he is always holding some type of fish dish on him. He sure knows how to eat, but the truth is he likes fishing and cooking his own dishes. He has his own personal chef and many maids back at his house, but doesn't use them often. They are considered perks of being the mayor, but he doesn't particularly enjoy them.
The mayor isn't married or have many friends and he likes it that way. Having a full staff in his home feels envasie to him. Even though the mayor has a rough personality and no family the townspeople still like him as their leader. Of course, while other Districts have elections for their leaders becoming the mayor in District Four is more or less considered a job in the family business. There hasn't been a mayor without the last name Gunderson for as long as people can remember.
"Yes we're all here and waiting." Lena says bored.
Her blonde hair is in a ponytail and it seems to have blue streaks in it. Finnick assumes the blue is fake hair because people can't dye their hair in District Four. It matches her annoying blue dress with the mermaid stamp proving that she has enough money to buy from the most expensive clothes store in town.
"I know you must be excited to get to the celebrations tonight victor Lena, but this is important." Mayor Gunderson says.
Lena sighs.
The mayor is right of course. She won when she was sixteen so giving a shallow sixteen year old millions of dollars won't do anything to help her. She's now an annoyingly spoiled eighteen year old and still doesn't understand the dangers that come with being a victor.
Snow hasn't discussed deals with her yet, but she will soon know the harsh reality of becoming a victor by the time the 70th Hunger Games are over.
"Well, these things only happen once a year you know." Lena says and sinks in her chair.
"I could say the same." The mayor says a little agitated this time.
"Let's just more forward." Zayden says. He also sounds a little bored, but it's not because he wants to go to the town festivities tonight. He just hates talking with political figures Finnick would have an issue with the mayor, but doesn't because Mayor Gunderson doesn't threaten or bother Finnick.
"Alright, we'll start with the first thing of our agenda which is to discuss the possible volunteers this year." The mayor says looking at a binder full of papers in front of him.
"Yes, this is the part I find interesting." Zayden says with a smile. He is the only victor in this room who volunteered. There were two others, but died a few years ago. It was questionable that they died within a few months, but President Snow not nothing to do with it. One died from old age and the other got terribly ill that plagues certain citizens of District Four. It's not known how it is spread, but once you get it you are dead within a few months.
Lena smiles she too likes this part. She didn't volunteer, but she wanted to. Finnick believes that she was going to volunteer the year she won. When you look at the recaps from her games you can see the joy in her eyes as she walked to the stage.
"So who are the front runners this year?" Lena asks.
"Well, we don't keep scores but the training club has given students who have expressed interested in trying out. The names go as follows for the boys: Dylan Wyatt, Aden Pish, Krill Trout, and Talbot Frey."
"They're all good swimmers I take it?" Zayden asks.
"According to the records yes. Dylan has a specitialy with fish catching, tying knots, and survival skills. Aden's skills are more on the athletic side running, swimming, trident using however his survival skills-"
"Aden's a meathead." Lena says with a smile.
"Excuse me?" The mayor says confused.
"He's strong, but won't be able to learn the basics to stay alive." Finnick says. "He's probably a classic career."
"That's a good thing to me." Zayden says.
"If there are no good supplies at the cornucopia then he will die from the elements." Finnick says.
"I like him. I want him to volunteer." Zayden says.
"I'll talk with the committee, but they believe Talbot is the best candidate." The mayor says.
"And the other boy, Krill?" Mags sas softly.
"Oh… they said he wants to volunteer, but don't think it is a good idea. They believe he will die within the first three days." The mayor pasues. "Hopefully he doesn't volunteer."
"The girls now?" Lena says excited.
"Ah yes there were only a few this year-"
"Less girls each year it seems." Zayden says.
"I wonder if they're sexist." Lena says sarcastically.
"The program is first come first serve I doubt they are turning the girls away." Finnick says.
"Anyway the first year is Luna Hana and the second is Scylla Smalls."
"Scylla as in the sea monster myth." Lena says with a small laugh.
"She didn't name herself." Mags says softly.
"With a name like that must've made her strong." Zayden says.
"So what's so great about these two?" Lena asks.
"It is believed they are both well rounded girls. Good with survival and physical aspects and are strong swimmers. However, Luna isn't good at lifting heavy objects and wasn't good with using a trident."
"Well, there are plenty of other weapons in the arena to choose from. If she can make a net then all she needs to do is find a way to… dispose of them." Finnick says.
That was Finnick's strategy in the games. Although no one expected him to get a trident as a sponsor gift.
"A well thought out plan." Zayden says with an approving smile.
"Yes, but just because these people have mentioned they want to volunteer doesn't guarantee they will." The mayor says.
"They might get cold feet." Lena says.
"They might come to their senses." Finnick mutters. The only person who heard him was Mags and that's because she is sitting next to him.
"Yes, so take in that information for just a moment." The Mayor says and passes around folders that have data and the possible tributes pictures.
They all look through the files. Finnick doesn't look too hard because these might not be the tributes, but they are the typical volunteer age mostly seventeen and eighteen year olds. Luna is the only one who is sixteen.
"Right now let's talk about the possible sponsors located in Four." The mayor says and turns to Finnick. "I'm sure you still have your Capitol contacts Finnick."
"Yes, but the tributes still need to prove themselves." Finnick says.
It's a particle lie if he sleeps with a client they might give the tributes something. Finnick is already a prostitute unwilling at that, but if sleeping with possible sponsors helps keep the kids alive then it is worth it to him.
"I see, well even if these tributes don't volunteer I have high hopes. Now, the regular sponsors have already expressed interest." Mayor Gunderson says.
"Such as?" Lena asks.
"The bait shop by the docks, the wealthy teachers from the school, the sea salt ice cream shop, the mermaid clothing shop -however, they never give enough-, and a small bakery that only donates when the games starts off and the prices are still low enough to manage." The mayor says.
"Sounds good for now." Finnick says.
Although he doesn't understand why the mayor tries to figure out sponsors before the games because it might not matter in the end. If the shop owners end up disliking the tribute then they probably won't donate money to them.
Everything they are doing in this room is technically illegal, but no one is going to punish them. The head peacekeeper even reminded all of them that they had a meeting with the mayor today to discuss these issues. You aren't supposed to train for the games either, but even people in the lower district breaks that law. Besides, most of them have more prominent issues to deal with.
The victors and most of the citizens from Four aren't vying for scraps of food. There is of course an upper and lower level of the District as with all class systems, but no one is starving to death.
"Now at least one of you should talk with the shop owners off the list, split it up amongst yourselves as you see fit. If a victor personally comes to visit them the guarantee of money coming in will be greater… even if they don't approve of the tribute. I've already talked with the teachers and the bait shop. So, all you need to cover is the bakery, ice cream shop, and clothing shop. There are too many small businesses for you to visit each all of them." The mayor says and closes his binder hinting that they can now leave.
"I get mermaid shopping. I love their clothes." Lena says with a giggle.
"I like the cakes from the bakery and the women behind the counter is very nice."
"Ew she's like fifty and has graying hair." Lena says.
"I guess I am stuck with the ice cream place." Finnick says ignoring her.
"You go their the most Finnick and I believe the owner likes you." Zayden says.
"He likes any victor with a pulse and money." Finnick says.
"No." Zayden smirks. "I think he likes you best."
Finnick rolls his eyes.
"We should probably hurry the festivities have probably already started." Finnick says wanting to leave.
"Yes, let's go." Lena says and runs from the room.
"Do you think she'll actually talk with the shop owner?" Finnick asks Zayden while helpling Mags out of the chair.
"She loves that place. I hear talk that they will make her the poster girl." Zayden says.
"They have poster girls?" Finnick says.
"Very rarely and her just being a victor is enough." Zayden says.
"She's so shallow though." Finnick says.
"Now, now Finnick." Mags says softly.
"Let's get you home." Finnick says and says goodbye to Zayden.
Finnick drops Mags off. He would stay, but since he promised the mayor he would talk to the shop owner he goes.
The walk into town from Victors' Village is around twenty minutes, even so he can hear the cheery music as soon as he leaves the village. When he walks into town he passes the street to the fishing district. It's festive, but he can also see the distaste in some of the citizens eyes. Finnick isn't the only person who dislikes the Hunger Games. However, being a victor saying this to a citizen is unheard of. Mostly because they wouldn't believe them.
The bell dings when he walks into the ice cream shop. There are many booths outside so he is surprised that the actual store is still open.
"Welcome to Sea Salt Ice Cream." A girl with blonde hair says.
"Yeah is the shop owner here?" Finnick asks.
"Oh Finnick Odair." The girl says and blushes.
"Yes, that's me anyway-"
"You know I'm thinking of volunteering." She says softly.
Finnick glances at her name tag and sees the name Luna. The mayor mentioned her as one of the promising volunteers.
"That's great listen-"
"I was wondering if I did vol-"
"I'm not really supposed to talk about this stuff." Finnick says with a smile.
"Oh right… well anyway what can I get for you?" She says with a smile.
"Is the shop owner here?" Finnick asks.
"Marco?" She puts her finger on her chin to think for a moment. "He's joined the festival by now. He said we should call if there was an emergency but-"
"Could you call him please." Finnick says.
"Marco doesn't like when we call unless someone is hurt and I can't lose my job. That's why-"
"Do you know where at the festival he might be?" Finnick asks.
"Well, he likes to go to the gambling spots not just for this night, but almost every night." She says and smiles.
"Alright, well if he stops by can you just tell him victor Finnick stopped by and is grateful for the consideration." Finnick says.
"Consideration?" Luna says confused.
"He'll know what I'm talking about." Finnick says.
"Okay do you want anything off the menu?" The girl asks and points to the menu.
"No thanks." Finnick says
"Okay, but you're missing out." She says with a smile.
"Goodnight." Finnick says with a smile before he walks out the door.
The smells and lights of the festival is very nice. If you were to look briefly you would assume everyone was having fun and celebrating. However, if you take a closer look you can see the concern in some of the eyes in the younger kids. Finnick thinks the festival is not just for the people who enjoy the Hunger Games, but also a nice distraction for the people who will be affected by the reaping.
He doesn't spend much time at the festival. He would rather go home and be away from all the celebrations. He doesn't like it, he doesn't feel right about attending them no matter how much free food they are giving away.
"You look very nice Mags." Finnick teases as they walk to the square.
Finnick and Mags always walk to the reaping together. It started when Finnick won, but now Finnick wants to make sure she gets their alright. She is an old woman who isn't the best with getting around.
Mags is wearing a dark green dress. She doesn't wear it every day, but she doesn't save it for special occasions either. Finnick wore a button down light green shirt and khakis. It's not as dressy as it could be, but Finnick doesn't want to wear nice dress pants or a suit for an event like this. Besides, he has to play dress up when he gets to the Capitol.
"You look very nice as well sweetie." Mags says softly.
"Thank you." Finnick says.
When they get to the townsquare Finnick waits for the escort to come out. He wonders what he'll look like this year or if he got that new tattoo he was gushing out last year.
Lena and Zayden soon join them on stage and then the mayor introduces the victors just in time before Aries the escort comes out. Finnick can tell that he got the ram tattoo he was gushing about last year. His asymmetrical teal hair is styled perfectly and he is wearing silver eyeliner which doesn't look too appealing with his pale skin.
"Alright everyone and a Happy Hunger Games!" Aries says and smiles. He looks slightly disappointed at the reaction he got, but moves on quickly.
"Now, let's move on to the most exciting event of the day! As always let's start with the ladies." Aries says and walks over to the two clear crystal orbs that are filled to the brim with names. "Annie Cresta!" Aries shouts into the microphone. A girl from the seventeen year old section steps out.
"Let's see if we get a volunteer." Lena says and Finnick rolls his eyes.
"Yes, yes come up here darling." Aries says when the girl reaches the stage. "Anything going through your mind right now?"
"Well… I've always found the Hunger Games interesting so if I compete I'll get to see just how interesting it is." Annie says.
If I compete Finnick thinks to himself.
"She's hoping someone will volunteer." Finnick whispers to himself.
Finnick looks briefly at the big teleprompter and notices that the face belongs to the girl at the ice cream shop.
"Annie." He whispers.
"Alright, before we move on to the boys does anyone wish to volunteer?" Aries asks and scans the crowd.
"God I hope so she doesn't look like a winner." Lena mutters.
"She said she went to the training sometimes." FInnick says remembering their brief conversation.
"Why would you know that?" Lena asks.
"Well-"
"Wait a minute isn't that ice cream girl?" Lena says with a smile.
"She does work at the ice cream shop." Finnick says a little annoyed.
"I bet you have a crush on her." Lena says.
"Hardly." Finnick says.
"Well I bet she has a crush on you then."
"Doubtful she said she hated me the first time I spoke with her." Finnick says.
"Alright then, no volunteers?" Aries asks one last time. "Well then, the female tribute representing District Four for the 70th Hunger Games is Annie Cresta!" He says and the crowd claps.
"She doesn't look happy." Lena says softly.
"A girl she worked with wanted to volunteer." Finnick says.
"Which girl?" Lena asks intrigued.
"Luna." Finnick says.
"Well, neither of the girls seemed to have anything special about them. Hopefully the boy they chose will have something or else we may just be leading the cows to the slaughter." Lena says.
"We haven't even talked with them yet." Finnick says.
"I call them like I see them." Lena says.
While Finnick and Lena were arguing the male tribute has been selected.
"Any volunteers?" Aries asks.
"Me! I volunteer!" A boy from the seventeen section says.
"Thank you." Lena says.
"Out of my way." The guy says and pushes a kid out of the way.
"Hello, Hello my dear and what is your name?" Aries asks.
"Aden Pish."
Lena groans.
"What's wrong?" Zayden asks.
"That's the meathead." Lena says recognizing the name. "At least he's nice to look at." Lena says.
Aden is well built and has tan skin, curly brown hair, and green eyes.
"His attitude though." Finnick says.
"Care to say anything to the crowd Aden?" Aries asks.
"Is Aries flirting with that kid?" Lena asks because Aries is getting closer to him.
"Maybe." Zayden says.
"I just want to say that I've been waiting for this day and that no matter what happens I will not let District Four down!" Aden says.
This causes a few cheers from the crowd.
"Excellent well here are our tributes this year Annie Cresta and Aden Pish." Aries says with a smile and starts to walk them to the town hall.
"Well from what it looks like right now Aden might be difficult to work with." Finnick says to Zayden.
"HIs interview will be hard to schedule. There are already enough cocky tributes in the game. He'll need something better to stand out."
Finnick and Zayden stand up and head to the train.
"We shouldn't get ahead of ourselves the mayor has been wrong before." Finnick says.
"This is true, but Aden's arrogance showed when walking to the stage. He yelled at someone to get out of the way. He will not play well with others."
"None of the careers play well with others. The career pack is just a means to an end." Finnick states.
"Either way we will need to convince him to spend at least an hour on survival skills." Zayden says.
"Possibly." Finnick says.
"So what do you think of the girl?" Zayden asks.
Finnick and Zayden usually train the boys while Mags and Lena train the girls. However, sometimes they train them together. Some of he female tributes don't feel heard because Mags doesn't speak very loudly.
"She mentioned she sometimes went to the training club." Finnick says.
"So she may be useful."
"She also added she did it because her parents made her." Finnick says.
"Okay so she may be a lost cause." Zayden says.
"I hope not." Finnick says.
"Why because you think she's cute?" Zayden teases.
Finnick rolls his eyes.
"You're just as bad as Lena." Finnick says.
"That's an insult, but seriously." Zayden says.
"She's nice." Finnick says.
"A lot of the tributes we train are nice." Zayden says.
"Yes which makes it harder when they die." Finnick says.
"Just from the presence on the stage I don't think Aden and Annie will want to work with each other." Zayden says.
"Well we haven't talked to them yet so that may not be true." Finnick says.
"Fair enough, but like Lena said the guys a meathead. He'll just kill off his alliance members when he sees fit."
"You think he'll be the pack leader?" Finnick asks.
"He has it going for him, but since we haven't seen the other tributes… it's hard to say." Zayden says.
Finnick nods
"Well, we can't control them." Finnick says.
"Agreed and after the scores are posted we can see where the tributes stand." Zayden says.
"Yes." Finnick says as they step onto the train.