I woke up slowly, enjoying the sunlight streaming through my window. My house in the Victor's Village had a perfect view of the water. I watched the lazily moving blue-green waves for a while, sighing contently. District 4 was my true home, not the shallow Capitol. If only I could watch the waves forever, never to enter that retched place again.. Then I remembered what day it was. Reaping Day. My good mood disappeared as soon as it had come. I trudged out of my bed and threw on a fancy shirt and pants. Another year of mentoring the boy tribute, getting attached to both of them, and watching both of them die. I knew I should be more optimistic – District 4 was a Career district, after all - but every child I had mentored had died so far. Some were skilled, but the Games had no exact outcome. Anything could happen, things that even the greatest fighter couldn't avoid. Sponsors happened but money didn't overflow. I tried not to let the kids grow on him, but they did anyway. I had sobbed when every one of them had died so far. All of them had been innocent – even if they acted tough, they still didn't deserve anything coming for them. Tears streamed down my face when I remembered some of them, but I pushed them away. No use. They continued to come, over sorrow about the Games, sorrow about my family…

We finally arrived at the Capitol on the Tribute Train for the 67th Hunger Games- my second year as a mentor. People pointed and waved, girls swooning at my sight, all eyes on me rather than the two they were sending to death. The girl stood behind me nervously, peering at the gaggle of boys yelling obscene things to her. The boy flexed his muscles in the window, but not many women showed interest in him – only me. I sighed and turned away when we were finally blocked from their view. I sat down on a chair while we waited for a sign we could go to our rooms. The girl and boy sat near me – the girl was 16, the boy 18. I wasn't older than either of them, and that made giving them orders – especially to the male – awkward. I studied them. The girl was pretty – beautiful, even. Long blonde hair, tanned skin, and blue eyes, she could easily belong in District 1. The boy was muscular, slightly shorter than me with brown hair and eyes. Even now I saw the girl flirtatiously crossing her legs and batting her eyelashes at me. That's what most girls did – Capitol women (and men) were obsessed with me, District 4 girls obsessed with me. I didn't feel an attraction to any of them. I wondered why, but I didn't worry over it. I didn't want to be in a relationship with a 55 year old Capitol hag anyway. We got off the train and were taken to our floor and rooms. The quarters were plush, luxurious, and comfortable every year. I went in my room and was about to collapse on my bed when I smelled blood.

I whipped around and I saw what could be none other then President Snow. White hair, sagging skin, small and thin. He licked his lips and I saw flecks of blood on them. I had to fight the curious look that was on my face, and instead put on a respectful smile. "Finnick Odair – 16 already?" He purred. I nodded soundlessly, nervous about where this was going. "As you can see, you're very well liked by many of our citizens. Very." He smiled coldly at me. "Occasionally, we get such a flurry of requests that we can't deny people's demands. Understand?" I nodded, my face white, desperately hoping he wasn't headed toward somewhere I didn't want to go. "Your body will be sold. Just do it quickly with them, and they'll pay you with whatever you want. Have to make the citizens happy. When anyone asks for you, you will do what they command. Am I clear?" The president began to move toward the door when I answered.

"No. I won't be some tramp, catering to the likes of lonely, old, Capitol losers." The president turned towards me. "What? Are you sure?" I nodded boldly. He smiled cruelly at me and sighed sadly. "Consequences, Consequences..," He then left the room before giving me one last smirk with those blood flecked lips of his. I woke up next morning to the cheery voice of the Capitol escort. She knocked on my door again and again, until I wearily pulled open the door. "Yes?" I said, annoyed by her unnatural perkiness. "You were delivered a newspaper by President Snow himself, wanted to keep you updated on the District news, so kind of him!" My body went numb and cold as she handed me the paper. I took it and recognized it was one I sometimes read when back home. The headline read, "Freak Boating Accident claims 5". Under it were the names of my family.

I sobbed and Mags came into my room to see what was wrong. She held me while I told her the whole story, and she replied to me worriedly in her odd speech. "You have to do it, Finnick. He can easily destroy all of District 4. J-Just close your eyes. Demand a lot of pay from those rich fools." She patted my head and I knew, gratefully and sadly, that that was the last thing she wanted to suggest. "I know … I'll phone President Snow and let him know I've accepted his … offer."

It pained me to think of that. It was hell, on a good day I only got with 10 people a night. They paid me well. The last thing I wanted was money – I already had more than enough of that. I wanted secrets - secrets about the government, about Snow. They told me so many – the blood in his mouth, for one. He constantly poisoned political opponents who were a threat to him and took a small dose himself to not arouse suspicion. Snow didn't care nor figure anything out, I think he assumed I wanted money so he never checked. No one blabbed, afraid I wouldn't be with me them anymore. I got a reputation, as a Capitol heartbreaker, one whom never stayed for long and always went, never to be seen again. In truth, there was only one person I loved and would never leave… Annie.

I ran out the door of my home quicker, eager to see her. I first knocked at Mags' door, my mentor – though more like a mother to me – seeing if she needed a help. A note had been taped on her door, reading: "Gone already, Finnick, dear. –M." I smiled and walked to the square. I received eyelash flutter after eyelash flutter, but none even made a dent in him. I arrived at the square and was greeted with cheers and more attempted advances by women. I sat down on my Victor's seat with the others, in order. There were 9 of us in all, maybe 4 had passed away from our grand total of winners. Then I saw her. Annie. Her beauty took my breath away, her lovely green eyes and dark hair making her, easily, the most gorgeous girl in the District. As her eyes met mine for the fraction of a second, I was reminded of the day I met her, and fell in love with her..

I ran, sobbing, away from my home. My parents and younger siblings had lived there. All evidence was still there – my sister's and brother's toys, my father's books, my mother's jewelry. I missed them, I hated President Snow for doing such. I had to get away from there for awhile. Even Mags couldn't comfort me. I took a path into the small section of woods at the edge of town. I remembered a few, small, personal beaches here where no one would be and no one would hear me as I cried. I got to one, mainly consisting of bushes and trees but still leading to the water and a patch of sand. I began to sob, holding my head in my hands. I completely burst, screaming my anger and hatred towards Snow and the government. That's when I see a flash of white – a pile of clothes. I walk over to them and turn them over with my foot – a plain white shirt, a patched up skirt, and girl under things. My heart starts to pound. It seems like a teenager's things, but who says Snow's not behind it? That one of his officials is spying on me right now. "Who's there?" I called sharply, receiving silence as an answer. Then I hear a loud sound. It sounds a bit like an animal, but still obviously human.

I stare at the bush from behind which it came, and know the person must be in the water. I wait for them to come out, knowing that I hold their clothing, they have to eventually. I hear a few splashes and suddenly a girl is in my view. Everything but her head is underwater. I expect to feel nothing for this girl, to regard her as nothing more than a plain teenager. My spine starts to tingle when I see her, though. Her skin is pale, ivory; unlike most here. Her hair is dark and she has long bangs. Her eyes are a deep, luscious green. "Are you okay?" She asks shyly, seeming genuinely concerned. I can't help it – tears roll down my face again. A mix of someone apart from Mags actually caring for me and not wanting something in return and my raw grief overcomes me. She gets up out of the water and pats my shoulder gently. I lean my head on hers, overwhelmed by such an unknown kindness. She gives me an awkward sort of side-hug, not throwing herself at me like most women would.

I'm surprised when her furious voice cuts into my ears." I'm sorry, the Games must have been… horrible, I can't imagine what mentoring must be like," She says, "President Snow and the Capitol are cruel and disgusting. They care nothing for us, they surely have earned far from a spot in Heaven for all they do." I feel a strong surge of something. The fury and anger in her voice is real. It's not an act she's putting up for me. She's not fake, syrupy, and shallow. I haven't heard anyone voice their opinions so freely before, either. I like her for immediately saying what she thought. I sit down, leaning against a tree, and motion for her to join me. "He killed my family, murdered them when I wouldn't go into prostitution. The Capitol citizens can't keep their paws off me now that I'm 16." I say quietly. Her eyes widen and she begins to cry slightly herself. "I still have Mags, but I'll always miss them.. I-I didn't mean for him to kill them..," Rather then continuing to simply tell me it'll be okay, I see pure rage in her eyes.

"It wasn't your fault, it will always be the Capitol's fault. They'll get what they deserve some day. Snow will not get away with all this." Her words, strangely, make me feel much better. It's true – they won't. I'll help avenge my family someday.. someday soon. I turn to the girl again. "Thank you. So, I- what's your name?" I look her up and down slowly. She's only wearing her birthday suit. I smirk lightly, not sure if I've been fooled by an act or if she really isn't aware she's nude in front of me. She's brushes her hair with her hands, nervously; then puts her hands to her sides. Her eyes widen and her face goes beet red when she doesn't feel any fabric under her fingers.

"Nice outfit," I tease. Her face goes even redder and she crosses her hands against her chest. I don't stare like most guys my age would. I just smile slightly are her, finally confirmed she's a hundred percent real. "So, uh," She begins awkwardly, the blush not leaving her face. "Do you like to swim?" She clearly pulls out the first thing she can, not aware that given her current situation, it could sound … wrong. "Sure," I say, grinning at her. I run and plunge into the water, fully clothed. She laughs, a deep, real sound; and dives in after me. I'm not quite sure what came over me, but it's been a while since I've had real fun with someone I truly liked. We splashed, played games, and laughed to no end. It gave me a strange kind of feeling to see the happiness on her face, a good one. We finally climb out when it starts to get dark. She grabs her clothes and holds them over herself, blushing again but still smiling. I can't help it: I quickly kiss her and wink at her. I'd heard in books of feeling 'fireworks' when you have true love's kiss, but I hadn't believe it actually happened. Until now.

It had hurt the most that Annie knew what I was forced to do. I felt unfaithful to her, I was, maybe. She said she understood, but it broke my heart anyway. She was a secret – no one could know with all my Capitol 'lovers', though Mags had figured out easily and instantly (she loved Annie just as much as me, now). But now with both her and Mags in line to be killed if I rebelled again – Snow spied and found it out, and though I wanted to kill him for getting someone to watch Annie and me .. who knows when – I didn't dare stop. I snapped out of my thoughts as the tattooed district escort called the name of the girl tribute. Another one sent to their death, I thought selfishly. Then Mags poked me and looked horrified. I stared at the girl. Someone we knew? I hadn't been paying attention. It was Annie.

Her face was a cold, emotionless mask. She looked like she might cry out, but she kept her lips sealed. I felt my world spin. Oh, god, not Annie! Not her! Anyone but her! My face turned white as I realize she might die. I'll have to help Mags mentor her, too. This can't be happening. District 4… the sponsor money is limited. Annie is beautiful, but her talent holds in water. Not weaponry. She has an amazing personality, but it can't all be reflected in a 3 minute interview. I can't sponsor her. I'm her partner's mentor, her help. I feel my eyes water and know people must be wondering why I look like I'm in agony, but I don't stop. Odd. Out of thousands, Finnick Odair's lover is picked. Now, I'm going to watch her die, knowing the helplessness, hunger, pain, and horror she feels in the arena. I bury my face in my heads.