CHAPTER TEN
PRESENTING THE PERSONA
FINNICK'S POV
The crew attaches mics to our clothes hastily. Caesar's voice is heard introducing us.
"I know! I know! I've kept you all waiting long enough!" his voice booms.
I look over at Annie. Her jaw is clenched. Her chest slowly moving up and down as she struggles to calm herself. I worry she won't be able to pull this off.
"You're gonna do fine," I whisper to her.
Annie looks at me and nods once.
"The youngest Hunger Games victor to date, Finnick Odair and his beautiful bombshell, Annie Cresta!" Caesar's voice echoes.
We take hands and I have to do a double-take. Annie's panicked expression has morphed into a devilish smile. I have a difficult time trying to look like the flirty Finnick Odair. I'm amazed and stunned. She doesn't need any help.
The crowd roars with applause. My eyes are glued to Annie. Instead of offering an elegant wave or doing a cute little dance, she struts. She sways her hips with each long stride she takes. The corner of her lip is lifted slightly and I have to suppress a gawk as she offers a slow wink to the crowd.
It isn't cute. It isn't charming. It's seductive. Sexy. The stage lights obscure my view of the audience but I can hear them roar loudly with applause. We approach Caesar whose hair is so bright pink that it burns my eyes.
The routine is that I firmly shake his hand and flash a winning smile and my date has her hand delicately kissed by Caesar.
I shake Caesar's hand and wave to the audience before taking a seat in the circular chairs. I look up and smile as I watch Annie approach Caesar. Then...she shocks me again...
He extends his hand to kiss her's, but she takes both of his hands, leans in and kisses both his cheeks. The audience gasps with surprise and Caesar looks at them, faking a faint at her touch.
Annie sits in the chair beside me and Caesar takes his place in the armchair opposite us.
Her hand falls gracefully on my knee and I suppress my surprise as I put my hand over Annie's.
"Hello, Annie!" Caesar laughs.
Annie laughs charmingly and smiles at me. I smile back. That smile is Annie's. Not Capitol Annie. My Annie. I'm no longer too stunned to speak. She looks back at Caesar who smiles grandly.
"Annie, how are you liking Capitol?" he asks.
"It's certainly big enough," she smiles.
"That it is. I hope Finnick has been a good host."
"Oh, he's been more than a good host," she smiles.
Wow. She knows what she's doing.
"Ooooh! What are we to assume you mean by that?" Caesar says waggling his eyebrows.
Annie leans in slightly, not releasing my hand.
"Oh, well I think you can guess what I mean if you just look at how flushed Fin is," she winks.
I now realize that my face is hot. Someone has made me blush. My God...
"Well, my oh my, Annie! You've made him blush! It's usually the reverse! You're not the average District four girl are you?"
"You're assuming so little of District Four, Caesar. We're all this charming and like able. I assure you," she grins.
"Well, Finnick. What a woman."
"Oh, you don't have to tell me, Caesar. Her modesty is one of the many things I like about her," I grin.
"Oh, we can tell. I think we're all starting to like Annie too, Finnick. Even though its only been about forty seven seconds," laughs Caesar.
Annie and I both laugh softly and exchange a quick glance. The audience applauds in agreement with Caesar.
"Finnick, tell us. Was it love at first sight?"
I look at Annie who smiles at me warmly. I'm able to answer as myself when I see that smile.
"Well, not really, Caesar. We were about four when we first met. However, the past is the past. What matters is this moment, here and now."
The audience sighs in unison.
"Well, that's very sweet, Finnick. How about you, Annie?"
"I couldn't have put it better myself."
Our eyes lock and for a moment, no one exists but us.
"Annie, tell us, what is it about Finnick that you find so irresistible?"
She smiles at me with a secret laugh behind her eyes then looks back at Caesar.
"I think it's pretty obvious. Look at his hair," she smiles, charmingly.
The audience laughs and I myself, can't help but chuckle.
"Finnick, are you sure you can handle this one? She may be more flirtatious than you!" Caesar laughs.
Annie looks at me awaiting my answer.
"Oh, well, let's not jump to conclusions. It's gonna be hard to take the title of most flirtatious Capitol resident from me."
"Maybe for most. You know me, darling. It's only a matter of time before I do and they decide they like me better," she winks.
Caesar gasps exaggeratedly and looks to the crowd. Annie and I share a look where her eyes tell me that she is fine and can handle herself.
"Now, Annie, I have two more questions and then I will let you two lovebirds enjoy Capitol."
"Absolutely," we said together.
Once again, the audience sighs at how cute we are together, and Caesar smiles at them wickedly. His eyes slowly turn back to us.
"Annie... will we be seeing more of you... with Finnick?" he asks slowly.
Annie's eyes drift to me and she smiles softly.
"I have no intentions of leaving his side as of now. He's wonderful."
I'm sure the audience is sighing again dreamily but all I can hear is Annie's voice.
"How sweet... And Finnick, I know it's awfully soon to tell, but answer as best you can..."
"Certainly," I say.
Caesar looks from Annie to me and points at her.
"Do you think Annie could be the one. The genuine article. The girl for you..."
I want to answer honestly and tell them that quite possibly she is, but I have an image to keep up. I know my answer and I can't meet Annie's eyes to say it.
"Well, as much as I like Annie, it's too soon to tell, like you said. She's certainly someone I am attracted to but, you all know me, I have never been one for long term. I'm sure Annie and I will have a fun time for the duration of our relationship."
I force myself to look at Annie and I am surprised. She is still doing that sexy smile. No trace of hurt feelings on her face. Then I realize... Annie gets it. She figured it out. The act. The way of being a Capitol celebrity.
"Well, well, well... What do we think of Annie and Finnick, folks? Let's hear it for Fannie!" Caesar asks the audience.
The audience roars with applause. We've done it.
We stand with Caesar. I shake his hand. Annie gives him a hug and slowly kisses him on the cheek.
"Finnick Odair and Annie Cresta!" he calls out.
The applause continues as we wave to the audience. Then I do it. Maybe I shouldn't. But I can't resist.
I swing an arm around her waist and dip her, planting my lips on hers. She's stunned and for a moment lays limply in my arms. Suddenly, her hands seize my hair and her lips crush against mine. The roar of the crowd is deafening, but we continue.
It isn't censored. Our tongues dance. I stand her back up and we mold our bodies together tight only stopping to breathe.
Slowly we part and our eyes meet. I suppress the urge to gawk. Her mane of curly hair had came out of the bun and falls wildly around her face. Her blue lips are barely parted in exasperation. Those big, searching eyes speak volumes of her love and happiness to me.
She slowly tears her eyes from me and looks out at the audience. I force myself to as well. We wave gracefully and exit the stage.
Malticia stands with the stylists and they clap delightedly.
"Wonderful! Simply enchanting! Both of you!"
The stylists all nod and gasp in agreement. Malticia runs up to us and kisses us each on both cheeks.
"Alright, we need to start heading to our penthouse. I'll make some calls in the morning and get some interviews set up. Do you all want to fix up Annie's hair before we walk through the crowd to the car?" Malticia addresses the stylists.
They all consult silently with exchanged glances.
"It actually looks good down," Brorie smiles, stepping through the stylists.
The stylists murmur in agreement with one another.
"Then we are all set. We just need to wait until about ten minutes after the auditorium empties, so your new fans can see you walk to the car. They'll have photographers everywhere. Don't stop to sign autographs. Just keep walking," Malticia says.
I nod and look at Annie whose expression is blank.
"I need to call my dad," she says leaving my side and strolling to the other side of the green room.
She picks up a phone on the wall and dials. She lazily leans on the wall. Exhausted.
I almost feel guilty.
ANNIE'S POINT OF VIEW
"Annie?" my dad answers, fervently.
"Hi, dad," I say, smiling to myself.
A sudden wave of guilt washes over me. Did he watch the show tonight?
"Did you...did you see..."
A long silence hangs in the air and I'm tempted to ask if he's still on the line.
"I did."
"Please don't be disappointed in me, dad. I'm only-"
"Anne, relax. Relax, okay. I get it."
For a moment, I'm relieved, but then I realize that Snow could be hearing this somehow. If he hears this then he will know my dad knows it is an act, suspect he'll spread the word and probably have him killed.
"Dad, I have to go. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Wait, Annie! We just got-"
"I love you," I say softly.
"Annie-"
I hang up the phone without a thought and sigh. My arms hug my shoulders and I look up at ceiling, holding back tears.
"It's hard. I know."
I slowly turn to see Finnick standing behind me. His hands shoved in his pockets, his head is hung in what looks to be shame. Hesitantly, his eyes meet mine.
Again, I feel guilty. This time for making him feel guilty.
"There's only room for one of us to feel guilty, Fin," I smile.
The Caesar Flickerman Show theme blares. We can hear the audience begin to filter out of the large auditorium.
Almost instantly, Finnick and I are ushered towards the exit.
Caesar walks past us and gives us a nod of recognition.
I'm oddly comforted by this.
"Finnick, put your arm around her waist," Malticia orders.
Finnick's arm snakes around my waist. Brorie prepares Gem to exit with us. His eyes meet mine and he gives me a single nod.
"Show them," he mouths.
The stylists, Malticia and Gem stand in front of us.
Brorie holds Gem's hand and the doors open. Blinding flashes of light filter in and I blink through the haze.
"Just keep walking. I got you," Finnick murmurs.
We walk towards a sleek black car, slowly. The sides of our path are roped off and citizens of Capitol are screaming at us, leaning over the ropes, desperately.
"Annie, look to the left and smile. It's for the magazines," he whispers.
I do as I'm told and smile, devilishly at one of the many cameras to my left.
"Just look up at me and smile. Kiss me. Do whatever you have to do," smiles Finnick.
I look up at him as we near the car, smiling. Occasionally pecking him on the cheek. Everyone filters into the car.
"Dip her, Finnick! Dip her again!" a photographer yells.
Other members of the press and fans scream out for him to dip me, too.
Finnick's eyes meet mine and he raises his brows. I nod giving him permission.
Swiftly he spins me around and dips me. I plant one foot on the ground delicately, and raise the other high as I can in my tight skirt.
My eyes are closed but I can see the light of the cameras just the same through my lids. They're more rapid and bright as we kiss.
This dip kiss has become our identifier as a couple.
FINNICK'S POV
We finish our now infamous "dip kiss" and slide into the car. Someone outside shuts it for us. The roar of the new fans is muffled now that we are inside.
Gem, the stylists, Brorie and Malticia, sip from delicate glasses. Annie and I are each passed a glass and we drink slowly.
My arm is wrapped around Annie's shoulders as we begin our drive into inner Capitol to our penthouse/loft.
Annie's shoulders move from my grip and she sets her glass on the small table beside her. Slowly, she leans towards the car window and her fingers delicately touch the glass.
I peak around at her and I see her eyes widen at the sight of Capitol. The lights, the glimmering buildings. The fountains that sparkle in the moonlight. The couples that walk in the softly illuminated streets, hand in hand.
Annie's jaw hangs open slightly. Her eyes widen and slowly study the sights. I can't help but smile to myself. She's finally enjoying something on this trip.
"Whoa..." she breathes.
I lean so that my chin rests on her shoulder.
"Pretty amazing, right?" I smile.
She nods.
"It's so beautiful..." Annie replies, shaking her head in disbelief.
My arms wrap around Annie. I see her cheek lift as she can't help but grin.
"Oh my..." she trails off.
"Yeah, people hang out here all night, usually."
"Can we do that, sometime?" she asks, hopefully.
"I'm afraid not, Annie. We are far too busy. Maybe some other time," Malticia interjects.
Brorie and Gem roll their eyes simultaneously.
"I'm sorry, Annie," I sigh.
Her eyes remain glued to the nightlife of Capitol.
"Sorry, but it's out of the question this time. I'm afraid none of you have any time on this trip to go out," Malticia sighs.
Hide and watch, Malticia. Hide and watch.
ANNIE'S POV
We ride a glass elevator to a penthouse, three floors from the top floor. I gawk as I stare out the elevator at the city that slowly fades into a bunch of distant stars.
The elevator comes to a smooth halt and we all walk into the penthouse. Everyone casually strolls inside. Some heading to other rooms. Gem, Brorie and Malticia mixing drinks. I slowly walk in and observe my surroundings. A large white couch with dark blue pillows. A glass coffee table in front of it. Tall lamps with light blue shades illuminating the room. The floor a white marble. Behind me was a large kitchen. A table adorned with food I have never seen before. I slowly collapse onto an a sky blue armchair and stare out the glass wall in front of me that provides a fantastic view of the city in front of me.
"You like it?" Finnick asks, sitting on the couch beside me.
All I can do is nod.
"Hey," he says.
I slowly turn my head in his direction.
"Sit by me," he grins.
With numb legs, I walk over to the couch and sit beside him, gazing out at the view.
FINNICK'S POV
Not a half hour later, Annie is laying on the couch. Her head in my lap as she sleeps soundly.
"Well, I'm going to bed," Malticia sighs.
Brorie and Gem mumble in agreement.
I look over my shoulder at Malticia.
"Turn off the lights?" I whisper.
She smiles and nods. Her manicured fingers flick off the switches on the kitchen walls, causing all the lights to dim out slowly.
"Night," I smile.
She waves at me delicately and disappears into a bed room like everyone else.
I turn my eyes out to the view again and my hands stroke Annie's head as she sleeps, breathing rhythmically.
After about another half hour, I gently shake her shoulder. She stirs awake and looks up at me. Her lips form a drowsy smile.
"Hey," she whispers.
I slowly pick her up and carry her to the room where my luggage has been set. She drapes her arms around my shoulders and sighs as she stares up at me.
I walk into the room, quietly shutting the door with my foot. Annie slides out of my arms and turns her back to me.
"Unzip me?" Annie asks.
"Certainly."
I unzip her shimmering dress and it falls to the floor.
She heads to her suitcase, but before she can open it, I throw an undershirt from my suitcase at her and a knit hat.
She turns around and picks them up, looking at me, with a puzzled expression.
"Do I really need a hat to sleep in?" she laughs softly as she slips the undershirt over the slip she had been wearing beneath her evening gown.
"Who said you were sleeping?"
I put my hands in my pockets and nod my head towards the glass wall in my room with a view of the city.
Her eyes widen and she looks over at me.
"Are we..."
"Oh yeah," I grin.
"Now?"
"Heck, yeah, babe."
"Let me get on some pants!" Annie whispers loudly.
I laugh softly and grab some casual clothes from my luggage.
Moments later, Annie is dressed in my undershirt, tight pants, flats and her hair is stuffed up into my knit cap.
"Ready?" I whisper, tugging on my cap.
She nods vigorously and takes my hand.
Quietly, we creepy across the dining area and living room to the door. Ever so slowly, we slide open the door and shut it noiselessly. I tug her towards the elevator, and she presses the button anxiously.
The elevator arrives and the door slides open. Annie yanks me inside and presses the "L" button.
"Oh, no. We can't go through the lobby. The concierge might recognize us and call the press. We need to go through the garage."
I jam my finger on the "G" button.
My gaze turns to Annie as the elevator begins it's swift descent. She is trembling with anticipation. Her eyes sparkle with excitement. I can't help but smile to myself.
The elevator first stops at the lobby and I pull her out of the view of the people, against the side wall. We don't move. We don't breathe. Not until the doors begin to slide shut. Annie lets out a sigh of relief, and we laugh as the nervousness subsides, and happiness ensues.
We exit the elevator into the dimly lit garage and I guide her to the exit, quickly.
I shove open the exit door and we are there. The city. Capitol.
Annie's hand slowly leaves mine and she slowly hesitantly walks out of the alley into the city lights. I observe, grinning.
Slowly, I walk up beside her and take her hand. She turns her head to look at me and I see her eyes glisten with tears.
"Ready?" I ask.
Annie nods once and I guide her into the streets that buzz with the people of Capitol. We stick out in our drab clothes, but not enough to be noticed as Fannie.
The buildings are bigger than anything in District Four. Annie is stunned as they twinkle with their bright and colorful lights.
Her eyes are darting in so many directions. I can tell it's hard for her to handle.
"Oh, Finnick! Look at that fountain!" Annie says, pointing to the fountain in the city square.
It's tall and made of gold, sculptures of children and adults decorating it. Water spews out of different pumps in rhythm with the music that sounds all over the city.
"Are those vendors or something?" she asks.
Annie is referring to the carts and stands that surround the square. They sell food and jewelry. Clothes and shoes. Everything. I know the risk that we might get noticed but I don't really care.
"Here, let's get some food? Sound good?" I ask.
She nods vigorously and we cross the busy street, carefully.
We purchase two teriyaki chicken on a stick and take a seat on one of the benches in front of the fountain. I wrap my arm around her shoulder and she leans her head on me.
"You like it?" I ask.
"I think it's beautiful..."
I can't help but feel pleased with myself. I like that I've made Annie happy. It feels good.
After a long night of exploring Capitol, we return to our penthouse at about three in the morning.
Holding our breath, we silently pad across the living room into our room.
I shut the door noiselessly and look over at a pretty drunk Annie.
She is laughing softly and peeling off her clothes.
"You want me to leave?" I ask with my eyebrows raised.
She looks over her shoulder at me, all she wears is a silk slip.
"You've already seen me naked once. What's the harm in you seeing me in a slip?" giggles Annie, softly.
"I saw you naked?" I stammer.
She smirks at me, crawling into the large bed.
"When I was bathing. On the beach."
"You caught that?" I ask rubbing the back of my neck.
"Mmhm," she replies.
Annie pats the empty spot on the bed beside her and smiles, waggling her brows.
"I'm coming. I'm coming," I sigh.
After stripping off my street clothes to only my boxers and an undershirt, I join Annie in bed.
We lay down side by side. My fingers touch her face delicately. She's so stunning.
She's even more stunning when she grabs my crotch.
"Annie," I hiss, with a smile.
She giggles and starts to pull off my boxers.
At first, I'm excited... Then I realize... This is NOT how I want this to happen with Annie. No way.
I gently grab her wrists and shake my head, putting her hands to her chest. She laughs again and pulls her body to mine, molding us together and kissing my face sloppily. Once again, she goes for my boxers.
No, I don't want to have sex with drunk Annie.
"Annie. Annie. Stop. Baby, you're drunk."
She pushes away from me and sits us. She starts to pull off her slip and much to my chagrin, I stop her.
"Annie, don't. Not like this."
She laughs again and bats away my hand, continuing the attempt to remove her slip. Her drunken stupor making it difficult.
"You can do it," she grins.
Gently, but firmly, I pull her arms to her sides and sit up so our eyes meet.
"Annie, not tonight. NOT like this. You're wasted. Let's just sleep," I say, softy.
Her eyelids droop and her brows furrow at me. She has no idea how difficult it is for me not to take advantage of this moment.
"Just let me sleep, Fin. Gah..." grumbles Annie.
Annie collapses against her pillow again and immediately falls asleep. Even drunk she's gorgeous.
'What would Mags think of Annie?' I think.
I haven't seen her in months. She was with the Capitol Consultants discussing her ideas for mentoring this Hunger Games and receiving her physical and psychological evaluation to see if she was truly up to the task of mentoring. I would have to find her. She'd practically raised me. Mags played a huge part in my survival during my games.
Also, I really want her to meet Annie. For the first time ever, I'm proud to be with someone.
ANNIE'S POV
"My, oh my! Look at this!"
I blink awake to see a smug Malticia staring down at me and Fin lying in bed. I smile and give her a drowsy wave as Finnick dozes on.
"Breakfast is here. We need to leave in about an hour for the photo shoot. Make sure he's up and dressed," she frowns.
She exits with a flip of her sleek hair, and the door slides shut. I roll over and gently shank Finnick's shoulder.
"Hey... Hey, Fin..." I whisper.
He blinks awake and yawns.
"Annie Cresta?" he grins.
I smile and laugh groggily.
"Come on. Let's go have some breakfast. Malticia says we still have to get ready for the photo shoot and that means we have to get up now."
Finnick groans and rolls his eyes as he sits up, leaning on his arms.
"Hey, I need a favor," he says seriously.
I nod as I slide out of bed in my slip.
"I want you to meet someone today. She's a very close friend and practically raised me while I was away from my parents in the Capitol."
"Oh, Mags?" I say brightly.
He raises his brows in surprise.
"Yeah. Would that be alright?"
Duh. Of course it would be alright.
"Sure. I'd love to. I'm going to get changed into...not a slip, then have some breakfast. See you at the table?" I smile.
He nods, still bewildered at my fearless and willing decision to meet someone whose opinion he valued so much.
The truth is, I'm terrified to meet Mags Cohen. Her opinion is one that Finnick values above anyone else's. Even his parents. Mags is the reason he's alive. She practically saved his life during his Games. I crave her approval with all of me.
I sit at the dining room table in a navy one piece romper. Beside me is Gem and beside her is Brorie. I now understand that they are more than stylist and muse. They're in love. Very much so.
A hand gently strokes my thick braided bun. I turn my head swiftly to see Finnick taking the empty seat beside me.
"Well, Finnick, I'm afraid you have very little time to eat. We leave in forty five minutes and you still have to get your hair and makeup done," Malticia frowns.
He only shrugs then sits beside me, placing a soft kiss on my cheek.
"Malticia, I know today is going to be busy, but I really need to see Mags."
Malticia nods, waving her hand in dismissal.
"She'll be here for supper tonight, Finnick. That's fine."
I see Finnick's lip quirk up at the edge ever so slightly. Mags means so much to him. He's so happy to talk to her. Just like a kid who hadn't seen their mother in weeks.
I jump in alarm as a phone is held before my face. I look up to see a woman with dark rimmed eyes in a white outfit before me. An Avox, no doubt. I had only heard stories. I'd never seen one.
"Thank you," I say, accepting the phone.
The table is filled with gasps except for Finnick, who laughs softly.
Confused, I excuse myself. Subconsciously, I find myself walking into Finnick's room.
"Hello?" I answer, though I know who it is.
"Ann, it's dad. How are you?"
I sit on the bed with a sigh and shake my head.
"Did you watch Caesar Flickerman last night?" I ask.
There's a long pause. That says it all.
"You did a great job."
I close my eyes and breathe deep.
"Dad, listen. I'm okay. We are going to be fine and I love you. I have to go now but I'll call you tonight."
"Well-I-but...okay. Alright. I love you too, Ann."
I hang up, releasing a breath of anxiety, and exit the room. Everyone looks my way. I pause and acknowledge them with brief glances. I swallow and sit next to Finnick again, clearing my throat.
"So, the photo shoot will be featured in what magazine, Malticia?" Finnick asks, breaking the awkward silence.
Everyone's gaze shifts from me to Finnick and I am so grateful.
I take a sip of my orange juice and tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. All I can think about is my dad. He's alone. He's sad. He's worried. He's in danger.
FINNICK'S POV
We sit in the car on the way to the shoot. Everyone is laughing and talking except Annie. She stares dead ahead. Her eyes are rimmed with blue eye shadow in the design of ocean waves and her lashes are long, dark and thick with blue sparkles on the tips. Despite the elaborate designs, her eyes have never held less sparkle.
I put my hand on her knee. Normally, her head would have shot in my direction and I would have received a warm smile. Instead, her hand limply covers mine.
There's nothing I can do to help her. I just need to let her sit and think. The thoughts are definitely not good for her to have but there is nothing I can do. She needs to get them all out. I know the feeling. Sometimes it helps to sort it out mentally.
Annie slowly begins to snap out of her dismal reverie when we reach the photo shoot and throws on a large smile for all the press who snap photos at us as we enter the studio.
As we reach the door, Annie turns me around swiftly and plants a large kiss on my lips. I dip her real quick, and stand her back up. We offer a graceful wave, then go inside together. Annie's smile slowly fades away and she sighs.
"Good job," I smile, kissing the top of her head.
She leans her head on my shoulder and we follow Brorie and the stylists to the green room. Inside are two racks of clothes. One with mine and one with hers.
Annie is slipped into a sea foam green dress that flares out at her hips and stops just above her knees. She uncomfortably tries to pull it down farther. I smile at her, fighting off a laugh.
"Hush," she replies, with a glare.
Then Annie observes my clothes. Or lack of. Tight white pants that go just below my knees. That's it. She releases a brief burst of laughter as they strap leather sandals, adorned with diamonds to her feet.
The stylists give us a quick once over and we are guided out the the shoot. A large floor to ceiling, white poster covers the back wall. The photographer is a small man with a buzzed head. He ogles Annie and for a moment I feel threatened. That soon subsides after the director of the shoot arrives.
A tall man with wavy, blond hair to his shoulders and dark eyes. He also ogles Annie.
"There they are!" he says flashing a big white smile.
I feel my lips press into a flat line. He takes Annie's hand in his and places a soft kiss on it.
"You must be Miss Cresta. As lovely as I've seen on tv."
I instinctively step in front of her and shake his hand firmly.
"Finnick Odair. I haven't had the pleasure. Wonderful to finally photograph you," he says giving me a quick grin.
I smile smugly back. I catch a glimpse of Annie out of the corner of my eye. Her big eyes dart between me and the director rapidly.
"What was your name?" I ask.
"Donald. Donald Sax."
"Donald what?"
"Sax."
"Sex?" I say, ludicrously.
"No, Sax."
"Six?"
"Sax," he says, slightly more angered.
I'll stop there. Mission accomplished. He is upset. That's all I wanted. I glance at Annie who covers her mouth delicately with her fingers, hiding a smile.
Donald nods, begrudgingly and walks over to the floor to ceiling, white backdrop, followed by the stocky photographer.
Annie slaps my shoulder with a grin.
"What?" I smile.
She gives me a knowing look.
"I didn't know what he was saying!" I plead innocently.
Annie snorts and shakes her head.
They play music to get us inspired to pose.
"Finnick, wrap your arms around Annie's waist. Annie lean onto him, pressing your hands to his chest," says Donald.
And so it begins. Annie leans on me and we both stare at the cameras, seriously.
Next she turns around and molds her body to mine, one arm going up and behind her to hold my neck. My hands go around her front and rest on her hips. She tilts her head back slightly.
The looks she gives the camera are seductive and sexy. I find myself surprised at this, but we manage to match and look like the perfect couple. Annie just might make Snow's cut.
ANNIE'S POV
Fin lifts me by waist, and we kiss. My feet dangle gently off the ground. I step out of my comfort zone, remembering everyone one I loves' safety depends on my attitude and appearance, and if all that takes is a few sexy pictures, I can manage fine.
I hike my legs up and wrap it around Finnick's upper thigh.
"Alright, Finnick, pull Annie's hair from her bun. Annie, when he does that, swing your head back, good?" Donald asks.
"Yeah," Finnick and I say, together.
Though we say it together, our tones couldn't be more different.
I sound anxious and slightly worried. He sounds casual and confident.
Stylists come over and remove a few pins from my hair so it is easier to pull my hair down.
"In 3..."
Finnick holds my by my waist and the other inches towards my bun.
"2..." Donald says.
Our eyes meet and I take a deep breath. I don't want to mess this up.
"1."
Finnick pulls at the ribbon that is used to hold up all my hair. I flip my head back, feeling the hair tumble around me. A series of clicking noises flood my ears, and my eyes remain closed. I feel Finnick's tones arm wrap around my waist and realize he is trying to dip me for a kiss. I follow along, and his lips press to mine.
"Hold that! Hold that!" Donald calls, as the clicking continues.
I'm lost in the moment and in my mind I am transported to the beach behind my house. Kissing. The sun shining on us, warming my skin.
"Good. Come on up!"
I am shaken from my reverie, and stood up by Finnick. I open my eyes and am disappointed to see I am still in Capitol. I manage to put on a smile and Finnick kisses me on the cheek, and we lean our foreheads together.
"Good job," he breathes.
I nod gently.
"Can we get a few shots of Annie with her hair down?" asks Donald.
"That's fine," I manage to say.
After a few more photos, we are finished. Heading back to our penthouse. We exit the elevator and Malticia opens the door to the suite. She and the stylists freeze. Finnick steps in front of me and protectively puts his arm out, not letting me move closer.
"Fin?" I say softly.
The stylists part and I jump as a hand clamps on my shoulder. It's Gem.
"What is it?" she murmurs, taking a few steps ahead of me.
"Okay, you guys stay here," Brorie orders.
Finnick and Brorie enter. I move closer to see our penthouse has been ransacked. Broken lamps on the ground. Clothes and cushion strewn on the floor. The kitchen table knocked over and broken. Broken delicates thrown about. This is a message.