"So, let me get this right. You've lived in District Four for your whole life and you've never learned how to fish?" Finnick looks at me with an eyebrow raised. We have become good friends over the months we have fished together. "I make the nets, Odair. Let me see you make a whole net. Then I can say, 'So, you've lived in District Four your whole life and been in the Hunger Games and never learned how to make a net?'" His face falls. Whenever I mention the Hunger Games, his mood darkens significantly.
"Annie, please, let's make a pact. We never, ever mention the Hunger Games unless it is near the reaping. Deal?" He gives me puppy dog eyes and I can't help but agree. So we stop talking for a while.
When both of our buckets are filled to the brim with fish and shellfish, we go chill on the beach. I take out the blanket I brought to tan on. I flop down, while Finnick sits down gently. A big beach ball flies by and he flinches. He still isn't used to being out of the arena. His senses are still razor sharp. I crawl over and pat him on the back. "Finn, it's okay. We're just at the beach. It was just a beach ball." He covers his face in his hands.
"No Annie! It's not! I can't go outside without feeling like someone is coming for me, coming to kill me."
"It's okay Finn. I understand."
"No Annie! You don't understand! No one understands! You have no idea how hard my life is now!" He gets up and walks over to the water's edge. He picks up a pebble and chucks it far into the sea. He backs up, and slumps down to his knees. His shoulders move slightly. I walk over and crouch down. "Then help me understand. I want to help you. I love you." He uncovers his face and his eyes widen. He moves closer and our lips meet, but just barely. "I love you too. But I can't be with you. The Capitol would never allow it, and it would never work out."
"Then let's make it work, Finn. We need to be together. Me and you both know this." He smiles and takes my hand.
"Well, then. Let's go Cresta. Let's go exploring." His face makes me laugh.
"Let's just go back to your house. I am starving and plus no one is home at my place. Could I crash at your house?"
A smirk spreads across Finnick's face. "Oh, so you want to get with all this?" He motions to his body. I can't help but crack up.
"Sure. Whatever you say."