Having To Leave
We sit on the beach one towel wrapped around our backs huddling up to each other after the long swim. "You know Annie; I'm going to have to leave tomorrow. To the Capitol." Finnick says.
"Why?" I ask disappointed but I knew this was going to happen. It is inevitable. A handsome guy like Finnick, why did I ever think that things would have been any different.
"Because I have to. I don't want to." He simply says looking at me.
"Just tell me, you can trust me." I say, being mesmerised by his eyes again.
"It's President Snow. He's forcing me to. To-" Finnick stutters and starts to cry. I wipe a tear from his cheek. He gulps then continues, "He's forcing me to sell myself!"
I gasp in shock and wrap my arms around him. "Oh, Finnick. He can't do this to you!"
"Well it's this or he kills everyone I care about." He cries. "It's wrong. I'm only fourteen."
"Don't worry Finnick. It'll be ok." I say, hugging him tighter.
"Really?" he asks looking up with a shred of hope in his eyes that are filled with tears.
"Yes Finnick." I say stroking his hair, knowing it won't be alright. I start singing the first verse of the familiar song, Deep in the Meadow. The song that everyone knows , "Deep in the meadow, under the willow; A bed of grass, a soft green pillow; Lay down your head and close your sleepy eyes; And when again they open, the sun will rise."
He closes his eyes, his head resting on my shoulder and I soothe him stroking his hair gently not wanting him to have to go away. He's my friend after all. Even if I still think he's the most handsome boy in Panem, we'll never be together. The handsome ones never go for people like me…