"You can open your eyes now, Annie!" Sandra declares excitedly. She's prepping me for the interview with Ceasar Flickerman, and much to my annoyance, she decided to keep the dress a surprise.
I do as I am told, and Sandra pushes me toward the mirror so I can get a better look. I give my reflection one glance before I scream.
The door bangs open, and before I know what's going on, I feel myself crushed into someone's chest. "What's going on?" I recognize the voice. It's Finnick's. Somehow, being in his arms soothes me, and I cease my wild screaming.
Sandra stares at me, terrified, and chokes out, "I-I don't know...I told her to open her eyes to see her dress, and she just suddenly started screaming like that..." she trails off.
"I'm sorry," Finnick clears his throat. There's no need for him to apologize for anything. It's not like this has anything to do with him. I feel his arms tighten around me. "Do you mind excusing us for a few moments, Sandra? Until she calms down."
"Go ahead," she dismisses us, glad to have gotten rid of me.
Finnick takes my hand and begins gently pulling me out of the prep room. I don't bother asking him where he's taking me, because as long as I was with Finnick, I feel safe. It's strange.
"No one should find us here," Finnick says at last, and I realize that we're back on the rooftop. "So, little mermaid, mind telling me what you were screaming about?"
"I was screaming with joy," I mutter. "The dress is so amazing." It's not amazing at all. In fact, the dress is the same color as the dress that Ellie wore in my nightmare. I still remember it clearly. The cannons, Ellie...
"Oh, Annie, you're a horrible liar," Finnick states matter-of-factly.
Of course, I've heard that loads of times. "I know," I agree. Finnick shakes his head, pretending to look surprised that I actually agreed with him. "People tell me that all the time," I explain.
"Are you going to tell me the real reason or not? I'll...seduce you if I have to," he warns me. I can't tell if he's joking or not. "Although, I'm sure most girls will jump at that opportunity." he laughs humorlessly.
Just the thought of him seducing me makes me cringe. "Ugh, I'll pass on the seducing," I say. "And I'll never give you my secrets, no matter how you try."
"Not even...like this?" he whispers, and I flinch when his face closes in on mine. My heart is going wild in my chest, and I'm certain he can hear it. I take a deep, shaky breath and try to calm myself down. It doesn't help.
Stupid Finnick. He's driving me crazy.
He smirks at me, then comments, "I don't know about you, Annie Cresta, but I think you want me to." He takes my hand and kisses it. Butterflies flutter in my stomach in reaction to his touch.
"Mr. Odair!"
Finnick abruptly pulls away from me, and I collapse onto the ground. A man approaches us, and frowns when he sees us together. "Ahem, sorry to interrupt whatever you're doing, Mr. Odair, but I believe you have a...client? She's waiting downstairs."
My heart lurches as he says 'client'. I know what he's referring to. Finnick straightens his shirt and follows the man. "Ah, yes. I was just giving some final words of advice to my tribute. I'm sorry to keep your daughter waiting, Mr. Gatz." He gives me one last, longing look before he and Mr. Gatz disappear, leaving me alone on the roof.
I didn't have to tell him about the nightmare, so that's a good thing, right? I try telling myself, but I still can't get the image of him and another Capitol woman together out of my head. I know what his purpose with those women is.
But why did it hurt so much?
I stay on the rooftop for a few moments longer before I return to the prep room. I don't want to be by myself, especially if being by myself meant that I'll just think about unnecessary things.
Sandra blinks at me, and says, "Good, you're back. It's not long before the interview now, and I still have to apply the makeup."
I quietly sit while she puts the finishing touches on me. She doesn't ask me why I screamed earlier, and I didn't think I wanted to answer her if she did ask.
By the time she's done, all I can think about is the upcoming interview.
"Just be yourself and answer the questions truthfully, and you should be fine," Sandra reassures me. It's not long before Locketta comes and escorts Davis and I to the backstage area.
As soon as Karat sees me, she scoffs and turns her back to me. She obviously hasn't forgotten our exchange in the training center...Great. One more enemy in the arena.
Ceasar Flickerman is already onstage, and one by one the tributes begin going up for their interviews. It's my turn all too soon.
"So, Annie! It's a pleasure to finally meet you! Your brother spoke of you during his interview, and I can definitely see the resemblance between you two!" Ceaser Flickerman begins, taking my hand and shaking it enthusiastically.
Well, that wasn't exactly what I was expecting. But I play along.
The crowd murmurs sympathetically, like they too remembered Dany. As if.
"He was very close to me," I respond truthfully. Mother, are you watching the interviews right now?
"It must be hard for you," Ceasar says. "I'm sure you'll do your best and win for both of you!" The crowd cheers me on. At least they seem to like me.
If only winning was as easy as he says...Now I have Karat to worry about, too.
"Especially when you have Finnick Odair as your mentor," he goes on. I could've guessed he was planning to ask me something about him. As he says this, the audience goes wild with screams. "What do you think about having the most popular man in the Capitol as your mentor, eh, Annie? I'm sure everyone's been dying to know!"
The audience is more crazy than ever.
Answer truthfully. What did I think about having Finnick Odair as my mentor? "I wasn't very used to it, at first," I admit, and I'm aware that I am blushing as I spoke, "But...I think he has somehow managed to charm me."
My eyes find Finnick sitting together with the other mentors, and he gives me a wink.
"Are there any secrets you're willing to share with us?" Ceasar asks, grinning wildly. "Secrets you've perhaps...shared with your mentor?"
"Oh, I haven't told him any secrets yet," I say, "but I was thinking about telling him a few if I win."
The crowd groan in disappointment.
"Aw, come on, Annie," Ceasar pleads. He's practically begging me. "Just one? One tiny little secret?"
"No," I answer with a smile, "The only person who'll ever know my secrets is me. And...possibly Finnick if he's lucky."
"Do you hear that? Make sure you help her win, eh, Mr. Odair? You might get a few secrets in return!" Ceasar says, directing the last remark at Finnick. And, just then, the buzzer goes off. I sigh with relief, grateful that my time was up. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, Annie Cresta, tribute of District Four!"
Disclaimer: The Hunger Games belongs to the amazing Suzanne Collins.
Hopefully the interview wasn't too bad...(and I figured that most people know about Finnick's "secret service". see what I did there? XD like... his service, but with secrets, so "secret service".)
Drop a review?