I step up onto the boat and look out over the sea. This is where I belong and I know that. This time, it just doesn't feel right.
I spend my time walking around; playing with every gadget the Capitol has graced my boat with. My boat is the one place that was untouchable to the Capitol, and now. I leave the boat and walk home. I don't have many insults thrown my way because of the boat that people are gazing at.
"Hey. Did you guys see my new boat?" I ask my parents, who are gathered around the window. It feels weird to call the boat mine.
"Yeah. It is causing quite a thrill around town." My dad says his voice stern.
"I don't want it." I tell them. My mom comes over to me and hugs me.
"You should keep it. Not keeping it would make even more problems." She directs me into what I should do. She has never, not once got involved in my Capitol life. I don't want her too either. I don't want to be mean either.
"I never said I wouldn't keep it. Dad, do you want it?" I ask him. He turns around at me and paces over.
"It is your boat. I cannot take that from you." He sounds like an army general, his voice showing no emotion.
"I don't want you to take it from me. I want to give it to you." Before he stops me, I keep talking.
"I promise I will eventually get on that boat and take my role. I'm just not ready now. I want to see what it would be like without the Capitol giving me everything." I explain to him. I think he understands because he nods.
"Are you sure?" He asks again before grabbing his coat.
"Yes." Before leaving, he comes over to me and looks me in the eye.
"My son. Never the one to accept anything."
"Sign here." The lawyer slides a piece of paper across the table at me, pointing to the red X written on the paper. I pick up the pen and write my name in my best possible handwriting, unlike the way I scribble my name when fangirls shove their cell phones at me.
"Done. This building is now yours. Congrats, Finnick." The lawyer puts the contract in his briefcase and makes his way out my home. I leave behind him and make my way into town. I walk four stores down from the candy store and walk up the steps. I try and find my key in my pocket.
I find the key in my back pocket of my jeans and unlock the door to my new store. And it smells terrible!
I run out of the store gagging. I should've known this building wouldn't have been in the best condition, seeing as it has been vacant for as long as I can remember. This is going to take some work.
The first thing I do is buy a scented candle. I light it the middle of the store for two reasons. One, so I can see, and second, so it will smell better. It smells like District 10 in here.
I open up the windows and screw some light bulbs into the huge light fixture above. I get some light blue paint and paint the walls until everything has been changed into the color of the sea, including my clothes. I hang up some shelves and order my first stock of inventory. The entire process takes me two weeks and the store still isn't finished. I come home two weeks later, dead tired.
"Mom!" I yell from my position on the couch.
"What, Finnick?" She asks from the kitchen.
"How much longer until dinner?"
"Around 15 minutes. Have a long day at work?" She asks me, wiping her hands on her towel.
"Yes! This bookstore is going to kill me before it even opens." I complain.
"You've survived much more than that and you will much longer." She says, cleaning the shrimp.
"Do you have an interview date set?" She asks.
"No. I have no idea how many people to hire either. I will be working there, maybe two other people?" I ask her. I should've planned more out.
"Just whatever feels right. I am sure this store will be a big hit." She tells me, preparing the breading for the shrimp.
"What do normal boys my age do?" I ask her. I am bored without working on the store.
"I guess they hang out on the beach. Maybe you should. You haven't been out there in a while. It would be good for you." She responds.
"Okay. I'll be at the beach if you need me. Call me in for dinner." I head upstairs to grab my towel.
I jog over to the beach and try and find someone that I might know. I don't want to seem like a loner. I find Noah a few feet away and head over.
"Hey! How's the bookstore going?" He asks when I come over.
"The bookstore is hard work. That building…"
"Is a piece of junk." He finishes for me. I nod and we laugh.
"Let's hit these waves!" And with that, we run off out to sea. This is the first time in a while I -have ever felt normal.
Sorry for the delay! I got a new laptop and I had written this on my old laptop. It took me a while to have enough time to transfer all my files. Sorry and please review!
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