Paint Our Love

Chapter Four: We're Still Alive

They didn't need to discuss it- they were going to join the rebellion; that much they were both sure of. What their roles would be they had no idea.

That night Finnick and Johanna heard from Haymitch again and took the craft to 12- they arrived just before dawn, to see the terracotta sun rising over the vast forest surrounding the mining district. Finnick winced; it looked like 7, and he glanced over to gage Johanna's reaction. But Johanna did not flinch. She was as still and silent as the elms below them until they arrived.

After a meet with Haymitch and debriefing- change of plans, they were going to 11 in the morning, they were needed to support there after the bombing of the underground, non-mythical District 13- they were pointed to their separate rooms.

Finnick fell asleep quickly and dreamt of Johanna; chasing her through a jungle, following a trail of teasingly dropped clothes and the sound of her delighted laughter. He woke up drenched in sweat, his heart pounding and within seconds – despite his distraction- he knew someone was in his room.

Moments later, he knew it was her.

A shadow from the doorway moved slowly and silently towards him, steps faltering suddenly as Finnick sat up.

"Johanna."

He knew it was her but she took a moment to respond.

"Finnick." She paused, and then her voice was sharp, annoyed, "I couldn't sleep."

She was annoyed at herself, he knew that. She was annoyed for coming in to see him; for what she would think of as weak after her recent breakdown, which they had not spoken about at all. But she made her way over silently, and the moonlight from the windows finally fell on her, illuminating her petite frame, which was covered only with a long white satin night dress with thin shoulder straps. Finnick realised, once she had perched next to him, on top of his covers, that his body was only just recovering from his dream.

Typically, she noticed. "Did I interrupt?" her voice was as dry as sandpaper.

His hand shot out to grab her wrist as she begun to move away, "No." He grinned, "Just a good dream."

She eyed him narrowly but eventually rolled her eyes, "Looks like a really good dream." She moved back towards him and leant against his arm as he sat up.

He bent his head down to hers, twisting his body towards hers, "Epic dream. You were in it." He smirked as her eyes narrowed again.

"Shuttup." Despite the annoyance in her eyes, her cheeks were pink, and she didn't move away from his body.

"I was following you through a jungle." He kept his eyes on hers, voice soft… he couldn't quite believe he was saying it. What was he expecting, hoping for?

There was a long pause until she whispered, "What happened when you found me?"

He couldn't contain his grin and he curled an arm around her waist, drawing her closer to him. "Do you really want to know?"

She cackled suddenly, her eyes devious, "No!" She jabbed him lightly in the ribs with her elbow.

He laughed, though part of him was disappointed, until she sunk into his arms and sighed, "I don't have dreams anymore, what's the point?"

He smiled into her hair, "We're still alive, that's good enough for me."

She huffed darkly, "Not sure how long that's going to last."

Finnick was silent, but his arm tensed around her briefly. "Not if things go our way… we just have to make them."

"Or die trying." Johanna added quietly, looking up at him once more.

Finnick smiled down at her, "So optimistic Johanna. I love it."

She snorted a laugh and sat up, "Have you got another pillow? Your chest is pretty comfy but I'm not too keen on waking up with glitter stuck to my face."

He laughed and pulled one of the pillows out from under his back, "I don't wear it all the time!"

She snorted again as she put the pillow down and lay gently back on to it, "Course not- you're just naturally sparkly."

He grinned voraciously as he slunk down next to her, rolling onto his side towards her. "Of course. Like you're naturally prickly."

She grinned back, almost viciously. "Exactly golden-boy." She rolled over, her back towards him and Finnick felt another stab of disappointment until she tilted her head back to him and said "Night." in a voice so soft he wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold her until she fell asleep.

Instead, knowing that their recent closeness had been in grief and nothing more, he merely rolled onto his back and smiled up at the ceiling, "Night Johanna."

When he woke up the next morning she was gone, exactly as he had anticipated. But that didn't make it sting any less and he dressed and headed downstairs to the kitchen feeling tired with disappointment. She was already there, the steam of her coffee masking her face slightly; her left hand toying with a chunk of bread. She didn't look up until he sat opposite her.

"You ok?" he asked, eyeing her pale face carefully.

She nodded once and took a sip of her coffee. "Do you want this?" She pushed the plate of untouched bread and jam towards him without waiting for a response.

He wanted to admonish her for not eating, but knew it would do no good. Instead he smiled chirpily, "Thanks."

He had bitten into it, dipped in the dark jam, when Haymitch appeared in the doorway. "We're moving you out now. The plan is to get the tributes to film a propaganda to raise awareness," he rolled his eyes, "it's bullshit if you ask me but its keeping Plutarch bouncing."

Johanna snorted, "It'll work; the people of this country are such fucking cowards they need teenagers to lead them." She stood up and stretched and Finnick's eyes couldn't help but follow the line of her petite curves. "Let's get out of here." She downed her coffee and eyed Finnick and he gave her a wolfish grin before taking another huge mouthful of the bread. The corner of her lips perked up slightly and he stood to follow her, eyes sparkling at Haymitch as he carried the bread with him.

It turned out Haymitch wasn't joining them; his place was still with his tribute. Johanna snorted again at this news as he led them to the craft hidden on the edge of the woods. "You think she needs you Haymitch?"

Haymitch shot her a grin that didn't meet his eyes, "Who knows. Point is I have to be here in case she does."

Johanna rolled her dark eyes at him and climbed into the craft without a goodbye. Finnick shook Haymitch's hand, "See you soon?"

Haymitch shrugged, "I hope so." He paused awkwardly and looked up at the entrance to the craft Johanna had climbed through, "Take care of her."

"You know I will." Finnick replied simply; there was nothing else he could say and Haymitch nodded, satisfied. They both knew that Finnick would do anything for Johanna and as he climbed into the craft he wondered whether or not she knew that too.

So at this point, Katniss, Cato & the other rescued tributes are being kept in District 12 whilst the rebellion builds in other districts.

Thanks to any readers so far x