Chapter 2- The Strategy
Finnick's P.O.V
Why does everything have to be my fault? All I do is cause chaos. I don't understand why Annie still loves me, but she does. After all of this time on her never giving up on me, I can't give up on her when she needs it most. I sneak a glance at her as Asteria leads us onto the Capitol train. As usual, I can't see a single emotion pass her eyes. She has the special ability of showing no thoughts. Of course, I have to try my hardest to do the same.
That Demere boy broke down into a few tears soon after the goodbyes. To be honest, I saw it coming. I knew as soon as his little siblings came filing through that door that he was going to break. I would try to lend a few comforting words, but now he is a potential threat to Annie and so he is to me. He stands tall, at least 6 feet, and his many hours of stretching hard leather over the heels of shoes shows in his stiff frame. His mentor, Beth Tousik, stands awkwardly behind us. She seems as quiet as a ghost as Asteria talks endlessly about what fashion may be incorporated into this year's opening ceremony.
"And I can't even imagine how they will incorporate turquoise this year! You two must be very excited, yes?" Asteria turns around and looks at Annie and Demere.
I nudge Annie and she clears her throat, "Oh! Yes, we are both very…excited."
Asteria laughs and turns back to face the chrome hallway of the train. Annie shoots me a quick glance of thanks and I slightly grin.
"Ah, here we are. Home sweet home, right Finnick?" Asteria asks with a look to me as she opens the door wide to the main room of the train.
As soon as I see the artificial colors sprouted all around the room, memories wash over me like a wave. I remember stepping in here as a frail 14 year-old, too scared to say my own name. I remember Ero, my district partner, and my wonderment at her blood thirst. I realize now that I was more than scared of her.
I walk into the room, my feet stepping near the familiar orange velvet couches and crystal coffee table to the left of the grand room. Against the left wall stands an obnoxiously sized T.V that strikes nightmares of watching my own reaping as a nervous boy. I look directly in front of the doorway to see that the dining section hasn't changed either. A buffet of Capitol food stands on chrome tables and boarders a deep colored dining table in the very center. On top of the table, crystal knives, forks, spoons, and cups of every shape are decorated throughout. And finally, a large roast in the center and maroon placemats finish off the royal scene. I can't seem to enjoy it at all. Once again, I am not tempted to devour the cakes, creams, or pastries around the room. No, this room has far too many nightmares edged into the cracks of the wooden floor.
"Yep, just like home," I flash my signature smile to Asteria who immediately escapes into a sea of giggles.
Annie slowly meets me at the dining table, eyes wide. I look at her and grin.
"It's so beautiful, all of it," she whispers to me as her eyes dart to every new feature.
"This is nothing compared to the city." I let out a sigh and turn to her, "Eat whatever you want. Don't fill up on the rich stuff, but meat and bread should be on the top of your list."
"Why can't we eat too much of the desserts?" Demere chimes in as he drifts to Annie and I.
"Because when you get in the Arena, chances are you'll be starving throughout most of the occasion. You don't want grease and sugar to be the only thing you have in your stomach. A little is fine, just don't take in what you wouldn't want in the Arena."
Demere nods along with Annie. I eye Beth in the corner of the room sitting on the orange velvet couches. I secretly loathe her at the moment for giving me her tribute to worry about. Not that I mind helping another innocent, but for her to leave a desperate 16 year-old boy to makeshift on his own is reaching a low that I could never attempt. She and I both know that the training starts right now. From the time you step onto the train until the time you step onto the elevator that brings you up into the Arena is fair game. She and I both know that information should be shoved into the tribute's head until the moment they leave. She has already given up on Demere, and I see that. He isn't getting any sponsors.
"Look at Finnick; quite the mentor he has become! Annie dear, you are more than lucky to have this handsome lad look over you the next week." Asteria trots over in her ladybug shoes and puts a bony arm around my shoulders and gives me a tight squeeze.
Annie laughs nervously, "Yes, I am lucky to have him."
I grin slightly at her words, knowing that they mean a bit more than what the others took them in as.
"Don't give me too much credit now; I only won my games by a hair." I attempt to change the subject, and Asteria bites on as soon as the words escape my mouth.
"Oh! Now , you mustn't say that! You made District 4 as proud as ever," Asteria smiles around the room and clears her throat. She turns to Beth and Demere and escapes into a conversation about how piercings have been made such a popular technique at the Capitol.
I have to speak with Annie. We have to make a strategy. As soon as the three of them are completely engulfed in Asteria's bright voice, I firmly grab Annie's wrist and quietly yank her into the hallway. As soon as the door closes shut behind us, I put a stiff finger to my lips, noting that neither one of us can speak until we get to Annie's room. She nods. We file down the hallway until I spot a door with a sign next to it that says Female-District 4. I slowly open the door and gently yank Annie inside.
"Fin, what's wrong?" She asks immediately after I close the door.
"Keep your voice down just in case," I say in a whisper. "We need to come up with a strategy."
Annie laughs, but it isn't out of amusement. "Why even try Finnick? It's not like I have a chance."
This takes me by surprise. Annie never gives up.
I gently place my hand on her cheek, "Don't say that. Don't you dare say that. I thought we had an agreement that you would trust me."
She looks at me, "Of course I trust you Finnick, but I-,"
"Okay, that's all I need. Don't give up on me Annie," I drop my hand and start to pace back and forth across the room. "Now, we need a solid strategy, you need to play a part. Forget yourself, play a role." I stop pacing to look at her and to check if she follows.
"Is that what you did, play a part?" she asks quietly.
"I still do," I respond. "But that is not the point Annie. We have to come up with an alter ego, someone you can hide under until you get out of the spotlight."
I think of training, what it'll be like to see her next to the typical boys in District 1 & 2. To be honest, she seems frail next to them. She needs a personality that can compete with their bulging frame and deathly skill with weapons. Or maybe, she can camouflage. Maybe, she can dissolve into the rest of them. That way, the Careers won't mark her on their list to take out first. If she plays it right, she can hide and sweep out right under their feet.
"I have it," I say with a snap of my finger. "Just fade into the background."
Her eyebrows knit together, "But don't I want to look intimidating? Don't I want to look scary?"
"Annie love, to be honest, you don't have the ability to be scary." I say with a smile.
She crosses her arms over her chest, "Then tell me more about your genius plan."
"You have to fade into the background. Don't try to impress the Gamemakers, spend most of your time at the survival stations, get an average score, and don't even make an effort to gain allies."
"But what about the sponsors? What if I need allies?"
"You let me worry about that. Trust me, remember?" I say as I grab both of her hands and look into her eyes.
"What if I mess up?" She whispers between the little space that separates us.
"Then I'll think of something different," I kiss her forehead to calm her and let go of her hands. "Do as I say, and you'll be fine."
"I love you," she whispers quiet enough for only me to hear.
"And I love you," I whisper back and open the door. "Now after about 5 minutes, come into the dining cart. Change your clothes so they think that's the reason you came in here. Okay?"
She nods again and I smile. With a turn of my heel, I escape into the hallway again. I know she must be as scared as ever. The possibilities you think of during this time are scary enough to give you nightmares for a couple of years. And I know I may be hard on her now, but she will understand once the training begins in a couple of days. I open the door to the dining cart to see Asteria and Beth in a deep conversation about the latest parties of the Capitol.
"I swear, the whole town was there!" Asteria says with a laugh as she takes another sip of wine. She looks to me and her eyes widen, "Oh there you are Mr. Odair! We all thought you had disappeared!"
I give a laugh, "No, I am sorry for being so rude, but I wanted to find my room. It's perfect as always."
"I can't imagine you ever being rude , but yes the rooms always seem to be the best feature, I suppose."
Beth looks at me and bats her eyelashes, "Should we send for dinner? Or should we wait until Annie can join us?"
"Oh no, let's go ahead and start. I can't imagine why she would take long."
We gather around the table as a trio of Avoxes serve us our feast. Annie comes in shortly after, with a new outfit like I had said. Throughout the whole dinner, Demere eyes Annie and I suspiciously. He doesn't say anything, he doesn't need to; his questioning looks are enough to know he is curious about us. And as we end dinner to see the Reapings, with his gaze still upon the two of us, I make a final conclusion that he is a threat. That boy knows something he shouldn't .
I turn my attention to the screen. Different districts flash by in as little as 10 minutes each, giving us just enough time to see how intimidating their tributes are. When District 4 pops up, I am happy to see Annie and Demere don't look the least bit scared to the audience. Both of them look strong. I shoot a quick glance to Annie of approval. She nods and grins ever so slightly. By the end of it all, the results are same as usual; Districts 1 & 2 are both blood thirsty and as strong as ever. Districts 7 and 5 both look surprisingly challenging. Their usual skin and bone tributes are replaced with decent looking children that have filled in cheeks and all. The rest of the Districts are a blur, unnoticeable and unmemorable.
Through the windows, I can see the sun setting in the distance. Yawns start to come through on all of us.
"Well, I think we should all get some sleep. Sleep is very important, you know." Asteria says with a raise of her eyebrows. We all nod as if this is new information and say a simple goodnight to each other.
Demere and Asteria head out into the hallway first, followed by Beth. I put a hand around Annie's shoulders and lead her to the hallway. As we get to her room, we come to a halt.
"Sleep as much as you can. It won't come easily in the Arena," I say stiffly, knowing that eyes could be watching us at every second.
She nods and looks to the ground, "I'm so scared."
I shake my head and force her eyes to meet mine. "Don't be scared. I'm protecting you, remember?"
She smiles and nods again. I wrap my arms around her tightly as if we would never let go. I take in her familiar scent that brings me right back at home and stroke her hair. As I let go, I see a tear cascade down her cheek.
I immediately swipe it away, "You'll be fine Annie. I'll be right down the hall if you need me."
She nods and walks into her room. I turn and slowly make it down the hallway. As I find my own room, I suddenly realize what I must do.
When you're in love, you have signed up to be whatever that person needs you to be. Whether it be a lover, a therapist, a healer, or a friend, you don't hesitate but meet that expectation. You are able to mold into whatever they need. And what Annie needs right now is not a simple boyfriend. What she needs most of all is what I do best.
She needs a protector, and I have promised myself to be exactly that.