Chapter 7 The winner takes it all, A.

"I've never seen a more beautiful face than yours, kid," he caressed my chest. "I bet they tell you that all the time."

"I just like hearing it when it comes from the right lips," I smiled, just like they used to like it. It was easier when I said what they wanted to hear. He smiled wickedly at me and guided my head over his body.

xxx

Going home was always a relief, even if it was lonely.

Dawn was breaking. The best time to go there, to my secret place. No prying eyes, no unwanted spies.

The place was beyond where the fishing boats used to be. A place on the long beach, rocky underwater, where no one liked to swim, the waves used to be more merciless and treacherous.

The large, massive rock jutting out of the water glistened in the faint rays of sunlight that were beginning to appear.

I stripped off what little clothing I had on.

The waves embraced my naked thighs.

There, on the rock, an unfamiliar figure appeared.

Facing the sun, her naked body was bathed in light. Her brown hair, darkened by the water, covered her like a second skin.

Like a being not of this world, she closed her eyes and disappeared into the water.

Perhaps I had imagined it. Years of detaching my mind from my body could be taking its toll.

Nevertheless, I remained frozen in place.

"You just came to get your ass wet?" a melodic voice said.

I looked around for the source of the voice, but no one was there. "Are you stupid?" the voice asked again.

Ah, the rock!

"I came to swim, I didn't think anyone would be here," I replied to the voice behind the rock, "why don't you swim? Do you need the whole sea to yourself, selfish?"

"No," I smiled, "but I am, and I think you are too naked."

"I promise not to look if you promise not to look,"

I swam toward the rock. The cold morning water made me shiver. "I promise," I murmured, "what's your name?"

The silence, broken only by the waves crashing against the rocks, made me wonder if I was alone.

"Sandy Sea," the voice said softly.

What a coincidence. I stifled a laugh.

"I have to go. So don't look," the voice ordered.

I looked at the rising sun with a smile on my face.

Sometimes we were together, sometimes it was just me at sea.

She was always the first to arrive and the first to leave. I didn't know her face. I always saw it in profile - or behind the rock, nor could I tell what color her eyes were.

Her name changed with her mood. Sometimes we exchanged a few words, sometimes we were just in comfortable silence.

xxx

I rarely left the Victors' Village to venture into the center of town. I had no need to go there, and it was better that I not make friends with anyone.

This was not my home. I came from a village two hours away from the main town. My father and older sister still lived there.

When I was pre-selected as a possible tribute, I had to come to the main town for the official reaping. Nobody volunteers in my district. Unless someone under the age of 16 was reaped, we all wanted it to be someone with a chance of winning.

I had bad luck in my reaping year. No one volunteered. It was a rare occurrence, but not unheard of.

After I won the games, I never went home again. I didn't want my family to find out what I had to do to keep them alive, so I preferred to lie to them, telling them that I was obligated to stay here.

Mags, my mentor, had become my family. She understood the sacrifices of being a victor. She knew everything.

I heard a laugh.

A laugh that was familiar.

At the fish stand, a young, brown-haired, sea-green-eyed girl was tending to a child.

I approached the stall as I watched the girl interact with the little boy.

"I hope you came to buy something and not to stare at me like an idiot,"

I smiled. I looked around the place, not knowing what to buy, "May I ask for your suggestion?"

She grinned from ear to ear, "Well, I have this dried fish that I took care of preparing myself, and it's a shame no one wants to buy it,"

"Well, I'll take it," I handed her the money.

She took it and counted it, "This is not enough. This fish is worth twice what you gave me,"

I looked into her pretentious eyes. "My mistake," I took out the rest of the money. I knew she was ripping me off, but I didn't care. "Can you repeat your name?"

With her delicate hands, she wrapped the fish before handing it to me, "Sunny Fish.

"Very original"

"My parents are creative," she thought for a moment and looked at me mischievously, "aren't you going to taste the fish before you take it?"

"I think it's too late, I've already paid for it," she sighed loudly, "well, a little bite, why not?" She took my package and with her deft hands pulled a piece of fish out of the bag.

She brought the piece close to my mouth "open".

My lips brushed against her fingers.

I couldn't help but make a face as I felt the overly lemony taste on my palate. It was so strong that the taste of the fish was missing. I held my breath to keep from coughing and she giggled. "I love it like this. I hope you enjoy it - Finnick"

With a wry grin, I sat down at my table and tried to enjoy the most expensive, lemon-with-some-fish, I had ever bought.

Returning from another unwanted stay at the Capitol, I wanted to treat myself to a guilty pleasure.

I waited in the seawater to see her, but she never came. I knew it was wrong to want to see her, it was even forbidden for someone like me, but I couldn't help it.

With enough money in my pocket, I went back to the fish shop.

A young man playing with a lock of her hair while she laughed nonchalantly at everything he said. I wished I were him.

With a kiss on the cheek, he bid her farewell.

I should have turned away as soon as I saw her, but my feet came alive and beat my mind.

Every movement of her head made the two colorful fish she wore in her ears dance.

"Nice earrings," she blinked in surprise at the sight of me.

"thank you," then looked at me haughtily, "I was able to pay for them with my hard work." Maybe hustling paid well. "Have you come to buy me something?"

"Do you have anything good to offer me?"

She thought for a few moments, "If you come back in 20 minutes, I can make you one of my special dried fish"

"As good as last time?" I teased her.

she winked at me, "Even better" I wandered around the shops, buying here and there, waiting for the twenty minutes to pass. Earlier than agreed, she wagged her finger at me to come closer.

"Since it was a special service, it will cost you more," she warned me.

"Fair enough," I took out more money than she asked for, "for another nice pair of earrings," that made her smile.

"Do you want to taste it before you take it?"

I nodded, eager to feel the touch of her fingers in my mouth.

Prepared for whatever surprise my taste buds would feel, the first bite hit my mouth, burning softly on my lips and then inside. She licked the same fingers that had touched my lips.

"Spicy, isn't it?"

"Just the right amount," I replied, my mouth burning and my eyes never leaving hers.

A clearing of the throat brought us out of the spell.

"Oh hi Mags, I'll get your order," the girl said hurriedly.

Mags looked at me seriously, not angrily, but I knew she was going to scold me. The girl handed her the order, "Thank you. I'll see you at school tomorrow," Mags stumbled over her words and nodded for me to follow her.

For as long as I had known her, Mags had trouble speaking, sometimes she stuttered or sometimes certain words were difficult for her to pronounce, I let out an audible sigh and said, "I know what you're going to tell me, there's no point in repeating it."

Mags stopped and took my free hand, "My child, what more would I want than to be able to give you a normal life, I am aware of the burden this life is," she caressed my face, "it would be unfair for him to use her against you,"

"I know," I whispered.

I did not return to the fish shop or my secret place. Routine took over my life again.

xxx

Sitting on the stage, I forced myself to look at the floor. I didn't want to see those sea-green eyes. I didn't want to hear her voice again.

Anyway, even if I wanted to see her again, I was going to the Capitol today for who knows how long.

"Annie Cresta," I heard the escort from our district say.

Stepping onto the stage with a defiant look on her face was the girl I had been forced to avoid.

Her eyes met mine, she smiled and winked at me. Annie, I repeated her name in my head.

"The male tribute is Murphy Tied," a twelve year old boy emerged from the crowd. Murmurs rippled through the elders. I prayed for someone to take his place.

"I volunteer as tribute," said a deep voice in the background.

A young man I recognized walked casually toward the stage. Annie's face paled. He was the boy who had played with her hair that day.

"Becker Huskin," the escort repeated, "let's hear it for our 70th Hunger Games tributes." No one applauded.

On the train, I saw Ardin walk in next to Mags. With my heart pounding, I knew this wasn't a good sign.

"Ardin will be mentoring with me at the games," Mags said, looking at me painfully.

"Does that mean I have to stay?"

Ardin shook his head, avoiding my eyes, "No boy, it means your schedule is full with other activities," he let his words sink into me, "Sorry Finnick. It's orders from you know who."

I nodded and looked away without looking. I spent the rest of the day locked in my room.

In the morning I forced myself to go to breakfast. Ardin and Mags were already at the table.

The door opened and Becker walked in. He casually sat down beside me.

"So, what's the plan?" He looked at each of us. "I'm not leaving this world without a fight, and I want to make sure Annie gets out of it. So what's the plan?"

"Maybe we should wait for your partner..." Ardin said, interrupted by Mags.

"We'll talk about a plan as soon as we get to the Capitol." Annie joined us a few minutes later, eyes reddened but still with a smug smile. She sat down beside Becker and took his hand.

xxx

As soon as we arrived at the Capitol, I was pulled away from the group. I was invited to a party. I didn't ask who the host was, it didn't matter to me anymore.

On the few occasions I ran into my district colleagues, they would change the subject or stop the whispering. I was sure something was cooking in these games.

Back at the apartment, I went straight to my room. It was too late for anyone to be awake. My body ached and what I wanted most was to get rid of their horrid smell.

When I came out of the bathroom, I found Annie looking out the window. The city light bathed her like someone from heaven. Just like that day.

"You should get some rest." Tomorrow they will take you to the slaughterhouse, I thought.

"I asked Mags once if winning was worth fighting for. She couldn't answer me," Annie turned and looked at me. There was no trace of her smile.

I couldn't answer either.

She walked over and put her hand on my cheek. Instinctively, I put my face into her palm and closed my eyes, "I wish people didn't look at you like that," she quietly said.

I opened my eyes and met hers. It wouldn't do to deny it, somehow she knew. I lowered my eyes, ashamed. "May I?" she asked.

I nodded, not knowing what she would do.

She wrapped her arms around me and rested her head on my bare chest. I leaned my head against hers.

My arms wrapped around hers, "You will make it out of this arena alive," I murmured against her hair.

She pulled away from me and shook her head, "You can promise me that if there's any chance between me and Becker, you'll get him chosen."

My heart tore, "You deserve..."

"I grew up with him, I made sure he stayed out of trouble," she laughed crying, "how will I face my aunt if I come back without her son?"

"He's your cousin?"

"He's like my little brother," she sobbed, "he's the one who helps mom and dad fish, if I don't come back it doesn't matter, but he's the one who helps with my family's livelihood and his..." I hugged her again, soothing her crying into my chest. "I've been reaped, he hasn't. You have to promise,"

"Annie. I'm out of these games, there's not much I can do," I held her tight, thinking of all the possibilities. "I can get sponsors for him,"

she lifted her head and blinked, staring at me, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked you-"

"Never mind, I will. Just promise me you'll fight," she nodded.

Annie stepped away for a few moments and reached into her pocket for something. She pulled out a pair of fish earrings. The hooks were no longer in them. "One is my token," she handed me the other, "this is for you to remember me by.

The little fish sparkled in the light. The color of its scales reminded me of the color of the sea in juxtaposition with the rays of the morning sun.

When I looked up and found Annie coming out of my room, "I'll be rooting for you, Sunny Fish," I kept my promise to get sponsors. I didn't care how charming or degrading I had to be or do.

Seeing her and her cousin alive was worth it.

xxx

A scream I recognized made me pull my lips away from the old woman's neck.

Becker had just been decapitated by a mutt. Annie watched the scene in horror. Fuck!

Run, don't just stand there, I wanted to scream, "Well, your wonderful boy isn't worth much anymore and I doubt the girl will get far," the old woman sneered.

Annie finally ran off into the forest. "But come child, don't stop," the woman purred.

I was stuck at another disgusting party. I sat next to one of my regular clients, laughing at every stupid joke that came out of his mouth. Annie was still alive, I didn't know where, the cameras didn't show much of her and that made me assume the worst.

I hadn't seen Mags or Ardin since the games started, I didn't know what was going on, but I had the worst feeling.

"What's that?" asked the man next to me.

"ah! it's from the games," another man laughed, "finally something interesting," The arena began to shake. The dam burst and a deafening symphony began. We all immediately rose from our seats.

It was unprecedented, the arena was flooded, no, it was destroyed.

The cannons began to boom and then the broadcast went black.

"Hey! What's going on? Why aren't they broadcasting?" complained those around me. Ten minutes passed before the TV came back to life.

"Unbelievable, sensational, something incomparable the game makers have done in these games," said an ecstatic Caesar Flickerman, "we regret the interruption of the transmission, but the success of the visualizations of these games has overloaded the antennas."

Again, the arena was televised. The music was muted, only Annie could be seen swimming and staying afloat. "The winner of the 70th Hunger Games, Annie Cresta!" the loudspeakers said.

A few minutes later, two Peacekeepers dragged me out of the party and into the District 4 apartment.

In the hallway, I watched as Mags was dragged away.

"What are you doing?" I tried to shake out of their grip, "Mags... Mags!" I yelled, "Let her go! Mags!"

They threw me into my room and locked me in.

I threw myself against the door with all my strength, trying to break it down.

Try after try, the door would not budge.

I screamed her name over and over, but only silence answered me.

xxx

After a week the door opened.

I cautiously walked out of the room. I stopped dead in my tracks in the living room.

Sitting there was Snow.

"I must admit it was quite entertaining, the show, it's a pity the plan failed - again" he smiled.

"I don't know what you mean, what plan?"

"Yes, that's what your mentors said," his smile faded, "even Ardin went so far as to swear that you knew nothing. I find that hard to believe after all the effort you put into getting sponsors."

I clenched my fists to hide the trembling in my hands. Where were Mags and Ardin? What had happened to Annie?

"I don't like being fooled Finnick, I think we made that clear after your games didn't we?" I nodded slowly, "Now you will understand that there must be consequences for the forerunners of this attempted rebellion"

"Please," I pleaded softly.

"Mags and Annie are waiting for you on the train."

"Ardin?"

"Ah yes! The poor man has had a fatal heart attack. Pity" A Peacekeeper entered the room and took my arm "Finnick"

"Sir?" I replied in a trembling voice.

Snow smiled, "I'm sorry to hear about the death of your father and sister. She seemed to be as lovely a girl as you."

Like a storm, I entered the train looking for Mags and Annie.

A Peacekeeper guarded Annie's room. I could hear her screaming from outside.

"Move," I ordered. He snorted derisively "I want to see her" I ordered again.

He looked at me mockingly "You don't give me orders and the girl already has company"

I imagined the worst and asked "Who's with her?

"Her District Mate, or rather his head," he laughed, "now go, unless you want her to suffer the consequences.

With my heart pounding and still hearing Annie's crying, I walked away.

The door of the car opened. Like an old rag, two guards threw Mags at my feet.

"Mags!" I sobbed in fear, turning her gently.

Half her face was swollen and bruised. She could barely open one eye. With a shaking hand, she pulled it close to my face. She tried to smile, but it was only a grimace. I was horrified to see that she was missing several teeth.

"Mags, what have they done to you?" I cried, pulling her to my chest.

She tried to speak, but only meaningless babble came out of her mouth.

"It's okay, everything's going to be okay," I whispered, trying to control my crying.

I picked her up and carried her to her room.

The train was already on its way.

I laid down on the bed next to her. She stroked my hair - as she always did to comfort me - and babbled some more.

"They were murdered," I murmured under my breath. Mags squeezed my shoulder.

My family, Annie's family, Ardin, Mags, Annie.

He would pay. Snow would fall.