I wake up late in the morning, stretching with a groan, before I sit up.
I look over at Annie, still asleep. I smile at her, she's curled up on her side, with one hand under her pillow. Her mouth is slightly open, and there's a little drool on the pillow.
I take a piece of her hair, and tickle the end of her nose. She swats a hand at me but misses.
"Leave me alone."
She groans irritably.
"Wake up sleepy head."
I say in a sing-song voice, then I switch to a dramatic accent.
"Today we shall dine at the president's mansion!"
She sits up quickly, and hits me full in the face with her pillow.
I fall onto my back, and declare with raised arms.
"The queen hath awakened!"
She throws the pillow on me, and swings her legs over the edge of the bed.
"Shut up."
I sit up and start tickling her. She smacks me.
"Stop it!"
She shouts through her giggles, she retaliated by tickling my side, which she knows is my weak spot.
I squirm away from her, laughing.
"Annie stop! It's not funny."
She laughs and continues.
"You can dish it but you can't take it can you?"
I jump out of the bed, and run out of the room. She is hot on my heels, as we rush into the dining car. Mags, Bruce and Tiffy are already sitting at the table.
We run around the table several times, before I hide behind Mags chair.
"Tell her to leave me alone."
I say in a whiney voice.
"Hey! He started it."
Annie says defensively.
Bruce chuckles into his coffee, and Mags smiles. Tiffy merely looks irritated at our 'unseemly behavior'
"Both of you stop it, sit down and eat some breakfast."
We look untrusting at each other for a moment, then take our seats next to each other.
I give Bruce a nod, which he returns. Things have been different between us now. We don't show it, but we both know something has changed. I now know that he is practically family.
"What's put you two in a fine mood this morning?"
Mags asks with a smile. I grin, and give Annie a mischievous look. She returns it with a glare.
"I'm not in a good mood. Mister sunshine over there was very rude this morning."
Mags raises her eyebrows,
"Oh?"
Annie continues to glare at me, as I continue to grin.
"Yes. He rudely aroused me from a pleasant sleep, and then proceeded to tickle me!"
I wiggle my fingers in the air threateningly. She can't help smiling, and swats my hand away. Then she pokes me in the side. This starts an all out poking war, ending with breakfast arriving.
We eat in mock anger, glaring at each other. Mags and Bruce find this hilarious, even Tiffy smiles. When breakfast is over, Tiffy tells us what's on the schedule for today.
"We should arrive in the capitol late this afternoon, when we do, both of you will be prepped and dressed fit to have dinner at the president's mansion. Then we will arrive at a fashionable time for the dinner party."
I nod.
"Sounds good. What do we do until we arrive?"
Tiffy shrugs.
"Whatever you feel like."
She retires to her bedroom, while the mentors, Annie and I relax in the lounge.
"What's the presidents mansion like?"
Annie asks Bruce, he shrugs.
"The only word to describe it is; grand. You'll see for yourself soon enough."
I poke Annie on the shoulder, and she ignores me.
"What's your favorite thing to do at a party Mags?"
I poke her again, and she still ignores me.
"Oh my, I don't know. I suppose eating all the wonderful food is definitely one of the best things about a dinner party."
I continue to poke Annie's shoulder.
"What about you Bruce?"
He leans back in his chair, and grins.
"Seeing all of the...interesting fashions, listening to what conversations are going on. Oh and dancing."
Annie raises her eyebrows.
"You dance?"
He nods,
"Quite well if I do say so myself, I might have to show you tonight. Finnick!"
He shouts mid poke, and I turn giving him an innocent look.
"Leave that poor girl alone."
Annie smiles.
"Oh don't worry, he knows how far he can push me."
She turns to me with a knowing look.
"Don't you Finn?"
I slowly pull my finger back, and give her a horrified look.
"Oh yes, don't worry I remember."
Bruce leans forward.
"Oh, now we have to hear the story."
Annie laughs,
"Well, one time when I was around six, Finn was being a typical annoying eight year old. He wouldn't leave me alone, kept poking and tickling me. Finally he pushed me to far."
She pauses. Mags grins.
"And?"
Annie looks at me, and giggles.
"So I punched him in the nose."
I wince at the memory.
"Didn't stop bleeding for over ten minutes."
Bruce roars with laughter, and Mags chuckles. I pout, and turn to Annie.
"You're lucky you didn't break my nose. You could have tarnished this flawless face."
I strike a pose, and everyone starts laughing.
The rest of the afternoon is spent talking and eating.
Suddenly the train goes dark, which means that we are going through the tunnel into the capitol.
The train lights up again, and Annie rushes to the windows, gasping in awe at the incredible sight.
I stand up, and walk over next to her.
"Well, what do you think?"
Annie continues to stare in wonder.
"It's so colorful. But somehow, everything seems to perfect...if you know what I mean."
I nod. Glancing out the window.
"Trust me, I know exactly what you mean."
Mags calls over to me.
"You better show yourself, everyone has been expecting the great Finnick Odair."
I sigh, and step in front of the window.
Instantly you can see the reaction from the crowd. I smile and wave at them, even blowing some kisses.
Annie watches me with a somber face. She knows I hate this, she knows how hard it is for me to perform for them. She steps closer to me, and slides her hand in mine. She smiles and waves beside me. Letting me know I'm not alone.
Soon we arrive at the building where Annie and I will be prepped for the dinner party.
It takes an hour or so, and finally Dalia brings my suit.
It's traditional black, with a dark orange shirt underneath, the top couple buttons open of course. I have my eyes highlighted, and my hair is styled. When I look in the mirror, I am once again surprised that my skillful prep team can transform a fifteen year old boy, into a young man that looks around twenty. Dalia explains that it's mostly because I already look mature for my age.
I wait for Annie, who shows up looking gorgeous.
She is dressed in a pale yellow chiffon dress that ends just below her knees in the front, and reaches the floor in the back. A pair of black shoes with a small heal, and a matching set of black jewelry; earings, necklace and bracelet. Her hair is pulled up in a fancy up do, with lots of curls and small braids.
Her light makeup is done perfectly, and I wouldn't guess her age below sixteen.
"Wow."
Is all I say. She smiles, it's so good to see her smile. My Annie usually always has a smile on her face, but lately she has lacked one. To see her bright and cheerful smile now, when I am in the place I hate most, makes everything worth while. I smile back, and offer her my arm.
"Shall we go?"
She slides her arm into mine.
"We shall."
My prep team are almost on the verge of tears.
"Oh you two are so adorable!"
"It makes me wish you were a couple!"
"You both are so radiant!"
We accept their compliments, and are rushed off to the president's mansion.
When we arrive, the car door opens and we are mobbed by reporters.
Bruce comes to our rescue, and leads us through the crowd into the mansion.
We are shown into the great room, and both of us take several minutes to gaze around in amazement.
The roof is unbelievably high, and music gently floats around the room. There are twenty-foot tables lining the walls, laden with so many different foods. The middle of the room is clear, letting people mingle. On one end of the room, is a marble dance floor. Mags and Bruce give us a gentle push into the room, and we come back to our senses.
"Wow Bruce, you were right, this is grand."
He grins, and nods his head.
"Yep. I'll see you two around."
He waves and walks off. Mags stands in front of us.
"You two going to be all right by yourselves?"
We nod, and she joins a group of people near one of the tables.
Annie and I wander around for a little while, her arm held tightly in mine.
"What should we do?"
I ask her. I can tell she's getting overwhelmed by everything. She looks around quickly, hesitating.
"Why don't we try some of the food?"
I agree, and we spend a while walking to all the different tables and sampling food.
"Hey Annie, will you be alright by yourself for a minute? I have to use the restroom."
She nods slowly.
"Alright, wait here. I'll be right back."
When I come back out of the restrooms, I frown, searching for Annie.
Where did she go? I told her to wait right here. It takes me a moment to locate her, and I grit my teeth when I do.
She apparently got cornered by a blue haired man in a bright purple suit. He is talking to her, and she is replying politely, but he is standing a little to close to her, and I can tell she's uncomfortable.
I walk up and place a hand on the mans shoulder. He turns to me.
"Pardon me, but I must steal miss Cresta away for a dance."
Annie gives me a thankful glance, as I take her hand and lead her onto the dance floor. I place my other hand on her waist, and she puts hers on my shoulder.
"I don't really know how to dance all that well."
I grin.
"Just follow my lead, and try not to step on my feet."
She smiles, and we dance slowly for a while, stepping in time to the music.
"You're not bad at this."
I say with a chuckle, she tips her nose in the air.
"Why thank you."
The song ends, and I twirl her.
All of a sudden, the music starts again, except this time a much livelier tune. Annie looks at me surprised.
"Don't look at me, I don't know how to dance to this music."
I feel a hand on my shoulder, and turn to see Bruce.
"I do. May I have this dance miss Cresta?"
She smiles, and takes his hand.
"Of course, see you later Finn."
Bruce leads her into the middle of the dance floor, and holds her at arm's length.
He then pulls her toward him, winding her around, then he grabs her other hand, and unwinds her in a twirl.
I walk over and join Mags, cheering and clapping with the rest of the crowd.
"What is this dance called?"
I shout above the crowd, Mags watches them for a minute.
"I think it's called the tango."
I smile.
"Bruce might just have to show me how to do it."
Mags laughs, and we continue to watch Bruce and Annie steal the spotlight.
They spin and twist all over the dance floor, and just as the song ends, Bruce tips Annie in a deep dip.
The crowd goes insane, applauding loudly.
Bruce smiles, and gives a small wave, and Annie looks embarrassed, blushing behind a shy smile.
"That was incredible! You guys are amazing."
Bruce grins and pats Annie on the shoulder.
"You've got natural rhythm, you are a great dancer."
She blushes deeper,
"Thanks. I had no idea you could dance so well. Who taught you?"
He shrugs.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
I throw my arm around his shoulder.
"Come on, we'll believe you. Won't we Annie?"
She nods her head. Bruce sighs,
"Let's just say it was a mentor of mine."
Annie and I both gasp, and turn to Mags.
"No."
"Really?"
She grins.
"I had some moves back in my day."
We spend the rest of the evening meeting more people than I can remember. Tiffy finally rounds us all up.
"Time to go!"
She says, and within a couple of minutes we are all in cars on the way back to the train station.
Annie fell asleep leaning against my shoulder. When we arrive at the train station, I carry her to bed taking off her shoes and jewelry.
I carefully undo her hair, taking out all the pins and clips.
"What time is it."
Annie murmmers half asleep. I unfasten the last lock of hair, and pull the covers over her.
"Shhh. Go back to sleep."
She settles down under the covers, and falls back asleep.
I take off my jacket and shoes. Then I pull off my shirt, and slide into bed. Within a few minutes I am in a deep sleep.
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