Life With Annie, chapter 1

I slowly walk back to my large house in victors village.
The sun is out, but It's still a little chilly.
It has been almost six months since I won the sixty-fifth hunger games, and soon I will be picked up to go on the all famous victory tour. This is what happens exactly halfway between games, the victor of the previous games will take a tour to each district. Ending at the capitol, at each district I will be put on a stage, and boasted about in front of the entire district, including the families of the tributes I murdered.
Sure there will be parties and gifts given, but the whole tour is basically like a slap in the face to all the other districts.
As I make my way down the main street, I receive some strange looks.
I imagine what they are all thinking.
Who is that filthy boy with torn clothes?
It couldn't be Finnick Odair, last years victor could it?
How did he get so dirty?
unfortunately for me, I'm kind of unmistakable.
I've grown since the games, and now I am at least 6' feet tall.
I've kept in shape too, so it's kind of impossible to recognise me.
What other tall, well-built fifteen year olds, with bronze hair and sea green eyes are there?
True, I've let my hair grow a little longer since the games, it falls in waves just below my ears. But this does little to hide my identity.
I sigh, and ignore the quizzical looks. Just a few more blocks until I reach victors village. Then I can take a shower and change out of these ripped and dirt covered clothes.
I reach the village in about five minutes, and walk past Mags house, and Bruce's. I pass one more house that is empty, and then finally reach my house.
I retrieve the key from the top of the doorway, and after unlocking the door, Walk inside.
It has three floors, the first one holds the kitchen, living room and a bathroom. The second floor has the master bedroom and bathroom, a lounge type room, and a guest bedroom. The last floor has the laundry room, another guest bedroom and a guest bathroom.
You would think living in a large house all by my self that I would get lonely. But I spent my whole life in a crowded community home with dozens of other boys, almost all which beat and teased me. So the truth is I am very content to live in a big house all to myself.
I walk stiffly up the stairs and pull off my ruined clothes. I throw them in a trashcan, and jump in the shower.
I was overjoyed to find they had a capitol shower installed in the master bathroom. I had grown fond of them while I was at the capitol, and I quickly program it to a gentle pressure, with warm water. I press a button, and blue foam covers me. Soothing my body. I shampoo my hair, and press the rinse button.
I turn the water off, and wrap in a towel. My house unfortunately doesn't have the instant drying system like in the capitol.
Oh well, I don't want to have to many things to remind me of the capitol. I hate the capitol, and everything it stands for.
I rummage through my dresser for something to wear. Finally deciding on a pair of khaki pants, and a dark purple shirt.
As I pull the clothes out of the drawer, I hear the doorbell ring.
"It's open!"
I shout down the stairs as I pull on the pants.
I hear the door open, and someone runs up the stairs.
"Hey Finn!"
I'd know that voice anywhere, it's my best friend Annie Cresta.
She bounds in the room, and skids to a stop.
"Finn...What happened?"
Oh crap, I forgot about the bruises. I turn around quickly facing her.
I'm holding my shirt in my hand, and I give her an innocent grin.
"Oh. Hi Annie."
She's dressed in her everyday wear, jeans and a light yellow T-shirt. Her hair was in a pigtail, but the hairpin is barely hanging on to a few strands, and her wild copper hair is flying out every which way. Just like it always does.
She crosses her arms, and raises her eyebrow.
"Don't play dumb with me Finnick Odair. What happened to you?"
I shrug.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
She walks over to me, and glares into my eyes.
"Turn around."
I smile, and shrug again.
"I don't have to."
She grabs my arm, and spins me around.
"Ow! Watch it."
I hear her gasp, as she sees my back.
"Finn...where did you get these bruises?"
I turn back around, and painfully pull on my shirt.
"I had a little run in with some old buddies of mine."
She looks shocked.
"I thought that had stopped. Aren't you big enough now to take care of yourself in a fight?"
I sigh.
"Not if there's six of them. They jumped me in the alley behind the butcher shop."
Annie narrows her eyes.
"It was Surf and his buddies again wasn't it? Ooh! If I could get my hands on them I'd..."
I laugh. Annie is one of the sweetest people I know, she couldn't hurt a fly.
"You'd what? Smile and ask them nicely to stop? They're bullies Annie, and It's only gotten worse since I won the games. They already hated me, but now that I'm rich and popular they have all the more reason to."
She sighs and sits on my bed.
"What where you doing in the alleys anyway?"
I sit down next to her.
"Oh, just trying to avoid some of my adoring fans."
Annie wrinkles her nose, and sticks out her tongue.
"Ugh, I hate those drooling sickos. No wonder you were hiding."
I laugh, Annie can't stand girl talk, like makeup, clothes and boys. She would rather talk to me about fishing, boating or anything else.
"What do your friends at school think about me?"
She shudders.
"Don't even ask. I wouldn't repeat what they say for the world."
I laugh, but the truth is I despise it as much as Annie does. I don't have a girlfriend, and I don't want one right now. Almost everyday I have girls of all ages throwing themselves at me, and I do exactly what I was taught. Smile, talk to them, and give them my autograph. I except their phone numbers, and bid them good day. The entire time loathing them.
"You should get a doctor to look at your back."
I shrug.
"I'm going on the victory tour next week, I can get some magic healing potion from the capitol."
Annie frowns at the mention of the capitol.
"I can't believe you're going to be gone for my birthday."
Annie's birthday is a few days after I start the victory tour, and everything is already scheduled. I feel horrible, after all, Annie was here for my birthday last month when I turned fifteen. Now when she is turning thirteen, I won't be here.
"I know, I feel absolutely awful about that. But everything is planned ahead of time, I've already talked to Mags about it."
She nods.
"I'm going to be a teenager too. Oh well, I know you can't help it. It's just that with Robbert gone now...well It's just going to be hard with you not there."
I swallow hard. Annie's older brother Robbert, died while I was in the games. After he died, Annie kind of lost her mind. But I was able to bring her back."
"I know. Hey what are you here for anyway?"
She jumps up, her hair escaping the hairpin as she does.
"Oh! I almost forgot. Mom said I could invite you Mags and Bruce over for dinner tonight."
I stand up with her and stretch.
"Well, I'll be there for sure. Anything to taste your mom's cooking. Mags will probably come too, but I don't know about Bruce."
Annie pushes her hair out of her face.
"Alright, I'll tell mom to count on both of you coming, and to make a little extra in case Bruce comes too."
I walk downstairs with her, and we both stop at the door.
"Do you want to go to the beach for a while?"
She shakes her head.
"Sorry, I have to help mom with some stuff."
I nod.
"What about tomorrow then?"
She laughs.
"I have school tomorrow Finn. Speaking of which, are you ever planning on coming to school again?"
I shake my head.
"To much attention, I might get a tutor or something."
She shrugs.
"Alright. Well I'm sure I'll see you tomorrow anyway, we can hang out after school."
I smile.
"Sounds good. I'll see you tonight."
She walks out and waves.
"See you later!"
I walk back upstairs, and hurriedly brush my hair.
Then I go and visit Mags.
She opens the door, and smiles.
"Finnick! It's good to see you. Come on in."
I walk in to her large house.
"Hey Mags. It's good to see you too."
We walk over and sit in her living room.
"So, what brings you here?"
I pretend to look shocked.
"What? I can't come over just to see my beautiful mentor?"
She laughs and shakes her head.
"Goodness, I chose the right personality for you all right. Now what do you want you flirt?"
I grin.
"Well, I did come over to invite you over to the Cresta's for dinner tonight. Bruce is invited too."
Mags smiles.
"Oh I'd love to have dinner with them. How is Annie doing by the way?"
I tell Mags everything, so she knows all about Annie's melt down, and she always keeps an eye out for the both of us.
"She's doing a lot better. But it's going to be hard for her when I go on the victory tour. I'm going to be gone for her thirteenth birthday, and this will be her first one without Robbert."
Mags thinks for a minute.
"Wait a minute...I think you can take one person from your district on the tour."
I raise my eyebrows.
"Really? You mean Annie could come with me?"
She frowns,
"I'm not sure...I'd have to make a couple of calls. But I'm pretty sure that she can come."
I grin. That would be amazing, Annie with me on the victory tour. She'd get to see all the districts, and the capitol.
"Could you find out for me?"
Mags smiles.
"Of course. I should be able to give you an answer by tonight."
I stand up.
"Thanks. I should go, I have some things to do before tonight."
Mags calls after me as I walk out.
"Remember your prep team and Dalia will be here early Wednesday morning to get you ready."
I pause in the street.
"In four days? I thought the victory tour started on Thursday."
She stands in the doorway.
"It does, but the owners of 'weekly gush' a capitol magazine. Wants their newest issue to feature you. So you'll have a photo shoot on Wednesday."
I cringe.
"A photo shoot?"
Mags smiles and nods.
"And an interview. I told you that you'd be receiving a lot of attention. Anyway, be ready early in the morning."
I wave goodbye, and walk to the richer shops in the districts.
"Oh! My! Gosh!"
I flinch as I hear the all to familiar squeal of several girl "fans"
There's three of them, all platinum blonde, all sickly thin, and all coated in a thick layer of makeup. And why do they always have to wear slutty clothes?
They run up to me, and jump up and down screaming.
"You're Finnick Odair! Oh my word! Oh my word!"
"You're even cuter in person!"
"I can't believe we're actually talking to you!"
They all look at each other, and scream again.
I cringe inward, but wear my most 'flirty' smile.
"Hello. What can I do for three lovely ladies like you?"
They calm down to giggling, and hand me a couple of pens.
"Can we get your autograph?"
I take the pens with the smile plastered on my face.
"Of course. What do you want signed?"
They all giggle again.
"Could you sign my shirt? Anywhere's fine."
I am disgusted by this, but I give a mischievous smile.
I end up signing her shirt on the back, on the bottom right above her hip.
One of the others has me sign her bag, and the last has me sign her diary.
They thank me, and all give me their phone numbers.
"Call us!"
They say in unison, and then they run off to brag to all of their friends.
I turn and continue to the shops, throwing the slips of paper over my shoulder as I do.

There's Nothing More Important than Family, chapter 7

I follow Breah around until lunch. I ask her to sit with me and the rest of my alliance and, thank goodness, she agrees. Everyone introduces themselves on cue, but I know this is pointless since Breah remembers them from the Reaping reruns. She seems curious about the fact that we are all friends. “How?” she keeps asking.

Finally, Nathan answers her. “We’ve made an alliance for when we’re in the arena.”

Breah smiles. “And you want me to join you, don’t you.”

“Yes.” I say. “We could use a fighter like you.”

She takes a monstrous bite of a cookie. “Okay.” She then says quietly.

“Okay, what?” asks Addalie, since she wasn’t really listening.

“I’ll join you.” Answers Breah. “But you know we can’t all survive, don’t you?”

“We know.” Mark says solemnly. “But we’ll have-“

“-A better chance of winning while in an alliance.” Finishes Breah. “I agree. And I already know that if I don’t win, I’d rather one of you did.”

“Great!” says Nathan. “What about the boy from your district?”

“No, Harvey won’t want to join an alliance. He’s too proud and arrogant. He thinks he’ll win in a landslide, but I’ve seen him working in the orchards. He’s weak.”

As it turns out, Breah knows a lot about the other tributes, just by watching them. She tells us the Careers are already acquainted, and have spent the morning trying to intimidate the other tributes with their skills.

“District 1’s tributes are named Satin and Mahogany. Satin’s stronger than Mahogany is, but he is better with weaponry. He spent most of the morning throwing javelins.” Breah explains. “Vella, the girl from 2, is the youngest Career I think. I’m not sure how old the others are. The boy from 2’s name is Dane. His weapon is a sword; he hasn’t put it down all morning.” I glance over to the Career table, and see that Breah is right. The boy with blunt features and electric blue eyes from two is sitting with a cruel sword lying on the table beside him. Breah continues, “The boy from 4, Jason, doesn’t seem to like the other Careers. He kept to himself this morning. And the girl from 4 is their leader. Her name is Kelly. She isn’t the biggest or the strongest, but she’s definitely the smartest. She’s cunning. I think she’d be the biggest threat of them all. Oh, and she can throw knives more accurately than I’ve ever seen.”

“Yikes.” Says Mark. “She sounds like a real piece of work.”

Breah gives him a knowing look. “She is. The other two tributes who might be competition are Payla and Xavier. Payla’s from District 6, she’s the one who volunteered. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was a Career. I believe they tried to recruit her, but she declined. The spear instructor wasn’t here this morning, so she bullied the hand-to-hand combat instructor into fighting her. She kicked his butt with her spear. Xavier is from District 7, so that explains why he’s so good with a hatchet; 7 is the lumber district. All he does is argue with Sahra, the girl from his district. I don’t think they really liked each other all that much before the Reaping.” Breah stops, and looks at me. “Is there any other tributes you’re wondering about?”

I answer her, “How about the tributes from District 8?”

“Georgie and Carter.” Breah says automatically. “You are thinking of having the join us?”

“Yes, we were thinking about it.” Says Nathan. “Do you know much about them?”

“I know the girl, Georgie, is good with a sword. She’s almost as good as Dane is. Carter is quite clumsy. He was trying to throw a few knives and he nearly dropped a couple of them on his foot.” I laugh.

Hassan tells us that lunch is over, so we leave the cafeteria and go back for more training. We decide that Addalie and I would follow Georgie, and Nathan and Mark would follow Carter; so we can try to convince them to join us. Addalie spots Georgie over with the swords again, and we follow her to that station. Addalie had already been to this station, but I have no idea how to use a sword. I swing it around bunglingly, and I can hear Dane jeering at me from across the station.

“It’s okay.” I hear someone whisper, and I jump. “Your grip is just wrong.” I see Georgie beside me. She’s eyeing Dane angrily. “He’s been heckling me all morning.” She explains. “But I don’t care. When I’m done practicing, I’ll be just as good as he is. Anyway, just relax your hands a little. Not too much, just a little.” She demonstrates, and I try it. I can automatically see a difference and my swings are much more fluid.

“Thanks!” I tell her.

“I know you’ve made an alliance.” Georgie says quietly. “The others will find out soon enough with you five spending all your time together, but I heard you talking to the tributes from District 10 at the Tribute Parade. I know you want to be allied with me.”

I look deep into her intense grey eyes. “Will you? Will you help us?”

“I’m two years older than you.” She confides. “My family is the poorest in our district. I have so many siblings. My name was in the Reaping sixty-five times. My father knew chances were good I’d get chosen. He trained me and my sisters. I’m practically a Career. I have a great chance of winning this. But I want you to win this.” I gasp, and she continues. “It’s so unfair when twelve-year-olds get Reaped, they never stand a chance. It’s even worse that your brother got Reaped, but he actually does have a chance at winning. You don’t.” Her words hurt, but she smiles at me sympathetically. “I’m joining your alliance, but not to help the others. I want to be your personal bodyguard. That’ll show the sick people in the Capitol, when a twelve-year-old wins!”

I grin. “Addalie, come here!” I call, and I formally introduce the two.

Georgie spends the rest of the day teaching me how to use a wide array of weapons. I can’t use any of them very well, but at the end of the day, I know that I’ll be able to handle any weapon in the Cornucopia, where they store all the weapons during the Games.

I don’t wait for Nathan when it’s time to leave. Addalie and I ride the elevator with Georgie and Breah. Georgie gets off first, but not before she gives me a hug. “See you all tomorrow!” she cries happily, and she skips out of the elevator.

I’m next. When the elevator reaches my floor, I turn and smile at the other two. “Goodnight!” I say.

“’Night Zania!” calls Addalie, and I step out and into the District 9 apartment. Olivia and Palana are waiting for me at the table.

“How was your first day of training?” Olivia asks me.

“Where’s Nathan?” Palana demands.

“Its okay, Nathan’s coming.” I say. “Where’s Sean?”

“Sleeping.” Replies Olivia.

“Too bad. I’m sure he’d love to know that we convinced the girls from 8 and 11 to join the alliance!” I laugh.

“Did you really?” says Olivia. She looks stunned.

“Yes we did!” I exclaim proudly. “Breah and Georgie are now part of the alliance!”

“Great job!” smiles Olivia. “I’ll be sure to tell Sean when he wakes up.”

Palana grins broadly. “You should go clean up. Dinner will be at any moment.” I go to the bathroom Nathan and I share, and I scrub every trace of makeup from my face. The foundation, primer, mascara, lipstick, eyebrow pencil, eye shadow and glitter trickle down the drain. I look a billion times better already. When I finally leave the bedroom, I’m in my pajamas. The only part of Kerany’s work I save3d was the hair, because it looked really cool.

When I come back to the dining room, everyone is seated at the table, but the Capitol people haven’t served the food yet. I slide into the chair beside my brother.

“Any luck with Georgie?” Nathan asks me.

“Yeah, she decided to come along with us.” I tell him. “What about Carter?”

“He told us we’re stupid, and that we’ll all kill each other on the first day.” Laughs Nathan. “He seems pretty paranoid.”

“You’ve still got a pretty strong treaty.” Commends Sean. “Just remember; once in the arena, watch them carefully. They may decide to betray you at any moment.”

“We’ll watch for that.” Nathan promises him.

Olivia speaks tentatively. “What till you two do if you make it to the final two? Only one of you can come home.” Instantly, she knows that was the wrong thing to say. I burst into tears, and Nathan glares angrily at her. I don’t eat, but go hide in my room. I collapse into a ball on the floor.

Nathan comes in a while later, after he’s done eating. “Olivia says she’s sorry.” He grumbles. I sniff and nod my head slightly. Nathan picks me up, and gently places me on the bed. He changes in the bathroom and then slips under the sheets of the bed.

“What if that does happen, Nathan?” I grieve. “What happens if we are the final two?”

He looks at me, his expression stony. “You’re going home, Zania. No matter what. I will personally hack down every single tribute in that arena to keep you safe. If it comes down to the two of us, I will kill myself so you can go home.”

I start to cry again. “But you can’t!”

“Zania, I wouldn’t make you watch! I’d send you to hide somewhere or something.”

“That’s not it!” I howl. “You’re my brother! You can’t die!”

“Be real.” Nathan argues. “We’re in the Hunger Games now. You have to face the fact that one of us is definitely going to die and I’m going to do all I can to make sure it isn’t you.”

“Nathan, I’m scared.”

He squeezes me into a hug. “I know, I know. But I’ll protect you, I promise.”

I feel secure in my brother’s arms. I feel like nothing, or no one, can hurt me, but I know I won’t feel this way for long. Now I have two bodyguards, and I know this should make me feel safe, but it doesn’t. I just feel more vulnerable than ever.

There's Nothing More Important than Family, chapter 6

I wake up from a nightmare, where the girl from District 4 was slowly slicing Nathan, Addalie and Mark into tiny pieces, and she was telling me I was next. Then I see my mother’s face saying, ‘One of you has to come home’ in a scary, echoing voice.

When I open my eyes, Nathan is looking at me with a concerned expression. “Are you alright?” he asks me. “You were crying and screaming and thrashing around. I didn’t know if you were asleep or awake.”

I wipe the tears from my eyes. “I’m fine. It was just a nightmare. Go back to sleep.”

“There’s no point in going back to sleep. It’s nearly morning.” He answers. I wear the same thing I did the day before. I know Kerany will probably have me change into something else for training.

I serve myself again, and eat while looking out the window. I’ve never been so high off of the ground. I can see over many of the buildings, and it looks so beautiful, but I can’t help but think that District 9 is so much prettier. The fields have a natural beauty that the Capitol could never achieve.

The sun slowly rises over the giant city as the District 9 support team slowly wakes up; first Sean, then Morjay. Olivia comes next and Palana last. Kerany is nowhere to be found.

Sean assembles us (Olivia, Nathan and I) in the sitting room. He tells us, “You’re going to training now. I want you to tell me now what you think your strengths are.”

“I’m pretty strong.” Admits Nathan. “I can work with a pitchfork, which isn’t much different from a trident, and I’m okay with a knife.”

“That’s a good place to start.” Says Olivia. “What about you, Zania?”

I have to think really hard before I answer her. “I’m observant. I notice details most people might overlook. I can light fires, and cook food.”

“Those are good skills to have.” Sean tells me. “Lots of tributes freeze to death, or die from eating something poisonous or raw.”

“Why don’t you two try to get to as many stations as you can today?” suggests Olivia. “When you know what you do good at, work on it.”

“Can you make fires quickly?” Sean asks me.

I nod. “When my mother can’t light the furnace fires, I do, and I can make a large fire in about twenty seconds.”

“Stay away from the fire-making station, then.” Sean instructs me. “Save that for your private session. Nathan, how much can you lift.”

“I do most of the heavy lifting in the fields, like carrying the hay bales and machinery.” Nathan explains. “The most I’ve ever lifted was about two hundred pounds, and I nearly crushed me.”

“Steer clear of medicine balls, but in your private session, be sure to show them how much you can lift, and how far you can throw the weights.” Sean considers something for a moment, then continues, “Try out the trident and if you think you’re pretty good with it, use that for your private session too.”

“I advise you to work with some swords, visit the edible plants station and throw a few knives.” Says Olivia. “Knot-tying and snares are always helpful, so visit that station. Zania, I want you to try the obstacle course.”

“Why?” I demand. I’ve heard about how hard the obstacle course is, and I was thinking about avoiding it.

“You’re small.” She replies simply. “You look fast and agile to me. Try it during the group training. You may learn you have a secret ability.”

Suddenly Kerany flaunts in, followed by my prep team. “Zania, come with me at once. We need to get you ready for training.”

“Do we really need that much time?” I ask her. “Why isn’t Moray taking Nathan to get ready?”

“Because Nathan isn’t getting ‘The works’! You are going to look fabulous, much better than the other tributes.”

“What’s the point? It’s not like any sponsors will be there watching me.”

“No, but the gamemakers will appreciate it, and it will intimidate the other tributes.” Says Kerany angrily. Ziza and Hallie each grab one of my arms and Mara pushes me from behind, into Kerany’s room. They pile my hair elaborately on my head, interwoven with my token. Make-up is applied to my face with a steady hand. Kerany has me dress in a skin-tight black body suit and combat boots. I look like a whole other person.

Moray has dressed Nathan up too, but I notice his hair is product-free and his face is washed clean, no makeup at all. He’s wearing black track pants and a matching sleeveless shirt.

“I can see what Kerany meant.” Nathan says n mock approval. “You look like you’re from District 1! Very scary!”

“Shut up!” I cry. “That’s the last thing I want! I just want to be myself!”

“You look fine.” He assures me. “A little fancy, maybe, but don’t worry about it.”

Sean and Olivia lead us to the elevator and press the ‘training’ button. Before it goes down to the training centre, it stops on the 8^th floor, and the tributes from District 8 get on the elevator with their mentors. Sean nudges me, and I remember he said about trying to get an alliance with them. I smile broadly, in a friendly way, and the girl smiles back. She’s pale and freckled, with tangled red hair. The boy, however, frowns suspiciously. We’re on the training level in an instant. Olivia and Sean send us through a large, metal door, and into the training centre. They leave us there.

The training centre is humungous. I can see targets for bows and knives, and dummies used for swords, tridents and other blunt weapons. There’s a pile of rope in one station, used for practicing knots and snares. I see a computer where you can try to choose the edible plant amidst the poisonous ones on a simulated game. A trainer is teaching hand-to-hand combat and another is teaching camouflage.

A burly trainer is standing in the middle of the room. He’s wearing sunglasses, even though we’re indoors. The other tributes are assembled around him, so Nathan and I join them. “Now that we’re all here, I can begin.” He growls. “My name is Hassan, and my job is to whip you twenty-four into shape. When I’m through with you, you will all be competitors in that arena. Some of you think you already know all of this, that you’re too good for the rest of us. I say you should probably check your survival skills, which may be lacking. Don’t underestimate he camouflage, knot-tying and edible plat stations. These skills may save you once in the arena. You are forbidden from fighting with each other; save that for the Games, when you can fight all you want. If you want someone to help you practice, we have trainers on hand, although today we are missing a couple. They will be back tomorrow, and I’m sure you can wait until then.” Hassan dismisses us. Addalie and Mark invite me and Nathan into a huddle.

“I’m supposed to skip weights and Zania isn’t allowed to go to fire-building.” Nathan whispers. “You two?”

“Our mentors told us to avoid spears.” Addalie responds. “They’re a little like cattle-prods, and we both are pretty good with those.”

“Why don’t we all go to different stations?” I suggest. “That way, if we can’t visit all of the stations, someone in the alliance will have been to that station.”

“That’s not actually a bad idea.” Says Mark approvingly. “Any stations you guys want to do first?”

“I want to try out a trident.” Nathan replies.

“I’d like to work on my hand-to-hand combat.” Smiles Addalie.

“I’ll try the obstacle course.” I say.

“And I’ll go to camouflage.” Mark finishes. We all break away from our huddle and head to our designated stations.

 There aren’t many other tributes in line for the obstacle course; the boy from 5, the girl from 7 and both from 12 are there. Directly in front of me is the girl I remember being from District 11. She has dark skin and her sleek, black hair had been chopped into a bob. District 11 was on the list of districts Sean told me to try to add to the alliance, so I watch her when it is her turn. The first obstacle is monkey bars, and she takes them three at a time. She jumps the gap that we are supposed to cross by using a tightrope. When she gets to the rope ladder, she scrambles up it like a spider. She is done the giant course in two minutes. I clumsily go through the obstacle course after her, but anyone would look bad at it if they went after the girl from District 11.

I look around, and find her at the knot-tying station. Without thinking, I go there too.

We go to two more stations (camouflage and hand-to-hand combat) before she notices me. I sit beside her at the edible plants station, and she stares at me curiously. “Why are you following me?” she asks quietly.

I stutter. “I-I, you were just so good on the obstacle course, I wanted see what else you could do.”

The girl cocks her head to the side. “You’re Zania. From District 9.” It is a statement, not a question.

“Yes.” I answer her. “How did you know?”

“I have an eidetic memory.” She says. “I remember everyone. I remember everything. I remember you from the Reaping reruns.”

I consider that for a minute, and I decide it sounds pretty cool. “What’s your name?” I ask her.

“Breah.”

Sea Green, chapter 19 (final chapter!)

Last night Mags, Bruce, Tiffy and I all boarded the train that would take me home.
Mags explained that once we arrived, the whole district would be gathered in front of the justice building, just like at the reaping, only this time it would be for a celebration.
I will be taken onto a stage in front of the justice building, and the mayor will present me to the district, then the rest of the day will be taken off as a holiday, and gifts will be showered upon everyone in the district. I think I'm going to like that the most.
Tiffy informs me that we will be arriving early in the afternoon, and to be ready to look like a victor for the district.
My prep team came with us to make me "presentable" for the big event. They probably wont even leave the train, just get me ready and then take the train back to the capitol.
I can't wait to get back, I'm actually a little quakey in my stomach. I can't wait to see the Cresta's, and I can't wait to tell them the surprise. I talked to Mags, and she says that I can get some capitol medication that will help Robbert. Wait until Annie finds out, I know she hates the games, but at least now she can see something good can come out of it.
I'm waiting in my room on the train, relaxing on my bed and thinking of district four. I decide that I should probably get a shower before my prep team shows up. I jump in and program it to a heavily pressured warm shower, and use some soap labeled "rainy breeze" It has a faint scent that smells like a fresh spring day after a good rain. I spend probably an hour in there, and once I finally get out, I am attacked by my prep team, squealing that they only have an hour to get me ready.
"Goodness you were in there a while!"
Fuchia exclaims as she starts to work on my nails, Petunia starts rubbing different oils and lotions in my skin while Violet tackles my freshly tangled hair.
"Goodness! You would think after a shower your hair would be more manageable!"
Violet says as she picks at it with a comb fiercely.
Petunia continues to work as she says quickly.
"Less talking! Just work, Dalia needs time to get him dressed and then there's the finishing touches!"
They all work quickly and efficiently. And soon I am ready for Dalia, she comes at the summoning of my excited prep team.
She sends them out, saying that she will finish on her own. They all give me hugs, and say that they will see me soon. Then they leave with tears in their eyes.
"Just ignore them, they cry at the littlest thing."
Dalia says with a chuckle.
"I don't mind, I'll see them again in six months right? When I start the victory tour?"
She nods, and holds up a garment bag.
"You ready?"
I nod, and she pulls out a pair of cut off jeans and a white T-shirt with a short sleeve dark blue button up shirt.
She laughs at my surprised face.
"I want to show your district who you are, that you haven't changed. This is you, and you should be represented as who you are."
I look at the outfit, it is me. It looks exactly like what I would wear everyday.
I get dressed, and the outfit is completed with a pair of simple brown sandals.
Added with some of the spray that electrifies my eyes, and my hair styled, Dalia declares that I am ready.
She gives me a long hug.
"I'll see you soon, don't worry. Good luck."
Then she leaves. I take a deep breath, and walk out into the main room. Mags is there waiting for me.
"Dalia did a good job, you look like you did the day of the reaping. Well, you look a little older and more groomed."
I laugh.
"Well thanks. Where's Bruce?"
She looks over her shoulder.
"Probably at the bar."
I nod, It must be hard for him. He mentored Annita and she didn't make it out. How awful it must be to try and ready kids for the arena and then have to watch them die. I think of how I will have to do this in the future.
"Hey Finnick, listen. The games may be over, but the hardships are just starting."
I look at her confused.
"What do you mean?"
She shrugs casually.
"The life of a victor isn't easy. You're a celebrity now, you will be receiving a lot of attention...a lot. You just always have to remember who you are, don't ever let someone take that away from you. Understand?"
I nod. What does she know that she's not telling me? I don't have time to speculate any further, because the train slows down suddenly, and Bruce and Tiffy enter the main car.
"Here we are!"
Tiffy says excitedly.
The train stops at the station, and the doors open. Suddenly, we are attacked by camera flashes. There are dozens of camera wielding reporters, all asking questions.
I am temporarily taken off guard, and stand frozen and blinking.
"Finnick! How does it feel to finally be back home?"
"Have you talked to Annie yet?"
"How are you reacting to being crowned victor?"
"What is the story behind your alliance in the games?"
The questions come thick and fast and all at once. I'm finally saved by Bruce, who steps forward and says simply.
"Give the boy some room you vultures. He's been through a lot and the last thing he needs is to be interrogated."
Mags nudges me, and whispers.
"Smile and wave, then follow Bruce to the car."
I do as she says, and soon we are in the black car on the way to the justice building.
We arrive, and are dropped off behind the set up stage.
Tiffy goes first, followed by Bruce and Mags, and I bring up the rear.
"Wait here until you hear the mayor announce you, then walk up on the stage. Remember confidence, and smile."
Mags tells me before walking up on stage. I hear the microphone click on, and the mayors voice fills the air.
"Welcome everyone, may I present to you the victor of this years hunger games, district fours very own Finnick Odair!"
Cheers from the crowd, and some screaming as I walk up on stage, shoulders back and smiling broadly. I wave to the crowd and make my way over to the mayor. He shakes my hand.
"Good job young man. You've made your district proud."
"Thank you sir."
We turn and pose for a couple of pictures shaking hands. Then the mayor says that I can visit with friends or family in the justice building while he clears the crowd and arranges some things. I agree to this, and he makes the announcement.
"Finnick will be in the justice building to visit with friends and family. Meanwhile we will start the gifts!"
Cheers once again from the crowd, and I'm shown into a large comfortable room in the justice building.
I wait for a few minutes, excitedly waiting for my first visitor which I'm sure will be the Cresta's.
I hear the door open, and Mrs. Cresta rushes in. Before I can say anything she grabs me in a tight hug. She has always been like a mother to me, and I'm overjoyed to see her.
"Hi Mrs. Cresta, it's good to see you."
I gasp out, she is hugging me so tight that it's hard to breathe.
"Oh Finnick. You don't know how hard it's been."
She starts to crying, I pat her on the back.
"It's okay."
She finally releases me, holding me at arms length, she looks into my eyes.
"Finnick you don't have any idea...oh I wish I didn't have to tell you. But it's best to come from me."
I feel a sinking feeling in my chest.
"Is Robbert worse? Because it's okay if he is, I found out I can get a special capitol medicine that will help..."
She bites her lip, and more tears fall down her face.
"Finnick...a few days after you were reaped, his condition grew worse, we took him to the doctor...they couldn't do anything."
Her sobs grow worse, and I stare at her shocked.
"What? No it can't be..."
She takes a deep breath.
"He's gone Finnick. It's been almost a week."
No. Not this, after all I've been through...not this.
"There has to be some mistake..."
I feel panic start to flood into me again. I think of Annie...Annie!
"What about Annie?"
Mrs. Cresta shakes her head and sighs.
"She was the one who found him. She lost it, wouldn't look at me, and she kept asking to see you. I tried to explain that you were in the games, but she couldn't hear me. She calmed down a bit, but she hasn't cried at all, and I think that she is in an extreme state of denial. Most days she just stares into space, and mutters things about Robbert and you."
I sink into a chair. This can't be happening, I must be dreaming or something. I pinch myself until I start bleeding.
"Finnick, are you okay?"
She asks concerned. I look up at her.
"I'm not dreaming am I?"
She shakes her head.
"No, I wish you were but you aren't. Listen, I've tried everything to snap Annie out of it, but she just won't cope with the fact that Robbert is dead. I don't even know if she knows you won the games. Will you please come with me to our house and just talk to her? Maybe seeing you...maybe it'll bring her back to reality."
I nod. Annie needs me, and I'm going to honor Robbert's wish, he wanted me to be there for Annie, and to not change.
We leave the justice building, and walk back to the Cresta's house. Mrs. Cresta opens the door and steps inside.
"Annie? Come look who's here to see you."
There is no answer, she turns to me.
"Will you wait here for just a moment?"
I nod, and she runs upstairs. After several minutes, she rushes back downstairs, a worried expression on her face.
"She's not here. Oh dear, I shouldn't have left her alone...With her condition I have no idea what she'll do."
I feel anxiety building, but stay calm.
"You stay here. I'll go look for her, I think I know where she'll be."
Mrs. Cresta nods slowly.
"Alright, please hurry!"
I leave the house, and run to the coastline.
As I enter the large dunes, I become aware of the familiar saltness of the air. I breathe it in deeply, savouring the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, and the smell of the ocean.
I run down to the waterline, and run up the beach with my feet in the water.
Soon I come to the tall dunes where my special place is. As I walk up it, I notice fresh footprints in the sand.
I reach the top, and see Annie sitting on the large driftwood stump, staring out at the ocean.
"Hey Annie." I say softly. Our code between us. It means, everything's going to be ok, and I'm always here for her.
She whirls around, and stands up.
"Finnick! You're late."
She stands up and shakes a finger at me.
"Naughty naughty, I told you to meet me here at noon, and it's almost two o'clock! What was keeping you?"
I stare at her, and a memory enters my mind.
She is repeating exactly what she said last year when we had a picnic up here with Robbert, after we swam in the water.
She stands in front of me. Her skinny figure is pale, and her copper hair is flying everywhere as usual. But her dark green eyes are bloodshot, and have a faraway look in them.
"Well, never mind why you're late. Robbert should be here soon and..."
I place my hands on her shoulders. Looking her right in the eye.
"Annie...Robbert's not coming, and you know it."
She shakes her head, pushing my hands away.
"I don't know what you're talking about. Why wouldn't Robbert come? He said he would."
Something inside of me breaks at the sight of Annie, her mind is gone, she is outright denying that Robbert is gone.
"Annie listen to me! Robbert is dead! Do you hear me? And you know he is. He's gone!"
She slaps me hard. Her face angry.
"How dare you even say that!"
"He is! Annie he's gone!"
She raises her hand to slap me again, then her eyes change, and she blinks.
"No...he was just sleaping...no..."
She bursts into tears, and I wrap her in my arms, holding her tightly.
"It's okay, I'm here. We are going to get through this together, I wont ever leave you."
She clings to the front of my shirt tightly, sobbing.
I hold her until she stops crying.
"He's gone Finnick...I lost both of you...I just couldn't take it."
I wrap my arm around her shoulders.
"Hey, I promised I would win for you, and I did. I promised Robbert that I would look after you, and that's what I plan to do. I will always be here with you."
She sighs, and kicks the sand.
"I'm an awful friend. You were just in the hunger games, and when you come home, you have to comfort me, and tell me to not worry. I should be telling you that, you shouldn't have to deal with me."
I guide her down the dune, and we start walking down the beach. She is holding my hand tightly, and staying close to my side.
"Don't ever say that, I am here to deal with you. I will always listen to your problems, and I will always comfort you. What else are friends for anyway?"
She gives me a small smile, and with that smile, I know that she will be alright.

There's Nothing More Important than Family, chapter 5

I hear the cheers as the District 1 chariot leaves the stable. The procession has begun, and slowly, the other chariots enter one-by-one. Our chariot rolls slowly into the city, and I hold my head high, hoping I look confident and fierce. I hear cheers as we ride towards the city centre. I smile slightly and we keep moving. Nathan glances up at the giant screen, and sees a live feed of us. “You kind of look scary.” He says with a smile. I roll my eyes at him and he laughs.

The chariot comes to a stop in front of President Snow’s mansion. The thirty-something-year-old president is standing on his balcony. “Welcome tributes,” he calls, and the crowd goes silent, “to another Hunger Games. Again, we must ask ourselves, why must we sacrifice so many young lives? How did the Hunger Games become necessary?

“War. Terrible war. Widows. Orphans. A motherless child. This was the uprising that rocked our land. 13 Districts rebelled against the country that fed them, loved them and protected them. Brother turned on brother until nothing remained. And then came the peace; hard fought, sorely won. People rose up from the ashes and a new era was born. But freedom has a cost. When the traitor was defeated, we swore as a nation we would never know this treason again. And so it was decreed that each year, the various districts of Panem would offer up in tribute one young man and woman to fight to the death in a pageant of honor, courage and sacrifice. The lone victor, bathed in riches, would serve as a reminder of our generosity and forgiveness. Henceforth and forevermore, this pageant was to be known as the Hunger Games.”

President Snow pauses for dramatic effect. I know his speech by heart, for it never changes, year after year. “Now we begin the thirty-fifth Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!” The crowd roars, but I’m getting tired of that phrase.

The chariots wheel us back into the stable and Palana greets us, squealing. “You were wonderful!”

“Thanks!” I blush modestly.

“Great job!” says Olivia, and she helps me jump down.

Sean pulls both of us close, and whispers urgently, “Nice job, but we have more pressing issues. Over there are the tributes from District 10. I’m friends with their mentor, and he says they’re quiet and friendly, but scared, and don’t like their chances. He thinks an alliance is a good idea. I want you two to go over there, and try to make an alliance.”

“But you said to do that during training!” argues Nathan.

“And now I’m telling you to go talk to them.” Snaps Sean. “The more time you have to collect allies, the better.”

Nathan’s still grumbling when I leave, marching up to the District 10 tributes alone. Suddenly, I am gutsy and brave. The girl looks my age, but the boy looks closer to Nathan’s. She’s very short with curly blonde hair, but she’s also quite muscular. The boy has big hands and big shoulders, with long hair that covers his eyes. The boy is dressed like a cow, and the girl, a pig. “Nice costumes.” I say without thinking. I hope it doesn’t offend them.

To my relief, the girl smiles. “Ridiculous, aren’t they? I’m sure we’ll get tons of sponsors in these.”

I grin. “I’m Zania.”

“Addalie.” I shake her hand, and she introduces her counterpart as Mark.

“You’re the girl who got Reaped along with your brother, aren’t you?” the boy asks.

I lower my gaze. “Yeah, that’s me.” I still feel depressed whenever I think about the Reaping and my family back home.

“I’m so sorry.” Says Addalie.

“It’s okay.” I mumble. “I just hope we can both survive until near the end. I don’t want to die in the bloodbath. That’d be easier to do with an alliance.” I take a deep breath, bring my eyes back up, and look pleadingly at Addalie. “I’m going to cut to the chase. I think you two are bound to be competitors, and my brother and I would like to form an alliance with you. You two seem nice enough, and I know you want to win as much as I do. We’d all have a better chance at winning if we join forces for the beginning of the Games.” I am amazed at how much I spoke. Apparently, they are too, because they both looked a little surprised.

“You have a point.” Says Addalie. “The Careers always outlast everyone because they work together.”

I think Mark raises an eyebrow, but I can’t see under his hair. “True, but they’ve also been training their whole lives.”

“So we’ll make an even bigger alliance.” Nathan says, and I jump. I didn’t see him come up behind me. He introduces himself to Addalie and Mark. “Think about it. We’ll have four times the sponsors, since we’ll share what we get, we’ll have more protection, since there’ll be more of us, and we might even get some better stuff than we usually would at the Cornucopia, since we’ll have each other’s backs.”

Addalie bites her lip, considering. “I’m in.” she finally says. “I’m a weak-link already, being a younger tribute. I have a better chance of winning if I team up with you.”

“Yeah, okay.” Agrees Mark. I know Nathan’s arguments won them both over. We all shake hands once more, sealing the deal.

“Are you considering bringing anyone else to the alliance?” asks Addalie enthusiastically.

“We’re thinking about the tributes from 8 and 11.” Nathan admits. “Our mentors told us to work on the alliance during training.”

“We’ll help you out with that when we can.” Mark says, motioning between himself and Addalie. “But we’re open books now. No secrets. We need to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, so we can protect each other.”

“Of course.” I say. “We need to work together to beat out the Careers.”

“Apparently, the building we’re staying at until the Games has a roof.” Says Addalie unexpectedly. “My mentor told me about it. We can meet there when we get back, and talk strategy. He said it’s very loud up there. Harder to be overheard.”

“Sounds like a good place to start planning.” Says Nathan. “Zania and I will meet you there.” I wave goodbye to the two of them, and Nathan pulls me back over to where Sean and Olivia are standing.

“How’d it go?” asks Olivia.

Nathan smiles. “Their names are Addalie and Mark. And they’re in.”

“Good.” Says Sean. “This is a good start.”

“We’re meeting them on the roof to get a plan together when we get back!” I pipe up happily. The fact that we now have an alliance gives me a new sense of hope and excitement.

“Even better!” exclaims Olivia. “We’ll know what we’re doing way before the Careers do! Be sure to tell us what you four come up with when you get back!”

“Okay.” Replies Nathan. “And during training, they say they’ll help us get the tributes from 8 and 11 to join.”

 Sean grins. “You know, I think this will be a Career-free Games in a week!”

Palana steps awkwardly into the middle of our conversation. “I’m sorry to interrupt you,” she says sweetly, “But our rooms are ready. We should probably get going to the Training Centre.”

We follow Palana to a large tower in the City Centre, and she leads us into an elevator. “Each district has a floor to themselves.” Explains Palana. “We’re on the ninth floor, since you two are from District 9, and the real training centre is in the basement.” I look at the elevator control panel and notice, with a smile, the button labeled ‘roof’. There’s another button labeled ‘training’, and I’m pretty sure I know what’s on that floor. Palana pressed the button labeled with a ‘9’, and the elevator shoots upwards.

Our new, temporary home looks exactly like the train, except everything’s bigger and there are rooms for Kerany, Moray and the prep teams too. Nathan and I go to our room, change out of our costumes, and into something more comfortable. My hair is super wavy from the braids, but otherwise, we erase every trace of the farmer costumes.

Quickly, so Addalie and Mark aren’t waiting for us too long, we slip into the elevator, and press ‘roof’.

Addalie and Mark are waiting for us. They, too, changed out of their costumes and I can’t blame them. They looked so stupid in their giant animal suits.

We don’t do much, except talk about our families back home, and how the Capitol differs from our districts. Somehow, this isn’t the kind of planning I thought we’d do, but I don’t mind. I like hearing about the other district, and I start to really trust Addalie and Mark. I know that for me to survive they have to die, but I try to forget that. My only concern is to outlast the Careers, and I think that, now, I can.

There's Nothing More Important than Family, chapter 4

Just as we promised our mentors, Nathan and I are up at eight o’clock. Palana tells us we can serve ourselves, as there is a buffet in the dining room. I help myself to some waffles and a tiny bit of fruit. Nathan must be hungry, for there is a mountain of food on his plate. We sit cross-legged in the sitting room because the chairs in there are comfier. I finish eating before Nathan does, but that is to be expected, considering how much he took from the buffet. Olivia comes in close after we did, but Sean doesn’t show up for another half-hour. Olivia tells him he must eat while they strategize with us.

“So.” Begins Olivia awkwardly.

Sean interrupts her impatiently. “Would you two be up to making an alliance with tributes from other districts?”

I shrug, and Nathan says, “It depends on who it is. I don’t want any Career allies, or that girl from six. The boy from seven is a ‘no’ as well.”

Olivia nods. “Yes, that was not what we were thinking either.”

“That’s something you two need to work on during training.” Instructs Sean. “During your lunches, don’t be afraid to socialize with the others. If you’ve seen any of the previous Games, the tributes with allies go far. They usually make it to at least the top ten; it depends on the tributes in your alliance though, of course.”

“Of course.” I mutter quietly, so only Nathan can hear me.

“Try tributes from 8, 10 and 11.” Olivia suggests. “They’re usually nice, and not bad on the ‘survival’ side of things.”

“Ok, cool.” Says Nathan. “Try to make an alliance with the tributes from 8, 10 and 11. Got it. Anything else?”

“Palana, what time is it?” calls Olivia.

“Nine-thirty!” Palana sings back. Today she is dressed in gold, browns and yellows. She told me it is in honor of District 9. I decided sometimes, she isn’t half bad.

“That means we will be in the Capitol in about an hour.” Says Sean. “We won’t talk about your strengths until tomorrow. Why don’t you two get dressed? You can’t arrive in the Capitol in your pajamas.” For the first time since the Reaping, I smile. The uptight, high-fashion citizens of the Capitol probably wouldn’t enjoy it very much if we wore pajamas all day!

I change into comfortable cargo pants and a black long-sleeved shirt. Nathan dresses in plaid shorts and a white shirt with a collar. He returns my token to my head, attaches his around his wrist, and we leave the room together. We ask Palana questions about the Capitol until the train enters a tunnel, and I know we are finally here. Nathan and I dash to the window and stare at the clean-looking Capitol. The buildings are huge, and everything looks high-quality and chic. I am now more nervous than ever. Nathan reaches for my hand, and I take it gratefully. I watch the eager Capitol fans cheering as we pull into the station. I wave slightly, and they all scream wildly. Nathan starts to laugh.

“I know.” Smirks Olivia. “They’re crazy, aren’t they?” The train stops, and Palana ushers us to the door.

Before we leave, Sean calls, “You’re going now to meet your stylists. You may not enjoy the experience but do whatever they tell you to.”

I nod to show I understand and Palana escorts Nathan and me to the Remake Centre. We walk into the building, and there is a long corridor with doors on either side. On the left side are the boys, and on the right, there are doors for the girls. A number on the door indicates which district’s tribute’s room it is. Palana takes us to the ‘9’ doors and Nathan disappears into the left room. I go through the right door. Three people are waiting for me, and I can tell they’re from the Capitol because of what they’re wearing.

“Zania!” one squeals. “You’re here! I’m Ziza!”

“I’m Mara.” Says the man in the corner excitedly.

“And I’m Hallie.” Says the last, more serious one. “We are your prep team.”

They start by removing hair from my body. They then wash the hair on my head that they didn’t remove and dry in quickly. They moisturize my skin, and paint my nails with a clear coat. They circle me, and I feel self-conscious since I have nothing on.

“She’s ready for Kerany.” Announces Hallie, and Mara leaves to go fetch my stylist. Hallie and Ziza go too, leaving me alone. Kerany comes in, and I see she looks as ridiculous as all of the others. Her eyebrows are unnaturally high and her face is plastered with makeup. She wears nothing but a silver bodysuit, and I think to myself that she looks like a surprised clown.

Kerany circles me just as the prep team had, then says in a deep, exotic voice, “Put your robe back on. Lunch is here.” I think it’s weird how she rolls her ‘r’s. I hastily tie my robe around my body and sit with her on a couch in the middle of the room. The sandwiches they have on the table are delicious. “Your brother’s stylist and I were talking, and we think we want to emphasize the unity between you two through the costumes.”

I raise and eyebrow. I’m not sure what she’s saying, so I clarify, “You want us to dress sort of the same?”

“Is that not what I just said?” snaps Kerany hotly. “Now, District 9 is the district of farmers. Moray, the other stylist, and I have decided to dress you as farmers.” I knew we would be farmers. The District 9 tributes are dressed as farmers every year. I think the stylists need to be more creative.

Kerany tells me to stand up, and the prep team scurries back in. They dress me in my costume, do my hair and apply my make-up, but I have no idea what I look like. My eyes have been closed for the last few hours.

“Open your eyes.” Kerany orders impatiently, and I reluctantly obey her.

Ziza leads me to a mirror. My hair had been woven into two braids with gauzy red bows tied at the bottom of them. I wear a checkered red blouse and a denim skirt. Cowboy boots come up to my knees, and my token has been returned to my head.

“Your circlet,” says Kerany, “It would not last long in the arena. I sprayed it with a concoction of mine. It is as strong as steel, and it will last forever.”

“Thanks.” I mutter.

“Moray and I want to show you are farmers. While in the chariot, your brother will carry a pitchfork, and you, a spade.” I nod. “The Tribute Parade starts in forty-five minutes.” Kerany says exactly. “We shall not be late. Come.”

She leads me into a back room, and I see that it is not a room, but a tunnel, and it leads to a large, stable-like room. Most of the other tributes are here. Nathan is already there with his stylist, standing beside our chariot. It is decorated by gold representations of wheat and our horses are golden as well. Nathan is wearing cowboy boots and denim overalls, but no shirt underneath. It looks good though. The females in the audience will be screeching in delight when they see him, I’m sure. I see he’s wearing his token too, and I wonder if Kerany sprayed it with her special life-lasting spray.

“Hey Zania.” He grins. I hug him around the middle.

Olivia and Sean approach us. Sean speaks, “Now, usually, we’d tell you to try to be the most memorable possible, but you two are already big in the Capitol. Everyone knows who you are, since this is the first time siblings have been reaped together. Instead, I’m going to tell you to stay close, and try looking a little…arrogant. The sponsors will see that you two are together, fighting and ready for anything.”

“It’s time to go!” shrieks Palana. “Quick, get into your chariot!”

Nathan jumps into the chariot, but I struggle to get in, so Sean lifts me. Moray passes up the Pitchfork and the spade. Once we are both positioned, Nathan puts his arm around my shoulders and anchors me to the chariot. I try to hide the fear from my face as Nathan whispers, “Get ready.” Our chariot is pulled into line, behind the chariot from 8, and slowly, our chariots enter the arena.

Sea Green, chapter 18

When the world comes back into focus, I find that I am in a sterile white room. I'm laying in a bed, and the sheets feel like silk. I relax against the soft mattress, then reality hits me like a truck.
The games, Luna, I killed them...Annita, Vicktor, Xavier and Alexia. I killed them all.
Suddenly I feel sick to my stomach, I try to rise out of bed, but my arms and torso are constrained by leather straps.
I stretch against the straps, but they hold me in tightly. I give up with a sigh, and take a closer look at the room I'm in.
Everything is white, and it almost hurts to look at. The tall door on the left wall is closed, and I can bet it's probably locked, there is a window to my right, but the curtains are drawn. Then there is a low table next to a armchair. Besides that there is nothing except my bed. I look at my right arm, and see several clear tubes sticking out of it.
As far as I can tell I am only wearing a pair of shorts. Then I start in surprise.
All my scars are gone. Not only the ones that I got in the arena, but all the ones I've accumulated over the years. All gone, not even the faintest hint of one. My skin is its natural golden brown, and perfectly smooth.
I feel one of the tubes in my arm quiver, and I watch as a light pink colored liquid drips slowly down the tube and into my arm, then my body relaxes, and the world fades away once again.
I am half conscious, barely aware of the feeling of the soft sheets against my skin. I breathe deeply, and roll over.
"Finnick? You awake yet?"
I sit up quickly, and blink in surprise.
"Mags?"
She is sitting by my bed, dressed in a simple grey dress.
I look around, they moved me from the medical room, now I'm in a room that looks all to familiar. I'm back in the training center.
"Hey Finnick, how are you feeling?"
I yawn, and flex my muscles.
"I feel great. Why am I back here?"
She sits back in her chair, and watches me carefully.
"After you were finished in the medical lab, they decided to move you back here, just until you're ready for the crowning ceremony, then we can get you back home to district four."
I smile. Home, I don't think anything sounds more wonderful.
"What did they do to me in the medical lab?"
I ask curious. Mags shrugs.
"Well, they gave you the antidote for that poison for one thing, then when you were deemed stable, they did an overall cleansing. They erased all of your scars, and got you healthy again. Other than that, not much."
I nod, once again looking over my perfect skin.
"When is the crowning ceremony?"
She stands up.
"This afternoon."
I look up in surprise, and jump out of bed.
"Today? How long ago was I in the arena?"
Mags stifles a smile.
"They pulled you out of the arena three days ago. I suggest you get ready for your prep team, they are going to be all to happy to see you."
She walks over to the door, then pauses and turns around, giving me a grin she says.
"You can start by putting some pants on."
I look down, and see I am just in a pair of boxers, then I look back up at Mags and grin.
"Why? Is this distracting?"
She laughs, and calls over her shoulder as she walks out.
"Don't flatter yourself kid. I'll see you tonight."
I chuckle, and dress in a pair of jeans and a simple dark blue T-shirt.
Then I go over and sit on my bed, waiting for my prep team.
As I sit, my mind wanders back to the arena.
All the horrors, the murders. All the blood, I look down, and see that I have blood staining my hands. I gasp in shock, and try to rub it off, but it only spreads. Then I see the faces of the other tributes. Luna hovers in front of me, frail and innocent looking as ever.
"Finnick, why didn't you save me?"
I feel tears run down my face, and breathing seems to get harder.
"I...I'm so sorry...I tried..."
Luna's face turns hard, and she snaps angrily at me.
"No you didn't! You let me die because you wanted to live! You didn't care about me at all!"
I fall onto the bed, tears streaming from my face, as I start hyperventilating.
"No...that's not true...no...NO!"
Everything swims into darkness, and I sink into blissful unconsciousness.
When I wake up, my whole body and mind is numb. I feel nothing, think nothing.
I rip a strip of fabric from the sheet, and start tieing and knots slowly.
I hear the door open, but I just stare into the distance.
I think someone is talking to me, but I don't really hear anything.
It's my prep team, they do the usual things to make me perfect, and Dalia enters with a garment bag.
I see her lips moving, but I don't hear anything. I just continue to stare into space blankly, tieing and undoing knots.
Concern shows on Dalia's face, and she orders the prep team out.
Then she tries to talk to me again, after this doesn't work, she leaves the room.
I sink mechanically onto the bed, and sit with my makeshift rope, twisting it in my hands, forming complicated weaves, and undoing them with a pull.
I see Bruce enter with Dalia trailing behind, he doesn't hesitate but comes right up to me and crouches directly in front of me.
He says something, waves a hand in front of my face.
It's almost like I am asleep, I can't do anything, but my mind is aware of what is going on. The only thing I can do, is tie and untie knots, and I do that automatically.
Suddenly pain erupts across my face, and reality snaps in.
I focus my eyes in time to see Bruce raise his hand, and slap me across the face again.
"Finnick!"
I hear his voice shout, and slowly my senses start to work.
My brain slowly begins working, and I grab Bruce's hand as he's about to slap me again.
"Stop!"
The word comes out of my mouth, and I begin to breathe normally.
"Are you snapped out of it?"
Bruce asks, hand still held at the ready.
"Snapped out of what?"
Bruce lowers his hand, and sighs.
"It's called 'traumatic shock syndrome' very common with the victor of the games, mixed with the feeling that you have blood on your hands, and that you took another persons life. Well, it's a miracle how many victors stay sane."
I rub my stinging cheek.
"Yeah that sounds about right...Oh no...I killed them didn't I?"
Bruce grabs both my shoulders tightly, staring straight into my eyes, he speaks with such intensity that I can do nothing but listen.
"You listen to me. It wasn't your fault, you had to do it, and if you didn't you would be dead. I know that it's awful, but that's the truth. Now, you have to stay strong, you have to remember who you are, remember everything Mags and Tiffy ever taught you, and most of all remember that you promised that little girl back in district four that you wouldn't change. You have to keep that promise, understand? I've seen too many victors change for the worst after the games, and I wont let that happen to you. Understand?"
I nod. At the mention of Annie, my mind relaxed, and a great calm filled my body. Bruce is right, I promised her that I wouldn't change.
My hand reaches up to the necklace she gave me, and I hold it tightly.
"Yes. I understand. Thank you, I'll be alright now, I promise."
He gives me one more long look, then her stands.
"Good. I'll be waiting with Tiffy and Mags in the main room. The crowning ceremony will take place at the same place as the interviews, after you are crowned, you will have a short victory interview with Caesar Flickerman. After all that is through, we will board the train to district four, and to your new home."
I look up surprised.
"New home?"
Bruce grins.
"Yup, You'll be neighbors with Mags the other victors and I, in victors village."
I remember now, once you win the games, your district is showered with gifts from the capitol, and the victor moves into victors village, in the wealthiest part of the district. Speaking of wealthy, a victor never has to worry about money again, they have more than they know what to do with.
"I'll see you then."
Bruce nods, and walks out. I look over at Dalia, who has been patiently waiting to one side.
"Hi Dalia, sorry about earlier..."
She shakes her head.
"Don't apologize, I've seen it before. I'm just glad to see you're back to your old self again. Now, how about we get you to look like a victor?"
I smile what I remember Tiffy calling my "Whatever you say" smile, and get dressed.
In a very short time, I am walking to the main room, looking once again like the suave young man with the wavy bronze hair and sparkling sea green eyes. Dalia has me dressed in a black suite, with a shining gold shirt, open at the top in the usual fashion. It goes well with my token.
I enter the main room, and see Mags Bruce and Tiffy waiting for me.
Tiffy immediately runs over and gives me a hug.
"Finnick! So good to see you!"
I give her a smile.
"You too Tiffy."
I glance over at Mags, and she raises her eyebrows questioningly, she must have heard of my shock trauma whatever. I give her a reassuring smile, and we board the elevator.
Once at the interview building, the others find their seats, and I'm left standing all alone. I feel the panic start to creep back into me, and I take a deep breath.
"I did this for Annie, I am not going to change."
This relaxes me, and I hear the music start as President Snow takes the stage.
"Quiet down please!"
The President says into the microphone.
"Thank you. Now, may I announce this years victor of the hunger games: Finnick Odair from district four."
The crowd goes insane, as I walk up on stage. The President shakes my hand, then places the gold victory crown on my head.
"Congratulations young man, you bring glory and honor to your district."
The President says this with a smile, but there's something in his eyes, something that suggests that he is planning something, and the smile he gives me is the same. What is he thinking?
Then he's putting his arm around my shoulders.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Finnick Odair: Victor of the sixty-fifth hunger games!"
The crowd cheers wildly, and the President shakes my hand again, and exits the stage.
I wave to the crowd, and Caesar Flickerman bounds on stage.
"Well well well! Let's get this interview started!"
The crowd screams as Caesar and I take our seats.
"Now tell me Finnick, how does it feel to be wearing that crown right now?"
I slip back into my old personality.
"It hurts my head."
I turn to the crowd.
"No Seriously! This thing weighs a ton!"
Caesar laughs along with the crowd.
"Well do you think you could suffer with us for just a little while?"
I grin,
"Well, I think it makes me look dashing, so I suppose I could wear it a little while longer."
All the women in the crowd scream their agreement.
"Indeed it does. Can you give us a little insiders view on what the games were like? We only got to see the edited version, so we weren't with you the whole time."
How do I respond to that? The games were worse then a nightmare. What do I say?
"Well Caesar, I would tell you, but you really had to be there you know?"
He nods.
"Well then, tell us a little about your unexpected ally. It was exciting for us watching because we saw who it was before you did, and the suspense was thrilling."
I smile.
"Well, you all met Luna. I swear at the interviews, she looked just like an angel."
Caesar places a hand over his heart.
"That she did. What was she like in the games?"
I think of the games, and for the first time, I remain calm.
"She...she was my guardian angel. She saved my life more than once, and the whole time that we were in the games, unsure if we were going to live or die, she was always ready with a smile, and she never complained, not once. She told me that she wanted me to win, she wanted me to win for Annie."
A hush falls over the crowd, and Caesar has tears in his eyes. When he speaks, his voice is a whisper.
"And you did. Are you excited to go home and see Annie?"
I smile, and nod. Thinking of Annie's untamable hair always falling in her face, and her skinny lanky figure, and all the other little things that make Annie Cresta.
"Yes. Yes I am."