Annie's Story

Chapter twenty two

Nervous I sit next to Finnick and Preona on the couch, the scores will be up today! I assume I didn't do that well... Nervously I play with my hair. The scores of the district one tributes are about to be announced.

'Heather Morgans, ten.' The always happy Ceasar Flickerman says. How can you ever get a ten?! She's insane. I start to sweat and keep on playing with my hair. If my score is too low, no one will sponsor me and I'll die for sure. 'District four, Annie Cresta.' He pauses to build up the tension. My heart is pounding like an idiot. 'A six.' 

A six? Not really good... But not really bad either. I think I will be in the middle of the scores. But for a career it's weak, it's low. The Careers already told me they didn't want me to be in the Career alliance. They wanted Felix though... Speaking about Felix: 'Felix Anderson. A nine!' A nine?! With a shocked look on my face I turn around and look at Felix, who smiles proudly. 'Congratulations Felix!' Preona says who jumps up and gives him a quick hug. 'This is amazing!' She shouts happily, totally ignoring me and what I did. I turn my head away from the happy people who all congratulate a happy Felix. Suddenly I feel a hand on my shoulder. Slowly I lift my head and see it's Finnick. The look in his eyes is understanding. He probab feels bad for me now, but that's not what I want. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. I try to smile, but it doesn't really work. I shake his hand off of me and walk towards my giant room. I close the door behind me, putting the lock on. I don't want anyone to come in right now.

After four hours I still can't sleep. With a sigh I sit up and go with my hands through my messy hair. Slowly I stand up and put on some shoes. Quietly I leave my room, noticing it's dark in the hallway. Everyone must probably already sleep. 'Ann?' I hear a voice whispering from behind me. I almost let out a scream and turn around fast, seeing who's there. 'Felix, what are you doing here?' I ask him with a puzzled look on my face. 'I could ask you the same question.' He says with a tired tone in his voice. 'I couldn't sleep...' I admit. Felix looks understanding and comes a bit closer to me. 'Me neither, I couldn't stop thinking about it.' Huh? 'Thinking about what?' He sighs and looks at me. 'About you. It's not fair I got a higher score, I'm sorry.' I shake my head. 'You don't need to be sorry, you're just better than me.' With doubt he grabs my hand. I feel like I'm paralyzed and don't pull my hand back. 'Can I... Can I ask you something?' Felix stutters. I nod to show him he can go ahead. 'What's that with Finnick?' He asks while he turns his head away. I start to shake a bit. 'I don't know.' I tell him. I have no idea what to say. I can't just say that I love Finnick right? No, that would be rude. He lays his hand on my cheek and I start to blush. 'No matter what, remember what I said that day on the train. I will protect you, I won't let you die.' My eyes start to water and I try my hardest not to cry. 'You don't have to... do that.' I stutter. 'I know, but I want to.' He says while he gives me a kiss on my cheek and walks away. Stunned I stand still. What just happened?