Annie's Story

Chapter twenty three

In a beautiful red dress I stand in the line to go onto the stage. It's not a really long dress, it ends at my knees. I actually love it! My stylist might be an annoying Capitol person, but his creations are beautiful. Felix stands behind me and I can feel his breath in my neck. I don't know what to do with him, does he like me? I have no idea. And if he does, there's still nothing I can do. I like Felix, but nothing can beat my love for Finnick.

"And now we have another lovely tribute! She's the mermaid from our very own District four, put your hands together for Annie Cresta!" The voice of Ceasar Flickerman sounds. I get nervous and my hands start to sweat. Slowly I walk onto the stairs. I can't walk faster because of these heals. I make my way onto the stage and I smile. I wave at the crowd and sit down in the white chair. Ceasar has this way too bright smile on his face. "Annie! Can I say you look beautiful? Wow darling you're so stunning!"I blush a bit. "Thank you. You look great yourself too." I say looking at his green hair. He starts to laugh. "Merci. So, Annie, how are you on this lovely evening?" He asks a bit curiously. "I'm great." I lie with a smile and a wink. "That's fantastic. Well darling, now we're here, I'm supposed to ask you questions. And for you I've planned some... Special fabulous questions!" Fabulous special questions? What? "Alrighty then, bring it on Ceasar." I say laughing a bit. The crowd starts to laugh just as Ceasar. "You're a tough one. Okay Annie, first question, how was life back in District four?" What? What do they want me to say? "Well er... I got bullied a lot. And it wasn't always the best life ever." I tell them honestly. Everyone is silent. "Poor dear... But now can you show all of them that you're better than them! This will shut them up." Ceasar says, really feeling sorry for me. Everyone remains silent.

"The next question I have for you dear, five years ago, I've seen you. Crying at your mentor's Reaping. Why's that hunny?" My mouth gets dry and my eyes start to water a bit. I can't say it! I can't tell it! Finnick will be punished! "Because... Because I thought Finnick was really kind. And I was just praying he would survive." I wipe some sweat of my forehead and smile nervously and awkwardly. "There's nothing, you know, like love going on between you two?" Ceasar asks curiously. I shake my head. "Nope, not at all. Finnick didn't even know me before these Games." I say thinking about what he said the last interview. "No? Okay, then. Annie, your time is up sweetie." He says with a wink while he stands up and grabs my hand. I stand up too and wave at the crowd with my free hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the sweet Annie Cresta!"