Allied Hearts - Finnick Odair

Chapter 19.

'Is it always like this?' Finnick breathed down my ear making the hairs on my neck stand tall.

He was referencing the constant click and flash of the cameras as the Capitol revelled in the new celebrity.

'Pretty much. Just smile and look good, that's what they like to see.' Shrugging it off it made no difference to my life, ever since I was born the community invaded my personal life.

I could feel Finnick's eyes peering at me curiously, it had been awkward since he returned home.

'Do you wish it was Callissa?' He finally broke the uncomfortable silence but the question wasn't much better.

'Of course not. It's just raw.' It was hard to put together my thoughts into words. It wasn't Finnick's fault that those innocent life's were taken, I needed to get a grip and move on.

Victory day had been and gone, by the end of it the two teenagers were mentally exhausted. Finnick would reside in Snow's mansion for the week until he was moved to 'Victor's Village.' It was the same each year.

With few words they both departed and spent the night in their own bedrooms. Deflated my head hit the pillow and a deep sigh fell from my lips. It had been an underwhelming welcome for Finnick and tomorrow I'd have to try harder to accept him into his new Victor's life.

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Snows face was in its usual serious rest. His lips thin in a line as he sat deep in thought.

'Good morning.' Chirpily Finnick interrupted the father and daughter duo as they sat at the breakfast table.

His face lit up in delight with the sight of the regular feast, going from rations to a huge buffet each day probably would take some adjusting to.

'Hello Finnick, tuck in!' Unlike himself Snow displayed a big toothy grin and his voice was sweet like honey.

The young boy did just that happily, his freshly cleaned hands digging into all he could grab. His eyes were wide awake ready to seize the day. Hungry for the life that was nearly taken away from him.

Luckily I'd woken up in a more open minded way, Finnick's happiness was making my heart jump with joy and I couldn't wish for anyone else to be sat across from me.

The one problem was I feared if I opened my mouth to talk that my father would be quick to reprimand me for it.

After about ten minutes of sitting in silence - apart from the odd hum of delight at the pastries coming From Finnick's mouth, one of the mansions servants knocked on the door before entering.

'President Snow, you're needed urgently.'

A breath of relief fell out of both the teenagers lips as the tension dissolved with the disappearance of Snow.

'Come on, I want to show you my favourite place.' A huge smile couldn't help but to reside on my face as Finnick began to shovel the last of his breakfast into his mouth hurriedly.

The stream was a gorgeous light blue much like Finnick's eyes. Healthy green grass stood tall as soft as a pillow, welcoming anyone who cared to take a seat. Huge blossom trees towered over the hidden section, the pink leaves occasionally falling and gracing the floor.

'I've never seen anything like this.' Wide eyed Finnick took in all the scenery. It was so different to the districts as dark and gloomy as they were.

'I like to come here when the Capitol gets too much.' Picking apart the grass anxiously I reflected on the many times I escaped to here.

I'd come across it the night my mother had passed, I was walking around in such a state that when I stumbled across here it was like all calm was restored. Almost like she was here with me.

'You're the first person I've brought here.' It wasn't too far from the mansion but the trees secluded the spot so not many people would bother to explore.

'Well I'm glad you shared it with me.' His eyes showed genuine happiness which made fireworks erupt in the pit of my stomach.

The two of us stayed there chatting like old friends until evening started to dawn and the change of natural lighting began to dimmer. Hopefully my
Father had been kept busy with work today so he wouldn't be questioning our whereabouts.

It wasn't often that I could get out of the dreary walls of the mansion unless it was for public parties and appearances so it was nice to spend some time outside with Finnick.