Allied Hearts - Finnick Odair

Chapter 20.

'Alia come on, get dressed.' Ava's motherly voice was in full swing this afternoon as she ushered me out of the comfort of my bed.

'For what?' My voice came out whiney like a petulant child.

It wasn't like Ava to be unorganised, usually the weeks plans would be scribbled out on the board stuck to the wall of my bedroom. She always made sure I was mentally prepared for an event.

'I told you before, a party I forgot about.' She was an awful liar, her voice quivered with the fib she was telling.

Sighing over dramatically I swung my legs around and off the bed, the draft instantly hitting me with the lack of the cosy duvet. It was suspicious but I couldn't be bothered to question the situation too much.

Doing as I was told the red dress that had been forced upon me complimented my pale skin well. It was always a joy to wear the colour red, it had always been my mother's favourite colour.

Hurriedly Ava rushed me down the grand hallway and out of the double doors of the building. I attempted to talk a few times but I was shushed, as if they weren't to be heard.

'Ava what the hell is going on.' Growing frustrated I stomped my foot immaturely.

'Well, I promised that I'd celebrate your belated birthday so, here I am.' Surprisingly Finnick's voice arose from behind my back.

Turning to face him he had a bouquet of red roses in his palms and a big grin on his features. It felt as if my heart was going to melt with the scene in front of my eyes.

'Have her back in two hours Finnick.' Ava gave her orders before leaving the two of us alone.

My mind wandered to how we would be celebrating, what would my father say if he knew about this? Oh well, I can't live my whole life through that wicked man.

Holding out his arms I gladly intertwined mine with his own as he guided me through the streets. It was a quiet afternoon with not many people about in the Capitol. Luckily for them as word travelled quickly around here. No one else had anything else to amuse themselves with except gossip and the games.

After a short while of walking it became apparent where I was being led, to our secret spot. My forest escape had also became Finnick's. He'd been here for six days now and once each day we'd find time to sneak out and come here for a little bit.

However this time was different, as we walked up to the grassy bank of the spot fairy lights hung tall from the trees giving it an enchanting light. A picnic basket stood lonely in the middle of a blanket, the contents inside begging to be eaten. Cutlery and glasses were at the ready with a huge glass of juice by the side.

I could feel my cheeks burning up with the effort someone had gone into to surprise me. I'm certain my face was a similar colour to my dress by now.

'Finnick, it's amazing.'

He looked impressed with me reaction. 'Happy birthday, sorry I wasn't here for the day.' Chuckling he grasped my hand and sat me down by his side on the blanket.

All sorts of foods were ready to be consumed; sausage rolls, scotched eggs, mini sandwiches, biscuits, and a huge birthday cake with my name sprawled out in icing on the top. It really was amazing.

'Thank you.' The looming question dawned on me. 'How did you do all of this without my father finding out?'

There was no was absolutely no way Snow would let this happen with his permission.

'Ava helped me out a lot.' He admitted making my heart swell with joy, Ava was the most caring person in my life.

Time went by quickly, before we knew it it was time to start packing up. We had giggled the whole time and ate our body weight in glorious food. 

'Finnick.' I gained all the courage I had in me to ask the question I couldn't shift from my mind. 'What is it like, to know you've took another life?'

The atmosphere changed as Finnick recalled the nightmare he had lived through a week back. A long sigh fell from his lips before he could answer me.

'It's awful, the feeling of it never leaves you. When you close your eyes you see the innocence you ripped from them. When you wake up they're the first person on your mind. I just have to remind myself it wasn't my choice.' The pain in his eyes was evident, I felt guilty for even broaching the subject.

'Weren't you a career?'

'Yes.' A soft smile appeared on his gorgeous features. 'But not by choice. My father taught me from as young as three how to use a trident. My skills were recognised and I was ushered away. Ive spent most of my life in a career training centre getting prepared for the games. This was my year, I either had to volunteer or be killed.' He flinched with the reminiscing and I realised we weren't so different after all.

We were both forced into a life we didn't want.

Packing up the rest of our belongings we began the journey back 'home' if you could even call it that.

Finnick would be going to the Victory Village tomorrow and it was a glum thought. I'd still see him often but not everyday like how I'd gotten adjusted to. I only hope he wanted to continue visiting me.