The Capitol's Lies || Annie Cresta's Story

Chapter 4

Why him? Out of all the stinking Peacekeepers, it had to be him. I feel anger swelling inside me and push it down.

"Hello Captain Reeds," I say with a slightly cracked voice and praying that Captain is the right term.

"I never did learn your name red," he says with a repulsive smirk.

I tilt my head slightly, not sure of the correct response. I can't even think, rage threatens to consume me.

"So, what is it?" He says roughly. "I'm guessing something along the lines of Fireball."

I feel the heat of anger rise on my cheeks. "No." I say in a crisp and heated voice. "It's Annie."

"Ah... I see. I think I'll call you Fireball." He smirks and grabs my hand. "Now, Fireball," he says in painful mocking, "You can't go home now." I feel my stomach twist, feeling something bad is going to happen. "You are going to sit here for a while and entertain myself and the other Peacekeepers by singing." His lips curled in a sneer. "And what better song than the Capitol's Anthem? You can prove your undying love for our Panem."

An invisible string snapped and I came undone. I gripped the helmet of Possel and brought it down, hard, on the back of his chair. I saw a look of shock and horror come over him as he fell unconscious. My heart was pounding loudly in my ears, and my blood burned like fire.

I glanced over to the dock and earned a wink from Finnick. All the other people were staring in surprise and admiration. I heard a distant splash, and saw that some of the people were throwing empty shells in the water, in a District 4 applause. The sea clapped gently as the minute shells broke through the surface and sunk. I gave a small nod and dove into the water.

I've done it now. The others are elated I have stood up to the Peacekeepers, but I could be killed for this. Or worse. I focus my energy on swimming, cutting through the water in long strokes and letting it consume me. I dive deep and stroke the floor, only surfacing for breaths. After a few moments of bliss, I return to shore.

I climb out of the water shivering, not due to the cold air, but because the icy stare of a pair of piercing and deadly eyes. It's the Peacekeepers.

"HANDS ON YOUR HEAD!" A peacekeeper points a gun at my leg. "I'LL SHOOT!" His voice rings in my ears. I move my hands towards my head at an agonizingly slow pace staring directly into the eyes of the Peacekeeper.

"Easy there," I say calmly, which only makes him more fidgety.

"Stop talking, red." My heart sinks as I hear the gruff voice. "Guns down, boys, I'll handle this one." He sneers and roughly grabs my hand. "I'm sure you remember, Fireball, our agreement we had before you misbehaved?" He speaks slowly, as if I'm a child.

"Yes." I say in the most steady voice I can manage. He must be talking about singing the Anthem. Some of the Peacekeepers turn as if to leave by Possel orders them back.

"You're going to watch this." He says with a smirk. "Go ahead red, we're waiting."

The people of District Four are slowly gathering in a circle around us. Finnick tilts his head in curiosity. I feel my wet clothes cling to my body and assess the crowd. I take a deep breath, straighten my clothes, and do it.

Finnick POV:

Her voice is so clear and crisp, I gasp and almost forget to breathe. Defiance lights up her eyes. I feel everyone around me stiffen and gasp at her singing, holding on to every word. Eventually, she stops. Silence hangs in the air like perfume.

"Well... Erm, yeah sure." Possel stutters for words and motions that she can leave.

Annie smiles slightly and gives a small curtsy. The crowd didn't applaud or anything, only replying with a stunned silence.

We slowly return to work, moving as if our blood is cement. I suddenly feel over joyed, and I smile to myself.

"Annie." I say softly and slowly, trying out the name on my lips. Today someone rebelled. And in their own little way, they saved us all.

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Hey guys! I tried writing a little in Finnick's POV and I think I'll do it more often now. Thanks so much for 200 views, and PLEASE comment feedback, vote, and follow!
I love you guys! Btw another chapter is coming soon!