Secrets, Lies and Eternal Sadness: ~What if Annie had stayed?

Chapter 1

Yes, this is my new project! I decided to write what happened to Annie if she had stayed in District 4 like Liam had wanted. You should continue this from Chapter 8 of SLAES:TTS! My awesome cover was made by my awesome friend DarkColours! Here's what could have been!

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Suzanne Collins owns all characters of the Hunger Games trilogy.

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Chapter 1

Annie’s POV

I walk to my room slowly and think about what my father has told me. I keep my baby and leave or I get rid of it and stay. I have to consider how this will affect not only me but the rest of my family.

If I keep this baby and leave everyone will think I’ve done something terrible and my parents have disowned me. Then my parents will look bad. And I don’t want that to happen.

If I get rid of it I get to stay here. I act like nothing happened. But what will Finnick say? He has rights here too. And if anyone were to find out I’d never get a fair chance here. Abortion is something that never happens. And if you ever do this sinful thing, you’re never looked on the same.

I have to think carefully. The decision I make now determines how the rest of my life plays out.

Finn comes in about an hour after my confrontation with dad.

“Hey An.” He says, sitting beside me on the bed.

“It’s not fair.” I say.

“What happened?” Finn asks.

“Dad told me to keep it and leave or get rid of it and stay.”

“You can’t get an abortion. It’s the most sinful thing you can do around here. People will talk.” Finn says.

“People don’t have to know.” I say. “If I can do this without anyone ever finding out my life will be perfect.”

“Who already knows?” Finn asks. “You’re going to have some explaining to do.”

I nod. “I know. But I can’t leave here. It’s the only place I’ve ever known. I can’t do it on my own. Only you, me, Finnick, Rue, Mom and Dad know. Mom, Dad and you will know what I’m doing. And I plan on writing to Finnick. He can tell Rue if he wants.”

“An please think about this carefully. I’d hate for you to make a decision you’ll regret later.”

I nod and my hard exterior crumbles. Tears flow from my eyes and my brother wraps his strong arms around me.

“Don’t cry An. Just think about this. I don’t want you to have a hard life because of it.”

I nod. “It’s just not fair! He’s given me the choice of murder or banishment. What kind of choice is that?! How do I deal with that?!”

“It’s ok.” Finn says, pulling me closer. “I’ll never go away.”

I nod. “I know. You’re the best brother ever.”

He smiles. “I do try.”

I smile. “Ok. You know what I’m doing. Can you tell Mom and Dad? I have writing to do.”

He nods. “I guess I could.”

I smile. “Thanks Finn.”

He smiles and leaves the room without another word.

I sit at my desk and look down at the blank sheet of paper in front of me.

I know if I wait too long the letter will never be written so I start writing.

Finnick,

The contents of this letter were by no means easy for me to write and I doubt they will be any easier for you to read. I have made a very big decision. I don’t know what this will mean for our future but it the decision I have made regarding the rest of my life.

My parents found out about the baby and they were very upset about it, especially my father. He said I could keep the baby but leave Panem or get rid of the baby and stay here.

You have to know I have taken a lot of time thinking long and hard about this choice and I have made my decision based on the effect it will have on the rest of my life.

I’m too young to leave this place. It’s the only place I’ve ever known and I’m not ready to go yet and not on my own.

I’m going to get rid of the baby. I know abortion is a sinful thing here and if anyone were ever to find out, I’d have an awful life. I trust you to keep this between us. Tell Rue if you want but you have to make her understand she can’t tell anyone. My life depends on it.

Yours lovingly,

Annie x