If we burn } Finnick Odair

Chapter 15 ~its still a start~

Daphne's pov

The next morning Finnick wakes me up and we go to breakfast. Back to our original schedule I suppose. Finnick's been extra quiet.

"Are you okay?" I ask as we make our way to the cafeteria. He turns his head to me. "Huh?" "Are you okay?" "Of course why wouldn't I be?" "You've been extra quiet." "I don't mean to be." "Are you sure you're okay?" "Yes beautiful I promise I'm okay." I take his hand in mine and lean onto his upper arm.

When we get to the cafeteria I raise my eyes to make sure I can see everyone in the room. Safety tactic I guess. "JOHANNA!" I scream running to her hugging her. "They let you out?!" "Yep! They have me roomed with Katniss." "How's that working out for you?" "She offered. That's what weird about it. But it's better than the hospital. I'm allowed to start training too." "Oh my Snow that's awesome!"

Finnick comes back over with our food. "I told you everything was okay." He says. "You knew?!" "Yeah she told me yesterday I wanted to surprise you." "So you took an oath of silence to reframe from spoiling the surprise this morning." "I couldn't help it! I was excited!"

"Well well look who's back." Haymitch says. "Looks like we're back to the original trio again. Hate to break it to you guys I've looked everywhere there's no ounce of quote on quote fruit punch for you all to get into here for the three of you to celebrate." "What?" Katniss questions. Mags giggles. All three of our faces turn red. "This must be good look at their faces." Prim laughs.

"Well it all started at a capital party. The first time they all really got to hang out I guess you could say they met that day. Finnick wouldn't let Daphne have any alcohol along with himself because of yours truly. Finnick and Daphne dance for a minute then Daphne goes to get some punch. Johanna by this point is hammered drunk. Let's put it as the punch these two smart cookies have is spiked so after a few more drinks THEY'RE drunk. And to whom it may concern they are practically toddlers when drunk alright? So I'm out of there going to join Mags and Blight telling them everything. We don't hear anything for a minute that's when we knew there was something wrong. We go around to every floor looking for them and when we get to my floor THEY HAD A FOOD FIGHT!"

"OKAY THAT'S NOT THE WHOLE STORY!"

"Okay angel you tell the story then." "It was a sword fight not a food fight." "That explains the food all over my floor." "We didn't have actual swords." "Oh and get this they got yogurt on me when I walked in and found them then Mags and Blight found them and dragged them back down to their floors BY THEIR EARS." "Okay but look at it this way Finnick nor I have drunk any alcohol since."

Johanna doesn't say anything. She looks down. Finnick and I both notice what's wrong. She misses Blight. I grab her hand giving it a squeeze making her look up at Finnick and I. "Are you alright?" Finnick mouths to her. She takes a deep breath before nodding. I don't think people realize how much Blight truly meant to Johanna. He was like her Mags. When she had nobody to turn to for guidance he was there just like Mags. We all miss him but he'll never mean as much to us as he did to Johanna.

Johanna's pov

Was I really showing that much emotion? Daphne AND FINNICK both noticed my silence. Daphne was expected she can notice literally the slightest change in anything. Don't play spot the difference with her Finnick and I literally got DESTROYED when we all played.

As much as the story of our first night as friends is embarrassing we all still like the story. In all honesty it's what started our friendship. The only thing about it is well Blight. He really is gone. I feel bad for what I said about him not being much but he was from home. I practically called him worthless in the games. He wasn't. I wasn't going to let the capital see they could make me show any emotion of heartbreak.

Daphne's pov

After breakfast we all begin training. For the first time it's me, Finnick, Johanna, and Katniss. We did it. The four of us actually did it. We overcame the impossible we can all train together. If only thirteen could save Peeta. It'd be the quarter quell team again. Even Beetee. He's not fighting here and he didn't necessarily fight then either. It would be the dream team.

I "win" the mile today. Finnick in second Katniss third and Johanna fourth. She'd be much higher if this weren't her first day. Well, more like third. Finnick and me are pretty fast in water and on land.

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be a fish, or ocean life in general. They wouldn't have to worry about Snow in all honesty would they? Or the capital. That evening after dinner Finnick and I visit with Mags. Ever since out outing yesterday she's been so much happier. I knew that was a good idea.

Finnick's pov

Daphne and I go back to our room. She seems so happy. Today really was a good day but I haven't seen her so content in ages. Of course she had her moments where she'd zone out. But all in all she's been okay and I can get her to come back to me.

I can't wait to marry her. Even if the wedding isn't exactly official. It's like acting our a scenario I've dreamed about for years. I can't take my eyes off her as she gets ready for bed. Her perfect skin her perfect hair the way she looks around at her surroundings. She's careful and delicate with every movement she makes. It's amazing to see how she goes from soft and gentle to bold in fierce in seconds when she has to. She's truly amazing. She's all I think about every second of everyday. I never knew I could love someone so much. She's just perfect.

Daphne's pov

About two weeks since Johanna was released from the hospital. Yesterday Peeta told me they're talking about releasing him. Or well letting him out of the hospital some. Of course he still has to be monitored. They can't risk him hurting anybody. But he's allowed to go to every meal and walk the halls as long as he's accompanied. I volunteered to walk with him. I think that was their original intention. Me or a guard. And I knew he'd be more comfortable and possible to make better progress with me there. They wanted someone to watch us. Make sure I'm safe. I volunteered Finnick. I know Peeta wouldn't hurt me. Finnick didn't know how to feel about the idea of me being alone with him because he knows what he did to Katniss but he trusts I know what I'm doing and knows I can handle myself. He also wants to give Peeta a chance.

I think out of everyone in this district Finnick and I are the only ones that truly believe in him. Maybe Haymitch. Nobody seems like they even want to consider giving him a chance. They gave Johanna and I a chance. What's wrong with Peeta? I mean sure Johanna and I didn't exactly hurt anybody but everyone should be given a fair chance. Especially at something as big as this.

Finnick and I walk to breakfast and there he is. Peeta. I notice the shackles on him immediately. Something about that runs all through me. "Hey Peeta!" I smile at the younger boy. "Hi." In a way I feel like he wants to smile back but forgot how to work the muscles in his face that even allow him to smile. "Are they getting you food?" He nods.

"Pigeon if you want to take him to where we all sit I can get your food for you." Finnick suggests with a smile gracing his lips as well. "Thank you." I place a quick peck on his lips. I lead Peeta to where we sit. "Have him here!" Mags signs with a giant grin on her face offering the seat beside her.

Guards help Peeta sit. "I got it from here thanks." I say to them. They nod beginning to walk away. "Can you not unshackle him?" "No, we cannot. He's still untrustworthy they're to prevent anything from happening." "He's sitting at a table full of Panem's most powerful and strong victors. We promise you he'll be okay." I look to the smaller guard. He seems nicer and easier to get by with than his partner. His gaze softer. He hesitates looking at all of us then back to Peeta. "Alright. But if anything happens you have to sedate him." He hands a syringe to me. I roll my eyes as the two of them walk away.

Finnick comes back with our food. "So Peeta do you like the food they serve here?" Stupid question on Finnick's part who actually enjoys the food they serve here. It's better than nothing though. Peeta's doing okay keeping conversation. He's eating. I just hope he stays like this when Katniss gets here.

AN- personally i love the friendship Johanna Finnick and Daphne all share. and how they all love the older mentors (Mags, Haymitch, Blight) it's also kind of cute how 4 protects Peeta throughout this. i hope you all enjoy this next chapter thank you for reading !!