STILETTO┃Finnick Odair

Chapter 1

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ:*

As the first rays of morning light peek through the curtains I rise from my bed, eager to embrace the day. Every morning, as the sun begins to rise, I find myself drawn to my garden. It's my sanctuary, my little patch of paradise, the worries of the world melt away, replaced by a profound sense of peace.

I reach for my trusted gardening tools, the worn handles a testament to the countless hours spent here. With the rising sun casting a warm glow, and the birds singing a gentle melody, I set to work.

The soil feels soft and cool against my fingertips as I gently dig, creating space for new life. I carefully plant the seeds. Time seems to slow down in my garden. There's no rush, no worries, no haunting memories. It's just me and the earth, communing in silence. The act of nurturing and witnessing the garden's transformation fills my heart with a profound sense of fulfilment.

I finish up and make my way to the cozy nook with a rustic wooden bench that my stepdad made for me, nestled among the greenery. It's my favourite spot to sit and think about everything and anything.

Sitting here I admire my vegetable patch. Rows of plump tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and vibrant bell peppers thrive under the tender care of my hands. And the flowerbeds that burst with an array of flowers, the scent of lavender and jasmine wafts through the air. I watch as Bees and butterflies flit from daisy to daisy. In this little corner of the world, I find solace, I find peace

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ:*

I approach John's bakery, and the aroma of freshly baked pastries fills the air, making my mouth water. I enter the shop and am greeted by John's friendly smile.

"That'll be $5.80 kiddo," he says with a twinkle in his eye, already knowing what i'm going to order. "You know, you're going to have to start paying me in autographs soon."

I roll my eyes, I can't help but to laugh at his joke. He is one of the only people in district 2 that doesn't see me as just a symbol of the games or a puppet of the capitol, just a normal person.

I take a bite out of the pastry and savour the taste of the warm bread and sweet jam, a taste that never gets old.

"John, you're a miracle worker."

"Just doing my part to make the world a sweeter place," he winks.

 After saying our goodbyes I trudge my way back to my mansion in the victors village. I see Ryder, a past victor around my age, waving at me from across the street, he starts to walk over and I give him a sharp nod and keep walking, not in the mood for small talk.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ:*

I reach my door and am greeted by the smell of a freshly brewed pot of coffee.

"Morning CC" my mother, Victoria, exclaims, rushing over to give me a hug. I hug her back, tightly, feeling a sense of comfort in her embrace.

"Good morning mum, morning Malachi" I say, turning to my stepdad who just sat down at the breakfast table.

"Well, look who finally decided to join us. Did you bring any pastries from John's?" He questions.

"No, sorry to disappoint. But I did get a smile and a wave from Ryder on my way back." I reply, taking a sip of my coffee.

My mother looks at me knowingly, aware that I can be quite aloof. Mum and Stepdad continue chatting away, laughter occasionally filling the room. It was a simple conversation, about their day ahead and what they planned to do. I couldn't help but smile and feel grateful for this moment. Despite not knowing who my real father is, Malachi has always treated me like his own, and I love him for that. And my mother's unwavering love is the one constant in my life.