BOMBSHELL - Finnick Odair

12

Ember

"Come on," Johanna said, lathering herself in more oil. "Join me."

She wiggled her eyebrows as I tried not to look anywhere but her face. "Johanna, you already won the bet," I told her, peeking through my fingers.

She grabbed the handle of her axe and almost dropped it. "Oooh, slippery," she said.

"I've had enough of you," I said jokingly, turning around to walk away.

I looked over my shoulder with a laugh as she yelled, "You know you love me!" at my retreating figure.

Instead, I chose to join a more stable tribute.

"Mags," I greeted, smiling at the older woman.

She paused her work on a fishhook and returned the smile.

But her eyes caught sight of something over my shoulder as she pointed her long, bony finger in that direction.

I turned around and my back straightened as Katniss and Peeta entered the training facility. I wanted to make a good impression and after last night I'm scared I'm failing.

Mags, noticing my change in demeanor, reached up and brushed her fingers through the end of my ponytail, saying everything I needed to hear with that one gesture.

I've spent a fair amount in District Four thanks to Finnick and I's ongoing "secret" relationship. The two of us, along with Mags and Annie, have been all over the District, including the ocean. Much to my displeasure.

They have always been patient with my hesitancy to the water and are quick to assure me that I'm safe. I still remember how excited Finnick was the first time I got waist-deep in the water.

The courage to swim came gradually. I could only stay in for a max of a few minutes, but I've came a long way from the girl that was scared of a bathtub.

I joined the older woman and we were each weaving a hook in pleasant silence. Hers looked like the ones sold in the bait shops, while mine looked a little messy.

"That's beautiful."

I looked up to see Katniss standing over Mag's shoulder. The younger girl looked over at mine that lacked in comparison

"I didn't know they taught you how to do that in District Five," she commented.

I stopped my movement to face her, "Mags is an added perk of dealing with Finnick."

Katniss let out a hm, turning her attention back to Mags, "I saw you volunteer for that young girl, it was really brave."

My eyebrows furrowed. What game is she playing here?

Mags, humble as she is, shook her head. She took a step forward and placed her hand on her shoulder, running her fingers through the end of her braid. Similar to the motion she had done moments before.

"Prim is my sister," she explained. "Um- if you teach me how to make a fish hook like you did Ember, I could teach you how to hunt."

Mags let out a silent laugh, moving her hands and signing her response. Katniss looked to be confused, but smiled back anyway.