Invisible String || Finnick Odair

ii.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 75th year of The Hunger Games. And it was written in the charter of The Games that every 25 years, there would be a Quarter Quell to keep fresh for each new generation the memory of those who died in the uprising against The Capitol. Each Quarter Quell is distinguished by Games of a special significance. And now on this, the 75th anniversary of our defeat of the rebellion, we celebrate the 3rd Quarter Quell." Effie stated as she started her speech. Haymitch and Peeta shared the male side of the stage, while Katniss stood alone on the right.

"As a reminder that even the strongest cannot overcome the power of The Capitol. On this, the 3rd Quarter Quell Games, the male and female Tributes are to be reaped from the existing pool of Victors in each district." Effie sighed as she read off the rules for the Quarter Quell, and Peeta and Katniss eagerly looked to each other. Katniss was the only female victor in their district, it was guaranteed she would be reaped.

"As always, ladies first. The female Tribute from District 12, Katniss Everdeen. Wonderful." Effie looks at the girl who staring at her mother and sister in the crowd, tears treading along her waterline. "And now for the men. The male Tribute from District 12. Haymitch Abernathy." Effie says, not wanting to see the man she's grown to love go back into the arena.

"I volunteer as Tribute." Peeta erupts, raising his hand. "I can't let you do that." Haymitch says, trying to out his hand down. "You can't stop me."

"Peeta-"

"Let go." Peeta looks at Haymitch, his father figure, and insists that everything will be alright.

"Very well. The Tributes from District 12. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark." Effie says with sorrow in her voice, watching her two victors, her two children almost, be ripped away once again.

"Katniss! Katniss!" Prim screams from the crowd as Effie, Katniss, Peeta, and Haymitch are forced to the train. "Prim!"

There's silence as the train begins to move, until Haymitch starts to begin the games new rules and differences. "All right. Now... Everything will be different, because it's a Quarter Quell. The Capitol has spared no expense. A new training center. New Tribute living quarters. And of course, a very special arena. But this year you'll be facing other Victors. Capitol favorites. Smart, cunning, skilled. And they all know one another. You two are the outsiders." Katniss and Peeta chuckle at that. Outsiders... really?

"I want you guys to forget everything you think you know about The Games. Last year was child's play. This year, you're dealing with all experienced killers."

"All right. What does that mean for us?" Peeta announces, relaxing back on the couch.

"That means you're gonna have to have some allies. Look, you're starting at a disadvantage.
Most of these people have been friends for years.
That just puts us higher on their kill list. Do it your own way, but I know these people. You go it alone, their first move is gonna be to hunt you down. Both of you." Katniss stands to protest but Peeta ushers her back. She sends him a look before standing and pacing slightly.

"How could any of us even trust each other?" Katniss starts, as she leans against a wall.

"It's not about trust. It's about staying alive." With that, she sits back down and takes Peetas hand in hers. "Cashmere and Gloss. Brother and sister. District 1. They won back-to-back Games. Capitol favorites. Lots of sponsors. They will be lethal. And the other half of the Career Pack, Brutus and Enobaria."

"What's with her teeth?" Peeta points out, noticing the fang looking front teeth. "She had them filed into fangs so she could rip people's throats out." Haymitch explains. "She's committed. I'll give her that."