The Capitol Star • A Finnick Odair Story

Sixteen

A buzzing sound loudly echoed through my room.

"So help me god to not shoot that thing," Luigi chucked his pillow at the alarm on the ceiling.

"What the hell is that?" I sat up and rubbed my eyes.

Loud knocking banged on the door and Johanna walked right in.

"Get up losers it's breakfast time," She frowned and slammed their door shut.

Groaning, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up. The remnants of sleep clung to me, making every movement feel like I was wading through syrup. Luigi was already up, stretching and grumbling under his breath.

"Do you think she knows the concept of knocking?" he asked, scratching his head.

"Nope, Johanna and manners don't mix," I replied, pulling on my black jumpsuit.

I walked over quietly where Finnick laid, right next to the spot I got up from.

"Hey, come on it's breakfast," I lightly kissed his cheek and he sat up groaning.

Luigi kicked a path through the mess of blankets he scattered all over the floor, making his way to the bathroom. "At least we've got food to look forward to."

I nodded, though my mind was more on the conversation we needed to have. Breakfast wasn't just breakfast today; it was a strategy meeting.

As I shuffled down the hallway, the smell of bacon and eggs wafted up from the dining hall, mixing with the distinct aroma of coffee. Johanna was already seated at a table, her hands on her lap and a serious look on her face. She didn't glance up as we entered.

"Sit," she commanded, pointing at the benches across from her

Luigi and I exchanged glances before complying. Finnick trudged in behind us, rubbing sleep from his eyes. We took our seats, the metallic benches creaking under us.

"Listen up," she said, her tone brooking no nonsense. "Snow needs to be killed. And quickly. I'm sick of Katniss's propaganda films."

I exchanged a glance with Luigi, who raised an eyebrow. Johanna had always been blunt, but today she seemed especially urgent. I shifted uncomfortably on the cold bench, trying to focus despite my lingering grogginess as Finnick stifled a yawn.

"Do we have a plan?" Finnick asked, his voice still thick with sleep but his eyes sharp.

Johanna leaned forward, her fingers tapping on the table. "That's why we're here. We can't wait for Coin to make a move. We need to act now, on our terms."

Luigi leaned back, crossing his arms. "You know Coin won't be happy about this."

"Screw Coin," Johanna snapped, her eyes flashing. "This isn't about her. It's about ending this war and getting our lives back. We can't let Snow keep dragging this out."

Finnick nodded slowly, considering her words. "What's the first step then?"

Johanna pulled a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket and spread it out on the table. It was a map of the Capitol, marked with various notes and symbols. "We hit him where it hurts," she said, pointing to a heavily fortified area. "The mansion. We get in, take him out, and get out before they know what hit them."

Luigi let out a low whistle. "That's suicide."

"Maybe," Johanna conceded. "But it's our best shot. We have to be fast and we have to be precise. We can't afford any mistakes."

I looked at the map, tracing the route with my finger. "We'll need more than just us. We need a diversion, something to draw their attention away from the mansion."