By the North Star | An Odesta Fanfic

Chapter Five

Annie was sitting at Mags' kitchen table, staring at the telephone as if she could make it ring just by looking at it. Since the games had ended, she had hardly moved from the spot. She was always staying home and hanging around in the kitchen to be sure she wouldn't miss any new calls.

Mags came in through the back door, carrying a basket of blueberries in from the garden outside. She glanced over at Annie, whose gaze was still fixed on the telephone.

"It's a beautiful day outside." she said.

Annie nodded.

"I always liked this time of year," Mags went on, opening up one of the cupboards. "I love to enjoy these last few weeks of sun before the weather gets cold."

Annie just murmured in agreement. Mags stopped what she was doing in the kitchen and turned to her.

"Annie," she said. Her tone was gentle and firm, in the way that only Mags' voice could be. "Finnick doesn't always call to let us know when he's coming home."

At the sound of Finnick's name, Annie finally looked up. "He will this time, Mags."

"Sometimes he doesn't even know when he'll be able to leave –"

"He'll call." Annie said again. "I know he will."

But Mags still didn't seem so sure.

Sammy came running into the kitchen, his collar jingling around his neck. Annie bent down to pick him up as he scampered by her, but he squirmed out of her arms as soon as she reached him. He tore away from her and went on running circles around the room, barking at them.

"Why don't you take that dog for a walk?" said Mags. "He's been cooped up in here all day."

Annie gave Mags a look. Her concern wasn't just for Sammy – Annie knew that much. It was starting to worry Mags, the way Annie wouldn't leave the house.

But Sammy was scratching at the door excitedly, as if he knew exactly what they were talking about. It did look like a beautiful day outside. Besides, it had been several weeks since Annie had gone up to the cemetery to visit Kai, and today was the perfect day for a walk.

She looked back and forth between Mags and the telephone. "You'll be here?" she said. "In case Finnick calls?"

"Right here."

"And if he calls – you'll tell him I was waiting?"

"Of course."

"You sure you don't need help with lunch or anything?"

"I've got it all under control." said Mags. "Go get some fresh air."

Annie hesitated, still looking back at the phone, hoping it would ring before she left. But it was just as quiet as it had been all week. She waited another moment or two, then gave up on it.

"Alright," she said, slipping out of her seat at the kitchen table. "Come on, Sammy, let's go on a walk."

Even if Annie was reluctant to leave, Sammy was ecstatic. He bounded towards the front door, leading the way out into Victor's Village. Mags was right – it was a beautiful day. Not as hot as it had been those last few months, but still a pleasant summer's day. With weather like this, the district came to life. Even from the hills above the town center, Annie could hear the noise of sailors down at the docks and people in the market, the whole town bustling with activity. It wasn't just the weather – the air felt lighter now that the looming threat of the reaping and the Hunger Games had passed. The tributes' families and friends were still mourning their losses, but the rest of the district couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief and hold their loved ones a little closer.