Siren Song ~ Finnick Odair x oc

5...Training

As time drags on, the first rays of morning sunlight begin to stream into the city, casting a gentle warmth that gradually rouses me from the depths of sleep. My body stirs, and I'm immediately struck by the familiar stiffness in my limbs, a result of spending the night in such an awkward position on the cold floor.

I take a moment to stretch and shake off the lingering drowsiness, appreciating the serene quiet of the early morning. Just as I start to collect my thoughts, a sharp knock on the door jolts me into motion, quickly followed by Effie's cheerful voice calling from the other side, "Selene? Are you awake?"

With a slight groan, I shuffle over and open the door, greeted by Effie's impeccably dressed figure and her bright smile, which starkly contrasts the dark circles under my eyes.

"Great, you're up," she chirps, radiating an energy I can only dream of having. "Breakfast is ready downstairs, and then we'll take you to the training centre for your first day."

I nod in acknowledgment, slightly dazed and still processing my surroundings as I follow her down the hallway toward the dining room.

Upon entering, I spot Haymitch already at the table, nursing a cup of coffee that seems vital to his survival.

His grumpy expression and dishevelled hair are clear signs of his own morning struggle.

Effie's playful jab about whether he bothered to brush his hair sets the tone for the light-hearted banter, while I can't help but scan his appearance and mutter, "You look about as good as I feel inside."

This earns a scratchy laugh from Haymitch, who rakes a hand through his tangled hair.

"Good to know I'm not alone in feeling like crap this morning," he chuckles, prompting a flicker of shared camaraderie in our mutual discomfort as he inquiries about my restless night.

"I fell asleep on the floor... so you tell me," I reply, half-smiling at the absurdity.

A glint of amusement sparks in his eyes as he laughs again, "On the floor? You've got to be kidding! Why would you do that?"

Embarrassed, I simply shrug and mumble, "The bed was too soft..."

His expression shifts to one of understanding, a hint of nostalgia emerging as he recalls his own experiences with uncomfortable living arrangements back in District 12.

I hum in agreement and reach for a simple slice of toast from the lavish spread laid out before us, a choice that immediately draws Effie's concerned gaze.

"Is that really all you're going to eat?" she asks, her voice tinged with worry. "You need to properly fuel yourself for today's training."

A glance shared between her and Haymitch reveals their shared understanding of the overwhelming feast before me—a stark contrast to my usual experience.

"How often did you get to eat back in District 12?" Haymitch's question cuts through the room, his tone firm yet softened by a touch of compassion.

"Whenever I could scrounge something up or beat someone else to it, I suppose?" I reply hesitantly, continuing to nibble on my toast.

Effie's horrified reaction resonates in my mind, "You had to fight for your food?"

It's almost incomprehensible to her; still, I respond with a surprising calmness, "Yeah."

Haymitch's sympathetic whistle betrays his discomfort with my acceptance of such grim realities.

"I knew District 12 was poor, but I didn't know it had gotten that bad," he murmurs quietly, highlighting the stark contrast between our lives.