𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫, Finnick Odair

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑻𝒐𝒍𝒅

Aphrodite winced at the light streaming in through the train window, her head throbbing as she tried to piece together memories of the night before. Everything felt like a blur—hazy and out of focus like a storm had tossed her around she'd willingly walked into.

She groaned softly, rolling over on the couch, hoping the movement might ease her spinning head, and found herself staring into Finnick's sea-green eyes. He was already watching her, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. His gaze held a mixture of amusement and concern.

Finnick raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing as he looked down at her sprawled form on the couch. Without a word, he stood up and walked over, extending his hands with a grin.

Aphrodite rolled her eyes, brushing his hand away with a dramatic sigh as she leaned back into the cushions. "Not happening," she muttered, closing her eyes.

Without warning, she felt his arms loop around her, and before she could protest, he hoisted her up, tossing her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Her eyes flew open, and she immediately pounded her fists on his back, though she could feel her own laughter bubbling up.

"Finnick! Put me down!" she shouted, her voice an odd mix of anger and laughter.

He just chuckled, completely unfazed by her yelling directly into his ear. "I'm bored, and you're being all moody," he teased, tightening his grip as he carried her toward the small kitchen on the train.

Aphrodite squirmed, still half-laughing, half-annoyed. "Finnick Odair, I swear if you don't put me down—"

"Oh, I'd love to see what you're planning to do from up there," he interrupted, grinning even wider. He reached the kitchen, paused, and then adjusted his hold just slightly so she was hanging in front of him.

She glared at him through her messy hair, hands braced against his shoulders. "Are you done tormenting me yet?"

"Not even close," he said, setting her down on the counter and watching as she steadied herself, trying to hide her amusement behind a scowl.

She crossed her arms, giving him an indignant look. "So, what's the plan now, genius?"

He shrugged, reaching into a nearby cabinet to grab a glass of water. "I figured I'd drag you out of that self-pity zone," he said, handing her the water with a smile. "Besides, the train's quiet. We might as well have some fun before we reach District 4"

She looked at the water, then at him, her lips tugging into a reluctant smile. "Fine. But don't throw me over your shoulder again," she warned, taking a sip.

"No promises," Finnick said, leaning casually against the counter beside her. "But I'll try to give you a bit more warning next time."

Aphrodite shook her head, smiling slightly when Finnick's tone suddenly shifted.

"Aph... I want you to teach me something," he said, his expression turning uncharacteristically serious.

She raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Teach you what?"

Finnick hesitated, biting his lip as if weighing the consequences of his words. "I want you to teach me how to manipulate people."

Aphrodite's smile vanished, her blood running cold at his words. Her eyes narrowed, suspicion replacing her earlier amusement. "Don't you already know how to do that?" she asked, her voice sharper than she intended.

He exhaled, nodding slowly. "Sure, I know how to charm a room full of oblivious Capitol Citizens," he replied, a bitter edge in his tone. "But that's different. The Capitol has always seen me as their perfect little golden boy."