Nightmares And Seashells

chapter nineteen

Later that evening while waiting for the scores to come out she clutched Mags' hand in both of hers.

Jasper saying a quick,

"I'm sure we did great Winters. Don't sweat it.

Her response just a simple "mhmm" eyes still glued to the screen.

Liberty was jabbering constantly in the background holding her drink in her danty pink fingers and pacing.

Finally Ceasar Flickerman came onto the screen and announced the start of the show saying how we have quite a few impressive tributes this year.

District one Tomen Mathis score of 10

District one Lexa Juniper score of 9

District two Gentry Witlaw score of 9

District two Bella Bowen score of 10

District three Wyren Bolt score of 7

District three Binx Colton score of 5

Leaning forward in her seat Avery sucked in a breath, waiting to see how her and her District partner did.

District four Jasper Riggs score of 10

District four Avery winters score of 11

Letting out a breathy laugh she looked to Mags who gave her hand a pat while smiling at the girl.

Jasper offered the girl a highfive before jumping up and wooping

"I told you so Winters!" making her smile at the older boy.

Liberty then squealing her congratulations behind them wrapping them both in hugs.
She could hear other tributes getting 5s to 8s going down more and more the higher the districts went but she tuned it out.

She didn't want to remember the names knowing a lot would be dead by the end of the bloodbath.
Seeing their faces in the sky would be enough reminder for a lifetime. 

Instead she jumped into Finnicks arms releasing a sigh of relief, before pulling back suddenly serious.

"Wait I scored more than the careers!  Jasper and I didn't ally with them, doesn't that now make us- well me, their biggest target?" She asked suddenly not as happy with her high score.

Finnicks face then also fell slightly. Before he could respond though Jasper piped in again.

"Its US winters, I scored the same if not better than them too. We're partners. I got your back, if you got mine. I say let 'em try. They dont know how us sea dogs are built."

"Jasper although i feel like thats taking it a little lightly.. I agree. I'll have your back till the end, whether it's mine, yours, or both."

"Good that's settled. Well I'm spent I'll see you all in the morning before the interviews."  He said clapping his hands and getting up to leave.

As Jasper left for his room he got another congratulations on his way out from Liberty. 

Mags gave Avery a proud yet sad smile rubbing her cheek.

"Good job my little Dove. I will see you in the morning."

Liberty then said something about bragging to the other escorts over a few drinks pounding the one in her hand and excusing herself as well.

Looking over to finnick she saw him staring down at his drink on the table in obvious deep thought.

"Hey fin?" She asked, getting a Hmm? In response.

"Will you stay with me tonight? I just know I'll sit up and overthink if I'm alone. I really want to get as much sleep before the games as possible."

"Yeah Aves I can do that. Come on let's get some rest."

Leading her into his room instead of her own.

"Wait here a sec okay?"

She nodded watching him walk out. Then while looking around Avery noticed how much nicer victors rooms really are compared to tributes. Given, tributes rooms are still worlds nicer than the districts. Even victor homes.

When finnick came back in, he handed her a stack of comfortable clothes from her room and motioned to the bathroom with his hand before going over to his own closet.

Coming back into his room, Avery saw he was already changed as well wearing a fitted white shirt and black sweatpants.

Lounging on his bed with one arm behind his head. The other hand he had in his mouth chewing on his thumbnail.

"I haven't seen that nerves habit since we were kids.. your mom used to get after you so much for it." Avery said sitting on the bed next to him with a watery smile.

Then pulling her knees up to her chest, she asked

"What are you thinking about Finnick?"

Looking over at his best friend he sat up.

"If you've got a target on your back now, I don't want you running into the bloodbath.. run the other way. Get as far as possible from the careers."

"Finnick, you know I can't do that."

"Why not? It's the safest option."

"No it isn't because I'll need supplies, a weapon! Running with nothing is suicide!" She said getting defensive.

"So is running into a literal bloodbath!" He said matching her raised volume.

"Look Fin I don't want to fight about it, I promise if it looks to dangerous I'll run but if I have a chance I'm taking it okay? For now will you just hold me?"

"Okay Aves. Okay.." He conceded deflating slightly as he settled in opening his arms to the redhead.

The next morning the two woke up to the door opening. Liberty coming in frantically.

"Finnick I can't find Avery anywhere do you-" She stopped herself eyes wide as she stared between the two sleepy teens. Her finger going back and forth between them trying to find words.

"You- you?" She sputtered.

Jasper walked by after a moment. Then stopping in his tracks and taking a large step back so he was in the doorway.

"Oh look Liberty you found her, nice job!" He said jokingly slapping her on the back before walking away. 

Finally finding her voice as she fixed her already perfect dress.

"Right, you two need to be dressed and at breakfast as soon as possible. Then I need to take Avery and Jasper down to their prep teams to get ready for the interviews with Caesar!" She said before slightly stumbling while leaving.

Avery then took her head off of Finnicks chest to look at him. Once thier eyes met they both burst out laughing.

At breakfast Avery sat awkwardly trying to eats some fruit. Meanwhile Liberty kept smiling at the girl looking like her face would break if she smiled any wider.

"So Avery, how long have you and our Mr. Odair been an item?" She finally asked making Avery nearly choke on her strawberry.
Quickly washing it down with some tea she responded.

"What?!" Eyes wide, staring at the escort.

"We're not.. I mean we're friends, we've been friends our whole lives, but we aren't an 'item'." She said blushing and trying to hide behind her long red locks when Finnick entered the room.

"Good morning everyone." He said sitting next to Mags. Kissing her on the cheek, then serving himself a plate.

When he made eye contact with Avery across from Mags he sent her a smile and a wink making Liberty squeal in delight. 

"I knew it!" She said clapping to herself.