Nightmares And Seashells

chapter twenty-one

When the interviews were finally over.

Finnick said goodnight to the woman he was with.
Walking her to the car that would be taking her to some fancy after party, and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

The second her car rounded the corner Finnick loosened his tie, taking a deep breath and smiling while looking to the sky. Before looking to his right and dashing for the training center.

Not bothering with the elevator which he could see was all the way on the 12th floor he ran up the four flights of stairs to the district four apartment.

Not stopping once he made it through the dark kitchen, and not slowing his pace as he made it passed sitting room, down the hall.

Going straight to Avery's door and opening it he still didnt break his stride.

Walking up to her silently as she stood from her vanity. Having just taken the last of her makeup off.

"Finnick what I said-" Avery started getting cut off as Finnick grabbed her face in his hands planting his lips on her own eagerly.

Making her melt into him as she gripped his wrists, kissing back with just as much desire. 

When Finnick finally pulled away he rested his forehead on hers catching his breath, before leaning back to look her in the eyes.

"Avery Winters, you told me on the train no strings.." Finnick whispered, her own eyes opening in shock. Her smile falling as she dropped her hands from his wrists, looking down.

Finnick however kept his hands on either side of her face. Pushing up slightly on her cheeks to get her to look at him again.

Then he paused a second longer while searching her eyes with his own.

"But I want the strings. I want all the strings!" He continued letting out a breathy laugh.

"I want you to be mine Avery Winters. And I want to be yours... So you better win this damn thing." He said kissing her lightly again. While dropping his left hand to her waist pulling her closer in the kiss.

"Come home to me Aves. " he said pulling away again, looking down and touching the two shells around her neck. A small smile never leaving his face.

"I'd want it no other way Finny." She said smiling at him. Stopping to admire all the little freckles on his dimpled cheeks.

"Stay with me?" She asked pulling him to her bed.

"Always."

The next morning came too soon.

As Marcel walked in to get Avery to the hovercraft, he could hear Liberty's voice talking in hushed tones to Mags at the dining table.

"I just didn't want to do it. They look so peaceful all wrapped up together!" She told the older woman in her overly distressed voice.

"Morning ladies!" He greeted, announcing his presence.

"And might I ask who looks so peaceful?" He asked already having an idea of his own.

With a delighted squeel Liberty took him by the hand and dragged the man to Avery's room.

Opening the door she pointed to the young tribute and victor cuddled up together, sleeping soundly.

"As much as I hate to break this up... lovebirds!" He announced clapping loudly with a smile on his face trying to wake the two.

"I'm here to take Avery now." He said his smile turning sad.

"It's time dearie.. I'll need to bring you down now, and take your token to be inspected before you go in."

Finnick gave Avery one last hug and a kiss on the forehead as he watched her walk out. Once she was gone he rushed to shower and dress as nice as he could in his rush. Then he proceeded to run down the the victors private viewing room when they watch the start of the games before going out after the bloodbath to try for sponsors in the lounge.

On the hovercraft Avery could feel eyes on her. Looking over she made eye contact with Bella the girl from two who gave her a wicked smile running her finger across her neck as a threat.

Not wanting to look scared Avery blew her a kiss smiling back, before looking straight forward again as she was asked for her arm to get her tracker.

The needle for the tracker looked like it could go right through the girls pale arm so rather than watch she turned to Jasper, offering him a small smile. While trying not to look sick to her stomach.

The flight was very long or maybe that was just the nerves. Avery couldn't tell at this point.

Once they landed they were separated underground to their own rooms where Marcel had been waiting for Avery.

The second the peacekeeper closed the door Avery ran up to hug Marcel.

"I don't know if this is the last hug I'll ever get." She mumbled against the man's chest.

"Oh little dear, YOU are a fighter.. I will be seeing you again. You have something to fight for, and don't you forget it." He said booping her nose affectionately.

"And WHEN I do see you after, I will have to let you meet my son." He added.

"You have a son?" She gasped

"Yes he's 3, and would very much like to meet you. But we will have time for that later. Right now I need to you focus. Go change into your clothes. They're light and airy so I expect it will be hot. You'll need to find water fast." He explained.

Once she was changed she heard the mechanical voice announce 60 seconds to launch.

"Alight dearie almost done, one last thing." Marcel said grabbing her shell necklace off the table as well as a glass of water.

After drinking the glass in one go Marcel put her necklace back on tucking it in for her.

30 seconds to launch.

"Okay my dear this is it. I'll see you on the other side."

Walking over to the tube and getting in. Avery took deep breaths.

Giving Marcel one last nod as the tube started to rise.

In, for Caspian.

Out, for Lillian.

In, for Mags.

Out, for Finnick.

After that she was blinded by sunlight.

Let the games begin.