Finnick and Annie

Gone (Annie's POV)

When Finnick's name was first called out, I couldn't believe my ears. I was in shock, I'll admit. I just watched him as he got onstage and then left with the other tribute and Gertie. There was a moment when our eyes met and he held my gaze, and I knew, that as hard as he was trying to look strong, he was really terrified. That was so like him! He was never very fond of showing his emotions, except with his mother maybe, and me.

I watched as he left and as the crowd started to disperse I ran forward. I tried to follow him, but two peacekeepers stopped me.

"I need to talk to him!" I yelled.

"You can go visit him in the Justice Building," he said harshly and shooed me away.

I saw him after his parents did. Mr. and Mrs. Odair waited with me outside before the peacekeepers let them in. They were really heartbroken. Marina could barely keep herself together.

Saying goodbye to Finnick was the hardest thing I have ever done. I tried not to cry, I knew it would upset him, but I couldn't help myself. He looked so terrified it broke my heart. Though I tried to stay optimistic, I knew that there was a chance that that was the last time I ever saw him. Finnick was very important to me. I was closer to him than to anybody in my family, and I knew I would never be the same if he died.

We had very little time, I couldn't say everything I wanted, but I did give him a token. I wanted him to remember his district in the arena; I thought it might help him keep his sanity. I also wanted him to remember me.

I ran out of the Justice Building and past the plaza when the peacekeeper kicked me out. I ran to the beach, to the place we had first met, and I curled up on the sand and cried, because I might not see him again. He was the only friend I'd ever had and he'd just been taken away from me.