Waves Breaking Over Rocks Part 2

Chapter 4

Finnick

Garcia is moving to the glass urn that has Annie's name in it. I have to scream, I can't hold it in. they're going to take her. They're going to take my Annie.

But I have to keep acting for her, for the cameras, because if I don't they will kill us as soon as we step foot in that Arena.

Garcia puts her hand in the urn and I hate her. I hate her more than anybody but Snow. And it's not because she bought me, it's because of the look she gives Annie. She looks at her as if telling her that she knows it's going to be her. Annie shrinks back like she does when she's scared and sad. The only thing that matters to me is her.

"Annie Cresta!"

"No! No! Please! No!" She screams. The scream hurts my ears. She's miserable, screaming and sobbing. I have to hold on to a pole to keep from going to help her. "Finnick! Help!" I can't breathe, I can't see, I just want to run to her and stop her pain. But I can't. Once again, the only thing I can do for her is stand still and look pretty. And it's killing me.

Two Peacekeepers advance on her and she grabs a pole. She holds on as they tear at her, not sparing a moment to be gentle. She screams even louder when two more Peacekeepers grab at her. She looks at me for an instant. I out on a mask, I try to look embarrassed. I try to show it, but I don't know if I'm doing it right. She looks confused, though, as to why I'm not helping her. And I want to yell out to the world that I want to help her and I can't. The Peacekeepers slam her onto the stage and I move all of my energy into not murdering them. She howls in pain and I want to kill those Peacekeepers. I almost forget what's about to happen.

"Finnick Odair."

I look down like I always do to hide the silent tear sliding down my cheek. Annie's screaming louder, she's screaming for me. Even though I'm not helping her. She's screaming for me.

I look back up with a charming smile and walk proudly to the stage. Annie is still on the ground and I do my best to look at her with embarrassment. I imagine that I'm looking down at Snow or Garcia, but the illusion is gone when they pull her up and carry her in.

The second the doors close I run to her and hold her, trying to show her that I do care, that I do love her. She returns my hug by holding on as tightly as she can. And maybe I am good. Maybe I do the right thing sometimes. Maybe I'm not a slut. Because, after all, if a girl like Annie loves me, maybe I am great.

I hold her as we walk to the train and as soon as I get there I take her to my room.

I always have a double bed, unlike the other tributes and Mags. Annie realizes this and she gasps.

"Did they- did they make you do it here?" She asks.

"No, it's only because they assume I bring girls in. I don't." She nods. I pull her to my bed, now ours, and strip my clothes off. I get in and she follows suit, taking off her pretty shirt and pants and underwear and leaving them on the floor. We don't move, though, we just lie there, together, as one. Eventually we both fall asleep, and I have my usual nightmares. Nightmares about Snow and Annie and the Games. I never scream when I wake up, though. I feel her there and know everything's fine. I don't know what I'd do if I had to wake up without her every day.

I hear a knock on the door and Annie wakes straight up. She rushes out, taking her clothes and hiding in the bathroom, just in time for the door to open and Garcia rushes in.