Calm as the Ocean <Finnick Odair>

We're in a Hot Mess

"H-hello President Snow..." I start, avoiding his gaze. He continues to stare at me in a menacing way but I suddenly remember what else I'm supposed to say. "It's a pleasure h-having you." I finish.

"Ah, Alyssa. You seem tense! Relax. Let's take a seat." He says loosely while gesturing around my house.

"Of course, we can go to the living room." I suggest.

"Sounds great." I follow Snow out of the main entrance and into my living room, where he takes a seat on the couch right next to Finnick, who looks over at me questioningly.

"Hello Mr. Odair. Haven't seen you properly in a while." Snow says while firmly shaking his hand.

"Good to see you again President Snow." Finnick says tightly with a smile filled with gritted teeth. I see his sharp jaw line clench as he looks at Snow. I feel the same.

"Well, I need to speak with Alyssa privately so-" President starts, interrupted by Finnick.

"I'll go." He says abruptly while quickly exiting the room. He flashes me a worried look before closing the door shut and disappearing from my line of sight.

Now, it's just me and President Snow and the awkwardness is killer. Neither of us speak, I just stare at my toes and he stares at me. I hear the faint sound of my clock ticking every second and my deep breathing. I struggle to keep myself calm but my heart pounds rapidly. I fear that it will burst.

"So..." I start shakily, desperately wanting this to be over.

"Right.. You do know that your actions will have consequences, right?" He questions.

"Y-yes sir."

"I'm guessing you're expecting them?" He asks.

"I'm expecting them but I'm not asking for them." I answer bravely, almost wanting to take my reply back.

"Well Alyssa, sometimes you get things without asking. And maybe it's for the better. You can't improve yourself without discipline."

"I see your point, but sometimes you have to lay it down gently." I fire back.

"I see your point also, but sometimes you need to take one for the team. Or in your case, for your friend. Wouldn't want anyone to get hurt now, would we?" He retaliates, making me shut my mouth very quickly.

He takes a stand from his spot on my couch and towers over me, walking around my body in a slow circle. I feel very uncomfortable and slightly repulsed as he looks me over from head to toe.

"Every since you won your Games I've noticed something special in you. Maybe it's good, but maybe it's bad. We'll find out soon enough," he says, sending a chill down my spine. "But maybe that spark should be contained. It could be dangerous for not only me and you, but for Finnick too. One stand-out could ruin the delicate balance of our entire economy and it will come crashing down."

"W-what do you exactly see me doing wrong? I don't even know what you're talking about and you're already putting a watchdog at my every move." I say, implying his false accusations. I'm too timid to try any of that shit. I'd get both Finnick and I killed.

"I'm not saying that you will do anything. I'm saying that you're special but you obviously are oblivious to it. Which is good on my part. You were already brave enough before your Games, with added innocence, but when you were crowned Victor, you became even more powerful. Take away your innocence and replace it with millions of followers and a knife, you've become unstoppable." He says, confusing me but making sense at the same time. "I know it's a lot to comprehend, but face it Alyssa, the people look up to you and if you take action, they're going to follow. One wrong move on your part will put the consequences on both of us. But, if Panem comes crashing down in flames, I'm letting you burn with it." He fires, making me take a timid step back.