Sea Salt and Roses | | Finnick Odair

Chapter 8

~Hillary~
I opened my door and walked out of my Capitol room for what may be the last time. Mona approached me and pulled me into a huge hug. She pulled my arm and changed me to a wetsuit. She pinned a small black rose brooch and hid it with my hair. She placed a finger to her lips and placed my hair to cover it. I hugged her one last time before the metal plate rose and sunlight hit my face. I squinted and looked around. I was surrounded my water. It was targeted at Katniss, the Girl On Fire.
I breathed out slowly as the countdown started.
10.
With each number, my heart raced faster. If that is even humanely possible.
9.
8.
I glance over to Finnick and he nods slightly at me. I shake my head and his eyes go wild with fear and confusion.
7.
6.
5.
I could see that he was looking at me. More like staring. But I knew what I had to do. Bring Finnick back alive.
4.
Finnick.
3.
Alive.
2.
Sacrifice.
1.
Now.

I leaped off my metal plate and started swimming. I reached one of the narrow pathways and climbed up with ease and grace. I ran to the Cornucopia and grabbed a sword. I buckled a few knives to my belt and I stabbed a District 8 guy. I saw Finnick get up onto one of the spokes. I flipped over another tribute and landed on my feet. I saw Peeta struggling in the water. I threw my sword to Finnick and he grabbed it. I jumped into the freezing water to save Peeta. I kicked the other tribute's face and pushed Peeta up. But that guy didn't want to let me go. He clung to my foot as I kicked him. I twisted around and stabbed him. The cannon fired and his body rose, face planting on the water. I flung myself up. Finnick rushed to my side and rubbed my back. Cashmere and Gloss were approaching us. I stood up and took my sword from Finnick's hand.
"GO!" I roared. Finnick just stood there with an expression that tore my heart. He took off but not without a look my way. I smiled and took off to the forest. I knew I was supposed to protect Peeta and Katniss but I have to do something. Something I've wanted to do for what seemed like a millennium. To kill those who have hurt my family. They will pay for what they did. I'll make sure of that. That I swear.