I awoke the next morning, feeling refreshed and smiled, turning to face Finnick. My eyes still closed.
"How about a birthday kiss?" I asked, opening my eyes. However, laying before me was an empty space. It appeared to have been empty for a while. I checked my clock, it was only 8. Usually Finnick was one for sleeping in. But there was no sign he'd even been there last night. I changed into my day clothes, and went into the dining area to see if he was there. Once more, no sign of Finnick. Raviah was sitting there, reading a paper. He noticed me walking in.
"Well there's the birthday girl! Good morning!" He chirped at me.
"Good morning." I replied. I wasn't very hungry. Just concerned. But Raviah would know better than anyone where Finnick was at.
"Hey do you know where Finnick is? He fell asleep in my room last night, but when I woke up he wasn't there." I told Raviah. He nodding, sipping some dark colored drink.
"In his room. Why?" he asked.
"Just wondering." I replied. I sat down.
Good. He's probably just showering and getting dressed. I thought to myself. I would see him in no time. So I grabbed some food and a drink and ate and drank. Raviah never had much to say. But he left the room just as I finished eating. So I got up and knocked on Finnick's door.
"Come in." I heard him say in a groggy voice. Clearly he had fallen back asleep. I opened the door. He looked surprised to see me.
"Oh. Annie. Hi."
"Hi? Isn't there something else you want to say?" I said playfully.
"Ummm...why are you here? That's one thing." He said. I was taken aback by this statement.
"I was wondering where you were. You fell asleep...and...it's my birthday." I ended in a chirper tone. He looked at me blankly.
"And?"
"I guess that's all."
"That's good. I need sleep for tonight." He said, turning his back to me.
"Okay. I guess I'll catch you later."
"You're still here?" he replied. I decided to blame his attitude on lack of sleep. He probably had a nightmare and went in here so he wouldn't disturb me. So I left him to sleep. I went back into my room and did a touch of make-up. I would bother Meje if Finnick didn't want my attention. But, Meje was a step ahead of me.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Come in!" I said, finishing up my makeup in the mirror. Meje scurried in.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!" He shouted, pulling me into a hug. I laughed.
"Thanks Meje!" I responded. He smiled as he watched me complete my make-up.
"You're radiant." He said softly.
"Thanks." I smiled, "But it's only a matter of time before I get done up again for the dance." I replied. He nodded.
"Well you'll look gorgeous then too!" He reassured me. I looked in the mirror.
"I hope so!"
"I promise" He whispered, putting his arms around me and looking at us in the mirror together.
"We do make a good couple. Don't we?" I asked with a smile.
"Indeed we do, Miss Cresta." He kissed my cheek.
"Now if you'll excuse me I have a few finishing touches to make to your cake." And with that, Meje left my room. Often times, a tribute will sit in there room and just think. Think of things you should have said to your family. Think of ways to kill an opponent based on any situation your mind creates. Sometimes just sit and think of home. I was no longer a tribute for the games, and never again would I be. But I felt like one. I felt a bit hopeless and lost, almost more so now, than I ever did before my games. With the feeling of hopelessness, comes a feeling of grief and mourning because something in you is missing and probably dead. Or is best assumed dead at least. So I sat down in a soft, satin chair, and let thought immerse me. Tonight I had to keep a few things in mind.
Number one, I am not crazy. I am not regretful. I loved the Games and I love being a victor. Number two, I do not love Finnick Odair. At all. He's a friend. Nothing more. Number three, I like (love?) Meje. Number Four, I do not love Finnick. Number Five, I love the capitol. Number six, Not Finnick though. Nope. Not even a little. Number seven, yes I do look fantastic. Number eight, this is the best birthday ever. Number nine, of course I'm NOT jealous of Finnick's date. It's not like I love him or anything.
But as minds often do, mine began to wander. I thought of Finnick, as I often did. My games, and how he saved me. And how he knew he loved me after knowing each other for only a few days. I think I had actually fallen asleep when a knock came to my door. Soft knocks.
"It's open." I called out. And in came Trilish.
"Time to get you ready birthday girl." She said with a purr on her voice. She was really mastering this feline stuff. We went down to the makeover center and she washed the make-up off my face. She began lining my eyes in black.
"Any idea where Finnick has been all day?" I asked her. Usually Finnick is with me after he wakes up. She stopped doing my eyes and looked at me.
"Sweetie, he's had a rough day."
"Oh? What happened?"
"I'm not sure. Last night he was taken by the peacekeepers, and he hasn't been acting himself since we got him."
"Oh." I said softly. She began lining my eyes again.
"Honestly, I was going to ask you what happened. But I guess you know less than me, huh?" she said. She continued doing my make-up in silence. When Finnick walked in.
"We were just talking about you!" she said happily, as she finished my eyes. He smiled.
"That's always good." He said, with a laugh on his voice. I smiled.
"Hi Finnick." He glanced at me.
"Hello."
"What's up?" I asked
"Oh. Kouros sent me here, for something. I have an announcement to make at the end of your party so I have to look just as good as you. Happy Birthday by the way."
"Thanks." I smiled, I wondered what his announcement could be.
"What do you need?" asked Trilish, as Finnick scanned her line of product. He grabbed a bottle in the back and grinned.
"Just this. See you at the party." He said, leaving the room. Trilish looked a little upset.
"What did he take?" I asked her.
"Nothing we need." She said, faking a smile. I nodded and allowed her to continue with my makeover.
