saving serena , finnick odair (ON HOLD)

chapter six

The first day of training was exhausting but worthwhile. Serena and Roman spent the whole day being rowdy and chaotic with the other careers, even going as far as to snigger at other tributes at their insufficient skills.

Lunch was just as loud, as the six careers crowded around one table and Remus and Roman sat on the top with their feet on the bench. They spent most of the time telling each other their funny combat stories and unsettling the rest of their group with loud laughs.

Now, Serena let's out a loud huff as she collapses on the plump yellow couch next to Finnick. He closes his book, reading must be something he does when he has nothing else better to do, and looks at Serena with a smirk on his lips.

"I hope you're not too tired for private training after dinner." His remark makes her roll her eyes as she turns her head slightly to look at him. Finnick notices her choice of clothes and has to hold in a laugh as the yellow sweater blends perfectly into the seat, making her head look like it's floating.

"Oh no, not at all." Serena laughs lightly before she pushes herself up and sits properly. "You know what's the most exhausting part, though?" She asks and Finnick just continues to look at her as she explains. "Acting like a complete jerk just so that the careers trust me. My cheek muscles are physically in pain from all the smirking and loud laughs."

Finnick laughs at this, any hostility from the last 24 hours obviously vanished. "They're in pain?" He asks and Serena nods. "So if I were to do this," He grabs under her armpits and starts to tickle her. "it would hurt?" Serena immediately starts to complain as she giggles uncontrollably.

"Ow! No! It hurts!" She cries and Finnick let's go. He gives a really loud laugh as she starts to pout, loosening her tired lips, and it's like he can't stop. He's found the whole ordeal so amusing that his body won't stop shaking with uncontrollable laughs and Serena can't do anything but laugh along with him.

When they finally calm down, Serena gives him a playful scowl. "You're such an asshole, now I have tears." She grumbles as she wipes away her joyous tears. It's a first for Serena, she doesn't think she's ever actually laughed that much, let alone cried with laughter.

"Thank you." Finnick smiles again and she can't help but try all she can to memorise each crinkle on his cheeks as his teeth gleam against the light.

"For calling you an asshole? My pleasure." She snorts out a soft laugh and Finnick just shakes his head lightly, finding no point at correcting her. He had actually been thanking her for making him laugh for so long, a feeling he has missed.

"Oh it's lovely to see you both getting on so well again." Brisa walks into the room with her perfectly manicured hand waving in the air. Really, the pair have just ignored the elephant in the room and now the dumb woman has just bought it up. The District 4 citizens stay quiet. "How was training, my lovely?"

"It made me feel ill. The competition in there is strong and I know the careers were sizing up the District 7 male - out of everyone - to join us. The two from 9 are also in incredible shape." Serena explains but, of course, Brisa will never understand her terror towards the games. No one ever will, unless you're a tribute.

"That's still nothing to worry about! That'll make for a much better show." Serena can't hate her for the comment but she feels like lashing out at the woman. This is murder. She could be dead in a few weeks and it wouldn't even phase the escort. Serena just hopes her death is up to Capitol standards, for the sake of Brisa.

Serena swallows down her bitterness and turns to Finnick. She's afraid that tears will prick her vision and she won't be able to make a swift exit without anyone questioning it. But Finnick is already harshly glaring at the woman who just sifts through the array of Capitol magazines on the coffee table. He turns back to Serena and opens his mouth to talk, but she beats him to it.