Welcome to Panem

Chapter 11

Annie POV

Scrambling through my closet, I let out an exaggerated sigh, glancing at the clock. 10am. I have 10 minutes until Finnick is meant to pick me up for the airport and knowing him, he'll be here any second. Frantically, I fumble through my dresser in an attempt to discover my favourite gold-dusted hairbrush, which has been unseen for days. My sister was the last one to use it. "Ellie!" I yell, my voice cutting through the silence. All I get in return is an exasperated echo followed by dead silence. She must've taken our poodle – Ella – for a walk. Ping! My heart skips a beat as I jump, my bare leg colliding with the dresser. "Ouch!" I squeal, gritting my teeth as my thigh swells a deep shade of cherry-red. Half limping, I stumble over and pick up my phone, bringing the ancient device to my ear. Yes – I have a bloody Nokia; but Finnick did promise to help me save up for an iPhone. Giggling at the thought, I answer the call, which is from Clove.

"Hey!"

"Hey Annie, are you... at home?"

"Yes.. where else would I be?"

I laugh, but the end of the phone is silent, before she lets out a long breath.

"Clove?"

"Um.. yeah,"

"Are you ok...?"

"Yeah I just had this really odd dream..."

"Oh... you wanna talk about it?"

I can almost feel her hesitation, before she sighs, "No I'll be ok, it just sort of got me all confused,"

"Oh, well hopefully our holiday we've been planning and counting down for centuries will cheer you up, is Cato nearly there?"

"Yeah, he should be here any minute,"

"Same with fin," I reply just as a knock cuts through the silence filling the house.

"I guess you better get going then,"

"See you there Clove!"

"See you,"

I end the call before rushing down the stairs, opening it to reveal Finnick, stood wearing shorts and a baggy blue vest top. You'd think vests wouldn't suit boys but Finnick looks hot in anything. I blush at the thought. "Hey Annie, wow you look beautiful," he smiles, strolling in. "Thanks, but I really don't," I giggle, as we make our way up the stairs. "Annie, you really should be more self confident. Your beautiful, stunning and the most amazing girl I've ever met, don't forget that," Gosh he is so sweet. Embracing him, I bury my head into his chest,

"I love you Finnick,"

"I love you to Annie,"

We pull apart, both beaming. "Better get this show on the road then!" He exclaims, picking up the heavier luggage. I grab what I can of the remaining bags, attempting to get as much as I can into my arms. "God we're going for a week not a year Ann!" Laughs Finnick, grunting from the weight of the bags. "Sorry fin, but a girls gotta bring what a girls gonna need,"

He turns to me, face scrunching in disbelief, "and your gonna need all of.... this!? Giggling at his genuine question, I reply, "Yes Finnick, all of this, did you see what Glimmer used to bring to our 2 day weekend camps!" I reply, instantly regretting the reference to Glimmer. "Yes I remember hauling that bitch's entire wardrobe across the woods,"

"We gotta go there with Clove sometime, introduce her to our lovely weekend camps,"

I laugh sarcastically, he knows I despise the camps. The muggy air that engulfs each and every crack in the forest, the disturbing amount of pesky insects that won't leave you alone... Ew; I hate it. Last time we went I nearly squeezed the life out of Finnick in the night because I heard rustling in the bushes – I was convinced it was some sort of bear looking for food. And what better than a bunch of clueless teens spending their summer vacation camping in some bloody woods! Hauling the luggage into the back of the car, Finnick closes it, dusting his hands in satisfaction. "All done and dusted baby, ready to get outta 'ere!" He yells a little to loud, impersonating a cowboy. I burst out laughing, taking his outstretched hand. He picks me up, twirling me around before we embrace again. Still laughing, I lean into his lips, slowly touching my lips to his. He wraps his arm around me as I coil mine around his neck. It's so beautiful and a warm sensation fills me as I continue to kiss him. I can't help but absolutely adore this boy with my whole heart; he makes me feel so safe and happy. "Ew get a room," snaps an assertive voice, causing us to turn to her. Glimmer. Of course it was Glimmer. "I hear you guys are going on our summer vacation... without me!?" She wails, pulling a fake look of dejection. The fact that she even refers to it as 'ours' infuriates me. "Get lost Glimmer, you were a bitch to all of us and we're all jerks for letting you in. But your gone now and it's gonna stay that way, got it?" I snap, fury boiling inside of me. Glimmer looks sincerely taken aback, as does Finnick. I guess he's never really seen me act this indignant. Surprisingly, Glimmer hesitates for a second, then mutters something before strutting away without another word. I'm not quite sure what she muttered, but to be honest  I don't really care. As long and she's gone I'm good. A smirk tugs at Finnicks lips, as he turns to me, seemingly galvanised. "Woah! My little Annie's getting fiesty!" He exclaims, taking my hand as we head for the car. "That was for Clove, and what Glimmer did to her. I never want to even lay my eyes on that bitch ever again," I mutter. Finnick's in a state of sheer shock now. "Say that again,"