Stay with me? [Finnick Odair]

31

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Chapter thirty one: Revels
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As soon as we landed, I was injected with something that knocked me out cold, I didn't know how long I was out but I knew it wasn't just for an hour.

When I woke, I was afraid to move, I could see the amber glow of the ceiling above me, the several wires attached to my arms, and the plain white hospital gown I was forced into. My nails were now free of dirt and grime, shaped Ito perfect ovals and glossed with a clear coat of nail polish, they were pristine, which could only mean one thing.

An Avox walked into the room as I was questioning things, setting a metal tray table down on my lap, I gave her a small smile as thanks and allowed her to adjust my pillows before she walked out. I looked down at the food, a grey soup with a roll of bread and a pale juice. My brows furrowed in confusion, but I ate it nonetheless, I guess they were just making sure I had enough room for food at the celebratory homecoming back in district four.

It was on and off for a few more days, me waking up, eating, and then falling back into unconsciousness where I was free from the world for more than a few hours at a time. That's when they would work on making me flawless for the cameras that were sure to be there when I arrived back home.

I remember waking up one day and nothing was connected to my arms anymore, I felt perfectly fine, and there was nothing holding me to the bed anymore. I was allowed to walk around, so that's exactly what I did, I stood from the bed carefully as if my legs wouldn't be able to hold my weight— but they managed just fine and my eyes searched the room for a change of clothes.

I nearly collapsed against the walls at the sight of the clothes I wore in the arena laid across the foot of the bed.

They were completely free of blood, cleaned carefully and presented as if they were new, but I could still see the splatters of blood left on them by all the people I had killed in that arena. The blood of Rosalie most of all.

Reluctantly tugging the clothing onto my body, I stood as if it was about to eat me for breakfast, just adjusting myself to being in these clothes again, before moving to a wall where I knew the door would be. It slid open and I was presented to a large empty room, relieved that there were no cameras just yet, I stepped into the centre and took a look around.

"Clem?"

My heart stopped at a familiar voice, a one that sent shivers up my spine but also provoked a feeling of joy and urgency.

Finnick.

I turn on my heel so fast that everything became a blur, but then his smiling face came into view in a room at the end of a short hallway and I set off into a sprint— rushing towards him without a second thought of the cameras that were definitely on that room right now. I threw myself into him, tightening my arms around him so much that I was certain I had cut off the circulation in his entire body, the sound of his laugh sent me into a frenzy of laughter and I couldn't feel more happy at that very moment.

"Glad to have you back, love," he whispered into my ear, it didn't sound cocky or arrogant like the Finnick I saw in front of the cameras, it was genuine and sweet, I eventually let him go and allowed Asher, Cosmo and my prep team to congratulate and hug me for the cameras.

Asher was teary eyed and hugged me tightly, but tried to dial down her excitement for the cameras. Cosmo said nothing, but gave me a firm nod and hugged me, though that was enough for him. My prep team were the worst, congratulating me and doing nothing to hide their excitement, I endured it, but I was secretly relieved to hear their high-pitched cheers once again.

"Go on with Cosmo," Finnick beamed at me. "He'll get you ready, I'll be right there with you once he's done with you," he said, sending me a wink before I was escorted away by Cosmo. It was a relief to be alone with Cosmo once again, but I couldn't help but feel the urge to give Finnick one last hug, considering he basically helped me survive, I felt entirely grateful and in debt to him forever. I knew he didn't see it that way, but I couldn't get that out of my mind.

My prep team had followed us, all four of them leading me to the tribute elevator where we were shown to the fourth floor. I felt a tightness in my chest when I stepped into the living room, seeing Oliver's face flash into my mind, I froze in place and stared bug-eyed at the centre of the room. Cosmo placed a protective hand on my shoulder, shaking me from my trance, I clear my throat awkwardly as he raised his brows towards me.

"You okay?"

I nodded, not wanting to relive that, Oliver's smile, his eyes full of relief and hope, the light fading from his eyes, I didn't want to remember that at all. I just wanted to burn it from my memory.

I was swept into the dining room by my prep team and I was fed an actual meal, roast turkey with roasted potatoes, peas, carrots and rolls of bread with pineapple juice. I practically inhaled the food and washed it down with the full glass of juice, though the room just felt empty without Oliver, I tried not to focus on that as I begged for seconds. Hazelle didn't allow it, though Posy slipped me another slice of roast turkey and potatoes when she wasn't looking which made me laugh.

Cosmo was left outside my room as my prep team did what they do best, prepared me for the cameras...