Three in the Morning

Finnick Ties a Knot

Peeta

I sit in the booth for probably fifteen more minutes by myself before making my way back home.

Katniss had left her wallet on the table, so I take that with me. I don't bring it up to her apartment though. Not today, anyway. Maybe I'll text her, but nothing really seems worth the risk right now.

The risk of what? I don't know. I'm just going to try my hardest not to set her off again.

I can't seem to get anything right with Katniss. Maybe my efforts are futile in the long run and we are not destined for a life together, like I'd always hoped.

For the time being, I try to block that thought from my mind.

At home, Finnick and Annie are seated on the couch watching some Nicholas-Sparks-looking movie.

There's been something different about Annie lately that I can't put my finger on. Finnick still hasn't told me his "news," but his mood has been improved of late, so maybe he's just forgotten about it.

But something that really peaks my curiosity is a ring on Annie's finger. I swear it's new. And it looks quite expensive, like something I wouldn't be able to afford if I kneaded dough for my father for years.

Finnick looks over and meets my eyes. I tap my ring finger suggestively and raise my eyebrows. He smiles and takes Annie's hand, standing up, and pulling her up with him.

"Well...?" I say, putting my keys down on the counter.

"He proposed last evening," Annie says giddily, "I said yes, of course, and... the wedding's next month."

"Next month? Why so soon?"

Wow. They haven't even been together for that long in the first place.

"Well," she starts, folding her arms across her abdomen, "I don't know. We just can't wait," and she laughs.

"Congratulations then!" I tell her, and walk over for a hug, but she sits down again before I'm able to approach her, so I slap Finnick on the back and give him a smile.

"I guess you'll be moving out sometime soon," I realize.

"Yeah. She found a little house in New Jersey. Not too far away. I'll visit though, I hope you'll come see us too,"

"Of course I will."

When Annie invites me to join them in watching the rest of The Last Song, I do.

But all I can think about is that it's unsettling how much Will looks like Gale Hawthorne.