Black Widow - A Hunger Games Fanfic

Chapter 1: The Quarter Quell

It was just another morning, early and busy in District 4. The fishermen had gone out to sea for their daily catch, while everyone else tended to business in town. The heavy clouds covered District 4, which was nothing new. People tried to shield themselves from the chilling winds that were brought in with the combination of the clouds and the sea.

Ava tugged her sweater tighter around herself as she pushed through the winds on her way to her brother's diner. It seemed like just an average day, except it wasn't. It was the day the 75th Hunger Games, also known as the Third Quarter Quell, would be announced. Ava looked up at the sky and prayed it wouldn't rain on her way home later.

The diner was a rundown spot near the docks where fishermen usually came in for their meals, or just for drinks at the end of the night before curfew. When Ava's brother got injured in an accident on a fishing boat, Mags Flanagan asked him to take over her family's diner. She was getting older and it was getting harder for her to make the trip all the way to the seashore from the Victor's Village. She more than happily retired.

Ava pushed through the doors of the diner and let herself in. It was still early in the day, so the men had not yet returned for lunchtime. Ava made her way to the bar and sat down with the books.

"I didn't know you were coming in today," her brother, Adam, tossed a towel over his shoulder and came up to her. Adam was taller, bigger, and older than Ava. They shared the same black hair, blue eyes, and sharp jawline, but while Adam was muscular, Ava was lean and toned.

Ava looked up at him. He was already sweating from working in the back. His hair was drenched as well as part of his shirt, "I didn't want to get too far behind on the books. You know how I can procrastinate. Everything okay back there?"

"Yeah, yeah, everything is good. Just working up a storm. I'm glad you're here," Adam said before nodding to the other end of the bar. Ava followed his gesture and saw Annie Cresta sitting on a barstool, hugging her legs, "she's been here all morning."

"Why?" Ava asked and felt bad that she didn't even notice her. Annie was small and learned to hide in plain sight. Her red hair fell around her messily and she wore her usual leggings and sweater.

"Said she wanted to be close to the sea. I found her on the beach and brought her inside. It's too cold," Adam glanced at her once more.

"Does she come often?" Ava wondered. She never saw Annie in here before.

"Not that I know of," Adam replied, "I gotta get back to work. The boys will be in for lunch soon."

"Of course, don't mind me. I'll work on the books before taking Annie home," Ava let him know. He nodded and left her to get back to the kitchen.

Ava looked back at Annie. She hesitated for a moment before putting her pen down and walking over to the redheaded girl, rocking herself and biting her nails. Ava approached her carefully, knowing how sensitive Annie could be.

"Annie," Ava said softly. She didn't respond, so Ava repeated, "Annie...it's me, Ava."

Annie looked up and recognition passed through her eyes, "Ava...today's the day."

"Of the announcement," Ava didn't need explaining for what Annie meant.

"It's happening again," she said, scattered, "we need to tell Finnick. He doesn't know. We need to tell him."

Ava placed a hand on Annie's and said, "He knows, Annie. It happens every year on the same day. He knows, Annie."

"He knows?" Annie questioned and Ava nodded.

"Hey Annie, I have a little work to do, and then what do you say I take you home?" Ava asked her gently.

Annie bit her nails, before saying, "Home. Finnick. Home."