(Sort of modeled after "Made in the USA" by Demi)
It had been 11 months, 2 days, 5 hours, and 30 minutes since Finnick had left. Not that Annie had been counting. If Finnick ever asked, she'd deny it. IN these 11 months (2 days, 5 hours, and 31 minutes), Annie had received a total of 3 letters. Two of them were just three words written in Finnick's scrawly handwriting: I miss you.
One of them was the reason Annie was counting how long he had been gone. One of them was the reason she was so scared to get another letter, in case it might be the one informing her that Finnick wouldn't be coming home.
Annie Cresta, my love. You have my heart for all eternity. And if I die... my last thought will be of your lips.
Annie, I love you.
It's horrible here. I've never seen so much blood or tears. Why did I think I was helping people? I can't even shoot a gun straight. I can't--I won't kill anyone. I don't want this on my hands. I wish there was another way to solve this instead of war.
I bet my charm could just stop it all, don't you think?
I'll be home soon.
Finnick Odair.
Tears slipped from Annie's cheeks and hit the paper, causing some of the print to smear. She'd read it so many times she'd memorized each and every letter and shape. She had memorized everything that was written in between the lines. Everything that she knew Finnick would have wanted to tell her that he couldn't put into words on paper.
Annie was too scared to ever actually try and write back. Instead, she went about her day as if Finnick was in his classes and studying, just like she was. Annie even swam in the University pool every night. She didn't dare talk to any of the guys there (mostly because none of them were Finnick, but partially because they all knew she was with him), but the water actually calmed her. And when she wasn't in the pool and she needed to relax, she made necklaces and bracelets out of rope and string.
For all eternity.
Annie repeated the phrase whenever she felt lonely, knowing her Finn would come back soon. 11 months 7 days, and 4 hours. Annie was packing to go home for the holidays. Her finals had just finished and she felt completely exhausted. Her older sister was picking her up in an hour and Annie had only just begun packing.
11 months, 7 days, 6 hours.
Annie smiled as she saw the huge poster on the house: WELCOME HOME, ANNIE.
Though she came home almost every other weekend and then on breaks, her parents always celebrated when she came home. She didn't really understand why, but she didn't mind. AT least her parents cared. But this time when she saw the poster, she couldn't help but think about how Finnick would always pretend to be jealous that her parents never welcomed him home. "I'm practically family," he complained, making Annie laugh.
She greeted her parents with a warm hug and told them about her exams, though her mind was somewhere else. She could smell the food, and if Finnick were here, he'd announce that it was time to eat, even if the food wasn't ready yet.
Annie and her father sat in the living room and watched an episode of Jeopardy! while her sister and mother set the table. Annie insisted on helping, but Alissa rolled her eyes and said she deserved a bit of relxation after studying so hard.
"So how does it fel to be done with exams for the semester?" Her father asked after a moment.
"It's great. I'm excited for next semester though. I'm going to be able to teach and also take a few sculpting and art classes just for fun," Annie replied, glad that he ddin't ask about Finnick. "It'll be a good change and then maybe I'll even finish my major a year early," Annie added, feeling hopeful. She didn't mind school, but she wanted to have a job already. After all, she was already 20.
"That's great, Annie," her father pat her knee and smiled. "I'm proud of you," he added softly, and by the look on his face, Annie could tell he was telling the truth. She could also see that he could tell she missed Finnick. "I love you," he whispered, pulling her over and kissing her forehead. "He'll be back before you know it. he wouldn't like it if you were sad, darling,"
"I know," Annie mumbled, resting her head on her dad's shoulder. She looked up as the doorbell rang and her father sighed.
"Could you go get it, Annie? I'm a bit tired," he admitted and Annie stood up, nodding.
"Be right back," she smiled and went over to the door just as it rang again. "I'm coming!" she yelled so that the person behind the door could hear. She started to unlock it just as the doorbell rang three more times. "Jeez! I got i--" she swung open the door and froze.
"Annie Cresta," Finnick Odair grinned and took off his army hat, getting down on his knee and pulling out a small box. He opened it quickly,"I love you, Annie. And I want to be with you for all eternity. Will you please marry me?" he asked.
Annie gaped at the man in front of her, too shocked and happy and angry and relieved and--"YES!" she gasped and threw herself into his arms, pressing her lips against his. He lost his balance on his knee and fell a bit backwards, wrapping his arms around her. Afterwards, she swore she could taste sugar on his lips, and could still smell the slightest bit of chlorine in his hair, which had grown a bit long. She pulled away and slapped him as hard as she could on his arm.
"Ow! Why--"
"DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE ME, FINNICK. I WAS SO WORRIED--" ANnie broke down, unable to stop herself.
FInnick sat up quickly, hugging her tightly and kissing the top of her hair,"I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, Annie. I'm never going back. I'm going to stay here and cause all kinds of trouble," he mumbled, stroking her hair.
"I kept," Annie spoke in between sobs. The more she tried not to cry, the more she did. "Waiting for a letter. Telling me that you were dead. I can't lose you, Finnick. You're my best friend." Finnick tilted her head up and Annie looked into his eyes--those, perfect sea green eyes-- and whispered,"I love you,"
"I love you too, Cresta," he whispered, resting his forehead against hers. "Now.... I smell food," he smirked as Annie pulled back, laughing as she wiped away the tears.
"Come on, Odair." Annie rolled her eyes lightly and helped him to his feet, pulling him inside but stumbling back as he pulled her in for another kiss.
"Here," Finnick smiled, putting the ring on her finger. It was a beautiful emerald with a dark band that seemed to look like two ropes woven together. "It's not a traditional engagement ring, but--"
"I love it. It's perfect," Annie cut him off, standing on her toes and pecking his nose. "Now let's go eat,"
...
Annie's father noticed the ring almost immediately. "About time," he grinned and clapped Finnick on the shoulder,"Welcome back, son,"
"Who's back?" Alissa walked out and grinned,"Finnick!" she laughed and hugged him tightly,"It's a really good thing we made extra!" her smile faltered as her eyes landed on the ring. She narrowed her eyes at Finnick,"You take care of her or else I will punch you in the face," she warned.
Finnick laughed--oh, it was amazing hearing his laugh again-- and gave her a fake salute,"Yes, ma'am," He didn't let go of Annie's hand, even as they sat at the table, not even as the food was served.
"Don't you want to eat?" Annie smiled at him, pulling her hand away,"I understand that you and food have a much bigger relationship than you and I, Finn. I'm not jealous," she teased.
"Are you sure you're not jealous, Mrs. Odair?" Finnick replied, raising an eyebrow.
Annie's grin widened as he called her with his last name. "Absolutely not." She could get used to being called that. "I'm with you for all eternity," she whispered, her eyes shining.
