ODDS

ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇ

Finnick

𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓭 to be out of the hospital. The doctors said that they were there to help, but with the dull walls and nothing to do, they couldn't keep my thoughts at bay. They couldn't help me, not in the way that I needed, anyway.

"Please, check in with your unit supervisors when you resume work." came District Thirteen's president's voice, which boomed across the compacted area. Her grey hair reminded me of Mags, in a way. Except Mags' hair curled with the years she spent by the sea.

I still hadn't seen her.

I wasn't allowed many visitors besides Katniss.

Everyone from home reminded me too much of Alana, and would set me off on another panic episode. Only Katniss understood, truly, and she'd been a great help in getting me back on my feet.

"I have an announcement for the citizens of Thirteen, and our welcomed guests from Twelve."

I was misplaced.

"Katniss Everdeen has consented to be the face of our cause and help unite the districts in the Capitol."

I yanked the rope in my hands tighter, burning my hands in the process. It still didn't deter my mind from that word.

The Capitol.

She was there.

"In exchange, I have promised several concessions. First, we'll assess all opportunities for the extraction of the victors held hostage in the Capitol. Peeta Mellark, Johanna Mason-"

"Finnick." I looked over to find Katniss, whose eyes held exhaustion in it's deepest form. She might've been losing sleep, if she even got any, but this was deeper than that. She was exhausted of life.

Not that anyone could blame her. I was in the same predicament. It had only been a few weeks since we cried into the early hours of the morning, wishing that we were dead, wishing that they were dead.

We looked up to Coin before she spoke again. "I made the deal for Alana, too."

I looked to her, more grateful than I'd been in my life. Even amidst despair, Katniss was smart. I'd never questioned that. When she'd been competing in her first games, I knew she was the one Snow had chosen, just as Alana had explained all those years ago.

"-and Alana Knight. Once freed, they will be granted full pardon for any and all crimes committed against the rebel cause."

Much of the crowd disagreed.

Shouts of displeasure filled the space, but a wave of relief rolled over my body.

"Good. That's good, Katniss." I nodded. She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. I'm sure mine was the same.

"If Katniss Everdeen fails to fulfill her duties, the deal will be off. Thank you for your attention. Please resume your daily schedules."

And that was that.

After a quick goodbye to Katniss, I was escorted back to the hospital room I'd been kept prisoner in. I sat on the hard mattress with the scratchy sheets, but my mind was far from the discomfort.

It was on her.

A knock came from the door, and as I snapped my neck upward, I saw Tora sneakily slide into the room. She wasn't supposed to be here, but I was glad she was.

I missed everyone, no matter how much they reminded me of her.

"Hey."

She walked over lightly to the bedside table, pulling out a single yellow tulip from behind her back and slipping it into the vase.