In the glittering yet brutal world of Panem, victors of the Hunger Games are showered with luxuries - but freedom remains elusive. Finnick Odair, the youngest victor in history, Panem's biggest sex symbol and a seemingly charming playboy, hides a dark secret beneath his beautiful smile. Every year, during his month-long Capitol visit, he's forced into a world of servitude, a twisted price for protecting the people he loves. When Annie Cresta, a poor orphaned girl from District 4, is reaped as a tribute, Finnick finds himself strangely drawn to her and desperate to save her life - no matter the cost.
Annie survives, but I'd never the same. Haunted by nightmares and burdened by PTSD, the fragile new Victor finds solace in Finnick's arms. He's the only person who manages to soothe her panic, calm her nightmares and ground her in reality as she grapples with the consequences of the horrors she faced. Yet, their idyllic life together hides a gnawing truth that even she is unaware of - her life came at a terrible cost for Finnick.
But their happiness is a fragile thing. Finnick's forced servitude as a Capitol prostitute casts a long shadow, and Annie's PTSD threatens to consume her. As their bond deepens, they face agonizing choices. Can Finnick protect Annie from the Capitol's cruelty, even at the cost of his own well-being? Will Annie's unwavering love be enough to mend the broken pieces of Finnick's soul?
A captivating tale of forbidden love, emotional resilience, and the unyielding strength of the human spirit. Explore the Games from a new perspective, brimming with hidden secrets, heartbreaking sacrifices. Will Finnick and Annie defy the odds?
This story explores mature themes, including violence, trauma, and sexual exploitation. Please read at your own discretion.
Keywords: Hunger Games, Fanfiction, Pre-Canon, Finnick Odair, Annie Cresta, Romance, Angst, Trauma, Rebellion, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Unflinching Love, Dark Secret
Brooke Langston, a determined and resourceful young woman, volunteers as tribute to spare a sickly little girl who holds a special place in her heart. Little does she anticipate that her closest friend, Ray Adhira, would also be chosen, forcing them to confront the brutal reality of the Games together.
Bound by friendship and survival instinct, they navigate the treacherous arena, evading traps and deadly adversaries. As the tension mounts and the stakes grow ever higher, Brooke finds an unexpected ally in Finnick Odair, her charismatic and enigmatic mentor. Drawn to his strength and compassion amidst the chaos, Brooke and Finnick's bond deepens through shared challenges and moments of respite.
In the dystopian world of Panem, where the Capitol exerts its control through the annual Hunger Games, tribute selection becomes a grim reality for the impoverished Districts. Amidst the ruthless 69th Hunger Games, where alliances are forged and shattered in the blink of an eye, two tributes from District 4 find themselves thrust into the deadly arena and must fight for their survival.
TW: Heavy topics such as SA, prostitution, brutality, abuse, and murder.