Finnick and Annie

Panic (Annie's POV)

Panic. That's all I felt, from the moment I heard my name until the moment I stepped into the train that would lead me to my death. I remembered that reaping years ago, when Finnick's name was called. I didn't react until after he left; my mind couldn't grasp that he was going to the games. At least I knew Finnick stood a chance. When I said goodbye to him in the Justice Building, I was truly hopeful, and I knew that there was a possibility that he might return to me.

Not this time. Was nothing like Finnick. I was not likable or strong or brave... I wouldn't last five minutes in the arena.

Gertie called my name, and all eyes fell on me. Most of the eighteen-year-old girls around me seemed relieved. Some of them might have stood a good chance; they were big and strong and weren't crying like I was. I rubbed my eyes and tried to be tough, though I knew that I was completely unconvincing. My legs seemed to be moving on their own; I don't remember telling them to move, but somehow I made it on the stage. I kept my eyes trained on Finnick and tried to reassure myself with the fact that at least I'd spend my last days by his side.

His hands were clenched tightly into fists and he was biting his bottom lip, like he always did when he was upset.

I walked to the center of the stage with Gertie and Caspian, whom I recognized from school. He was a nice guy; he was quiet, like me.

We shook hands, and then Gertie led us to the Justice Building.

I wanted to find Finnick and hug him. I just wanted to tell him that I loved him and that he was the best thing to ever happen to me.

I wanted to start saying goodbye because I knew that there was no way I would win the games. I was useless; the only thing I could do well was swim, and that was only because Finn had taught me how. Instead, I followed the peacekeepers to the same room where I had said goodbye to Finnick all those years ago.

I sat waiting for my first visitor.

There was a knock on the door. It swung open after a beat, and I looked up to see my father, mother and sister rush in.

My father was in tears; he ran to hug me. I held on tightly and cried with him.

"Annie... my baby," he cried. "You can't go."

"I'm sorry, Dad. I love you so much, thank you for being the best father ever..."

"Annie, you have to come back..."

"I don't stand a chance," I cried. "I'm sorry, I really am, I wish I could win, but you know I won't. Please, Dad. Don't cry... it'll be ok." He shook his head and hugged me.

Behind him, standing a few feet away were my mother and sister.

"Annie," she said. "I may not have been the best mother. I'm sorry. Just think of all the honor you will bring your family if you win."

My sister looked at me apologetically, but she didn't say anything. Pearl had never stood up for me. We weren't very close at all, but I didn't hate her.

My father was still clinging to me when a peacekeeper walked into the room.

"Time to go," he said, leading my mother and sister out of the room. They both left without another word, without a hug or anything. It would be a great honor to win, she said.

If by any miracle I did win, I wouldn't let her move to the Victor's Village with me. It would only be my father and I. My dad kissed my head and stood up. He walked to the door and waved at me one last time before being escorted out by the peacekeeper.

After they had gone, Marina rushed into the room and hugged me. I hadn't expected her to show up, but I was glad she was there. We hugged and cried. She was the great mother I never had. She was the one I really loved, and I'd probably never see her again.

"You're like a daughter to me," she said. "You know that right?"

"I wish you were my mother," I whispered. She smiled weakly, and kissed my forehead.

"Whatever you do, Annie," she said. "Don't give up. Fight for me, and Finnick and your father. We'd be miserable without you"

"I will try to win," I whispered, and I'm really sorry that you'll be miserable when I die.

The peacekeeper led Marina out of the room and then I was alone again.

Gertie found me in the Justice Building and she led us to the train. I looked around, stunned by its beauty. It felt like a sick joke—a guided cage to cart us away to our slaughter.

After the initial shock had worn off, I started looking around for Finnick. I reminded myself that people couldn't know about us, and that I should be more subtle about it, but I just wanted rest in his arms where I knew I would be safe.

Gertie led us to another car, and there he was. He was pacing around while Mags sat to a side looking distressed. Finnick's face was screwed up into a frown.

There was a black box near his feet with a white rose that looked like it had been stomped on.

A second later he spotted me and took a step in my direction, but then he seemed to notice Caspian was also there and froze in his tracks.

"Oh please, I know you two are together," he said,. Then he walked out of the train car with Gertie trailing behind to show him to his compartment.

As soon as they left, Finnick took three long strides towards me. He wrapped his arms around me too tightly, but I didn't care. I hugged him back, hiding my face in his chest. The warmth of his skin felt like home.

We stood there, speechless at first, but Finnick's breathing soon turned ragged.

"I'm so sorry, Annie," he sobbed.

"It's not your fault, Finn," I whispered, wiping tears from his face, trying to comfort him.

"Yes it is," he said.

"No... don't say that."

"Annie, look." He let go of me, and I immediately felt cold. He walked back towards the rose and bent down to grab a small slip of wrinkled paper. He handed it to me.

"See? It is my fault!"

I read the note a few times before I understood its meaning. Snow had done this. He had reaped my name because he wanted to punish Finnick for being with me.

"I'm so sorry," he cried. "I should have been stronger. I should have stayed away like I swore I would!"

He walked away from me and sat down on a chair. His elbows rested on his knees while his face was buried in his palms. It was hard to see him cry like that because I knew there was nothing I could do.

"Finn," I whispered sitting next to him. "I don't blame you. This is Snow's fault. I didn't want you to stay away. Don't you understand?"

"Annie, you might not care about your life, but I do." I shook my head.

"Snow would have hurt me eventually, one way or another. He was hurting me already by hurting you and keeping you away from me," I said.

He sat up and looked at me. His eyes were red, and there were tear tracks running down his cheeks.

"I'm not going to let you die, Annie," he muttered. His voice was low but determined, and there was something in his eyes I had never seen before, an angry determination that scared me a little bit. I didn't know what he could possibly do to save me, but the look on his face made it hard not to believe him.