𝒜 -- 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓇𝓂ℯ𝓇

District Four Mentor. Finnick Odair. Victor of the 65th Hunger Games. penned by Ally i do not own Finnick or the Hunger Games.

[fishermanfair]

@the-effie-trinket​

   Well that was that, he thought. Things were wrapping up now for the season. There would be the usual festivities and then they’d all be gone. Finnick was glad of it, as he was every year. Of course he was sad to have seen both of his tributes sacrificed in the arena as always -this year more than most considering- however, a small part of him was grateful. The whole fanfare of having a victor was equally as solemn to him as facing the grieving families. Though, that way he at least had the off season to recoup and that was the selfish bit. 

    As it was since he had no Victor, Finnick had one more meeting before the Capitol would release him from their grasp for the time being. Some victors were already leaving, but not him. He was too pretty -even with their new victor to fawn over he still couldn’t escape.

    In an attempt to put the dark thoughts from his mind Finnick left his room headed out. He just needed a walk to clear his head. Everyone on their floor was in some stage of their packing. His own wasn’t even completely finished and he planned to help Annie still, but it could all wait. Worst case, he could finish his own early in the morning or late that night. So his feet carried him through the Capitol streets which were blessedly busy leaving it easy for him to pass unnoticed in the crowd. Somehow, he found himself standing at the train platform that would take him home the following afternoon. 

   Staring at the sleek train for a long moment, Finnick caught movement from the corner of his eye. Down the platform there was a bit of a struggle taking place between two familiar figures. A larger long haired man, Haymitch Abernathy, and a petite blonde, Effie Trinket, seemed to be disagreeing about something. Unable to help his curiosity, Finnick drifted their direction. As the voices grew louder he realized Haymitch was unsurprisingly rather inebriated. Leaning against a light pole, Finnick hung back to observe the dispute. After a little while Haymitch seemed to surrender with a great huff as he turned and stalked through the waiting doors of the train car.

       “Well never a dull moment in your life it seems is there Miss Trinket,” Finnick said with a jesting tone as Effie turned away from the sliding doors. Pushing off the pole, he tucked his hands into his pockets and took a few paces towards her. “I hope you’re well this morning otherwise.”

[fishermanfair]

𝒜𝓁𝒾𝒸ℯ

Another year. Two more tributes dead to take home. She figured bringing home a victor two years in a row had been beyond the odds in her favor and as it had turned out, it was. But as celebrations abounded and preparations to return home were under way, Alice found she needed a moment to breathe. She was known for being a collected presence in the Capitol after fifty plus years and only a couple victors. Everywhere would be busy and crowded, but she could count on the roof being vacant most times.

When the elevator finally opened it was with a face full of weariness she stepped from behind the silver doors. She might be known as calm and polite at all times, but over fifty years both dragged someone down and created a thick skin. The moment she realized she wasn’t alone, however, the weariness fell away replaced by a small but polite smile at the younger victor. “Well I certainly would not turn away company.” Though she had preferred to be alone at the time, he had been there first, and ignoring him or refusing his company would be rude.

    Finnick could probably count on one hand the number of times he’d spoken privately with Alice Darwin. If he thought back on it he couldn’t say when the last time was. There was no aversion to her on his part, but simply the fact that there wasn’t a particular reason to. Usually when they came across each other it was at events of some kind or other during which Finnick was often entertaining special company. 

    Seeing her here on the roof was a bit of a surprise to him, but not an unpleasant one. He knew Alice to be an especially kind woman -unlike some of their more jaded cohorts she had dealt quite well. Her penchant for charity was impressive as she came across as so very genuine.

    “I hate to admit I haven’t another glass with me,” Finnick confessed with a crocked grin. He turned to straddle the concrete wall. Part of him doubted she’d fancy sitting on the thing and it would be rude to be faced away. “Though, if it’s not too unbecoming to drink from the bottle you’re welcome to it.”

[fishermanfair]

||𝒪𝓅ℯ𝓃 𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓉ℯ𝓇||

    After Minnow’s death Finnick had been rather busy. The Capitol gave little time to those like him for mourning their fallen tributes instead seeing them as unburdened. In their eyes he ought to be more available to them in such a case and so of course he was. Due to this, he had in fact missed the finale of the games, having been with a client at the time, but when he returned to the District Four floor that evening he learned the news. The District Seven boy, Reed Robels, had won after triumphing over the girl from One. A rather unexpected out come considering the competitors. 

     The following afternoon Finnick considered going to Joanna to congratulate her, but thought better of it. She had been something of a ghost all Game season. Besides, he’d have a chance to speak with her during the victory tour he was sure. Instead Finnick went up to the roof for some peace. Now the Games were concluded it was unlikely he would be bothered. The Capitolites would be rather busy fawning over their new victor - a fact he was guiltily pleased with every year.

    It was a pleasant place to escape for several reasons. Chief among them being the seclusion. Though the feeling of unencumbered breeze upon one’s face was a close second. The buildings here were taller than any in District Four which was what allowed for the unique experience. He sat on the ledge, feet hanging over the side, and a glass of Rosé in hand reveling in the tickle of the wind on his cheeks.

   A shuffling behind him alerted Finnick he was not alone. Pausing in bringing the glass to his lips, Finnick waited a moment for a possible greeting. He was seated directly across from the opening of the stairwell up to the roof. A slight turn of his head allowed Finnick to catch the eye of the person and flash a relaxed smile.

       “Good afternoon. Care to join me?”

[fishermanfair]

𝒞𝒶𝓂𝒷𝓇𝒾𝒸

“Careful Odair, the bugs might get offended. They have feelings too you know,” Cambric pointed out not that he cared much. What did these Capitol lackeys care about their feelings? How it felt to be plucked from your District, forced to participate in the Hunger Games, and then be forced year after year to watch helpless kids die? Yeah, Cambric had a few words for them but he knew better than to voice them. “Personally, if I see an ugly bug I am going to squash it. They’re really not good for anything. The bugs in Eight get quite large if you know what I mean.”

He made a face. Simple was not what Cambric was waiting for. The girl from Twelve last year had something and then it was squashed by the Capitol. Who knew how long before someone came along that could incite those kinds of feelings; the feelings most of them kept tuck away in the dark too afraid to let it show in fear for their families safety. “For people that say they like the excitement they tend to gravitate towards safe, don’t you think? I am almost ashamed to call myself a Victor,” he teased lightly but there was a ring of truth in his words. Not that Cambric was a good Victor. He said things he shouldn’t under the cloak of jest and most people were just too ignorant to take it for what it was worth.

Cambric laughed. “Oh, I’ve heard plenty Odair. Not as much as you, but I still hear things.” His green eyes lingered on Finnick for a moment. “But what’s life without a little danger I say? Don’t listen to people when they tell you poking the bear isn’t a good thing. It’s only bad if you can’t run fast enough and I’ll have you know, I have a great set of running legs.”

“By the way… How are things in Four these days?”

    Finnick’s eyebrows rose somewhat for a brief moment as Cambric spoke. There was a blatant insinuation being made there was not lost on him, and he wasn’t overly surprised, he was intrigued. He’d heard the sort of off color jokes Cambric was somewhat known for making. Of course many of the victors were against the Games in principle especially after having lived through them. However, the sort of fleeting statements Cambric was able to pass off made Finnick think they may perhaps be longing for the same thing. The very thing that had been lost to them through the unfortunate events the previous year.

      “I suppose that is an interesting point though I doubt many, if any, have taken pause to consider it,” said Finnick a carefully constructed air of teasing dissipating slowly to be replaced by thoughtfulness. 

      “True, a little danger isn’t a bad thing. Though, perhaps instead of poking the bear directly it would be wiser to take shelter before engaging the bear and prod it from behind cover. Or once one has amassed some sort of superior forced with which you might overwhelm or distract it? Then you’re not depending solely on those fabulous running legs hmmm.”

      “Oh Fours has been fairly well. There was bit of an influx of gnats, not large like the bugs you referred to but troubling just the same. That was around this time last year, but it’s mostly cleared up. I think the winter chill must have settled them down. I heard Eight might have experienced a tad of the same? ” 

[fishermanfair]

@linconway​

    As it had been since the start of the Arena the television was on. Finnick hadn’t been paying it much mind until he’d heard a familiar voice. Minnow. Immediately his attention for the knots he’d been tying in his rope was lost to focus solely on the events playing out on screen. It seemed the boy from Seven had wandered onto the beach where Minnow was. After the break down of the career pack she’d been left a little bit worse for wear and he’d been keeping an eye to see if she needed anything. Though, she’d yet to voice anything. Now, here was the boy from Seven and they were just talking?

    Finnick frowned slightly as he observed. Was she going to make a move against him? She’d need to be quick or clever. The boy from Seven, Reed(?), was bigger than her, but that wasn’t enough to count her out in an altercation. A sound distracted him briefly from the screen though just as Minnow was warning the boy about the dangers of drinking salt water. Someone was coming into the living room, Finnick set his rope down on the coffee table as he looked around to see who had entered.

[fishermanfair]

𝒞𝒶𝓂𝒷𝓇𝒾𝒸

“I promise you it’d be worth your time,” Cambric told Finnick with a raised eyebrow. He had been around long enough to know about Finnick’s dealings and Cambric had to admit, he thought the younger Victor was pretty intelligent. One day, at least he hoped, there would be a great return on knowing people’s secrets. Not that Cambric would know many himself. “But as you know even the walls around here have ears or should I say bugs?”

Cambric chewed his lip to keep himself from frowning at the mere thought of this year’s games. “Yeah, well after last year…” He made a face. “Guess we’re all just a little excited to have a new Victor, yeah? A proper District One Victor if they have their way I am sure… What about you Finnick are you considered a proper Victor?”

    Finnick’s eyebrow arched slightly. If Cambric could’ve said anything to make him more interested in what had been on the tip of his tongue Finnick wasn’t sure what it would’ve been. However, the brunette was right after all about eyes and ears everywhere. Instead of truly acknowledging the concern, though he gave a shrug and absent little wave as if he had no care in the world for being overheard. 

      “Bugs-schmugs is what I say.” A beat. “Ah yes well how convenient there was a year like this to follow that regrettable business. I’m sure any of the remaining tributes will be a more than suitable victor to the Capitol’s standards though. A simple year in that regard at least.”

   Mischief danced in Finnick’s eyes as he drew somewhat closer to Cambric then. He couldn’t help himself really. 

      “I’ve never been proper a day in my life Cambric. Haven’t you heard?”

    A smirk curled his lips as Finnick threw a wink to the elder victor.

[fishermanfair]

𝒜𝓃𝓃𝒾ℯ

“Donughts! for certainly.” she looked to the avox who had brought her the cereal. she hadn’t even taken a bite… “sorry.” she said, quietly, to them, before pushing her bowl to the side. she didn’t mean to be rude to them. but ceral paled in comparison to donughts. she just wanted the icing filled kind.

and he had it! he had her favorite donught. she grinned, taking it out of the box and taking a big bite. sure, there was a bit of whipped cream on her nose, but she was happy and enjoying her time with finnick. she knew it was rare to feel this firmly attached to solid ground here, but her room was safe. after a few days of timelessness she’d almost felt like she ws in four. “so. is harper… eating?” she hadn’t had the fellow redhead visit yet, which meant there were still district four tributes running. which meant harper was burning herself dry, likely.

    The Avox who’d brought Annie’s cereal of course said nothing, but they gave a small nod stepping forward to take the bowl. Finnick watched them go to dispose of it. Avoxes were so silent even in the way they moved. He wondered if it was an innate skill or one acquired. His thoughts turned back to Annie though when they disappeared through the door. She was again filled with delight.

   He chuckled at the sight of the whipped cream on her nose. Tempted as he was to leave it there until she noticed, Finnick took pity reaching out to wipe it off quickly for her with a napkin. Then turning his attention to his coffee had a long sip. He was rather tired. At least the dark circles he felt should be under his eyes never showed after a Capitol full body polish. His focus on the cup had been so intent that he was almost surprised when Annie voiced a question.

     “I believe so, but you know you can’t tell Harper anything An. She’ll take care of herself,” Finnick responded almost automatically. He knew better than to attempt getting on Harper’s case about taking care of herself. Then again he wouldn’t have had much ground to stand on at times. “She’s got to do what she’s got to do. Just like me and you.”

   A calming smile replaced the somewhat hard look that had crossed his face.

     “And for you that means eating up.”

[district8legacy]

His tributes had died in the bloodbath and despite his better judgment, Cambric had been following the happenings. The tributes were dropping quickly. These games weren’t going to last long. As a matter of fact, they were poised to be the shortest he could remember in a long time, which was just as good considering it had been pretty damn brutal.

“Do you…” Cambric paused as he turned to look at the person standing next to him. “You know, never mind. What does it matter what I think?” He was just someone from the Districts, a Victor, but it didn’t matter in the end. “Are you ready to go home?” Cambric was. He wanted to hide in his workshop and allow his heart a chance to heal and grieve and prepare for yet another year and another games.

[fishermanfair]

𝒞𝒶𝓂𝒷𝓇𝒾𝒸

    He hadn’t been in the viewing room long when he gravitated over toward Cambric. Though, the older victor didn’t seem to be in as good of a mood as the last time they’d spoken. Finnick didn’t say anything at first. His eyes fixed on the screens watching Minnow and the boy, Reed, from Seven. When Cambric spoke though, Finnick turned his head slightly toward him head inclined almost imperceptibly. His eyebrow arched.

       “Well, I for one would be interested in what it was you were thinking.”

    Mild, but blunt. They hardly knew each other well though. And if Cambric knew Finnick’s reputation, as he was apt to, it would hardly be difficult to imagine him shying from sharing his thoughts with the suave young victor. 

    A beat of silence followed his words. Then he continued in a cool conversational tone. 

      “Such a monumental year though. Hard to imagine it all seems to be progressing so swiftly. Almost like they want to hurry through and crown their victor a tad expediently this go round.”

[fishermanfair]

𝒜𝓃𝓃𝒾ℯ

Annie was proud that he’d liked the pun. she was just glad to remember such a tiny detail of something. in the capitol, it was harder to pull menories from the fog that weren’t of nightmeres or the ocean. lines in a movie were neither, and she was visibly proud of her acheivements. and when he came back with a pun for her, she had to stop and re-evaluate everything. when was the last time she’d felt this happy and accomplished? especially in the capitol? 

 it didn’t matter. because she felt precicely an-mazing. 

 “yeah… but yours is better.” wasn’t it? she hadn’t had words coming this easily in a long time. but today was a good day, a near miracle day by capitol standards. and she was enjoying it. maybe they could celebrate with a donught. “isn’t it?”

    Finnick gave a slight shrug. No need to compare the jokes in his mind. Annie was functioning quite highly today and he was happy for it. He reached across the table to squeeze her hand lightly.

     “So, cereal or a donuts?” 

    He released her hand to open the paper bag. There were several donuts inside: glazed, jelly filled, iced, and icing filled. Whatever she didn’t want he’d likely just take back up to floor Four with him when he left. One of the other victors would surely eat it.

[fishermanfair]

Mags final words to Finnick before he went into the arena.

“Are you a survivor?”

[fishermanfair]

𝒜𝓃𝓃𝒾ℯ

Annie woke that morning with the windowless room the same as ever. the avoxes were kind, in this room. they knew she was pretty much dependant on them and they took care of her. she was good to them in return, but she didn’t imagine she made much of an impact. other than an odd question or a request to play a game. still, they took care of her.

she’d just sat down at the table, this morning. she’d been guided by the hand over to the table, where a plate had been set in front of her. it was her favorite cereal, which of course made sense. the victors in four had realized they might be too busy to take care of her eating habits during the games, so they’d worked with her to compile a list of her favorites and placed it like a sort of menu in a holder. so she smiled, thanked the avox quietly, and then finnick walked in.

she paused, the spoon just an inch from her mouth, when she caught his eye and grinned. “Finn!” she waved, excited to see him. the light in her eyes was bright today, bright as ever, maybe brighter. “finn! i have to tell you…” she paused, trying to remember the pun she’d come up with the day before.

“you’re… finn-tastic!” it may have come from a movie about mermaids, but she’d heard it and thought of her finn.

    Annie’s vibrant smile was contagious to the point Finnick felt a genuine one of his own forming. A rare occurrence here, but her silliness and joy this morning was as good a reason as he could have. She seemed more present with him than the previous day.

       ”Finn-tastic, that’s a pretty good one An. If that’s me then you must be An-azing,” he chuckled. Coming over to her table Finnick set down their drinks and food down. Noticing her bowl Finnick sent a silent nod of thanks to the Avox standing off in the corner. It didn’t matter to him that it was the Avox’s job to look after Annie in this room. He was still grateful. ”Looks like you’ve already got breakfast huh?”

    He ought to have assumed she may already have breakfast, but he had promised a treat for her when he came back. And Finnick did his best to keep his promises to Annie. Even though there were certainly times he wasn’t able to due to the appointments Snow made for him.

       ”You can save it for later if you’d prefer to have your cereal,” he said with a vague gesture to the paper bag containing their donuts.

[fishermanfair]

@wavesofcresta​

    When Finnick woke that morning the sun was streaming in through the open curtains. He hadn’t even noticed when he fell asleep that they’d been left open. However, with the light blinding his eyes forcing him to consciousness he figured he may as well just get up for the day. In the shower, his promise to visit Annie rose to the front of his mind. Having been somewhat worn out after his activities from the previous day he hadn’t made it down to her room. Seeing as the morning wouldn’t be a busy time for sponsors or meetings it was the perfect time to go down and see her. So, Finnick towel dried his hair and dressed quickly to head down to her room.

     On the way there Finnick made a quick stop. The first floor of tribute tower was where the kitchens were. He happened to know that if he charmed the ladies there just enough they’d be more than willing to do him a little favor; which they did. About twenty minutes later Finnick was turning to knob to Annie’s room with a cup of coffee for himself, hot chocolate for Annie, and two freshly made donuts.

     “An? You up?” Finnick asked, propping the door with his elbow as he juggled the drinks and food. "It’s Finnick.”

[fishermanfair]

ℒ𝒾𝓃𝒸ℴ𝓁𝓃

There were many things from District Four he missed while forced to be in the Capitol. His mother and sisters were at the top of his list. Lincoln also yearned for the bustle of the marketplace filled with the sweet aroma of freshly caught fish. He could empathize with Finnick’s own admiration for their home district with an enthusiastic nod.

“Being in this garden reminds me of home in some ways. It can be pretty quiet here, but there are no waves.” He murmured with a thought about the melodious and tranquil sounds of falling waves. “Sometimes I think I’m crazy for missing the smell of freshly caught cod or seared halibut, but those things are what home is.” Lincoln continued.

Others might find those sounds and smells disconcerting, but they felt natural to him. Lincoln could hardly envision living anywhere else in Panem. While merchants in Four’s marketplace often attempted to sell him items for surcharged rates, he would not trade them for the vultures in the Capitol. At least the merchants did not harm intentionally.

“Nothing beyond my usual Games jitters.” Lincoln sighed and turned toward Finnick with an embarrassed smile. Sometimes he truly felt inadequate for being unable to stomach some aspects of their role as mentors. Three years hardly seemed enough time to process his grief and look toward planning for the future. “I’ve studied enough Hunger Games history to know everything’s going to be different during the Quell. It bothers me.”

       “You’ll get used to this place some day,” Finnick said with a mild frown. “It’s fleeting.”

    Sometimes in the Capitol, Finnick forgot what it was like to be a fresh victor. He’d been navigating the ins and outs of Capitol hierarchy and culture for years. Of course every minute he was there he was missing home, but there was a sort of ease to some aspects of his Capitol persona these days. An ease he’d had to grow into that had taken time. The Capitol definitely wasn’t home, but it wasn’t so alien anymore either.

     Finnick hmmed quietly as he thought over the concern Lincoln had expressed. The younger victor was correct in all certain terms. And there was a part of Finnick too that was waiting, waiting for another shoe to drop. Certainly sending pairs of siblings into the arena was good television to the Capitol, but he too couldn’t completely shake the feeling that this could likely become worse.

     “Honestly, L,” Finnick began, eyes flicking around the greenery to ensure they were indeed alone. “I’ve had the same thought. However, at the same time I find myself wondering how much more monstrous can it be?”

[tomhordy]

Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART ONE (2014)

[fishermanfair]

ℰ𝒻𝒻𝒾ℯ 𝒯

“I knew I could trust you to keep my secret.” Effie felt herself laugh just lightly. that wink was perfectly planned. Effie could see how such a gesture would put people like putty in his hands.

“Oh no, I rarely speak what’s on my mind in the presence of those from One and Two. It’s so hard to get a read on what reaction you are going to get. I certainly can’t be out here starting altercations.” Effie gasped fearfully at the idea. Escorts who made waves like that… they ended up dead. Effie was well practiced at biting her tongue and speaking it to the right people.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw her friends waving animatedly. She hd many more people to meet and conversations to have. She turned her eyes back to Finnick and smiled. “It’s been thrilling talking to you. I can’t keep my friends waiting any longer. Perhaps, you’ll see me again if you’re in need of a rescue or two.”

Effie finished her drink and left Finnick with another smile.

    Somehow Finnick found himself doubting Effie would be capable of causing much of an altercation, but that was neither here nor there. Though just as he was about to respond to her comments he caught movement in his peripheral vision. A few overly dolled up Capitolite women clearly attempting to get their attention. He didn’t know them by sight. So he thought they must know Miss Trinket. A suspicion that she confirmed in short order.

     “They do seem rather insistent upon your attention don’t they...”

   He glanced at the Capitolites, flashing them a smile, before turning back to Effie.

     “Or perhaps I’ll be rescuing you from an altercation, hm? Have a lovely evening Miss Trinket.”

[fishermanfair]

𝒥𝓊𝓃ℯ 𝒮

   『  THE GAMES HAD BEGUN 』–––––––  both in and out of the arena .  one was held in the cage where they forced twenty-four children to slaughter one another ,  and the other was held in the capitol where mentors and the general citizenry vied for sponsorship and gamemaker support .  in fact ,  the amount of calls that june had received within the past couple of hours was enough to invoke a migraine .  needless to say ,  she needed fresh air .  

she’d barely made it past the doorframe when she notices a figure to the left .  ❝ listen ,  i’m on my break right now .  if you want to discuss support ,  you can wait –– ❞  june begins speaking before hearing the other’s statement ,  and when she finally does ,  she can’t help but pause and look .  ❝ finnick odair !? ❞  the words almost ooze out of her mouth without control .  how could she not know him ?  the capitol’s youngest victor ?  the original golden boy ?  it was all too surreal .  after all ,  she’d been a fan of him since his initial debut in the capitol .  

❝ i mean ,  finnick odair .  ❞  she’s quick to reel in her excitement despite his flattery .  or at the very least ,  she pretended to .  she would have introduced herself too but it seemed as if the other already had a sizable amount of information about her .  ❝ pleased to meet you . ❞  june continues ,  still struggling to maintain her composure .  but did he just call her the prettiest ?  she shook her head slightly ,  dismissing her impure thoughts .  if a victor was talking to a gamemaker at this time ,  there’d only be one reason for it .  

❝ so to what do i owe the pleasure of meeting the capitol’s golden boy ? ❞  june smiles half-heartedly ,  reaching out and shaking his hand .  he wasn’t here for her ;  rather , he was here because of her .

    It wasn’t that Finnick hadn’t expected June to know who he was, but he was still a tad amused at her reaction to finding him outside her office. His lips twitched, but the smile remained in place as he cast an ambiguous gaze over her person. 

      Having seen someone on television was nothing in comparison to meeting them in person, in his opinion at least. There were so many more things you learned about a person upon observing them up close and personal -as opposed to on screen where the mask was the easiest to keep fixed in place. It was part of his purpose for not having announced himself after all. One could gain quite a bit with the element of surprise on their side. Like the almost giddy manner in which she initially exclaimed his name that clearly clued him in June was likely a fan of his. Not all together a shocking discovery considering his popularity in the Capitol as a whole.

       “The pleasure is all mine.” He bent slightly bringing her knuckles to his lips for a brief kiss. “I assure you.”

         “Oh you don’t owe me anything this time Miss Sariss,” Finnick drawled easily. “But, as I’ve said. I did come to congratulate you on your esteemed new position. You must be very p r o u d. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone so young being hired as a Gamemaker.” His eyebrow arched slightly.  “We’re a bit alike in that respect then aren’t we? Youngest in our profession...”

[fishermanfair]

ℋ𝒶𝓇𝓅ℯ𝓇

harper was carrying her heels, but not until she got into the elevator – she was always positive that someone somewhere told her that alcohol numbs you…. apparently they meant everywhere but your feet. though her feet ached, the rest of her body had begun to feel like it was made of the very water from her district and she decided it was time to excuse herself. it was easy to write it off as he just wanted to get me drunk but it was neither here nor there. she wasn’t drunk and she hadn’t slept with anyone, she managed to meet a few new sponsors who were big fans of her games and rubbed elbows with a few victors who had fallen through the cracks in the whirl wind of media.

“ hey, “ she sighed out, realizing it was finn who was up and not annie or lincoln, her persona fell a little bit and she leaned tiredly on the wall for a moment and took another huff. “ its late, everything okay? “ she asked, slipping into her room and leaving the door half open so she could still speak to him and change, knowing everyone else was asleep. …… “everything okay?”

    When Harper came into view he knew his assumption she’d been at the party must have been a correct one. She was still fully Capitol dolled up as she rounded the corner into the living room aside from her heels which she was carrying with her. He raised a hand briefly in greeting as she leaned against the wall. Their gaze met and Harper must’ve been able to see how tired his eyes were because she asked almost immediately if everything was alright. All Finnick could muster was a slight sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. When his hand dropped from his face Harper was gone from direct sight, but her door was open as she changed.

    Finnick took a swallow of his wine. Peering over the brim of the glass he could see a slightly through the partially propped door. It was only ever like this when it was just the two of them. He was closer to Harper than he was to any of the other victors in Four. They often shared the same burden.

     “Just today that’s all,” he said finally. “You know how the first day of the arena can be.”

A pause. Perhaps hesitation.

      “I met with someone about sponsorship already as well. I suppose, I’m just a little worn out from that as well.Was the party absolutely thrilling?”

The last bit was in his best Capitol accent -which was admittedly quite good considering the amount of time he spent around the Capitol citizens.