My vision of Finnick Odair! While browsing for reference images, I was getting really annoyed because the only ones that looked like the Finnick I saw in my mind were AI. But then I realized that nothing could be better fitting: because nothing about Finnick's image is real, it's all a construct of the capitol... This isn't him, it's how he is presented. So I made my peace with it.
(Also, just like my Cinna drawing, this is a few years pre-canon.)
“You only want a book about Finnick’s games because he’s attractive”
Have you considered that maybe we want to know Finnick’s games because he deserves his story told just like everyone else, especially when it’s 100 times as tragic
Also we’re allowed to love characters even if they’re hot
As the chariots curve back around to dock, Finnick stands idly waiting where he knows the District 4 chariot will end. Opal looks around at all the other chariots, surveying the competition and who she thinks to ally with while waiting for the horses to stop. As they slowly come to a stop, she glances up quickly noticing a large circular opening in the center on the tall ceiling. It is lined by a railing as Capitol people push and shove to stand and grasp the railing looking down at the tributes as if they were at a zoo and the kids were the animals. Opal hadn’t even realized Elliot had jumped off the chariot already, too busy staring at the colorful capitol people in awe and disgust as they gawked and pointing down at her yelling, ‘Look it’s the siren!’
“Opal?” Finnick’s voice snaps her out of the gaze she was in, her head moving around before landing on him standing next to the chariot waiting to help her off. His eyes showed worry but understanding as his hand reached up to help her down. Giving him a thankful smile, she took it and carefully stepped down on the ground her bare feet cold as they touch the smooth ground. The dark tealish-blue almost black ripped fabric dragging slightly on the ground. However, she couldn’t help but wonder why he hadn’t called her sweetheart, or use one of the many pet names he had given her.
“Can we go up to the room now?” Opal speaks, her hand still in Finnicks. Finnick glances around at the rest of the tributes and then up at the Capitol people looking down and pointing, before slipping his hand out of Opals and placing it softly on her back to guide her to the elevator where Tsuna and Elliot wait.
Opal gives him a weird look when she feels his hand slip out of hers, but shakes it off when she feels the prying eyes of everyone around her. Finally stepping into the elevator, the doors slide shut and both Elliot and Opal let out a deep, long breath.
“You both did very well. The Capitol loves you.” Tsunas voice comes out slightly shrill but full of warmth.
Elliot lets out a soft ‘Thank you’ before adding on, “But I think they loved Opal more than they did me.”
Gasping quietly she looks over at Elliot’s giving him a warm touch on the shoulder and a soft look. “Elliot I’m sure they loved you. Don’t say that.” She shakes her head, “Anyways, any sponsors I get are yours too. District partners, remember?”
Looking down at her, Elliot gives a soft smile of appreciation before continuing to look at the ground.
Once the elevator stopped at their floor, Opal immediately headed off towards her room to get changed and take a shower to get all the makeup and cosmetics off of her.
Finnick sat on the couch, where mags waited for all of them to get back. Even though Finnick had only known Mags for about a year, but she had quickly become a mother figure to him. Mags knew how much Finnick cared about Opal. He had constantly talked about her when he was getting ready for his games. He had constantly talked about how he had to get back to her and that she was waiting for him. So while Mags was happy to finally meet the girl Finnick had be so head over heels for, she hated that it was in this condition.
“Mags, I’m just so worried for her. She’s not meant for this type of stuff. She’s sweet, innocent, pure. These games are going to destroy her. He’s doing it on purpose.” His voice starts to raise, his head shaking as his anger builds. “I just know he did on purpose. I told him no, so this is his pay back. He put her in these games because of me! It’s all my fault Mags, don’t you get it. She’s here to punish me!” He cries, the tears falling out of his eyes too fast for him to stop them. His breathing gets quick as he stutters and sniffles. His breaths come out in puffs as he starts to hyperventilate. All the while Opal is still in the shower.
Mags puts her hands on his shoulders to calm him down. Making him look into her eyes, she leads him into calm and deep breaths. Her eyes spoke more than words could convey, A look of worry, but understanding like the one he had given Opal earlier. She was telling him, ‘Calm down. She will be ok.’ Nodding, Finnick stood up. “I need to talk to him.”
~~~
In had only been about 20 minutes between Finnick calling a meeting and getting destroyed to Snows office. The peacekeepers opened the door to his office as Finnick passed the threshold, the door closes and then he yells. “Why would you do this! She doesn’t deserve this, she did nothing. Never in her life has she done anything wrong.
“Finnick blames himself everyday for causing her this pain. He’s dedicated his life to making it all up to her.” Haymitch tells Katniss, hoping it will convince her to choose the two as allies.”
“Mr. Odair, please sit down.” Snows voice comes out way to calm for Finnick in that moment, but he reminds himself that anything he says or does in that moment can cause harm to Opal. “Now, I understand why you’re angry but you did this to yourself. You should’ve taken my offer.”
“To sell myself! That is why you put her in a death game. Because I said no to selling myself! What can I do to keep her safe. I’ll do anything.” And to those words Snow just smiled and held out his hand sealing the deal.
All on ao3 now! Snip bits and teasers posted here, no more chapters after 3 will be posted on here. Full chapters posted on ao3! Tips on buymeacoffee are appreciated
