Finnick Odair

Age 24

Victor of the Hunger Games

I cannot believe the words that just came out of President Snows' mouth.

On the 75 anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from their existing pool of victors.

It finally sinks in. I, Finnick Odair, am going back into the arena. How is one supposed to react to that? I just stare at the screen. The only thing that brings me crashing back to reality is the sound of a doorbell. My doorbell. I walk to the door, feeling numb. The long hall way seems to start closing in on me, and the door keeps getting farther away. Maybe I'm delusional. But I know once I open that door whoever it is will confirm that what I just heard was true, and I don't know if I can handle that yet. But I open it anyway for the knocking has become incessant. When I open the door I'm greeted by the sight of a disheveled and flushed Annie Cresta.

"Annie I-" but she cuts me off when she wraps her arms around me and starts sobbing like a little girl.

I love Annie but not in the way most people think. I started loving her when her district partner Zornelious got beheaded. She lost it after and hid in the woods. Luckily she was a good swimmer so that when the dam broke it was a clear shot to victory for her. I love her like the sister I never got. I have brothers and yes I love them but it would have been nice to have a little sister, to protect her. I get a taste of that with Annie. I'll never forget her face as she stepped off the hovercraft and into my waiting arms after getting out of the arena. Sure she hadn't showered in who knows how long, and was covered in mud and blood, but there was an innocence left in her that I wouldn't let anybody take away. I took her back to my house and held her till she cried herself to sleep. My heart felt heavy with loathing that night. Something snapped.

"Promise me you'll fight," she cries into my chest. "Promise me you'll come back!" She demands, her throat raspy from sobbing. There's a hint of hysteria in her voice, of course that's always there, but tonight it could be heard with more clarity. Desperation mingled in.

What do I tell her, that I'll beat this mass of victors? That it's highly unlikely I'll make it out of there alive with these champions retraining? Yes some have succumbed to substances only they can find solace in, but there's a special kind of fight in a victor that will never go away. The determination that brought us to the end of the games, that kept burning in our souls long after we were done. And I can guarantee it will kick in as we step back onto the arena plates.

~F.K.F.K.F.K.F.K.F.K~

As though time has skipped a beat, it's already time for the reaping. The District 4 escort Silvana puts her far too bright pink nails in the girls tribute ball.

Please don't be Annie. Please don't be Annie.

Silvana cries out a name, her voice in such a high pitched frequency that I cover my ears, but that doesn't stop the name I had been dreading from reaching my ears and running down my chest and into my stomach with a chill. "Annie Cresta." She calls. I almost cry out in agony but I clamp down on my fist before it escapes. I squeeze my eyes shut. Then I hear a garbled speech that I know almost nobody will understand, and my prayers are answered in that once sentence.

"I volunteer," calls Mags. Probably the only other female volunteer that has the heart to replace Annie. I know that she knows that she doesn't stand a chance in the games. She did it to save Annie and for that I am forever in her debt.

I'm already 99% sure what the male tributes name is so when they call "Finnick Odair." I'm not all that surprised, I march up the steps, look Mags in the eye and silently thank her. I know that I can never repay her.

~F.K.F.K.F.K.F.K.F.K.~

The next thing I know we're being rushed onto the train. There's no cameras but I still try to keep my face expressionless. I know Mags can see the apprehension and fear in my eyes but she stays quiet. After dinner we watch the recap of the reaping. Obviously a couple of familiar faces stand out.

Of course there's the attractive pair, Cashmere and Gloss who just "happen" to be brother and sister. Then blood thirsty Brutus and Enobaria who volunteer for 2. Then undoubtedly Nuts and Volts are reaped. It's clear that President Snow made sure the two were drawn, but to the Capitol viewers, the odds just weren't in they're favor. Then it's my turn, I'm shown first. Hey I think I look pretty good. But then Annie's called. It's clear she's petrified. But Mags quickly volunteers using her cane to get up the steps. That feeling of gratefulness now feels like a punch in the gut. Next thing I know District 7 is up. Johanna is called up. I have to admit, I've formed a bond with her over the years and I admire her strategy. Then she's called.

"Katniss Everdeen." Effie bellows. Then she calls out Haymitchs' name but he is quickly replaced by Peeta, the good-looking blonde boy. I know escorts are overly ecstatic but Effie looks like she's about to cry. And who could blame her? She had a good year and even though she didn't want to admit it, it's obvious she has grown attached to her previous pair of 'victors'. And now they're being forced back into the Arena. One of the announcers actually starts to tear up and she lets out a sniff, but she can't show anything on camera so just says "These will be the best Games ever!"

When Peeta ascends the steps I see a look of determination on his face, and I know.

His mind is set on protecting the Mockingjay.

That's when I decide were on the same team.