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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘-𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄

𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐘.

    Which, to be a hundred percent honest, Finnick expected nothing less. This was Sage Rowan he was dealing with. A fierce, independant, strong, sharp-witted and brilliant woman. And let's not forget, stubborn as hell. She was a girl who does not give out her trust often and when she does, it is something to cherish. To call Sage Rowan his friend was a true honor, one he knew to hold onto tightly and never let go.

    But his actions during this most recent Hunger Games definitely must have raised some concerns for the redhead. He knew the consequences that would come from it, so when he showed up at her doorstep in District 9, his familiar charming smile plastered on his lips and light shining in his eyes when she opened the door, looking disgruntled and a bit dirty indicating that she must have come back from a hunt, he was not at all surprised when the large blue door slammed right back in his face.

    It only caused him to smile more, chuckled even, because he expected it. Six year old friendship and he knew this girl from the back of his hand. He knew she was going to be pissed at him. Pissed at his ignorance, at his cold shoulder. He knew this because he was pissed too. Pissed that he had to do it. He didn't have a choice, but of course she doesn't know that. It was absolute torture being away from her. Finally he found someone he can talk with, a true friend that he has always struggled with maintaining, and he might have ruined it because he was trying to keep a promise.

    A promise he made to her a long time ago.

    No lies.

    Finnick meant that promise he made. It was in the beginning of their blossoming friendship, during the 69th Hunger Games. The first one of many for Sage after her recent win. It was the terms of their friendship. No lying to one another. It was something they both requested because their trust issues had been ruined for so long, Sage's longer than his own.

    Finnick intended to keep that promise, never wanting to give her any reason to not trust him. He fought like hell to earn that trust and he was not about to let it go anytime soon.

    And from her reaction ten minutes ago, he knew he had succeeded. Because the look in her wonderful light blue eyes did not hold mistrust, but anger. That he can handle. Finnick knows how to handle an angry Sage. That means he can fix it. But mistrust? He'd never be able to fix that.

   Sage is a stubborn woman, she does not trust easily and if you break that rare trust she bestowed on you... well then it's good riddance to the bastard who was stupid enough to ruin a relationship with such a magnificent person.

    Finnick can fix this. Operation damage control. That is what he decided to call it the moment he stepped onto the train. His special train access does come in handy despite the terms, but this was important. The moment he received the all clear, he never ran to get on a train so fast before in his life. He needed to see her. These past months without her, knowing how angry she must be at him... its been torture.

    When she opened up the door, his breath had been taken away. He didn't care that her hair was a mess, pulled into a high ponytail with wild strains sticking out from the sides. Or that she had dirt smeared on her cheeks and her clothes. Or that there was a very obvious hole in the left thigh of her trousers. She was still so... captivating.

    Sage Rowan captivated his attention the moment he saw her at the Capitol before the Opening Ceremony. He knew there was something. At the time, he couldn't put his finger on it. Finnick saw something in her. She was not scared. She was not sad or angry or happy. She was just... void. Void of expression, void of emotion. Like she had given up.

    It only took watching the games to understand just how correct he had been. His old mentee didn't see what he saw though. Lorcan Ellison saw a strong and powerful young woman, especially for a fifteen year old girl who was way too skinny to be considered healthy. Finnick remembers Lorcan admiring her from afar, after bumping into her during the Opening Ceremony. Not that he could blame him.

    Finnick hadn't been close to either of his tributes that year. Azebel was... well, she was Azebel. Stubborn, ruthless and cocky. He knew that it was going to get her killed in the arena and he was correct. No one exactly mourned her back in District 4 other than her family.

    Then there was Lorcan. Finnick liked the kid, thought he was a good one for volunteering for his brother. It was moving, especially since it definitely saved his life. Atlas did not stand a chance in that arena given his condition, but Lorcan did. He was strong, but had a heart of gold. Finnick knew that heart of his was going to be his doom, just like Azebel's cockiness and ego was going to be hers.

    Out of the two, Finnick knew Lorcan stood a better chance. He leaned more towards him, since Azebel did not want nor seek out his help or advice like Lorcan had. So, his focus had been on the boy. He told him everything he knew, everything he should prepare for. He told him to form alliances with people who he believes isn't going to gut him the moment they were alone on the first night and if he can't trust anyone, then he was better on his own.

    When Finnick heard that he had formed an alliance with Sage Rowan, he laughed. It wasn't in a cruel way like he didn't believe him or that it was a ridiculous idea, but because he thought it was the smartest choice the kid could have made. Apparently they had been bonding during training, Sage going so far as to teach Lorcan a strange dance move to help him with his horrible balance.

    It only piqued Finnick's interest even more.

    He never expected Lorcan to win, as much as it pained him to admit it at the time. Lorcan was a good kid, with a kind heart. He was innocent. Every tribute is, but Lorcan was too innocent. And soft. Finnick knew every time he mentioned killing, how uncomfortable and squeamish he would get, Lorcan was not going to be able to kill. He might try, but he would hesitate and that is all it takes to get killed.

    Finnick, though, had been wrong on that front. Because he didn't hesitate. Not when Sage's life was in danger. She was weakened from the mutt attack, disoriented from the blow to the head. She was keeping up her own, but if she had been at her full strength, he knows that boy from 7 would have died the second he made his advance on her. Lorcan didn't hesitate when it came to saving Sage. Finnick could tell the kid had a crush on her, possibly from the moment they bumped into each other at the Opening Ceremony, but it seemed their bond had grown closer. Finnick had underestimated his tribute.

    The 68th Hunger Games was the most talked about game in decades, until this year, that is. Sage Rowan's win was extraordinary to say the least. Never had he seen anyone win accidentally. Never had he seen someone go into the games with no intention of coming out. If it hadn't been for Lorcan Ellison, if he did not approach the scary redhead during training, Sage would have allowed herself to die in the bloodbath.

    Her confession in her games had been on reruns at the Capitol for months, as everyone couldn't get enough of the neglected progeny girl from District 9 who has suffered a great deal, someone who might or might not be one of their own. A Capitol baby. That is what he learned she is often referred to as during his first visit to 9. Sage Rowan caused quite a stir with that confession in the arena, which Finnick has to point out how they have not shown that clip since it aired live. It was smart for President Snow. Why remind everyone that he allowed a possible Capitol child to fight to the death in the Hunger Games?

    His own citizens will have to lock up their own children out of fear of the same retribution.

    Finnick knew the minute Lorcan had died that Sage Rowan had won. He did not even need to bet on it, it was a fact. The moment her District partner put that blade through Lorcan, that was it. Because she may not have wanted to win, but Sage had no longer been in a rational state of mind. That look, that soul sucking, intoxicatingly terrifying look she had when Lorcan died in her arms... Well, no one was going to survive if they got in her way.

    Everyone thought she was skilled and dangerous before...

    Chance Henderson had woken a lethal weapon. Finnick still gets chills just thinking about it.

    Their friendship was odd to the outside eye, but it made sense. Finnick didn't seek friendship from the girl... not intentionally. He had given the Ellison family his word that he would find a way to give them a moment with Sage. He always succeeds in his promises to the families who lost their children the best way he can. Their request hadn't really been surprising, but it was a bit tricky. Thankfully, he had help and it had worked out in the end.

    But something happened when she arrived in 4. He knew what was happening to her the moment she stepped foot onto the stage before it was even happening. He can recognize a panic attack from miles away, and he felt drawn to help her. He felt compelled, like his body wasn't his own.

    Finnick felt connected to Sage long before she even felt like she could trust him. Something he discovered early on is that Sage does not make friends well. Last friend she made died brutally in her arms and the friend before that was one-sided since Sage didn't exactly acknowledge just how much Adrian had meant to her until she was reaped for the games. Earning her friendship and trust was hard, but worth it. Because Finnick can not imagine his life without her in it now. He couldn't phantom the idea. The only reason he is able to still go on living is because of her. Because she is in his life.

    So anger... anger he can handle.

    Which is why when Adrian comes down the stairs with a sympathetic look on her face, he immediately knew what she was going to say before she said it.

    "She snuck out the window, didn't she?"

    Adrian nodded softly. "She does it a lot when she doesn't want to run into anyone downstairs."

    "It's like a ten foot drop," Walker points out, frowning at this new revelation. "How does she get down?"

    Walker had shown up not even two minutes after Finnick had. Finnick was still standing outside the front door, knocking on the door. He could hear arguing between Sage, Adrian and Mrs. Pine, but he refused to leave. He had forgotten about Walker's birthday and that they seemed to throw him a tiny celebration dinner in his honor.

    So when Walker walked up, took one look at Finnick, he let out a grunt laugh and said, "You got some serious ass kissing to do, my friend."

    "She bought a rope." Adrian explains, chuckling softly. "A big rope."

    Walker laughed, sipping his tea that Mrs. Pine made for him. "I should really be surprised, but I'm not."

    "Where could she have gone?" Mrs. Pine questioned, concerned.

    "I know where she is," Finnick informs, standing up from the chair and grabbing his jacket. "I'll bring her back as soon as I can. You folks might want to start dinner though, don't wait for her."

    "It's called a family dinner for a reason. Can't eat until our family is all here." Walker said, whole heartedly, to which both Adrian and her mother nod in agreement.

    Finnick couldn't hold back a smile at that, seeing how far Sage has come from having no one to having a small support system. A family.

    Finnick was walking towards the door when he felt a hand on his arm, Adrian's voice calling out to him. "Finnick, wait."

    Adrian has grown so much in the past six years. She was stronger. Both mentally and physically. After the whole ordeal with that piece of shit ex of hers, Finnick was happy to see the mayor's daughter was no longer a naive pushover. Adrian Pine is the same girl, however. She still talks a mile a minute. She still helps those in need, frequent visits to the Dread every week. She still made these beautiful dresses that she wears with pride. She is still so positive and still sees the good in people even if they don't deserve it.

    Finnick did not need Sage telling him just how much her best friend has changed. One look at her and anyone could see, Adrian Pine was no longer weak and defenseless. She will never allow anyone to lay a hand on her without putting up a decent fight back.

    She is a new woman, indeed.

    Adrian sighed, dropping her hand and brushing her hair behind her ear. "It's... it's not bad news, is it?"

    Finnick frowned. "What is?'

    "The reason why you're here," she mumbles, hesitantly. "You're not here to end your friendship with her or anything, right? Because... as much as Sage would kill me for telling you this, she wouldn't be able to handle it."

    He felt his heart shatter at her words, hating that he invoked that fear into her. It only made him more upset at those actually responsible.

    "Trust me, little one. It is I who wouldn't be able to handle losing her." Finnick confessed with a teasing wink. "I promise I will fix this. Wish me luck, I'm going to need it."

    Adrian suppressed a laugh, nodding in amusement. "Yes, you most certainly are."

><><><

    𝐀 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐎𝐍 the door draws the twenty-year old victor out of his wandering daze, already knowing who it was without having to get up.

    A couple Avoxes helped him back to his suite, as he hadn't been able to really navigate himself. His body was too sore and his head was throbbing. He had kicked them out when they tried to help clean him up, but he refused to be fused over. Mostly out of embarrassment and pride.

    But it was the first time he had missed their nightly meet ups on the roof. He hadn't planned on it, but he also didn't plan to have the shit beat out of him either. He didn't want her to see him like this. Finnick would rather die than let her see him like this.

    But, of course, Sage Rowan is a hard person to ignore. At least she is for him. And when she is determined, nothing will stop her from achieving something. Which is why when he heard the door open and close, he shouldn't really be so surprised that she managed to pick the lock.

    "Finnick!" Sage called out, her steps coming closer and closer. Finnick remained silent, sinking back into the white leather cushions.

    He tried sitting up, but gave up quickly when his ribs screamed at him. He didn't bother calling back, she will find him eventually. And she did.

    As Sage stepped into the living area, her piercing violent eyes snapped on him, moving forward with the purpose to yell at him, only to fall short when she saw the damage. Her scrunched up features relaxed into a horrid expression, basking his appearance in.

    "Finnick..." She repeats, but this time in a gasped whisper. Finnick watched as she came over to him, as he leaned back on the couch, whiskey glass in his hand. He wasn't drunk enough for the pain in his ribs to stop.

    "Hey there, Angel."

    Sage stood frozen, just staring at the side of his face that was bruised and swelling. It wasn't as bad as it must have looked, only his ribs were the real bitch. She didn't say anything, just stared at him with pain and anger in her eyes, clearly not expecting this.

    Finnick, never one to be too serious for too long, flashes her a toothy grin. "I know I'm dashingly handsome, Angel, but staring is a bit rude. Even for you."

    Sage continued to stand there, lips pinched together tightly, like she was trying to control her emotions. He wasn't surprised she was wearing another sweater, this one being a nude color. Ever since her games, unless she is directly in the burning sunlight that is District 9, she is always freezing. Sweaters were like her armor, protecting her from the phantom freezing temperatures.

    Her long, thick red hair fell at her sides and mid-back, sloppily and frizzy. Like she avoided her prep team once again and used her fingers as a brush. As always... still beautiful.

    Finally, after what felt like eternity, Sage turned on her heel and walked away. Frowning, Finnick almost got up to follow her, reclining his head back over the couch to see she was moving towards the kitchen. The sound of aggressive rummaging sounded and soon enough, she was back in front of him, an ice pack wrapped in a towel in one hand and a tub of strawberry ice cream in the other.

    She sits next to him, placing the tub on the glass table before tossing the ice on his lap. "Put that on. It will stop the swelling."

    Finnick, a little surprised by her lack of questions, takes the ice and presses it to his bruised cheekbone and corner of his eye. He will admit, if felt good once applied. "What's the ice cream for?"

    Sage flicks the lip off and leans back, bringing the tub with her and digging a spoon in. "To calm me down."

    Ah, that's right. Ice cream was her replacement for alcohol. She didn't consume it like she used to with whiskey, but it was her go-to whenever she was angry or stressed to calm her down. Apparently sugar helped in that department. More specifically, sugar from the strawberry ice cream.

    The two just sat there in silence, Finnick icing his bruised face and Sage eating small spoonfuls of ice cream. Finnick liked how they could just sit together in silence. They could do it for hours on end, neither one feeling the need to break it. Sometimes, just each other's presence was enough to put each other at ease.

    It didn't last though, which Finnick knew it wouldn't. When Sage spoke, he was prepared for her questions.

    "What happened?"

    "Would you believe me if I said I fell?"

    "You are far from clumsy, so unless someone pushed you- no, I don't buy it." Sage said, eating another spoonful before turning to him. Her eyes softened when they met him, and Finnick squirmed under the scrutiny, wincing from the pain in her ribs. Sage frowned, obviously noticing he was hurt more than just his face and turned slightly on the couch to face him. "Share a secret, promise a secret?"

    Finnick couldn't help but smirk slightly at the request. It was a sort of deal they made, back when he first visited her in District 9 after her Victory Tour. One of them shares a secret and they can't tell another until the other person who promised a secret repays the debt in their own due time. They don't use it too often, this will be the third time and it's the first time Sage has used it first.

    So far, Finnick knows Sage blames herself for the death of her best friend's father and that she is severely claustrophobic. She didn't go into much detail about the second one, though he knew there was something more to that just by the haunted look in her eyes. But apparently it was considered a secret for Sage because she's never told anyone about it. Hyacinth didn't know. Neither does Adrian or Walker for that matter.

    In return, Finnick shared with her about this 'agreement' with Snow, though she had suspected as much given he apparently had shown the same signs her mother had for being forced into prostitution. He also shared that he slept with his brother's now wife way before they had even gotten together and how neither of them told him because they knew it would only cause more problems than solve them. Sage hadn't judged him for it like he thought she might, actually understanding his reasons.

    His brother was the only family he truly has left, he's terrified of losing him. Now he has a sister-in-law and two nephews. He will do everything he can to protect them, which is why it was easy for Snow to 'persuade' him into their arrangement.

    Finnick spread his free arm behind the couch and sighed loudly. Tiredly. "A client's husband walked in on us. He apparently didn't know his wife was unsatisfied in the bedroom and was paying for it behind his back. He was pissed, went to take it out on her but I stepped in."

    Sage blinked, processing the information. Finnick let her stew, putting the ice pack down and taking the tub from her grasp, eating some of it. He wasn't a big fan of strawberry ice cream, he prefers regular vanilla and chocolate. But strawberry was Sage's favorite, and yeah. He always makes sure they stock his suite with them every year now.

    Suddenly, a soft hand gripped his chin and turned him to face her, Sage was closer, examining the injuries. His breath held, their proximity suffocating, so close he could see the freckles on her nose and cheeks even in the dimmed lighting. They always show up in the bright sun or if she is under direct light, but normally they are hidden unless you were up close. They were endearing and somehow made her look innocent when he knew very well she is the most lethal woman he has ever met.

    Smirking slightly, Sage pushed off him, before grabbing his hand, examining his bruised knuckles and grinned. "Hate to see the other guy."

    "Peacekeepers didn't show up in time. Lucky for me, the wife hates her husband so much, she said he attacked first. They arrested me, because hitting these rich pricks is a huge no-no even if they attacked first but let me go when the guy dropped the charges. I'm pretty sure I have his wife to thank for that, but I doubt I'll be seeing her again." Finnick explains, taking the ice off his face and moving to put it on his ribs. "Nothing's broken, just bruised pretty badly. I only just arrived five minutes before you came barging in."

    "We had plans. Came to make sure you weren't dead somewhere." Sage admitted, which is her way of saying she was worried. Finnick smiled fondly.

    "Not dead. But I am hungry." He says, shoving a large spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.

    "I hate that you have to do this." Sage whispered so softly, Finnick is positive she didn't mean to say it out loud or for him to hear it. But he did. He just chose to pretend like he didn't, knowing she wasn't one for mushy behavior. Their friendship was still new, still raw. They were still getting to know each other and Finnick knew Sage well enough not to press her to talk about her feelings.

    So, like always, Finnick changed the subject. "Sorry about Roman. I thought he might actually have a chance."

    Sage snatched the ice cream back from him, digging in. "Yeah... me too. Top six, it was impressive."

    "It was. Second year mentoring, must make you feel pretty confident in yourself," Finnick teased.

    Sage bumped him with her shoulder, rolling her eyes. "You're one to talk. Annie is doing pretty good for herself... despite what happened to Noel."

    "Yeah, I kind of underestimated her. She's doing pretty well for herself, despite not getting any sponsors."

    Another spoonful in, Sage gave him the tub so he could have some more. "Think she has a chance?"

    "At the reaping, I would have said no. But now, watching her in there and her resourcefulness, I think she has a fair chance. If she can continue to remain hidden while everyone else takes each other out for the rest of it."

    Sage nods solemnly. "Well, if she does manage to pull it off, that poor girl is not going to be the same after watching her friend's head get beheaded right in front of her. She's going to need all the support she can get."

    Finnick nodded in understanding, already thinking the same thing. But that's the thing, if Annie Cresta actually manages to pull it off.

    To everyone's astonishment... Annie Cresta becomes the winner of the 70th Hunger Games.

    And Sage had been right. The scared sixteen year old girl was never the same.

*

    Finnick approached the tree cautiously, not trying to conceal himself as he knew it would be pointless. Sage was like a hawk, keen senses and all. She knew he was coming, but she didn't try to run away again. She just sat on her favorite branch, just like he had caught her so many times before and didn't acknowledge him. But she also didn't tell him to go away either. She didn't say anything at all, but she knew he was there. So that was a good sign.

    As he has done plenty of times in the past six years, Finnick climbed the live oak with ease, barely breaking a sweat as made his way over to his favorite branch. He remembers not understanding the appeal, why she was so attached to this damn tree, until he started spending time in it. It was the view it gave, of the open world left unexplored and unmarked by the Capitol. It was an escape from their reality... their sick, cruel, controlling reality. It was a sense of freedom Finnick never experienced before until Sage introduced him to this tree. It was like coming up for fresh air.

    Well, that might have more to do with the company he is with, breathing in fresh air.

    "You know, if you were trying to hide from me, you could have picked a less predictable spot to run to." Finnick tried breaking the tension, but Sage did not take the bait. She remained quiet, staring out into the pretty atmosphere. They had about an hour before they had to be back before curfew and Finnick hoped that she wouldn't attempt to give him the silent treatment for long. She's Sage Rowan, she could do it.

     "Come on, Angel. Let's fast forward the silent treatment and get on to you yelling at me. It's one of your favorite pastimes."

    Nothing. Not even a glance in his direction. Finnick sighed, not wanting to bring this up, but knew it would get a reaction out of her and he was desperate. "You wanna hit me? I'll give you a free pass, just this once."

    Just like he thought, he saw Sage flinched. It was something sensitive to them. Just like the promise they made to each other never to lie to one another, Sage made a promise to him after the second time she found him beaten to a pulp. Where sometimes his clients' spouses don't appreciate their wives paying for lovers, there was an old client whose kink was more... violent than Finnick would have liked. Sage swore to him then and there that she'd never lay a hand on him, not even for fun. He didn't ask her to make the promise, but it seemed personal. It was more for herself than anything and Finnick will admit, he felt warm inside at the promise.

    After another minute of silence, Sage finally spoke, still refusing to look at him. "What do you want, Finnick?"

    "Well, I want so many things. I want a new couch, something much more comfier than that stiff junk I have back at my place. I want to put an end to the Hunger Games and watch the people in the Capitol burn alive. I want President Snow publicly humiliated and executed. I want a cheese sandwich because I realized on the walked here I haven't eaten anything all day and I'm starv-"

    He is cut off by the redhead snapping her head in his direction, giving him a sharp glare of impatience. Finnick grinned mischievously. "There are those blue eyes I've missed."

    "It's been three months, Finnick."

    The dirty blond let out a breath of air. "I know. I'm sorry, Angel. I am. About how I acted back at the Capitol. You didn't deserve that. But believe me when I tell you, I didn't have a choice."

    "What the hell does that mean?" Sage demanded angrily.

    Finnick hadn't prepared what he'd say to her. He didn't know how he was going to do it. But being here, seeing her again, it calmed his nerves. Keeping his distance was utter torture. He knew when he finally spoke to her again, he was going to tell her everything. So he does.

    "We made a promise to each other never to lie to one another. A promise both of us take very seriously. It's something about our friendship I admire because I've never really had that before, outside of Mags that is." Finnick paused, adjusting himself on the branch. Six years, he still can never get comfortable enough like Sage is. "Something is happening, something that started long before the 74th Hunger Games but only recently roped me in. I was told not to tell anyone about it, that it was confidential. Not even you could know, not yet. I know you, Angel. I know you would have sense immediately that I was hiding something and I couldn't bear the thought of being forced to lie to you. Of breaking our promise.

    "So I stayed away. I figured, not being in your presence, avoiding you was worth it than breaking my promise to you. Because you would know I was lying. You always know, you're too good at detecting lies. Or worse, you would ignore your instinct and force yourself to believe me because of that promise we made and I couldn't handle that. I couldn't bear the thought of standing in front of you and lying to your face. So I stayed away, to protect you. To protect this friendship that I cherish."

    Sage stared at him with an unreadable expression. Finnick felt his heart pounding against his rib cage, his eyes searching her face. But she just stared at him, processing his words. Slowly, she took in a breath and shakingly released it, closing her eyes as if she was doing everything she could not to smack him, trying to honor her promise to him. Finnick will admit, this isn't the first time he has tested that promise. Sage has always been a hit first, ask questions later kind of girl. The years of training herself not to do that have been difficult and sometimes she even needs to walk it off or get away from the person who pissed her off before she does kick the crap out of them.

    Finally, after the third breath, Sage turned back to him, her eyes stone cold. "So... I-I didn't do anything wrong?"

    Finnick faltered, not expecting that response and frowned. Adrian's words came back to him then, understanding what she meant. "What? No, of course not. You didn't do anything. Is that what you thought?"

    "Well, what else was I supposed to think, asshole?" She yelled at him, her pale cheeks burning red. "You ran away every time I approached you. You avoided the rooftop and our annual meetings. Refused to answer the door when I came to your suite and had Raine force me out when I picked the lock. You were acting like I had the plague. I thought I did something to make you hate me. I thought you were done with me- this was all just so you wouldn't lie to me? Are you kidding me?"

    "You have every right to be angry-"

    "Angry? No. No, I'm not angry. I'm furious. Do you know what you put me through? I thought this was my fault. I've been blaming myself, Finnick. I thought, 'oh wow, I managed to ruin another good thing in my life', just like my mother told me I would."

    Finnick was stunned. "I-I'm one of the good things in your life?"

    "Finnick!" Sage seethed in annoyance, and the older male shook his head.

     "Right, sorry. Not important." Finnick shook his head, getting serious again. Sage had told him about her mother's words, it was one of their share a secret, promise a secret kind of thing. She told him about how mentally abusive Deirdre Rowan was, more in debt than anything she revealed in the arena. How she discouraged her, made her feel worthless and unloved and unwanted. Sage told him how Deirdre made her believe that she ruins everything she touches and the last thing her mother ever said to her was that she was never enough. Realization hit him like a ton of bricks.

    "Angel, I didn't- I didn't think it through. It never crossed my mind how you would receive my actions." Finnick tried to find the right words, but they weren't coming out right. "You have to believe me, I thought I was saving our friendship. I had to keep this from you until they gave me the go ahead and it killed me to do it. Staying away from you, ignoring you, it nearly killed me. Angel, look at me."

    Sage had turned away from him, shaking her head in disbelief. He reached over and grabbed her hand. She tried to pull away, but he gripped harder. He knew if she wanted to, she could overpower him, but the fact that he didn't was a good sign. "Sage, please."

    At the sound of her name, she finally turned to him, seeing the regret and guilt in his eyes. He swallowed before continuing. "You did not do anything wrong. And I need you to hear this, I will never turn my back on you. You could stab me in the back and I'll still be here for you. 'Cause nothing you will ever do will ever be too much for me. I need you in my life. I'm used to not being needed, so sometimes I forget that there are a select few who actually need me. And the fact that you are one of them, well, lets just say I'm still not used to it. I'm sorry, Angel. Truly."

    Sage has never been good at heart to heart conversations, Finnick knew this, but despite being clearly uncomfortable, he could see the pure relief in her eyes. Her blue eyes softened only a little, but her lips remained pinched. "Okay. Forgiven. I still want to punch you in the face though, but I won't."

    Finnick smirked. "I knew you couldn't resist my charms. You act immune to them, but that's all it is, an act."

    "I'm going to push you out of this tree." Sage threatened, only half serious.

    "Nah, I don't think you will. Because then you won't get to hear my proposal."

    Sage frowned. "Proposal?"

    "Well, technically not my proposal. I'm only the messenger. Or recruiter. Is it both? I like recruiter-"

    "Finnick!"

    "Right, back on topic. I'm going with recruiter."

    Sage rolled her eyes, but studied him shortly, before realizing. "You're talking about thing you tried so hard not to tell me." Finnick nodded, a bit hesitant. "I thought this was such a big secret?"

    "Oh, it is. And I just received permission to bring you into it."

    "Permission?" Sage repeated. "Permission from who? About what?"

    Finnick, being the ever so subtle being he is, decided not to sugar coat it and said it without so much as stuttering. "A rebellion is starting against the Capitol. A second one. It's been growing for several years and after the latest Hunger Games and what Katniss Everdeen did, we finally have a chance at winning over the Districts. She is our key to it all... Everdeen is our fire, but you, Sage, you lit the match six years ago. You are the true spark and Everdeen is the flame. What you did in your games got the ball truly rolling and Everdeen only finished the job. The rebellion needs the Guardian Angel. They need you, Sage. Officially."

    All Sage did was blink at him, He sat there, his nerves shot and his eyes wild, waiting for a reaction. She stayed quiet for ten seconds. Then ten seconds turned into thirty seconds... and then a minute. And just when he thought she had gone into shock, she snatched her hand out of his grasp with so much force, he did not expect it.

    "WHAT?!" Sage shrieked.

    But Finnick didn't have time to respond, because the force of her taking her hand back knocked him off balance and suddenly, he was falling out of the tree he had grown to love over the years.

    Well, it looks like she managed to push him out of the tree after all.

__________________________

I'm back from the dead!

I'm so sorry for the long wait guys. I went on an unplanned and unexpected hiatus, one I was not expecting. I really don't have an excuse, other than I just haven't had the motivation to write. I'd be too tired or reading a new book. I hate how long this took, but it's finally here!

What did everyone think of Finnick's pov? Would you want more of him? Is there anyone's pov you would like to see in the future?

Hope you all enjoyed! Again, sorry for the long wait!