origin

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All it took was one second. One mere second. Then her cannon went off.

She was gone.

Dead.

And it was my fault.

...

That was all that Finnick could repeat in his head. Over and over again. All he could see was her death replaying like a tape. He could playback every single second during that one scene. And every single time he would try to change the outcome. He would move a certain way. He would kill the boy from District seven immediately. He would throw his spear at Glistena and risk his own life for Aurora's.

But that never happened.

None of those instances did.

He wished they did. But life wasn't a fairytale. His life was hell.

...

Days Before The 65th Hunger Games

Cheering surrounds the train as it slows down through the Capitol. Many people dressed just as Venus crowd together watching in awe. It was as if they had never seen other human beings before. Although sadly it was like the districts weee treated as animals and the human beings were the Capitol. Of course with district one, two, and four it was a bit of a different kind of situation. They were treated better, allowed to train, and really had better clothes and food available to them.

Finnick sighs before standing up and walking to the window where Aurora had been smiling at the crowd. The cheers become louder as the teen boy appears in the light.

"I feel like a fish in glass."

Aurora peeks over at Finnick and shrugs, "At least you're not in the ocean with sharks."

"Not yet anyways..."

Aurora frowns and shakes her head before turning back to the crowd. Feeling the train start to move once again, Finnick backs away and walks to the table that held a variety of breakfast foods. He picks a simple apple and then begins to head to his room.

"The train stops in 15, darling. Then you will be given to your team of stylists. Together they will gro-"

"Groom us? Like we're dogs?" Finnick raises an eyebrow then shakes his head and exits the room.

Venus glances over at Aurora and frowns, "Did I say something wrong?"

Aurora sighs and walks over to sit down at the table with Venus, "It's not your fault you were born into the Capitol and don't realize how completely messed up this is."

Venus frowns, "I do not understand."

"Of course not. It's alright. Can you pass the jam please?"

...

Finnick flinches as a strip of sticky paper is ripped off his body. He curses angrily as another one is pulled. Tweezers were used on his eyebrows as he laid on a table completely vulnerable. Except for the small blue cover he wore. This was his hell.

What felt like an hour later, Finnick is guided to a separate from from the others. He sits with his back to the wall as he stares at all the people who walk by the glass. Everyone was dressed so colorfully and outrageous. After an minute, Finnick hears heels make their way closer to his room. He sees a tall women who wore makeup as if she were a cat. She was dressed in fur and a large warm looking hat that also looked like fur.

The woman knocks on the glass and stares at him as she stands waiting for his approval to enter. Finnick frowns confused then shrugs waving a hand.

The lady nods and opens the door walking in elegantly. She stops a few feet from Finnick and holds out her hand.

"Hello dear child my name is Tigress. I shall be your stylist for the next few weeks."

Finnick nods firmly and reaches to shake her hand, "Finnick Odair."

"How old are you child?"

"14."

Tigress frowns and shakes her head, "Too young of a soul for these foul games."

Frowning Finnick sits up straight, "I thought you people loved the games. It's entertainment for your boring days of doing absolutely nothing. No one works or goes to school. No one is put through an academy. No one dies..."

Tigress nods crossing her arms over her chest while taking a step back, "I hear you and I agree. The games are nothing but a completely savage, vicious and unnatural means of a way to gain and keep control of all the districts. I'm sorry you all have to go through this. Many endure so much... too much. It's inhumane really. But I told myself that if I were a part of it I was helping. Just because I am a stylist does not mean that I do not care. I dress my district to the fullest, the best, make sure they outshine every other district. You know why child?"

Finnick shrugs, "No."

"Because the better you look, the more intrigued they are. The more they are willing to help you. The more money they spend on gifts. You need sponsors. And I help get you them. I bring out your personality. And ensure that those eyes are on you every step of the way. It might not be as helpful as learning how to use a sword... but it is a small piece of what could be why you are alive at the end of this."

"How do you know it'll be me?"

"I see it in your eyes. The determination. The fire. I see that drive. I haven't seen that in any of my tributes since maybe years ago. You're a fighter," Tigress smirks, "And I love to make a statement."

...

Finnick stands beside Aurora as the two walk behind Venus and Tigress. Mags follows behind the teens as they all make their way into the sleeping quarters. The building was like a huge house on one floor. Finnick gapes as he looks around at the kitchen.

Everything was clean and shiny. Everything looked new. And like glass.

Slowly making his way to the sitting area, he nods whispering wow as he stares at the large screen that played the reaping. He walks closer and watches as the words District one had flashed across the screen. A second later, the flashy city of district one had been shown. All the kids looked happy to be there. Smiles on every face. Many looked eager to start. Finnick watches as the names are called.

"Glimmer... and Elaeis..."

District two flashes across the screen. Peacekeepers stand around the entire area as kids push and shove through to get to their spots. This group of kids all held smirks. They looked deadly and kind of crazy.

"Glistena... and Tiberius..."

Aurora sits down beside Finnick and bites her lip, "Well don't they look lovely."

Finnick chuckles shaking his head, "Psychotic actually."

Aurora nods, "I cannot disagree with that. Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be... you ready?"

Aurora shrugs, "I have to be. I wish I were home but life is unpredictable. We have our first group training session tomorrow morning... see you there?"

Finnick nods and watches as Aurora gets up. He realized he had been kind of distant from her but he did want her to know that he trusted her and wanted them to work as a team. It took him a day to think it over and he was stubborn but the mere fact that Aurora wanted to keep him safe, made him want to do the same in return.

"Meet you at the elevator. We can walk in together."

Aurora smiles softly and nods before leaving the room.

Finnick sits back against the chair and stares up at the ceiling.

'Tomorrow would change everything.'

Was he ready for it?

So we are finally at a POV change. The next few chapters for Part 2 will be from Finnick and Aurora's perspectives!! This is what happened during his games. Most of this is researched and the rest is just made up from my noggin. Hope y'all enjoy!!

What do you guys think about Venus being the escort? What about Tigress being the stylist?

You think Finnick is warming up to Aurora 🥺🥹 he's such a softie

Future predictions?

Any special requests...