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▎ RUINS ▎
»»————-　act two. fan the flames
THIRTY THREE ━━ farewells

a flawless sky sunk into the sand,
a mind clouded with flames

— unknown

      ERIN'S POSTURE WAS STRAIGHT AS SHE STOOD IN line with all the other tributes rescued from the arena, each watching the promo video of Katniss Everdeen or now known by most as the Mockingjay. Her brown hair was put into a neat ponytail and her face was cleaned from the ash and dust that sticked to her face like a second skin, but they couldn't wash the memory of tge previous events away and the brunette could still see the flickering flames of district eight when she closed her eyes. The destruction and screams, the smoke that clouded her vision and the heath of the flames escaping from the collapsed hospitle. All the innocent men, women and children burned to nothing more than ash, their hope got them killed and Erin hated it.

     And now watching the clip made her heart ache as she stood next to Finnick, the only district four victors who escaped Snow's clutches when they were rescued by District Thirteen with the help of Plutarch, while the others suffered a far worse fate inside the Capitol that Erin couldn't imagine. Her hand held tightly on to Finnick's, neither wanting the other to let go, fearing that once they did the other would disappear into thin air. Like their life depeneded on the grip, a lifeline to reassure each other everything was okay for now. That everything would be alright.

     Applause erupted from the citizens of district Thirteen when the clip came to an end, breaking Erin's thoughts as the brunette looked back up at the screen displaying the video, a simple mockingjay pin engulved in flames stared back at her, the words join the fight ringing in her head.

     Join the fight.

     Because we just lost a battle.

     Join the fight.

     But we can still win the war.

      Fight. Fight. Fight.

      It was all they would know for a long time. And it would be something no one would ever forget as long as they would life.

     Everyone knew the risks of the rebellion that sparked to life because of one girl. Because of one person taking a stand. The risks of fighting against someone with better weapons, more soldiers, more power.

     The chances were slim, but she knew that a small man could cast a large shadow, that one drop was enough to flood the bucket and that together, united they would be stronger than Snow ever could wish for.

     Erin's eyes traveled to where Coin stood with Katniss, urging the girl to follow her to adress the roaring crowd that had gathered to watch the clip. Her eyes were focused on the pair up front as Coin silenced the people, a quiet falling over them once more as they stared intensely at The Girl On Fire before President Coin stepped in front of the microphone to hold her speech.

     "There is no progress without compromise. No victory without sacrifice. But I stand here with the Mockingjay." The silver haired woman paused for a moment, taking ahold of Katniss hand before she spoke up louder. "To announce our moment has arrived." Coin lifted their hands up, to show their joined forces. Their unifiquation, their strenght.

     The crowd erupted once more in applause and Erin casted her gaze back up to Finnick, who wasn't looking at the crowd, it was more like he was gazing through them and she knew exactly what he was thinking, because she had been thinking the same since they returned. Everything that happened from now on was a means to an end.

     Annie, Johanna, Peeta.

     She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, gaining is attention as his eyes flickered to hers. "We'll get them back." She whispered softly just as Katniss returned to her spot in line beside Erin as Coin continued her speech.

     "Beetee has increased our use of the air waves tenfold. We will broadcast this message to all the districts tonight. The Mockingjay's words inspiring everyone to join the rebellion. Together we will become an allience to be reckoned with."

     Even louder cheering erupted from the crowd, shouts and whistles echoing throught the hall and Erin frowned when she realised Coin was finished and didn't even mention the wounded of district eight. Like the sacrifice was just nothing, they had joined forces without a video to promote their cause they joined because they believed. Now they were dead.

      The brunette looked up at Finnick and the blonde leaned over her to adress Katniss quietly who looked distraught at the celebrating crowd in front of her.

      "You don't like hearing your warfight song at a funeral? Huh?" Finnick asked, gaining Katniss' attention. "The more people on our side the closer we are to Peeta, Annie and Johanna."

     "Still, I thought that maybe those people from eight deserved more than a simple no victory without sacrifice." Erin mumbled softly looking between the two before she sighed squeezing Finnick's hand once more.

     Everything would be alright, it sounded like a futile promise.

         It was silent as Finnick and Erin sat together on her bed, the two soaking in the momemt of peace for as long as they could while Gale and Katniss were above ground, hunting whatever wildlife was still living up there.

     "Do you-" she paused for a second. "Do you think Annie is alright." She whispered, lifted her head up from Finnick's shoulder, her eyes shining with worry as she looked up at the blonde. "I mean we both know what the games did to her."

     Finnick didn't say anything for a moment, absentmindly playing with their intertwined hands before he sighed and looked at her. "I just hope that we get them back, I don't care how, aslong as they're breathing."

    The brunette nodded slowly, leaning her head back on his shoulder with a sigh. "It's just that Alex' is trying to just block every memory of her out. I know he misses her, I can see it in his eyes but it's like he's trying to keep on a brave face for everyone."

     Finnick chuckled softly, like he was remembering a memory from a distant past. Everything before the start of the Quarter Quell felt like a distant past, a blurred liftime. "He always puts up a brave face for you." He place a gentle kiss on top of her head. "He always has since it was just the two of you."

     "I just don't want him to bottle up his emotions, he's very good at that until something just snaps." Erin mumbled looking back up at Finnick.

     "We'll get Annie back, we'll get everyone back and win this rebelion. Then we can all be together again."

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