✮ ༄ 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 ༄✮
ACT IIII                   CHAPTER 27
( i'd marry you with paper rings )

        FINNICK ODAIR IS GOING TO PROPOSE.

    His heart raced like a wild stallion, his palms drenched in nervous anticipation, and his knee bounced with restless energy as he anxiously awaited Evelyn's return from her encounter with Peeta. Johanna fixed her gaze upon him, her eyebrows arched inquisitively, studying his agitated state for what felt like an eternity.

        "You know she's gonna say yes, right?" She said, "I mean, she's head over heels for you."

    Finnick brushed off her presence, immersing himself in a whirlwind of thoughts, envisioning every conceivable scenario, desperately yearning for her to bestow upon him the title of the luckiest man alive.

        Evelyn's gaze pierced through the glass, her eyes locking onto Peeta, who lay restrained upon the hospital cot. A frown etched across her face as she contemplated the situation, "So, you want me to talk to him?"

    "Try and get him to remember Katniss isn't the enemy." Plutarch gently urged.

        "If I couldn't in the Capitol how do you expect me to do that now?" Evelyn sighed.

    Stepping into a different section, she distanced herself from the rest, patiently biding her time until Plutarch signaled for her to proceed. Once she did, Katniss arrived, silently observer while her eyes fixated on every gesture and interaction between the two.

        With a radiant smile that could rival the sun's glow, the blonde woman exuded warmth as she greeted him, "Hi Peeta."

    "Eve?" He blinked, "Evelyn— where are we?"

        "District Thirteen." She responded. As the gears of the boy's mind started to churn, a spark of realization ignited within him, "It's a real place."

    "My family hasn't come to see me." Peeta told, "Is your family here?"

        Evelyn's expression turned melancholic as she delicately pressed her lips together, a hint of sadness in her eyes, "My sister and Finnick are here," She murmured pensively, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "but I'm not sure about my father."

    He nodded, his gaze drifting into the distance, lost in a sea of thoughts, "There was an attack on twelve." Peeta uttered, his fingers intertwined with Evelyn's, a gentle touch that caught her off guard. She couldn't help but be amazed by the tenderness he displayed, especially considering his recent journey of rage and vengeance.

        "Yes."

    "My family?"

        "I'm really sorry, Peet. I was told they didn't survive."

    A tremor ran through him as he released a shaky breath, his desolate gaze transforming into a fiery blaze of hatred. "Katniss," Peeta declared, "It's because of Katniss."

        "No." Evelyn shook her head, "It isn't because of her."

    "Did she tell you to say that? Because— because you can't trust her. You can't trust her, Evelyn!" His voice grew louder, fueled by mounting anger, "She's... she's a liar."

        Evelyn stood her ground, unwavering and unflinching, as she faced the intense waves of hatred before her. In that moment, the sight of this seething animosity mirrored the very essence of her father, and instead of fear, a sense of resilience washed over her. She no longer afraid.

    "She didn't tell me anything." Eve calmly informed, "The Capitol are the liars. President Snow is the liar. We can trust her."

        "It's a trick." Peeta rolled his eyes, "You should especially know it's a trick."

    Confusion etched across her face as she furrowed her eyebrows, feeling the sting of that last sentence aimed directly at her. "What do you mean?" She inquired.

"You're Games."

        Like a rush, a torrent of images surged to the forefront of her mind. The fierce competitors known as the Careers, her ally by her side, and the face of her beloved brother, all flickered through her thoughts like vivid flashes of lightning on a stormy night.

    "You were going to kill your brother. You were going to trick him." Peeta accused.

        "No, no— no, I wasn't. Why would you say that?" Evelyn questioned, leaning back slightly. The words stung, even though she understood deep down that he didn't truly mean it. Still, the pain lingered, a gentle ache in her heart that she couldn't quite shake off.

    Peeta's gaze wandered aimlessly as he delved into the depths of his thoughts, but alas, his mind was blank, consumed by a dense fog that veiled the truth from his grasp. The elusive answers remained just out of reach, teasing him with their enigmatic nature.

        "Did Katniss send you here? Are you with her?" Peeta's voice trembled with a mixture of desperation and betrayal, his face contorted with anguish, "You need to get out. She's a monster! She's a mutt!" His words were laced with rage, and in that moment, Evelyn could see the flicker of fear in his eyes, "She's a weapon that the Capitol sent to destroy us!"

    Evelyn's head sank, a heavy burden of failure weighing upon her. She had poured her heart and soul into trying to bring him back, but her efforts had fallen short. The weight of disappointment settled upon her shoulders, casting a shadow over her determination.

        "You have to kill her! You have to take your knife and kill her! She's a mutt! She's a mutt!"

    The door buzzed, and Zane swiftly entered, his touch both firm and gentle as he grasped her bicep, guiding her away from the frenzied boy. In that moment, Evelyn felt a mix of emotions, guilt weighing heavily upon her. Sensing her turmoil, her previous mentor led her out of the room, away from prying eyes. And then, in the quiet sanctuary of their solitude, he enveloped her in a warm embrace, offering solace and understanding. She surrendered herself to his comforting presence, finding strength in his unwavering support.

"Finnick, where are we going?" Evelyn's voice danced with a playful chuckle. His hands intertwined with hers, leading her on an adventure into the unknown. Her eyes were veiled by a blindfold, heightening her anticipation and curiosity.

"You'll see." Finnick grinned, "Watch your step."

"I can't, I've been blinded." She deadpanned, making his eyes roll.

Out of nowhere, an exhilarated squeal escaped her lips, filling the air with uncontainable joy. Finnick had swiftly scooped her up in his arms, carrying her in a tender and romantic bridal style. As they embarked on their impromptu journey, she nestled comfortably against his chest, finding solace and warmth in the familiar touch.

Finnick nudged open a door with his foot, and a gentle breeze caressing Evelyn's face, carrying with it a sense of delicate enchantment. As the cool air kissed her skin, her nose instinctively twitched, awakening a long-forgotten sensation. The chilly embrace of the breeze painted her cheeks with a rosy hue.

Gently, he set her down. With a delicate touch, Finnick removed her blindfold, revealing a world of wonders before her. Softly, a smile graced his lips as he lovingly brushed away a few stray strands of her blonde hair. Lost in the depths of her mesmerising ocean blue eyes, he found himself drowning in a sea of love and adoration while Evelyn gazed back just as lovingly.

Then, she glanced around, finding herself standing amidst the rugged landscape of District Thirteen. The chaotic surroundings couldn't steal her focus, though, as her eyes were drawn to the breathtaking sight above. With a slight gasp escaping her lips, she marveled at the stars that adorned the night sky, their twinkling brilliance captivating her gaze. Each star seemed to have its own story, some shimmering brightly while others emerged with a gentle glow.

She was completely lost in her own world, her mind consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts and dreams. Unbeknownst to her, as she turned around to meet his gaze, a breathtaking sight awaited her. There, before her, Finnick knelt down on one knee, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. Time seemed to stand still as their paths converged, and in that moment, everything else faded away and the world held its breath.

"Evelyn Nova Mane." Finnick's voice resonated with a mix of excitement and nervousness, his words hanging in the air like a delicate melody. As those words reached her ears, Evelyn's smile blossomed, radiating pure joy and love. Her heart danced with anticipation, knowing that this was a moment that would forever change their lives. With each passing second, her smile grew wider, unable to contain the overwhelming happiness that flooded her being, "Will you do me the honours of becoming my wife?"

Finally, Finnick's heartfelt question hung in the air, a question that held the promise of a lifetime. In that precious moment, time stood still, as Evelyn's heart and mind whispered a resounding "Yes" that would forever bind their destinies together.

He extended his hand, an object held between his fingers, but as her eyes caught sight of it, a chuckle escaped her lips. The realisation washed over her like a wave of amusement. It wasn't a traditional ring, but rather a whimsical creation made of paper. In that lighthearted moment, laughter danced in her eyes, a testament to their shared sense of playfulness and joy. The paper ring became a symbol of their unique bond, a reminder that love can be found in the simplest and most unexpected of gestures.

"Of course I will!" She exclaimed and pulled him up.

They shared a moment of laughter, their joy intertwining as their lips met in a tender embrace. In that enchanting instant, Evelyn felt as if she were floating on cloud nine, and the same euphoria enveloped Finnick. Their smiles lingered against the kiss, their hands intertwined, creating a bond that felt unbreakable. As they reveled in each other's presence, a shooting star streaked across the sky, captivating their attention. They paused, their eyes locked on the celestial wonder, before turning their gaze back to one another, knowing that their love was just as magical as the star that had graced their shared moment.

Their foreheads gently touching, he delicately slid the paper ring onto her finger. As her eyes fell upon it, admiration sparkled within her gaze. It was a flawless match, just like the two souls standing before each other. The ring embraced her finger, a symbol of their unique connection and the harmony they shared. In that special moment, they knew that their love was a perfect fit, destined to endure the test of time.

"I love you, Mrs Odair."

"I love you too, Mr Odair."

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twenty-seven complete !!

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A/N:

i cannot stop smiling my babies are getting married!!