"PICK UP THE PACE EVERYONE WE ARE BEHIND SCHEDULE!" Pandora screeched from the passenger seat, ushering Sawyer and his fellow victors, apart from Mags, who everyone agreed to spare from the exhaustive tour, into the car. Pandora turned to face the back of the car. "Time is money, and you all are driving me broke!" She scolded, the group in the back stifling their laughs as she turned back around.

The car pulled up to the Justice Center, a Peacekeeper opening the door and leading Sawyer to the stage, another coming to lead the others into the building.

Sawyer stepped up to the microphone, his hands shaking as he clutched the cards Pandora had given him. He cleared his throat, and read off the card, speaking of Melody's bravery and sacrifice. He read the last line on the card before turning to look at Melody's family on the platform.

"I wish I could thank Melody, not just for being my ally, but for being a friend. In a time I was terrified to be on my own, she stood by me the entire time." Sawyer's voice became strained, the emotion present in his speech. "I'm so sorry. Thank you." He spoke, setting down the microphone. The audience clapped politely as he walked inside, avoiding breaking down completely.

➸

"IT FEELS LIKE I JUST GOT BACK FROM THE CAPITOL." Sawyer groaned as the train pulled out of the station in District Four. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it." Mallory replied. "Doesn't get any better though, I still dread it everytime." Collin remarked, Mallory smacking his arm.

Pandora clapped her hands enthusiastically. "Well, if it'll cheer you up, you get to visit 11 new districts before the final stop of the tour in the Capitol." Sawyer nodded, not seeming amused.

"Speaking of which! I've prepared more cards for you to read at every stop." Pandora continued, handing Sawyer a stack of notecards. "They're useful if you actually read them." She said, giving Haven a pointed look. Haven choked a little on her food trying not to laugh, Pandora clearly still bitter about her discarding the cards during her victory tour.

"Don't worry Sawyer, there's no way your tour can go worse than mine." Haven laughed. "Truly. Your sister set the bar so incredibly low." Finnick teased, Haven rolling her eyes at him.

"Not everyone can be the Finnick Odair." Collin remarked sarcastically. Everyone else laughed in response, except for Pandora, who didn't seem to quite understand the joke.

"Well, we're arriving in the next district in just a few hours, so I suggest you make yourselves look... presentable." Pandora spoke, before turning to leave the train car.
"Damn. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today." Chlöe mumbled just quiet enough so Pandora wouldn't hear.

Everyone began trickling away from the table, until Haven and Sawyer were the only ones left. "I'm totally going to mess this up." Sawyer mumbled. "Hey. You already got through the hardest part. I know saying goodbye in four was hard. Melody was your ally in the games, and you got through your speech just fine. It's smooth sailing from here." Haven replied.

"Yeah. You're probably right." Sawyer spoke. "I know I am." Haven smiled, ruffling up her twin's hair before walking away to change into a more Pandora-approved outfit.

The train pulled into the station in District Five, Pandora ushering everyone onto the platform. The mayor greeted them, before leading Sawyer out onto the stage in front of the Justice Building. Sawyer walked up to the microphone, waving at the crowd as he began reading from the cards.

As Haven listened to the speech, she felt a light tap on her shoulder, turning her head to see Mallory standing behind her, extending her hand. "Come with me, we don't have too much time." A worried look plastered Haven's face as Mallory led her down a winding hallway in the justice building. "Where are we-", Haven spoke, her sentence cut off by Mallory opening a large oak door.

Behind the door was Roxy's mom. "I had to pull a few strings but I thought you'd want to see her." Mallory said with a smile. Haven walked over, giving Roxy's mother a hug.

"How are you doing?" Haven spoke as she pulled away. "I should be asking you that sweetheart." Roxy's mother spoke warmly. "I know all too well that helpless feeling, watching someone you care for so deeply in that situation." The woman cupped the blonde girls cheek with her hand, "And I'm so thankful that you didn't have to experience the loss along with it."

Haven smiled sadly at Roxy's mom, the pain present in her eyes, and the dark circles underneath silently representing the sleepless nights that Haven was too familiar with.

"I'm sorry about Roxy. I've been so sorry since the moment it happened." Haven spoke, her eyes glossy with tears. "I am too, I'll always miss her, but please don't beat yourself up. You stood by her side until the end, that's the most wonderful thing you could've done." Roxy's mom spoke, her voice quiet.

Mallory spoke up from across the room. "Sorry to cut you two off, but we have to head back or we'll miss the train." Roxy's mom gave Haven a motherly embrace, whispering in her ear "You're full of good. Don't forget that."

Haven smiled at the woman, before following Mallory back out of the room towards the train. "Thank you, Mal." Haven said softly. "Of course. Don't tell Pandora I did that, she'd probably beat me with her stiletto heel for straying from protocol." Haven laughed, a vivid image of Pandora whacking Mallory with her heel in her head.

➸

THE REMAINDER OF THE DISTRICTS passed in a blur of monotonous speeches to crowds who were noticeably more gracious than the ones during Haven's tour.

Hundreds of colorful people crowded, desperate to get a glimpse of this year's Victor. The train came to a halt, where a herd of Peacekeepers waited, guiding the District Four group through the crowds. Sawyer walked ahead, waving and smiling warmly at the people.

Many of the females craned their necks for a desperate look at Finnick, whose face was plastered with a smirk. Haven waved when she noticed some people calling her name out.

The Peacekeepers brought the group into the Training Center, where they'd all been just six months prior. As he stepped into the District Four apartment, Sawyer spoke. "I've got to admit, this place is much better when you're not facing your imminent death."

"Sawyer, your prep team will be here soon to get you ready for your interview with Caesar. The rest of you can occupy yourselves, just don't be an embarassment." Pandora spoke, before walking to the elevator, her heels clacking on the hard floor.

The group of Victors sat around on the couches, Chlöe flipping through the television channels on the remote. Collin walked over holding a bottle of champagne and several flutes.

"She told us to occupy ourselves." He laughed, popping open the bottle and pouring it into the glasses. Everyone stared at him for a minute, before Sebastian reached forward and grabbed a glass. "I like the way you think." He replied. The rest each grabbed a glass, clinking them together, proceeding to sip from their glasses.

Sebastian stood up, turning towards the hallway. "I'm going to take a nap." He grumbled. "You better be awake and ready for the Victory party. I don't need Pandora on my case again." Mallory yelled back.

➸

HAVEN SPUN IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR, the lavender tulle of her dress sweeping along the floor. She paused, smoothing her hands down the intricately patterned lace top, embedded with tiny crystals. "I don't know how you do it, Theta." She spoke with a smile, glancing at her stylist in the mirror.

"I'm just that good." Theta laughed, walking towards her. Theta stood behind her, pinning up the stray pieces of hair into the updo. "Beautiful, as usual." She smiled, before spraying a layer of hairspray. "Aaaaand you're good to go. Get out there before Pandora screams at you."

Haven walked out into the main area, the others already waiting there. "I don't know why we all bother trying to look nice when blondie shows us up every time." Collin laughed. Haven shook her head, smiling.

A few seconds later, the elevator chimed, Pandora promptly stepping through the doors as they opened. "Glad to see you all made yourselves presentable. Let's see if you can manage not being late too." She tutted, ushering the group into the elevator, and out to a sleek car waiting outside.

The ride to Snow's mansion passed quickly, the Victors stepping out of the car in front of the ornate palace. Pandora shuffled them into a line, Haven and Sawyer at the end so they would enter last, Haven linking her arm with Sawyer's.

"This place is insane." Sawyer whispered, his eyes wide. "Oh, this is just scratching the surface of crazy, wait until we get inside." Haven finished with a laugh, ruffling the top of Sawyer's hair with her free hand.

"Quit that!" Pandora quietly screeched, frantically smoothing Sawyer's hair back down.

Hundreds of flamboyantly dressed people lined the entryway of the mansion, desperate to get a glance at the new Victor. Sawyer walked slowly, waving at the crowds and occasionally stopping to shake a few hands.

A few moments later, Pandora grabbed Sawyer's hand. "I'm going to have to steal you away, there's some important people who would like to meet the star of the evening." She spoke, before leading him in the other direction.

Haven felt an arm sling around her shoulder, glancing up to see Garrett steering her towards the rest of the group, standing over by the bar. "Here you go, Princess." Haven grabbed the cocktail glass from Collin, pausing to take a sip. She laughed, thanking him.

Haven sat on the barstool between Collin and Mallory, sipping her drink as she observed the party. "These parties are slightly more bearable when you're not the center of attention." Mallory whispered, nodding her head towards Sawyer, who was shaking hands with a guest.

Haven finished her drink, standing up and wandering further into the party. The Cleary girl shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with a few partygoers who stopped her. Whilst aimlessly wandering around, Haven's eye caught a familiar face sitting in a secluded corner of the room.

"Hey stranger." Haven said with a smile, piquing the blonde girl's attention. Marguerite turned her head, her stone faced expression softening when she realized who it was. "Haven, thank goodness! Someone normal to save me from all this." She exclaimed, gesturing her hand to the crowd.

Haven sat on the couch across from the District 5 Victor, the pair going by unnoticed as they conversed in the corner of the party. Haven's eyes wandered, scanning the room as Marguerite was telling her a story.

Marguerite paused, looking at Havenwith her eyebrow raised. "Hello? Earth to Haven! Are you even listening to me?" Haven's gaze remained fixated on something in the distance. Marguerite looked in the direction she was staring at, a smile creeping up her face.

"Haven!" She exclaimed, finally getting the Cleary girl's attention. "I think a blind man could've seen the way you were staring at Finnick just now." She spoke, Haven's cheeks heating up. "What? No I wasn't." Haven stuttered defensively.

"Cut the shit, Haven, it's glaringly obvious to anyone who pays half attention that you're into him." She responded. "I don't know what you're talking about. Even if I was, there's no way he feels the same way." She muttered, shaking her head slightly.

Marguerite promptly smacked Haven on the arm. "Hey! What was that for?" She exclaimed, grabbing her arm. "To knock some sense into you!" She replied, pausing to sip her drink. "You should see the way Finnick looks at you when you're not paying attention. He looks at you like you're the only girl in the world." Marguerite smiled softly.

"You really think so?" Haven asked her friend timidly. "I know so." Marguerite responded with a wink.

Just then, Finnick turns around, noticing the pair sitting across the room. Marguerite waved at him, the Odair boy walking over. "Enjoying the party?" He laughed, sitting down next to Haven. "Well, I haven't felt the overwhelming urge to drive a knife in my chest, so I'd say that's pretty good for one of these things." Haven joked, the other two laughing.

"I'm just glad I'm not Sawyer right now, being dragged every which way to meet people. Plus the company isn't bad." Marguerite replied, nodding her head at Haven. Marguerite picked up her glass, finishing the last of her drink. "I think I'm due for a refill. I'll see you two later." She smiled, walking towards the bar.

Finnick grasped Haven's hand, gesturing her to stand up. "Would you like to dance?" He asked. "Not particularly with all of them around." Haven remarked, her eyes darting to the vibrant Capitol citizens peppering the room. "I have a better idea, c'mon." He smirked, pulling her in the opposite direction of the crowds.

The Odair boy took off running, dragging her along as they winded through different hallways. Where are we going?" Haven panted, holding up her dress as she ran. "You'll see. Almost there." He replied, leading her up a staircase.

He pushed open a door, breathing heavily as they stepped outside. Haven looked around, the entire skyline of the Capitol visible, illuminated against the dark sky as she stood on the roof. "This- this is beautiful. How'd you know this was up here?" She asked. "Oh you know, I'm here a lot, so I usually get bored and snoop around." He laughed, sticking his hands in his suit pockets.

Haven peered over the edge, the bustling party visible below, the loud music still audible from the roof. Finnick stretched out his hand again. "Would you like to dance now?" He said with a grin. "I would love to." She smiled back, placing her hand in his.

The Odair boy placed his hands on her waist, the Cleary girl placing hers on his shoulders. The two swayed along to the music coming from below. "Try not to step on my feet this time." He teased, laughing at her. Haven promptly lifted her foot, stepping forcefully on the toe of his shoe, his face wincing in pain. "Just because you said that." She laughed, a smirk on her face.

Finnick suddenly picked her up by the waist, holding her in the air. "You asshole! Put me down." She yelled, as he spun her around in the air. "Not until you apologize." He fired back, shaking his head. "Fine! I'm sorry." She said, rolling her eyes.

He promptly placed her back on the ground, taking hold of one of her hands and twirling her around. Finnick returned his hands to her waist, continuing to move along with the music. Haven's eyes met his, a soft smile creeping up her face.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked quietly. "Nothing." She responded sheepishly, staring up at him, moving to rest her hands behind his neck. "Mhm. I don't believe you." He replied, lightly pressing his forehead to hers, his gaze not leaving hers.

Haven exhaled a deep breath. as she could feel his own breath against her cheeks. His sea green eyes studied her blue ones, attempting to decipher her cryptic thoughts. Haven's mind was racing, her heart feeling like it was about to explode from her chest.

A roaring crack of thunder echoed through the sky, startling Haven as she shrieked and jumped back in shock, Finnick chuckling at her. A second later, raindrops began pouring from the sky. "Shit!" Haven muttered, Finnick peeling off his jacket and placing it over her hair as he ushered her back towards the door.

"Damn weather." He chuckled quietly as they descended the stairs, Haven barely hearing him. Her mind was spinning, processing what had almost just happened. The two slowed down once they reached the main floor near the party, strolling down the hallway, the Odair boy's hand still grasping hers.

"Finnick!" A voice called from behind, a slender woman with deep, navy blue hair and a matching glittering dress approaching them. Haven's face contorted into a confused look as the woman stood next to Finnick, placing her hand on his shoulder.

"I've been looking for you, did you forget about our plans?" The woman spoke, pressing her lips against Finnick's ear. Haven dropped her hand, her heart simultaneously shattering, feeling like it had been smashed on the floor.

"Finnick? What the hell is going on?" She spat, tears forming in her eyes as she stepped back. "Haven, no it's not what it looks like." He tried to step towards her, but the navy haired woman held him back. "Oh, I think I understand just fine." She choked out, before running off, the tears beginning to spill out of her eyes. "Haven, please let me explain." He yelled as he began to run after her, shouting her name.

The blonde ran outside, waving at one of the cars, throwing the suit jacket on the ground before getting inside and slamming the door. Finnick yelled her name once more as the car drove off. "Fuck!" He muttered rubbing his face as the rain drenched his clothes. He looked over his shoulder, the woman still standing there.

The woman cleared her throat. "President Snow and I made a deal. He promised me certain priveleges with you." She spoke, an edge to her voice. "I'm sorry, I can't do this right now. Tell Snow I'll fulfill my end of the obligations later." He stuttered, the pain present in his voice as he flagged down another car.

Flustered, he picked up his now soaking wet jacket and got into the car, telling the driver where to go. The Odair boy buried his head in his hands, willing for the car to get there faster. "I can't believe I fucked this up." He muttered under his breath, his voice shaking.

The car pulled up to the Training Center, Finnick opening the door and jumping out while it was still moving. He rushed inside, frantically pressing the elevator button. "Shit, shit, SHIT!" He shouted, getting into the elevator.

Finnick burst into the apartment, finding Garrett, Collin, and Mallory sitting on the couch. "Is Haven here?" He questioned desperately. "Yeah, she ran in sobbing, said she wanted to be alone. What the hell happened?" Garrett replied.

Finnick paced back and forth, running his hands through his hair. "Haven and I were outside on the roof at the party, and- and we almost." He paused. "Almost what?" Collin interjected. "We almost kissed but then it started to pour and-."

"I so called it!" Collin interrupted, Finnick glaring at him. "We were walking back and a woman who- who made, you know, a deal with Snow stopped me, and Haven doesn't know about it. That's when she ran off." He finished, his breathing heavy.

"Hold on. You never told her about how Snow uses you. How he auctions off your body like some object? No wonder she probably thinks you're a disloyal manwhore now!" Garrett responded. "Really, thanks. What the hell do I do now." Finnick yelled in response, the frustration clear in his voice.

"Go tell her the whole truth. Before you lose her. She's outside." Mallory spoke, pointing at the terrace. Finnick nodded, rushing over and flinging open the balcony door.

"Haven?" He called loudly over the pounding rain, exasperated. "Just go away Finnick, I don't wanna hear it." She choked. He walked over towards the bench she was sitting on.

"Haven, please!" He yelled over the rain. "No, Finnick! You're the person I trust most, and now I'm questioning everything. I'm hurt, I'm confused, I'm frustrated!" She shouted back.

"Please, please let me explain, and- and if you still want to hate me, I'll leave you alone." He pleaded, his voice breaking. "Fine. One chance." She replied, tucking her knees into her chest.

Finnick nodded, sitting next to her, taking a deep breath. "Ever since my Games, I've been a favorite of the Capitol citizens. The charming 'Golden Boy' that everyone loves. Which makes me very desirable." He stopped, taking a deep breath. "Nothing bad happened the first two years, it was just full of me being showered with love by adoring fans. When I turned sixteen, Snow decided to use my popularity to benefit his own motives."

Haven tilted her head in confusion. "I-I don't understand." She replied. "He-he approached me, telling me that he was going to sell me, or rather time with my body to people in exchange for things he wanted. He saw me, still does as a pawn in his game." He spoke quietly.

Haven's face sunk, tears beginning to flow down her face again as she grasped his hand. "I-I was stupid. I refused at first. Do you remember the night before your Games, when I came back to the apartment in the middle of the night?" Haven nodded.

"I was with Snow. That's when he told me he had just killed my entire family for not listening. That's why I was crying when I walked in." Tears were now falling out of his eyes too. "Oh, Finnick, I'm so sorry." She whispered, placing her free hand on his cheek.

"That's not all. After you won your Games, he noticed that we'd grown closer. He said he was going to make you do the same, sell you off. I-I begged him not to, I couldn't bear the thought of you having to go through this." He spoke. "Snow agreed, on the condition I would see more clients, and do anything he told me to."

"You- you did that for me?" She asked. "I did it to protect you, I'd do anything to keep you safe, especially from his sick, twisted games." He sighed. Haven moved towards him, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face into his neck.

Haven turned to whisper in his ear. "I never fathomed that anyone could care for me this much. You've saved me over and over again. I don't get what I did to deserve someone so good, I don't get why you would do all of this for me."

Finnick pulled back a little, grabbing her face lightly in his hands. "I did it because you're the epitome of light. You make everyone's lives better, and even though you've been dealt the worst cards, you deserve every wonderful thing."

He pressed his forehead to hers, both of their faces slick from the rain that was still pouring down on them.

"And I did it because I love you." He breathed out, barely audible over the pounding rain.

Haven didn't get a chance to respond before he leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers, the heat contrasting against the cold of the rain. After a few seconds, Haven moved back slightly. "I wish I would've said this sooner." She spoke quietly, breathing in.

"I love you too." She exhaled, before crashing her lips to his once again.

// author's note
uh hey🖐🏻 long time no see oops:)
apologize for my close to 4 month break from updating. i was feeling very uninspired and my classes are really hard so i have much less time to write.

but in exchange here is a nice longgg chapter with the moment you all have been waiting for hehe. 🥳🥳🥳 i'm so excited it finally happened lol. lowkey though why am i gonna miss writing the slow burn stuff🤭

anyways hope y'all enjoyed:)
also THANK YOU to everyone who has read this recently (and the old readers ofc)! it's crazy that this has over 50k views whattttt

ps here's the inspo for haven's dress

HERE'S WHAT YOU ALL WANTED: uh meme time i guess 😎‼️

finnick chasing after haven at the end

me @ myself when i put off writing for literally months

y'all when u saw i actually updated for once

kk that's all love y'all bye hopefully i don't take 4 months to update next time‼️
- abby