The Mentor (A Finnick Odair fanfiction)

It was on the Capitol train, hours later, that Finnick got his first chance as their mentor to talk to the tributes. The first to appear was the boy, Lukas. He smiled at the tribute and ruffled his curls affectionately. “Hey Lukas – I’m Finnick Odair, your mentor in these Games.”

“Hi.” The boy’s voice was small and nervous, quivering with emotion in just that one short word.

“Now, Lukas. You have some mighty fine hair on that head, boy. Mind if I call you...Curly? It seems fitting!” Finnick winked at him and the boy pulled a small smile for the first time since the reaping.

“-and, wait. I’ve forgotten something...” Finnick patted his pocket, as if searching for something. He tried his back pocket, and came out triumphantly holding a small white square shaped thing. “...a sugar cube! Want one, Curly? I’m really quite particular to them and it’s sure to make you feel better. I know it does for me!”

Lukas accepted, putting it into his mouth. His face while the sugar was melting on his tongue was picturesque, and Finnick couldn’t help but chuckle quietly. Curly looked at him with a new sense of admiration and bravery and Finnick couldn’t help but feel a sharp pang of misery that this poor innocent child would be dead in a few days.