The Life of A Victor || Finnick Odair

CHAPTER 38

"She came a bit after you fell asleep. She had a nightmare and wanted to sleep here with you. Let's just say she got the wrong idea when she saw me here already," he explained, taking his hand from her back as they stared at their friend. "You two fall asleep so easily. She literally hugged you like a pillow, and five minutes after she was sleeping soundly."

"I have that effect on people," Dove commented playfully, turning to her left to meet his gaze. "What about you? Have you slept anything?" she asked worriedly, to which he shook his head.

"No, I couldn't take what you said earlier out of my mind. And, by the looks of that nightmare of yours, neither did you. That tribute from Twelve does look a lot like Alder." Finnick confessed. His eyes kept on hers as he caressed her hand reassuringly.

Dove recalled now. She was in the middle of the 74th Hunger Games as a mentor for District Four, alongside Finnick, Annie, and Ron. Just hours before, they had seen the recap of the reaping all over Panem, and it was an absolute surprise when she saw District Twelve's tributes.

Firstly, there was the girl who had volunteered for her little sister, Katniss Everdeen. Volunteers were scarce in Twelve. There hadn't been one in decades. And the appearance of District Twelve's salute after her volunteering couldn't be overlooked. It was a gesture no one had seen them do since Dove's Victor Tour.

Then, there was the male tribute, Peeta Mellark. A boy of the same age as Alder when he died, and with the same physique. If it weren't for the different last names, Dove would believe they were related. Who knows, maybe Alder's mother was a Mellark before changing her last name to her husband's, or vice versa. She thought.

Only Ron and Finnick understood why those two tributes would affect Dove. But, it did not only impact her, she almost had a mental breakdown in front of her own tributes. With the excuse of her illness, she practically ran to her room, where she cried until Finnick appeared later.

"Either him or his district partner will win this year. It's been 23 Hunger Games, but District Twelve will finally have a new Victor." Dove muttered under her breath. It wasn't a belief or her own desire. That year's tributes weren't memorable in any way.

However, Katniss made a name for herself by volunteering for her little sister. All eyes were on her already. And, if Peeta was as similar to Alder as she thought, he would make up a story around himself, interesting enough for everyone to have their eyes on him.

"Yeah, I think so too," Finnick confessed in a whisper, wrapping his arms around her waist as both stared at Annie. Her mental state would only get worse, and both knew it. It was never easy to see the children, who they were supposed to protect, die.

Annie already had a mental breakdown after seeing both her tributes die in the bloodbath during the 71st Hunger Games, Johanna Mason's year. Johanna wasn't as ruthless as everyone thought, but it took time for her to appreciate anyone, Dove being one of those lucky ones.

She attributed Johanna's state to the loss of her family. News travelled fast between Victors, and one day, she heard a drunk Haymitch talk about the deal to her, to which she replied 'too late' with an annoyed face.

"I've had this question for a while. How did you do for Johanna to like you? I'm pretty sure she hates me," Finnick whispered, trying to cheer her up. She just shook her head, a chuckle escaping her lips. "No, seriously. I think if she had the chance, she would kill me on the spot."

"Don't be such a drama queen. She doesn't hate you. Actually, I think she finds your Capitol behaviour funny. She became bolder after you two met." Dove replied, ruffling his hair before catching a glimpse of light through the window. "I think it's time for Prince Charming to go back to his room."