Against the Current (Finnick and Annie)

Chapter 20~Annie

Dating Finnick was the best thing that ever happened to me. It makes what I went through in the games bearable because they are what led me to him. Every broken part of me, Finnick works to fix and so I feel almost whole again. I at least feel whole enough to be happy.

But how could I not be happy with him in my life? Finnick is the only person I can talk to about everything. If some memory from the games is bothering me or it's something in the Capitol I can tell him because I know he understands. Dad says I can talk to him whenever but telling him these things will only crush him.

Dad and Luke are great for support but I have to face the fact that no matter what there will always be this gap that we can't breach. They can't pretend to understand the degree of my nightmares or mental anguish. Dad never will and I never want Luke to go through my fate.

That's why I depend on Finnick more than I can express. He gets me. No one really does but him. He gets why I shut myself in my head, why I fight sleep despite how tired I am, and why no matter how hard I try or how long it's been, I still get sucked into those horrifying images. Without him I would be worse than dead.

Finnick also happens to be a remarkable boyfriend. He's always there to make me laugh, and he takes me on the best dates. Some days we'd spend a day at our oasis and others we'd have a picnic on the beach. One time we even went hiking through the forests bordering the shore. Luke and Dad tagged along too so I guess it wasn't really a date, but it was one of the most fun days I've had. That's another thing I like about Finnick. He loves my family just as much as I do.

"Hey have you seen Finnick?" I ask Dad and Luke. I know the sun is already setting but I just woke up from my nap. My sleeping schedule is so messed up that I just sleep when I can.

"I think he might be on the beach," Dad says. "Don't stay out too long! Dinner is almost ready."

"Bring Finnick too!" Luke pipes up.

I put my sandals on and hurry out the door with a wave. "I won't, and okay Luke. See you!"

I hurry down my driveway and wrap my arms around myself. It's getting pretty windy. It's not too cold but with the wind blowing the mist from the ocean, it's not exactly warm either. I look up and see dark clouds in the distance. A storm must be coming in tonight.

I walk down the beach calling Finnick's name. I don't see him anywhere. Maybe he left already. I begin walking in the direction of his house when I hear him call my name.

I turn in the direction of the ocean. I hear him call my name again. He must be swimming. I squint my eyes and see a glint the distance. It doesn't seem too far away.

"Annie! Come here!" Finnick calls again.

"Okay give me a second!" I shout back. I take off my sandals and toss them to the sand. Then I slowly begin walking into the water. It's cold but I should get used to it soon.

I begin wading further and further into the water. Soon my feet can no longer touch the ground but I keep going. I search around for Finnick but I don't see him anywhere.

"Finnick?" I yell, but my voice gets lost in the increasing wind.

I tread water as I search left and right. When I turn around I realize how far I am for the shore and my breath catches in my throat. How did I swim this far?

I'm staring wide eyed at the distant shore so I don't see the large wave that suddenly engulfs me and brings me under. I stumble underneath the surface before I break through. I take a ragged breath before being brought under again. I kick frantically but I don't know which way is up anymore. I open my eyes but all I see are bubbles in the dark water.