In Too Deep

Chapter 1

Five years later....

The sun rises slowly. I get dressed in simple clothing. I head outside into the humid air and walk. About 20 minutes later I arrive at the beach. No sign of him yet. I set down my bag and start to unpack. I lay out a blanket, a picnic basket full of breakfast, and a lantern for the dim lighting. Then I lay and rest my head to look at the still shining stars.

"Morning Annie." I hear his voice. It cracks as he says my name.

"Good Morning Finn." I smile looking up at his face above mine.

"You hungry?" I ask. I open the basket and lay out the breakfast I prepared. Salty bread, fresh milk just in this morning from district 10, and a spread of a mixture of fish for the bread.

"You made all this?" He says in shock. He eyeballs everything. We may be 'careers' in the hungergames bit even we struggle for food.

"Yeah, eat up!" I giggle. We dig in and avoid talking so we can stuff ourselves.

"Are the nerves getting to you too?" He looks my right in the eyes. Sincerely, with concern.

"Of course. After all it's the reaping." I break from his gaze.

"Annie?" I look back up and nod to show I'm listening. He takes my hands. "Just promise me, no matter what happens...you'll remember me right?"

"Yes. As long as you don't forget me." I smile at him. "Well Finn. I better go." I rise from the blanket and pack up everything. "Bye Finn." I start to walk away.

"And may the odds be ever in your favor." He speaks in a Capitol accent.

"Happy Hunger Games." I walk back and kiss him on the cheek. The walk home is boring and beautiful at the same time. As usual. You can hear the crashes of the waves across the district. The breeze blows softly making my hair sway behind me.

At home I dress in my reaping clothes. Sea green dress and white heels. My hair left as is. I grab my net braclet I made before I had even met Finn. I hug my parents goodbye and head to the town square.

I see Finn across the square getting his blood drawn, just like anyone else. I feel my finger getting pricked. I wince, not expecting it. The Peacekeeper motions me on. I head over to the designated section of where I stand. This is the year. The year he is picked...I know it and I can't stand it. I realize I have missed the whole opening announcements. They have already started and the girl is walking up. Lucy Hale...age 12. The escort has his hand in the boys reaping ball.

"Finnick Odair." He says as it echoes through the district.

I don't really know what happens next that I just run and run. I am out of the square and at the beach.

"Sweetie?" I turn to see my mom. "Come back and say goodbye to Finn." She says calmly. I just nod. My mom holds my hand as we walk back. The peacekeepers pat us down as we enter. I feel my mom let go. "Go on." She gives me a nudge towards the room.

I walk in slowly. "Hey Finn."

He looks up in shock. "I didn't think you would come."

"Why wouldn't I?" My eyes begin to tear up. "Has anyone else come?"

He shakes his head. "No but I didn't really want anyone else too."

I walk over and sit next to him. I take his hand. Then I slide my net braclet from my wrist to his. "Please let this be your district token." I say between sniffles as tears gently roll down my face.

"I will." He is crying now. "Thank you Annie Cresta...for everything." He leans towards me and hugs me. "Thank you." He says one last time.

"You're welcome." I smile now sobbing.

"Time's up." Says the peacekeeper.

"NO! NO!" I scream. Finnick grabs my arm. He pulls me in and kisses me...on the lips.

"I had to do that at least once. I love you Annie Cresta." He lets go of my arm and I am practically thrown out of the building. I am a wreck, crying every last drop of water in my body out. Next thing I know I'm back home with a fever and have thrown up four times.