THG-Finnick And Annie 4

Chapter 4
Finnick

I get to the square late and look for Annie as a peacekeeper pricks my finger and rolls it under my name. I slip into place where I can see her. She is wearing a pale blue shirt and a floaty white skirt and she has her hair pinned up. I like it better long and flowing. I look down to the front of the pens and see Annie's sister, Raini. She is only 12 and I hope for hers and Annie's sake it's not her. The district 4 escort, Nanclee Feather finishes the "Odds ever in your favour" speech and tells us she has another short film "All the way from the Capitol!" I don't pay attention to the film. I look down the long rows of pens instead, wondering how old this years tributes will be. Will they be a terrified 12 year old, only in their first year, like Raini? Or a wary, trying to be cool about it 15 year old? Or will it be a tired of this old thing 17 or 18 year old... Like me?
The film finishes with "This is how we remember our past, this is how we safeguard our future".
Nanclee crosses to the huge glass reaping bowls, wittering on about "one courageous young man and woman" Her neon orange finger nails delve into the paper mound for girls,and my heart starts pounding hard against my ribs. She picks out a slip of paper. Takes it across to the microphone. Opens it up. Clears her throat. Read the name Halle Tides.
The knot in my stomach loosened and I sag to my knees. I look over to Annie. Her shoulders have slumped and she smiles a little, not just for her but for Raini. I want to run over and hug her, swing her around, kiss her. I will, just as soon as the male tribute has been chosen.
Halle walks up to the stage and as Nanclee delves her hand into the boys reaping bowl, that familiar sick feeling returns. I have tried to build my self up, get stronger, immune to this day but every year I break down as the slip is chosen from the hundreds in there. Nanclee crosses to the microphone and my knees begin to wobble. I have to stay strong. "Finnick Odair" She reads. A small squeak of terror and fear fills the otherwise silent, stifling air. It wasn't me, I'm to numb to speak. It was Annie. I don't know what happens now. I start to run towards Annie, pushing past kids, peacekeepers, ropes. I reach out to her, only to be jerked back by 5 peacekeepers and marched up to Halle and Nanclee. I shake hands with Halle and we head into the justice building, pushed into separate rooms and told that we may have visitors in 30 minutes time. I sit on the bed with one thing replaying in my head. Annie, Annie, Annie....