*The eve of the 65th Hunger games*

*7 years ago*

The strong smell of salt hit my nose as I ran towards the sea. The sand between my toes and the soft sounds of the waves made me feel happy despite the events that tomorrow held.

"(Y/n)! wait up!" the familiar, thickly accented voice of Newt, one of my best friends, called out.

"Not my fault that you are slow!" I retorted. As soon as I hit the waters of District 4, I felt joyful. I was happy that I was born in this district. I loved the sea. I got into the water and swam towards the small island that Finnick, my other best friend, Newt and I had discovered. The 2 boys reached as soon as I got out of the water.

"You are seriously fast." Finnick chuckled, his blonde hair falling over his sea green eyes in wet strands. At 14 years of age, he was pretty strong and loved the waters like me. Newt, also the same age as Finnick, didn't like the seas as much. He was into snares and traps instead. The number of times he would prank us with small traps and snares were countless.

"Yeah, but not that intelligent." Newt smirked, flipping his dirty blonde hair over his forehead. I glared at him playfully, admiring his chocolate brown eyes that held amusement.

We sat down on the beach and stared into the sunset. All of us thinking of the same thing. The reaping for the 65th hunger games.

"Are you nervous Finnick?" Newt asked in a whisper. Finnick replied with a small nod. "I am too, mate."

"You guys don't have to be. Your names will not be picked." I tried to be optimistic, but deep inside I knew that there was a chance for one of them to be reaped.

"Easy for you to say (y/n). You are just 11. Your name is not even in the bowl." Finnick said.

"Just trying to be positive, dumbo." I replied glumly.

"Finnick, I need you to promise me something," Newt said out of the blue. "If my name is drawn out, promise me, you will not volunteer." He looked up at Finnick with pained eyes.

"Only if you promise me the same." Finnick stated.

"Deal" Newt said somberly. After minutes of silence, which I couldn't handle, he continued, "Let's get going guys, we have a long day tomorrow". We got up and swam back to the mainland. Finnick and I said our goodbyes to Newt as we made our way to the victor's village. My parents were both victors, having won the 40th and 42nd games. Newt lived in a small cottage with his mom, Clara and younger sister, Annie. She was a year older than me and had flaming red hair which she inherited from her father. When they were eight, Newt's father and Finnick's parents were killed during a fishing trip beyond the reef. Finnick lived with an old victor, Mags ever since.

We reached the village and bid adieu until the next day. That night I couldn't sleep properly as I was scared for my two friends who might get reaped for games tomorrow.

The next morning, I quickly got dressed for the reaping. My parents worked in the capitol and left me the house. They sent money every month and occasionally a few gifts. I ran over to Newt's house as I knew both him and Finnick would be there. I was greeted with massive hugs from both Clara and Annie. Finnick and Newt were sitting in his room and were murmuring something amongst themselves and as soon as I entered, they stopped talking and nearly jumped out of bed.

Startled, Newt stuttered, "(y/n)! yo-you are here! Then let's get going shall we?" he gave a panicked glance to Finnick.

I mumbled a quick 'okay' still confused with their behavior. The three of us made our way to the hall where Annie was getting ready for her first reaping. Her mom looked sad as she braided Annie's red hair.

Though it was considered brave to be part of the games and it was a huge honor to win it, we didn't like the thought of killing for entertainment. That was one thing I hated about the capitol, having fun from someone else's pain.

The five of us made our way to the district center, in the middle was a fountain with a fish statue, portraying the district's specialty.

Finnick, Newt and Annie went to the reaping area while Clara and I walked towards the stands. The tributes were to be picked among children from 12 to 18 years of age, which meant that I would be going in next year.

"Good morning everybody!" The chirpy voice of the capitol lady came from the speakers. "What a wonderful day to reap the tributes for the 65th hunger games!" Everybody cheered for that. She went on with the ritual of speaking about the history of the formation of the capitol and the districts. Then later, she said in that same cheery voice, "Now the time has come to decide the two tributes from district 4 who shall be playing the games! As usual ladies first," she went towards the bowl which had the words 'girls' written on it. She picked out a chit, which had the name of the unfortunate girl who had to be sent to her death by force. She opened it slowly while I prayed for the chit to not have Annie's name. "Agatha Halloway". Agatha was a popular girl of 16, who I had not talked to before but seen at school. She was a lean yet strong girl. Many hooted and cheered for her as she pumped her fist.

I let out a breath in relief and Clara squeezed my hand, also relieved that one of her children was safe for the year. The girl made her way over to the stage. And the Capitol lady said into the microphone, "And now for the boys", I let out a shaky breath and closed my eyes, praying that it wouldn't be either of my best friends. She picked out a chit and opened it. The next words that she said sent a dagger through my heart.

"Finnick Odair"
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Tears filled my eyes as I saw Finnick make his way to the stage, a blank expression on his face. Newt's eyes were also glossy as he tried his best not to leap out of the line and volunteer for his friend due to their little deal. Clara gave a little gasp and hugged me tightly as the center started to clear out. The four of us reunited near the visitor's area of the building where the tributes were taken after they were reaped to say goodbyes to their family and friends. We rushed into the room where Finnick was kept to find him sitting on the couch with a pained look in his eyes. He got up and Newt and I pounced on him, engulfing him in a massive hug.

Newt let out a shaky breath and said, "You have to win, you just have to."

Finnick let out a small laugh and replied, "Of course I shall, people will die of jealousy because of my dashing good looks". He mocked a pose which cracked us up.

"But seriously, you have to win. I can't stand losing my best friend." I said and gave him a hug.

Newt hugged him too and whispered in his ears so only the three of us could hear, "I know you fancy my sister, so at least win for her." A few weeks ago, Newt and I confronted Finnick about his little crush on Annie.

Finnick chuckled in reply and hugged Clara and Annie. The peacekeepers came in and informed us that our time was up. With one last goodbye we left the room.

Every day, for the next few weeks, Newt and I would never leave sight of the screen where they telecasted the games. Mags was Finnick's mentor so we knew that he was in safe hands. We used to watch Finnick's every move hoping he wouldn't die. There was a plus point to Finnick's good looks; he got a lot of sponsors. A LOT. He got a lot of gifts like food, medicine, weapons etc. But the game changed when someone sent him a trident. He was indestructible once he had the mighty weapon. With the net he wove with vines and the trident, he killed many with ease. It was not long till he was crowned victor. Newt and I hugged each other and were so relieved when they made the announcement that Finnick was the victor of the 65th hunger games at a young age of 14.

The day Finnick came back home, was a grand celebration. We tackled him in bone crushing hugs and were crying with joy. Annie gave him a kiss on the cheek to which he blushed beet-red. A huge feast was held and everybody danced and sang. He was sent on the victory tour a few months later. We hadn't realized 6 months had passed by when Finnick finally came back home after everything. That night, him and Newt came to my house for a sleepover.

We were lying on my bed while he sat on the couch.

"Now that you won, are you going to leave us behind and lead a rich, snobby life in the capitol?" Newt wiped a fake tear as he joked.

Finnick fake gasped and pointed to heart and said "That hit me right here. Anyway, I'm not supposed to say you guys this but, i have been asked to shift to the capitol. They say I'll be a great asset to them"

"As a janitor?" I snorted and Newt chuckled.

Finnick sent a glare towards me and all of a sudden turned serious and said, "All I can say is that if I don't accept the offer they shall kill everyone I love, which includes you guys. And I don't want that to happen. I shall be leaving in another two months. But I will visit you as much as possible." He finished with a sad expression.

Newt and I exchanged an understanding glance and looked at our friend, "No matter what happens, we will always support you."

Finnick smiled gladly and pulled us into a hug. "Now how about let's go for one last swim?"