" 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, 𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡. "
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~||~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rest, peaceful rest.
No images of death, of murder. Of those kids Faces plastered on my eyelids. To think what would their life be like if they lived.
Where would they be now?

I wake up to the sound of trickling water, the shower?

I reach over to my side to notice empty sheets knowing Finnicks not in bed, he must be showering.

I think to myself as I rub my temples and squeeze my eye lids shut from the restless night I had. Wrapping the sheet around my naked body I sit up and readjust to the light pouring in the room from the crack in the window.

I look over to see that it's almost noon and widen my eyes, shit. The interviews at four. And when I say my stylists take forever getting me ready. Well that's an understatement.

I stumble out of bed towards the bathroom and as I open the door I do my best to ignore Finnick who chuckles as I rush to the sink and try to fix my hair from being such a mess.

We can thank Finnick for that one.

"I think that rats nest on your head is very attractive darling" he says as he walks out of the shower putting a towel around his waist.

I glance at him through the mirror to find me practically drooling, his hair slicks back as his handsome features shine from the water.

𝐺𝑜𝑑 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑙, 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑎 𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑛 𝑔𝑟𝑖𝑝. 𝑌𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑉𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑎 𝑓𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒.

I snap out of my trans and focus on myself in the mirror as I rush to make myself look like I hadn't stayed up all night doing god knows what.

Finnick wraps his arms around me from behind as he rests his chin on my shoulder, "God you're beautiful. I hope our kids have your beautiful features." He whispers in my ear. Causing me to drop the toothbrush I was holding and blush almost a beat red.

Kids? Did he really just. We're about to go into the damn arena tomorrow and he's talking about kids.

He chuckles which causes me to open my mouth

"Shhhh, I know. But I promise you. Victoria Grace... you will be the Mother
To my children. The person I'll call my wife someday. My one and only muse."

𝐻𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔.
I think to myself as I slowly turn to him. His expression is serious as he knew I was thinking about the arena. But how could he say all this when he knows one makes it out alive. How could he make me think of this.

Because I want more than anything, for that to happen. For it to be true.

I look down at the ground from his gaze as he lifts my chin up to look him in the eye.

"Vic..stop thinking about the arena for one moment. would you, Marry me."

He asks in such a soft tone as if he really means it.

Of course I'll marry him. I love him.

I am practically speechless as I nod slowly, "yes." I only get out as his serious expression turns into a smile.

"Yes I'd marry you Finnick"

He leans in closer to me, "you will." He says as he whispers down at me and brushes the soft skin on my cheek before leaning down and giving me a passionate, loving kiss.
"I love you. Mrs. Odair"

I wrap my arms around his damp neck as I kiss him back, "I love you. Mr. Odair." I say as I could practically feel butterflies when he called me that.

Marrying Finnick. But how could I. He seems so sure. Like we aren't about to go into an arena to fight to the death.

How could he be so sure, when we both know only one comes out Alive.

~

I rush into the elevator waving and smiling to my stylists goodbye as the doors shut I fling off my heals and rub my feet, they put me in such higher heels than what they normally do and they hurt worse than knives.

Why do us woman have to be so feminine.
I think as I grudgingly slide them back on.

I sigh as The elevator doors open to the stage floors and I step out as a rush of cool breeze hits my face and I'm overwhelmed with the shouts of the audience, the tributes all around getting ready.

I look around to see Finnick as a hand touches my arm causing me to flinch I hear Johannas laughter

Realizing it's her I relax and smile, "JOHANNA! You scared me to death"

She stops laughing and giggles, "well didn't realize that was how to kill someone but least I know now!" She says with a cheeky smile and I nod in her direction, "could you believe my stylist?? Again with making me look like BARK! What the hell, do I look like a fucking tree to them!? How I'd love to smash their heads into a damn tree" she rolls her eyes thinking about it then softens as she smiles to me. "And well you look like a fairytale princess."

I giggle at her comment, she wasn't wrong. My stylist did what they did with my games although more grown up. I had on a ball gown type dress as it was a royal blue color. It was a sweet heart line so it exposed some. But just enough for it to be elegant and beautiful. My hair was wavy and down, as there were royal blue flowers delicately placed in my hair and I placed the necklace Finnick gave me on.

"I do not! I'm trying to look dangerous can't you tell??" I say a bit sarcastically and she gives me a grin

"Oh honey, I believe you're more deadly" she says winking just as we're interrupted with Finnick sneaking his hand around my waist from behind and he nods in Johannas direction.

"My my fish boy, no need to be so jealous. Trust me everyone knows Victoria's yours" Johanna rolls her eyes in his direction and he chuckles.

"I have nothing to be jealous about." He says raising his eyebrow to her causing her to glare at him

"Thank you I think I'm VERY sexy!" She crosses her arms eyeing him

It was very much like Finnick and Johanna to bicker like brother and sister over such little things. Hell they bicker about what color the sky is most the time.

Finnick and Johanna continue chatting as my attention redirects itself to eyes. Peetas.

He waves to me and smiles when he and I make eye contact and I mimic him as Katniss turns around to eye us.

Hope she knows I'm not trying to take her man.

The voice of a peacekeeper directs us to our spots. Girl in front of boy district by district.

Finnick occasionally grazes my sides or pokes me for amusement. He's such a child I swear.

I watch as the other tributes go up as the nerves catch me.

I reach behind only to grab finnicks hand as he squeezes it in reassurance.
Closing my eyes I take in deep breathes as I listen to Ceasers voice.

"FANTASTIC WASN'T that! Now up next is a very well loved capital sweetheart. I think everyone knows her! The woman we inspire to be, the girl who's PRETTY BUT DEADLY, WELCOME TO THE STAGE THE AMAZING, STRONG, VICTORIA GRACE!!"

When I hear my name I listen as the crowds scream my name throughout the large room.

This is it.

I think as I step onto the stage and put on my most charming smile causing some capital people to 'faint' I take ceasers hand he hands out as he greets me.

"WOW Victoria you look absolutely stunning! I think we can all agree you surely are the most stunning woman in Panem!" He says as the crowds cheer hysterically once more.

I giggle at his comment and place my hand gently on his shoulder, "oh my but you must be the most stunning man in Panem ceaser" I say smiling and he leans back and winks at the crowd as they laugh to themselves.

"Ahhh Miss Grace can I say what an honor it is to have you here in the capital. It's like having royalty I swear! But." He says enthusiastically then his face turns sorrow

"Sadly, we hope it won't be the last."
The crowd awes and I sit in my chair

"Oh I can assure you Ceaser, it won't be" I wink and his enthusiastic glimmers in his eyes.
"But it may, and with that I would like to say that, I hope for a better Panem."

Ceaser gets taken back as does the crowd, "if I'm going to die in these games that you watch. I'm going to die being me. Not a piece in the games. Not a victor in your eyes. But me. I'm going to die proudly and hope for a better tomorrow for millions of hunger games to come. In hopes that maybe someday, everyone may come to Their senses." I say strongly and proudly, taking inspiration from my past and with my brother. Especially losing my first love in those games.

"Yes yes-" ceaser seems almost stunned at my words, "we believe you maybe right Miss Grace. You are strong we are sure you can make it out of these games."

"But ceaser. The real games truly begin, once you step out."
I say as the buzzer rings and the crowd is swayed I could hear their minds running as they take in my words. Maybe some will realize that the games truly impact us.

Ceaser takes my hand in his and pats the other with his hand. "Beautiful Miss Grace, I believe I speak for everyone when we say you truly moved us all." He says as he then smiles once more and raises my hand up

"Everyone MISS VICTORIA GRACE FROM DISTRICT FOUR!" he shouts as the crowd goes back to being hysterical and I walk off the stage keeping my head high.

As soon as I step off Mags takes me in her embrace and as do I.
I squeeze my eyes closed taking in her presence.

"Well done my child..I'm so proud of you."

She says looking at me and placing her hand on my chin. "I'm so proud" admiration and love fill her eyes as I smile softly I could feel tears form upon my eyes a bit as I hear ceaser call finnicks name.

I quickly turn to the TV in the room as I watch him put on his charm. I then walk closer to listen in.

"Now Finnick I heard that there was a special message you wanted to convey to someone?" Ceaser asks

Finnick messes with his fingers as he nods and faces the camera starring right into it.
"My love, for if I-I die in that arena, know that the last thoughts will be of your lips. On the night we meet on that rooftop. Of your smile that beams when you see me. For you are forever in my mind, my heart, my soul. I love you."

I could feel the tension, the whole audience on the edge of their seats. The girls batting away as they wish it were them. I couldn't help but feel as though when he looked in the camera he was talking about me.

But he was, he was talking about me.

The moment he stepped off the stage he and I stopped in our tracts a few feet away as we never broke eye contact.

I then smile as I could feel a tear run down my face. The warmth I felt, the love, passion. I rushed into his embrace taking it in.

He picked me up and twirled me as he gave me such loving eyes. He looked down at my necklace and smiled as his eyes glazed with his own tears. "You wore it" he says referring to the necklace.

"Well duh you gave it to me" I say with sarcasm but my voice shaky from emotions.

He chuckled, "you. Victoria, are the most sarcastic, beautiful, amazing woman I've ever met."

I smile and giggle, "shut up fish sticks"

He rolls his eyes playfully, "wow Johannas changing you Vic! How could you"

We both smile stupidly at each other but who cares if anyone was watching. All I know is that if this is going to be one of my last days with Finnick.
I was going to make it count.