The Diamond (Finnick Odair/OC)

12

It was a quiet ride to District Twelve. I wondered if it would look just as bad as District Eight. From memory of my victory, District Twelve was nothing but dirt covered streets and poor people. Well, that's how I saw it anyways. I was stunned that the people of Twelve weren't cheering and excited to see a Victor. It was my first taste of people who weren't hunger games fanatics. First glimpse of people who saw the games for what they really were. I had found it somewhat comforting, even as I stared at the family of the boy I killed in the blood bath.  Of course I'd never admit that to Katniss and Gale. They'd probably scoff or somehow make fun of me.

 I turned my stare onto Finnick. I wondered If he had felt the same way on his victory tour. I rolled my eyes at the thought. Who was I kidding. District Four somehow fits in everywhere. Doted on by the Capitol because they're all pretty. Considered a Career district without an academy . Fits in with rural districts because they have a worker trade. Not trained per say so not at all eager to volunteer. More so prepared if they happen to be reaped. Not obsessed like in my own District. Yet, also known to be just as rebellious as District Eight despite fitting in everywhere. A perfect mix of rich and poor. Bet it didn't even occur to him. I was suddenly filled with jealousy. Must be nice to be from District Four.

Did they struggle in his District like they do in One and Twelve?. I suppose they have fishing quotas from the Capitol. But it's the Capitol's third favourite District. It's not like the peacekeepers would violently attack like in say Districts six-twelve. They're not brainwashed like home because they're all sell conscious enough to rebel. And known for rebelling. No academy. Plenty of food, known for being a rich district...I could feel my eyes start squinting in suspicion. What does Finnick Odair know of struggle?

From beside me Finnick rose a questioning eyebrow. I gave him a final once over and hummed. "Did you volunteer?".

He instantly frowned at me and the silence in the compartment turned heavy despite the conversation only being between Finnick and I. "I didn't volunteer for the Quell".

He said it with a mix of defence and annoyance. Interesting. I nodded. "What about your games then?".

He chuckled somewhat darkly. "Unlike you, I didn't want the honour of representing my District".

Huh, well I guess that answers that. I know I should be appalled but he's right. At eighteen I did think it was an honour to represent my District, but I was brainwashed. No one can blame me for volunteering...it was expected and I'd take it back in a heartbeat. Plus, I know it was my mistake and I have to live with that and the memories of the arena everyday.

A sigh beside me had me turning back to Finnick in slight annoyance for interrupting my train of thought. What?.

Finnick gave me a sad small smile. "I failed your weird little test, didn't I?"

I shrugged. "Wasn't a test".

He nodded, a small smirk appearing on his handsome face. "But you were analysing me. Like you were analysing Katniss and Gale before and then analysing me for a full five minutes. Even got to the point of asking me questions you couldn't figure out to prove whatever's going on in that twisted head". He chuckled. "But you stopped asking questions, meaning you've made a conclusion about me, right?".

I scoffed. "No".

He instantly rose his eyebrows at me. "So that's a yes. What did you find out?"

Just as he said that the hovercraft touched down and I smirked at Finnick's cocky expectant face. "The exact method in which to kill you. And you just gave yourself away, Love".  Nothing like a little psychological torture. I winked before joining Katniss' side.