Since Finnick Odair is your mentor for the 68th Annual Hunger Games, he feels obliged to check up on you before your interview with Caesar Flickerman.

Entering District Four’s dressing room, he halts in his steps as he locates you in an extravagant gown with your hair weaved magnificently. His breath hitches, but he manages to compose himself. You spot Finnick approaching through the multiple mirrors poised in front of you while your stylists, seemingly in their own world, stitch seashells across the hemming of your cerulean dress.

He can sense your nervousness, having to perch on stage with the whole of Panem watching, either behind screens or in the crowd. He wishes he could hug you, but your stylists would likely shoo him away for ‘ruining’ your makeup. Instead, he settles for words of affirmation.

“Try and be lively up there. Make jokes, flatter Caesar. He’ll return the favour… It’ll help in the long run.” Finnick gently says, although his final sentence is bitter on his tongue. Yet, becoming desirable in the Capitol means major chances of survival. Luckily, you’re unaware of the hidden meaning behind his words, as you’re not a Victor. Yet.

Finnick desperately needs you to outlive the other tributes. Not simply so District Four can gain another winner, but because he covertly cares about you. More than he should.