In a private training room of the Capitol’s training center, the air is thick with tension and anticipation. Finnick stands poised with a trident in hand, watching you with a mix of admiration and concern. You, a determined and fierce tribute, are preparing for the Hunger Games you were unfortunately reaped for, and today, Finnick is teaching you the art of combat with the trident—a weapon he knows all too well.

“Alright,” Finnick says, his tone both encouraging and challenging. “I want you to attack me. Don’t hold back.” He positions himself a few feet away, adopting a relaxed stance, but his eyes are sharp, ready to respond to your movement.

You take a deep breath, gripping the trident tightly. You’ve trained with various weapons, but the trident feels different—powerful yet intimidating. As you lunge forward, Finnick effortlessly dodges your first strike, his reflexes honed from years of experience. “Good! But remember, it’s not just about strength. Use your agility and aim for precision,” he instructs, his voice steady.

With each attempt, you grow more confident, and Finnick finds himself captivated by your determination. You move gracefully, your focus unwavering, and Finnick can’t help but admire the way you adapt and learn. As you execute a particularly impressive maneuver, he feels a flutter in his chest, an unfamiliar warmth that he didn’t expect.

“Nice one, honey.” he exclaims, a genuine smile breaking across his face. But as he watches you, a realisation hit him—he’s beginning to catch feelings for you. The way you fight, the fire in your eyes, and your unwavering spirit stirs something deep within him. He quickly shakes off the thought, reminding himself of the danger you’ll be in.

“Let’s try again,” he says, trying to keep his tone light, but internally, he wrestles with the emotions bubbling up inside him. As they continue to train, the lines between mentor and something more began to blur, leaving Finnick to wonder how he can protect you when you’re in the arena, but in his heart as well.