Chapter 25

Mags's POV

"Finnick, it's time to go." I stare sadly at the blonde boy, his eyes wide and bloodshot as he stares blankly at the phone, gripping his hair like he's planning on pulling it out. I touch his shoulder and he flinches, his bloodshot eyes turning to look at mine tiredly.

"Finnick, we have to go." I whisper, pulling him slowly up. We silently pad our way down the hallway, up to the elevator where we'll be brought up to the roof, right be fore our death. He starts to shake as I bring him over towards the elevators.

"Hey, just win, for her." I ruffle his hair and step into the elevator. He slowly follows me and I nod to the Avox to bring us up. The hum of the helicopter sounds through the doors of the elevator. The elevator dings and the doors open. The Avox bows as Finnick and I walk through the doors. I take Finnick's hand lightly as I bring him over to the helicopter, getting myself ready for this time back. Finnick freezes on one of the ladders and I freeze on the one right next to his.

When we are unfrozen, we walk slowly into the helicopters belly, into the chamber where other Victors sit.

I sit in the cold seat, Finnick sitting down right next to me.

"Arm." A Peacekeeper holds out her hand. I raise my arm shakily and she jabs a tracker in my arm. I jerk, biting my lip. Finnick rubs my arm gently as he gets his tracker in too. Katniss and Peeta watch us closely and I grimace towards them.

The helicopter starts up and Finnick grabs my arm, hard. My body is frozen as it takes off, and I know there's no going back.

We're going to die.

I shake off his hand as the copter lands.

The doors open and I get out first, wishing for my cane. I stumble slightly and Peeta grabs my arm, pulling me upright. A group of Peacekeepers surround me and bring to the prep room, where I'll stand one last time.

Hayter smiles sadly towards me as I walk into the room. She puts the jumpsuit on me and I turn for her.

"Good luck Mags. It was fun serving you." She rubs my arm sadly as the announcer says, "30 seconds...29...28..."

Hayter lets go of my arm as I start to walk towards the tube, the numbers in the background, "10...9..."

The door closes around me and I turn to look sadly at Hayter. She nods sadly to me and the plate starts to move upward.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the 75th Hunger Games has begun!"