#i still don't know how to tag this properly | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

captainlunaxmen · 1 day ago

Text

All for the Cameras

Chapter 12

Finnick Odair x Fem!reader

Hello hello hello 👋🏻

Hope you guys are well, we're close to the end here. This chapter is a little shorter, mostly because I wanted to separate the part in 13 and then when they get to the Capitol.

Hope you like it. Once again, let me know what you think, and if you want to be tagged in the next chapters, let me know❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Chapter summary: progress

Chapter wanrings: panic attack, Finnick being an understanding cutie pie, mention of torture and death.

Tag list.

@guacam011y @justtrying2getby @idontevenknow1359 @alexandra-001 @bambikitten @maggiecc @redh00dsbf @haneybunny @1-800-styles @sisiking99 @merromimo @yourdailymemedelivery @regsg18 @gordorio @bambikitten @gracieeleanorr @shev3nom @honethatty12 @savingprivatecass @erindiggory @martahabla @sterredem @aawdrea @wpdarlingpan @strawberry--fawn @barbarathewanderer @ih8books @a-mysterious-potato @mayonesavegana @celinaiscrying @katherinejess @meri-soni-meri-tamanna @abaker74 @syd649 @meikoo @secretsicanthideanymore @p1stachi @laylasshiftingtonight @yourmumstoy @s0urw00lf @kermits-bitch @littleshadow17

@piya-re @ivymyers @potao-o @wqstedyouths @kaceyh24 @miniatureblazellama @lillell4670 @11jaz @f1blogs @ooddiieesblog @capswife

I'm sorry if I can't tag everyone😔🥺

It's been a few days since I arrived in 13, I've been recovering rather quickly according to the doctors and to Prim, who's been by my side constantly.

I managed to give more information on what I saw and heard in the Capitol, so that made me feel useful. Some of the people in 13 are still suspicious of me, which is understandable, I would too...

I still can't properly look at Finnick, not for more than 3 seconds, which is an improvement from the 2 seconds of the first day, but it's still not enough. I can see how hurt Finnick gets from all of this, I'm afraid he thinks it's his fault, because it's not, I try to remind him as much as I can, but I thinks it's getting to him a little too much.

--------------

"Don't you have better things to do than be present during my examinations?" I ask Boggs, while the nurse gently uses the needle on my skin.

"I don't actually." He states and I smile.

"Is... is he doing okay?" I tentatively ask, he sighs taking a seat on a chair.

"He's doing better, Mason is with him constantly reminding him 'not to take shit personally', as she puts it." He chuckles, "do not beat yourself up, he knows you can't help it, it's not your fault."

"I know, but-"

"No buts, don't blame yourself for what you've been through." He looks me straight in the eyes, "hear me?"

"Yes, sir." I nod, "is there anything more I could try maybe?" I ask the nurse.

"I'm afraid such rehabilitation takes time, my dear." She gently explains, "but you're making great progresses, that I can promise you."

I sigh, defeated.

"Don't rush yourself." Boggs insists.

"But I feel useless." I complain, "I saw people coming and going, doing all they can to help and I am here needing assistance."

"Useless? Don't you realise how helpful you've been, even from the Capitol?" He sounds outraged almost, "your secret messages, your information on Peeta's condition and those treatments. You've been more than helpful."

"Thank you, sir." I smile, grateful for his words.

There's a knock on the door and soon after Plutarch walks in.

"Afternoon, miss L/n. How do you feel?" He asks.

"Physically? I'm fine. Mentally? To be determined." I say, forcing out a small smile.

"That's good enough to hear." He nods his head and sighs deeply, "listen, I wouldn't want to ask this, but we need you today."

"For what?" Boggs asks, sitting straighter, almost protective.

"We heard some of the districts are still uncertain... and... some found out about the rescue mission and don't agree with her saving." Plutarch's reluctant to say it, "we need to prove them-"

"That I'm not with the Capitol... yeah, what do I have to do?" I nod, determined to be of assistance.

"We'll broadcast your images to all districts, you'll have to explain what they did to you." He explains, watching me carefully.

"Is that really necessary?" Boggs sighs.

"I'm afraid so." Plutarch then looks at me, "do you understand it, miss L/n?"

"I... I do, Plutarch, when will I have to... talk?"

"I'm very sorry, but a few minutes." He says, Boggs shakes his head violently, frustrated.

During my time here he became a good, let's say, uncle figure. We bonded almost immediately and he always checked on me. I think he started because this way Finnick would be able to get some proper rest, but now I think he cares about me, like I do him.

"Okay..." I take deep breaths, "can I... can I have a moment?"

"Of course." Plutarch nods and walks out.

"You don't have to." Boggs is quick to assure me.

"I actually do." I stand up, taking deep breaths, my hands on my hips, walking around the room.

Boggs' eyes follow me, ready to be of help if needed.

"He'll need to pass through me, if he thinks he can force you." He reassures me, more to make me laugh than to mean an actual threat.

"Yeah, what about the president?"

"Even her? No one touches my friend." He proud crosses his arms.

"Oh so we're friends?" I ask, joking with him, sensing he's trying to calm me down.

"Of course, the only other smart person in here? I'm not letting you go." He chuckles and I do too.

I notice, I stopped pacing around and my breathing went beck to normal. He notices too, but still watches me carefully.

"Okay... okay." I say nodding.

"Are you sure?" He checks.

"I'm not, but if I think too much about it my legs will freeze and nothing will be done." I shake my head, "let's go."

Boggs lets me pass and when I exit the room Plutarch is there waiting for me.

"Are you ready?" He asks.

I look at Boggs, with supportive eyes he nods slightly, I turn to Plutarch again and nod my head. Plutarch smiles and led me to the controll room, Beetee already there waiting for us.

"We're going to broadcast you to all districts, and hopefully they'll listen." Beete tells me, messing around with wires and buttons.

"What if they don't?" I ask, looking at Plutarch.

"They will." He confidently states.

I take a deep, deep breath and nod. All sort of thing run in my mind. All sort of doubts, but I need to shove them all away and stay calm.

"Just stand over there and, just like Finnick did, don't stop talking okay?" Beetee's instructions are clear, but they make me wonder.

"Finnick?" I ask.

"To create a distraction, let's say, we had Finnick talk to the Capitol." Plutarch tries to explain, simply.

"Finnick... what.. what did he..?" The question is cleat but I don't think I need the answer. I'm afraid I already know it. The only confirmation comes from Plutarch's nodding head.

I feel my eyes burning with tears forming, but I try to collect myself. I let out a puff of air and wipe my face immediately.

"Are you ready?" Beetee asks, I nod, not yet trusting my voice, "go stand over there, and when you see the green light, speak."

I nod understanding and I go to stand where Beetee pointed.

I take deep breaths, my eyes fixed on the still red light, deep breaths, everything is okay, I'm okay, deep breaths, I'm safe, we're safe, deep breaths, I look for Boggs and I see his reassuring nod so I nod back, everything is okay, deep breaths, the light turn green... deep... breaths.

"Hi... uh... I'm Y/n L/n, and unfortunately many of you may know me as Capitol's Princess... I say unfortunately because, that was not a life worth of a princess. I wasn't a princess... I was a prisoner. You know how it feels to not be free, so do I, that's why you're free to believe me or not, because we're fighting for that exact thing: freedom. I'll tell my story to whoever is willing to listen, I hope there's many."

I start telling my story, again, Snow taking me and my brother in after our parents' death... my brother. The threats, the blackmails, extortions, the sellings, Cal...and the tortures.

I can't help the fidgeting hands, I can't help my voice breaking everytime I mention my brother, or everytime I had to perform for a customer, I'm surprised if someone would be able to understand what I'm saying.

I let out a puff of air, I don't even bother trying to hold back tears, they just come out and I let them.

"They made me scared of my friends. Everytime I look at them I... I... it's fucked. I'm here telling you my story, so you can believe me... it's crazy," I whisper shaking my head, "you should fight because you believe in the cause... the Games are not the only horrors happening, everything needs to be fixed, everything needs to change." I turn around, hands on my hips, to calm me down, "I... one thing scares me the most though, I'm afraid they fucked me up so much that I'll never... ever be able to love, or to let someone else love me, because I'm fucked. Unfortunately they did a good job on this. Thanks for listening."

I quickly rush out, I didn't even see if they tried to stop me or not...probably not.

I feel my heart pounding violently in my chest and my breathing is getting heavier. I head to the hospital side of the district, but as I see many of the nurses' faces I get overwhelmed.

Too many people.

I... can't.

"Y/n?" A voice calls me, "are you okay?" Johanna's walking towards me. I stop her immediately.

"Not real.... it wasn't real... right?" I ask.

"What are you talking about?" She asks, "the things thw Capitol showed you? No it wasn't."

"I... I ju-... I..." I collapse on the floor, shielding my head with my hands.

I can hear Johanna talking to me, but I cannae out what she's saying. I'm just protecting myself.

Finnick's Pov

Finnick heads to the controll room, he wants to support Y/n, knowing they wanted her to talk to the districts. He wanted to be present, he know he won't be able to show his face, in case it will set her off, but he wants, he needs to be there for her.

When he arrives he notices she isn't there.

"Where's Y/n?" He asks, worry starting to get its way in his brain.

"Uhm..." Beetee is uncertain on how to tell him.

"Well?" Finnick urges him, and anyone present, for that matter.

"She's wasn't feeling well all of a sudden." Plutarch tells him.

"What?" He's fully worried.

"She started to get anxious, I'm afraid." Beetee says, "she ran out."

"And you haven't thought of following her?" Finnick exclaims, but he doesn't wait for an answer and immediately rushed out, wanting to find her.

He immediately goes to the hospital, he thinks that if Y/n felt anxious she'd go there to get something.

That's exactly where he find her, on the floor, Johanna comforting her, talking to her.

"Listen to me, Y/n... can you hear me?" She keeps saying.

"What happened?" Finnick asks, alarmed.

"I saw her coming in, she was like she was having trouble breathing and then she collapsed on the floor. She asked me of what the Capitol showed her was real..." Johanna explains, still caressing Y/n's back.

"Y/n..." Finnick tries to call her name. Nothing.

"I don't think she hears you."

Finnick shakes his head and kneels on the floor with the two women.

He tentatively holds out a hand to touch her back too, like Johanna's doing. When his hand touches Y/n, she freezes.

"Y/n... listen to me." He says, softly, "focus on my voice, okay?" There's no answer from Y/n, but he keeps going anyway, "you are safe. No one is here to hurt you. You're sa-: his voice breaks a little, like his heart at the sight of his love hurting so much, "you're safe." He keeps going, taking a deep breath. "You are safe, we all are."

"I'm sorry..." it was so faint it's a miracle Finnick heard it.

Y/n slowly move her hands away from her head, but her eyes are still on the ground.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Y/n." Finnick assures her, seeking support in Johanna, who nods.

"He's right, you know." She would say.

"I..." Y/n lets out a big puff of air, "I... could you help me stand?"

"Of course." Johanna immediately helps her stand up, weakly but she manages, "want me to help you back to your room?"

"No... It's okay... Finnick can help me..." Y/n says, catching both former tributes off guard, "If he wants.. of course." She quickly adds, uncertain.

"Of course, I do." He immediately agrees.

"Thanks."

--------------

Finnick helps Y/n sit on her bed, careful not to overstep.

"Thank you." She softly says, she still can't seem to want to meet his eyes, but Finnick is okay with that, he knows it will take time for her, exactly like it will take time for him.

"My pleasure, my love." He charmingly says. He tries to use his charm to make her smile, which succeeds, noticing her lips twitching upwards lightly.

"I'm not sure I deserve such title after all." She sadly chuckles.

"What are you talking about? Of course you deserve it." Finnick scoffs.

"I can't even look at you, Finnick.." she says, broken voice and tears in her eyes.

"You're saying it like it's your fault." Finnick says softly, "can I get closer?" He asks and when she nods, he sits next to her, "can I hold your hand?" She nods again, "what you've been through is not your fault, not even a little bit. Hear me? You're being so strong, you've always been so strong, to the point of ignoring your own fears, traumas and wounds to help others. You never blame them for feeling and reacting the way they did... so why are you blaming yourself now?" He speaks softly, catching himself before his voice could break too, he takes a moment before adding, "do you remember the tour after Annie won?" He waits for Y/n to nod, "she wouldn't let anyone touch her, you were the only one to get closer, but she-"

"She throw a glass at me..." Y/n says.

"You were bleeding so much, yet you didn't leave her side until she felt safe and... understood." Finnick reminds her, "Peacekeepers threatened to hold her, but you screamed at them to leave her alone. I think I remember you pushing one out of a room too." He lets out a laugh, "you've stayed with her, ignoring the blood, ignoring your pain. And when someone asked you if she apologised for throwing that at you you said..." he trails off hinting to Y/n to continue.

"That she had nothing to apologise," Y/n finishes the story, "it wasn't her fault."

"Exactly." Finnick nods, "so, what I want to say is... you don't have to be strong all the time, you don't have to heal immediately, you can, you're allowed to take your time."

"There's a war starting, Finnick..." she tries.

"I don't care. You're allowed to." He firmly, yet still softly, tells her, "I'm not going anywhere any time soon." He smiles at her even though she's not looking at him.

"Thank you, Finnick." She says, squeezing his hand, grateful.

"Don't mention it," he nudges her affectionately.

Y/n's Pov

As the days pass I realise I don't get nightmares as much as when I first arrived, which makes me hopeful. I do try to remember Finnick's words about taking my time and not rush my healing process.

Unfortunately I can't seem to look at him still, but being near him helps. Especially when he holds my hands, it's like he can infuse me with his hope and apparently it helps calming me.

Tonight, I've been informed, we will celebrate a wedding. I'm not sure as to who's getting married, but the whole district is invited so I'll test myself tonight. If I can go the whole time without feeling overwhelmed, it'll be a victory.

And, goodness, I need one.

--------------

"You're not dancing?" A voice asks behind me. I turn around to Boggs looking out at the people dancing.

"Never been one for dances, I'm afraid." I bite my lips uncertainty.

"Neither am I." He laughs, standing next to me.

"I heard about what happened in 2..." I casually say.

"Never once a casual conversation about the weather?" He jokes.

"Nope." I say, "plus, I saw Katniss being brought back in that state, I had to ask." I explain, "I'm just glad she's okay. I saw the footage."

"Do you think Snow will think her dead?" He asks me.

"Mh... I can't really say." I say, "no one thought of making a tribute to her or anything like that, so he probably doesn't think so, but maybe he's thinking we're taking our time in announcing her death so that those who don't know can still rely on her, but it's very unlikely." I explain, "but he definitely didn't like the destruction of the weapon supply."

"That's predictable." Boggs agrees.

"Someone's gonna pay in Snow's circle... I wouldn't want to be him..." I say, casually.

"Him?"

"He probably would blame his defense minister... can't recall his name now." I tell him.

"I don't want you to take it the wrong way, miss L/n... but I'm glad you've lived in the Capitol your whole life."He tells me, almost in awe.

"I'm just... I just learned to observe as much as I could." I shrug.

"Well you're clearly the only one here who knows Snow to the bone. You're one of the best asset." He assures me.

"I'm glad I can be of any help." I bitterly say.

"We've talked about this, miss L/n." He subtly scolds me.

"I know, I know." I nods, waving him off.

"So, how are you feeling now?"He asks.

"I'm surprisingly good." I nod, surprised.

"Good enough to dance?" He hints, "with someone who's been checking on you everyday since you got here?"

I laugh, slightly, knowing who he is hinting to.

"You know Finnick is not the only one checking on me everyday, right?" I ask, Haymitch too, oh and you as well."

"Try and ask Abernathy to dance and I'm afraid you'll lose your feet." He jokes, "c'mon, you've been testing yourself tonight, right? Might as well try everything."

He softly pushes me towards Finnick on the other side of the room.

"Hey.." I catch his attention.

"Hey!" He's surprised, but doesn't mention it, "are you having fun?"

"Yeah... surprisingly so." I nod, "you?"

"Same." He chuckles, I know he's looking at me, "are you feeling okay?"

"Yes, yes, definitely, don't worry about me." I tell him and before he can say it, "you'll always worry about me, yes, yes, I know." I chuckle and he does too, "do you want to dance?"

"Uh?"

"Come dance..?" I ask, feeling self-conscious.

"I'd love to." He gently takes my hand and lead me to the dance floor.

As we follow the others dancing, I manage to takes glimpses of his face, of his hopeful face. I divert my eyes immediately, but I can't help the smile on my face. I know if I look at him more my brain will start to wonder and bring me back to the Capitol, but this small, quick moment is enough to bring hope back in my heart.

And the evening goes on, celebrating and for a few moments forgetting the impelling war.

--------------

I'm summoned to the controll room urgently, I can't tell what might be going on.

As I near the room I can hear voices coming from inside.

"Are you sure you want to send her too?" Haymitch.

"She knows their ways better then anyone on that team," Boggs, "I wouldn't dream of asking this of her, but we need her."

"Send who where?" I ask, entering the room, finally.

"Miss L/n." Plutarch smiles at me, "hope you slept well, you're needed on a mission."

"What..?" I ask.

"We are to go join Katniss to the outskirts of the Capitol." Boggs informes me.

"What?" I ask again.

"Welcome to Squad 451, the Star Squad."

#the hunger games fic #the hunger games imagine #the hunger games x reader #finnick odair #finnick odair imagine #finnick odair x reader #the hunger games x y/n #finnick imagine #finnick x reader #finnick odair fic #finnick fanfic #hunger games finnick #finnick odair x y/n #finnick x y/n

34 notes · View notes

astarionancuninswife · 10 months ago

Text

symphony (bard!tav x astarion)

My first official fic for BG3 and this was a fun one to start with!! The song that came on shuffle was Cody Fry's I Hear A Symphony - Live From Ocean Way Nashville. The first thing I thought of was a bard playing it, so that's what I went for. Kinda short, but a little drabble never hurt anyone.

Like I said, this is my first BG3 fic and therefore my first Astarion fic. I've privately written him recently, but this is my first public release of my interpretation of him, so I'm sure there's some discrepancies in his characterization. That being said, I'm always open to hearing constructive criticism, just be gentle with me.

Please enjoy!

word count: 840

warnings: N/A unless sweet sweet fluff is something you're wishing to avoid... or if you don't like real life songs being used in fantasy settings lol

ao3 | guidelines for requests | masterlist

It was just like any other night at the camp, a strange mix of people forced into companionship by unlikely circumstances minding their own business. Shadowheart sitting in thought at her tent, Wyll making conversation with Karlach about their adventures of the day, and so on. Tav is sure the others are doing interesting things as well to wind down for the night, but she isn't too concerned about them. Instead, she sits by the fire, pretending to simply be staring off into space as she strums her lyre idly, but in truth, she's watching a certain vampire across the way. He's reading a book like he often does. She's not sure of what the contents are, she's not interested in it anyway.

She stops her hand for a moment and starts thinking of the song she had composed a few nights before and just hadn't been brave enough to share until now. It was rare for the bard to be nervous; her pieces usually were just silly little ditties made up on the spot about something funny that happened while out with a small party of her companions. Those didn't warrant a fear of criticism.

This, however, was different, it's fully written and memorized. It's special, it's a song with a specific muse. And she's not quite sure how this muse will react when he hears this pseudo-confession.

After some thought, she softly begins to sing with her eyes closed, "I used to hear a simple song, that was until you came along," she takes a breath to steady her shaky voice, "Now in its place is something new, I hear it when I look at you," she finally opens her eyes with the last word, immediately meeting Astarion's through the flames of the fire. She can't quite read his face, but when can she ever? He's pretty good at keeping his thoughts tucked away from any detection when he wants unless she uses the tadpole connection to enter his mind. She would never though; she understands the need for privacy and consent with everyone, but especially with him.

So, instead, she begins strumming her lyre and continues her song:

With simple songs, I wanted more, Perfection is so quick to bore, You are more beautiful by far, Our flaws are who we really are,

It was then she saw recognition on his face, a smile threatening to grace his lips. He was holding back, but she was fine with that. The corner of her lips become upturned as well, she's more than happy to smile for the both of them at the moment. She stands up, finding her usual confidence again at his acknowledgment. And all at once, in her mind and in this moment, it is just her and him alone in the camp. No one else exists to her.

I used to hear a simple song, That was until you came along. You took my broken melody, And now I hear a symphony.

She does a few vocalizations to fill the gap between the last stanza and the outro, all the while never taking her eyes off the pale elf who has given up on keeping his lips from forming a smile on his face.

And now I hear a symphony.

She strums a few more notes before ending the song, standing there by the fire with a stupid lovesick grin. She watches as he walks over to her while clapping a few times, "What a beautiful melody," he compliments, "I wonder who could have inspired such a poem."

Tav laughs at his theatrics, rolling her eyes as her cheeks heat up, "A mystery," if he was going to tease her, she'd play the game as well.

"Well, whoever they are, they must certainly be quite special to you."

"He is," she says, her voice filled with nothing but honesty, "I hope I'm even a fraction as special to him…" she trails off, looking at him softly before becoming self-conscious of her implications and looking away.

Astarion is quiet; it takes him a moment to realize how vulnerable she's being in the moment, how honest and open. A soft smile takes form on his lips again before leaning to kiss her forehead, "More than just a fraction, darling, much more," he says gently, just loud enough for her to hear.

After a few seconds of blissfully staring at each other in silence, clapping can be heard from another spot in the camp, followed by Shadowheart quietly scolding Karlach for ruining the bard and rogue's sweet moment. Which is then followed by the others all figuring out who won the bet of how long it would take for one of the two to confess having actual feelings for one another and who would be the one to make the first real move. (Lae'zel won both, plus a bonus prediction of how Tav would confess, though it wasn't much of a surprise considering she carried an instrument around like it's a necessity in life she can't live without.)

46 notes · View notes