Finnick smiled broadly, genuinely, when he saw Annie standing in the doorway looking absolutely perfect. He could appreciate her so much more like this than in any fancy gown in the Capitol -- because this was who she was to him. Her hair just still a little windswept, a crest of sand still curling around one ankle.

"Not too late," Finnick promised automatically, already aware the words would nothing to reassure Gaila when they came from him.

His attention was already focused entirely on Annie anyway. He walked over to where she was, wrapping an arm around her so that they were touching once again when they headed out of the house and back into the bracing air that was chilled by the nearby sea.