Finnick

You've never known what hit you
Could never sort it out
But you're drowning in the war zone
You're delving into doubt
The battle lust is building
You've slain the thousands strong
You're the hero from the shadows
But that's not where you belong

© kismint 2013

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WARNING: THE HUNGER GAMES, CATCHING FIRE, AND MOCKINGJAY SPOILERS MAY BE SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING POST. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

Today I speak of Finnick Odair, District 4 tribute for the 75th annual Hunger Games.

 My English teacher once told me that a good author often selects their character's name based on his or her personality traits, tastes, and role in the story. It's a measure of penmanship that many a writer takes up to accomplish the element of foreshadowing. That being said, I have to wonder what Suzanne Collins meant when it came to "Finnick".
Ah, Finnick---the one who steals the hearts...and the secrets. If the Capitol of Panem had tell-tale trashy magazines, it's more than likely that he'd be on the cover of every one of them.

We meet Finnick Odair after the we read that the Quarter Quell is announced in District 12. This time around, each of the twelve districts must send out one male and one female that has been pooled from the existing allotment of the district's former victors to be their newest tributes to compete in the games. Finnick, along with an elderly owl woman (Mags, who was once his mentor) represent District 4.
Meanwhile, our shining heroine, Katniss Everdeen---the narrator of this story---is once again shipped to the Capitol for the preparation of her second expedition into the arena. (That is, along with Peeta Mellark. Combined they represent District 12.)
After the tribute's parade, Finnick approaches Katniss with his famous "sugar cube line". In reading Katniss and Finnick's brief conversational exchange, we learn quite a bit more about the victor from four.
At age 14, Finnick won his first trip into the arena. His victory was not only due to his impressive physical state, but also because of the wicked-awesome trident-weapon-thing that his sponsors sent him. That, combined with a net in which to entrap his opponents, put Finnick over the top. Katniss points out to the readers that the trident was likely the most expensive item given to a tribute during the games she had ever seen.
This all happened not too long ago...so we are told that Finnick is in his early twenties, and still as flirtatious as ever. He's really great at unnerving Katniss and making both her (and the reader) feel very awkward. Katniss doesn't seem to trust him.

Once Katniss sees the arena for the first time---in essence, a circle of seawater, with strips of land sticking out like spokes from the Cornucopia---she's a little miffed, thinking that this competition was literally built for Finnick Odair.
---And in a way, she's right. You put Finnick from District Four into water, and he's suddenly every deadly water creature you've ever dream of, as well as the happiest man on earth. This being because District 4 is known for its fishing industries. The kids in four are practically born with fins.
When the Games begin, Katniss hi-tails it to the Cornucopia, determined to find herself a bow and set of arrows. When she gets there, she runs into Finnick, who is already hoisting his trident. In the moments that follow, Katniss must decide if she wants Finnick on her side or not.

This is the moment that we see a twist in plot. Suddenly, Finnick is not an arch-enemy, or even just a man who will kill to win his old life back. Instead, he is an ally.

(Which is very helpful, especially because at this point, Katniss needs somebody to save Peeta over and over...and over and over...and over again.)

They get Peeta, who is patiently waiting on his little stand-hub-thingy, and also retrieve Mags, the female tribute from Four, who is the master-fishhook-maker.

Throughout the rest of the book, Finnick starts to unfold himself to us, and we find a few unexpected things that factor into his character.
Most prominently are his true affections for Annie Cresta, a former victor from four who went mad. She won The Hunger Games the year she was a tribute because of her fantastic swimming abilities.

Also, we see his sense of humor---a nice compliment to his testy attitude.

In book three, Mockingjay, we find Finnick Odair in bad shape. He's gone a little mental. But everything improves for him when he is reunited with Annie.

Finnick also confesses the terrible things that the Capitol has forced him to follow through with, under threat that anyone and everyone he cared for would be murdered if he didn't cooperate.
This speech given by him, along with his proclamations about the tyrannies of President Snow, are aired and broadcasted as a part of the rebellion propaganda, causing a heavy blow to the Capitol and its followers.

After mending from his mental disabilities and marrying Annie Cresta, Finnick volunteers his services to the Rebel military, and is put in a squad that includes Katniss, Gale, and Peeta. Finnick fights well, staying loyal to Katniss, even after she fabricates her own private mission to lead the rest of the group on.

In the end, and in the form of true tragedy, Finnick Odair sacrifices his life for the others, in order that their mission would not fail.

Back at home, and after the war is won by the Rebels, Finnick and Annie's son is born.

The overall influence of Finnick's character amazes me. At first look, the reader keeps a low opinion of him. "How could he be likable??" We ask ourselves. But further in and further up---Finnick Odair is a true hero. It is a powerful thing to be a fictional character and to have redeemed yourself to both your fellow fictional characters, and the reader.

Kudos to Suzanne Collins, for offering us a great piece of work, and a beautifully characterized tribute from District 4.

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This post is part of Lewis' book giveaway. Entry numbero one!! :)
Visit her blog (and read her books!) at However Improbable.