Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games trilogy, split into two parts for the third book's film adaptation, rivetingly made its mark in the world of dystopian fiction. While the young adult series might not hold the same glowing reputation as adaptations like The Last of Us or even the Harry Potter franchise, it's one full of an engaging fan base, still to this day. The story follows 12 districts set in a war against the Capitol, essentially holding them hostage for petty entertainment by sacrificing the lives of their people.

The story centers around Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen as she goes from a survivor of the games to the Mockingjay, Panem's symbol for rebellion. And while the story effectively revolves around Katniss, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), and Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth), there's another love story glowing in the shadows, becoming one that people still mourn years later. The franchise's second book and film, Catching Fire, introduces us to the fiery, fan-favorite Finnick Odair, played by Sam Claflin. Shortly after, we see that the tribute accompanying him from District 4, his former mentor Mags (the late Lynn Cohen), volunteered to protect him and Annie Cresta (Stef Dawson) — the love of Finnick's life. Without interruptions or petty drama, their love story blares through the shadows, showing viewers what unmatched loyalty and withstanding hardships look like after survival.

Their Loyalty is Unmatched

Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Lionsgate

Throughout the Hunger Games franchise, in the films especially, we see couples going back and forth with each other. But with Finnick and Annie, from the moment we meet them, there's nobody else that could compare. We know that there's something between them because of Mags' decision to step forward, and at the same time, Jena Malone's Johanna confirms it to Katniss later on. If that weren't the case, viewers still see their loyalty clear as day in the detail that the Jabberjays (birds that mimic sounds in the arena) use Annie's voice to lure in Finnick. He proves in that moment that there's nothing he wouldn't do to protect her.

In the films, Sam Claflin and Stef Dawson carry the weight of showing the adoration that introspection from the books fills. With love as strong as the one they have for one another, their loyalty thus comes front and center, showcasing to everyone around them that they're fighting for each other first and foremost. The sole fact that Finnick stays with Annie and still sees her as the woman he first fell for, even after the games destroy her, tells us more than enough about his steadfast adoration.

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They Withstand the Hardships of The Games

Finnick and Annie in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
Lionsgate

We first glimpse how the Hunger Games played a role in altering their relationship during the selection for the Quarter Quell in Catching Fire. We then see it plainly through Claflin and Dawson's performances during their reunion at the end of Mockingjay Part 1. Finnick and Annie survived the games, bore the traumatic aftereffects, and continued to stand to fight another day while carrying a wedding to celebrate. Although Finnick tragically dies at the end of Mockingjay Part 2, their wedding serves as a reminder to the Capitol that they're still standing.

The games break and terrorize them both — Annie more so — but through every brief exchange, however short and fleeting, we can understand that the decision to continue loving one another is their way of devoting every living day to each other. Further, though he doesn't live to see his unborn child, knowing that their love carries on through another life in a world without the Hunger Games is the symbolic representation of a love that's endured. The games also break, crush, and temporarily halt Peeta and Katniss' relationship, but never once do we see a rift between Finnick and Annie, for even when they're apart, performances (as well as book narratives) showcase they're with each other in spirit.

Related: The Hunger Games: Best Scenes From the Franchise, Ranked

Their Story Inspires Ceaseless Fan Works

Finnick and Annie's wedding in Mockingjay Part 2
Lionsgate

Mockingjay Part 1 and 2 are frustrating adaptations of a relatively decent book. Despite the heartbreaking deaths and every terrible thing that happens, Finnick and Annie still inspire fanfiction, fancams, and all sorts of reactions on the internet years after we last saw them. There are thousands of alternate universe stories written about Finnick's survival on Archive of Our Own, allowing fans to bring their own version of a happily ever after to the couple who deserved far more. The romantic relationships that end with tragic arcs often stay with viewers long after the franchise runs its course. That's the undeniable case with Finnick and Annie because when there's any reminder of them as a pair, an outcry pours through, spreading through social networks.

Further, many Letterboxd reviews even refer to them when watching or rewatching films in recent years. Thus, their love story is compelling because, despite all odds against them, their love for one another never dies in the absence. Annie had to be the one to survive because knowing Finnick Odair as a character, that's how he'd prefer it — her life over his. And because she does so, the best version of him lives on through her. Still, they're unparalleled for their relentless love that glistens through the brief moments we get of them, brought on by stunning cinematography, performances, and narrative choices.