The rest of the tour went smoothly. She waved when required and provided fake smiles to her adoring fans. There was only one stop left: the Presidential Palace.

Ina and Blight had told her that this would be the biggest stop yet. A huge party, one that she could never even imagine. She scoffed in response. She didn't care about flare or attention, she just wanted to go home to her new house and be left alone; but she couldn't seem to get what Finnick Odair had last said to her out of her mind…

If only that could happen.

What did he mean by that? She had considered what he was implying in a million different ways, but she could never figure it out. If she saw him at this party, she would make sure to corner him and find out.

Upon arrival, she couldn't help but be a little impressed. The lights were everywhere, dazzling, remarkably laid out on the lawn, the buildings, the people… There were entertainers juggling balls of fire, and everywhere she looked there was color. She had become accustomed to the Captolian way of life, but with everything thrown together the way it was tonight, she found herself awed by it.

Ina led her through the crowd of people. Some were clapping for her, some were reaching out to touch her. Tonight she was wearing a dark green dress that represented the color of a pine tree. One of the many she had cut down in her life, and one of the many that had been in her arena. It was tight, cinching all along her body to accentuate her curves properly. It cut down between her breasts in a V shape, not leaving much to the imagination. While she didn't particularly like being flaunted about like some hussy, she did approve of the way she looked, and she looked good.

She spent about an hour eating before people began asking her to dance. She accepted each one's proposal, but only just barely. She wanted to go to home and sleep.

Across the dance floor she spotted him. Dressed in a black suite and dancing with a small, nervous looking red head, he looked radiant. She inwardly cursed at herself for the thought, and averted her gaze. It didn't take him long to notice her either, since by the next song he was arrogantly approaching her and asking her dance partner if he could have a turn.

"Of course, Mr. Odair," the man said, and handed her over almost too eagerly.

Finnick took her by the waist, and began to move. She reluctantly folded her hands behind his neck, and they swayed with the music. "You look lovely tonight," he acknowledged, and she followed his statement by finally looking up into his eyes. They seemed sincere, but she wasn't going to fall for his charm.

"I know. But I also know that I'm not the only woman you've said that to tonight." She smirked. She wasn't like every other girl, she wouldn't swoon at his compliments, she would stand her ground.

"That's true, you aren't." He retorted. He almost sounded annoyed. What?

She couldn't help herself. "Let me guess, that pretty little redhead?" What had gotten into her?

"Yes, actually. And doesn't she look beautiful?"

"I said she was pretty didn't I?" At the knowledge that she was appearing jealous, she tried to move out of his grasp and walk away. He refused to release her, though, hardening his grip on her hips and staring intently into her eyes.

"Let me go." She insisted, trying harder to pull away. He only held her tighter, and looked past her into the distance.

"We should talk somewhere more private," he whispered. He didn't sound kind, but he didn't sound cruel either. She wasn't sure if she could trust him, but regardless, she let him guide her away from the dance floor and into a garden area behind a tree. They were no longer in ear shot of other party goers, and no one could see them. He shoved her against the tree and released her. "Things are going to change now."

"Oh yeah? How so?" She had attitude etched in her every feature. Her face, her posture, her tone.

"You are a victor. The Capitol will expect things of you… things you will not want to do." He grimaced. She could tell he meant what he said.

"I won't let them do anything to me. I won't be one of their puppets."

"That's what I used to think, and now…" He trailed off. He looked ashamed. Embarrassed.

"Now what? What did they do to you?" She was truly curious, and a bit afraid of the answer.

"You'll find out soon enough, and when you do, do not refuse them," he advised.

"Thanks for the warning Finnick, but I'll make it on my own without your advice." She began to move away, but he took hold of her arm and shoved her against the tree once more. She was glaring at him. "Let me go."

"I'm trying to help you, Johanna."

"Well I don't need your help, Odair," she ground out between clenched teeth. She didn't have time for this. The President's speech would be any minute, and Ina would have her head if she missed it. Especially considering that it was for her. He didn't move a muscle, just looked into her eyes with a tense dignity that she hadn't seen before. She was getting sick of this, she raised her hand to smack him, to do anything to make him release his hold on her, when he surprised her by moving his mouth on top of hers.

She didn't do anything at first, just stared wide-eyed into the distance beyond. She didn't know when, but at some point she closed her eyes and actually began to move her lips against his. She opened them when he probed his tongue between, seeking entrance. The kiss had started off gentle, but it was quickly escalating into something more. She brought her hands up and fisted them in his blonde hair, his hands were roaming her body, seeking purchase. Their tongues were clashing together, moving in sync and yet not in sync at all. They were battling for dominance, and both she and Finnick were moaning in appreciation. She came up for air after several minutes, and his mouth moved to her neck, biting and sucking. She breathed out a deep sigh before returning to their rhythm, her lips on his once more.

He moved his hand to her hip and hiked her leg up, her dress came with it and uncovered her limb up to her thigh. He was caressing it, murmuring something that sounded suspiciously like her name. He ground against her with his pelvis and she heard herself groan in appreciation. The whole thing probably would've gone further if they hadn't suddenly heard a microphone being displaced.

They pulled apart instantly, lips red from the contact. They stared into each other's eyes for a brief moment before Johanna walked back towards the party. What the hell was that?

She made her way to the center of the dance floor and looked up to see President Snow on his balcony, just beginning his speech.

"Johanna Mason proved her valor through deception, intelligence, and combat skills," he looked down into the crowd and made eye contact with her. His eyes were snake-like, and he was grinning at her. "She has proven through the Games that she is worthy of being our 71st Victor, and the odds were certainly in her favor. Tonight this party is dedicated to celebrating her achievements, and her unwillingness to ever give up. May we all toast to her in admiration." The whole of the party guests raised their champagne glasses and drank, following with a loud cheer. She looked across the floor where Finnick had now appeared, he was toasting as well.

Their eyes met before she looked down towards her feet in disgust. She was not one of those women. She was independent, brave, and strong. She would not fall for someone such as himself.

She looked back up to find him gone, and the fireworks began. She would be going home soon, and everything would go back to normal.