Weeks had somehow turned into months, the new routine of sleep, school, work and repeat were entirely consuming. The only freedom that seemed to exist anymore was Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons when she was allowed to go hunting. Allowed, it was a simple word but it was really starting to annoy the young girl. Last time she had checked she wasn't a small child or an animal that needed to be 'handled'. Yet, here her boss was doing just that. The move from the inn to the justice building was not all she'd thought it would be in terms of clarity, and apparently it only fueled Finnick's frustration. Apparently the man was more comfortable trying to get friendly with Prue behind the closed doors of his newly furnished office than he was in his old hotel room. Honestly, the advances from the older man were the least of her concern, because how could a gorgeous man like that always wanting to kiss you be bad? It was, again, the emotional aspect of her encounters that left Prue exhausted and wanting. It was incredibly exhausting going from the girl sitting on his desk getting fondled one minute to his respectful secretary the next who was only expected to file papers and get him and his business guest coffee.

Surprisingly, the fact that Finnick seemed to have no interest in being anything more than physical with her wasn't the biggest problem for Prue. With graduation just a month away, the young girl was actually looking forward to saying goodbye to the confining walls of their school house more than ever. The urge to 'see other people', had not fallen on deaf ears and Deen had taken his chance to practically date every girl they knew. Prue wasn't sure if this was retaliation or just Deen being a smart ass, but whatever it was, it kept the teenager tossing and turning at night. She wasn't naive enough to think that he'd never get with anyone else, hell she had been the one to suggest it, but to see it was completely different. The two barely spoke anymore, and while they went out and hunted together still, it wasn't the same. Their silence wasn't filled with silent conversation and knowing looks anymore, it was just the opposite. The silence was deafening and the solitude of the forest was no longer welcome for either of them.

Friday

Staring at the clock tick tauntingly slow, Prue continued to fidget at her desk. The last hour of the last day of class for the week was always the most tedious. Idly tapping her heeled shoe against the floor as she waited for the last ten minutes to conclude so she could rush off to work, the girl didn't bother to look around the room. The snide looks from her female classmates had not dissipated, nor had the downright carnal stares from the male ones. It was beyond her as to why people couldn't just accept the fact sure, she dressed a little different now, but it was strictly for work. It didn't make her other, more intimidating tributes null and void. She could still shoot the bird incessantly chirping outside of the window a couple yards away. Was it taunting her too?! Glaring at the window, her eyes unwillingly fell to Deen's chair. He was taking a break from chatting up the few girls around him, surprisingly. Maybe he had finally decided to get serious with one of them and had to ignore the rest now? The thought made Prue's stomach turn. Not realizing how long she'd been staring, the girl flinched as the teacher's voice rang out over the silence, announcing their homework and freedom as the bell rang. Pushing herself out of the uncomfortable hardwood chair, Prue grabbed her books and lingered in the back of the class for once, using the excuse to tug at the short hem of her all-too-form-fitting-dress down as she waited for the majority of the people to leave. Walking quickly to catch her friend's arm before he left her alone with Mrs. Orchard in their English class, Prue's hand practically burst into flames with the heat radiating from his skin. Had it really been that long since she'd made actual contact with the boy?

"Can we talk?" Looking up to her friend's dark eyes with her bright, hopeful ones, Prue offered the most innocent, shy smile she could muster.

"Don't you have to get to work?" Raising his eyebrow, he looked over the young girl and rolled his eyes before pulling away. The black and white floral dress Prue had worn that day was too tight, too short, and too unlike his old friend it had made him sick. Sure, she looked ridiculously sexy, but the reason behind why she wore it, or rather who she wore it for, just increased his nausea.

"Come over tonight? I really want to talk!" Hollering behind Deen as he left her in the doorway to head to his locker before leaving, Prue stood there for a few more moments to quietly sulk.

"Can't. Have a date." Yelling back as he pulled out two books from his locker, he didn't even steal a passing glance before leaving the school.

"Boys can be very fickle creatures, Miss Mellark."

Snapping her attention to the forgotten teacher at her desk behind Prue, the young girl looked over the aging woman with curiosity. She was married, wasn't she? Offering a faint smile before dropping her head to study the corner of her textbook with sudden interest, Prue's shoulders shrugged in reply.

"They're actually very simple. Even the most complicated man.." Watching the blond woman laugh quietly, Prue couldn't help but wonder if she'd ever actually heard her teacher genuinely make that sound. It brought a smile to the girl's face. Hugging her text book to her chest as she walked into the classroom a little more, Prue studied the woman's face, hoping she'd continue and let the teenager know the secret behind men.

"The simplest only care about one thing, obviously. Need. They want what every red-blooded male wants, sadly. They want to be needed. The more they're needed, the more important they feel. At the core of the most complicated man, they want the same thing. The more important the man, the greater the desire."

Staring blankly at the woman, Prue hung on the words, devouring and savoring them as if they were the most introspective strewn together sentences that ever existed. She already knew this, didn't she? Perhaps she just needed to hear it out loud to find it that much more compelling of a statement. Nodding at her teacher, Prue forced another, faker bright smile as she backed away from the woman to leave.

"Sad but true, Mrs. Orchard. Thank you. I'm gonna be late for work.. I'll see you Monday!"

Finnick and Deen were essentially the same then, according to her teacher. Mulling over the thought as she walked to the Justice Building, Prue couldn't help but dissect the presumed fact. It seemed true enough. They both needed what they felt was necessary, and without it they were angry, rude little boys. Without the acceptance of a relationship from her, Deen turned into a sulky teenager who'd rather avoid her all together than actually have a conversation. Without the willingness to have sex, Finnick found Prue to lack importance to him for more than a few heated minutes alone in his office. She'd never have anything more with her boss if she didn't present him with more, but it wasn't something she was willing to give. Neither was the idea of a relationship, not yet anyway.

Stealing a quick glance at the clock as she walked in, Prue cursed to herself under her breath as she rushed to Finnick's office. Knocking on the door lightly, she stepped into the quiet room and lingered by the doorway. Finn was deeply enthralled with whatever he was reading at the moment and for once didn't look like the stressed out, overly worked, too old mayor of District 12. Without a tie, his top button on his dress shirt unbuttoned and no suit jacket, he looked breathtakingly youthful and handsome. Today was probably the first time she'd seen his hair disheveled outside of his hotel room, and for some reason it was a sight she enjoyed savoring.

"You're late, Miss Mellark."

Without looking up from the book he had open in front of him, his voice sounded eerily calm yet somehow menacing. Realizing she was still clutching her English book, Prue quickly tossed it on her desk a few feet away from the doorway she was standing in. Closing the door quietly, she turned back to Finn's desk, her entire body tensing as she took in his now reclined body while he silently stared at her. Clenching her fists together as she walked closer to his desk, she stopped at the side and let her head fall slightly to stare at the wood floor beneath her.

"I'm sorry, sir. My teacher needed to keep me after to discuss something. Won't happen again. What can I do for you?"

Clasping her fist behind her back, Prue raised her head and pushed her shoulders back. Normally if she kept a proud stance, she felt more confident in front of her boss. Without a word he had a way of making her feel inferior, and she hated it. At the moment, he was doing just that. His eyebrow cocked slightly as his unamused eyes stared at her face before raking uncomfortably slow down her body then back up again.

"Oh, there's plenty for you to do, Miss Mellark." His tone wasn't it's normal one, it was his suggestive, I'm-about-to-defile-you one that made Prue's knees weak. Ignoring her burning cheeks as her mouth threatened to pull into a smirk, she restrained herself, forcing the firm line to remain as she stood unwaveringly still. "We can start with you on my desk. I need to inspect that hem of yours."

Fourty-five minutes later, Prue was finally dismissed to finish the paperwork that needed to be filed at her desk but only after retrieving some coffee for Finnick. She'd exhausted him apparently, and the caffeine was his only pick me up. Making the few phone calls he demanded she find time for between filing and preparing his schedule for the next week, Prue idly rubbed her jaw as she listened to the business people on the other line ramble on and on. Whenever she did things with Deen she found it all to be terribly exciting. It was a thrill to get away with such acts in public with her best friend, but with Finnick, her boss, it was so completely different. It should be hotter, shouldn't it? The ante upped because of his high profile status and just how wrong it was. Somehow, though, it felt worse. More "wrong" but not in a thrilling way. Dirty, without the sexy side. Perhaps it was the fact that he completely dismissed her after such an intimate encounter, expecting her to 'know her place' and do her work as soon as he decided he was finished. Once his needs were met, Prue was no more important to him than the empty cup of coffee he tossed in the trash. Allowing her heart to sink with the realization that she was equally disposable, she idly flipped through her planner as she checked it against her paper notes for appointments, events and the like.

"Prue, can you come in here?"

Looking at the intercom on her desk, she frowned with confusion as she pushed herself away from the desk. She always knew what kind of mood he was in depending on how he addressed her. The "Miss Mellark" was his serious, usually angry address, the "Prue" was his friendlier, I'm-sorry-for-being-an-asshole address, and if he just demanded something without saying her name she knew he was all business and too concerned with his work to bother remembering her first or last name. Entering his office again, she smiled sweetly at the man as she leaned back against the door.

"Yes, boss?"

"Don't look at me with that sexy but adorable look of yours. Prudence, come on." Giving her his best charming and disarming grin, Prue crossed the room to take a seat in one of the chairs in front of the man's desk. Crossing her legs and resting her hands on her knee, her expression entertained and expectant, she couldn't help but laugh quietly at his playful mood. It always won her over no matter how sullen she was.

"So you know the party for all the district mayors at the President's home is coming up next month, right? Well, seeing as I don't have time to date, but need a beautiful woman on my arm.. would you be interested in accompanying me? We could get some work done while we're there, if it would make you feel more comfortable."

Was this Finnick's way of asking her on a date, or was he simply saying he couldn't be bothered with pursuing an actual date so he was taking the easy way out with his secretary/the girl he occasionally fondles and gets him off. Either way, the opportunity to go to the capitol for a government function was too exciting to turn down. Nodding eagerly as her voice abandoned her momentarily, Prue leaned forward, expecting details on what to do and what to wear. Oh God, what would she wear to a president hosted function?! Surely aunt Johanna would have something.

"This weekend I'm going home to finish packing the last of my stuff to bring it back here. If you don't have plans, I'd like you to come with me."

There was no way of misinterpreting that one! Finnick Jay Odair wanted little Prue Mellark to go away with him for a weekend! Sure, they'd be packing and there was nothing exceptionally romantic about that, but they'd be together and alone. Maybe things were looking up? Pushing herself up and smiling down at the man, Prue couldn't begin to mask her happiness as she beamed in his direction.

"Very good, sir. Anything else?"

Showing teeth with her bright smile as he laughed, Prue could practically feel herself melt. His laugh was so beautiful.

"Yes. I'd like you to wear that one navy dress tomorrow night. The one with those little birds or whatever they are on the top." Giving Finn a skeptical look, she knew that dress was too formal for cleaning, and too long for his liking. Opening her mouth to ask why, she stopped as he smiled at her. "We're having dinner with my mother. Have to make sure you look presentable."

Saturday

The late night train ride was one she'd never forget, and while she was tired today, it was entirely worth it. The romantic dinner together was only the beginning, and without a doubt everything she'd hoped a first date would be. Finnick turned from her boss into the perfect gentleman in a matter of minutes, and it floored her. She was used to boss-turned-perv, but dinner was – as cliché as it was – magical. Dessert, however, was the best and for as hard as she tried to remember, she couldn't imagine her friend Deen being as.. attentive. Chocolate covered strawberries, champagne and going to bed with Finnick – they were all tied for first place.

Today was strict business, though, and after the night she had, it was all she could manage. The two worked separately the majority of the morning, filling boxes and tossing things, only speaking to inquire how progress was going, or to ask if something was going to be tossed, kept, or stored away. With a quick break for lunch, the two finally finished everything Finnick wanted done around four that afternoon. Dinner wasn't for a couple hours, and while she was looking forward to getting ready, Prue couldn't help but fight the urge to take a nap. The moment her head hit Finnick's pillow, she was out.

"You have to wake up, we gotta go in an hour." Finn's voice was the softest she'd ever heard, and for the life of her she couldn't tell if it was a dream or reality. Groaning as she turned to try and push his face away from her, Prue fought the man's prying hands, urging her to get up. Five more minutes wouldn't make a difference!

"Come on, baby, you have to get in the shower." Freezing at his words, Prue kept her eyes closed but stopped fighting. Baby ? Feeling the immediate tug of a grin, the girl quickly squirmed as Finn's hands found her waist, tickling her most sensitive area as he kissed the side of her neck softly. "If you want help I could.. wash your back? We gotta be quick though, my mom won't be happy if we're late."

Huffing as she forced her eyes open, Prue shoved Finn away to allow herself room to sit up. Shaking her head at his offer, she knew that they'd never make it on time if she allowed herself to be naked in a small space with the man again. Pulling her hair out of its braid, she tugged her shirt off and threw it on Finn's head before leaving to take a shower.

An hour later, the two had barely made it to Annie's house between Prue rushing to get ready, Finn constantly trying to thwart her efforts, and the heated make out session turned happy ending for the man that he'd insisted would only take a couple minutes. Men clearly had no concept of time.

"Prue, darling you look lovely! How are your parents and Cinn?" Annie's constant slew of compliments and doting had turned the okay day into an absolutely wonderful one. It was the first time she'd been in District 4 where she actually felt like staying. Her grandmother had never made her feel so welcomed and adored. It was quite a wonderful feeling.

Throughout dinner, the three discussed almost every topic imaginable between Finn's new job as mayor, Prue's new job as his assistant, the upcoming graduation, Peeta's bakery, Katniss' meat distribution, and Cinnick's interests for after school. Prue thanked all things holy that Mrs. Odair hadn't pressed the issue of what Prue wanted to do after school, hoping that a job for the mayor was a decent enough answer for a while. College was always an option, and while the girl was smart enough, nothing seemed to hold her interest to jump in without a definitive plan. After the all too filling lasagna Annie made, and the blueberry cobbler they'd forced down for dessert, Finn had to all but carry Prue out after their third cup of tea. It was nice to feel so at home when you were so far away, but even back in 12, Prue couldn't remember ever being so full, which was no one's fault but her own. Peeta was an exceptional cook and there were always leftovers, but the solitude of her bedroom was more pressing as of late. With nothing to overanalyze tonight, though, the girl ate better than she had in months.

"I hope you come back soon. Don't forget your dear old mom." Watching Annie dote over Finn, kissing over his cheeks and straightening his tie, Prue couldn't fight the warm smile that came as she looked at the two's affectionate exchange. Turning to hug Annie after she let her son go, Prue squeezed the small woman as tight as she could.

"Take care of my boy, sweet Pea. He can be frustrating, but deep down he really is a good boy." Listening to her whispers, Prue beamed against the woman's shoulder as she held onto their hug for as long as possible without it being weird. Kissing Annie's cheek as she moved back, Prue and Finn finally departed for their walk back to his apartment.

"My mom really likes you." Allowing her hand to be captured in Finn's, Prue found she was incredibly grateful for the night to mask her over the top grin and her red hot cheeks. Remaining silent as they walked back to his place, she couldn't help but wonder if this would be the norm if Finn wasn't Mayor. If the two had met on one of Prue's visits to see her grandmother, and hit it off somehow. This low-key, care free, easy going Finn was a lot more enjoyable than the strict, high maintenance, constantly angry Mayor Odair back home. She hadn't been dismissed once this weekend, and for once she actually felt like she was wanted in his presence for more than just a helping hand.

Crawling into bed after washing her makeup off and changing into one of his oversized shirts, Prue let her mind wander as the two fell into a restful night after their long day together. Wrapped in his strong arm, Prue let herself curl up beside him, hugging his bare skin to hers while her leg captured one of his, letting it wrap around him like a vine. Dreams of happy relationships, easy going weekends, and a simpler Finn filled the girl's mind as they slept.

Sunday

Waking up to the smell of coffee, eggs, bacon and toast, Prue drug herself out of the otherwise empty bed and rubbed her eyes as she wandered into the box filled living room. Seeing a shirtless Finn at the stove was enough to wake her up more than any cup of coffee could. Quietly walking up behind him, Prue let her small arms securely wrap around his bare midsection as her chest pressed against his back. Kissing his shoulder blades lightly as her hips pressed against his backside, she found herself laughing brightly as her hands roamed over his toned abdomen and down to the waistband of his pajama pants. She could definitely get used to this.

"Eat first, little lady." Swatting Prue's hands away, she took a step back as he turned away from the stove to put the second omelet on the table. Taking a seat at the place setting with orange juice instead of coffee, the girl crossed her overly exposed legs as she tried her best to focus her still sleepy eyes on the beautiful display of man cooking for her.

"I like you much better in District 4. I don't think I've ever seen you this happy since you started working." Reaching up to tuck her long hair behind her ears, Prue's smile grew as he came over to bring her toast and quickly kissed her cheek.

"I like you better in 4, too. You rarely wear pants to begin with, but no dress.. how could a guy get so lucky?" Letting Finn's hands explore her bare skin for a few moments, she swatted them away as they got too close to the apex of her legs. Shaking her head as she pointed to her food, she reminded him of his words moments before at the stove.

"Eat first."

The rest of their stay in District 4 was work as usual, getting everything they could onto carts to take to the train that was scheduled to take them home at noon. Loading up everything but the furniture and what was going into storage, the two stopped by Annie's before they left, saying their goodbyes and dropping off Finnick's apartment key. Getting another, all encompassing, entirely lovable hug and kiss from the man's mother, Prue was all but giddy as they finally got on board to head home. Settling down in their dining car, the girl pulled her bag from the floor, for the first time since Friday afternoon remembering she had homework still.

Passing the time together but doing their own thing, Prue couldn't help but wonder if once they got back if things might be different for them. They'd clearly had a wonderful, peaceful time together in District 4, and while she wasn't head over heels for him like Deen, she could definitely enjoy dating District 4 Finnick. Things could be different if Finn remained what she assumed to be his normal self - the happy, playful one that she couldn't help but be giddy with. Obviously they'd have to keep their work relationship less care free than how the weekend went, but maybe Finn would see now that a weekend with her could become a more permanent event. They were capable of having a work relationship, and something more.

Snapping out of her daydream as the train came to a stop and Finnick's hand patted her arm, she looked around to see out the window. The once dull shade of grey that was District 12 was now a livelier place to live and call home – and they had arrived. Gathering her things, Prue followed Finn out and began helping load the cart with his things to bring back to his place. A knowing grin played on her lips as they headed back, wondering if they'd have another night like Friday. She had school tomorrow, but it would be completely worth it if it meant spending a restless night with Finnick Odair. Stopping at the front door of his house, she smiled waiting for him to let her in.

"I can get this. Why don't you go home and finish your homework? I'll see you tomorrow." His tone wasn't clipped as it usually was when he was being formal with her, but Prue could already sense that stepping foot on 12 soil turned him back to his strictly work self. Sighing quietly, she nodded, already getting her answer to: could things be different.

"Goodnight, Miss Mellark."