As the arena gets closer and closer I find that I'm relying on Neal more. He's always there to pick me up for school in the morning. We walk hand-in-hand to until he drops me off at class. Like he did with Maddy, he kisses me on the cheek before leaving for his first class. Aster avoids us when he does. At first I didn't like it, but now guilt stirs in me that I no longer object.

On the way home I've grown accustomed to the glances I get from others in the district. I don't remember if Maddy got this sort of attention when she was here or if it's because of Maddy that people take note. Whatever the case, I don't want to know.

"You can say no, but my family is having dinner with the Ocelots tonight. If you want you can be my date for the evening."

"Ocelot, as in the official Ocelot?"

"One in the same. She's not that bad and her family is nicer than others."

I pause wondering if there's another motive behind this. Sure Maddy went with him to his house for a few dinners which sometimes included an official. But was I ready for that?

"I'm not sure. Maddy met them didn't she?"

"She did. It wouldn't take me long to tell you everything that went on since you know them a little too."

It's true. I do know them. The son, Jovian, comes in for sweets every now and then sometimes flirting with me. But now that he thinks I'm Maddy he hasn't done it as much. Did he actually respect the fact that he believes me to be Neal's girl?

"I'm in."

I put on the dress Maddy wore to the Reaping. I do my hair as nice as possible before joining Neal downstairs. Instantly I regret wearing this when I see his face.

"I'm sorry, but this is the nicest one I have."

"It's all right," he says shaking it off.

We walk into the store where our usual customers are getting some last second purchases. My parents stop for a moment when they see us.

"Mr. and Mrs. Donner, I will have her home by 9:30 sharp."

"Very good," says Father.

A couple Peacekeepers snicker calling my curfew such a charming district custom.

Mother hands me a bag, "This is for your hostess."

She's worried and so am I but I've already accepted the invitation and it's too late to back out now.

"You look nice," says Neal.

"Thank you," I say.

We spend the rest of the walk going over names and anything else I need to know. Neal's parents are waiting for us near the official's home. I've never been to this part of the district and I grow nervous. But then Neal squeezes my hand and I gain my confidence back. Is this why Maddy loved him so much? Because he could give her courage again?

Official Ocelot welcomes us to her home and brings us into the gaudiest sitting room I've ever seen. I offer up the candies my parents made and the woman accepts them giddily.

"I do declare I shall have to have you over more often if I get free chocolates. These are the best sweets in the district and quite possibly even better than some of the stuff up at the Capitol. I believe I should save these so I can compare."

Mayor Undersee looks at her, "Oh? Are you going to the Capitol soon?"

"My dear Reks, it is the Quarter Quell. Of course I'm going. My family is already up there. I only stayed behind to tie up a few loose ends. Tomorrow morning I am off to the big event."

"We'll be sorry to see you go," says Mrs. Undersee filling in the silence. She gives a look to her husband that I know all too well. It's the same look my mother gives my father when she wants him to take note of something.

Dinner is announced and for the next hour I listen as Official Ocelot talks about the comings and goings of the district and the Capitol. The server keeps filling her cup with more wine and she rambles off on different scandals that are happening. The Undersees keep her entertained but I try to avoid the conversation and just focus on eating.

"I will have to tell everyone about you," she says pointing to me. "A tribute's sister dating my mayor's boy… Neal I declare that you're right that I'll be able to pull some sponsors for her. Got to keep you in your girlfriend's good graces don't I" she says shaking Neal.

Neal laughs with her, "You don't know how much I appreciate that right now."

"Me too," I offer. I look at Neal. First he starts a collection at the shop and now he's recruited an official to help as well?

When we leave I want nothing more than to run to my house alone. Just as I'm about to take off, Neal takes my hand. Once his parents take the path over to their house he turns to me, "I'm sorry. She gets a little too much wine in her and then off she goes. I didn't think…"

"How can you stand it?"

Neal sighs. "Right now it's because these are the people that are going to keep Maddy alive. I know the odds are against her, and I'm probably a fool for thinking it's possible, but I want her to come home."

There's so much pain in his voice. I didn't realize how much he cared about Maddy. What do I say to him?

"She loves you," I offer. "She told me so."

"She loves you more," he whispers. "She made me promise to take care of you."

My mouth falls open, "She what?"

"Before she left she made me promise I'd take care of you. So I'm going to, but I'm also going to do everything I can to help her come back."

There's nothing I can say about that except, "What do you need me to do?"