A/N: I don't own anyone but my OC's….though I wished I owned the rest….*sighs*

Okay I am overdue as I told myself I would have this posted last week but the stupid Muse went off the rails again!

"Seneca," she whispered. Her lips curled up into a sweet smile. "You made it."

"I wouldn't miss this for anything," he stuttered. Seneca felt like a fool but Ailith ignored his agitation and clasped her hands into his. The sweaty palms pressed against her dry warm ones as the latter gently squeezed his trembling hands. Seneca felt as if he had died and gone to the afterlife and he was being greeted by the Goddess herself!

"I hoped you wouldn't," she smiled wider.

"Here," he shoved his arms forward. "I-I got you this."

Ailith looked down at the box comprised of rich burgundy then slowly lifted her gaze up to the anxious eyes of the young Crane. His hands were shaky as the weight of the box was liberated from his hold. Her fingers examined the smooth crushed velvet, taking in the simple beauty of the object beneath the tips.

"This is for me?"

"Y-Yes," he nodded shortly. His sharp blue eyes observed the touching expression that only emphasized the natural beauty's features.

"I-I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything." He blurted. "I wanted to do this for you."

Ailith took a deep breath and caught the anxious look locked in those clear sapphire orbs. Her fingers flipped the top with a lone flick and instantaneously her breath halted in her throat. Her other hand lightly masked her stunned reaction as her mind raced to catch up with what her eyes revealed.

"It's beautiful," she was genuinely and pleasantly surprised. "Thank you…."

Seneca released his breath that had been locked within his lungs. She liked it!

"Here," he plucked the delicate ornament from its resting place and slipped it on her right ring finger.

"I-I don't know what to say Seneca. It's gorgeous."

"I'm glad you like it…."

"Like it? I love it! Thank you!" She smothered him with her body not caring if everyone was watching. Seneca seized the opportunity and pressed his nose against her shoulder, inhaling the delicate scent of cinnamon vanilla. It fit Ailith like a glove. He continued committing her scent to his memory, knowing their time was precious on this night. Already other Citizens were clamoring to meet the one who outwitted, outplayed, and most importantly out lived the others. Her sponsors were the first to greet her for after all, if they had not been so generous to this angelic appearing girl she would've died for sure!

Cameras snapped unabated as Ailith stood and thanked every sponsor personally for their dedication and commitment to her. Her gratitude was genuine while the experience of the night was surreal. It was like being in a living dream. She wished her family could be here to witness this. The brief stab in her chest was instantly silenced as she refused to let her emotions overwhelm her. She had to be strong in the face of the Capitol. Ailith had to remain stoic but proud for her family.

As the newest Victor continued greeting and thanking everyone, a pair of deadly daggers stared pointedly towards her.

Marius was on his fifth round within the first hour. His body contained an extreme level of tolerance for the scorching liquid heat as years of drinking and partying had hardened his body to the excess of the Capitol.

"Enjoying yourself Marius?" President Snow approached from behind. Marius swallowed the last mouthful of alcohol then turned to face the older man.

"The night is young President Snow," he wisely chose his words. "I have yet to truly appreciate the finer things of the evening."

"Of course," Snow chuckled as though they shared some inside joke. "The finer things are always best savored in more intimate environments."

"Indeed," the younger man's sinister grin was masked behind the rim of the crystal glass as his eyes shifted back to the petite girl clad in silk and emerald.

"Everything is arranged per our agreement Marius. But remember what I said…."

Marius nodded as he knew part of the agreement with Snow was to make certain Ailith's spirit was shattered. There was no need for any Victor to develop crazy ideas of revolution or other blasphemous talk. Most were content to return home and knew the consequences of such crimes. Others had become shriveled shadows as morphling and alcohol depleted their souls. Then there were the others…..

The ones who saw the horrors of the Capitol and Games yet continued to keep the kindling of hope alive. Sure Snow could put those girls and boys to death but that would be too easy. Instead those few individuals were subdued through more effective means. The spark that ignited in Ailith Brennan's eye was one that Snow recognized though she may not have been aware of. Well, that spark had to be drowned before evolving into a raging firestorm.

The last of the adoring Citizens came and went opening up a chance for Ailith to breathe. Seneca had been patiently waiting close by watching as she assumed the role of gracious winner and making each and every man and woman feel special within the brief but meaningful exchanges shared. No one left feeling disenchanted or detached from their beloved winner which only amplified the positive charge around them and the circus like atmosphere in the manor.

"May I have this dance?" Seneca made his move. His hand was extended outward to which Ailith bowed and coyly smiled.

"Of course mystery admirer of mine," she slipped her hand within his and together they twirled around the dance floor.

"Are you enjoying the night?"

Ailith's smile partially fell but her eyes sparkled like stars as they remained tight on the floor.

"I have to admit the attention the Citizens have shown me is wonderful. I mean it's more than I had ever envisioned but they will never know the horror or rather they choose to ignore the brutality of it all."

"Don't say anymore," Seneca winced at her words. "Please Ailith….."

His hand curled tighter around her waist as he caught the pained expression cross her eyes.

"Alright," she sighed. "I won't talk about it for the rest of the night."

Seneca's lips cracked into a feeble smile as he felt a bit chagrined for asking such a thing. It was he didn't want this beautiful night to be overshadowed by the traumas of the Games.

"Thank you," he lightened up his hold around her.

Ailith felt her heart sink slightly at his desire to shut out the dirty truth. The Citizens were indoctrinated to shut out the ugly truth. Sure they thrived on the blood and death of the Games but once the show was over they returned to their blissfully ignorant lives which were dependent upon the slave like conditions and hardships the 12 Districts had thrusted upon them. Ailith would never forget the blood that coated her hands; the same ones now tenderly holding Seneca to her. The screams of the dying mingled with the screams and laughter of the attendants around her. They would follow her to her grave.

"Seneca I'm sorry," she excused herself and headed outside. She been overwhelmed with emotion and didn't want anyone to see her growing tears.

"Ailith wait," he started for the door as she sat on the stone bench in the garden. Fireworks continued showering the night sky with sparks of gold, silver, red, and blue casting her skin in unnatural shades of silver and gold. It was like she was a human chameleon sitting there on the immaculate slab of marble.

"Ailith," Seneca sat down beside her, taking her unsteady hands within his. "Ailith please don't shut me out."

"Shut you out? Why would you say or think such a thing?"

"You ran out," he exhaled.

"It's not you," she shook her head. "I'm just struggling to come to terms with everything. It all happened so fast."

"Here," he carefully wiped the tears away, mindful of her makeup. "Don't cry…..Please?"

Ailith only fell into a full blown sob at his meek request.

"You're one of the few that have been so kind to me since I got here and then I was in the Arena fighting for my life."

Seneca didn't speak and instead took her his arms.

"Damn," she pulled back dabbing at her eyes.

"What?" Seneca pulled back keeping his fingers beneath her chin. The furrowed sorrow vanished as a tiny smile emerged.

"I still owe you a second dance."

Seneca couldn't but help to laugh at her sudden turn around. Through the tears and sorrow she remembered her promise.

"We don't have to go back in there if you want."

"No," she tightly shook her head. "I made a promise to you Seneca Crane and I don't break a promise."

A part of him was elated. Ailith summoned the strength to straighten back up and go towards the mob inside. And for that Seneca Crane felt himself falling a little harder for his Goddess.

A little angst and romance... :)