Katniss' POV

Life in District 12 with Finnick was suprisingly normal. We created a routine after the first 2 days, with us hunting or walking in the meadows in the morning, then going to Haymitch's house and then helping Prim with her homework and watching Finn teach Prim some knots before dinner. It was comforting, knowing that even after the games, my life could achieve such normalcy that I yearned for. And to see Finnick so… normal, genuinely laughing with Haymitch and Prim, and letting go of his Capitol mask was so refreshing. But we both knew that this life had an expiry date, and that day was fast approaching.

Before we knew it, we were already on a train back to the Capitol to attend to our celebrity lives. Finnick was lounging on the bed, with his head on my lap, playing with my hair quitely as I traced the lines on the palm of his hand. "It gets easier you know. Leaving your family and having to put up an act." Finnick says out of the blue, breaking my line of thought. "You get better at hiding your feelings and putting up a mask, till it feels like second nature." He says casually, looking at me with raised eyebrows. "We'll get through this Kat. We always do."

"I know."

"I know you know. But I also know that you miss your family. You're just too proud to show any emotions." He sighs, looking at me in concern. I smile and kiss his lips chastely, softly stroking the frown lines on his forehead.

"Finnick, as long as you're there I know we'll be fine. As long as my family is safe then I'll be fine. Okay?" I say softly, laying down on the bed next to him.

"Who am I kidding? You're the girl on fire. Nothing fazes you." He smirks, as I snuggle the crook of his neck and smile into it, welcoming sleep.

—

We arrived at our apartment near the heart of the Capitol, and just as I sunk onto the couch, I hear Finnick sigh and groan in the bedroom.

"Hey Kat. I have a few appointments today, so I won't be back till later tonight okay? Are you going anywhere tonight?" I hear him yell from the bedroom. I search around for any cards nearby and find one pearched on top of the dining table.

Dear Ms. Everdeen,

We are pleased to invite you to the opening of our new hotel tonight at 7 pm with a few of our prestigious victors and citizens. Hope to see you soon, and hope you are well. - C.S.

La Bijou Hotel - 37 Sunset Boulevard

I sigh and go inside the bedroom to meet a handsome Finnick Odair, in a tuxedo. "Wow, don't you look dashing?" I say, smiling flirtatiously at him who smirks at me.

"Like what you see?" He purrs, grabbing me by the waist and pushing me onto the bed. "I have 30 minutes. Let me make it worth your time." He whispers, causing goosebumps to rise on the back of my neck.

"Hmm, as much as I'd love that but I have to get ready too. I have an event to go to." I pout, showing him the card I received.

"It doesn't start till 7! Oh come on, it's only 5. I just need 15 minutes tops!" He says, peppering my neck with kisses causing me to moan.

"Finnick! Ugh, I hate you for this." I say, succumbing to his kisses and finding myself naked in no time, completely consumed by all that is Finnick Odair.

—

"Was that or was that not the best 15 minutes of your life?" He says, waggling his eyebrows at me, while buttoning up his white dress shirt. I sigh and giggle, noticing the bruises forming in the insides of my thighs from his rough love making.

"As much as I loved that, I am late. And now I need to shower too and get dressed." I smile, looking at his dirty smirk.

"I can help with that too, if you want."

"Nooo thank you, I'm already late as it is because of you." I say, rolling my eyes while laughing. Seeing his pout, I kiss him softly and whisper "but I loved it, and you."

"I love you too. Anyways I have my appointment at 6 so I better get going so I'm not late. I'll see you later." He says, putting on tie as he waves me goodbye.

"See you." I mutter softly, before getting into the shower and scrubbing off the stench of sex that Finnick made. Afterwards I get some cream on top of my vanity, putting it onto the bruises, something Finn showed me that would help heal the bruises quickly. A tip from his clients I suppose. I shrug, and put on some make up like Cinna showed me how to do when I first moved to the Capitol and picked out a black dress that fit me nicely and showed off my legs. The high heels however, was something which I loathed but had to endure due to my celebrity status.

Once we got to the hotel, I saw a lot of people I didn't recognise who seemed to recognise me. Aside from the mindless chatter with some Capitolites, I finally found Effie who was happy to see me and my choice of clothing.

"Katniss! How wonderful to see you. And your make up! Oh, Cinna has taught you well I suppose." She says, fawning over my dark eyeshadow which made my grey eyes look brighter against the bright lights of the event. I smile and thank her before she goes off with he friend, and look for anymore familiar faces.

"Hey Kat!" I swing around and find Cashmere Beckham, of all people, waving me over.

"Hey, I didn't know you'd be here." I say, looking for Gloss, who is usually around wherever Cashmere is.

"Yeah, well when the president tells you to do something, you do it." She shrugs, rolling her eyes. The president? So he makes a habit of black mailing all of the victors then? I look around and notice that the majorit of the people were looking at me. Not in the "wow that's Katniss Everdeen" way, but something different…

Finnick's POV

3 clients already and it's only my first day. Great. I fix my tie as I leave my last client's apartment and head back to the limousine waiting in front of the building. I nod to the driver, who nodded curtly before driving off. I wonder what Katniss is doing right now? Probably still at her event. Maybe I should go by the hotel and surprise her. But just before I could say anything, we arrive in front of the president's mansion with no warning.

"Wait. Why are we here?" I ask the driver, moving over to get a good view of the front windows.

"I was told to take you here, sir. President's orders." He says, as he goes out and opens my door for me. I sigh and walk into the mansion to find Snow's secretary waiting for me excitedly. Even his secretary fancies me. I smirk at her and wink as she shows me the way to his study, as if I didn't know by now. Oh, what does he want now? We arrive at his study and I brace myself as I walk inside and find him sitting at this desk, a malicious smirk on his face.

"President Snow, what can I do for you today?" I smile politely, trying to mask my disgust and anger.

"Oh Mr. Odair, you and I both know that you can't, or rather won't, do what I want you to. So I have resorted to another option to gain more revenue, due to your lack of services." He smirks, picking up a remote control from his desk. I stand still, not letting my mask fall out of place and keeping up the act. He presses the controls and the TV turns on and shows a party. I furrow my brows and look back at him, seeing how delighted he was, confused as to what I was supposed to be looking at. And then I see it. Her. Katniss in her black dress in the middle of the party.

"What are you-"

"Wait for it." He says, cutting me off instantly. Then I see a man go up to Katniss and talk to her. Further surveying the scene, I can see multiple men looking and gawking at Katniss from afar, and suddenly I understood. They were looking at her to place a bid. NO! What is she doing there? Why the fuck is Snow going against our deal? Serves me right to make a deal witht the devil!

"What is she doing there? I thought we had a deal?" I asked calmly, my eyes looking him over.

"Ah, however as I recall Mr. Odair, you did not agreed on my proposition a few weeks ago. Well, unfortunately, I had to make some other arrangments to replace our disagreement and well Ms. Everdeen has shown to be quite a hit amongst the people of the Capitol. What they wouldn't do to spend a night with the famous Girl on Fire. I surely couldn't miss out on that opportunity now could I?" He says smugly, smiling at me as if waiting for me to break. I gulped, gritting my teeth and clenching my fists. No. Finnick you have to protect her. She cannot be tainted.

"Fine. I will do these recorded dates as long as nobody touches Katniss. I will do whatever you say, but she doesn't get touched."

"Yes well you had your chance didn't you Mr. Odair. Unfortunately it seems like Ms. Katniss pays much more higher than a recorded session of you and some woman. And now I can sell both you and Ms. Everdeen at a higher price. So everyone wins." EVERYONE WINS? Nobody wins but you, you old fucker! I grit my teeth, and clench my fists, just wishing not to burst into a fit for the sake of Killian and my parents. He laughs coldly, smiling at my uneasiness. "I'm glad we had this talk, Mr. Odair. I hope you have taught Ms. Everdeen well, because after tonight, I have a feeling she will be a best seller." He smiles and suddenly the doors behind me open, and I walk away quietly. Katniss will be sold tonight. And it's all my fault. Oh my god, what have I done?

Katniss' POV

"Hello Katniss, my name is Mr. Hudson. I am a friend of the president. I'm sure he's told you about our agreement. I was quite pleased when he mentioned that you'd be interested in our little arrangment."

"I- um.. I'm sorry, I'm not quite sure which agreement you're talking about." I say politely. I glance over the man in front of me. Tall build, dark midnight suit and blue hair and a big wide grin plastered on his face. Reminds me of Caesar in my games.

"Oh, I almost forgot. He asked me to deliver this letter to you before I escort you from this party." His eyes follow my every move, trained on my body permanently as I open the seal on the letter carefully to hide the letter from his sight.

Seems like your services are needed Ms. Everdeen. I hope Mr. Odair has taught you well. It seems like your family are gravely clumsy. Wouldn't want anyone to get in an accident now don't we? - C. S.

I shudder at the thought of sweet Prim or Posy getting into an accident, or my mother who's only begun to come out of the shock of my father's death a few years ago. Or Gale. I shake off my nerves and turn towards Mr. Hudson. You can do this Katniss. For your family. If Finnick can do this, you can. Turn off your emotions and keep up your mask. "I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding Mr. Hudson, silly me. I forgot about the arrangment." I giggle, placing my hand softly on his arm. I see him grin widely, his eyes devouring the sight of my body once again.

"No worries, Ms. Everdeen. If you'll follow me." He smiles, offering his arm to me, which I take reluctantly. Guess this makes me one of Snow's prostitutes then. God, wouldn't it have been easier if I died in my games? What would Peeta say if he saw me now.

—

By the time I arrived at the apartment, it was already midnight and I was absolutely drained. Physically and mentally. I felt like I could burst out in tears any moment now but I had to hold my ground and keep up my facade the whole way back and I'll be damned if I falter in front of anyone. It was only when I closed the door of my apartment that I sunk to the floor and leaned against the door and silently cried. I was just defiled by some Capitolite. I cry silently, thinking about Prim and everyone back in District 12 whose fate resided on my shoulders. I have to do it for them. I cannot fail them. My mind flashes to the events taking place a few hours ago, forced kisses on my neck, rough groping of my chest and… I am disgusting. And with that, I am racked with sobs.

"Katniss. Oh my god, I was worried sick!" I hear Finnick gasp as he takes in my appearance. I look disheveled. My hair was messy, I had bruises on my arm and legs and my makeup was smeared all over the place. "I'm so sorry Katniss. This is all my fault." Finnick carries me bridle style towards the bed and cries silently as he rocks me back and forth. "I'm so sorry Katniss. I never wanted you to suffer the same fate as me." I feel his hold on me become tighter, as if I would just disappear from his hold. "I love you Katniss. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me." I hear him whisper as he kisses my hair.

"It's not your fault Finnick."

"Yes it is. Snow told me to record my sessions but I refused. He punished me by doing this." He says, his tears dampening my shoulders.

"You and I both know that this was going to happen someday. And you've sacrificed enough for me. You can't keep punishing or sacrificing yourself." I say softly, tilting his head up so that I could look at those sea green eyes that I fell in love with many months ago. "This is nobody fault except for Snow's. And I'll be okay. All I need to know is that my family is safe and that I have you. Okay?" I coax him, kissing his cheek. Eyes still downcast, I lifted his chin till his eyes met mine. "Okay?" I ask him once again, smiling softly.

"Okay." He whispers, his eyes still wet from unshed tears.

"I love you Fishboy." I whisper, kissing him sweetly on the lips.

"I love you Girl on Fire."