Being back in the Capitol is like going back to sleep to experience another nightmare. Effie started wondering if she did the right choice. Perhaps going in the arena is much more sane than putting herself in this position but it's too late to go back. She's alive and Haymitch probably hates her by now. He's alive, she thought.

Felix brought her to his home which six times larger than her old apartment. Of course, he's rich. It's a wonder how he retained his wealth after the war but she never asked. Perhaps he has more connections. He's been on Snow's side but he's never imprisoned. He definitely got lots of connections.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"Your place is lovely", she answered in a plain tone of voice.

She's been an escort for years. Putting up a face should be easy especially to a man filled with ego.

"I am glad you like it. You should settle your things while the Avox prepare our meal", he said.

Of course, he still got an Avox. He is rich. Does Paylor know? No one can answer that.

At dinner, the table is filled with all the foods District Twelve can only dream to have. Sure, the government has changed but poverty is still there. I am used to this kind of life before the war but I also learned to live simple and enough during my time with Haymitch and the kids. Now, I am back here and I can hear voices at the back of my head telling me that I should run while I still can.

"You're quiet. Isn't it part of your job to stir up conversation?" Felix asked while he enjoys the steak.

"You're mistaken me for Caesar", I snapped.

It was meant to insult his intelligence but he laughed at it. I guess he finds it funny which makes me question his intelligence more.

"From what I gathered, you worked your ass really hard to get those Sponsors for Twelve when Haymitch Abernathy was busy getting his ass drunk. Now, that is remarkable. No other Escorts will have the guts to go all their way for starving districts", he said.

I felt myself controlling my hand from throwing the nearest object beside me to him. He doesn't get to insult Haymitch. He doesn't know what the man has been through.

"I must have hit a nerve because you're turning red. Forgive me. I am working on the thing called filter but since we're at my house, I think I am entitled to say whatever I want", he added.

"Of course, it's your house", I agreed maintaining that Escort façade.

"It will be your house soon. The announcement will be made by the end of the month. I already talked to the media department and they will broadcast the news by then", he said.

That would benefit me in no way. The news will reach Twelve and Haymitch will then hate me for the rest of his life. I am betting the kids too.

"That would be great", I said.

Felix put down his utensils and looked at me. The smile on his face has vanished.

"Now, drop that mask and tell me what you really think", he ordered.

He may not be as stupid as I think he is.

"Why are you treating me nicely? You never had before. From what I can remember which is not much since I was near to the valley of death, you beat me up, dislocated my shoulder and played with me like I'm your dog so why do all these? Why the nice dinner? Why the polite treatment?" I asked in full honesty.

He smiled.

"There you are. Well, to answer your question, you will be my wife in a month so I think it's only natural to treat my future wife nicely. Don't you think? I'll be honest with you. I didn't ask for the reward from President Snow. He gave it for my loyalty. That's what he believed anyway", he answered.

That's what he believed?

"What are you talking about?" I asked again.

"I am a player, Miss Trinket, and a damn good one. I never lose. In order to stay on top of things, you must know your options. By the time you Mockingjay volunteers for her sister, I knew then she's going to win. When she twirled on stage and revealed that Mockingjay dress, I knew war is coming. I planned ahead and I chose my side", he answered.

"You sold him out. That's why you got to keep all of these. You sold Snow to the rebels", I concluded and he confirmed it with a nod.

"Smart. I always knew you're smart. The dresses and makeups may concealed that for years but I know you always are. Back to your first question. When we were in that room, I was expected to be a lustful and hungry ally of President Snow who's very delighted at my reward. You do know there was camera in that room. I must play the part. I have to admit I played too far and I hurt you but that's where you captivated me. You're literally broken and yet I never saw a single tear escaped your eyes. You were tough. I have never met anyone as tough as you and I said to myself right then and there, 'if this woman survives the war, she will be mine' and here we are", he continued.

I don't know why his answer both makes me sick and surprised.

"I wasn't tough. I was just waiting to die at that point. Death never came which was disappointing", I muttered.

Felix laughed some more.

"I heard about that too. Suicide doesn't suit you, dear. I never want to set foot in District Twelve but when I heard you're there, I just had to see you", he said.

"So you followed me?" I asked.

"Of course, I need to have you, all of you. So, cheers to the start of our lives together", he answered and raised his glass.

I looked at mine and saw champagne in it. I don't drink. I stopped that but the look in his eyes says that I must so I picked it up, raised it and drank it.