Chapter 27: Fleeting Moments of Happiness

"Where do you keep your plates?" Aunt Dahlia stood on the tips of her toes as she tried to look at the overhead cabinets in Sera's kitchen.

"Aunt Dahlia, why don't you go rest on the sofa." Talissa hurried over to her and was already escorting her out of the kitchen.

"And let you all do the work? I don't think so."

The typically quiet and darkened kitchen at Sera's apartment in the Victoria building was bustling with life that night.

Nox, Clarisse and Zephyr were huddled up in one corner busy peeling cloves of garlic. In another corner Huxley was trying to stop Ramiel from stirring the pot of sauce. While Talissa and aunt Dahlia searched for the plates—it was mostly Talissa trying to get aunt Dahlia to rest.

Sera quietly observed her bustling kitchen. A soft smile on her face while she busied herself chopping up some vegetables for the roast. She'd never say it out loud but she enjoyed their chatters in her typically quiet and gloomy apartment.

She eyed the dividers set between the living room and dining room before she glanced back at Zephyr and Clarisse.

Zephyr looked up and met her gaze. He smiled, getting up to leave Clarisse and Nox. "For someone who didn't want this, you look a little too happy."

He folded his arms against his chest and joined her in observing her family.

"I had a good reason." She pointed out. Her aunt was not fully recovered and neither was her brother. "I see you gave Ramiel your prototype."

"Not a prototype, it's the final version."

"You work fast."

"Would've been quicker if someone gave me permission sooner."

"You know why I didn't do that."

"You were afraid."

"I had a reason and…" She hesitated. Apologies were never easy, especially for someone as stubborn as her. "I'm…sorry." She breathed out with much difficulty, much to Zephyr's amusement.

"Aw, was that really hard for you?"

Her lips turned upwards and she stopped choosing. "I have a knife in my hand."

He put his hands in front of him defensively. "And I have a Clarisse." He said, craning his head to call Clarisse over.

Clarisse and Nox hurried over towards them. "Please tell me you two aren't fighting again." Clarisse playfully glared between her two friends.

"He started it." Sera pointed at Zephyr with the tip of her blade.

"Put the knife down."

"Can't, I'm doing something unlike you three."

"We'd help but someone would probably get sick if we did." Nox said without thinking. "I can help make the salad though."

Nox reached for another knife but Zephyr was quicker. "Don't even think about it kid, your mother's going to be very angry."

"I'm not a kid. I'm thirteen, I'll be fourteen soon."

With a quiet chuckle, Zephyr ruffled his hair and bent down to his level. Despite Nox's sudden growth spurt over the spring, Zephyr still towered over him. "You're younger than us so you're a kid."

"I'll be the same age as Finnick Odair when he first won his games and Sera when she was reaped."

The knife slipped from her hands and Sera's smile faded. She swallowed the incoming tears, shakily moving to pick up the knife but it seems Huxley was faster.

"Lennox." Ramiel warned quietly, standing behind his brother-in-law.

Realizing he'd stepped on a landmine, Nox scurried off with Clarisse following after him but not before he threw in a quick apology.

"You know he didn't mean it like that." Ramiel began.

He clasped his flesh hand with his prosthetic one, making Sera flinch. His prosthetic arm was a piece of smooth copper-colored metal, it wasn't copper but he had asked Zephyr to paint it that color. There were a few gears exposed on the arm but it was covered with a clear glass that was extra strong.

Seeing his little sister's reaction, he quickly moved his hands away from the counter, out of her view.

"Don't do that." Sera quietly began to chop again. "You don't have to hide your injury from me."

"But you feel bad whenever you see it. I know you think this is your fault."

She shrugged. "Who cares? I'd have to face it one day and I don't think it's my fault. I just…I just wish I did something."

"Feeling helpless is a natural reaction." Huxley pointed out as Ramiel put his hands on the counter again. "How are you? I didn't get the chance to check on you."

"I'm doing as fine as I could be."

"You went into Nero." Ramiel pointed out, grabbing another knife and a cutting board. He picked up a red bell pepper from a bowl nearby and carefully positioned it to cut. Huxley moved to help him. "It's okay, I got it. I gotta get used to it."

Breathing in and out to relax himself, Ramiel brought down the knife, pulling and pushing it, repeatedly cutting off slices of the pepper. He laughed in joy seeing the similar sized slices.

"I have to admit, Zephyr did a good job." Huxley muttered, sparing a glance at the boy in question. "Don't tell him I said that, his heads gonna get bigger than it already is."

Ramiel chuckled.

The doorbell rang and everyone in the kitchen glanced at each other. Sera put the knife down and left the kitchen to get the door. She hesitated at the door and sucked in a nervous breath before opening it.

On the other side, she expected Finnick and Mags but instead Estelle Weathers and Mayor Weathers alongside their children were standing. "Your aunt invited us!" Estelle's daughter held up a box and Sera moved away to let them through.

"Store-bought custard?" Sera quietly asked.

Estelle rolled her eyes. "Of course I made it." The mayor gave Sera an awkward smile and she returned it. "I can't let Dahlia have any old custard."

"Stella." Mayor Weathers softly called out to his wife. "I'm going to go speak to Ramiel."

"He's in the kitchen with aunt Dahlia." Sera motioned towards the kitchen and the mayor nodded in thanks. His son and daughter obediently followed him to the kitchen.

"How is she?" Estelle asked the moment her husband was gone. "I told her getting discharged early wasn't a good idea, she just doesn't listen."

Sera pursed her lips and shrugged. "You know she's stubborn. At least, I managed to stall her for a week."

"She should've stayed at the clinic for longer—hosting a dinner for us all right after she was discharged and then inviting Mags and Finnick—what was she thinking? I thought she was smarter."

Guilt bubbled in her heart and she looked away. "Her illness has been taking a toll on her mental health. She's been paying close attention to any news about me since I spent so much time in the Capitol."

Sharply, Estelle turned to her. Her blue-violet eyes quietly assessed the younger girl before she let out a loud audible sigh. She ruffled her flaming hair and nodded to herself. "Don't beat yourself up. Those rumors will fade over time. I had some in my own time with the Forty-Sixth victor, Gladius of One—may he rot in that ditch they buried him—of course, Gladius' reputation was much worse than Finnick's."

"Finnick's not a bad person."

"No. He's just promiscuous." But he wasn't like that either. He didn't really have a choice but before Sera could argue against her assessment of Finnick, Estelle carried on. "Haven't you been listening to Huxley? Your image is important. You've done a great job so far projecting this 'false' kind image." She spat out the word 'kind' like it was poison on her tongue. "But I hope you don't forget that you're not kind. None of us are. Remember—"

"There's still eyes on us." Huxley finished. He appeared from behind Sera and dully greeted Estelle. "Go easy on her."

"Considering how I've been ignoring everything she's been doing so far—I have been easy on her."

Sera scoffed. "You're not my mother or my aunt."

"But I knew your mother and am close to your aunt. We're practically sisters. Your impulsive emotions might just get Dahlia killed."

"Not if her sickness gets her first." Zephyr chimed in. Estelle snapped her head towards him and narrowed her eyes, glaring daggers at him. The temperature dropped by a few degrees. "Leave Sera alone, she's doing her best. You don't know what it's like to be in her shoes and be alone in the Capitol."

Estelle shook her head in disbelief. Of course she didn't know because unlike Sera, she wasn't likable. Nobody wanted to see her talk after she won. They wanted her for her pretty face but they didn't want her.

Not like Sera.

She wasn't offended by that notion, no, she preferred it. That was until she had to go back home and everyone but Dahlia and Sorrel shunned her. Sorrel was long gone and Dahlia was on door's death while Sorrel's daughter was busy worrying about her own feelings.

"I was lonely too once. Unlike her I didn't have you all or a family—my family turned their back on me. She has it all. Why does she need the company of someone like Odair—someone who brings attention everywhere. Do you all know how painstakingly hard it was for me and the past victors of Five to not stand out and stay in the shadows? DO YOU?"

"Lower your voice!" Huxley hissed, rubbing his forehead to ease the oncoming headache. "We all know of their sacrifices but let's not act as if everyone fell in line—Porter clearly didn't."

"She's out of our control and she's not the best example you want to use, considering who she's working for."

"I'm doing my best." Sera tried. "Am I not allowed a…friend?"

"You have Clarisse and Zephyr. That's enough friends."

"Neither are in the Capitol in the long-term. I'm always alone and it's not fair because I've always had just this, not anything more. You know I've been bedridden almost all my life, I've never had anything normal!"

Estelle strode towards her and placed her hands on Sera's shoulders, pulling her in. "Stop acting like a child!"

"I am a child!" Sera retorted while Estelle's nails dug into her flesh. She swatted the older victor's hands away. "I was younger than you when I was reaped. Unlike you, I didn't live a life before. I was just starting to recover and then I was thrown into the arena. Has it ever crossed your mind that maybe I allow Finnick to get close to me because I need someone that actually understands me."

"Finnick will be the death of your aunt." Estelle stated, unswayed by Sera's outbursts. "But of course, you want someone to understand you even if it means losing Ramiel and your aunt."

"That's enough!" Huxley pulled Estelle away from Sera. "Leave her alone!"

"Oh. Don't act like that, Foret, we both know if Clarisse's life was on the line, you'd say the same thing."

Huxley flinched at the mention of Clarisse. "Hey, Mrs Weathers, don't you have your own kids to worry about—go bully them." Zephyr interjected.

"You little—"

"Is everything okay here?" Aunt Dahlia poked her head into the reception and glanced around the victors. The coldness dissipated with her presence. Estelle's scowl was instantly replaced by a smile. "You all were taking some time so I thought—oh Stella there you are, Clement was wondering where you went."

"I was just giving Seraphine some advice." Estelle lied while Huxley and Sera nodded along. Zephyr didn't play along. His distaste for Estelle was apparent in his manner. "And I was saying that maybe she should sta—"

The doorbell rang, cutting Estelle off, much to the relief of Huxley, Zephyr and Sera. "I'll get that." Sera lept to get the door, quickly unlocking it without checking.

Finnick stood on the other side. "Are we too late?" He nervously asked as Mags shuffled behind him.

The old woman sweetly smiled as Finnick handed Sera a paper box. "We…bought…desserts." Mags slurred. It was clear she had difficulty speaking but she still pushed through it.

"Mags, I'll—"

Mags waved Finnick off as Sera ushered the two in and quickly closed the door behind them, locking it.

"Dessert?" Estelle eyed the box in Sera's hands and glanced over at Finnick with a cold look. "I brought homemade custard, we already had dessert ready."

Finnick let out a nervous laugh, his jaws clenched and he exhaled. He was trying hard to not lose his temper. "Well, Mags insisted on making and bringing in some salted caramel braided pastries—their her speciality."

"Oh you shouldn't have." Aunt Dahlia took the box from Sera's hand and started thanking Mags. "You know I've never tried salted caramel so this will be interesting. Come in, don't just stand there."

Feeling defeated, Estelle went to find her husband and bother Talissa.

"I'm gonna go check on Nox and Clarisse." Zephyr announced, dragging Huxley with him.

"Subtle." Finnick commented as the two young victors were left alone by the entrance.

Sera smiled awkwardly, leading him to the living room where the television was on, playing one of Caesar's talk shows. "The cameras were down again?"

"Thanks to Beetee, they're always down."

"I suspected that." Sera hurriedly closed the curtains and lit the fireplace as Finnick trailed behind her. "I'm sorry about Mrs Weathers—she's an old friend of my aunt so she's a little overprotective of us all. My sister doesn't really like her much but she's like a second aunt to me—though I won't say that to her face—"

Finnick started to chuckle. The two stood side by side in front of the fireplace which was just starting to come to life. She turned to look at him, her head tilted to the side. He tried to stop his laughter but couldn't help himself. "...You're rambling." He said after finally managing to compose himself. Still there was a fond smile on his face which was new to her. "I never knew you were someone who rambles."

"Only when Mrs Weathers is around."

"Estelle Clarence is pretty…" He trailed off and glanced behind him towards the kitchen. "You know."

"Unfortunately but she has her moments. She's not a bad person."

"I'm sure she's not." He sighed and clasped his hands together. "After all, we're all a very misunderstood group of people."

Sera looked up at him as the fire started to come to life, slowly devouring the kindling as smoke blew in the air. He looked happier than she had ever seen him before. It was like he was looking forward to this night. She was too though she only hoped Talissa and Estelle wouldn't ruin it for everyone.

The thought of asking him if he was happy came to her but she discarded quickly in fear of being teased. Besides, she could see it in his face how much he was looking forward to the little get together even with Estelle and Mayor Weather's surprise appearance.

"You're not a mentor this time?" Finnick decided to ask.

"Not this time. Leora's mentor again."

"Weren't you stepping in for her last time?"

"I was. Hopefully, she won't disappear like last time."

Finnick made a face and Sera shook her head, pointing a finger at him. "Don't look at me like that, everyone knows how unstable she is. No offense."

Sighing, her shoulders slumped. She knew that already. Still she hoped that year would be different. "I hope she pulls through. I want to spend time with my aunt." Her voice was quiet and barely audible against the whispering flames.

"Yeah I hope so too."

"You're a mentor."

"Mags."

"Oh, that makes sense why she's here."

"She does come here for her treatment. She had a stroke earlier this week. Doctors said another stroke and she'll be rendered speechless."

Without thinking, she reached out for his hand and gave it a small squeeze. She wasn't expecting him to intertwine their fingers and hold tightly onto her hand. She gave a tug, trying to pull herself apart from him but

"Sera, can you get the duck roast?" Talissa walked in and Sera finally broke free. "Miel's busy and I don't know what to do."

"You just have to take it out of the oven and pour the glaze on top. Huxley could've helped you with that."

Talissa looked down as if she just remembered her husband could in fact cook. Bobbing her head, she slowly backed off but stopped when she remembered her younger sister wasn't alone. "You're Finnick right?" Her tone became colder as she quietly assessed the victor head to toe.

"And you must be Sera's lovely older sister—though you could pass off as her twin." Finnick extended his hand out for a handshake but Talissa didn't even acknowledge it.

"Charming." Talissa commented, dusting off her mauze satin dress. "A little suggestion, leave the act at the door or you won't be invited here again."

"That's up to Sera to decide, it's her apartment."

"And I'm her older sister."

"You don't live here, she does."

"Right," Talissa chuckled quietly, her jaws clenching. She spared a look to her younger sister as if to ask where she found Finnick but Sera looked away, acting as if she wasn't even in the room—she didn't want to get involved. "You are…a very difficult person."

Finnick grinned, amused by how similar the two sister were when they were annoyed. Though, unlike Sera, whose silvery eyes would visibly darken whenever she was mad, it was a little harder for him to read Talissa. "Funny because most people think I'm an easy person."

"That's not good either. I can't let an easy person hang around my sister."

"Ouch. You're the second person to throw me around like this."

"Who was the first?" Ramiel curiously asked as he appeared out of nowhere.

Both Finnick and Talissa turned to look at him. He wasn't alone, Huxley and Sera were at his side. Talissa scowled while Finnick simply grinned, he had already noticed the two newcomers and had his eye on Sera's movements.

"Ramiel." Talissa hissed between clenched teeth.

Ramiel simply shrugged.

"Isn't it obvious? It was Sera." Finnick answered.

"Makes sense. Sera won't admit it but she and Lissa are pretty similar."

"No we're not." The two sisters said simultaneously. "We're not similar."

"See." Ramiel motioned towards his sisters with a smirk. "They even talk at the same time."

"I definitely see it." Finnick nodded his head. "I think they look kinda alike."

"We do not." Talissa and Sera glared at each other.

Huxley let out a sigh and picked his head back up to send a warning look to Ramiel. It was a mistake for Finnick and Ramiel to meet and he only hoped Nox, Zephyr and Clarisse wouldn't walk in on this. He could not handle anymore than what he had in front of him.

Sera scoffed. "Clearly, I'm better than Lissa."

"Clearly you're more reckless than me." Talissa retorted.

"Clearly you're both equally annoying and embarrassing—we have guests, remember?" Ramiel pointed out and the sisters snapped out of it.

Momentarily, Sera had forgotten about her image or the fact that Finnick wasn't really a part of her family. She'd gotten too comfortable. "I'm so sorry about this."

"Don't mind me." Finnick tried to speak between his bubbling laughter. His gaze was fond, though he was a little sad and longed for moments when it was his family and his siblings bickering around the fire. Being around Sera's family was as close he would get to reliving those moments again. "I'm just the…wallpaper."

"We don't have wallpapers in these apartments."

"We…don't?"

"No. That's paint."

Ramiel laughed. "Maybe his walls are different from yours?" He tried.

"No." Finnick and Sera said at the same time, surprising themselves before Finnick carried on. "All the apartments are identical, though Sera's is a little different and that's only because she decorated her place. I didn't."

Ramiel's eyes narrowed, his smile didn't fade. "How'd you know that?" He said with a light laugh. "It's…almost like you've been here before."

The two young victors froze. Huxley acted as if he wasn't here and tried hard to shift his wife's attention before she caught onto what Ramiel was insinuating. Talissa was very overprotective towards Sera. There was no saying what she'd say.

"Lissa, aunt Dahlia needed some help." Huxley tried.

Talissa wasn't really listening at first but when she heard 'aunt Dahlia', she reluctantly left. Only Finnick, Sera and Ramiel were left in the room.

"You two should lighten up—I was kidding."

"You…were?" Finnick and Sera shared a look before Finnick let out a nervous laugh. For a moment, he thought Sera's brother was going to interrogate him.

"Besides, I don't care if you drop by. You're her neighbor and it's nice for her to have some company."

"I don't really need it." Sera tried to object.

"She prefers to be alone, that's why."

Finnick nodded. "I can see that. She also has a temper."

"Right? I don't know who's worse, her or Talissa."

"You two know I'm in the room, right?" Sera interjected, feeling a little left out.

Ramiel ruffled her hair and Sera scowled at him but she quickly wiped it off remembering Finnick was still in the room. "And she cares waay too much about her image."

"I do not."

"You do." Finnick disagreed with an amused smile. Sera playfully glared at him and he pretended he didn't see her. "Ramiel, right?"

Sera's brother nodded. "You can call me Miel—everyone does and you already call her Sera."

"Oh, I—" He glanced over at Sera for any objection but the young victor didn't really care. Just within those four walls, she'd allow it. Besides, she didn't want to force Ramiel to do something he didn't want to do so she stepped back. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it. Well, we should get going, dinner's getting cold and Sera made it."

"She's a pretty good cook."

"Not as good as me."

"I'm still here." Sera reminded them with a sigh.

The two boys turned around to flash her a smile and she rolled her eyes. It was a mistake to let Finnick and her brother meet. She didn't quite hate it—it was a little entertaining.

"Everyone's here." Aunt Dahlia motioned Ramiel, Finnick and Sera towards their seats as she took her own. "Lucia, Lito." She glanced over at Estelle's children who were running around the table playing a game. "Settle down and take your seat."

"They're…very lively." Mags commented with a fond smile. Her words slurred a little but she paid it no mind as she continued. "They'll grow up quickly."

"They already are." Estelle said as she warned her daughter to sit down with a glance. Lito didn't need any warnings. "Lucia, what did your aunt Dahlia say? Hmm."

Finnick turned to the little girl and softly said. "You know it won't be nice if we all finish eating without you. You'll have to eat alone."

"And it's not nice to eat alone, the food will get cold." Sera picked up where he left off.

The little girl glanced between the two with a mischievous grin on her face, ready to run. Her father sighed audibly, shifting around in his seat and debating whether or not to go after her. Sera glanced over at the mayor and gestured to him to stay seated.

Finnick got up and walked over to Lucia, bending down to her height. He said something inaudible to her and the little girl gasped as if she realized something she hadn't before, then she hurried to her spot.

Pulling her chair closer to his, she waited for him to come back and take a seat next to her. "Lucia's pretty stubborn. What did you say to her?"

He leaned in close to her ears and quietly answered. "I told her she'd get no dessert if she didn't sit down and children love sweet things."

"And if she didn't?"

"I'd charm her." He said with an overconfident grin and she rolled her eyes.

Aunt Dahlia cleared her throat, interrupting the two. Estelle, too busy with her children, jolted awake as Talissa and Huxley started to serve the food.

"Finnick, you're really good with children." Aunt Dahlia remarked as she cut through the piece of duck on her plate slathered in orange pepper sauce. "I'm surprised you managed to get Lucia under control."

"It wasn't that hard."

"Lucia's pretty hard to handle." Talissa remarked. "So thank you." She didn't meet his gaze as she spoke.

Her prideful sister nearly apologizing for her judgemental self was not something Sera saw everyday. With a light smile on her face, she and Huxley silently communicated. His gaze told her everything. He was begging her and Ramiel to not rile up Talissa.

Of course, Sera was more sensible in the Capitol and she didn't do it but Ramiel almost did, if not for Estelle. "Well, even I have to admit, you managed to get her to sit down and eat—Lucia eat the vegetables."

"I don't want to." The little girl shoved the vegetables to the side and shook her head.

"I guess you won't be having dessert." Finnick lamented with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Mags chuckled. "...I brought salted caramel braided pastries."

"Caramel?"

The old victor nodded with a grandmotherly smile and the little girl's eyes widened as she licked her lips. Hesitantly, she picked up a piece of carrot but dropped it.

"If you…cover it in…the…s-sauce then it's…easier to eat."

Lucia hesitated again but she picked up her fork and tried to follow Mags suggestion. When she took a bite of the sauce-covered carrot, she brightened up. "It's…sho…good."

"Thank, Sera for the meal." Estelle reminded her daughter in the background.

"Thank you Sera."

"And Finnick and Mags." Aunt Dahlia reminded.

"Thank you Finnick and Mags." Lucia chirped as the table awed over her adorable antics.

Nox rolled his eyes and snorted as Lucia glared at him. Those two never got along. Sera had to warn the two to behave before she got up to get the pastries and the custard.

"I'll help." Finnick offered.

"You don't have to." Talissa and aunt Dahlia said at the same time. Talissa carried on. "You're a guest, sit down."

"It's fine, I don't mind."

"Oh but I do."

Aunt Dahlia shook her head disapprovingly at her eldest niece. "Talissa." She hissed under her breath. Talissa pretended she didn't hear.

"It's…fine…Sera-Seraphine will need help." Mags tried to alleviate the tension in the room, much to Talissa's annoyance.

"Zephyr can go."

The boy in question looked like a deer caught in the headlights as he stared at Talissa with wide eyes. He pointed at himself and Talissa nodded.

He was getting up without arguing, a little afraid of Talissa.

"Ugh. I think all three of you should go." Ramiel interrupted. "They're all probably bored from this."

"Ramiel." Talissa hissed.

"Nobody likes being coddled."

"No…they don't." Aunt Dahlia and Mags agreed.

Knowing an argument was about to erupt, Sera slipped out of the room unnoticed, well, mostly unnoticed. Finnick was at her tail before she even knew it.

She spared him a glance, already used to his presence in her kitchen as she busied herself finding bowls and cutlery. "I'm sorry about my sister, she's a little…"

"Overprotective."

"Yeah and a little tired."

He chuckled, taking the bowls from her hands. "This is the second time you've apologized for someone. That's not like you."

"You've met my sister."

He made a face and nodded. "Well, your brother's nice." And Sera groaned. "What? He's not."

"No, it's just…" She leaned against the sink and looked up at him. "It's just…you two are getting along."

His face fell and his chest felt heavy. "Am…I not supposed to?"

"No. No. That's not what I meant." She didn't hate the two of them getting along. It's just, she didn't want any of the two to be disappointed later on if something went bad between her and Finnick.

She turned away from him, gnawing at her lower lip.

"You're going to bruise your lips." He was in front of her before she looked back.

The distance between them was small, really small. He was close enough to touch her. She tried to move back but forgot she was up against the counters and nearly fell backwards but he caught her before she did.

Eyes on eachother, the two started to laugh in that position as he helped her up. "You are really clumsy.

"No, I'm not. It's just I…forgot where I was standing."

"How does someone forget where they're standing?"

"It happens." Sera retorted, taking out the pastry from the oven when they were done heating while Finnick took out the custard. "And I don't hate you and my brother getting along. It's just…you two annoy me."

He snickered, nearly falling into the fridge. Really, he was relieved. "I mean we're not that bad."

"Yet." She answered and shuddered at the thought of the two trying to get on her nerves. "Zephyr, I know you're there."

Zephyr popped his head out when Sera called him out. "How'd you know?"

"We could hear you breathing." Sera and Finnick said at the same time, scaring Zephyr.

The boy said nothing and picked up the bowl and cutleries. The three returned to the living room where the entire party was spread across the room with Talissa and Huxley missing. The missing couple were no doubt cleaning the table in the dining room.

"We bought desserts." Zephyr announced as he made his way to the coffee table to set down the bowl.

"Took you a while." Clarisse commented.

"Oh it was these two." He pointed at the guilty party.

Sera and Finnick pretended they didn't hear him as they set the tray of pastries and the custard down.

Between the laughter, Caesar's voice and the sound of the crackling fire, Sera almost missed the incessant ringing of the doorbell. It wasn't until she noticed Mags staring towards the hall leading to the reception did she finally hear it.

Mags was about to get up when Finnick stopped her. Sera had to move quickly and stop him as well from getting the door, she had no idea who could be on the other side.

"Ar-are you expecting anyone else?" Aunt Dahlia hesitantly asked, her body was trembling a little despite sitting in front of the fireplace.

"I don't think so." Sera tried to think hard and nobody else came up. She and Finnick shared a look. Both knew she wasn't a sociable person. "I'll be right back, just—"

"Stay here and don't worry." Her aunt finished with a tired but concerned smile.

She nodded and got up, leaving the room. Her aunt's hollow face etched into her mind. At least, she looked the best she had in months, more alive though at times, she felt as if a gust of wind could blow her aunt away at any time. She wasn't reassured by her smiles anymore.

The ringing of the door kept interrupting her train of thoughts and Sera didn't even realize she was already at the door. With a quiet sigh, she checked who it was before she opened. Her heart dropped and her eyes widened when she saw the person on the other side.

Licking her suddenly dried lips, she painted a plastic smile on her face, making sure her eyes didn't betray. With a glance at the mirror next to the door, she opened the door to face her guard.

"Sc-Icarus." For some reason, she always slipped up whenever it came to addressing him. Oddly he never noticed.

Scarus looked up and removed his dark hood, revealing his drenched hair and face. A little stunned at his appearance, she was almost caught off-guard. She didn't even realize it was raining outside.

"Seraphine. You were late coming to the door." He growled out, annoyed at being left outside in the cold.

Her smile almost faltered and she had to suppress the urge to snap at him. "I-I was busy. My aunt's back home so I was having dinner with her and my family. I couldn't hear the doorbell or get to the door." It wasn't an excuse for once. "...I'm sorry." She wasn't.

The guard stared at her, carefully examining her. A blue off-the-shoulders pleated dress along with some silver strappy heels. He didn't think she needed to dress this nicely for a meal with her family. Her hair was pinned to the sides as well with two silver pins with clusters of silver dandelions. She even had light makeup on and her face was a little flushed.

"Just your family." He muttered.

"Excuse me?" Sera asked with a laugh, being careful not to look behind her. She could hear footsteps and already she knew who it was standing behind her. "Are you asking me if it's just my family or…"

"That's exactly what I meant."

"Well, my aunt invited Estelle Weathers and her family and then Clarisse, my brother-in-law's sister, invited Zephyr."

"Why?"

She stared at him. Her silver eyes which momentarily were as bright as the moon outside on that rainy night, darkened as if the clouds had eclipsed them. "What do you mean why?" She was calm but underneath that mask of calmness was a silent rage. It was a miracle how she managed to always hold her anger back in front of him and she had quite the temper.

"I mean I see no reason for Estelle Weathers and the Mayor's family to have dinner at your apartment."

"I'll let my sickly aunt know next time that she can't invite her childhood friends and their children to eat dinner at my apartment." She retorted with a bright smile.

Realizing he made a mistake, Scarus took a step back and almost cursed himself. When he looked up, Sera didn't appear to be angry. She was a forgiving person, of course, she wasn't angry. How wrong he was. She was actually furious.

"I didn't realize the mayor of Five and the 48th Victor was your aunt's childhood friend."

"I didn't tell you." She spoke nonchalantly, almost distracted. "Uncle Clement and aunt Estelle were my aunt and my mother's friends before they were the mayor and the 48th Victor." She added, carefully taking note of his expression.

It was a little amusing how bothered he looked. Two years back and she would never imagine that look on his face. Still she couldn't stand there and torture the strict guard, she had promised her aunt she'd be back soon and she had guests.

She watched him, waiting for him to tell her why he was there so she could quickly end the conversation and bid him goodbye. Instead, she was forced to watch him stand there and internally debate with himself whether or not he should apologize to her.

She knew he wouldn't. His pride would never allow it. "And the Weathers family are the only ones in there."

"I'll be sure to hand in a guest list next time I have a schedule."

"That's not what I asked."

Sighing, she folded her arms. "I don't know what you're asking me. Am I not allowed to enjoy a normal dinner with my family without your permission?"

"That's not what I—"

She waved him off, effectively cutting him off. "Then what did you mean?"

Annoyed and stumped, he poked his cheek with his tongue and turned away. He ruffled his hair, a little frustrated. He always said the wrong thing whenever he was around her.

Exhaling, he opened his mouth to speak, to change the subject but stopped when the unfamiliar sound of laughter and children's playful voice erased any thoughts he might've had. There was a strange ache in his heart he didn't know the origin of. The more he heard the laughter, the more the pain worsened.

Seeing him struggle, Sera almost smiled but instead, she crossed the threshold and stepped into the halls, closing the door behind her, cutting off the sounds of joy. Immediately, Scarus relaxed.

"Can I help you? If I remember right, I don't have any schedules this week or the following weeks after."

"No." He stared at the closed door. "You didn't but…" He sucked in a breath and looked away as if the next words he spoke were the most shameful thing he was about to tell her. "My uncle Jan—Minister Thistlewood is hosting the Presidential dinner next week."

"And?"

He wet his lips and looked back at her. She looked so small in front of him with her big eyes and bony arms. She looked as if she would snap into two with a little push and that only made him hate himself more. For once in his life, he couldn't side with his uncle.

"He invited all the victors." His words were clear. It meant she couldn't skip this even if she wanted to.

She wasn't naive.

From watching Scarus' reaction and remembering Mrs Astbury's and Harp's words, she wouldn't lie and say she wasn't afraid of the upcoming dinner. No, she was terrified. However, she had to hide her fear. Scarus was Minister Thistlewood's godson after all. She didn't trust him and she never would so she did what she always did: she smiled.

"Is that all?" Scarus' eyes trembled as he nodded. "Well, I have to get back so…I won't see you off."

"You never do." She heard Scarus mumble, she pretended she didn't. "Oh, I'll be escorting you." She nodded.

Without another word, she went back inside and pretended everything was fine. Everything was not fine. She was shaking and her breathing grew heavy. Her chest felt tight. Her head felt light and she had to hold onto the door to steady herself.

Silently, Finnick stared at her, having heard everything. He handed her a glass of pinkish water—her medicine was mixed in already. Her hands were shaking as she reached out for the glass, he held it close to her mouth and she carefully pulled the glass closer.

When she was done drinking, she felt a little better but not enough. "Something's not right." Finnick muttered.

"No, all the victors in one place isn't good."

"I don't think it's going to be all the victors." He heard enough to know that all victors rarely gathered in one place. Of course some were already dead and gone but even so, not all victors gathered for these dinners, only those who had a 'job' gathered. "I think it's just going to be people like you and me."

She sighed and sat down on the floor. He joined her. The two sat on the floor, side to side, their backs against the door. "That's not very reassuring."

"I didn't say it was but we need to be careful."

"I'm careful, you're not."

"I'll keep that in mind next week. I'm just…" He was a little confused why Sera needed an escort for the dinner. The Presidential dinners were just that, a meal between the victors who were all 'working' with the President and often Capitol elites along with Plutarch Heavensbee, Minister Thistlewood or in some cases Minister Allard—well, I never really saw him, I heard about him attending for someone."

"Wait, Cassius Allard?"

He nodded. "Why? Is that name familiar?"

"I think I saw him on the news."

"Yeah, he's a staunch Snow critic. It's a miracle he's not dead." He stared at her.

"It is a miracle." She muttered.

She kept shaking. Of course, she'd never tell him if she was cold or not so he took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. She thanked him with a bright smile, her eyes lighting up as she did so and he returned it with a smile of his own.

"Come on. Your aunt's getting worried." He got up and held out his hand for her to take. She took it and he helped her up.

The two made their way back, deciding to keep quiet about the upcoming dinner, knowing both Mags and her aunt wouldn't be so happy about it.

"What are we watching?" Finnick asked, feigning excitement and curiosity.

Zephyr and Huxley seemed to have caught on, the latter glanced over at Sera and he decided to save it for later. "They're showing the recap of the Reapings of this year." Zephyr answered instead of letting Huxley signal Sera into the other room.

"It's the same every year, Zephyr. Put something else on."

"But this year, 12 had an interesting Reaping." Nox added.

"Oh yeah, what happened?" Sera accepted the glass of apple juice from Finnick and took a sip.

"You didn't hear?" Finnick questioned, putting the pitcher of juice down. "The escort for 12 made a mistake and called out the wrong name."

"Poor girl." Mags lamented. "She…looked so…scared."

"I can imagine." Aunt Dahlia added. "Reapings…are never easy."

"No, they're not."

Talissa handed two glasses of juice to Mags and aunt Dahlia then took her seat next to her husband. Her eyes on Sera who seemed busy trading glances with Finnick. "Which is why we need to be grateful for every moment we have with each other."

Everyone murmured in agreement as Lito and Lucia yawned.

Flower/Plant Dictionary

Dandelion - Happiness & Faithfulness

Author's Note: This chapter is basically compensation for the future chapters.