As the car disappeared into the night, that was the last time I would talk to Zepto. The next time I talk to Plutarch wouldn't be for another seven years. I see a taxi, hail it, and then head back to the victor's dorm. It's going on one in the morning, and I need to make my presence more visible until after the Games completion.

S.S.D.

Two days later, I find myself outside the Remake Center mingling with other victors as we're preparing to watch the interviews for the tributes this year. Even though I'm present physically, mentally I'm anywhere but in the Capitol. I'm wondering if Snow will tell me that Sapphire is dead, or just leave it to my imagination.

At that moment, the victors are rounded up for the usual parade, and then we're directed to our seats. I'm seated between Mags and another woman who won her games twenty years ago. The victors are seated in the stands off to the side of the stage, and we took up at least five sections.

Quite a lot of us. I thought.

The music started playing and then the tributes started walking out onto the stage. I look at half of the girls and see that they did not get the necessary training to walk properly in high heels. A few of the girls almost fell off of the stage, and at the late in the game, that would have been a death sentence. After the last tribute was seated, the lights were directed to another walkway in time to see Caesar come walking about. It more like was more like Caesar was strutting as he stepped out onto the stage. Caesar warmed the crowd up, and then took his seat and called for the boy from District 1.

These interviews are boring. I mean when you're on the stage and talking to Caesar the interviews are fun and exhilarating but watching from the stands is a complete and total drag.

"Don't make it obvious that you're bored with the whole process. I heard that our tributes are fond of you." Mags said.

"Seriously?" I asked. Mags nodded her head. "I take it the tributes don't know about my plight?"

"Nobody does, but you have to appear as if you have some interest in our tributes." she said.

"I would if the president would let me." I said.

"Now onto Ibiscus Rosebush, the female tribute from District 4." Caesar said.

Both Mags and I turned our attention to the stage. The interview had the usual questions, but the dance between Caesar Ibiscus was different. I can't put my finger on it, but there is definitely something that is being withheld.

"Why does this interview feel different?" I asked.

"No clue, but the Capitol has been buzzing about our male tribute." she said.

The buzz sounded, and Ibiscus' three minutes had ended. I look at the male tribute and almost fainted. I know the boy. I grab a pamphlet and look at the name.

"Aldar Bellmark!" I said.

"Do you know him?" she asked.

"Yeah, he's the son of the family that raised me." I said.

"I'm sorry Finnick." she said.

"So am I. I don't know how I missed it." I said.

"You were in the Justice Building preparing to leave. They didn't want you on the stage during reaping. You know that you won't be able to accompany the body back to District 4." she said.

"I don't even think they'll even talk to me. My former parents that is." I said.

"You've been a victor for four years; most families stop talking to their sons and daughters after the first six months, give or take." the woman next to me said.

"I know, I know." I said.

"Victors are allowed to say a few words after the interviews." she said.

"That's if he doesn't hate me." I said.

"Even so, you might want to say your goodbyes." she said.

Surprisingly, Aldar got through the interview without acknowledging our relationship. Which is probably the best possible outcome. There would be a lot of pressure on him to do better, if not surpass my performance. The buzzer rang, and then it was on to the female tribute from District 5.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"I've haven't talked to my family in four years, I have no way to know what his reaction will be." I said.

"If you do go to speak to him, tell him that he has nothing to prove." Mags said.

"I shall." I said, as the interviews continued.

After the interviews were complete, I made my way to the back of the stage in hopes I could get a moment with Aldar before he becomes tainted by the Games. The best I could hope for is Aldar to have an open mind, but I do remember him, on occasion, being severely stubborn. I just hope it's not the latter.

Ibiscus and Aldar seem friendly. I'm not sure how to approach this conversation, so I just introduce myself.

"Aldar. Ibiscus. Hi, my name is…"

"Finnick Odair! I wanted to meet you so much!" Ibiscus said.

"Hey Finnick." Aldar said.

"Nice to meet you Ibiscus, but can I have a moment with Aldar." I said.

"Can I get your autograph?" Ibiscus asked.

I had a pen, and pamphlet. I signed it and gave it to Ibiscus.

"Thank you!" Ibiscus said, as she took the pamphlet and walked away.

"What do you need?" Aldar asked.

"Who knows that we're siblings?" I asked.

"We're not siblings." Aldar said.

"Your dad told you that we're not related. Good." I said.

"You think I need your help." Aldar said.

"I'm not trying to do you any favors or anything like that. I'm sorry that I even bother to come talk to you. Good luck in the arena." I said, and then walked away.

I thought I heard Aldar call after me, but I realized that it was Cinder calling for me to follow. I looked over my shoulder to see that Aldar had left.

So long Aldar. I thought.

The outcome of these Games is going to change a lot in the village. I caught up to Cinder and put my conversation with Aldar out of my mind.

S.D.D.

Utopia Corner: V.I.P. section-

I found my way to the bar and ordered a soda. After I got the soda, I went to find a dark corner, and brood on this turn of events. Aldar blowing me off left a bad taste in my mouth. I figured he didn't need, or want my help, but to be outright hostile.

I was so deep in my own thoughts that I didn't see the blonde bombshell approach.

"Finnick Odair." the woman said.

I was brought back to reality when I heard my name. I look at the woman, and I realized that this one time I'm not going to hate being a sex slave. The things I'm not going to do for Panem comes to mind, and they were many.

"I am, and you are?" I asked.

"I'm Valora Riverscape. Is it all right if I join you?" she asked.

"Yes, you can." I said.

Valora placed her drink on the table and sat down next to me getting comfortable. I wrapped an arm around Valora, and we talked. The topics ranged from growing up, to my time in the arena and after becoming victor. We talked about Valora's job, her hobbies, and her hopes and dreams. There was a lot of tension in her voice and body, I'm not sure what I can do for her, but who cares. I need to put the conversation with Aldar out of my mind, and what better way than the woman in front of me.

The conversation started to heat up, and then Valora asked. "I'm enjoying myself a lot. You want to get out here and see how things play?"

"Sounds like a plan." I said.

Valora extricated herself from me, and I stood up. I offered my hand, and Valora took it. "A gentleman. I like it." She said.

"I hope I can live up to the expectations." I said.

"We'll see." Valora said, with a sly smile.

We left the bar, walking a block to Valora's house.

"You don't have any lovers I have to worry about?" I asked, as we were approaching her house.

"I've been divorced for six months. That man won't be bothering us." Valora said, as she unlocked the door and let us in.

The next day, I woke up in Valora's bed and she was already up and moving about the house. I see that it's nine in the morning. One hour until the Games begin. I get dressed, and head out.

"Good morning!" Valora said.

"Morning." I said.

I must have impressed Valora because she made me breakfast. I stayed and ate a delicious meal. I may be a slave, but I'm not going to turn done a free meal. It was a pretty calm affair, and lively. Nothing of substance came up as we were eating, but as we had finished eating and were washing dishes, I heard a very interesting tidbit that got my attention.

"I sorry, could repeat that last part." I said.

"I said that the Gamemaker is meeting one of Snow's intel agents later at the marketplace West of the city." she said.

"This intel agent, are they a man or a woman?" I asked.

"They are a woman." she said.

"Do you have a name of the Gamemaker meeting the agent?" I asked.

"The man's name is Rain Brightblossom. They're meeting about two o'clock." she said.

"Thanks for the heads up. You enjoy yourself over the coming days." I said.

"You too." Valora said.

I kissed Valora good-bye, and then left. I exited Valora's house, and then stepped out into the streets as I called Rantipol.

"What do you need Finnick?" Rantipol asked.

"I need you tail a person." I said.

"Who?" he asked.

"Rain Brightblossom." I said.

"Last known location?" he asked.

"He'll be out your way around two o'clock." I said.

"Anything I need to know?" he asked.

"Tell me who he's meeting with." I said.

"Anything else?" he asked.

"No, that's all." I said.

"I'll call you back when I have an update." Rantipol said, and then hung up the phone.

S.D.D.

Presidential Palace-

Two hours after my call to Rantipol, I was making my way into the palace. I don't think Snow has caught wind of my search, but he has his ways. I got a call from Vicky to meet her and Scarlet at the Presidential Palace. I'm entering the front doors when I get a call from Rantipol.

"What's up, Doc?" I asked.

"Where are you?" Doc asked.

"No where safe." I said.

"Call me after you leave the palace." Doc said.

"Will do." I said, and then hung up the phone.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Odair, is there something I can do for you?" the butler asked.

"The direction of either Victoria, Scarlet, or both even." I said.

"Scarlet is in the garden, and Victoria is in the library." The butler said.

"Thanks." I said.

I made my way to the library and entered. The moment I entered, Victoria looked and then pointed to the garden.

"I'll be back." I said, passing through the room to the back doors.

I see Scarlet on a bench near the generator.

What's with my parents and using that generator to cover the conversation? I thought.

I took my time as I walked over to Scarlet, scanning the garden and the corners.

"My girls have noticed some of Rantipol's men tailing Rain Brightblossom." Scarlet said, as I approached.

"Does Snow know about our operation?" I asked.

"As far as I know he doesn't, but that doesn't he will catch on. How did you find out about him anyways?" she asked.

"I was with a citizen, and she just happen let it slip that Rain was going to be out there." I said.

"Just let it slip?" she asked.

"Yeah. We were having breakfast, and she just nonchalantly blabbed that Rain was going to be in the marketplace today. Could it be a trap? Maybe, but why trap me? My goose is already cooked." I said.

"Nice choice of words. It might be a trap for whoever is sent to collect her." she said.

"I have an idea." I said.

"What's that?" she asked.

"If you have anything information that needs to be verified, I'd be willing to check it out." I said.

"As if I'd let you." she said.

"If you or Doc send your people in it can be traced back to you. Who's going to bat an eye if the people are seen with a victor?" I asked.

"That's a sound plan, but a dangerous one." she said.

"Don't send me in right away. Give it a day or two before you move on the information." I said.

"I don't agree with the plan." she said.

"It's the only plan that will keep you network intact." I said.

There was a moment of silence while Scarlet mulled my plan. If I'm perfectly honest, I admit it's not a foolproof plan, but Scarlet has to admit it's the best one we have at the moment.

"Fine, I yield. I'll pass the details onto Rantipol. If anything comes up, we'll let you know." Scarlet said.

There was a moment of silence before I realized that the conversation was over. I make my way back into the library to see Rantipol and Vicky talking.

"We have information pertaining to the meet with the Gamemaker earlier." Vicky said.

"What's that?" I asked.

"The woman he was meeting with is in the intel community here in the Capitol." Rantipol said.

"And her name is?" I asked.

"Her name is Chrysa Hardstone." Vicky said.

"Any place in particular that she like to hangout at?" I asked.

"My men spotted at a bar near the Remake Center." Rantipol said.

"How many times?" I asked.

"At least ten times since the tributes got her last week." Rantipol said.

"What are your plans?" Vicky asked.

"Probably best that either of you don't know. What bar was it?" I asked.

"Sapphire Sanctum." Rantipol said.

"Was Scarlet okay with you going out there like this?" Vicky asked.

"What do you think? Not that she has a choice if she wants to keep Snow and his men off of her and the girls." I said, and then exited the library.