The dull headache and aching in my joints I expected on waking never appeared. Instead, I come to my senses naturally, feeling fresher than I ever have done. The little pink pill helped, but a nightmare-free night courtesy of the company of my love did most of the work. Speaking of…

I reach out to pull her closer to me, but my hand is greeted with the coldness of the empty covers. I sit up sharply in bed and look around my empty room. She was here! She was real and she was here! Where…

The door to my balcony is ajar, the late September breeze rippling through the sheer white curtain. She sits in the cushioned chair, mug in hand and legs crossed, her naked body illuminated by the sun as she looks out to sea. I swing my legs out of bed and make my way towards her.

"Hey, sleepy head," Venus says, looking up to me with her make-up free face. I bend down and kiss her deeply. I pull back and nuzzle my nose against hers.

"Good morning, my love," I mumble against her lips. "Did you sleep well?" I take the seat beside her and lean back, enjoying the view of the sun on her face and the wind in her hair.

"I did. Very much so. Did you?"

"Like a baby."

"And no hangover?"

"Honestly, I feel incredibly refreshed. It's as if last night never happened."

"The love bite on my shoulder would beg to differ," she says, angling her shoulder to me. I lean forward and run my finger along the faint bruising, the outlines of my teeth barely visible.

"Shit, I'm so sorry."

"Don't be. It will fade. Pretty sure you owe me after I gave you a permanent one," she laughs. I feel the heat begin to rise in my cheeks as I laugh with her.

"Have you been awake long?" I say with a yawn, running a hand through my hair.

"A couple of hours. Made myself a coffee, cleaned up the mess downstairs, put your clothes away, grabbed a shower and sat here, enjoying the view."

"V, you didn't have to clean up. You're my guest."

"It was no bother," she shrugs. "I didn't want to wake you. You look too cute when you sleep. All twitchy and moaning."

"I talk in my sleep?"

"Not really. Just adorable little mumbles that sound like my name."

"On my mind, even in my dreams," I smile, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "Have you eaten?" She shakes her head. "Good. I expect your first surprise will be here soon, if not already."

"Surprise? Already?!"

"Nothing big. Just wanted us to start our day right."

"Do you want a hand?"

"Nope. You can stay up here and soak in all the rays you can. I'll get everything ready."

"Only if you're sure," she says, her head tilting and an adorable smile resting on her pink lips. "I'll await your call."

"Perfect."

I lean in and kiss her on the lips once more. I make my way back inside and busy myself in the bathroom before slipping on some boxers and heading downstairs. As expected, my planned delivery of fresh goods from the bakery and a cool box from the delicatessen in the town square sits on the porch. I bring it inside and make myself busy in the kitchen once more. Fresh coffee, juices, pastries, fruit, yoghurt, conserves, all laid out on the porch table with a bunch of brightly coloured flowers. I call for Venus up the stairs and they creak as she makes her way down, the emerald silk of her bathrobe flowing with every step. I cover her eyes and guide her to the porch before revealing our breakfast.

"Oh, Finnick… You didn't have to," she says quietly, her eyes dancing all over the spread.

"I wanted to," I purr in her ear, kissing her cheek delicately. I see a surge of shivers run through her and she leans up to kiss me on the lips.

"I don't deserve you," she whispers against my lips.

"More like the other way round," I reply, curling a lock of her hair around my finger. A delicate smile rests on her face, her warm chocolate eyes sparkling with adoration. Fuck, she makes me melt.

I pull the chair out for her to sit and tuck her in before taking a seat next to her. I pour her a fresh cup of coffee whilst she starts to add berries and yoghurt to her plate. In beautiful silence, we eat and drink and enjoy each other's company. It's not awkward; far from it. In fact, I love that we don't have to say anything at all and still be completely content. I'm still enthralled by her presence, reminding myself that she's really here with a gentle stroke of my finger over her knuckle or a brush of my foot against hers.

"What would you normally do on a day like today?" She asks, bringing her foot up and crossing her legs on the chair as she holds the mug of coffee up.

"Honestly, my life as a Victor isn't all that exciting," I say as I slather a croissant with jam. "I'm usually in the Capitol on weekends. During the week, I'll go and run errands, clean my house, work out, go for a swim if the weather permits it. I'm still close with my old mentor, Mags, so I look out for her, you know. Make sure she's comfortable and has food in, that sort of thing. She's struggling a bit now she's older and had a stroke. Well, two now."

"That's very sweet of you."

"It's nothing in comparison to what she's done for me. She saved my life, in the Arena and out. Basically, the mother my teenage self never had. Honestly, the stories that woman tells… I could listen to them for hours. I have done. I'd listen to them again and again. They're the sort you could never get bored of, where you learn something new each time, you know?" I look to Venus, who is gazing at me with adoration twinkling in her eyes. "What?"

"Nothing, just… The way you talk about her, how your eyes light up, it's just… so lovely to see how much you love her," she says quietly, her head tilting to one side. My cheeks burn red and I clear my throat.

"I do love her," I say, smiling quietly to myself. "Not in the same way I love you, of course."

"You didn't need to clarify, Finnick," Venus laughs. "Love takes its form in many ways; I am well aware of that."

"I know; I guess I was just using it as a way to reaffirm that I do love you," I say, leaning forward and taking her hand in mine.

"You don't need to. I know you do. I feel it. I feel it all the time." She brings my hand to her lips and kisses it. A wave of emotion overcomes her and her face is blank and deep in thought. She takes a moment before the question burning in her mind comes out. "Can I ask you an awkward question?"

"Of course, V. You needn't ask," I reply, my brow furrowing with concern.

"What happened with Annie?"

I inhale deep and run my free hand through my hair. I figured this was bound to come up at some point. I start to recount the conversation I had with Annie when I came back from the Games a few months ago, how I have been in love with a woman that I thought was the figment of a drug induced dream for almost five years and now I knew she was real and in my life, I couldn't stop loving her. Venus listened intently, keeping hold of my hand and letting me pour my heart out like she did all those years ago, with empathy and respect.

"And she was fine with everything? Just like you said?" Venus asks once I'm done, to which I nod in reply. "That easy, huh?"

"Our relationship is complicated; it always has been. She said she wants me to be happy the same way I make her happy, and if you make me happy and it means she doesn't lose me, then sobeit."

"She's a strong woman to be okay with all of this."

"You both are, really. It's not exactly an ideal situation from whatever way you look at it. I'm basically asking to have my cake and eat it," I say with a smirk.

"And who can resist cake," Venus says with a wink. "You're right though. It isn't an ideal situation at all, but it's worth it. The distance, the secrecy, sharing you with the rest of the country… it's all worth it for moments like this."

My lips press together and I inhale deeply, gazing into her eyes with pure adoration. I really don't deserve her. I bring her hand to my lips and kiss it gently, feeling all the flutters she's feeling.

"Right, let's not waste any more time and head off for the day," I say with a smile.

Venus helps me clear the plates and tidy up, putting everything in the dishwasher. She heads upstairs to change into her swimwear and I use this time to get everything ready for our day at the beach. I check the cool box to make sure everything I ordered was in there: salads, cured meats and cooked fish, breads, fruit, all packed up in an adorable hamper. I pack away some wine and plastic cups along with some bottles of water. In another bag, I fold away a blanket and some towels, sun cream snorkelling gear and candles with matches. I head up to my room and change into a pair of turquoise swimming shorts and don a jazzy floral shirt, leaving the buttons undone. I find the black box I had hidden away at the bottom of my bedside table and open it. A pink pearl, set in a white gold band, is a rare find in the saltwater oysters of District 4, a fitting present for someone so rare herself.

I pocket the box and head downstairs to find Venus stood by the porch. I stop for a moment, and enjoy the view. Wearing a red two piece, with a strap below the bust and above the hips, and a white chiffon floor length robe, the sun glistens through her icy blonde waves kept beneath a large sun hat.

"Well, look at you," she says as she clocks my reflection in the window and turns to me, pulling the sunglasses down to her nose. "SWMRS, by any chance?"

"Well, they were free!" I say, striking a provocative pose for her.

"So much better in real life than the billboard," she laughs. "Do you have room in that bag there for one more thing?"

"What is it?" She reaches behind her and picks up the camera I once used to take a breath-taking picture of her not too long ago. "I've definitely got room for that."

She adds it to the box with the blankets and towels in and smiles at me.

"Ready to go?"

"As I'll ever be," I grin.

One box in my left hand, Venus with the other box in my right, I take her out onto the beach front. She looks around with all the wonder in her face as when she first saw the sea, each step locking in her brain as a treasured memory. The late September breeze makes the sun's heat a lot more bearable than high summer, cooling us off as I lead her along the coastline. We follow the shore of the Victors Village, round the slightly rockier parts of the mainland to a stretch of soft sand and crystal blue sea below the cliffs, completely private and utterly beautiful.

"And no one can see us?" She asks, looking around the deserted beach.

"Nope. There isn't a pathway from the mainland because the cliffs are dangerous and you can only walk here from the Village, which is accessible by Victor's," I reply.

We set the boxes down and spread the blanket and towels out, getting the candles out ready for when the sun goes down. She takes the camera in hand and wanders off whilst I apply some sun cream, the wind flowing through the white of her robe. She takes pictures of the ocean, the caves, anything she can to solidify her memory of this stunning sight. She looks back to me and I pull another provocative pose. She takes a shot of me, holding the picture in her hand as she waits for it to develop.

"Any good?!" I call out to her.

"Sexy as fuck!" she calls back, holding a thumbs up to me. She makes her way back to me and stashes the photos away in the side compartment of the box.

"Let me take one of you," I say, taking the camera from her.

"Shall I do a classic Finnick Odair?" She stands back, pulls her glasses down to her nose and puts her hands on her hips, trying to stand as tall as possible. I laugh and shake my head.

"You're so mean to me. Come on; play nice."

Her head tilts and her hips rock to the side.

"Play nice, huh? I'll give you something to take a picture of."

She takes her hat and sunglasses off, tossing them onto the blanket along with the pristine white coverall. She takes my hand and leads me towards the shoreline, stopping before dipping a toe in the refreshing water. She steps in a little further, the water just above her ankles, and goes down to her knees. Legs slightly apart, she cups her hands and brings some of the water up to her chest, the beads trickling down her breasts effortlessly.

"What's wrong, Finn? Do you find this… distracting?"

Her sex appeal has me speechless and frozen. How can someone go from silly to saucy in a matter of seconds, and still be beautiful in both ways? I take all the mental images I can before I bring the camera up to my face and press the button. I take the plastic paper as it comes out of the machine.

"The red really does suit you," I say quietly. I hold my hand out and she takes it, getting up from the wet sand and twirling under my arm.

"It always was my colour," she smiles. "Can we go swimming now?"

"I've got a better idea." Her eyes light up with excitement and she bites her bottom lip. "Come on!"

I pull her by the hand and we run back to the blanket. I put the camera away, safe from the water, along with the gorgeous picture of her. She rubs in sun cream and asks for me to do her back.

"I'll do more than your back, V," I purr in her ear as I work the cream into her shoulders and spine.

Snorkels and goggles on, all kitted out to swim in the reefs, she runs toward the sea, beckoning for me to come. I take the velvet box from out of my pocket and hide it beneath my folded-up shirt and run after her. We walk into the sea together, hand in hand. As soon as my head sinks beneath the surface and the water fills my ears with its stunning silent symphony, I feel completely calm and at peace. I look to Venus, her hair floating in the depths of the sea and she smiles, grinning through the mouthpiece of the snorkel. I wink at her in the goggles and squeeze her hand a little. Breathing in the fresh coastal air, I guide her towards the rocky reefs. The sun dances along the surface of the water and makes the scales of the schools of fish shimmer. I point colourful ones out to her, and she points out starfish and crabs scurrying along the bed. We explore the reef, sometimes hand in hand, sometimes her going off to go deeper or further, giving me a perfect view of her exquisite behind as she kicks away. Shame that camera of hers isn't waterproof.

It feels like we're down in the big blue for hours. It probably has been by the time I surface with her, hands shrivelled up like prunes. I pull the goggles and snorkel off, shaking the water out of my hair and ears.

"You hungry?" I say as I turn to her. She makes pushing the goggles and snorkel off and rearranging her swimwear look so effortlessly sexy.

"Absolutely ravenous," she smiles.

We make our way back to the blanket and dry off with the towels. Brushing the sand from our feet, we sit and take things out of the cool box. She takes a picture of the delicious spread before tucking in. We share crayfish salad and the traditional fish shaped bread of District 4, sipping the delicious white wine from plastic cups. I feed her olives and cubes of salty white cheese and she feeds me chilli prawns. I get out the chocolate covered strawberries and her eyes light up, sparkling in the late afternoon sun still high in the sky.

"Open wide," she says, holding a strawberry up with a seductive grin on her face. I do as I'm told, my lips parting and taking a bite of the sweet and rich fruit.

"Delicious," I say, mouth full.

"Yes, you are," Venus winks. She settles down on my lap, using my thigh as a pillow. I play with a lock of her crispy salt-infused hair and enjoy the sounds of the waves and her gentle breathing.

"When you're with clients… do you think about me?"

Her question takes me back a little. If she was going to be envious of anyone, I expected it to be Annie because of the deep love I have for her because of Venus, not the random stream of Capitol women that pay for my company. I don't even know if it is jealousy; it could be morbid curiosity, after all.

"Yes and no. I don't want to associate my feelings for you with what is essentially an unwilling business transaction, nor do I want to think that you're just another woman who paid for my company. I know you would, but that's more as a means to see me again because of this fucked up world we live in. I don't imagine they are you because you are so much more than that, but every time I'm summoned to the Capitol, I wish it was you."

"It's stupid really. I know I said that sharing you with the world makes it all worth it for these real and true moments, and that is the honest truth, but it still doesn't stop me from being insecure about the fact that I'm not the only one for you but you're the only one for me, the only one I'd ever want." My brow furrows as the silence envelops me. I've never asked her to be committed to me; I'd be a fucking hypocrite if I did. The reality of our situation makes the idea of a devoted loving future an impossible one. I can imagine she'll want a family one day, a normal proper one, where the father of her children helps her raise them and not appear once in a blue moon. I know I'd be horrifically jealous if she did find someone who could give her all those things, but I couldn't do anything about it. I want her all to myself and I can't. She turns her head and looks up to me. "I've ruined this, now, haven't I?"

"No, no, don't be silly. You haven't at all," I say, taking her head in my hand and rubbing my thumb over her cheek. "I didn't always know it for these past years, but now I have you in my life properly, I feel you in every beat of my heart, in every breath I take, in every thought in my mind. I never want you to feel insecure about that, and I hate knowing you are. I…" Inhaling deep, I lean towards my folded-up shirt and Venus sits up from my lap. I find the black box and turn back to her, her hands clasping over her mouth as her eyes fall on it. "I got this as soon as I had the chance to when I came back from the Games, and when you said I missed your birthday, I thought it could be a belated present. But really, what it is, is a promise. If this country gets torn apart by the inevitable war that's coming or if you find someone who you can share your life with, whatever happens, I will always love you. I promise you, Venus."

I take her hand from her face and open the box.

"I don't know what to say, Finn," she says, her voice trembling as much as her hand in mine.

"You don't need to say anything, V. Just know that I'm always yours, I always have been yours, no matter what happens." I take the ring out and tentatively push it up her middle finger. "Is this okay?"

"For fucks sake, Finn, you don't need to keep asking me that," she laughs as tears flow from her eyes. "I love it. I love it so much. Thank you."

"You're welcome," I say with a smile, wiping away the tears from her face. Her breath hitches in her throat and the tears continue to fall uncontrollably now. My brow furrows with concern, sensing the happiness turning to sadness in each salty drop from her eyes. "V, what's wrong?"

"I've finally got you in my life and thinking of all the ways I can see you again, and now…" she says, sobbing "I'm sorry, Finn. I'm so sorry."

"What for, V? You've got nothing to be sorry about." I take her face in both hands, and she rests hers on mine, shaking as she sobs.

"I don't want to ruin such a lovely day. But I can't lie to you. I can't let you go on blindly."

"You won't ruin it, V. Nothing you can say will ruin it."

Her breath hitches in her throat and her lips press together tightly. Her red eyes dance all over me as she takes a moment to find the words that are eating up inside of her.

"You know how you said you'd do anything to make this a better world to live in?"

"Absolutely, 100%. Whatever war is coming, I'll be ready for it."

"It's worse than that, Finnick."

"What could be worse than war?"

It hits me as soon as the words leave my mouth and the pain sparks in her eyes. No. Surely not.

"The first one, the Districts voted. The second one, double the kids went in and the third one…"

"Please, V," I say shakily, my eyes beginning to well with tears. "Anything but that."

"The tributes will be chosen from the existing pool of Victors." Her words ripple through me and what's left of my world comes crashing down as the tears flow from my eyes and hers. "I'm so sorry, Finnick."

"I can't," I cry.

"Shh, it's okay," she sobs. "You might not get picked. There are loads of other Victors here."

"But that's what he wants, isn't it? Heavensbee. He wants the Rebellion in the Arena. That's why he wants me on side." Her lips tremble as they press together. She says everything with her red and weeping eyes. "V, I can't, don't make me go back in there, please."

She pulls me close and I sob unrelentingly in her arms, trembling with each stroke of her thumb on my bare back. Holding me, rocking me back and forth like she did on her terrace sofa, keeping me safe from the trauma that rattles in my brain. Blood and screams and death are all I can feel right now. I played their Games, thought I'd won, lost my whole family, I'm whored out against my will and live through it all each night when I sleep, and still, it's not enough. I'll have to do it all over again. I hope I die this time.

But… What if it was worth it? What if, at the end of it, the Districts will be free of tyrannous rule and I'll be at peace? Happy at last. My dreamworld will be filled with horrors, but the real world won't be. Could I live with that? That's if I live at all.

I gather my thoughts and find some form of composure, sitting up from her arms and wiping my wet face.

"You've seen me cry far too many times for my liking. You better not go telling the world that the sexiest man in Panem is a complete fucking mess," I say with a sorrowful chuckle. She inhales, laughing slightly to herself.

"A complete fucking hot mess in a six-foot-three-and-a-half inch body," Venus replies, her voice still trembling as she smiles wearily. "I'm so sorry, Finn."

"Don't be. It's not your fault. You're the just beautiful bearer of bad news," I say, wiping the last tear from her face. "I was going to find out, sooner or later. It's better I know now; I have more time to prepare."

"I was going to tell you, but…"

"But there was never the right moment. I understand, V, you don't have to justify yourself to me. It's some shitty news."

"Understatement of the year," she says with a smirk before a wave of emotion overcomes her and the tears start to fall once more. "I don't want to lose you."

"You won't, V," I say, my lips pressing together as I wipe the tears from her red face. She smiles meekly, sniffling a little as she regains a little composure and the sparkle starts to come back in her eyes. I take her hand in mine and give it a reassuring squeeze. "Now, no more tears. We've got to be practical about this. Give me all the details. What do I need to know?"

"The plan, right," she says, inhaling deeply. "The original plan for this year's Quarter Quell was that the Victors would choose the Tributes to enter the Games, but with the start of the uprising, that idea was scrapped."

"Heavensbee changed the Quell? Just like that?" She nods. "Damn, he really must be influential if he can do that."

"All in secret, of course. When the Quell gets announced, it will appear like this was decreed from the start. The reason for wanting the Victors as tributes is to stage an escape from the Arena, the ultimate form of rebellion."

"Wait… He wants to put us in there so that we can escape?"

"Mhmm. All you've got to do is stay alive long enough. And Katniss too. She is the key to all of this. You have to get her to trust you so she makes it out as well."

"I'm sure I can do that; I can be very charming when I want to be," I say with the cheeky grin that makes her laugh. "And what will the Arena be like?"

"Unfortunately, I'm not privy to that information; I've still got to make it seem like I'm just the head of muttation development. So, I only know that it will be like 4, based on the fact he wanted to send me here for 'research'. Tropical, I'm guessing, lots of water, so being a swimmer will come in handy."

"And if I don't get Reaped, I should volunteer, right?"

Venus nods in reply. "There needs to be as many Victors on side to be prepared for this, to know the plan and ensure it happens. Victors from 3, 6 and 11 are already on board."

My brow furrows and I take a moment to process everything, breathing deeply as the cogs turn in my brain. I look out to the sea and the sun, lower in the sky now. I asked her to be my rebel on the inside, and knowing the risk and what it could cost, she still said yes and has stayed true to her word. I'd be a complete ass if I didn't do the same. I'm not lying, either. I said I'd do anything. Admittedly, I never thought it would mean going back into the Arena. I'll have to warn Annie and Mags. I know they won't tell anyone, but they will need to be prepared for what is about to come. I know I'll struggle with going back in, but those two… I don't even want to think of what could happen. Mags is far too old and weak now, and all the progress in Annie's mental state would be for nothing.

"Okay… I… I can do it," I say, looking back to Venus. "I mean, I think I can. I'm stronger and I'll know what to expect. After all, I've got so much to live for, now."

The light in her eyes grows stronger and warmer, her lips pressing together and her brow raising.

"Really?" she says quietly.

"Really really."

She leans into me but hesitates for a moment.

"Is this okay?" she whispers, her breath floating on my lips. I take her head in hand and feel the crisp salt dry in her hair.

"Now look who's asking for consent," I say, nuzzling my nose against hers. Her cheeks flush crimson and she leans in closer. Her lips press to mine, slowly and passionately, and I feel all the power of her love in her kiss.

"Are we okay? After all of this?" she says as she pulls back, resting her head on mine.

"Of course, we are. Please don't feel guilty. I mean, Victors are going in, whether I like it or not, so I might as well go in knowing what's ahead of me and that I can make a difference."

"I've got a bad ass sexy Victor prepared to fight for what's right, and he's right here, all mine."

"Hey, didn't I say that to you?!"

"Sue me," she says with a wink that makes me grin bright.

"Come on, let's go for a walk. I could do with stretching my legs and some fresh air after all this crying."

I get up and offer my hand to Venus and she takes it. We wander down to the shoreline and walk along the sand, the sea washing over our toes with each step we take. Her hand fits in mine like it was made for me, feeling even better with the ring around her middle finger. Already, I can see colour in her skin, a true beach bronzed goddess.

"Do you ever think how different your life would've been if you weren't Reaped?" she asks.

"I used to. A lot," I reply, thinking of all the times I used to replay my life in my head when laying naked in bed with another Capitol socialite. "I probably would've stayed in the family business, do more of the hard work with Fletch so my father wouldn't have to, marry a nice girl from the Sands, have kids, just a normal District 4 life, really."

"Is that something you wanted?"

"I was so young when I was Reaped, I don't really know if that's what I wanted. I don't remember it being something I wanted. Probably, though," I say with a shrug. "I don't dwell on it too much, because it's pointless. The prospect of a normal District 4 life was taken away from me the moment that piece of paper was plucked from the bowl. Do you? I mean, your life has been very different to mine, but there's still some big things that were life changing, for sure."

"Mmm… It's why I asked, actually. I never imagined I'd ever leave the Capitol and yet, here I am, on a beach, an actual real beach, with the sun and the sea and the sand, and I thought 'would any of this have happened if my mother never left my father'?"

"What do you think would've happened?" I ask, looking across to her. Her lips press together as she looks down at her feet in the sand.

"She left when I was so young, I don't remember what life was like with her in it, so I've got nothing to base my thoughts on. But realistically, I probably would've been moulded in her image and ended up like any other woman in the Capitol. And the idea of that sickens me so much." She looks up at me and smirks a little. "I'm sorry, I'm hitting you with the deep shit today."

"Don't apologise. I quite like it when we get deep," I reply with a wink. She rolls her eyes and nudges me to the side. "It's a good thing. We aren't afraid to ask the real questions and it just goes to show that what we have is pretty healthy."

"Here we are, having a lovely date on the beach and promising the world to each other, and to think we started out by fucking each other's brains out," she laughs.

"Yeah, that sounds healthy to me," I chuckle. "I know you haven't gone yet but…"

"Ooo, is someone keen to see me again?"

I look down at my feet in the wet sand to hide the colour that's risen in my cheeks. "Maybe…"

"Do you want to see me again?"

"You know I do, V."

"I like it when you say yes," she says, using my words against me in the most beautiful way. It really is like looking at the female version of me, although her ass is definitely better.

"Yes, I do." I give her hand a little squeeze and look deep into her eyes. "Now that I know there's a bit of a timer on my head, I'd like to make the most of it before whatever happens in the Arena and beyond."

I sense a sadness in her eyes but it soon disappears as the cogs in her head start to turn.

"Right, yes. Practical talk. Well, how does me getting on the phone to Snows Slut Service Ltd and placing an order for one Finnick Odair sound?" Venus says with a slight laugh.

"Less than ideal," I chuckle. "I don't really want Snow getting any more money. But if it means I can see you again, then it will have to do. Do you think you could come here again? It's not as nice in the winter, but we could still have a great time."

"It will be tough. Work will get busier the closer to the Games we get. I could say I need to do more research. I'm sure Adrian would welcome me back with open arms," she says, laughing awkwardly.

"Good ol' Mayor Ridley would have you back in a heartbeat, that's for sure. If not, I'll forever hope that every time I come to the Capitol, it's to see you."

"Oh, one of those times will be. I'll try and make it as often as I'm allowed to."

"Don't be silly, V, that's still a lot of money."

"I know, and it isn't exactly going to the best person in the world, but if it means I get to see you, even for just a few hours, then I'll pay."

"I forget you use bills as toilet paper," I say with a playful nudge.

"Fuck you!" she laughs, pushing me back, slightly harder. I stop in my tracks and look at her with that fake offended face.

"Do you wanna do this?! Because you know I'll win!"

"You'll have to catch me first!"

She pushes me by the chest and giggles as she runs off, sprinting in the sand like her life depended on it. I regain my balance quickly and make a break for her.

"Oh no you don't!" I call as I chase after her, soon catching up to her. I scoop Venus up in my arms, her squeals angelic in my ears, and twirl her in my arms. Her face erupts in pure glee, the white of her teeth glistening in the now orange sunlight. "Not getting away from me that easily, V."

"I let you win," she smiles, looking up at me as she's cradled in my arms, like a bride on her wedding day. If only…

"Sure you did," I say with a cheeky wink, walking her back to the blanket.

Perfect time to get the candles lit and enjoy the sunset together. I set her down on the sand and find the box of matches and get lighting. The little bulbs of fire flicker in the light breeze and illuminate our little love nest perfectly. I pour out more chilled wine for the two of us and we sit, side by side, watching the sun disappear over the horizon. She gets the camera out once more and takes a snap of the sunset and another picture of us, this time with her lips pressed to my cheek and the pink pearl on her hand on show. When the picture emerges, her skin is a glowing bronze from her day in the sun and looks exquisite in the flash.

"What should we do with all these pictures?" I say, stashing them away with the others. She pats her thigh, inviting me to use it as a pillow and I indulge her enthusiastically, curling up to her warm skin.

"I could make a little scrap book or something," she says as she plays with my hair. "I'm sure we'll take more when we see each other again, so it could be like a cute memento of our times together."

"That sounds like a great idea."

"I need to take more sexy ones of you, though."

"Isn't every picture of me sexy?" I look up to her with a fake offended look on her face. She laughs and shakes her head before taking a sip of her wine

"You know what I mean. Like, all sultry and broody with your thick thighs and 'come to bed eyes'. It's just not fair that you have all these erotic ones for your wank bank and I've just got cute ones!" she says, giggling slightly.

"Wank bank?!"

"Haven't you heard that expression before?"

"No?!"

"You know, when you're alone and feeling a little horny, you have that mental image of someone or something that just gets you going, except these pictures are actual images. I can't believe I've just explained that so eloquently."

"Damn… Wow… I mean… Yeah, I've done that, but I didn't realise there was a term for it."

"Am I part of yours?"

"Absolutely," I say without hesitation. "For ages, it was the sight of you bent over and legs spread on the night we met. Do you remember that?"

"Mmm, that felt good. You did say you wished you could stay in that moment forever," Venus smirks.

"But more recently, it's either you in that lab coat or on top of me on your terrace. God, it must sound weird that someone who literally gets laid every weekend multiple times has a need to masturbate."

"No, not at all. God, it's so much fun, why wouldn't you?!"

"Exactly, right?! And it's definitely more enjoyable than the so called sex I have. Do you have a 'wank bank?'"

"Oh, of course, I do. I have this little bundle of nerves between my legs that feels good when I touch it; I'm obviously gonna touch it!"

"Atta girl," I say with a little smirk. I run my finger lightly over her silky smooth leg. "So, I take it you think about me when you…"

"Finn, you know I do. I've told you that I used to think of you when I had sex with other people."

"That's different though. I want to know about when you're all alone…" I trail my finger slightly higher up her leg. "And you're feeling a little horny… Am I that someone that gets you going?" I glance up to her for a brief moment, the desire glazing over her deep chocolate eyes and glimmering in the fire of sunset. Her teeth sink into her bottom lip and she breathes deep, nodding slightly. My finger lingers on the edge of her bikini. "What do you think about? Tell me, Venus."

"I think…" she starts. "Of your gorgeous dimples when you smile. And your beautiful eyes and how I can see how much you want me in them when you're between my legs."

"Oh, like this?"

I sit up and prise her thighs open gently, laying on my front between them and looking up at her. I hit her with my most charming smile and I can see her insides melt.

"Mhmm, exactly like that," she says, clearing her throat a little and running a hand through her hair. Her chest starts to rise and fall as she breathes deep, leaning back on her arms to steady herself.

"Show me, Venus," I purr as I nuzzle my cheek against her thigh, smelling the salt and arousal on her skin. "Show me how you play with yourself."

My eyelashes flutter as I look up to her, watching her tentatively slip her hand in her bikini bottoms. The fabric moves in time with her slow movements and small whimpering moans vibrate from her throat. Enthralled by her body alighting with euphoria as she pleasures herself, I push the fabric to one side and take in the tempting sight, licking my lips. Her face contorts in the most beautiful way, her bottom lip white from the pressure of her teeth sinking into it and her eyes dance all over mine before rolling back into her sockets.

"What else do you think about?"

"Your mouth," she moans. "And how your tongue… Oh, fuck… this is hot."

"Tell me, Venus, what about my tongue?" I trail my tongue over the inner of her thigh, edging it closer to her wet fingers circling her delicious pleasure button.

"How... It feels so good when you lick and suck on my… Oh, Finnick," she sighs with pleasure, her voice shuddering as I lick up the divine wetness. The hand that was giving her such ecstasy is pushed through my hair and her fingers entwine with my salty locks, guiding my head in an erotic rhythm. The taste of her satisfies my hunger for a brief moment before I'm hooked and lap at her essences like the horny addict I am. The noises escaping her mouth are like a drug, making me feel higher than her little silver pill ever did. The more I toy and play with her, the wetter she gets, the higher pitched her whimpers get and the more determined I am to make her feel like the goddess she is.

"What else, V?" I say, breathlessly against the wet folds of her sex, glancing up to her. The arm that's keeping her up is trembling and the grip she has on my hair tightens.

"When I'm close… I think about… How you tell me to come for you."

I slide two fingers inside her with ease and massage against the soft flesh. My tongue goes to a point and I circle it tentatively, looking up to her begging pleading face as her mouth falls open and her breathless moans fill my ears.

"Come for me, Venus," I say softly, seductively, sensuously against the delectable bundle of nerves.

Her arousal levels hit sky high, her whole body trembling with sheer bliss before going stiff and the luscious liquid I crave erupts from her. Sparkling droplets land on my face and her thighs and I lap them up, holding her close on her heavenly journey of orgasm. Her chest heaves and the grip she has on my hair loosens as she collapses back onto the blanket.

"Fuck… me…" she says, her voice quiet and breathless.

"Well…" I go up to my knees and rearrange the erection that's formed in my swim shorts. "If you want…"

Her eyes widen at the sight and glisten with excitement, the sunset flaming her rich brown eyes.

"I do," Venus says slowly, her words sending shivers up my spine. "Very much so."

She beckons me with a finger and I obey, crawling up to her. Her lips lock with mine and she moans as the taste of her orgasm fills her mouth, salty yet sweet. Her hand runs up my toned back and the other slips into my shorts, her fingers delicately playing with me. I sigh with satisfaction and bite onto her bottom lip softly. She takes the lead and nudges me back onto the blanket. I lay down and take in the glorious sight of her undressing slowly, the fire of the disappearing sun illuminating her symmetrical hips and breasts in a gorgeous silhouette.

"Another image for my wank bank," I say with a wink, offering my hand out for her. She smiles as she bites her bottom lip, straddling me with all the poise and grace she has.

"Oh, I'm taking loads for mine," she purrs as she pulls my swim shorts down. And there she sits, knees either side of my hips, looking deep into my eyes and breathing deep. "You are so beautiful."

I hold her hand, squeezing gently and smile, the heat rising in my cheeks.

"You make me feel so special," I reply, biting my bottom lip as the adoration sparkles in her eyes.

"Because you are, my love."

She bends down as I lean up, our lips connecting in a blissfully beautiful kiss. My hands rest on her behind, digging into the supple yet firm flesh. Her delicate kisses linger over my cheek to my neck and down to my chest. Her tongue circles over each nipple, sending shivers of anticipation through my body as she leaves a glistening trail down to my groin. She settles between my legs and nuzzles against my thigh, kissing my pulsating muscles before taking me all in her mouth in one go.

"H-h-holy fuck," I moan breathlessly. I fight the urge to close my eyes and swim in the electric darkness of euphoria to take in the incredible sight of lips and tongue pleasuring me.

I run my fingers through her crisp salt-infused hair as her head bobs up and down. She moans against my sensitive skin, the vibrations sending titillating waves of ecstasy through me that make me twitch and contract with delight. My heart races in my chest, pounding away in time with her licking and stroking. Her eyelashes flutter as she looks up to me, the dark chocolate sparkling with desire and determination. My teeth sink into my bottom lip, biting hard to contain a carnal growl. The tension inside me builds and builds. Fuck, I need her. I'm an addict, completely hooked on a drug I can never get enough of: V.

"V," I moan breathlessly, gripping tight onto her shoulder, my nails digging into her smooth skin.

Venus pulls back, her mouth dripping as she sits up and crawls up to me, her eyes boring deeper into mine as we both know what each other wants and needs in that moment. She wipes her lips and tilts her head in a sweet yet mischievous way. So innocent and yet the complete opposite in the same moment. She has no idea how intoxicating she is. I rest my hands on her exquisite behind once more and nuzzle my nose against hers, tasting every erotic breath she breathes.

I guide her hips over my erection, moaning into her mouth as her intense tightness and wetness floods my body with tingles of ecstasy. She whimpers with shuddering satisfaction and begins to rock her hips back and forth. I run my hands all over her curves, caressing every inch of her warm skin as our hips meet in divine synchronicity. Passion and pleasure is all I feel. My body and soul is hers and she takes it higher and higher with each bounce. I moan her name gently against her ear lobe and lick at the sensitive curves, making her shiver with delight.

Venus leans back and my mouth falls open. The view is truly breathtaking and I savour every moment of it. Her perfectly round and smooth breasts, now pale from her day in the sun, bounce in time with her hips. Her eyes glisten with adoration and ecstasy and I know mine are the same because in this moment that I never want to end, we are one. I need you, Venus. I always need you.

"Oh, Finnick," she moans, her eyes rolling back into their sockets.

I sit up on the blanket and bury my head in between her breasts, holding her close in a tantalising tantric position. I feel her deeper than I've ever felt, hitting the sweet spot inside her that makes her whimper against my ear. I circle my tongue over her nipples, giving each one the adoration they deserve. Her arms wrap around my neck and back and her nails dig in, sparking an electric wave of euphoria that floods my body and crashes in my groin.

"Venus, I…" I moan against her chest.

"Come for me, Finnick," she purrs, her thighs slapping harder against mine.

My eyelashes flutter up to meet her eyes, and she cups my face, my heavy panting smothering her wet and plump lips. Her words push me over the edge, all the pleasurable tensions released and pour into her with an orgasmic groan of the letter V. My body is on fire with love and lust.

My chest heaves and I slowly come back to earth, with Venus keeping me close on my journey to normality. She kisses my head and nuzzles against my salty locks.

"Those words really do things, don't they?" I say, my mouth dry.

"Come for me," she says with a slight giggle. The remains of my erection twitches inside of her and I can't help but laugh.

"A dangerous aphrodisiac for us both," I say, glancing up to her. "You're incredible."

"I think you're talking about yourself there, Finn."

"Okay, fine, we both are," I smile, pressing my lips to her chest, kissing her just above her heart. "We're very good at this, aren't we?"

"At sex?" She says, playing with hair at the top of my neck. "Well, we've both had a lot of practice."

"True," I say with a slight chuckle. "I meant it more like we haven't really talked about it."

"Do you want to talk about it?" She pulls back a little and looks into my eyes, her fingers entwining still in my hair.

"Do we need to?"

"I don't think so. I just do whatever I think you'd like, listen for the little signs and signals that you're enjoying yourself and you've never said anything about it."

"Well, I don't need to. Don't get me wrong, if there was something, I'd be honest about it. Communication is very important. But as I said, you're incredible."

Her eyelashes flutter and the crimson in her cheeks looks beautiful in the candle light.

"As are you," she says, pecking me on the lips. "Whilst we are on the topic, though, is there anything you want to do?"

"Make you come as many times as possible," I purr, biting my bottom lip. Her eyes roll dramatically. "No, don't give me that look. It's what I want, V, and you can't sit there and tell me you don't want that too."

"True," she says with a reserved smile.

"Besides, you already tied me up and that was something I had wanted to try. Now, my fantasies are whatever yours are."

"Hmmm, I've got some ideas. The possibilities are endless. For another time, though. I feel quite dirty with all this sand in places I never thought it could be."

"So that's what I could feel inside you!"

"Finnick!" Venus squeals, pushing me gently whilst I laugh away to myself.

"You walked into that one," I chuckle. "Shall we head back then? Get clean and snuggle?"

"Sounds perfect. Can we do one more thing?"

"Oh?" My brow raises whilst her eyes glimmer with excitement.

She gets up from my lap and offers her hand out to me, helping me get up, and leads me towards the shoreline. We swim together naked under the light of the moon and stars, laughing and joking, splashing and spinning in the cool refreshing water. It's so much better without the trunks, feeling truly free and liberated. Of course, Venus is as comfortable in her skin as I am and it's incredible to see. She knows what she's got and makes it work for her and the confidence is mind-blowing. Cradled in my arms, I take her back to the shore once the chill hits our systems. We wrap towels around us whilst we blow out the candles and pack everything away. We don the swim wear once more and return to my beach front house, hand in hand once more.

Every moment with her feels special and I could go on and on about every little detail of our time together: how her body glows in the bubbles of the bath I ran for the two of us to share, how she snorts a little when she laughs a little too hard whilst helping me cook dinner, how she smiles when I offer her a mug of cocoa with whipped cream and marshmallows, how she giggles when I strip off and pose for her pictures. I feel like this weekend has affirmed that it is truly love not just lust. Sure, the sex is incredible and it's even better knowing how she feels about me and I about her, but it's everything else alongside it. We talk about everything and anything, laughing and joking, getting deep and serious about our lives before we met and how they are now. Feeling safe in our trust and vulnerable from our connection, I open up about the day my brother and sister were reaped.

Despite the distance between the stage and the crowd, my mother's eyes locked onto mine as soon as their names were called. This is all your fault, what did you say no to, how could you let this happen to your own family. She screamed at me in the Justice Building when she went to say goodbye to them whilst my father held her back. At the time, I was still so young and green to the ways of the Capitol; I wasn't putting two and two together at all, let alone getting an answer of four. I protested that I didn't know what she was saying, that she was crazy because the names were picked at random. Don't come back unless you're bringing home one of your siblings. Her last words stayed with me before a peacekeeper dragged her hysteric body from the room. The whole Capitol erupted with elation at the prospect of another Odair Victor, another Hunger Games family affair like Cashmere and Gloss. The Odair name meant allying with the other Careers was easy, but it also made them an easy target. A fight broke out within the pack on the third day as the guy from 2 accused Flick of stealing supplies and hoarding them to eventually make a break from the pack. Fletch stepped in to take the knife and she ran off and hid in a cave in the mountain. Her stash of supplies didn't last long and she soon grew weary. I didn't have the wealthy connections I now do to get enough sponsors to save her. She made it to the final five by staying put out of fear of being murdered and dying of starvation and thirst. Their complete existence was brushed under the carpet the moment their canons went. Venus admits herself she's surprised she doesn't remember the brother and sister of the famous Finnick Odair were reaped. But that's what he wanted. Snow only wanted one person to remember Fletcher and Felicity Odair.

We'd all been living here in the Victor's Village for the two years following on from my survival. It was empty when I returned. Give her time, my father said when I tried to see her at my childhood home in the Sands. There was no grave for her to visit, no place to lay flowers, no physical representation of the loss she endured. Returning to the place she raised us was the closest thing she was going to get to a grave. And I did what my father told me to do and gave her space. The only contact I had was through him as I would still offer to lend a hand on his boat. Until…

A story for another day, I decide.

Venus listens to my story, all of my stories, and lets the words and occasional tears flow. I never expected her to understand; she has nothing remotely similar to draw empathy from. And yet, somehow she does and says all the right things to me in response. She doesn't press me for words when I can't find them, she remains present and emotive, even shedding a tear herself, and reaffirms that it wasn't my fault.

Sharing the trauma of my siblings' deaths distracts me from the earlier shock of my impending return to the Arena and I realise I am reassured that my prospects of survival are quite good. A lot of Victor's are already aware of what is to come, so as long as I can outlast the Victors that aren't and the natural horrors of the Arena, then I should be fine. Venus tells me as much as she knows and agrees to feed me more information in the coming months. We brainstorm ideas for future dates, including dinner in the Capitol, hot tub shenanigans in the deathly cold of winter, attending fashion shows and their after parties and the possibility of a return to District 4 if her schedule allows.

It's not until I clock the sky turning a baby blue colour that I realise we've been up all night, sat on my balcony in our respective silk robes after a whole lot of talking and love making. Venus sits cradled in my arms and we look out to the shore line and watch the little ball of fire start to make its way up to light another day in District 4.

"I'll never get bored of this," she says quietly, stroking her finger lightly over my arm. "I thought it was beautiful in the Capitol but this… with the sea…"

"And with you," I purr against her ear, kissing it lightly.

"Soppy bastard, honestly." Although I can't see her face fully, I can imagine she's rolling her eyes and smiling to herself.

"What time is your train again? 9?"

"Mhmm," she nods. "I was told Adrian was going to arrange a car to pick me up at 8:30."

"Not nearly enough time."

"I've got to pack my bags as well, and we both know there's a lot of stuff there." I smirk a little at her words.

"And the wine as well; can't forget that."

"Absolutely not. At least there's some room now you've got your present."

"Hey, that box was tiny and barely took up any room," I say with a faint laugh. She got me a watch, with a black leather strap and a black face and instead of numbers, the time is told by silver symbols and she told me what each of them were. Apparently, the V is a five. I love it so much. "Do you want any breakfast?"

"Do you know what, I think I'm okay. I'm still pretty full. And there will be food on the train."

"You sure?" I purr against her ear, kissing it gently. She squeezes my hand and nuzzles against my lips.

"I'm sure; thank you, though."

My lips press together and I breathe deeply. My chest feels tight and my stomach uneasy as I watch the sun climb higher in the sky. The days have dwindled to hours and now minutes are all that are left.

"Do you have to go?" I say quietly, my breath hitching in my throat.

"I wish I didn't," she says with a hint of sadness in her voice. "I wish we could run onto that beach and swim and swim until we find another land that's less fucked up than this one."

The image plays vividly in my mind and I smile at the thought: the two of us against the wilderness, living off the land as man surely did before Panem. No Games, no war, no secrets: just sun, sea and a whole lot of sex.

"You'd miss your gadgets too much," I smirk, making her turn around with that over dramatic offended face and push my shoulder.

"You'd miss your mirror," Venus retorts.

"Proud of that one, are you?"

"Yeah, I am a little bit," she smiles, biting her bottom lip. I bring my hand up to her face and prise her lip from between her teeth with my thumb, running it across the soft crimson flesh.

"It's a good job I like you," I whisper before bringing her face close to mine and kissing her deeply. She smiles against my lips as our tongues dance in a slow sensuous rhythm. She pulls back and rests her head on mine, her chocolate eyes pained. She doesn't need to say it.

Venus pecks me briefly on the lips before getting up and stretching. She takes one last look over to the horizon, breathes deep and smiles. This isn't the last time you'll see this view, V. You'll come back.

"Do you want a hand?" I ask. "With the packing?"

"No, it's okay," she says, turning to me and smiling meekly. "I think I need to do it by myself."

"As long as you're sure."

"I'm sure. I'm okay, though. I'd say if I wasn't. I just… need a little space."

I smile and watch her disappear back inside in a flurry of emerald silk. I hear the sound of the spare bedroom door closing and decide I might as well get ready myself. Still relatively clean from our bath together, I quickly wash in the sink in my bedroom, rubbing a flannel over the stubble that's making a reappearance. I'm back in the Capitol in a few days time; shaving can wait until then. To keep appearances at the train station, I decide on a dark navy suit paired with a pale pink shirt. I wear the watch Venus bought me and spray myself with cologne. Coming out of my room, I put my ear to the door of the spare bedroom in the hopes that I don't hear faint sobbing. Delicate footsteps, going back and forth, is all I can hear and smile to myself.

I make my way downstairs and fix up a mug of coffee. Cream with two sugar cubes, I sit on my porch and flick through the District paper that was pushed through my letterbox. It's from yesterday, and the picture of the Mayor, Venus and I at the train station is blown up on page three, along with the headline "District 4 honoured with visit from Gamemaker for forthcoming Quarter Quell research". I'm sure they could've thought of a wittier headline, but I guess the writers at the District paper don't get paid enough to be funny. What that headline should really say is "Capitol goddess visits District 4 to recruit Victor for Rebellion and fuck his brains out". It's a working headline; I could write something a lot better if I put my mind to it.I smile as I read through the article, detailing all of Venus' professional achievements and a brief quote from the Mayor about her visit.

"Hey you," Venus says from behind me. Stood in my kitchen, packed bags to the side of her and wearing a wavy light blue wig and an almost sheer white dress. With the tan she's picked up from our day in the sun, she looks incredible.

"Hey you, yourself," I say, finishing off the coffee in my mug and going over to her. As much as she is drop dead gorgeous, I wish I could see her off as her true self and play with a lock of her cool blonde hair once more before she goes. I take her hands in mine and pull her closer to me. "I thought fire was in fashion at the moment?"

"Well, when things get really hot, they turn white, right?"

"And you are very hot," I smile, seeing a hint of redness appear in her bronzed cheeks. "Have you got everything?"

"I believe so. And if I don't, well, I guess I'll just have to come back and get it," she says with a smile and a playful wink.

"Oh no, what a shame!" I say sarcastically. "What a shame indeed. Before I forget…" I grab two bottles of the white wine we'd been drinking and stash them away in the smaller of the two bags she brought.

"Thank you," she says. "And thank you for everything. It's been…"

"Yeah, it has, hasn't it?"

She nods, pressing her lips together. Words can't really describe the two days we've had together. It's just been… yeah.

The doorbell goes and I feel my mouth go dry instantly. Fuck, is it that time already? The emptiness I'm dreading starts to build in my stomach and I do my best to put on a brave face.

"Shall we?" I say quietly.

"I guess," she replies, her voice soft with sadness.

The drive back to the train station is quiet, the two of us looking out of our respective windows with our fingers barely touching across the leather. What is there to say at this point? Neither of us wants the bubble to burst again, and yet, it must. Although it's painful, I have hope. I'll always have the knowledge that whatever happens in the future, if I make it out of the Games or survive the incoming war, I've had love, true unrelenting crazy hot love.

The Mayor waits for us on the platform of the station, dressed to impress like the day she arrived. I'm surprised he's up this early, to be honest, but really, the Mayor would never miss the opportunity to see Venus off. How many times did he say it was an honour to have her again?

"Miss Evander, you look exquisite!" he says as he helps her out of the car and up the steps of the platform whilst I follow,

"Please, Adrian," she replies, the Capitol shrill making a reappearance, although not as strong as when she first arrived. "You are far too kind."

"So, tell me, how did everything go?"

She looks to him with her brow furrowed with confusion before smiling and laughing.

"Very well! I have all the information I need to take back to the Head Gamemaker."

"And did Finnick make sure you had everything you needed?" Mayor Ridley says, glancing at me before looking back to Venus. Her eyes lock with mine for a brief second, smouldering in the early morning sun.

"Yes, he did," she says quietly. "An excellent host, indeed."

"Fantastic news! Well, if you ever need to come back, you are more than welcome. Now… let's get you on your way."

"Here," I say, taking her bags. "I'll put these on the train for you."

"Good chap, Finnick," the Mayor says, slapping my back as I get up the steps to the train.

Out of the window, I watch as he double kisses Venus on the cheek and bids his fair wells and she joins me in the cart of the train. She pulls me to one side and takes both of my hands.

"We don't have much time," she says quietly, her hands shaking in mine.

"I know, I know," I chuckle slightly.

"I don't know what to say."

"No, neither do I!"

"Fuck," she laughs. "There's no ne-…"

"Need to say anything."

"Get out of my head!" She giggles, nudging me slightly.

"I told you, it's comfy in there!" I smile, squeezing her hands. She breathes deep, her head tilting to one side and lips pressed together. She leans up and presses her lips to mine, my eyes rolling back into their sockets as the passion consumes me.

"To be continued?" she whispers against my lips.

"Absolutely."