A/N: Except for District 3 and 5, there isn't going to be much time spent on the tour. I will have Finnick spend some time in the Capitol before the celebration at night.

It was about an hour before we got to District 3. I was trying to prepare myself for the coming moments, but my team was running their mouths, and asking all sorts of questions like…

"What was your feelings for Orna?"

"How does it feel to be this year's victor?"

"Are you excited to go on the Victory Tour?"

"That's enough." Mags said.

"Give Finnick space to breath. He's got a lot on his plate already." Jade said.

"Thank you." I said, and then retreated to my room to get changed.

After I had changed my pants, I heard a knock at the door. "Enter." I said.

The door opens and shuts, and then I hear the person walk over to the chair.

"What do you need Mags?" I asked.

"Came to do a head check." Mags said.

"Really is that necessary?" I asked, pulling on a shirt with buttons.

"The Capitol knows that you were close to Orna." she said.

"Orna said as much when I found her at the end of the games six months ago." I said.

"Yeah, I remember, but acknowledging Orna's family in a manner that the Capitol deems unnecessary will cause more problems for her family." She said.

"Wow, is Snow that hard up that he is willing to harm people that have no bearing on my future." I said.

"If they're a hindrance to his plans, Snow won't hesitate to remove the obstacles." She said.

"I won't state the obvious about them being from another district. Snow will make light of it when I'm in the Capitol to do his bidding. Just make sure if any gifts are given to me directly that they don't get recorded by any of the cameras." I said.

"No promises, but I'll do what I can." Mags said.

We feel the train start to slow down as it enters the station. I quickly finish getting dressed as Mags was getting out the chair. As Mags and I were walking to the exit, we found that Jade and my prep team were already waiting for us. I've never been to another district before, so I'm not exactly sure what to expect, albeit Mags said that a couple of districts had harsh rule imposed upon them.

Is District 3 one of the districts that has the harsh rule, or is it lax like it is in 4? I thought.

The moment the train stops, the doors open, and we step off the train. I follow Mags to a waiting car. This wasn't a standard car, but an armored car. It's strange that they would use such a heavy piece of equipment for transportation, unless there were problems since the games six months ago.

We all get in, and the driver pulls us away from the station. It a long drive from the station to the Justice Building, but I can see the large screens and the banners. I know Mags said not to acknowledge Orna, or her family, but what does Snow gain to by harming her family. Their deaths would have no meaning seeing as how Orna and I had no real chance to have a meaningful relationship. But Snow has his ways of punishing people that cross him.

When we get to the Justice Building, the five of us get out and head inside. It was a good thirty minutes before we head out onto the veranda. The mayor and Amethyst were speaking for a good twenty minutes.

I forgot Amethyst was with us, not that it matter because she still fantasizes about young men. Heck, it might even be boys. I thought.

After the mayor and Amethyst finished speaking, I was given the opportunity to speak. I get up to the microphone and start giving out meaningless platitudes, but the moment I saw the banner with Orna's picture on it I pause a moment. I remember back to the first time we met.

"I remember first day of training. I was working the obstacle course when I was approached by Orna. Orna was a care-free, and free-spirited. It was an honor to have known her, for whatever little time it was." I said.

At that moment, as I was stepping away from the I look to Mags for direction, and she nodded for me to come sit next to her. The mayor took to the podium as I was sitting down and continued the event. It was another ten minutes before the event was over and we were escorted back into the Justice Building.

At eight pm, the six of us were loaded back up into A.P.C. and headed back to the train. I was holding a box that was given to me, I didn't get the name or position of the person, but the box was from Orna's family. I told the man that I wanted to look at it, but to do so might bring problems they don't need. I told him to tell the family that I would cherish the gift and keep it close to me.

The train had been moving for the better part of an hour before Mags and I decided to open the box. I was already in my room when I heard a knock.

"Enter." I said.

To no surprise, Mags entered and sat on the chair. I opened the box and pulled a simple, yet ornate bracelet. I like the bracelet but decide to wear it after the Victory Tour.

"You can't wear that on the tour." Mags said.

"I should probably never wear it at all. But I'm going to wear after we finish the tour." I said.

"Wise decision." Mags, to leave and then got up to leave.

I strip my clothes off clothes an get into the shower and prepare to do the same dance again tomorrow.

S.D.D.

The moment I stepped off the train in the Capitol, the crowds were waiting for us but there, was a car waiting to take us to the palace.

"Mags, and Finnick. The president would like a word with you." a man said, opening the rear passenger door.

We get into the car, and then the door shuts. The driver pulls away from the curb, and out of the station. We see the decorations lining the storefronts and the houses.

"Is it always like this?" I asked Mags.

"Yep." Mags said, and we rode the rest of the way in silence.

It took us abut ten minutes to get to the Presidential Palace. The moment the cars pulls up to the curb, the door was opened, and I was shocked to see Scarlet waiting on the curb.

"Finnick, so good to see you again. And his legendary mentor, Mags. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." Scarlet said.

"What's the president's state?" I asked.

"He is wondering about that box you got in District 3, and if I'm being honest so am I." Scarlet said.

"Awesome. Until next time." I said, and then started walking towards the palace.

Scarlet climbed into the car as Mags asked. "Who is that?"

"Her name is Scarlet, and she runs one of the brothels in the city. I wouldn't be surprised if it's the top one." I said.

"How long have you known her?" she asked.

"I met her six months ago." I said.

"When you came to the Capitol by yourself?" she asked.

"Yes." I said.

"And you don't think it's strange that you a young victor is associated with woman like her?' she asked.

"Do I have to answer that?" I asked as we entered the palace.

"Fair enough." Mags whispered.

"Mags. Finnick. If you would follow me, President Snow is in his office." said the butler who guided me through the palace the last time I was here.

I wasn't in the mood to have to face Snow, let alone having to defend the actions of a grieving family, but here I am. I feel it again, that feeling of envy at those who have died, and not having to deal with the whims of a homicidal maniac, and the whims of an ignorant city.

And before I could really delve into my thoughts, the butler opened the door to the study and President Snow was waiting for us. I can already feel myself being unnerved by this man. I get the sense that he's like a reptile, like a snake you might say, who is always poised to strike at any moment. I know what he wants, but I'm trying to see how it makes a difference if I receive gifts from another district.

"Here are your guest, sir. Will my service be of any further use?" the butler asked.

"Not at the moment but come back in about twenty minutes." Snow said.

"As you wish sir." the butler said, and then left.

"Would you like any tea?" Snow asked the two of us.

"I'm good." I said. My mouth is already dry, and the tea would alone make it drier.

"I'll have a cup." Mags said.

"I take you know why you're here?" Snow asked, as he poured a cup for Mags. Mags got out of her chair to retrieve the cup, and then sat back down.

"I may have an idea." I said.

"May have an idea?" Mags asked.

"Oh, you claim to not have a clue." Snow said.

"Are you serious? The topics are broad: the victory tour, my actions on the victory tour so far, the box I was given in District 3, you want me to see Scarlet, you want me to see Doc—who had stopped by my house in the village—you want me to see the both of them. The topics are very numerous." I said.

"I forgot how intelligent you are." Snow said.

"Not exactly sure why it's a shock. You created me. Spared no expense you might say." I said.

"While Doc does have a lead on the next target, I want to know what was in the box that was given to you in District 3." Snow said.

"Why?" I asked.

"I'll be the judge of what is, or what is not going to be a problem." Snow said.

"I'm certain that's not going to be necessary." I said.

"Still my decision to make." Snow said.

"What's there to be gained by killing Orna's family, especially since I can't communicate with them?" I asked.

"You think you know best?" Snow asked.

"What is there to be gain by killing a family that can never be a threat to your power?" I asked.

"Very well. You are a negotiator as well as an executioner. They will keep their lives for now." Snow said.

"They're not ever going to be a problem." I corrected.

"Moving on, Doc has found a lead on the next target. Scarlet has found a lead on another target as well. But you won't be able to move on them until after the Victory tour has completed." Snow said.

"Oh joy." I said.

"Anything else?" Mags asked.

"I want you to look over these dossiers while you are finishing up the tour. I want you ready to move as soon as you finish in District 4." Snow said, pointing to the folders on his desk.

"I'll make it my top priority." I said, standing up from the chair to grab the folders.

At that moment, the door to the study opened and the butler said. "The car has arrived for the victor and his mentor. Your four o'clock is here as well."

"That's our cue." I said.

"Tell them I will me them in the garden." Snow said.

Mags stands up from her chair and follows me out of the room. The butler leads us back to the front door, and we do so in silence. Not trusting that our conversation will be overheard by someone who is close to the president.

Even when we get in the car, we ride in silence to the remake center.

"So, how do you think Snow took that meeting?" Mags asked, as we were walking up to the building.

"I see no reason for him to kill Orna's parents. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if, or put it past him, Snow killed her parents." I said.

"Who are your next targets?" Mags asked.

"One person is a financier, another is an actor, and then final one is a newscaster." I said.

"I understand the financier, but an actor and newscaster?" she asked.

"Words can be more effective, and damaging, than outright violence." I said.

"Fair enough." Mags said.

As I stepped off of the elevator, my head made an immediate left turn, a habit after the six days that I spent here. It's two o'clock in the afternoon, and the party at the Presidential Palace doesn't start until nine. I decide to look over the three dossiers until Jade and my prep team come to collect me for the festivities. I sit at the table and spread the three dossiers out in front of me.

Before I could open the first folder, the phone started to ring. Not exactly sure who is calling for me, but it makes sense that they would do so here.

"Hello." I answered.

"Finnick, my dear fellow, how are you doing?" a male voice asked on the other end.

It was Caesar. I thought, and if I had to guess it had something to do with book. "I'm doing well. I have some free time before tonight's festivities if that's what you are calling about." I said.

"I have a car pulling up to the Remake Center within five minutes." Caesar said.

"I be down in a moment." I said, as I hung up the phone.

I hide the dossier's and then head to the elevator. I get on the elevator, and press floor 1. By the time I'm stepping on the first floor the car was pulling into the driveway. I was out the door and walking up to the curb as the car was pulling to a stop. I opened the door got in and shut the door. As the car was pulling away, I stared off into the distance and thought about the inspiration I had for the poems: Doc, Scarlet, and Annie were the ones that were jumping out at me. I think about the three new targets, and how I'm going to get to them. I'm trying to understand why Snow would pick me to be his spear to wipe out his targets. Who wouldn't expect me to come at them in Snow's stead?

As the car pulled into the parking lot where I would be doing the book reading and signing, I saw that the parking lot was packed with just about every Capitol citizen.

"I'm afraid you're going to have to get out and walk from here, sir." the driver said.

"So, it would seem." I said, and then exited the car.

As soon as I exited the car, I was flanked by a pair of Peacekeepers. I was able to work the crowd as I approached the stage; on the stage was a waiting Caesar, and he was beaming. We goofed around with each other as I approached the stage, and as I climbed the stairs to the stage Caesar walked over to greet me. Caesar gave me a mic, and then the games began.

"As much as I like to catch up with you, we both know why you are here." Caesar said.

"I do, and I take it my creation is over there on the table?" I asked.

"It is." Caesar said.

"Without further ado." I said.

I walk to the table, take a seat, and open the book. "I know what poem you want me to read, but we're going to save that for later. I'll start…here."

I spent two hours reading, and then I said. "I figured I had to get this show on the road before I get collected by my team for the festivities, so I'll read the poem you are all here for."

It was a poem that was a good two minutes to read, but with the emphasis that was meant for it when I envisioned its delivery. I looked up to scan the crowd, and for a moment I thought I saw Scarlet walking towards the stage, but when I vision cleared, the parking lot was dead silent that you could hear a pin drop. I finished the poem, and the crowd gave me a standing ovation. Caesar motion to a few men on the right-side of the stage, and the men clear a spot for a table, and a box of markers for me to sign my book.

I descended the stairs and took a seat at the table and spent about two-hour signing books.

At seven o'clock, someone approached Caesar and whispered in his ear.

"I'm afraid that we are going to have to cut book signing short. It's been brought to my attention that our guest of honor needs to prepare for the party tonight." Caesar said. There was an uproar from the crowd. "But fret not, Mr. Odair will continue signing book tonight at the Presidential Palace. Isn't that, right?"

"I'd delighted to sign more books tonight." I said.

I saw that I had another twenty or more people to get through, and then I'd be free for at least an hour. Unless Snow has business for me to attend to. I wouldn't past him to use my party tonight to get one of the targets.

After I finished signing the last of the books, I was escorted to the vehicle. Before I could get in, I was handed a device. The person motioned that it was a phone, and I was stunned by the advancement of technology in the Capitol.

"Hello." I answered.

"Finnick." a male voice said.

"Yeah, Doc." I said, recognizing his voice.

"We have a led on the financier. He will be at the party tonight. We'll go over the details when you get to the palace." Doc said.

"See you tonight." I said, and then handed the phone back to the person who handed it to me.

I look in the direction of the palace, and then got into the car.