Chapter 2

Cinna POV

"Thank you, Truvia," I say as she hands me my tea before exiting back through my office door. I can't help but think how grateful I am for her. She has been with me since Uncle Haymitch and Willow convinced me to run for District 12 Representative. I never wanted to be a politician. Uncle Haymitch never seemed to care much for it, but he was good at it…and I still feel a need to live up to his name. However, truthfully, Truvia does make it so much easier. She continues to amaze me. Mother never trusted anyone from the Capitol, and I guess when I was elected and arrived at the Capitol, I had no love of them myself. But, I remember when Truvia interviewed for her position; I was in awe of her confidence, her regal strength. Maybe I was even a little intimidated. The intensity and determination in her eyes immediately overwhelmed me.

She walked through the door, with her flowing natural auburn hair, without any markings or piercings, wearing just enough makeup that enhanced her features. Her emerald green eyes were mesmerizing. She actually took my breath away. I sat there awkwardly, when she finally spoke.

"Sir?" Truvia uttered.

Stammering, I finally found my voice, "Yes, sorry, please sit down Miss?" as I look down at her resume, she interrupts…

"Please, just call me Truvia,"

After almost an hour of talking about life, the Capitol, our families, the loss of her parents. It did seem like an interview, I had hired her as my assistant. She was nothing like I imagined Capital people would be like. My grandparents often would tell of the shallowness and opulence of the people from the Capital. Learning that she had lived her entire life in the Capital shocked me. Aside from her obvious Capitol accent, she could be from home or even District 4, where grandmother lived.

Over the next couple of months, Truvia had taught me so much about the Capital and its rich history. Aunt Effie, had tried to teach me proper etiquette, but I was an unwilling student, however, Truvia had accomplished what Aunt Effie could not. Of course, I had never shared that fact with her before she passed away.

Uncle Haymitch, who appeared to lose all will to live when Aunt Effie died followed her to the grave the following summer, he had encouraged me to learn as much as I can about the Capital, but warned me to be careful who I placed my trust. But, for some reason I had placed my full trust in this woman. How easily she disarmed me.

Now, 13 years later, Truvia had not only become my most valued assistant, but my closest friend. There is no one I trust more than her, besides my family. But, in many ways she has become my family. I wonder if she knows.

Just as I am lost in thought, the intercom buzzes. "Yes, Tru?" I answer as I press the speak button.

"You have a call from your sister on line 1. Also, remember you have a meeting with President Odair and the Security Council in 30 minutes," Truvia responds.

"Thank you, I'll get it," as I turn off the intercom.

"Hello Willow," I say picking up the phone.

"Hey pooh-ba," Willow responds in that irritating playful voice of hers.

"Will you please stop calling me that," I snap.

"Sorry, I just miss you Cinna. How are you?"

"Truthfully, I am tired and need a break. How are you and mom and dad," I ask.

"They are fine, considering…you know how they get," she replies wearily. I can hear the pain in her voice though she is trying to hide it.

"Willow, how are you, really," I ask more forcefully.

She sighs and I listen as her cries fill my ear while she recounts the morning's events with Darius. Finally, she tells me she misses me and wishes I could return to 12.

"Cinna, we all need you here. I need you," she says with more desire and urgency than I had heard her since Tobias' death. "You are the only one I can talk to. Mom and dad have their own struggles right now. And Darius…I-I just don't know how to help him," she finishes as her cries intensifies.

My hearts aches for her. All I want to do is hold her in my arms and protect her like she would hold me when I was a scared or lonely when I was boy. How did the strongest person I know become so damaged. My sister…my rock through the tough years…who always remained strong even when mom and dad were struggling with nightmares and those scary flashbacks; now I am here unable to be strong for her.

"Willow, I can't promise anything, but I will see what I can do. There is something brewing which may prevent my returning home, but I will try and make it home before the Honoring."

"Please, do try…and bring Truvia with you."

"Truvia?" Here we go again. I should have known we could not have a conversation without her pressing me.

"Yes Cinna, you know I know about your feeling for her after all these years?" Willow retorts. "You are as bad as dad; you have not told her how you feel, have you?

Blushing almost crimson red, "Willow, there is NOTHING between Truvia and me," I snap.

"Okay little pooh-ba, whatever you say." I can sense a smile crossing Willows face. I hate that all-knowing cynical smile of hers. "Just know this Cinna…you are wasting precious time that you could be having with the woman you love. You are depriving yourself and her of a love that is unmeasurable and a potential that can only be realized once in a lifetime. Trust me Cinna, a love that hurts when it is gone, but worth every moment."

I can hear the longing in my sisters' voice as she makes her last statement. All I can say is "I know."

"Sorry Cinna, it has been an emotional morning. I did not mean to place additional strain on you, I just want you to be happy," she quickly adds. "If Truvia is your Tobias, don't waste any more time, please?"

"I love you, sis." I reply.

"I love you, Cinna."

We speak for another 10 minutes as she catches me up on the changes in District 12 and additions to the family's third bakery. Just as she reminds me of Darius' upcoming birthday plans, there is a knock at the door, and I am once again entranced with Truvia's beautiful green eyes looking at me.

"Sir, it is time. The President has already called twice requesting your presence," Truvia cautiously, yet firmly informs.

"Thank you, Truvia. Tell the President we are on our way."

I quickly apologize to Willow and tell her I have to go. We again tell each other how much we love and miss one another before hanging up the phone. I take a last sip of my tea and pick up the report on my desk that I had been reviewing since late last night. I take a moment realizing the danger that Panem may be facing if what Inspector Hawthorne suspects is real. I take a last look at the emblem on the file, which shocks and horrifies me…the emblem of the Old Panem.

Looking up, I see Truvia standing and waiting for me. She can always read me, as I see the concern on her face.

"Don't worry Tru, I am fine," I tell her. "Come on, the President is waiting." As I walk through the door, Truvia grabs my hand, gives me a reassuring squeeze, then just as quickly releases her grip. We walk down the hall to the President's Council chamber. As we walk a pressing question invades my thoughts…will I ever have the courage to tell her? I pause and turn to her, our eye meeting, and all I can bring myself to say is "thank you." We exchange smiles and continue to our meeting in silence.

A/N – I thought it was important it was important to explain where Cinna was and give a little insight to the closeness of the Mellark family, particularly Willow and her brother. Also, I wanted to provide a little context of the role Haymitch and Effie played in their lives, while also explaining why they will not be present in this story. Finally, the chapter, while probably my shortest chapter, provides a glimpse of the new political structure of Panem. I hope you enjoy.