"Wow," Seneca murmured, raising an eyebrow as he stepped up to the young woman in the stylist's chair. "You look wonderful, Renata." He watched as she was spun around to face the mirror and he chuckled softly when her mouth dropped open. "It is a bit different."

Her hair was as straight as a pin and it looked like silk. It was very different; she looked older. She reached up and gently ran a hand through her hair, looking up at Fascal when he made a noise.

"So, what do you think, Rini?" he asked eagerly. "Your hair is actually quite long when it isn't so…full," he chuckled, stepping behind her and smiling sweetly.

"I like it," she finally said, smiling at him and nodding. "I feel like a real lady." She grinned bigger when he clapped his hands together and leaned around to give her cheek a little kiss.

"I'll get your dress and then you'll be ready for your shining moment, Miss Kelde." He gave her a sweet wink and flitted off to retrieve his latest creation. He returned a second later with a garment bag, and after he was sure both she and Seneca were watching, he unzipped it and revealed the dress. "I thought you could go for simple and elegant goddess tonight, since the guest of honor is dear old Snow."

Seneca chuckled and he checked his reflection to be sure that his freshly crafted beard was in pristine condition before looking at the other two. It was going to be a good night, he could feel it, and he was looking forward to taking her back to his penthouse after the party.

"How does it look?" Renata asked after she was zipped up, giving a spin. She caught Seneca's eye and her cheeks turned pink at the look on his face.

"Good enough to eat," the man replied, smiling.

"Well, almost," Fascal murmured, his hawk eye scrutinizing every detail of her ensemble. "You have to take off your underwear, sweets. You've got lines and I don't want everyone staring at your bum for that reason." He grinned when she gave him a look and he raised his hands in defense. "If they're staring at your back end, it needs to be because of how good it looks, not panty lines!"

"He's got a point, you know," Seneca interjected, smirking a little. "She has got a nice little butt. That's just between us, though."

Renata blushed and sighed, shimmying her underwear off and stepping out of them. "There, is that better?" She stuck her butt out towards the stylist and wrinkled her nose. She giggled as he swatted her and she stood back up, looking at Seneca and straightening a little.

"I have something for you," he murmured, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a box. "I hope it doesn't ruin your artistic vision, Fascal, but I saw it and had to get it for Renata…" He handed the box to the redhead and watched as she opened it and gasped.

Inside the box was a beautiful silver hair comb encrusted with pearls. She gently ran her finger against it and looked back up at Seneca. "What's it for?" she asked, blushing when he furrowed his eyebrows.

"It's a token of my affection."

"It's simply stunning! You have an eye for lovely things, Mr. Crane," Fascal smiled and took the comb from the box and he slid it into Renata's hair. "There, perfect."

"A perfect pearl," Seneca nodded in approval, meeting Renata's eyes.

"Why are there so many people outside?" Renata asked as she rode in the car. It looked like strobe lights were going off in front of the massive mansion, and as they got closer she saw that it was a handful of cameras going off.

"They are the reporters. They'll want to take your picture and ask you about President Snow, and other invasive things like that," Seneca explained, smiling. "Do you remember your designer's name? Because there is an extremely high possibility that they'll ask you his name."

"Fascal…" she began, furrowing her eyebrows. "Fascal Redlin, I think." She blushed when he raised an eyebrow at her. "I'll stick with the first name, just to be safe?"

He laughed and nodded as their car pulled up to the entrance and he put his hand on the handle. "Are you ready?"

She bit her lip and looked at the hordes of people outside, their attention now focused on their car. "Don't let go of me," she finally sighed, nodding. The flashes were immediate as Seneca opened the door and got out. She took his hand and let him help her out and to her feet, her heart pounding and her eyes wide.

"Relax," she heard him chuckle in her ear. "Take a breath, smile…I've got you."

"Seneca! Look over here, Seneca!" someone shouted as they slowly made their way towards the doors. "Who is your date?"

"Don't you recognize this year's victor?" he asked with a hint of surprise in his voice, making the gaggle of reporters about them gasp and flock around them.

Renata's cheeks were hurting from the constant smiling, and as the photographers closed in around them, she pressed closer to Seneca's side. They all started talking to her at once, she could barely answer one question before another was flung at her and she found herself stammering over her words.

"Who is that designer you're wearing!"

"What is your opinion on the new colors this season!"

"Are you and Seneca dating!"

Seneca chuckled and he started to lead Renata towards the door, giving the reporters a wave. "Sorry, don't want to be too late. Have a good night!" He smiled when he heard Rini sigh in relief and he raised his eyebrows. "I think they liked you."

Renata laughed and shook her head, the redness slowly leaving her cheeks. "Well thank God. I was worried I was going to be kicked out," she laughed along with him as they entered the mansion. "Wow…This place is huge."

"A bit too regal for my taste," Seneca remarked, having a confident air about him that was very attractive, Rini didn't like to admit. He seemed entirely different from the person he had been at the end of her last visit. Kind, courteous…he wasn't shy about introducing Renata as his date, for which they were looked at with approval. It seemed that a Gamemaker and a victor were an unlikely match, what with he being the designer of her personal hell…but everyone they spoke to seemed to be quite intrigued with them. "I've got to go talk with Snow for a minute; will you be alright here by yourself?" He smiled at the look of apprehension on her face. "Don't worry, you'll be just fine. Don't go far, I'll be back for you." He gave her cheek a soft kiss before heading for an elegant looking staircase.

Seneca left Renata at one of the tables that was piled with food, and instead of attempting to chat up another party guest, she examined the many plates of food. Music from the string quartet gave the atmosphere a laid-back, pleasant feeling and never drowned out the chatter that was going on throughout the expansive mansion's ballrooms.

"Afraid that someone might take all the good stuff?" a familiar voice asked, and when Renata looked at the person that had stepped up beside her, her eyes widened. She could never remember a time when Finnick had looked so different, his usual mess of copper hair combed and a tailored, expensive looking suit hanging on his perfect frame. When she didn't answer, one of his eyebrows tugged up and he grinned. "Hello? Have I come at a bad time, Miss Kelde?"

"What are you doing?" she finally hissed, looking around for Seneca or anyone else that would report to him. "What if someone-"

His grin stopped her in the middle of her sentence. "Rini, darling, have you forgotten that I mentored you? And as your mentor, I can find you in a Capitol party and ask you for a completely innocent dance?"

She blinked and bit her lip, looking at his hand as he held it out to her. She slowly took his hand and smiled when he led her over to where other people were dancing. "I thought you said you couldn't dance," she teased, her heart fluttering as he slipped his hand around her waist and pulled her close to him. She could feel nearly every set of eyes on the two of them as Finnick waltzed with her, but she couldn't have torn her own eyes away from him even if she had wanted to.

"Something on my face?" he asked with a laugh. "Better close your mouth before a bug flies in…"

Renata wrinkled her nose at him, but she was smiling a mile wide. "I guess the sun was always blinding me from your face," she winked, holding onto his shoulder as they swayed together. "You look very handsome, Mr. Odair."

"You are looking quite scrumptious yourself, Miss Kelde," he said with a posh Capitol accent. "I must find Fascal and complement his work…You look stunning."

"He'd like that. He was throwing a fit over my butt earlier…insisting that I don't wear underwear," she sighed and rolled her eyes, seeing Finnick stiffen a little. "Is something wrong?"

He pursed his lips together for a moment before he smiled, letting out a nervous chuckle. "Say that again," he murmured, leaning down so his lips brushed against her ear. "Slower…"

She giggled along with him, shaking her head. "Whoa, watch how low your hand is." She beamed up at him, her blue eyes twinkling with happiness. The song ended and they broke apart, applauding the orchestra before they started another number. Seneca was still nowhere to be seen, which Renata was fine with. "Did you come with a date?" she asked him as they wandered over to one of the doors leading to a balcony.

"No, I'm free tonight," Finnick smiled, leading her outside into the cool night air. He went and sat on a stone bench, sighing as he crossed his legs. "I saw you make your grand entrance. Any idea where he went?"

Renata shook her head and paused a moment before going and sitting beside him on the bench. "I'll take whatever free time I can," she murmured, shivering. They were quiet for a few moments, broken finally when Finnick sighed. "What is it?"

"I wish I could kiss you," he laughed softly, shaking his head. He turned to look at her, a small, sad smile on his face. "Is that silly? I feel like someone is force-feeding me hot coals. You're right here, but I can't…" He trailed off as Renata put her hand to his cheek and he closed his eyes. "Rini…"

She quickly leaned in and gave his lips a brief, gentle kiss and then stood up, trying to keep a calm exterior. "Feel better now?"

Finnick didn't attempt to keep a cool front on. "Like I'm on top of the world," he said with a grin, standing up and brushing off his pants. "Should we go back inside? Before you are missed?"

"I guess so," she sighed heavily, giggling when he gave her butt a pat. "You'd better stop that," she warned, but her smile betrayed her. It quickly faded when they came face to face with President Snow as they neared the door back inside.

"Why, Miss Kelde, here you are," he murmured, looking at the two of him. "Seneca was wondering where you had disappeared to. With Finnick, no surprise."

She swallowed and forced herself to keep her eyes on him, despite how uneasy it made her feel. "I needed a bit of fresh air. And Finnick was the only face I recognized, I'm afraid," she gave a feeble laugh, clearing her throat when he kept his stoic expression. Her stomach dropped as Snow dismissed Finnick, and she felt like she was a little kid caught doing something bad.

Finnick passed by Seneca and they exchanged a rather nasty look. "Nice party," he hissed, clenching his fists together to keep from attacking the Gamemaker.

"You throw a lovely party, Mr. President. If you'll excuse me, I have to get back to my-"

"Oh, wait just a moment," he stopped her, his eyes narrowing a bit. "Aren't you forgetting something?" he smiled at the slightly panicked look on her face and chuckled. "Don't you want to wish me a happy birthday?"

"Oh! Oh, yes, of course…Happy birthday," she laughed nervously, wringing her hands together. She gave him a polite nod and brushed past him, stopping when he called her name.

"It seems a waste, all the money he's spending on you."

Renata swallowed, not turning back to look at him and hurrying back inside. "Hi," she said meekly to Seneca, not looking up at his face.

"Do you want to dance?" Seneca asked, finishing off a glass of champagne and reaching for her hand. He led her out to the floor and pulled her close, looking down into her eyes. "You look upset. Is it because of me?"

She slowly shook her head, stumbling over his feet. "I'm sorry, I don't really know how to dance," she whispered, her cheeks red with embarrassment.

"It's alright, love. Are you not feeling well? We could leave. I wouldn't mind so much," he smiled, a tenderness in his eyes. "I'd rather have you to myself, anyhow."

Renata looked past Seneca's shoulder and saw Finnick standing across the room, his eyes staring right at them. "Let's leave, please," she whispered, nodding. Her eyes fluttered as he leaned in and put his lips against hers. There came a shattering noise and Renata knew that it was from the crystal glass Finnick had been holding being broken.

"What-" Images of the ocean were projected on the windows of Seneca's apartment, and Renata couldn't help but look at them longingly. "Did you do that for me?" she asked softly, walking closer to them and letting Seneca take her coat. "It's so beautiful, like I'm there."

"I want you to be comfortable here with me," he murmured, setting his hands on her hips and kissing the soft skin of her neck. "I know that what I did to you was unforgivable. You have to understand…"

Renata gritted her teeth; she was supposed to understand what, exactly?

"I was under a bit of stress, and I'm not trying to justify what happened. I've got to get it right this year, the games. Snow has made it clear that the past two years have not been very pleasing to him. This year has got to be the best; I need to focus more than ever. If not, I'll lose everything. That's including you," he sighed, his lips resting at the back of her neck. "I need you to help me… Can I make it up to you? I promise that it will never be like that again. Please, Renata…"

"I'll give you whatever you need," she whispered after a moment, closing her eyes. What else could she say? She hated that she felt sorry for him. Her breath hitched as she felt him undo the zipper at her back, his fingertips on her bare skin raising goosebumps. "Seneca…"

He replied with a soft groan, slipping his hands inside her open dress and wrapping them around her front. His hands were soft and gentle, caressing the skin of her breasts and cupping them, making her press back against his body.

Don't think, she reminded herself as her dress fell in a pool at her feet and she was left completely naked. In the blink of an eye, she was scooped up into his arms and being carried towards his bed, her heart rate ever increasing with anticipation. "Seneca," she whispered again when he sat her down on the edge of the bed, her eyes wide. The look in his eyes didn't scare her this time; it reminded her of a look she had seen before. She pressed her thighs tightly together in an attempt to quell the odd sensation she was feeling as he undressed himself down to his underwear.

"I like how my name sounds on your lips," He whispered when he kneeled on the ground in front of her. He reached up and brushed back some of her hair, cupping her face in his big hand. "I'm not going to hurt you again. I promise."

Renata whimpered and nodded, taking a shaky breath. "I believe you," she whispered back before he leaned up to kiss her lips. It was becoming increasingly difficult to breathe when he broke the kiss, and she bit her lip when he gently opened her legs at the knees, the lustful look on his face enough to make her squirm.

"Scoot your hips forward, please," Seneca said in a hushed voice, his bright blue eyes meeting hers. "I want to taste you."

She blinked before obeying, letting out a quiet cry as his fingers petted the soft red curls that lay there. It felt like every sensation was heightened, and every time he touched her he was sending electricity through her body.

Seneca's breaths were quiet pants for air and he leaned in, grazing his lips over the pale, smooth skin of her inner thighs and over her mound. He opened his eyes and looked at her face as he moved his lips to her small folds, unable to help the grunt that escaped him. She was slick with arousal when he parted her, her fragrance so sweet to his senses, and he couldn't hold himself back any longer.

With the first touch of his tongue against her, Renata nearly jumped off the bed. "O-oh," she moaned, her face flushed.

"Are you alright?" he asked, rubbing her thigh reassuringly. "I can stop…"

She swallowed and bit down hard on her lip. "Don't stop," she whispered, shaking her head. "Please…"

He raised his eyebrows and smiled like he had won some great victory before returning to her pink haven. A shiver of pleasure went down his spine as his tongue explored her; she tasted better than strawberries with cream. His hands held her hips firmly, but not hard enough to hurt her, and he managed to keep control of her sporadic movements. He could not, however, control what came out of her mouth.

Renata was thankful that Seneca had a firm hold on her, for she felt like she was going to fall right off the bed. The pleasure he was giving her was making her head spin, and she grabbed handfuls of his dark hair, forcing him closer to her. She wanted more, so much more, and she didn't care that she was practically sobbing in delight.

Seneca was panting hard now, his urgency to claim her again almost overwhelming. He pulled away from her core and laughed breathlessly at the dejected look on her face. "Just a second, darling," he whispered, his legs wobbling as he stood up to strip off his underwear. "Lie back."

She did so and propped herself up on her elbows as he crawled into bed, situating himself between her parted legs. Her breath hitched when he pushed against her entrance and his tip slid up to tease the little bundle of nerves there. "Oh god, Seneca," she whispered, swallowing and struggling to catch her breath. Her mind felt all fuzzy, and those were the only words she could seem to muster.

He replied with a tender kiss and as he moved his tongue against hers, he shivered, knowing that she would be able to taste herself. "Ready?" he breathed when he pulled away, holding himself firmly. When she gave him the okay, he eased himself inside her, a gasp of ecstasy exploding from him.

It was such a different feeling than before. This felt nothing less than perfect. The dull aching inside her seemed to be assuaged as long as he kept moving inside her. The heat inside her was growing to be unbearable, and her cries for release only grew louder. She finally let the fire consume her and such an inexplicable sensation took over her being that she didn't notice Seneca's release not soon after hers. Her eyes were closed as she slowly came down from the high, both of their breaths eventually going back to normal.

"Wow," Seneca laughed softly, an endearing smile on his face when she opened her eyes. He carefully withdrew from her and lay down beside her, sighing happily. "Are you alright, Rini?"

"I'm…wonderful," she said after a moment, turning her head to look at him. Her body did feel as such: weightless almost. She yawned and closed her eyes when he brushed his fingers against her cheek, murmuring quietly. "I feel tired…"

"I don't blame you," he chuckled quietly, getting up and putting a blanket over her naked body. "I'm going to look at work for a bit before I lie down."

Renata nodded and she smiled when he gave her a soft kiss before going to his desk. Her eyes went from his figure to the still projected images of the ocean on the windows, and she sighed, her eyes drooping.

"Hey, you," Seneca smiled as they reached the train station. He took Rini's hand and pulled her to him, giving her a soft kiss. "I don't want you to go."

"You've got to get work done," she answered with a smile, shaking her head. "I'll be back to reward you soon, remember?"

He frowned and sighed, holding her by her hips. The people in the station were eyeing them, and some who had cameras even snapped pictures. Now that they were officially a couple for all of Panem to see, it seemed like she had become as famous as any other favorite victor. "I want to buy you an apartment here. So you can be here always."

"She's got to get home, Seneca," Finnick's voice came from behind Renata. He stood in the open doorway of the train car, his arms folded across his chest. "She has a family. Remember, Rini?"

She swallowed and couldn't bring herself to look at Finnick. "He's right," she said softly, looking up at him. "I'll be back, I promise."

"Isn't there any room in your heart for me?" Seneca asked, slowly releasing her. He watched her board the train and stayed until it pulled away and out of sight, taking her back to her home district.

Whoa...this website looks familiar... Heheh hi there! About time Kelsey god what have you been doing you dildo its been a long time! Well sorry guys, I...am a dildo. The birthday party though! Yes, it wasn't so bad, was it? Huh? Huh? Ooops, Rini didn't even get Snow a birthday present! Wahh! Seneca gave her a present instead ooh baby~

But anyway, myself aside, i hope you enjoy this chapter, and i'll try try try my little heart out to have the next chapter up soon! Leave me a review or message me, I am very happy to hear from everyone! :D

Thank yew!

-Kelsey :3