Here is the second chapter. I hope everyone enjoys it. I thank the people who have started following me. I am going to try to post a new chapter every Sunday. Just to keep on schedule.

Yet again, I do not own any thing created by Suzanne Collins. And the song I used was written and (I assume) property of Andrew Lloyd Webber. It seemed like the perfect way to express the way Rendelle felt.

I would love to hear what you have to say!

Xoxo Pure Bubbles

The New Star

The crowd roared as she took the stage. The lights shined brightly in her eyes. Caesar was in front of her. However Rendelle's thoughts were still thinking about the kiss. Her first kiss. Despite the grave situation, she couldn't help her heart from fluttering and feeling giddy. Agrippa told her she needed to be charming and sell the ruse that the President was forcing her to take on.

"Congratulations, my dear. I must say you are the most clever victor we have ever had," Caesar said sincerely. If he didn't work for the Capitol, Rendelle would have thought he was an endearing man. He really made people feel comfortable in his presence. "So what are your plans for after the Games? Do you have a house picked out in Victor Village?"

Great, this question already. The petite red head steadied her voice before speaking, "I do have plans. I won't be going back to the District. It seems that I have an amazing opportunity here in the Capitol."

"Oh my, that sounds thrilling. I am sure you will love it here. Tell me. What is this special opportunity?" he exclaimed.

"I'd hate to jinx it." Needing to summon a smile, she thought of the kiss again.

"Well, we all saw your amazing talent with voice mimicry. Can you sing?" Jackpot. That was something she knew she could do.

"Yes. I have a lovely voice." It was completely true. Back in District 6, she was always sought out to sing.

"Perhaps you could sing for us." She wasn't expecting that. She looked out at the audience. All eyes were glued on her.

"Um…" she risked a glance to Agrippa. He nodded. "Alright. Is there a preference?"

"Ah, see that! She's taking requests. No dear, sing whatever you wish." There was a loud applause urging her to go on with the performance. She got out of her seat. Rendelle almost felt comforted by having the attention of these people. They were at the mercy of her choice. She took in a deep breath and exhaled the first note.

She chose a song of longing, and moving on. Her mother had been adament about cultivating her talent. Exposing Rendelle to many different kinds of music. Opera just happened to be one of the styles she favored. So as a dedication to her mother, for whom she tried her best to survive, she sang a sorrowful aria for all to hear.

She continued her song until the last note. Belting out the last verse with everything she had. When she finished she looked out at the audience. They were silent. Did she do something wrong? Her heart started to beat wildly and a bead of sweat formed on her forehead. She looked at Caesar. His mouth was slightly ajar and looked starry eyed. She felt herself inching away. They didn't like her. Panic washed over her body. Her throat became tight. Oh no, she was going to vomit. She was going to vomit and then be executed.

Then the applause erupted the whole stadium. People were on their feet. Caesar stepped up next to her. "The Capitol's song bird, everyone! The girl who sounds like she came from the heavens!" he exclaimed. If possible, the crowd got even louder. Rendelle couldn't control her breathing. She felt faint. Caesar whispered in her ear, "Bow and then you can run off the stage."

She did what she was told and felt a wave of relief when Agrippa's arms enveloped her. "Why did you tell me you had a set of pipes like that?" he mumbled into her hair.

"I didn't know it was relevant." He rolled his eyes but gave her a big smile.

"You'll be okay, kid. You'll be okay."

The tabloids were going crazy over Rendelle's impromptu performance. That and the Victory Tour was coming along. Over the next few months the young girl spent most of her days with Agrippa. Usually they would sit in silence as he filed paper work and created schedules for the upcoming events. He seemed to be a man of few words. On several occasions she reached across the table and drew imaginary lines on his hands with her finger. It made him uncomfortable; she knew that. She just wanted to be touched by someone, anyone, so badly. Rendelle never brought up the idea of sex between them again and he didn't shake off her light intimate touches. It seemed to be their unspoken agreement.

"So where are we starting this Victory tour?" She looked over his shoulder as he made some finishing details on plans.

"We are starting at District Six. Then going out to 12 to 1. Since our final destination will be the Capitol, it will be our last stop. There will be a party, more like a ball. Marius will be your stylist again. Don't be surprised if you have to perform again. In fact, it was mentioned that instead of a speech at each district you should sing a song. How does that make you feel?" She gave him a weird look. What was he thinking? That was odd. "Well they say that music can carry a lot more emotion than words. To be honest you aren't the most…engaging person. You can't lie for shit and to make things worse, you weren't the most compassionate tribute. In fact you were down right evil." Horror swept across her features. "I know you were only surviving and can't be held 100% accountable for your actions. However it doesn't change the fact that none of the districts are going to feel a connection to you, especially with the decision to live in the Capitol. The only district you have any luck with is District 2. They are the Capitols biggest supporters." Anger boiled through out her body.

"It's wasn't my choice to live in the Capitol!" Tears were threatening to emerge from her eyes. She was so frustrated, her small frame started to shake. Rendelle never remembered being an emotional wreck before. A headache started to pulsate in the front of her head. She closed her eyes and put her hand to her hairline. Agrippa leaned down and took her hand from her face.

"Shhh. it's okay. I know you don't want to be here. Just remember you are doing this for your mother. Even if she doesn't know it, even if she never knows it, she will be safe because of you. You are so strong, Rendelle. The strongest person I have ever met. You just have to be strong a little bit longer." He opened her arms out to her and she allowed her body to mold to his form. He rarely touched her of his own accord but it was so nice when he did. "Okay, I think it's time for you to take a nap." He picked her up to take her to his spare bedroom. The petite girl looped her arms around his neck and buried her face into his shoulder.

"Thank you Agrippa. I am so glad I have you."

"Don't mention it, kid." The last word pained her a bit, but she didn't care for exhaustion was conquering over her senses. "Just get some rest. Hell starts tomorrow."

"It's going to be a big, exciting day!" Agrippa announced to everyone at the train station. Motton and Rendelle stood together in the background as Agrippa directed people through different tasks.

"He sure seems upbeat," the younger victor commented. Motton raised his eyebrows at her gruff tone.

"He's upbeat because he has to be. To protect you and me. He works harder for our district than any other escort I have met. Don't take that boy for granted. He didn't have to let you stay with him." Rendelle gasped, she didn't know he was aware of their situation.

"How much do you know?" she eyed him suspiciously. He laughed and patted her on the head.

"I know enough to say that you guys aren't on the same page."

"What does that mean?" She was so taken aback by his observation and patronizing tone.

"That while in a traumatized state, you emotionally bonded to him. So for both of your sakes, don't try to bridge the gap between you. He is a good man, trying to do the right thing. However, you have a lot more pain ahead of you. You will have to rely on yourself. Don't pull him in. He won't be able to help you. It will kill the both of you." A cold chill ran through Rendelle. Who was this guy giving her advice?

"How much of what you're saying is for his benefit and how much is it because you want to keep your hold on him?" This man was no angel and while he helped her survive the Games, she didn't trust him. He smiled.

"Ah to be young and selfish. There are more things at play here than either of you are aware of." With that he walked off toward Agrippa. Rendelle watched them interact. The old man would say something and Agrippa would eat it up. Was it this man's influence that kept Agrippa so detached from her? Were her feelings for him a direct result of the Game's affect on her? Were things that complicated or was Motton, jealous that he wasn't the most important person in Agrippa's life anymore, manipulating her?

"Rendelle, it's time to board," Agrippa called to her, shaking the red head out of her daze.

They announced her name and she revealed herself to the audience. Her fellow District 6 residents. She glanced at Agrippa and held up a finger telling him to hold off on the music. His eyes widen for a second but he does as she requests.

"Hello District 6. I know what I did was not honorable and I am not expecting your support but I love this place. You will always be my home. Please know that whatever decisions I make here on out with be made with the best of intentions." She nodded and music began.

Think of me, think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye
Remember me once in a while
Please promise me, you'll try

Then you'll find that once again you long
To take your heart back and be free
If you'll ever find a moment
Spare a thought for me

We never said our love was evergreen
Or as unchanging as the sea
But if you can still remember
Stop and think of me

Think of all the things
We've shared and seen
Don't think about the way
Things might have been

Think of me, think of me waking
Silent and resigned
Imagine me trying too hard
To put you from my mind

Recall those days, look back on all those times
Think of those things we'll never do
There will never be a day
When I won't think of you

She had her eyes closed, not wanting to see the disapproving looks of her beloved District 6. She didn't hear applause, but then again, she didn't expect it. However ever she also didn't expect for everyone present to have their right hand over their heart, the salute of District 6. They were sending her a well wish farewell. Her knees started to shake. She thought she might faint. Then two strong arms studied her. She looked up and her eyes widened. She was expecting Agrippa. It was Motton. "You've done good, kid. There's no bad blood between you and your home. They know something's up." She wondered how they knew and if it had anything to do with Motton. He pointed to the middle of the audience. "Look there, I think you know her."

Her mother, also small in frame with bright red hair, stood there, her hand on her chest, and crying. Before she knew what she was doing, Rendelle jumped off the stage and enveloped her mother. Tears streamed down her face, her mother returned the embrace. Rendelle could hear the peacekeepers coming to pull her away. She only held on tighter. "Mama, I came back for you. I survived for you. So do the same for me, okay? I will have to be away for a while but I love you. I love you so much. I will survive if you do. Tell me you understand." Her voice was shaking and she was holding her mother so tight she might have broke the older woman.

"Don't survive for me, Rendy. Survive for yourself. That is what I ask of you. If you make an effort to be happy, I know that will help me carry on." She reluctantly let go of her daughter and gave a sad smile. The peacekeepers tore Rendelle from the grounds and she was backstage again.

The rest of the tour was a blur but everyone assured Rendelle she did magnificently. It passed so quickly that before she knew it, they were back at the Capitol. The feast and party were to held that night. However, she didn't really care. Hoping people would leave her alone she mocked sleep.

"Wake up Rendelle. You can rest up inside. Also, we have your apartment ready," a soft male voice disturbed her peace.

"I don't want to move." At this moment, she preferred the train's seats to any bed in the Capital. These seats were made in District 6, the home that she would never return to. She clung to the seat when Agrippa tried to physically remove her.

"Let go Rendelle. We have to leave." His voice was pleading. "We have to keep on schedule. I know this is hard but…um…" It seemed that he was out of reasons for her to move. Then she felt his breath on her neck, a blush stretched across her cheeks. "I'd love to show you your new place." A devious idea popped into her mind.

"Ok I will get up. No fight. But you need to kiss me. And it needs to be a real kiss." A playful smirk played on her lips. Agrippa looked at the ceiling for a brief moment, and then looked around to make sure they were alone.

"No fights right?"

"No fights," she assured him. He bent down, and looked her in the eye. His hand lightly stroked her cheek. Her heart was beating wildly; she was caught between wanting to pull him in and being scared stiff. He inched closer. He certainly was taking his time.

"I just want you to be sure. This is not going to be an everyday occurrence. Are you positive you want me to do this."

"I want you to be my first." She was in a trance, watching his lips. Her tongue unintentionally licked her lips. Her eyes moved to his. He was staring at her. "What?"

"Damn it! Rendelle. Why did you have to tell me that?" He put his hand through his hair messing up the spikes. "Ugh, this is so complicated and difficult." He got up and started pacing.

"I don't understand. You must have kissed dozens girls." He had a pained expression and couldn't stand still.

"I just don't want to hurt you. I don't want you to develop expectations that I can't live up to."

"Did Motton tell you that? That I have expectations of you?" His puzzled look told her immediately that she was wrong. The old man had nothing to do with this.

"What does the he have to do with this? I have never discussed our relationship with him." That, however, surprised her. Could Motton just simply observed everything he told her? Could she have completely underestimated the man?

"Nothing. It's nothing. Listen I just want to give away my first real kiss on my terms. I won't expect anything romantic from you. I promise." That answer seemed to calm him down. Agrippa nodded and came to her. He looked into her eyes as if he wished to take away her pain. His fingers, again, caressed her cheek. His lips pressed into hers and she applied pressure as well. Then his tongue lightly touched her lips asking for entrance. She allowed him in and allowed her own to graze against his. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she drew him in closer. It felt like heaven and hell put together. Like fire and ice and all she wanted to do was get closer. Perhaps he was losing himself too because his hands were clamped on her waist, pulling her closer. Her body complied. Then a moan escaped from her lips. It was enough to pull Agrippa back to reality. He pulled away and got up.

"Come on, your humble abode awaits you," he smiled and took her hand to lead her to her new residence or, as far as she was concerned, cage.