Seneca Crane
I opened my eyes wider. There he stood, poised transcendentally with his arms folded. He fashioned a crushed velvet vest, covering a silk white blazer. I discovered that I lay on a king-sized bed, red and royal in its appearance. He gently sat down next to me. I turned my face to meet his and noticed his handsome green eyes.
"Seneca Crane," I repeated.
"Effie Trinket," he responded.
I attempted to reposition myself into a more decent pose, but he touched my shoulder in a secure manner. I looked inquisitively at him and he shook his head.
"You took quite a hit. After that backhand, your head met the side of my pool. Unfortunately, you fell into the pool. I thought you might drown, so I jumped in and saved you. Your clothes were drenched, hence your ah, lack, of garments."
It was at that moment I realized I wore nothing but a towel. Glowing red from embarrassment, I avoided his gaze.
"So you saved me?" I commented slyly, holding a blush.
"That I did," he smiled in response, "I got one of my most trusted friends to pull your brother out as well."
"Oh, that was very kind of you, Mr. Crane," I looked over at him again.
"Please, Seneca," he answered, standing up.
"Seneca," I repeated again.
He offered me a hand and I took it. Holding the towel tightly around my body, I rose to my feet. I lingered in grip for a moment, and then blushed deeper.
"There is a powder room through that door," he pointed to a room on the side of his bedroom, "If you require any assistance, I will be here to help."
"Thank you."
He handed my clothes back to me. They had been hand dried and smelled fresh. How caring! I accepted the parcels graciously and headed through the door. The powder room smelled delightful. I could stay here all day. My reflection showed no external damage to my face, thank goodness, but I sported an uncomfortable lump on my head.
Carefully, I dressed myself. I hoped that if I dressed quickly, Seneca might stay and wait. I took the liberty to brush my hair a bit. It was ruined. How dreadful. When I looked decent, I stepped out of the powder room. Seneca stood on one corner of the room, spraying himself with some tasteful cologne.
"Do you light this fragrance?" he offered up the bottle.
I smelled it delicately. It reminded me of the park from my youth. I glowed with the memories of summers past. My eyes practically lit at the stimulus.
"Oh, it's delightful," I squealed.
Seneca smiled and applied a fair amount to his velvet vest. I leaned in close to catch a whiff. My eyes shut momentarily.
"You look lovely, Miss Trinket," he gesticulated.
"Please, Effie," I whispered.
"May I escort you downstairs?" he asked.
I offered my hand. He took it carefully and intertwined his arm around mine. He led the way out of his bedroom and down the carpeted steps to rejoin the party. Partygoers cheered upon our arrival. I glowed from making a full recovery and the pride at having such an important person on my arm.
"Can I offer you something, Effie?" Seneca asked.
"No, thank you," I answered.
As we integrated with the mass, men and women alike stopped to speak with Seneca. I never understood the height of his popularity. Everyone had something positive to say. He never seemed to tire of the attention. I kept an eye out for Alfie, Yuffie, or-heaven help me-her boyfriend. A few minutes later, Alfie ran up to us.
"Seneca, thanks man. For you know, everything," he said and shook Seneca's hand.
Seneca smiled politely and bowed low. One could tell that he came from old money. And those manners. Alfie laughed and reminded me that we needed to leave.
"Won't you stay?" Seneca asked, seemingly disappointed to let me go.
"I am sorry but I need to be going," I answered honestly.
He nodded and bowed to me. Then, gently he took my hand and kissed it. I blushed a horrid shade of red. Seneca seemed to shoot me a private look. Alfie fidgeted in his spot, reminding me that we needed to leave.
He grabbed me by the hand and together we left Seneca's house. The whole way back to our house, I smiled. Everything about him was perfect. He had manners and style. He was incredible. I had never fallen for someone like this. Now, we were home.
"How are we going to get in?" I whispered, despising my choice in clothes for the umpteenth time.
"I will climb onto the fence and open the front door. Wait here," he answered.
I shivered outside my house waiting for Alfie. Hurry up! He came out the front door moments later. I ran up to my bedroom quietly, thanked Alfie for all his help, and got into clothes that are more comfortable. Success! We were safe at home and despite all odds, I had managed to have a magical time with the party host.
The weekend passed in a flash with our parents none the wiser. My reputation rose both from my incidental kiss with Yuffie and with my appearance on the arm of Seneca Crane. Yuffie was finished. Rumor had it that her boyfriend left her. Rumor also had it that her boyfriend was arrested. Then again, I try to avoid rumors.
On Monday, I sat in homeroom talking with my new friends. They questioned me about my adventures. I answered enthusiastically, sparing no details. Suddenly, a well-dressed boy entered the room.
"Flowers! Flowers for Effie Trinket!" he shouted.
The room went silent. I quietly raised my hand, growing used to the constant attention doted on me. The boy crossed the classroom and presented me with a lovely display of beautiful flowers. I smelled the carefully picked daffodils and carnations. They smelled like a bit of heaven. My heart beat quickly. Inside the bouquet, a simply white card sat. I placed the card in my pocket, hoping to see the name on my mind in print.
"Who are they from?" asked someone quickly.
I opened the card and saw a message scribbled neatly. It read:
Effie, you are so lovely. I would love to see you again. Please meet me in front of the golden statue of President Snow near the City Circle.
On the back were two letters: S.C.
I smiled enthusiastically. Girls ripped the card from my hand, passing it around the room. Whispers began. No doubt, rumors circulated. I guess you can never get away from it.