So last chapter was sort of like the prologue for this story, setting up things for the future chapters.

I hope you all enjoyed it! And I hope you like the rest of the story as well :)

I sort of know what I'm going to be putting in this chapter...some things will be revealed, and others not. Oh and then next chapter we're going to be introducing Dash into this story ;)

Oh and for all of you Dash fans out there, we're going to be seeing a side of him we haven't explored yet, and I think you lot will enjoy it ;) ;) ;)

Anyway! Enough talk, let's move on to the chapter! Here we go!

Oh and leave a review! ;)

Chapter Two: Paula Treman.

I shift slightly and let out a sigh, keeping my eyes closed as I take a deep breath of the morning air. I feel the pressure of Felix's arm across my waist, and I smile slightly as I turn my head and face him. He's still asleep, his chest rising and falling slowly. His warm breath stirs my hair slightly, and I reach forward and gently brush my fingertips against his cheek.

"Good morning beautiful."

He says without opening his eyes. His voice is low with sleep, and it rumbles deep in his chest.

"How can you call me beautiful when you can't see what I look like?"

He wraps both arms around me and draws me against him, taking a deep breath and letting it out in a sigh as he says.

"Because you're always beautiful. Except when you snore."

I push myself off him slightly and say indignantly.

"Hey! I told you, I don't snore!"

He chuckles and pulls me back down with him.

"How do you know if you're sleeping?"

I smile and rest my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. He brushes his fingertips up and down my back slowly, and we lay there for a little while, listening to the early call of birds, and the distant sound of fishermen on their way to the docks. Finally Felix let's out a sigh and lets his arms slide off me, sitting up and running his fingers through his bed hair.

"What are you doing?"

I ask sleepily, he turns his head slightly to look at me.

"I've got to head down to the docks."

He turns his head back to look in front of him, and I playfully walk my fingers up his bare back.

"But I don't want you to put a shirt on."

I say pouting. He doesn't react, and I know he's playing with me. So I sit up and wrap my arms around him, resting my chin on his shoulder and running my hands over his abs.

"Mags..."

He growls warningly. I bite my lip as I start grinning, and suddenly start tickling his sides.

"Whoa! Hey stop!"

Felix squirms and manages to grab my hands, turning around to face me he pushes me back onto the bed and hovers over me, still holding both of my hands in one of his.
"That wasn't very nice. You know I'm ticklish."

I giggle and nod.
"Yes I do."

He can't help grinning.

"You are being a very bad girl this morning."

I open my eyes wide and stick my bottom lip out in the perfect repentant child face.

"I'm sorry."

"That's better."

He says as he leans down and presses his lips against mine. He releases my hands, and I run my hands up his arms to his neck, twisting my fingers in his hair. I feel him start to pull away, but I tighten my grip on his hair and pull him closer. I feel him hesitate for a second, but when I deepen the kiss he gives in and wraps his arm around me and rolls us both over so I'm laying on top of him. His hands roam over my back and shoulders and I make sure my hands aren't idle either. Just when things are getting dangerously heated, he sits up and pulls away, saying breathlessly.

"Mags...I've really got to get to work."

I make a small disappointed sound and give him a teasing kiss, moving across his jaw and down to his neck. His hands tighten in my hair and he makes a small growl deep in his chest, sending pleasant shivers through me.

"No, no, no. I really can't be late."

He says with a reluctant sigh. Rubbing his hand up and down my arm, he gently slides me onto the bed and stands up. I give up and sit on the bed pouting. I watch him walk over to the dresser and search through the drawers, pulling out a pair of heavy khaki pants and a white T-shirt. He turns around and laughs at my mournful face.

"Oh come on Mags, I want to stay just as much, if not more, than you do. But I can't risk getting fired, I do have to eat you know."

I sigh and push my hair out of my face.

"I know..."

I look down at the bed and slowly twist the sheets around my fingers.

"You don't have to work you know..."

He walks over and sits on the edge of the bed.
"Mags, we've talked about this. I'm not going to be supported by my girlfriend."

"But I don't even work for it! And there's just so much money..."

He tilts my chin up and says firmly.

"I will not take anything from the Capitol. I earn my own way. Alright?"

I nod and he gives me a small smile, kissing my forehead before standing up again.

"Good. Tell you what though, you can make me dinner tonight if you want."

I smile and jump off the bed, walking over and poking him in the shoulder.
"Oh I see how it is! You just want me to cook for you."

He laughs and wraps his arms around me, kissing me lightly on the nose as he says.
"Well isn't that what a girlfriend is for?"

I stick my nose in the air and turn away from him, saying snooty.
"If that's what you think you might not have a girlfriend."

He grabs my hand and spins me back into his arms with a chuckle.

"I love you."

I frown.

"Well that's not very fair, I'm trying to be mad at you."

He leans forward and kisses me very slowly, the small gesture full of passion. He pulls away and rests his forehead against mine.
"Okay fine you win, my house around six?"

He grins and gives me a quick peck.
"Deal, I look forward to it."

He releases me and walks towards the bathroom.

"What are you going to do today?"

I sigh and say wistfully.

"Pining the day away, counting down the minutes until you return."

He pokes his head around the bathroom door, looking deadly serious.

"No really, are you going to be alright?"

I smile and nod.

"I'll be fine. I think I'll maybe go visit Pixie, I haven't seen her hardly at all since...well since I got back."

He nods.
"Alright. Just...be careful. I don't want you purposely being around things that could remind you."

I stand up and straighten the large T-shirt of his that I'm wearing.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."

He gives me a small smile and shakes his head.

"Nope sorry, I can't."

He ducks back inside the bathroom and appears a moment later dressed. I took advantage of the privacy and quickly changed.

"How do I look?"

He asks with a grin. I smile and loop my arm in his.
"Very handsome. Come on, I'll walk you to the docks."

The docks are close to his house, and we arrive within a few minutes. The first mate of Felix's ship is waiting on the docks, making sure all sailors board before they leave. He smiles at Felix and gives me a small bow.
"Mornin' miss."

I smile and reply cheerfully.

"Good morning Mr. Briggs. Where are you taking my man off to today?"

He waves his hand in the general direction of the ocean as he replies.

"We're going to be trawling around the south cove."

I nod and turn to Felix.

"You be careful."

He gives me a smile and kisses me.

"I always am. I'll see you tonight darling."

I smile and give him another quick kiss before he pulls away and boards the ship. Mr. Briggs turns and gives me a smile.

"Don't worry miss, he's a great worker and friend, we'll take good care of him."

I return his smile and give him a small wave.

"Thank you. I'll see you later."

He gives me a quick salute before hurrying up the gangplank. I watch the ship pull away, and just as I'm about to turn to walk back into town, I catch sight of Felix on the deck, he grins and waves. I return the wave, and then he disappears from the rail. I walk back into town, deciding to stop at the new house to let Leroy and dad know I'm alright. It still seems strange to walk into Victor's village and just go up to one of the large houses and know that it's mine. I don't know if it will ever feel like home though. I don't know if anywhere will feel like home now that Will is gone. I open the front door and step into the entry way.

"Hello? Anyone home?"

Leroy suddenly appears and grabs me in a tight hug, almost knocking the breath from me.
"Mags! Oh thank goodness I was so worried! Felix came and said you were safe but I still couldn't help worrying."

I smile and pat him on the back.
"I'm sorry for worrying you, I'm fine now."

He releases me, and I notice again how much he's grown. He's almost taller than I am now, and his shoulders have grown slightly broader. He turned fifteen last month, it's hard to believe and I still find myself thinking that he's still that little gangly seven-year old. I try not to tease him about his voice dropping, but every once in a while it will crack and I can't help making a comment.

"Well, just don't do that again alright?"

I nod and give him a mock salute.
"Yes sir."

He kisses my forehead and then takes my hand.

"Come on, Dad is out working."

I laugh and shake my head as he leads me into the large kitchen.

"I wouldn't call it working."

Ever since my family and I were made rich by the Captiol, we haven't had to worry about anything, and we never will. My father still goes about the District, especially the smaller fishing villages on the outskirts, and tends to the sick and injured for free. Supplying extra medicine and bandage to those who need it. That's one of the good things that's come out of all this. The injured and sick get cared for without any cost, and my father can even supply the poorest families with food and anything else they may need.

"Well, he can't stand to just sit around. Especially now that he can take care of all those families without having to worry about providing for us."

I hop onto a bar stool and lean my elbows on the counter as Leroy starts making coffee.

"I know. Why are you making coffee?"

He laughs.
"It's the morning, doesn't that mean it's time to drink coffee? Besides, you look like you could use some."

My jaw drops in indignant shock and he grins mischievously. I jump down from my perch and chase him around the kitchen.
"How dare you! I'm going to make you pay for that comment!"

He laughs and runs around and around, finally grabbing me and holding my arms down.

"Hey! Let go!"

He sticks his tongue out at me childishly and says.

"No!"

I narrow my eyes and grin.
"Alright you asked for it."

I change the direction of pulling I was using on his arms, causing him to relieve the pressure for a split second. I wrench one of my hands free and with a quick move have him lying on the floor. He groans and coughs, saying indignantly.
"No fair. Arena training isn't allowed."

I nudge him in the side with my toe and say triumphantly.
"Too bad! Come on, get up and finish making my coffee."

He remains motionless on the floor, crossing his arms and glaring up at me.
"No chance. You don't deserve coffee now."

I raise my hands, fingers curling and uncurling threateningly.

"You're very close on earning a ticket to tickle land."

His eyes widen in horror and he quickly scrambles to his feet, backing away from me slowly.
"You'd better not!"

I lunge for him and he lets out a very girlish squeal before running around the island and keeping it between us. I laugh and walk over to the coffee maker.
"You sound like a girl."

He looks indignant, but doesn't dare to say anything while he's still in danger of my wrath. eventually he walks up and takes over the coffee making, claiming that I always make it either too strong or too weak. I relinquish the task to him, and return to my bar stool. Resting my chin in my hand as I watch him move about the kitchen, pulling a few pastries out of the pantry, getting out cream and sugar, and a couple of mugs.

"So..."

I say, breaking the silence. He smiles and glances at me.

"So?"

I smile teasingly at him and say casually.

"How's Becky been lately?"

He turns his face away, but I see him turn scarlet before he does.
"I...um...she's fine I guess."

I appear completely innocent outwardly, but I'm grinning like crazy inside. Becky is the daughter of one of my father's oldest friends. He's actually the captain of the ship Felix works on. And, Leroy has had a crush on his daughter since he was five years old. I can't blame him, Becky is one of the kindest and sweetest people I know, she's always looking for ways to help other people. She's very pretty, and has the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. Who wouldn't fall in love with those big doe eyes and soft brown curls?

"Have you seen her recently?"

Leroy has managed to put up a blank face as he hands me a mug steaming with coffee, and the cream and sugar.

"Not since you got back."

I barely manage not to spit out the coffee I had just sipped, and I swallow the hot liquid painfully, almost choking on it.

"What?! You haven't seen Becky in over four months?"

He shrugs, looking uncomfortable as he fixes his own coffee.

"Why not?"

He shrugs again.
"Wasn't she...wasn't she at the funeral?"

He nods.
"And you didn't say hi?"

He turns on me suddenly, his eyes full of unshed tears.

"That wasn't exactly a good time to say hi."

I'm surprised by his severity, but I know that he's seen much worse from me. So I just look down at my coffee and rub my finger along the rim of the mug.

"I'm sorry Leroy...I shouldn't have pried."

He takes a deep breath and lets it out in a slow sigh.

"I didn't mean to snap at you Mags. It's just...ever since...well everything. I can't bear to see her, and now I can't ever tell her...how I feel."

I look up sharply.

"Why not?"

He runs a hand through his light brown hair and says.

"Because I don't want her to pity me, and feel like she owes me something. I don't want her to like me just because she feels sorry for me."

I suddenly start laughing, and he looks at me shocked.

"Leroy. She is not stupid! And she's definitely not that kind of girl. She's got a very good head on her shoulders, and she's not going to pretend to like you just because she feels bad."

He doesn't say anything so I continue.
"Trust me Leroy. I may not be an expert in affairs of the heart, but if there's one thing the games have taught me, it's how to read people, and after being in the arena you develop extra sharp gut instincts about things."

He finally looks up.

"Really?"

I smile and nod knowingly.

"Really. Now if I were Becky, I would be dying to see you right now."

He half smiles, and I feel a little weight lifted off of my shoulders to see him happy.

"Well maybe I'll pay her a visit sometime soon."

I nod towards the door.
"Sometime soon? Go, now."

He hesitates and looks at me. I wave a hand at him dismissively.
"Oh don't worry about me, I'm going to go see Pixie. I promise I'll be good."

He smiles and nods, walking towards the door. I spin on the stool and call after him.
"Oh and Leroy!"

He stops and looks over his shoulder.

"Yeah?"

"You be good. And be home by six."

I wink at him as he smiles embarrassed. Promising to be back early to help me with dinner, then he ducks out the door and I hear it shut behind him. I finish my coffee, and clean up before walking outside. I stand for a minute and take a deep breath of the salty air. Then slowly make my way to Pixie's house. It's a rich looking house just outside the victors village, two stories, with a wrap around porch on both floors. The front of the lower porch is strung up with a dozen wind chimes, all tinkling musically in the breeze. I walk up the front steps and knock on the door.

"Just a minute!"

I hear the call through the door, and I take a step back and wait a few moments. Finally the door swings open and Pixie is looking happily surprised. I'm still stunned at how normal she looks, her blonde hair is a soft gold, nothing like the bright canary yellow she had in the Capitol. It is loose, and flowing over her shoulders in a curtain. She has very minimal makeup on, just slight enhancers, and she's wearing a pair of jeans and a white tank top.

"Mags! Oh hello dear!"

She says happily, her voice a rich alto, which is another thing that surprises me. The only link to the old Pixie is the tattoos on her arms and neck, which even those are more muted. She gives me a hug before opening the door wide and ushering me in.
"Hello Pixie, it's really good to see you."

I say as I step inside, she smiles brightly and closes the door behind me, leading me into the living room as she replies.

"Oh likewise. I don't believe we've seen each other since the funeral."

I look surprised as I sit down on the couch, She sits down on the other end of the couch.

"You were at the funeral?"

She nods.

"Of course I was. I don't blame you for not noticing. You didn't really seem to be there if you know what I mean."

I nod and there's a moment of silence. Finally I look up and give her a small smile.
"It's going to take some getting used to, seeing you look so..."

She grins and looks down at herself.
"Normal? Oh believe me, it's odd for me as well."

She smiles and leans forward saying secretively.
"Truth is, I live half the year in the District because I wouldn't be able to stand acting like the Capitolites all year long."

I look at her confused.

"What do you mean act like a Capitolite?"

She thinks for a moment, and then sighs resignedly.

"Well it's about time you knew anyway."

I lean forward expectantly and wait for her to continue. She takes a deep breath, and begins.

"I am not from the Capitol, not originally at least. I was born in District Thirteen."

I can't help the sharp gasp that escapes my lips, and I put a hand over my mouth to stop any further outbursts. She smiles slightly.

"I knew you'd be surprised. Anyway, I managed to escape and made my way to the Capitol, there I created Pixie Cuff, the peppy and ever cheerful lemon head, who's greatest wish was to be the escort for District Four. With a little help I made it, and now I live two lives, one in the Capitol as Pixie Cuff, and one here."

I interrupt briefly.

"What's your real name then?"

She smiles.
"Paula Treman. Although nobody has called me that in a long time."

Her eyes are distant, and a little wistful. She blinks and takes a deep breath.
"Well, there you have it missy. My big secret."

I smile at the mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Does anyone else know?"

She nods.
"Dashing does for one. And a few trusted friends in the Capitol."

"But why would you do that? Why not just start over in one of the Districts?"

She smiles and leans forward, dropping her voice to a whisper.
"My father was one of the leaders in the rebellion, and even though the Capitol might believe that it's won, there are some who are not yet defeated."

"What do you mean?"

She shrugs.
"I mean that the games aren't going to last forever, I highly doubt that it will happen in my lifetime, but I know that someday the Districts are going to rebel again. And this time they'll win."

I shake my head.
"That can't be true. The rebellion wasn't even that long ago, and the Capitol is too strong."

She gives me a small wink before saying casually.

"Let's just say that the District's may have help in unusual places. The Capitol being one of them."

She leans forward and says quickly.

"I am only one of the rebels that live inside the Capitol, we are few, but we have placed ourselves carefully, planning years into the future. We know it will take a long time, but we are confident that someday, things will change."

There's a moment of silence as she lets this sink in. My mind is racing, and a small flicker of hope flares up inside of me. Maybe she's right, maybe we will all be free someday.

"So that's my story Mags Flint. Don't go telling anyone."

I smile and shake my head.
"My lips are sealed."

She grins and pats my hand.
"Good girl. So how have you been? Any reason I haven't seen you around?"

She asks this less as a question, and more like a demand for an explanation. I sigh and rub my forehead.

"Just...adjusting I guess."

She nods knowingly and puts her arm around me for a brief hug.

"Well, take it from someone who knows. Adjusting takes time, but it is possible to start again. I lost my whole family, my home, and now I live in the Capitol. How much of a change is that?"

We both laugh lightly and then Pixie pats my knee.
"Have you seen Dash at all since you've been back?"

I shake my head, feeling slightly guilty.
"It's just...I don't know. It's a little odd being around him at home."

She nods and gives me a small smile.
"Is it awkward? Being around him while you're with Felix?"

I look surprised at her and she chuckles.

"You'd be surprised what I know dear. And to be honest, you two weren't exactly subtle. Sneaking into each other's bedrooms in the middle of the night. Then magically showing up in your own the next morning."

I feel my cheeks burning and I cover my face with my hands.
"Oh gosh this is mortifying."

She chuckles again and pats my back.
"Don't worry dear, I know enough about you to know that you didn't let it get too far."

I bite my lip, remembering when I was still high on those mind wiping pills.

"Well, Dash was the one who stopped...whatever was going on."

She raises her eyebrows in surprise.
"Really? I've known him since his games, and I never would have thought he would do that. He's a good boy, but it was obvious he cared deeply about you."

I nod.
"Which is why he stopped. He was protecting me because I was still high on those drugs and he knew I would regret it."

She smiles and shakes her head.
"I swear, that boy will never cease to surprise me. So you two have everything worked out?"

I nod again.
"We've established where we are, and I think we both know it's for the best this way."

She nods.
"Good! I'm glad to hear you two have everything worked out. You should really talk to him sometime though. He would never admit it, but he's lonely. He has his mother and little sister, but no friends. Well, no real friends. The people here still look on him as a Capitol pet."

I suddenly feel very guilty, and promise myself that I'll go and see him soon.

"I'll be sure to pay him a visit soon, but right now I need to go shopping. I'm making dinner for Felix tonight."

Pixie gives me a grin.

"Oh really?"

I smile at her teasing tone of voice and stand up.
"Yes really. One of these days I'm going to have you over for dinner as well. I don't think my family has met you yet."

She brightens up at the idea and leads me to the door.
"I would love that! I've secretly been dying to meet your family."

"Really?"

She laughs and nods.

"Mags, I fell in love with you and Will the moment you were reaped, and it would be an honor to meet the rest of your family."

I smile and give her a hug.

"Well then, I'll be sure to have you over soon."

I step out onto the porch and she stands in the doorway, calling after me.

"I look forward to it."

I give her a wave and stop at home to grab some money before heading into town. I try to do all of my shopping in the poorer shopping area of the District, knowing that they need the money more than the higher class. But some items can only be found in the richer District. I tend to overpay for my purchases, and pretend not to notice. Most people will try to return the extra money, but I always refuse. If I'm forced to be rich and famous by the Capitol then I am going to help as many people as I can, because the Capitol certainly won't.

I'm walking from the poorer market place, to the richer shopping area, smiling politely whenever someone recognizes me and makes a comment. Trying to avoid attention for the most part. I see a group of teenage boys from the rich town walking along the sidewalk, being obnoxious and snotty as always. I never could stand them. They were born into families with money, and so they look down on those of us that have to work for a living. They used to sneer and say cruel things to me, I don't know how they'll react now since I am now a higher class then they are. One of the boys notices me as I try to avoid them, and he nudges his buddies.

"Well, well, look what we have here."

They snicker and block my path. I sigh frustrated as I shift the bags I'm holding.

"Where are you off to Mags?"

I smile sweetly at the speaker and say cooly.
"I'm on my way to the shops to buy some things for dinner. Now if you would please move out of the way, I'll be going."

They snicker and the ringleader steps forward.
"Well I want to talk with you for a minute, so if you please just stand right there."

I can feel anger bubbling inside of me, and I struggle to contain it. Telling myself that they are just some stupid, silly boys that don't understand how jerk-like they are. I take a deep breath and put my packages down, crossing my arms and facing them.
"Fine. What do you want?"

The leader laughs and takes a step forward.
"Do you know who I am?"

I roll my eyes and mutter something not very lady-like under my breath. Then I sigh and ask loud enough for them to hear.
"Actually I don't think I've had the displeasure."

He takes another step forward so that he's just a few inches away. He's taller than me, and I'm guessing he's a year or two older. The others look around the same age.

"I am Hector. Hector Caspern."

I raise my eyebrows in surprise.
"The mayor's son?"

He smirks at my surprise.
"That's right. Maybe next time you'll think before you talk to me like that again. You may be first class baby doll, but you're not quite on my level."

My eyebrows shoot up in disbelief. Did he really just call me baby doll? Oh hell no. He's not getting away with that.

"Listen Hector, I don't care if you were the President of all Panem! You will learn to treat women with the respect they deserve, and I warn you to watch your tongue around me."

He looks shocked by my outburst, but that leer is soon on his face again.

"Feisty one isn't she? I guess she thinks just cause she won the games she can intimidate us. Sorry to burst your bubble baby doll but I think it's time you got off that high horse."

I roll my eyes at him and scoff.
"Yeah, I'm the one with an ego problem."

He grabs my upper arm and I flinch at the sudden movement, causing him to sneer.

"I think you need someone to teach you a lesson."

He must have mistaken my flinch for fear, when in reality it was an instinctive reaction. The anger is almost boiling over now, and I fight to keep from blowing up. Hector suddenly puts his hand on my cheek, and brushes his fingers down to my neck. I smack his hand away as he starts to travel lower, and I feel battle light in my eyes as I glare at him.

"Don't. Touch. Me."

The words come out in a savage hiss, and for a moment I feel like someone else had taken over my body. Like the scream in the arena. He looks at the red mark on his hand from where I smacked him, and then turns to me outraged.

"You would dare to hit me?"

I narrow my eyes and wrench my shoulder free of his grasp. Mocking him.

"You would dare to touch me?"

He smirks and says wickedly.
"I can do whatever I want to baby doll."

He grabs my arm again and pulls me closer to him. I grind my teeth together and stare daggers into his eyes.
"Don't call me that. Now let me go."

"Or what?"

"Or you'll regret it."

He laughs and brushes his fingertips across my face again as he says.
"You believe you're more threatening than you actually are. We all watched the games, the only time you looked remotely dangerous was when you fought that girl from One, and then when it came down to it you didn't even have the guts to kill her."

His hand goes about six inches too low, and I feel myself snap. Within a few seconds Hector is on the ground gasping for air. I'm crouching over him, digging my knee into his chest. I have one hand clutching a fistful of his black hair and I slam his head back onto the cobblestones and hold it there, hissing into his face dangerously.
"Just because I wasn't a monster in the arena, doesn't mean I didn't learn a thing or two in training. I know how to kill you in at least six different ways with my bare hands. And that girl from One? Her name was Ruby, and she wasn't a piece of scum like you!"

I feel several pairs of hands grab me and yank me off of Hector. I struggle to escape, but strong arms grip my hands, twisting my arms behind my back painfully. Hector struggles to his feet, and faces me, his eyes furious. I look around and notice with dismay that in my haste to escape the few people on the streets, I had wandered into an alley. Now with dusk closing, I doubt there's anyone still in the streets. Hector walks up and stands in front of me, his eyes roaming over my body pervertedly.

"I like a girl with a bit of spirit."

I spit at him, once again thanking my younger brothers as I score a shot in his right eye. He wipes my spit away and glares at me.

"Maybe you're a little too spirited. I've got something that will calm you down a little."

I stare in horror as he produces a syringe from his pocket and holds it up. It's full of a suspicious looking clear liquid. He grins and looks from the syringe to me.
"Know what this is?"

I don't answer so he takes a step closer and observes the syringe thoughtfully.

"It's called morphling."

My eyes widen and I pull away from him, my pulse quickening at the name. He grins in malicious glee and says.

"I see you've heard of it before."

Yes I have. Morphling is one of the most powerful drugs there is. It's pretty much illegal in the Capitol, and definitely forbidden in any of the Districts, except for extreme medical conditions. It causes the user to be very relaxed and rather lethargic, and generally out of it. Over use of it causes the brain cells to slowly die, leaving you like a child, blissfully happy. While turning your body into a yellow-skinned, sunken eyed, skeleton. It's also dangerously addictive. Hector takes another step closer and I try to pull free from the arms holding me.

"We were going to head down to the beach and party, but I think I've found a better use for this. Hold her still."

"No!"

I scream desperately, struggling violently. The hands tighten and I cry out in pain as my arm is twisted up my back much too far. My heart is racing and my breathing is ragged as another set of hands grab me and hold me steady. Hector walks forward and holds the syringe over my arm menacingly.

"Please no!"

I say, pleadingly. Desperate now, because I know the minute the drug is in my bloodstream, I won't be able to fight. Hector grins maliciously and says quietly.
"Too late for that baby doll."

I wince as he stabs the needle into my arm, and I gasp as the drugs enter my system. He pulls the needle out, the syringe now empty, and takes a step back.

"You can let her go now, she's not going to be any more trouble."

I feel the arms release me, and I sway slightly on my feet, blinking as I try to focus my eyes. My breathing slows, and I feel half asleep. I hold a hand to my forehead and frown.

"I don't feel good..."

I sway and almost fall. one of the boys step forward and grab me, holding me up by my upper arms. My voice sounds groggy and distant. Hector steps forward and tilts my chin up, looking at my eyes.

"Well you're stoned."

He laughs and brushes his thumb against my lips. The guy supporting me releases my arms and steps back.

"You're hot too."

Hector leans forward and presses his lips against mine, rough and demanding. I'm still aware enough to be repulsed so I pull my head back quickly and turn away. He snarls and grabs my hair, yanking my head back around causing me to whimper in pain. His lips are back on mine in an instant, and with his fingers still twisted in my hair I can't pull away again. He pushes me backwards until my back slams against the wall of the building behind me, still kissing me roughly. The pain from my back hitting the wall, and him pulling my hair, gives me a little more clarity, and with a sudden burst of anger I bite down on his lip, tasting blood. He roars in pain and pulls back, holding the back of his hand to his bottom lip. I gasp and hold a hand to the back of my head, gingerly rubbing the sore area.

"Big mistake."

He growls, stepping forward and grabbing my hair again. I scream as he pulls on it and yanks my head to the side. He doesn't risk kissing me on the lips again, going for my neck instead. I feel tears running down my cheeks and I sob, pushing against his chest weakly. Curse that morphling, I have no strength at all. I feel the blood from his lip, hot and sticky, being smeared across my neck. His free hand pulls at my tank top, and he rips it off my left shoulder. I suddenly feel his lips hovering near my ear, and he whispers dangerously.

"I'm going to make you pay. And I'm going to have fun with it. Time to repay a favor."

His mouth lands on mine and he bites my lip hard. I scream as the metallic taste of blood fills my mouth. He pulls away and grins. Finally releasing my hair.

"No use screaming, no one will hear you. But go ahead and scream, it just makes this all the more fun."

He grabs my waist and slams me back against the wall again. His fingers are digging into my skin painfully, and I know I'm going to have bruises. His mouth lands on my neck again, and he bites the tender skin at the base of my neck. I scream through my sobs and try to push him away. Suddenly I hear a furious roar, and Hector is pulled away from me so fast I fall onto my knees. I scoot back against the wall and wrap my arms around myself tightly. I hear screams and cries of pain, along with furious shouts and the sound of blows. After what seems like forever, the sound stops, and I hear footsteps running away.

"Mags! Oh hell..."

I shrink away from the hands that try to touch me. The voice is low and hazy.

"Don't...touch me."

I mumble, the words slurring. I shudder as a hand touches my face. This touch is gentle though. Tender. They very carefully lift my chin up and brush the hair out of my face.

"What have they done to you..."

The voice is becoming clearer, and there's a hint of familiarity in it. It's pained, like they were the ones hurt instead of me. I open my eyes and blink several times. Through my drugged mind floats realization and I sob.

"Dash..."

He looks me over, horror written across his face. The pain in his eyes makes me almost forget that I'm the one whose been hurt.
"Mags what happened?"

I shake my head slowly.
"Morphling...blood...please don't hurt me."

I whimper, fresh tears falling from my eyes. He pulls me into his arms, and I wince and let out a small cry of pain as he makes contact with the bruises around my waist. He very gently picks me up, his arms holding me carefully but protectively.

"It's okay Mags...I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you."

My head feels too heavy to hold up, so I let it fall against his chest, my eyes closing as unconsciousness pulls me down into the welcomed embrace of darkness.

Author's note: So I was very cruel in this past chapter to poor Mags. I really am terrible to her :(

But! I introduced Dash a chapter early so love me anyway! :P Who here hates Hector? *raises hand frantically* Piece of scum!

So anyway, I didn't plan that whole last bit, but I decided it would work well with the story...don't ask me why, but I did.

So leave a review! Even if it's just an angry rant about how much you hate Hector. Ciao!

Wendy