Greetings readers!

Pardon the super late update, but it is now summertime, and suddenly I have a busy social life (like seriously, what the heck?)

Anyway, I have rehearsals for a play I'm in twice a week, so that kills two days, and then we've been doing stuff on the days I'm free as well :P

But here I am! I've been trying to find my rhythm in this new business, and have slowly been getting there.

As always, reviews are GREATLY appreciated, they help let me know that people are waiting for the next chapter which in turn gives me a sense of urgency in getting an update out quicker.

Love you all!

Chapter Twenty-Six: Too soon.

I close my eyes and let the cool breeze caress my face, breathing in the evening air.

After a moment or two, I open my eyes and enjoy the sunset, reflecting it's bright colors off the already candy colored buildings that stretch out below me, most of which have twinkling lights in them.

I breathe in deeply, and let it out in a long sigh, shifting on my high heels as I straighten my dress out.

Tonight is the interviews, tomorrow Lisa and Ryder are going into the arena.

My stomach lurches, and I fight the anxiety and depression starting to weigh down on me. I can't afford to be weak tonight I have to help Dash pull in sponsors, which may be easier than I originally thought considering how I look.

Apparently my stylists have been pressured into "sexing me up" resulting in my look for the evening.

A dark pomegranate colored sheath dress that clings to every bit of my body. There are sheer bits of black fabric strategically draped around my hips and bust in a seductive way. The dress only has one strap on my right shoulder, leaving the other completely bare, and curls down almost scandalously low in the back.

The black heels I'm wearing curl around my feet, and if it wasn't for the bit that wraps around my ankle I don't think they'd stay on.

Normally I wouldn't be able to walk in the dress and shoe combination, but there's a slit on the left side of the dress that reaches my thigh, lucky me.

My blonde hair is braided and woven, pulled all to one side, and hangs draped over my shoulder in big, loose curls. My makeup is done seductively, subtle smoky eyes with a matte red lipstick, my face contoured to give me an added bit of drama.

I sigh and rub my forehead, obviously Nero wants to put me on display tonight, get me flirting with the Capitolites to earn sponsors then maybe they'll seek out…other favors.

I shudder and wrap my arms around waist. Absentmindedly twisting my ring around on my finger, Nero's words repeat over and over in my head. "That will only protect you for so long…"

"Mags?"

I'm broken out of my thoughts at Dash's voice, and I turn around to face him.

His eyes widen as he takes in my appearance, his mouth open slightly in surprise.

"I know, I look-"

"Sexy." He says quietly, his eyes sad.

I fidget, suddenly feeling very self-conscious. "What am I going to do?" My voice breaks, and I fight the welling tears.

He immediately pulls me into his arms, holding me tightly, protectively. "It's going to be alright."

I shake my head. "No it's not."

After a moment of standing like that, wrapped in his arms, Dash lightly pats me on the back. "We have to go."

I take a deep breath and straighten up, quickly putting on my Capitol face, I give Dash a flirty look and bat my eyelashes. "Lead the way."

He shakes his head sadly. "You're getting far too good at that."

Arm in arm, we descend to our floor to pick up Ryder and Lisa.

Ryder is dressed in a black suit similar to Dash's with the exception of a pale blue shirt instead of a light sunset orange one.

Lisa is dressed very prettily in a sea foam green chiffon dress, the skirt is all ruffles, reminding me of wave tops. Her hair is up in an intricate braided up do, with minimal makeup.

She gasps when she sees me. "Mags! You looks so gorgeous!"

I give her a bright smile. "Thank you, but I'm afraid you outshine me by far, look at you!"

She blushes at the compliment and does a small twirl. "Isn't it pretty?"

I give her a small hug and nod. "It is, and so are you. You'll steal the audience's heart."

I look over at Ryder and raise my eyebrows questioningly.

He shrugs slightly in response.

"You look very handsome." I'm surprised to see the faintest of blushes tinge his cheekbones.

"Um…thanks."

Dash walks up and slings an arm around his shoulder. "Remember the pointers we went over this afternoon, you guys are going to do great. Okay? Let's go."

When we arrive at the stadium set up for the interviews, Ryder and Lisa are swept away for any last minute adjustments and to be shows what to do.

Dash leads me to our seats, on the same row as the other mentors up near the front.

I keep my arm securely looped in his, smiling brightly as I appear relaxed, but growing more tense and anxious as more and more heads turn to stare at me.

Dash casually puts his arm around my waist, his dazzling smile pasted onto his face. To the common onlooker it would appear that he was flirting with me by putting his arm around my waist, but I know it's to help keep me calm.

I give him a mock reproving look and playfully show him my ring.

He laughs and gives me a wink as we find out seats and sit down.

Tara glares icy daggers at me, probably jealous that I'm drawing attention away from her.

Ebony and Ryker give me appreciative smirks, elbowing each other and showing off.

I roll my eyes and turn my attention to James, who I'm sitting next to. I give him a small smile, which he hesitantly returns.

I'm distracted by a cat call, and then Eliza plops down onto Dash's lap. "Look at you! Someone got sexyfied!"

I put my hands on my hips and give her a smirk. "Oh yeah, pretty amazing right?"

She laughs and smacks Dash lightly on the shoulder. "You almost look bad sitting next to her!"

Dash raises one eyebrow. "That so?"

She nodded. "Yep. So, how are you feeling about your tributes? Think they're prepared?"

Dash shrugs. "As prepared as they can be. How about yours?"

"Triss and Yale, they're just a couple of kids." Suddenly subdued, she glances toward the stage sadly.

Dash tightens his arm around her slightly. "I'm sorry, Eliza."

She shrugs. "Yeah well, it's not your fault." She stands and straightens her short, form fitting black dress. "I'd best get back to me seat, see you later."

Dash nods and I wave as she moves a few seats down.

The interviews start a moment later. I try and pay attention, but my mind is too busy worrying about the games tomorrow, and trying to get sponsors tonight and…everything.

Ryder and Lisa's interviews go off without a hitch, and the crowd seems to like them. I vaguely remember Mary's interview, not the whole thing, just her little knowing smirk when Estevan asks her what her strategy is.

At the end of the interviews we go and see Lisa and Ryder, congratulate them and send them back to our floor, explaining that we're going to an after party to try and hook in some more sponsors.

Once we arrive at the bustling club where the richest citizens have migrated after the interviews ended, Dash gives me a few pointers.

"Pick the richest looking people, buy them a drink, talk to them for a bit, ask what they think of the tributes this year, then casually mention some of our tribute's strengths. Get them interested and then ask if they'd like to sponsor."

I nod, taking several deep breaths.

"Oh, and avoid any sleazy looking guys."

I roll my eyes. "No kidding."

He raises his eyebrows. "Hey, I'm just trying to look out for you."

I soften and nod. "I know…sorry, sometimes it's kind of hard to switch between two sides so quickly."

He shakes his head. "You have no idea. Alright, we should split up to cover more ground. We'll only try for an hour or so then head back to the rooms. We'll need all the sleep we can get tonight."

I nod and head off to the left, ordering a drink as I search for my first target. I spot a lavishly dressed young woman who's giggling with a few of her friends over in the corner. Picking up my drink, I stroll over and join their group. "Hey girls! I love all of your outfits, so cute!"

They all seem excited to see me, and let loose a string of giggles before replying. In unison, "Thanks!"

The one I spotted first takes in my appearance and gasps appreciatively. "You look so amazing! You're so lucky to have Bojo as a stylist, he's an artist."

I laugh. "He is indeed, and thank you."

Another one of the girls pipe up. "But seriously, you are soooooo dazzling!"

They all agree, pointing out different aspects of my look that they especially like. One of the girls adds cheekily. "And you're so lucky to have Dash as a fellow mentor, he is just the dreamiest!"

All the other girls giggle in agreement. "Please tell me you're sleeping with him! I mean, how could you work with him and not be?"

I laugh and shake my head, holding my hand up to display my ring. "Sorry, I'm spoken for."

All the girls gather around to admire my ring.

"Oh it's so cute!"

"Who's the lucky guy?"

"How long have you two been together?"

"My boyfriend back home, Felix, we've known each other since we were kids."

The first girl gives me a suggestive wink. "Is he hot?"

I laugh and nod. "Very."

They all squeal in approval. "Why haven't we seen anything of him yet? I'd heard rumors that you were spoken for, but most everyone thinks that's just a rumor and you're really hooking up with Dash but wanting to keep it quiet."

"No, I am most definitely not with Dash."

One of them pouts. "Well now I want to see this mysterious boyfriend! You'll have to bring him to the Capitol sometime soon so everyone can see he's real!"

"I'll try my best to bring him along next time I come."

One of the girls suddenly says. "You know who else is really cute?"

They all turn to look at her.

"Your boy tribute, what's his name again? Ryder!"

Giggles and nods of agreement. "Yeah he is cute!"

"Muscular too!"

I inwardly grin triumphantly. "He's definitely the strong silent type."

They all sigh dreamily.

"You know, while I'm here I was actually going to look for some sponsors to help him survive in the games…"

They all gasp. Then the one I noticed first turns to me. "Really? How does that work?"

"Well, you tell me how much money you're willing to give towards sponsor gifts, fill out a sponsor forum and there we go!"

She claps her hands excitedly. "Oh that's so easy! Do you have a forum with you? Daddy won't mind if I spend some more of his money."

The other girls titter as I pull a sponsor forum out of my purse. "Here you go! Just sign here and write down how much you're going to donate."

She quickly scribbles on the forum and then stands up. "There! Let him know Keela wishes him luck."

I smile as I return the forum to my purse. "Will do, thank you for your donation, now if you girls will excuse me I'm going to go get a drink refill."

They give me waves and shout assorted farewells as I walk back to the bar.

As I'm waiting for another drink, a middle aged man with slicked back orange hair sidles up to me and raises an eyebrow, his eyes roving over my body in appreciation.

I fight the urge to punch him clear across the bar and instead give him a smile. As the bartender sets the drink down in front of me, he signals the bartender. "I'll take care of that."

As he pays for the drink, I smile and take a sip from the fruity liquid. "What a gentleman."

He smirked, sliding a little closer to me. "Well I couldn't let a goddess such as you pay for her own drink."

I raise an eyebrow and reply coyly. "Oh, flattery as well? You certainly are in a generous mood tonight."

I'm growing increasingly uncomfortable by the hungry light in his eyes as his gaze once again roams. "You have no idea."

I turn my head away and take another sip from my drink, attempting to calm my pounding heart.

"What do you say we get out of here? My hotel's not far…"

I raise an eyebrow, the façade long gone as I reply coolly. "I think you expect a lot for one drink."

He looks surprised. "Well maybe I'm getting a vibe that you're in a generous mood as well."

"You're mistaken." I reply shortly. "Thanks for the drink." I'm about to stand up when his hand lands on my thigh. I barely stop the reflex to incapacitate him on the spot, every muscle in my body rigid from the effort of holding back.

"Hey, I'm not done talking to you yet."

I glare daggers at him, balling my hands up into fists to prevent myself from clawing his eyes out. "Well I am done talking to you. Get your hand off me."

His eyes grow hard, and his free hand lands on my other thigh. "Listen here, you may think you're something special, but you're not. You're just another painted whore ready for the taking."

"I have a boyfriend."

He laughs. "You think that'll keep you off limits? I don't think so. Now, what would happen if I told the President that one of his little victor sluts was too stuck up to…fulfill my desires?"

He leaned forward, a horrible smirk on his face. "Wouldn't want anything to happen to that boyfriend of yours."

I'm about to knock his filthy head clean off. But I know if I do it'll only send him running to the President, which will definitely have severe consequences, which will most likely be taken out on my family. So I sit still, fuming silently as his hands slide farther up my legs.

"You're spirited, I like that. Now why don't we get out of here?"

Before I can reply, a hand descends on the man's shoulder, abruptly stopping his wandering hands.

"Excuse me sir, but you lucked out tonight, I'm afraid I've already reserved the pleasure of having the Lady of the Sea accompany me this evening."

I mask the surprise on my face at the young stranger's remark, and play along with him. Standing, I loop my arm around his waist and smile, placing a hand lightly on his chest. "There you are, I was about to go look for you when this man stopped me."

The stranger's hazel eyes glance from me to the man, and he runs his fingers through his short indigo colored hair. "Ah, well I was just calling a cab to take us back to my place." He turns to the man. "Sorry, better luck next time."

The man grumbles something in reply and disappears.

The stranger quickly releases me, and gives me a small smile. "You alright? Sorry about that, I saw that creeper harassing you and decided to step in."

I smile. "I'm fine, and thank you so much."

He nods. "I'm sure you can take care of yourself, but you victors can't exactly go around beating people up…"

I laugh. "Not really. What's your name?"

He gives me a small bow. "Pechre, Weston Pechre."

"Well thank you again, Weston."

He nods, then glances around the bar. "Are you here with someone?"

I look around for Dash. "Um, yeah I came with Dash to try and get some sponsors for our tributes."

He grins. "Right, do you want me to help you find him?"

I smile gratefully. "That would be wonderful, if you don't mind."

He shakes his head and offers his arm. "Not at all."

As we search the club for Dash, he informs me that he's close friends with Leo, and understands what the victors have to go through. "So when I saw you, I assumed the worst and decided to step in. There he is!"

I look over and see Dash thanking an elderly woman as he slips a sponsor forum into his pocket.

He glances up and, noticing that I'm with someone, hurries over. "Mags, are you alright?"

I nod. "Thanks to Weston."

Weston waves a hand dismissively. "Oh posh, I merely insinuated that the lovely miss Flint and I had an…arrangement this evening so the man harassing her would leave."

Dash's eyes harden and he looks directly at me. "Who was it?"

I put a hand gently on his arm. "It's not important, I'm fine."

He hesitates, then nods and turns to Weston, offering his hand. "Thank you for looking out for her."

He shakes his hand and nods. "No problem, Leo and I are friends, so I get the situation you find yourselves in."

Dash nods. "Well, Mags and I should be heading back to the training center."

Weston nods and shakes both of our hands. "Good luck to your tributes tomorrow."

I give him a smile. "Thanks. See you around."

As Dash and I head back to the training center, I feel an icy pit in my stomach. If Weston hadn't intervened…who knows what would've happened?

Leaving me with the question that haunted my every moment; what do I do to keep from falling into the same fate as all the other victors?