This chapter is part of the original story. For the updated (and hopefully improved) version, please go to 'Chapter Nine'.

"Taking the kids from our districts, forcing them to kill one another while we watch – this is the Capitol's way of reminding us how totally we are at their mercy."

"Personally, I feel as though now we're forced to root for that Mitten and Anne all because Maivis decided that was her best way to score with Finnick."

The topic of dinner, and of the days for the next few weeks, was the games.

Rolling her verdant hues in pure vexation Maive speaks up for the first time, "First off, its Witten and Annie. Second, you are a grown women Sera. Surely your decisions aren't based on the rash choices of your naïve baby sister?"

Seeing Seraa scowl out of displeasure was enough of a win for her today. She needed all the mental strength she could muster to deal with Finnick, and do a proper job as a sponsor for Witten and Annie.

Quarrels with her snobby sister shined nowhere in comparison.

"Girls," their mother looks to both sternly, as if she's some strong authority figure to either of the girls. "This will be your father's last meal with us for awhile, can you at least attempt to feign civility?" Her dusty rose contacts dart back and forth between the two girls before nodding to herself as she takes a sip of her drink.

"Sorry.." Maive mumbles offhandedly looking across the table to her father. He looked as though he wanted to be here less than even her.

"Are you not hungry ?" one of the caters asks as she keeps switching the food platters out, "Here." She offers the purple liquid in a gold chalice; bulimia had to served upon the finest of course.

Shaking her head quickly, Maive smiles kindly, "No, no, I'm not full yet. I'm just not very hungry. I'm not used to eating this early." She explained, hoping that answer would suffice for them all.

"Yes, I feel the same way." Her mother speaks with slight distain, "But, this is the only way we could have a last meal with your father before he practically locks himself up at work."

This seems to pull her father out of his thoughts, "Yes, I apologize my love." He reaches across the table to give her hand a small squeeze, "It'll only be for a short time." After a moment he continues offhandedly, "I have a feeling these games will not be lasting long."

Never had she heard her father say something like that. Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, Maive wants to ask what he means. He clearly knew something.

She had to play it calm and collected though.

"Why do you say that?" she takes a long sip from her drink, hoping to not look too eager.

Turning his attention from his wife, he looks at his youngest daughter and studies her for a moment. "Just a gut feeling I suppose."

Despite feeling grave annoyance at how vague he was being. Maive decided to drop it, giving him a small nod.

The dinner carries on with small talk; topics Maive didn't feel much like commenting on as the caters continued to bring out new entrees upon entrees.

Half way through a bowl of sweet onion and duck bisque her father got called to Snow's office to go over the opening video.

"I thought they used the same opener every year?" Maive turns to look at her mother critically, her father was acting verily suspicious.

"Do they?" The older women laughed a little, "I wasn't aware." As usual, she seemed to be the only one to pick up on how odd this all was.

First her father makes that vague comment, and now he's having a meeting with Snow about the games opener moments before he's supposed to get the arena powered to run test for the games? She had only just had that meeting with Snow this morning, was that what they were discussing. What was there to even discuss?

'You're being paranoid.'

Closing her eyes for a moment she tries to just focus on dinner, and not allow her brain to wander or over think the minimalistic details of the day.

Suddenly one of the caters walks forward and stands at the foot of the table, "A visitor for you ."

"My, my Maivis, you are just Ms. Popularity this week." Her mother didn't even attempt to hide the pride in her voice.

Staring at her mother she shakes her head, 'Ms. Popularity?'

Hardly. She had barely even spoken to her friends since that brief moment at the tribute interviews.

Which meant this visitor could only be one person.

"No.." She smiles kindly to the lady, "No visitors. Please send him away… far, far, away." She mutters the last part beneath her breath.

It was too late though, he already came strolling through the foyer like he owned the place. Standing beside the avox that led him in sporting a proud smirk, stood Finnick in all his glorious pompousness.

Looking around the table at the three women his grin widens as his eyes land on Maives, which show plainly how unpleased she is to see him, "What's for lunch?"

"Its dinner actually, and I don't recall you being invited." Maive bites out, glaring daggers at him as he takes the seat previously occupied by her father.

"Maivis!" Both Sera and her mother exclaim in sheer horror.

Her mother pours Finnick some of her wine, which Maive notes is odd considering she doesn't share that with anyone, "Honestly Maivis, do try and be less unpleasant please?"

"Yes, don't be so rude sister, how often is it that we get to have dinner with a Victor." Her sister watches Finnick fill his plate, a pleased smile on her face the entire time.

"For the right price I hear you can spend an entire night with him." She hadn't meant to say it out loud, but she did.

As everyone grew dead silent, shocked she'd say such a thing, she looked away casually observing the art decor.

Finnick quickly replaced his solemn frown, caused by her comment, with his typical smirk. He wouldn't let her know that hurt him, though it did. She was just a stupid Capitol girl who had no clue.

"This all looks great." He comments, eagerly eating the food off his full plate. As Maive and his eyes meet again, he flashes her a smile.

"What are you even doing here Finnick?" It seemed she'd just have to be upfront with him, regardless if her mother and Sera disapproved or not.

Taking a moment to swallow, he wipes the corner of his lips with the linen napkin, "Well what was I supposed to do? You ditched me at dinner, left me there waiting like a fool."

As he overdramatically wipes his face clean, Maive takes another extended sip of her drink. However, at his unexpected comment she practically spits the liquid back in the cup. "What?!"

"Oh Maivis…" Her mother gives her an extremely disappointed look, "That is uncalled for."

"Mother and father raised us better than that Finnick, I'm so sorry." Sera interjects.

"It was pretty embarrassing." Finnick sighs, reaching for a scone.

Before speaking she takes a deliberate breath, contemplating her next move. She could continue to act against him but, it was three against her now, the odds weren't really in her favor.

"Finnick.." she takes a steady breath, controlling her anger so that she doesn't attack him right here and now, "I must have totally spaced out, my sincerest apologies." He studies her for a few beats, as if determining whether or not he should accept her fake apology.

"Oh…it's alright," Just like that he's all smiles again, "I know you're under a lot of stress with the games right now."

"Yes…" She trails off, watching him unsure. For once, she wasn't a step ahead, she was yards behind and had no idea what he had up his sleeve.

He turns away from her, and towards her mother and sister, "You have a lovely home , and beautiful daughters." He smiles to Sera, before throwing a wink Maives way, "They clearly get their beauty from you."

"Well thank you Finnick, and," primping her wigged hair a bit she smirks, "..thank you."

At his obvious attempts to whoo her mother, Maive shakes her head in annoyance at the lengths he'd go to, "If you mean she modified and designed us in the hatchery, then yes we get our looks from our mother." Everyone knew that the people of Capitol did not procreate naturally."Why are you sucking up to my mother?"

Turning to give her a critical look he shakes his head in dismay, "I'm not sucking up to anyone Maivis, I am simply being polite.." Raising an eyebrow at her, "You could give it a try sometime.."

"I'm good." Through clenched teeth she mutters, beyond put off by him and his antics at this point. Was he just trying to make her look bad? As if her family didn't think she was awful enough. Reaching for a macaroon she takes a small bite, deciding its in her best interest to just remain quiet and let her mother and sister swoon over stupid Finnick.

Though, hearing how insincere and vapid they were all behaving towards each other only made her feel as though she'd grow nauseous if she saw anymore. "I'd like to be excused." She announces, quieting the table, and cutting Sera off mid ramble.

Without awaiting an approval from her mother she pushes her chair back allowing the legs to make an awful squeal against the flooring before standing up and walking out of the room, head held high as ever.

Walking towards the grand stair case, she can hear Finnick excuse himself as well; though much more politely and follow en suit. "You know, I do believe I can find my own way around my house." She doesn't even bother turning to look at him as she hears the pattering of his footsteps up the marble steps, quickly, after her.

"Oh, I'm sure. But, I actually have a reason behind all this."

Turning sharply towards him, she stops near the top of the stairs, "You mean a reason behind making me look horrid in front of my family? Oh dear, please tell me all about it!"

"Oh, stop! Don't give me more of an ego by expecting I could do so much damage." Smirking, "You're already pretty horrid darling."

Scoffing in sheer disgust she asks defensively, "Just tell me your reason then, besides taking every possible jab to hurt me of course."

"Maivis," his green hues roll in annoyance of her over dramatics, "Stop playing the innocent it doesn't suit you, truly." Before she can come back with a snide comment, or worse, another attempt at playing victim he continues, "After that dinner the last thing you want is to be around your mother and sister. So, this way you can come to this party with me tonight."

"Oh? And you think after that dinner I want to be anywhere with you?" Suddenly though, the second part of his speech registers, "Wait, ..are you asking me on a date. That's why you went though all this?"

He shrugs, fighting off that warm feeling heating up his cheeks, "No. Absolutely not. You don't want to be around your family, I need a companion for the evening. Two birds, one stone. You'll be my date, but it's not a date."

"Yes, because that makes such sense." She stands there contemplating it for a good while, trying to think of a vile comment but to no prevail. With a sigh that signified her defeat she shrugs modestly, "What time is the party?"

Finnicks eyes light up. Sure she fought him a bit however, it was no where near the struggle he had anticipated, "It's still a few hours away, so you have time to get ready. I'll be back to get you around 9:30."

He turns to descend the stairs. Once he nears the bottom, he turns back, gazing up at her. "I had your avox take up a few things I got you for tonight. Be sure to wear what I got for you." He orders, taking control of their dynamic.

She doesn't say anything, but he'll take it as agreement.

Tapping the stairs bannister, he throws her one last smirk before turning back and making his way out of the lavish home.

She watches him go, partly wanting to make sure he really was leaving, partly because she was still in shock. What had she just gotten herself into?

Pushing her hair back, exasperated with the day she's had, she turns and continues back up the stairs and towards her room. It was the farthest, and only bedroom, down the left corridor.

Walking into her more than spacious room, she quickly locks the door; as she does each time she enters, never wanting her family to come in and tarnish her serene space. It was her one, sole escape in this garish place. She wouldn't surrender it, ever.

Taking a deep breath, she lays her head against the cool surface top of the door. The veins in her head were throbbing as she felt a migraine coming on. Her thoughts all day had been completely captured by Witten. She couldn't stop worrying about him, and also hating him for what they'd done.

Forming a connection with him was a mistake, her first and biggest when deciding to be a sponsor. She should have kept it strictly professional. Then when he was killed it wouldn't be any skin off her back.

And what about her talk with Snow... And Annie... It was all beginning to be too much for her to handle. ...she couldn't do this to herself.

'Stop, breathe..'

She needed to be positive, and believe in him, and that he could get out of this. More importantly, she needed to be positive and believe in herself so that she could do the best possible job at being a sponsor for him and Annie, and to keep Snow off her back. Though this 'non-date' with Finnick was undoubtedly not going to help her case with him.

Pushing away from the door, she turns to face her grandeur room only to have her eyes be met by a somewhat unfamiliar face.

Her back slowly slinks into the door, attempting to regain herself after the initial shock of being presented with herself.

Slowly pushing off the door and walking forward she examine's her reflection cautiously. Her breath was hitched deep in her throat as she reached towards the mirror, her index finger carefully touching the cool surface where her features were currently reflected across.

There she was.

And not displayed via silver platters, silverware, glass windows, or various weapons surfaces. It was one solid surface, and she could finally see it.

Finally see her.

All this time she had been so curious to see what others saw, and now she knew.

Reaching for the card placed beside the mirror she quickly slices it open with her nail, eager to read what it says.

'I think you're quite stunning and thought you should see for yourself. Maybe now you can stop checking yourself out in the reflection of highly dangerous weapons?'

She had almost all but forgotten that day in the training center. When she was gone on her Glom holiday. But she hadn't forgotten the surreal feeling of seeing her reflection.

But who else was there that would have noticed and could have done this?

Witten and Annie had both been sparring at the time so that only left one person...

Finnick had done this? For her?

It was so out of character for him.

Since when did Finnick O'Dair do nice things for Maivis Furthers?

The fact it came from him, surprisingly, made the gift all the more special.

Sitting the card down a bright smile crosses her face as she begins primping her hair and running her fingers over the smooth surface of her lips, her eyes never leaving her reflection.

She casually test herself, moving quickly as if she'll catch her reflection not mimicking what she does exactly. Suddenly a childish giggle emits her lips to which she quickly covers her mouth to contain her laughter. Never had she gotten such a special gift.

After a few more moments of playing with the mirror, like some small child, she goes to hide it deep in her closet before returning to her bed.

On the silk made up covers lays a long and wide, neatly wrappe, box with a ribbon tied on top. Lifting it she runs her fingers over the red felt for a moment before abandoning her normal courtesy of unwrapping gifts as she begins to rip the paper open, like some savage, eager to see its contents.

Laying neatly in the box was a fitted black dress and glamorous white fur shawl. Gasping in awe over how beautiful they are she lifts up both items, holding the articles of clothing tightly against her fair skin.

She was in utter disbelief that Finnick would get her something so lovely. The mirror had been more than enough... He must've spent a fortune... What angle was he working here? She doesn't debate it much, shrugging the thought off rather quickly.

For once, she didn't want to know. It was a lovely gift and they were hopefully going to have just as lovely an evening, and she'd leave it at that.

Finnick gently rubbed at his wrist, where just half an hour earlier he had been placed in handcuffs and confined to a clients bed.

The men always felt the need to emasculate him for some reason, as if it made it easier for them. Certainly didn't make it any easier for him to stomach. He could barely face himself afterwards. It's not like he had a choice, but it didn't make it any less humiliating and degrading for him.

In an attempt to shake the incident off, he shakes his head clear before he swipes a hand through his messy bronze hair.

Looking over to Sera, who offered to keep him company while he waits for Maive, he realizes her lips are moving at a rather quick speed. Evidently, she's been talking to him the entire time and he hasn't the slightest clue what she's been groveling on about. Nodding with a small smile he hopes that'll suffice for her and she'll just continue talking aimlessly as he stays within his own thoughts.

Tonight was important.

What he had planned for them was likely like nothing she'd ever seen, he still wasn't sure she'd be up for it, but he prayed so.

They needed this.

They needed to bond if this arrangement was ever going to work.

And beyond that, he thought maybe some one on one time with her would either help him further explain his recent feelings. Or kill them all together.

"Finnick?"

Clearing his head he looks to Sera, whose calling him as she catches on he's paying her no attention. However, before he can bother apologizing to her, her focus has shifted past him and he can't help but turn to see what sight caught her eye.

And what a sight it was.

Maive looked stunning.

He knew the attire he picked would suit her. Smirking as their green eyes meet he finds himself almost giddy at how lovely she looks. Her dark hair is pulled away from her face allowing him to finally get a real, true look at her.

Once she reaches the foot of the stairs, the three all exchange silent stares.

Finnick quickly collects himself though, "You should let me pick out your attire more often, you actually look like a girl for once." He teases to which she tosses him her typical scowl.

As weird as it sounds, her being annoyed with him put him a bit back at ease; made things feel more normal. "I'm only teasing." He murmurs, taking hold of her shoulders and gently whirling her around so that her backs facing him.

Gazing down at her silhouette he knows without a doubt he picked the perfect dress for her. It hugged her curves in a way he didn't know was possible.

"Sera," he calls for the other girls attention, forcing her to tear her gaze from her sister. With a charming smile he hands her a large, velvet, box to hold. Opening it, he takes the simple, yet eloquent diamond necklace out and dances his fingers around Maive's porcelain shoulders and neck to place it.

Almost instantly Maive reaches to feel the content placed upon her. "What is this?"

"It makes the outfit, truly." He nods, rubbing his chin with his right hand. With the other he gestures her to twirl for him, which she surprisingly complies to. "I do believe you look the part of a true Capitolite."

He meant it as a compliment, she knew this, but she just couldn't make the forced smile reach her eyes.

Seeing her reaction, he quickly racks his brain for a new compliment.

Offering out the nook of his arm, which she gladly takes he whispers against her ear, "You look like a true beauty."

Biting her lower lip, as his warm breath hits the sensitivity of her neck, Maive can feel her cheeks start to warm up with a crimson blush. Glancing over her shoulder, in an act to distract herself she tells Sera non-chalantly, "I'll be back later."

"Don't wait up." Adds in Finnick daringly as he cracks a smile to his counterpart, and without another word the two head out into the brisk night; surrendering their good senses.

"Maive... Finnick."

They get surprised greetings, much as they did that day in the hall. As if its so bizarre to see people like them together. Did they really look that odd together?

No.

To any passerby they must have looked like one of the most stunning couples the Capitol had to offer. But, he was not of the Capitol. Even though he was a victor, the youngest they ever had, he was still from the districts and it was simply unheard of to see a Capitol girl out with a boy from the Districts at this time of night.

She wasn't about to let petty housewives gossip stop her night of fun though, let them gossip about her till they were blue in the face, or for some of them, blue-er.

"I just realized something." Maive admits as a cool breeze rolls past them.

Lifting an eyebrow in question, he urges her to go on.

"I haven't a clue where it is you're sweeping me off to?"

Nodding, he smiles to himself, "It's a party. Not the type you're used too. But, I figured were going to be very stressed with the games soon so might as well have one night of fun?" He trails off, looking up at the lavish buildings they pass, as they head deeper into the city.

There was something thrilling about heading to a side of the Capitol she'd never seen, and spending the evening with people who most likely didn't run in the same circles as her.

Who knew Finnick O'dair was capable of actually being fun?

Taking a moment to let it sink in, she nods carefully, "Sounds fun..."

"It is." Turning to her, his sea green eyes are met with hers once more and he's lulled.

"It's um..Um.." Closing his eyes, he has to shake his head to snap himself out of it, "It's a lot of fun. I think you'll thoroughly enjoy yourself."

"Of course! A shady party, where I get to wear diamonds and be the Finnick O'dair's date? I must of died and gone to heaven, because I think I'm living the dream."

At her typical teasing he merely shakes his head, "Do try and not be such a smart ass all evening Maivis?" He finishes the statement with a playful wink.

They had their dynamic, and in a weird way, it was beginning to work for them.

Shrugging her shoulders, a devious smirk gracing her lips, she retorts, "No promises." To which all he can do is groan in fake aggravation.

In truth, he couldn't be more pleased to be spending the evening with her. This could either be really good for them, or really bad; he was direly hoping for the former considering they were about to be spending more and more time together.

"You seem to be in a rare pleasant mood this evening?" He mentions offhandedly, watching her as she looks around in fascination like a blind man seeing the sun for the first time. Though in retrospect it was more like a spoiled princess seeing the slums for the first time.

"I am!" Laughing a bit, she turns and gives him a smile, "Even though I'm stuck spending the evening as your date, on this non-date, I really am in a great mood."

Ignoring her jab, he nods, a soft smile playing on his lips, "Glad to hear it."

Silently nodding back to him in return, her smile grows ten folds as they stop walking and Finnick guides her into an ominous alley. It smelled like a sewer, and strangely enough, roses. It was foggy, and god knows what was here, crawling around in the alley with them, but she still kept sporting her wide grin.

After eighteen years, she was finally getting the chance to truly live a bit!

Walking to the very back Finnick moves some trashcans around a bit before being able to open a rather dirty looking cupboard which seemed to lead underground.

Turning to her, he looks at her with an extremely serious expression, "Are you scared? If so, we'll turn around and leave now."

He truly cared how she felt.

Finnick O'dair was being considerate of her feelings for once.

But who was she to act like she liked it?

"Stop being such a pansy and lead the way already!"

He stares blankly at her for a moment before shaking his head in dismay, "As you wish your majesty." He mocks, "I'll go first, take my hand, follow me...watch your step."

He talks her through every movement as they descend down below the streets, to whatever world exist below that of her pretentious Capitol; a world she never even knew, let alone dreamed, could exist for her to escape to.

Once they're a few steps down, the door above their heads shuts, closing off not only their only source of light, but the Capitol itself.

Everything about this was not her and yet she was loving every second of it.

For the first time in a while, her family, Snow, the Games, and even Witten and Annie, were the farthest thing from her mind.

The farther down the rabbit hole they went, the less she cared about all the things that had previously consumed her.

In truth, she had never felt more alive.

"In another moment down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again..." ;)

xo Eva