Finnick's POV

I push my way through the crowd, stopping occasionally to shake hands and kiss cheeks. I finally find who I am looking for. Standing just past a small group of women dressed in what I can only describe as christmas-ornament-chic, is President Snow. He is surrounded by his closest, and most esteemed colleagues. Otherwise known as the game makers.

I make my way past the women, and their grabbing hands and ogling eyes. When the game makers see me they move over, allowing me into their circle - I am the Finnick Odair, after all. I smile politely and make light conversation with the group. I can feel Snow's beady eyes piercing into my body, but I refuse to look at them.

He must know something is up, victors rarely approach the President unless they absolutely have to - or they are forced to. After a few minutes Snow finally speaks.

"Mr. Odair, would you mind if we had a word in my private office." It isn't a question. A chill runs down my spine as the scent of roses hit my nostrils, a dread and fear goes through me when I remember the rumors of what that scent is from. But I keep my face neutral, or as neutral as the Finnick Odair is supposed to be at public parties.

"Of course, sir." Snow motions for me to go ahead of him, pointing towards a large double door. I open them and then follow him inside. The horrible memories of the last time I was in this mansion come back to me as I see all of the familiar architecture. I haven't been back here since I was recruited.

I follow him up a large, elegant, staircase, and through another set of doors that lead into his office. The stench of roses seems to be amplified in the small quarters.

"Mr. Odair, you know very well that I don't like to be toyed with." His sharp voice cuts through the silence, sending a bitter chill down my spine. "I tend not to be very forgiving when one of my… employees gets… well, off course, should we say? Yes. Off course." He murmurs the last bit. I hold back the bile rising into my throat. "So, Mr. Odair. Is there a reason I should be concerned, or, more correctly, is there a reason you should be concerned." He says pointedly, obviously referring to his power to destroy the lives of everyone I care about.

"Sir, I only wish to discuss a business plan with you." I blurt out, losing the impeccable Finnick Odair facade from the party. Snow scoffs.

"And you think you are in any sort of position to be making business deals with me?" He face reddens with fury. "You have nothing." He sneers. I clench my jaw.

"Anything." I saw quietly. Snow's eyes narrow.

"Speak up, boy."

"I said, I will do anything you want." I look up at him, fighting to bring at least some confidence back into my being. "Just… don't make her do this." Snow laughs bitterly.

"Oh, so you think you can come in here and get your victor out of a contract?" He scoffs, "It was her decision. I don't like to use people against their will Mr. Odair, you know that." He says, a smirk pulling across his lips. I hold back my instinct to strangle him.

"Five years."

"What?"

"Give her five years, and I will give you five years." I said quietly, the fear clearly dripping in my words. "I will do anything you want, for five years." Snow's eyes narrow.

"We already have interests lined up, she'll be quite the attraction, and -"

"But I'm better." I say, staring him in the face. "You and I both know what they pay. Let's not beat around anymore. I can give you so much more than a measly fifteen year old can, and you know that." My heart aches as I say those things about Adley, but it's the only way to keep her safe.

There is a pause.

"One year." He says.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"You have one year." The doors suddenly open and a pair of peacekeepers come into the room. One of them grabs my arm and escorts me out, the other follows behind. They walk me back down to the main level, then let me walk myself out to the party.

I take a minute once I am down in the crows to walk over to the bar and grab a drink. I flirt with the bartender a bit, and he gets me a gin and tonic, on the house of course. I lean against the bar, watching the people dance and live their lives worry-free. Just as I'm about to take a sip of my drink, a hand grabs my arm and pulls me behind the bar.

"Finnick, what is going on?" I can see the worry in Adley's eyes. I meet hers with my soft ones.

"Don't worry about it," I say, coolly, trying to brush past her to get back to the ball. I can't face her right now.

"No." She says, I raise an eyebrow. "You don't get to get away that easily. You walk off after being all cryptic and then you disappear for an hour with Snow." She says, I can feel her fear. "What is happening." She punctuates each word. I'm saved when Gloss joins us.

"I heard you'd be here, but I couldn't find you." He says, "not hiding from us are you, Fin?" I pull on my Finnick Odair grin.

"Never, how's Cash."

"Fine, dying to see you. She wants to apologize. You know, for the games."

"Tell her not to worry." I wave my hand, dismissing the conversation. "Gloss, have you met Adley?" He shakes his head, and holds out a hand. Adley glowers at me.

"No, I have not." They shake hands, "pleasure to meet you."

"It's all mine." She replies curtly, before storming off. Gloss raises an eyebrow.

"What's that about?" He laughs. "Already corrupting the youth, Fin?" I maintain a neutral face, laughing politely at his joke. "Grab a drink?" Then he notices the glass in my hand, "or, you've got one." I quickly down the rest of my drink.

"But, I could always have another." I grin. Gloss laughs as we make our way back to the bar.

A/N Here's another chapter for you! Again, thanks for the reviews/favorites/follows! Keep them coming, and remember. Anyone who reviews will get a sneak peak of next chapter sent to their PM! :) Yours, Alise