"Hunter. Hunter!" My name is simply an echo until my elbow is sharply squeezed.

"Get off me." I grab the arm of the pursuer, flipping them over my body.

His eyes turn black as he digs his sharp nails into my skin. "Do not ever touch me like that again." His tone is dangerously low. "Now help me up." I run my tongue across my teeth, clenching my jaw as I give him my hand. He raises up, immediately dusting off his suit. "You'd do better to make sure that never happens again." He steps forward, grazing my exposed shoulder with his finger.

I swallow the bile that threatens to rush up my throat. "What do you want?" I spit out. "I'm working."

He scoffs. "No. You're simply staring at trees. Get inside. We have a dinner to attend to tonight before the Victors arrive tomorrow."

I look at the comforting shades of green and brown as I let out a bitter chuckle. "And what will we be doing at this dinner?"

He rolls his eyes, checking his watch. "The usual, don't be so daft. Get in the shower, wash good. I'll be sure to lay out an outfit for you." His lips curl at that last bit.

"Right." My face remains stoic. The usual. A shudder creeps up my spine just as the leaves shudder in the wind. The mere thought of it is like acid in my mouth.

We haven't had to attend any dinners for a while, thanks to the games playing as a distraction. But the Victory Tour has begun so everything's back to an uproar. Everything's back to its usual, miserable ways.

♆ ❀ ♆ ❀

I make sure to take my time bathing, using the excuse that I'm doing my hair extravagant. When I step out into my room a slick red dress is waiting for me with a long slit up the thigh that practically reaches the torso.

"Do you need help?" The monster steps in just as I've pulled it up.

"No." I say firmly.

"Allow me." He ignores my response and starts zipping me up. My spine stiffens as his clammy hands run up my back. I stare straight ahead, ignoring the burning pain in my eyes. "Now, tonight we're meeting with the Mayor and his family, along with some sponsors of our district. So be ready to work." He leans in before grabbing my shoulders, forcing me to turn around and let his eyes travel my body. "Desirable as always." He smirks.

♆ ❀ ♆ ❀

"Oh, darling, eat some more. You know everyone likes you plump." The Mayor's wife chimes as her son runs his hand up my exposed thigh. It takes everything in me not to stab him with my fork. I grind my teeth together as I dig my nails into the calloused skin on my hands. "Damien, it was so lovely for you and your sister to join us this evening." She turns to him. Damien dips his head in gratitude as he raises his glass to her. I squeeze my glass so hard it could shatter any moment. If only they really knew.

"Honey, look who came in time for dessert." Our pig of a Mayor interrupts, joining us again. But he's not alone. President Snow appears behind him. I feel a sharp ping in my back noting me to sit up straighter.

"Miss Wraith." President Snow nods as he makes his way over. "Always a pleasure." He smiles, taking my hand in his. I force a smile in return as the hand on my thigh continues to travel.

"The pleasure is most definitely ours, President Snow." Damien sucks up. "My apologies for Hunter, she's been rather quiet this evening." I scoff into my water. Apologizing for me? Ridiculous.

"So..." President Snow moves to take a seat while I keep my gaze on him. "What did you all think of this years Victors?" He poses the question as the Mayor's wife pours him a drink.

"Absolutely preposterous!" One of our districts top sponsors exclaims. "We're supposed to believe that load?" I force an uprising chuckle to the back of my throat.

"Hmmm." Snow hums. "And what do you think of it Miss Wraith?"

"I thought it was interesting." I respond cooly, scraping the food around my plate, but never taking my eyes off of him.

"It was an act of treason is what it was." The Mayor snaps.

"Yes, one our district won't be making thanks to our strong, cooperative Mentor." Damien hand slides to my lower back causing me to shift in my seat. I sigh quietly, if this dinner goes any longer...

"She didn't do much this year." The Mayor's wife mutters.

I snap my head over to her, the corners of my lips curling up before I clear my throat. "Well, it doesn't matter what I think anyways, does it? That's what President Snow is for. Right?" I turn to him.

"Hunter-" Damien speaks lowly in a warning tone.

President Snow cracks a smile, holding up his hand. "No, it's quite alright. Please, Miss Wraith, you may speak freely."

"I thought it quite brave to be willing to die for someone like that." I shrug, staring Snow down. I can feel the pair of eyes next to me burning. The sponsors whisper in hushed, judgey tones.

"Hunter." Damien spits out angrier this time as his grip on my back tightens.

"That's why you've always been one of my favorites." President Snow chuckles in amusement, his sinister smile growing.

♆ ❀ ♆ ❀

After dessert, which I had to choke down being I was full and hate chocolate, I head for the door, finally putting on my jacket.

"Where do you think you're going?" Damien grabs my upper bicep, yanking me into him as he continues in a hushed tone. "We came here with a job, remember?"

"I thought we came here for dinner." I say stupidly, knowing that's not the entirety of the evening, but I want nothing more than to go home and take a bath so hot it burns all the disgust off my skin.

He forcefully grabs my chin and I strain to stop him for a moment before giving up, letting my gaze meet his.

"Don't be a fool, Hunter." He draws his nails into my jaw. I grunt slightly. "You couldn't do your job and have our district win, so now some districts are threatening to crumble. Money is everything right now and the Victors are visiting tomorrow. It'd be wise of you to be on your best behavior and do what needs to be done." He seethes before me out of his grasp. "Understood?" He speaks normally again, running his hands down his suit jacket.

When isn't money everything?

"Yes." I nod through clenched teeth.

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear you." He smirks, taking a step forward, his entitlement growing that he's won the argument.

"Yes, brother." I spit out like it's poison on my tongue. "I understand."

"Good." He nods, placing his hand on my lower back once again, turning to look behind me. "And make sure you do a little extra tonight. Your attitude at dinner was unacceptable." He whispers into my ear. I follow his gaze to find the Mayor's son waiting at the top of the stairs. "I'll see you at home then." He pushes me forward. "Have a good night." I wait until the door closes to let the tear that's been fighting roll down my cheek, stinging the scratches he left on my jaw.

I take a deep breath before slowly making my way towards the stairs. I hate this. I hate this more than anything. Even the games.

But unfortunately it's just, how things, are. And nobody here is brave or stupid enough to do anything about it...

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Author's Note: Andddd we're off!!

Here's just a little insight into Hunter's life since she won the games...

I hope you all hate Damien just as much as I do :)

Hope you enjoyed this chapter and happy Hunger Games Anniversary!! May the odds he ever in your favor<3