𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 · 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐈

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐱, 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐨

˜"*°•.˜"*°• chapter six •°*"˜.•°*"˜

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yₒᵤ ₕₐᵥₑ ₐₙ ᵢₘₐgₑ ₜₒ ᵤₚₖₑₑₚ, ₙₒ?

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I stick close to Finnick as the Capitol citizens party around us. At first, I hope that I'll be able to avoid to much attention. This notion quickly vanishes as I am swarmed by groups of the citizens in highest standing. They drag me into conversations, fish for compliments, demand pictures, and hug me, the men lingering far longer than necessary, hands straying where they don't need to be me. I am so uncomfortable. I see Finnick, clenching and unclenching his fists, but with the cameras focused on us, there isn't anything he can do.

"Have you seen the dance floor? It is absolutely electrifying," Lexington, this old man says, raking his gaze across me again. He has his two sons with him, Ezeriah Lexington is the older one. If I had to guess, I'd say he's a few years older than me. Nineteen, maybe twenty. His younger son, Knox, looks closer to my age. Sixteen, seventeen, maybe? He's stayed quiet the whole time, staring off out the windows, only mumbling his agreements when prompted by his father. Not sure how they came about as Lexington Senior looks about double the age of Mags. While Lexington looking at me creeps me out, the way his son, Ezeriah is staring at me is frightening. His gaze is dark, and he's looking at me as though I'm some...piece of meat, I don't know. 

I clear my throat and avert my eyes. "Oh, um, yes, it was." I haven't been there yet, but I don't want him to offer to show me.

"Why doesn't my Ezeriah take you out on it again, hm?" Lexington senior suggests.

My heart sinks. I glance at Finnick, whose grip on my shoulder tightens, then look back. "Oh, I don't know how to dance-"

"Nonsense!" Lexington declares. "My son is a fine dancer. I'm sure you'll pick it up right away, the bright young lady that you are."

Finnick's nails dig into my exposed shoulder.

"Oh, I, um..." I trail off, looking towards Finnick for help.

"She really doesn't know. It would be quite frightening, we wouldn't want to embarrass Ezeriah, now would we?" Finnick says it in a light hearted, joking manner, but it sounds more threatening than anything else.

Lexington senior's eyebrows draw downwards. He grabs my forearm and pulls me forward. I stumble a little, but freeze in his grip. I don't see how I can yank my arm away with out causing a scene.

"Let. Go." Finnick says, stepping forward and emphasizing the sizable height difference between he and Lexington.

Lexington narrows his eyes. "N-"

"Father," Knox says, stepping forward. He brushes his father's hand from my arm, and takes my forearm gently, pulling me away from his father, towards himself. "I'd like to dance with Miss Odair-of course, only if you consent?" Knox glances towards me.

"Yes, of course," I say quickly, shooting a glance at Finnick who looks like he's going to argue this  change of plans. I feel like I'd be safer with the youngest Lexington as opposed to the other two members of his family.