Still, it was not only the words, also the touch he inflicted on her made Aquila’s heartbeat pick up its rate considerably. It felt good to be appreciated by a man such as him, and this time the young girl deliberately let her eyes wander to check if anyone had seen this quick exchange. She saw Faustina, a girl a little older but nowhere near as pretty and definitely looking a bit odd in her colorful themeless costume , gawk at her from where the buffet was laid out. Her glare could have turned Aquila into a pillar of salt on the spot, and the young girl knew why. Faustina had been dying to catch Seneca’s attention for ages. Well, look who was now on the losing and who was on the winning side!
For Faustina, for herself and for everyone else who might be watching, Aquila turned up the corners of her lips into the sweetest smile she could possibly manage. “Why thank you, Seneca!” she exclaimed and needn’t fake the blush that was tinting her cheeks. “Too bad it’s mostly not my work. I can only LOOK good as a result”, she joked, being quite aware of her shortcomings. “It’s my stylist Marcus that MAKES it look good.”
The touch of his hand on her elbow was still as pleasant as anything, since for Aquila it held no danger. He was just being friendly, after all, and just by being here with her he was doing her several huge favors. One: he made it possible to attend this party, being the best chaperone you could wish for, two: he was raising her reputation by being seen with him tonight, maybe even make it to the papers, which in return would also benefit her father and even her stylist Marcus, who she held in high regards. Then, finally, since she knew him to be an excellent dancer, she would benefit from that as well. Nothing in life would ever be as wonderful for Aquila than dancing. In all honesty, she had been quite surprised by his offer to her father and the readiness that her father had agreed to this arrangement, but then it wasn’t exactly a matter to complain over. Aquila knew that it wouldn’t last, since Seneca Crane was known for his female company to be ever changing, so she better milked this to the last drop.
Raising herself on her tiptoes, she lowered her voice into a conspiratorial whisper and said: “Well, there is one person I’d really like to exchange a few words with, but that can wait. You would really be my personal hero, if you would do me the honor of dancing with me tonight.” Was she trying her flirting skills a little on him there? Well, maybe, and where was the harm in it? She needed to learn the finesse of it eventually, and it was all in good humor and innocence, in Aquila’s eyes.
As humble as she was beautiful, Aquila showed her gratitude to his praise but didn't hog all the credit herself. Instead, she took extra effort in mentioning her stylist, which was quite admirable for a young lady like her. Most girls her age would probably just indulge in the limelight with no thought whatsoever of the people that worked hard to made them look good in the public eye. But not Aquila, and Seneca admired her greatly for that. Her parents raised her well indeed. What man wouldn't be drawn to a lovely lady who knew her place in society and knows exactly how to act accordingly. Aquila would be quite a prize, even for an accomplished man like Seneca himself. Of course, she was much too young for him. If anything, he was merely being her chaperone and not some romantic date of sorts. Such a pity really. But then of course, whoever said that Seneca could not enjoy the night with her. Whoever said that Seneca had to be restricted by the fact that she was at least a decade younger than him. Seneca can do what Seneca wants to do. He wasn't going to broadcast it to all of Panem, of course, Seneca knew discretion. Still, he was determined on making the most out of the night.
"I agree that Marcus has done quite a job on you, but colors and feathers can only do so much, Aquila. Your stylist's work would be for naught if you yourself don't know how to carry it with such poise," he told her. Of course, she need not humble herself too much. Seneca was keen on building up her confidence some more, which will only add to her radiance tonight. And a radiant and enthralling date was all Seneca could ever ask for. Without having to look, Seneca knew most, if not all eyes, were furtively on them. Women would surely want to know who Seneca's flavor of the night was, either to gossip or envy over. Men, of the lesser ilk, would probably do the same as well. Of course, those the likes of President Snow and the older distinguished elite would only be glad for even just a simple introduction and a few well-placed praises on his impeccable taste in women. Seneca would love nothing than to do just that. This night was a boon for both him and Aquila indeed.
When Aquila moved to whisper something to him, Seneca took the chance and leaned further in, his own lips almost brushing her soft jawline and the dainty curve of her shoulder. She smelled sweet, and Seneca inhaled them all in, shamelessly getting drunk in the wonderful scent of her perfume. She spoke of wanting to speak with a certain person, and Seneca readied himself for a name, but then her words had took on a different turn which completely surprised Seneca. He pulled back, an amused smile on his face, as he tried to see if Aquila was serious or was merely joking. Seneca was not only famed for being master gamemaker, he also has quite a reputation on the dancefloor. And there was nothing he would like more than to take Aquila dancing and show him his moves as well as to see her moves. Seeing the serious look on her face, Seneca then gave her a small bow and then held his hand out to her. "The honor is all mine, Aquila. Shall we?" he offered waiting for her to take his hand before leading her to the dancefloor. A sweet slow melody was currently playing and there were only a few couples on the floor. Seneca knew for certain that they will become the center of attention not soon enough.
