Seneca however, of that Aquila was sure, would always stay remarkably handsome at whatever age. It was not only his finely carved features, he also just knew how to present and groom himself; his carefully trimmed beard was only one example for that. There were jokes circling in the Capitol on how many hours it would take him every day to shave, and if he even got sleep in the night. Such jokes were only told behind your hand and with nervous giggling of course. No one knew how he would take them.
”I doubt you’d ever fall into that category, Seneca”, she teased him lightly, letting her gaze wander over his handsome face and figure. “And that’s why I couldn’t have made a better deal tonight.”
And he wasn’t just a good looking man, they had surely not exaggerated in his talent for dancing. Aquila had sometimes watched him from afar and had admired him, but this, this was something entirely different. Actually dancing with Seneca was more than she could have ever dreamed of. His moves were lissom and he seemed to be in absolute control of every muscle. The slow rhythm of the song allowed them to move very close together, and for Aquila this wasn’t such a very unpleasant feeling at all. His hand on the small of her back felt rather secure than encaging in any way, and if it was only for her, this dance could have lasted forever. Seneca also really knew how to lead, and she didn’t have to think, just give herself fully to the rhythm and his leading hands, dispatching her mind from her moving feet. The slight peaceful bubble that had formed around them however was bursting the instant there was a lightning storm of flashlights from the mass of photographers that must have flocked to the dancefloor to get their shot of the night. Part of Aquila was annoyed, but part of her was also proud that it would be HER on this shot of the night, and no mistake. And so she just smiled and nodded, wondering what would come next. Knowing Seneca Crane at all, he would have something up his sleeve.
That suspicion was confirmed the minute he advised her to hold tight and then dipped her low. Aquila’s body acted automatically, skillfully tensing every muscle so he would not have to support her like a sack of potatoes, but she was becoming something like an extension of his own body. At the lowest point, where he held her for a few seconds, she even arched her back and, feeling that he had her firmly, let go of his body, spreading her arms wide and slightly over her head, giving exactly the picture Marcus had aimed for with his costume: The Phoenix, ready to soar and rise from the ashes. She heard a few quiet ‘oooooohs’ and ‘aaaahs’ and had to smile. Yes, she thought, Seneca Crane is not the only person in the Capitol knowing how to give a good show! In Aquila’s eyes, they were quite a team, complementing each other tonight. The kiss on he throat, even more exposed now through her arched back, took her by surprise, but before she could lose her poise, Seneca had already secured her firmly in his arms again, and the moment had passed.
The lucky man of the press who had taken a picture just this second his lips had brushed her throat, would probably get a great amount of money for it. Raising her brows, Aquila whispered: “Wasn’t that a little overkill? I hope for your sake my father won’t see that picture!” But she accompanied it with a chuckle, feeling almost drugged with excitement, and not really very worried at all.
The look on Aquila's face when Seneca mentioned her going out with a shabby old man was priceless. Of course, everybody in the Capitol, young and old alike, have their standards when it comes to being seen in public, whether alone or with someone else. Not that there were any ragged-looking individuals in the Capitol, but Seneca wouldn't want to be caught dead swirling on the dancefloor with someone who wouldn't even take the effort in looking good. People in the Capitol are more than privileged to take advantage of that opportunity, so why not exploit it to the fullest. Feathers, silks, wigs, furs--they are all for everyone's taking here. There's so much for everyone really. Too much even. Aquila was now teasing him lightly, and Seneca would be a hypocrite not to admit that he was enjoying it very much. He enjoyed attention as the next guy, maybe even more than the next guy. And it was not hard to tell that Aquila really appreciated his dashing good looks tonight, the suggestive gazes that she was giving him. They were like firewood to his flaming self-confidence tonight. She could ogle at him all she wants. Seneca wouldn't have it any other way. "Well, the pleasure is mutual. I couldn't have gone out with a lady more stunning than you. I am the envy of every man out here tonight."
To say that Seneca was enjoying this would be an understatement. He mopped that dancefloor with Aquila like it was nobody's business. And Aquila wasn't a bad dancer herself. In fact, she was just as superb, knowing the right steps and moves at the right time. She was flexible and relaxed. She looked and felt very comfortable in his arms while they they danced to the music. Seneca have had good dancing partners, but Aquila was giving them a run for their money. For a lady so young as hers, that's quite an achievement. Add to that her own flair for the cameras as well. When Seneca dipped her low, Aquila had spread her arms out and over her head so gracefully that it elicited quite a reaction from the crowd. He couldn't wait to see the pictures, but he knew they looked marvelous together.
“Wasn’t that a little overkill? I hope for your sake my father won’t see that picture!â€
Seneca was now holding her close and was moving a bit slowly and gently on the dancefloor just as the others resumed dancing as well. A small laugh escaped his lips at her words knowing she was merely teasing, and knowing full well that Aquila's father wouldn't resent him for that small kiss. He withdrew the hand from around her waist, and raised the other over their heads and guided Aquila to twirl under it. He knew he wouldn't be disappointed with the effect. Her dress had fanned out and the flaming colors only seemed to glow brighter with her every move. "If he does, I will gladly submit myself to whatever punishment your father will give me. I am guilty of enjoying it a little too much," he told her once he had her back in his arms. He'd actually do it again if given the chance. Her skin had felt so soft on his lips, and in that fleeting moment, Seneca wanted to feel more of her, to plant his lips not just on her throat but on all of her--her lips, her well-cut jawline, that irresistible crook of her neck, her prominent collarbones, and maybe even that deep valley between her luscious mounds-- The cut of her dress that clung tightly to her curves and the tempting view of her bare belly was not helping these growing desires at all. The more time Seneca was spending with Aquila, the more things they do together tonight, the more the Head Gamemaker wanted her. As their bodies touched while they danced, Seneca had to rein himself in not to get too excited at the thought of running his hands all over her body and her enjoying every bit of his touch.
"Do you fancy a drink? I could use one," Seneca said as he felt rather aroused at his thoughts running a little too wild now. Control, Seneca, he told himself. Seneca may be quite the womanizer, but he was always respectful and every bit the gentleman towards his dates. It wouldn't do well to snatch Aquila just so he could have her for himself, not when the party was only halfway through. He pulled back from their dance embrace, and hooked her arm around his as he lead her towards the refreshments table, taking a deep breath as he composed himself. He took a couple goblets of the sparkling wine and gave one to Aquila. "You are remarkable, Aquila, and I am very lucky and honored to be your date tonight. How about a toast to more wonderful nights like this?" he said raising his glass out towards Aquila for a clink.
