Two worlds were colliding before Hazel's eyes, and she wasn't entirely sure her mind could take it. The sight of Senator Snow standing in her living room was something she truly wasn't prepared for. His coiffed blonde hair, the crisp suit, the ever-present rose, and, of course, those all-seeing cerulean eyes—all of it was out of place. Like a shark joining a family of sparrows for dinner, he didn't belong in her world. Yet, here he was. And it didn't help that her family was gawking at him like he was both a beautiful but terrifying rare creature.

Snow was leaning slightly forward, staring at the picture frame she knew all too well. A maroon coat was draped around him, and it stood out in the earth-toned living room. This one was even deeper in color than the one he'd lent her. Did he have an entire closet full of those?

She stumbled as he straightened and it became apparent there were two packages tucked under his arm.

"I told you that ankle is unstable." Sable's annoying voice called from behind her as she caught herself.

Hazel volleyed a quick glare at the peacekeeper. He was still beaming from his victory with the Capitol doctors."Pytash, I swear to everything that is holy-"

At the sound of her irritated voice, Snow's eyes snapped to hers, and her next words died on her tongue. "Good evening, Miss Marlowe."

While her mind was drowning, her throat had gone as dry as the forest during fire season. "Senator."

Their uncomfortable stare-down was broken by Dr. Savi and Dr. Calyx moving past the two, inching closer to the doors.

"Will you not be joining us for dinner, doctors?" Fern asked

"I'm afraid duty calls, ma'am, and we need to head to the Capitol."

Dr. Savi turned back to Hazel, "Remember what we talked about. We will see you in a few weeks, but if you need us sooner, your peacekeepers can send word."

"See you in a few weeks, Sir." She sent another stern warning glance in Sable's direction.

Dr. Savi's face wrinkled into a small, stiff smile while Dr. Calyx kept his gaze glued to his shoes. The two offered practiced nods of respect in Snow's direction, "Senator Snow."

Snow acknowledged them, "Safe travels, gentlemen."

With that, the two disappeared into the rapidly approaching night. Hazel let out a shaky breath. At that moment, she was no longer the fish out of water. Instead, the outside world and its inhabitants were flooding the nest she called home.

Another round of unease settled over the aromatic space as the front doors thudded shut. The sound rippled through the room like a twig snapping in the woods, capturing the attention of all living things within earshot, none daring to move. The question now became whether a predator awaited them or not.

Snow cleared his throat, jolting Hazel back to the present. They were waiting for her to lead the introductions. "Oh, um, Senator Snow, this is my family." Hazel introduced Oren and Fern, who were hovering in the kitchen, then Sage, Lily, and Linden on the couches. Finally, she motioned to Rowan, seated at the table with his arms crossed and eyes as hard as bricks.

Hazel fixed her attention on the statuesque man. "Guys, this is, well, you know." Was there anyone even left in Panem who didn't know who he was?

Snow bowed slightly, curling his lips in a way that oozed charisma as he surveyed the most important people in her world. "Pleased to meet you all."

Oren's lips were a hardline, a muscle in his jaw jutting at an unnatural angle. Fern rested a tight, white-knuckled hand on his arm, though her voice gave away none of her tension, "Welcome to our home, Senator."

Snow took a long, unhurried step further into the house like he was dipping his toe into a hot bath, trying to determine if he would be scalded. "I've heard so much about you all."

Hazel fought with her bewildered expression but kept her mouth closed. Whatever knowledge he had of her family, it hadn't come from her.

"Funny, we haven't heard anything about you," Rowan said, his tone as rigid as his spine. His eyes wavered toward Hazel before resettling on the Senator.

Snow was wholly unfazed, "Well, tonight, I wish to remedy that."

Hazel's carotid pounded in her neck and the sound of the eels screeching echoed behind her ears. Shaking her head, she dislodged the memory from her current reality. Though, she wondered if man-eating eels would be preferable to this new kind of hell.

"Did you bring gifts for Hazel?" Lily asked, eyeing the packages in his arms.

"Actually, no, Miss Starling." Snow's eyes locked onto Hazel for a brief moment before he turned to face Lily and Linden. The two sat on the couches, absorbing the sight of the Capitol man they had only ever really seen on television. "I have it on good authority that you two just had a birthday."

Hazel frowned as Snow's charming grin only seemed to brighten, "What kind of guest would I be if I didn't bring something special for the occasion."

Rowan muttered 'an uninvited one' under his breath, while Hazel fixed him with a scathing stare. Her brother shrugged, settling deeper into his chair like he was preparing for a long night.

Snow either didn't hear Rowan's comment or chose to ignore it as he extended the gifts toward the twins, giving them a playful shake. The two hesitated, staring at the parcels as if they expected them to start snarling or leaking blood. When nothing of the sort happened, they each took their packages and murmured awkward thank-yous.

Hazel traced her thumb along her fresh bandage, her muscles taut as she fought to relax, edging closer to the twins. Not only was Snow casually walking through her living room like it was nothing, but now he was giving her siblings birthday gifts?

Snow turned his attention to Linden first, "I understand you have quite the talent for art."

Linden's face was stretched into a look of apprehension as he set aside the wrapping next to him in a neat pile. A lacquered indigo case with a golden latch rested in his lap. As he lifted the lid, unease faded into surprise. The scent of linseed oil wafted to greet her as she hovered at Linden's shoulder. Inside rested numerous tubes of paint with shiny silver caps. The pigments were rich grey, emerald, navy, ochre, eggplant, and crimson.

"I thought you'd appreciate the darker colors," Snow smiled wider, his tone smooth, almost brotherly. "These are the finest oils the Capitol has to offer."

Linden's mouth fell open. "Incredible," he whispered, his hand hovering over them, almost as if they were too precious to touch. Hazel's stomach tightened further at the admiration warring with disbelief in Linden's eyes as he stared at the paints.

Beside him, Lily had haphazardly torn open the wrapping with small squeaks. Within her case were several square golden paper packets with various images of flowers printed in colorful ink on the front. Each one was hand-labeled with swirling calligraphy.

"I've heard you enjoy botany more than art." Snow's charm somehow amplified ten-fold, "I have to admit, I am an enthusiast of the topic myself." He pointed a long, gloved finger at the pouches, "All of these are the seeds of unique flowers. Some are even quite rare." The girl's eyes widened as she read the names, all were exotic and completely unfamiliar in District Seven. Lily cradled one pouch that held an image of powder blue bell-like blooms.

"Lily of the valley." Snow mused aloud, "They are rare wildflowers. Though I've always found them to be some of the most beautiful." Snow explained, meeting Hazel's pointed stare for a moment before continuing. "Though more challenging to cultivate than others, I find it completely worth the effort." He let a heavy beat fill the air before continuing, " And these—" he pointed to a smaller packet with a more personal label, "—are from a rose I ... developed myself."

Hazel peered over Lily's shoulder and noted the image of deep blue, familiar-looking roses. Snow caught her eye for a moment with a ghost of a smirk before he turned back to Lily. "With enough time, patience, and guidance, even the wildest of flowers can achieve their full potential. And come spring, you'll have the finest garden in District Seven. When the weather is better, of course."

Lily blinked rapidly, staring at the packets as if they were made of actual gold. "I can't wait until spring."

A posh chuckle fell from his lips. "That is why I have a greenhouse," Snow whispered with a wink. "Maybe someday I will be able to give you and your family a tour."

Lily brightened at the proposal, and Hazel shifted closer to her sister. Over my dead body. "Thank you for your generosity, Senator."

"Quite thoughtful there, Corio." Festus smiled, eyeing the steam rising from the oven.

Indira nervously tapped her long nails against her dress, "Yes, very considerate."

Fern called to the twins, "Okay, you two, thank the Senator. Take your gifts to your rooms, and then get back down here for dinner."

The twins bubbled with genuine gratitude, which Snow accepted with ease. The house practically shook as the two shot toward the stairs with their new treasures. With soft smiles at the twins' excitement, Indira and Festus followed Fern's command and moved toward the dining room.

Hazel stepped in front of Snow, blocking his path to the table. He didn't even flinch as he looked down at her with expectation. She leaned in, her voice a whisper meant only for him. "Did you just bribe my eleven-year-old siblings?"

"Of course not." Snow replied as he watched the twins disappear up the stairs, then bent forward just enough to meet her eyes. "They're twelve."

Hazel let out a puff of air as his face lit up in response.

"Everyone, find a seat before the food gets cold," Fern called, her tone leaving little room for argument.

Hazel fought to keep her thumb from pressing into her palm as Snow's smile widened and he gestured for her to walk ahead. "After you."

The long dining table was set with their best ceramic dishes and silverware— the smell of which filled the room with warmth, though it did nothing to settle the cold knot in Hazel's stomach.

Oren's spine was painfully straight as he sat at the head of the table. Rowan slouched to his left while Sage waited eagerly to his right. Hazel sank next to Rowan. "Play nice," she breathed into his ear.

"Who said anything about playing?" His caramel irises were fixed onto their guest of honor, who at the moment was gliding into the seat next to Sage.

Hazel slid her feet as far back as possible. "Ro, please..."

Indira and Festus sat across from each other beside them. If Senator Snow standing in the living room seemed odd, having him so easily settle at their dinner table was downright sacrilegious.

Out of the corner of her eye, Hazel noticed Leo hovering near the edge of the room, with Sable standing close by. Despite glancing in his direction, Leo kept his eyes forward, his face molded into a soldier's mask. Both men stood straight, arms at their sides, their postures severe, like true keepers of the peace. Though, to Hazel, there was none to be found.

Fern seemed to notice them as well and gestured to a couple of open chairs while slipping on a pair of oven mitts. "You're both welcome to join us for dinner."

Sable looked intrigued, but Leo cleared his throat and nudged him. "No, thank you, Mrs. Starling. We're on duty, and we've already eaten."

Hazel shot another look at him; it was a lie. Leo wasn't technically on duty, though he had hovered around all day, the line etched between his brows never quite fading. He continued to avoid Hazel's eyes while Sable sent a longing glance at the roasted chicken.

Oren cleared his throat refocusing on the Senator. "We are more than honored to have you dine with us tonight, Senator."

Snow nodded, charm once again seeping from his pores like the perfume he wore. If they weren't careful, they would all be intoxicated by it. "Mr. Starling, I assure you the honor is mine. And Mrs. Starling, you didn't need to do so much on my behalf."

"It was nothing," Fern replied, pulling a dish of baked chicken from the oven and setting it on the table before them.

Oren rose to help her, arranging buttered potatoes, carrots, and asparagus in an impressive display. "I can assure you, it's much better when it is hot. Which you'll only get to find out—if those two would hurry."

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"I'm sure they're just enjoying their new gifts," Indira replied, casting a glance toward the stairs.

"That was very kind of you, Senator." Fern smiled softly, though her shoulders were raised in clear strain.

"It was nothing, I assure you." Snow's smile widened as Fern seemed to relax at his easygoing tone.

"How has your visit been so far?" Oren's fingers ran over his cuticles as he settled into his seat once again.

Snow sat back in his chair, eyes flickering to Hazel, "It's been quite enlightening. You run a tight ship, Mr. Starling. I was impressed with the efficiency of the lumber mill. From what I understand, you have really outdone yourself over the last several months."

"Not like he has a choice," Rowan muttered, echoing Hazel's words from earlier in the day. It was absolutely not the time or the place. Snow's eyes snapped to her brother while Hazel bruised his shin under the table.

"What was that?" Snow tilted his head a fraction.

"I apologize, Senator." Oren fixed Rowan with a firm look of disapproval, "My son is young and has been cooped up at home probably too long."

Hazel shifted, eyes falling to her empty plate. Rowan had spent more time away than actually at home. But Oren's easy lie made her muscles twitch involuntarily.

"Hmmm. It is understandable, I suppose. But you know what they say about idle hands," Snow smirked at Rowan, his blue eyes sharp on the boy.

The house creaked and vibrated with the sound of the twins barreling down the stairs.

"Thank God," Hazel breathed as their enthusiastic presence eased the tension that had begun to permeate the dining room.

The two threw themselves into their seats which Sage took this as the signal to begin the feast. Just as he was about to start piling food onto his plate, Fern scolded him, "Sage, it's rude to serve yourself before guests. Especially as important as ours tonight." Fern emphasized her point by extending a set of long silver tongs to Snow.

"Thank you, Mrs. Starling. But you all don't have to wait." He winked at Sage, "Growing boys need to eat, don't they?" Snow passed the tongs to the boy, "Dish up, I insist."

Sage smiled and didn't hesitate, excitedly piling the succulent chicken on his plate. "Do you know that grizzly bears can eat up to ninety pounds of food in a day?"

Snow seemed taken aback by the fact, "I did not."

Sage continued, "I bet they eat even more when they are growing."

The table bubbled in surprised laughter at the young boy's earnestness.

"Sounds like a feasible theory." Snow smiled widely.

Sage hummed agreement between mouthfuls of chicken.

"This all looks and smells amazing, Mrs. Starling," Indira commented.

"You could be a Capitol chef." Festus agreed, heaping a pile of buttered asparagus onto his plate.

Fern blushed, "You all are too kind."

"My wife has always had a talent for the culinary." Oren smiled with a hint of pride in his tone that rapidly faded like the sun sinking from view. "And now she has ample opportunity to practice due to the Capitol's generosity."

Not only did the sun fade outside their windows, but the light mood of the room did as well. A heavy quietness draped itself over the hodgepodge of people at the table outside of the delicate clinking of silverware.

Since her return, they had received a weekly delivery of all kinds of goods from the Capitol, mostly food items, but at times, there were utensils, fabric, and a few coins here or there. Fern had taken full advantage of this, not wanting to waste their new luxuries. Yet, the cost of these deliveries was never far from anyone's mind.

Festus, who seemed the most uncomfortable with the sudden quiet, turned his attention to Hazel, "So Seven, Do you cook as well as your mother?"

Hazel nearly laughed at the question, "That didn't get passed on to me, I'm afraid. Rowan is the more talented one in the kitchen."

Rowan handed her the plate of potatoes, "My sister could overcook water."

Hazel huffed in a mock annoyance, "Just that one time."

Rowan's serious façade broke for a moment with a soft laugh that seemed to infect the table.

Fern chuckled as she whispered to Indira, "Nearly burned the house down."

Indira raised her brows at Hazel while Festus smirked as if he could picture the scenario.

"Well, at least we would have been rid of that ugly couch," Hazel argued.

Snow addressed her, "Well, you certainly have other talents."

"And what talents do you have, Senator?" Rowan stared at the man, twirling his fork between his fingers as if he wished to stab it through the man's eye.

Hazel tapped her shoe against his once again.

"I'm not sure I can claim anything specific." Snow placed a mouthful of the tender, golden potatoes on his fork. Hazel didn't like the way Snow was staring at Rowan; it was as if the two were having a conversation on their own. And from what she could tell, it wasn't exactly sociable. Her assault on his leg wasn't getting her very far, and the need to pull Snow's blistering attention away from her brother overwhelmed her.

"No need to be modest, Senator." Hazel took a bite, tapping her foot rapidly under the table. Snow's chewing slowed, and he regarded her with surprise. "You are quite talented at Games."

"You mean making games?" Linden asked.

Hazel chewed on another buttery bite, "Yeah." Snow's gaze locked with hers, "That's what I meant." His lips quirked as he, too, took another bite.

"What is your favorite game, Senator?" Lily asked.

"Oh, that reminds me!" Fern interrupted, abandoning her seat to rush to the kitchen. "Your favorite dish."

Hazel suddenly regretted asking her mother to make it; she had been feeling particularly brave at the time. But that disintegrated as Fern hurriedly pulled on mitts and reached into the oven, removing a broiling bowl. She smiled down at the dish as she carried it to the table, setting it between Snow and Hazel.

Sable sighed from the corner of the room while Leo cast a quick glance. A smirk played on Snow's lips as he took in the sight before him. Covered in scattered herbs and pepper was a steaming heap of flaky brown shredded cabbage.

"Your favorite?" Snow questioned, an eyebrow twitching.

"Yep," Hazel swallowed. He nodded slowly, watching her as he dished himself a portion before handing her the serving spoon. Hazel pulled it from him as she noticed the table had gone still once again. She nearly dropped the utensil as he took an unbothered bite, all while maintaining eye contact.

Fern settled back into her seat, "Her favorite used to be prairie berry pie."

"Mom." Hazel choked, the cabbage nearly falling off the serving spoon as she dished some onto her own plate.

Fern raised her shoulders in innocence. "I just didn't realize your tastes would change so drastically as you grew up."

"I'll say, tastes certainly change," Festus replied, nudging Snow's arm.

"Some change," Snow regarded her, "But some never do."

Festus let out a wet, barking laugh, "You told my mom cabbage was like lettuce's angry, drunkard uncle that had seen too much sun."

Concern flashed over Fern's face as she studied the dish. Snow, unfazed, tilted his head. "Festus, I just told her that so she wouldn't make that sloppy, slimy mess she always managed to whip up."

Festus huffed, elbowing his friend with a warning of speaking ill of his mother's cooking.

Snow turned back to Hazel, watching her place a forkful of the vegetable on her tongue. "Well, this is certainly better, and the company doesn't hurt either." He took another slow bite while continuing the stare-down with Hazel.

"How did you find the time to come all the way out here, Senator?" Rowan asked suddenly, his tone not quite hostile but far from friendly. "I thought you'd be too busy in the Capitol, especially with your government duties."

Snow didn't miss a beat. "Family is important, young man. And Hazel's, after everything she's done for Panem and me, is worth my time."

Hazel's grip tightened around her fork. Rowan's jaw tensed. "Family. Right."

Beside him, Oren shifted in his chair, glancing at Rowan but saying nothing.

Fern cleared her throat, turning to Festus and Indira. "So, how exactly does the tour work?"

As Festus and Indira outlined the plan, Hazel listened without interruption. The Capitol's intent was clear: the Hunger Games were never to leave the districts' collective memory for long. Every winter, around six months before the next reaping, the Victory Tour would start. It would begin in District Twelve and progress backward through each district except the Victor's, finishing with a grand celebration in the Capitol. Only then would they return to the Victor's home District for a final banquet to close the tour.

"Fascinating," Fern commented in a soft tone, though it sounded hollow.

Snow responded, "I agree, the tour will be indeed fascinating. I believe it will be just as unpredictable as...the Games were."

Unpredictable. Hazel bit back a scoff.

"How so?" Rowan challenged, his tone basically seething.

"Ro," Hazel breathed.

"Because of your sister. I, for one, am excited to see how she performs. Considering her actions in the Games and how popular her victory has become in the Capitol and the districts, I think she will keep us all on the edge of our seats or maybe on our toes."

Hazel shifted her spine against her chair, her fingers tapping an unsteady rhythm against her fork as she speared another piece of potato. "Sounds like a challenge."

Snow paused his chewing, "I'm most certain you will rise to it. That does seem to be a talent of yours."

Hazel coughed as a chunk of potato rebelled against her esophagus. She decided at that moment that trying to eat and exchange words with Snow was a risky combination. One of the two had to go.

Festus chimed in. "Hazel is one of the more popular victors, even more so than Mags. And, of course, way more than those meat heads from District Two. The other Districts and the Capitol will be eager to see her. And her brilliant mentor, of course."

Hazel felt the cabbage sour in her stomach.

Snow added smoothly. "Panem does love a victor with... charm."

Hazel eyed him, "Guess you could say their tastes haven't changed."

Snow took another large bite of cabbage, chewing it without even a flinch. He had downed half the portion he had piled on his plate.

Festus laughed, patting Snow on the shoulder, "This is definitely a sight I never thought I would see. Corio eating cabbage, and today of all days."

The words hung in the air, and Hazel's head snapped to Snow.

Snow's eyes zeroed in on Festus, and his friend let his hand drop, his face turning as white as the world outside their door.

"Oh, that is right," Indira dabbed at her mouth with her napkin, "it would be remiss of me not to extend my best wishes, Senator."

Hazel looked between them, suddenly curious. "What do you mean?"

Snow glanced at the twins, "Lily, Linden, and I are apparently birthday neighbors."

It was his birthday? A strange silence followed his words. Hazel felt her heart skip a beat.

"If I would have known, I could've made a cake." Fern commented, looking between Festus and Snow.

"Mrs. Starling, you've done more than enough. And I would have preferred to keep it a secret." Snow cast an irritated glimpse at Festus.

Festus grimaced, mouthing the word 'sorry.'

Oren nodded, his voice careful. "Well, we're flattered to have you join us on such an occasion."

"Why aren't you with your own family?" Rowan asked.

Snow's eyes flashed again, though he shrugged with a superficial non-chalantness. "I don't have much family left. My cousin has been busy lately, and my Grandma'am recognizes me a little less every day. She hasn't remembered my birthday in years." Snow's charm faltered for a moment, and Hazel almost felt a pang of sympathy.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Fern commented.

"No need to worry." Snow's tone became almost wistful. "I assure you that tonight, I'm exactly where I want to be."

"Will you be staying long, Sir?" Oren inquired.

"Unfortunately, no, I head to the Capitol tonight. I've got to get back to work."

"Do you miss being a Gamemaker?" Lily asked with a sudden innocent genuineness.

Snow smirked at the girl, "Sometimes."

"Why did you quit?" Lily continued

"It was time for a new beginning." He glanced at Hazel, "A fresh start, if you will."

"What changed things?" Linden inquired next.

"You two, more eating," Fern commented. "The Senator didn't come here to be interrogated."

"Why did he then?" Rowan grumbled under his breath.

Snow shrugged off Fern's concern, ignoring Rowan completely, "It's quite all right." He smiled between bites. "It's not so much what changed things but who."

Hazel swallowed her throat tight as her face grew warm in an instant, and Lily let out a soft sound while the rest moved their collective attention to anywhere but her.

"Augustus Trask is certainly an influential individual." Hazel wanted to hide under the table, but she wasn't about to let his words lie.

Snow chuckled, tapping his fork against his lips before spearing the last bite of cabbage.

He paused before he placed the bite in his mouth, meeting her gaze once again. "That he is. And I like to surround myself with such people. And to answer your question Rowan..." He scraped the vegetable from the utensil with his teeth. "That is why I am here with all of you tonight

Festus nodded with a small smirk. Indira pushed a potato across her plate as the room fell into a strained silence.

The rest of the meal passed in light conversation. As light of a conversation as was possible given the circumstances. Sage filled the gaps with animal trivia prompting amused laughs and even a surprised hum of interest from Sable. Snow, for his part, directed his questions expertly, asking about life in District Seven, the family's favorite pastimes, and even Oren's work at the lumber mill. He appeared wholly content as he absorbed the information like a sponge in an ocean, happily soaking it all in.

An evil sponge. Hazel spun her fork between her fingers while her foot tapped out an increasingly erratic rhythm beneath the table.

Snow's eyes brushed over her often as though he were observing more than just her eating habits. She kept her eyes on her plate, trying her best to remember how to eat properly. It was like her muscle memory had evaporated in the last several minutes.

Once they had all finished, Hazel volunteered without hesitation to wash the dishes. However, her little escape was thwarted when Snow rose, insisting on helping. He diplomatically settled his charm on Fern, demanding she relax after cooking such an outstanding meal. Fern relented, joining the rest of the family as well as Festus and Indira around the fireplace.

Hazel stationed herself in front of the sink. She turned the handle until the water was near boiling. Once the sink was filled with water and soap, she dipped her good hand into the nearly searing water. The heat turned her skin a bright red, but at least it shifted her focus. She did her best to keep her left hand dry, though her bandage soaked up the fluid around its edges like the cracked rain-starved earth.

The two peacekeepers barely moved from their spots. However, Linden snuck Sable a leftover chicken leg while clearing the table. The older man smiled warmly at the boy, tucking it away before anyone could notice. Leo, on the other hand, was almost like a human statue as only his eyes and the faint movement of his breathing even indicated he was awake.

As the last of the plates were dumped into the sink, Snow slid beside her, a fluffy towel in tow, having abandoned his gloves. His elbow brushed against hers. "I think they like me."

Hazel scrubbed the glass in her hand harder. "You want them to?"

"Of course I do." Snow reached between her hands and pulled away the steaming glass before she cleaned it into oblivion.

Hazel met Rowan's stern eyes as she grabbed a plate next. He hadn't moved from his seat at the dining room table and was watching them, arms crossed. "You'll have to campaign harder than that, Senator."

Snow paused, peering down at her with a strange intensity. "I guess I will." He let out an incredulous sound as he began to dry the glass with a towel. "Though, I have a feeling that he'll come around."

As he reached for the next plate, he paused for a moment, seemingly realizing something. Then his arm surged forward again and ensnared her left wrist with a subtle splash. He dragged it toward him, turning it over; the once clean bandage was now dark, peeling at the edges, and a spot in the center was growing a deep red.

"I see the doctor's orders really stuck." He ran his thumb along her damp, hot, pink-tinged pulse point as she met his eyes.

"Just because someone is a doctor doesn't mean they know everything."

"I agree."

Hazel shrugged, stretching the fingers of her ensnared hand, "A little water or pain isn't going to kill me. I've been through worse."

Snow considered her for a moment before he submerged their connected hands into the simmering water, his eyes fixed on her reaction. "As have I."

She drew a quiet breath as the heat met her wound, though the sting was nothing compared to the feel of his fingers weaving with hers under the surface. His palm settled against hers beneath the frothy suds. However, he didn't flinch or react to the nearly scalding water; instead, he held her gaze with a look that made the water seem ocean-cold in comparison. "Pain is inevitable. It's how we handle it that defines us. Master it, and you can turn suffering into power."

Hazel could practically feel Leo's scrutiny as Snow's palm pressed into hers. Rowan coughed from his seat at the table, and Hazel felt her face grow warmer than the water soaking her hand. She needed to get him out of here—away from her family. He was becoming far too comfortable. She rid her hand of Snow and suds, pulling away from the depths of the sink. "Senator," Hazel addressed him loud enough for the entire room to hear as she dried her hands, "I need to return your coat before you leave. It's up in my room."

She practically tossed the hand towel at him. "Of course, Miss Marlowe," His voice was calm and steady. He even dried his hands and replaced his gloves in a charismatic way that annoyed her to no end. "Lead the way."

She cast one last glance at her loved ones and guided him up the stairs. Leo and Sable watched warily from their stationed areas but didn't protest or move to follow. She didn't dare meet Rowan's eyes as she took the steps, two at a time.

As she ascended the stairs, Snow's breath entangled itself in her hair as he whispered, "To answer your sister's question, my favorite game is hide and seek."