*Set after Mockinjay*

Effie's POV

After a long train journey, I finally arrive at District 12. The cold air brushes past making me shiver. I walk to victors' village. My brain starts to crowd with thoughts – what shall I say? What happens if…? I've been excited for this day for weeks but now that I'm here I feel worried.

I came here to see Katniss and Peeta. But most of all I came here to see Haymitch. I haven't seen any of them since we won the rebellion. It's been months. I would have visited them earlier but we have very strict rules in the capitol. We are only allowed to visit other districts if we HAVE to. I managed to persuade the new president to let me see the victors of 12. It took a long time for her to agree but she said I could go.

I take a deep breath and walk up the path to Haymitch's house. My heart starts rapidly beating. What if he doesn't like me? What if he doesn't want to see me? What would I do if he turns me down? Millions of negative thoughts fill my brain. I start breathing faster. What if he's not the only one who hates me? What if everyone in 12 hates me? What if…

As I open my eyes, I find myself in a room. Where am I? It's warm here – the fire is lit and I am covered with a blanket. I hear footsteps. Someone is coming. Who is it? As they come closer I cover my face with the blanket. "Effie?" a familiar voice says. I slowly move the blanket from my face. "You're awake!"

"Haymitch?!" I answer half in surprise and half in happiness. "What happened?" He sits down beside me. "Well. I was in my house, drinking liquor, when I heard a noise outside. At first I thought it might have been my imagination or something but as time passed I started to feel as if there was actually something there. So I looked out the window and I swear my heart stopped beating. I rushed to the door and run outside. You were there, lying on the floor. You were so cold. I didn't know what happened…" he looked at me, tears filled his grey eyes. "I thought you could have been dead. I was so pleased when I found out you were still breathing and your heart was still beating. I knew I couldn't leave you out in the cold so I took you inside. I didn't know what to do but you were so cold. I lit the fire and got you a blanket. I kept trying to warm you up. I was just going to go and call Katniss but then I heard something and I knew that you had woken up."

"Wow…" I manage to reply. "But why?"

"What do you mean why? Why what?"

"Well, why did you start caring about me?"

"I've always cared about you Effie!"

"But, but I thought that you hated me?"

"Effie Trinket, I never hated you and I never will"

"Well… good" I reach out and squeeze his hand. He smiles at me. "So…. What brings you to 12?"

"You know… I just wanted to catch up and see my favourite victors again." There is a moment of silence. "I expect you haven't eaten in a while?" Haymitch inquires. "No, I'm starving! I haven't had anything to eat since this morning"

"Effie. Clueless Effie. Not knowing the true meaning of the word 'starving'".

"Oh sorry…." I just realised what I had said. "I didn't mean it. Well, I mean I did mean it but I know I've never been as hungry as…"

"Don't worry Effie. I was the one who asked you the question. I'm glad you haven't and hopefully never will have to suffer from starvation."

We walk to the bakery and are greeted by Peeta. "EFFIE!" He hugs me "I haven't seen you in ages! How have things been?"

"You know, just normal" I reply. I don't want them to know. I don't want them to worry about me and my life in the capitol.