It was just a costume briefing. Simple, innocent and quick.
The next propo was a week away. Haymitch was fully aware of how hard Effie had been working on the outfits and props each week. She was slightly purple under the eyes but he didn't mention it, not to be kind, but because he actually thought they made her look human. But he didn't want to mention that either.
He usually brought a treat. He wasn't one to brag about the privileges that he recieved higher up the ranks so he liked to sneak things when he could to treat his friends.
The coffee was off for the night but he knew it was her favourite. He pondered for a while, thinking what else would be suffice until he spied them. They were sitting table central in Coins private board room, untouched and probably never would be. He snatched the bowl, covered it with his jacket and headed to the basement.
On they way down there he figured it probably wasn't the best idea to snatch the entire bowl, but watching Effies eyes light up and her smile spread wide as she spotted the luscious and sumptuous green apples, was totally worth the risk.
"Haymitch Abernathy, you never fail to amaze me" she trilled, clapping her hands together as he placed the bowl infront of her. "So, what does a girl have to do to get a luxurious piece of sweet chocolate next time?".
She was teasing so Haymitch teased back.
"How about you drop me something sweet and I'll see what I can do" he grinned, leaning close over her shoulder.
She knew he was teasing her but she loved a challenge. Without hesitation she turned into him sultrily and pressed her lips to his.
He was surprised at first. He even felt himself jolt at the touch. He hadn't been kissed in a very very long time...
Sensing his hesitation, Effie let her lips linger a little longer and brought a hand to his face gently. She realised she was enjoying this too much and he wasn't pulling away just yet either.
After a few seconds, they parted momentarily and Haymitch cleared his throat.
Feeling a little sheepish, Effie leaned back a little but didn't break eye contact. If she did, she knew she'd lose him. The moment would be over and life would go on. Moments like this didn't come along for her anymore, least of all down there in 13.
"Was that...sweet enough?" She challenged again, straining to keep a hold of her confidence. Haymitch spotted the hint of a twinkle in her eye and, hell, it knocked him sideways. He admired her confidence, she was playing with fire and not afraid to get burned. Something he had seen alot of in her recently, something he liked. Walking away now would douse every bit of that fire inside of her and Haymitch was not about to be the big bucket of water, ruining all the fun.
Fighting fire with fire, he kissed her again and this time, he didn't stop.
They never got around to eating those apples.
(There's an edited image that goes with this mini one shot that i made. Its Hayffie sharing a kiss in view of the forbidden apples. You can view the image on my Tumblr page here: . /49a3617390997d2533f85635bafa2a60/tumblr_pj6pel8NiR1vv1tfe_ )