Haymitch lies, looking up at the ceiling, on the bed after waking up abruptly from yet another nightmare. He's sweating all over, despite the winter cold, and he strips down to his underwear so he can cool down. He steps out onto the balcony off his bedroom. The sky is clear and full of glittering stars and the icy ground reflects the glitter. There's a solid knock on his bedroom door. Haymitch sighs. Normally he doesn't like company, but right now he feels like he needs some. "Come on in," he calls out, not budging from his spot on the balcony.
"Haymitch!" A feminine voice echoes through the relatively empty house. The person didn't hear him.
"Out on the balcony!" Haymitch calls back. He hears the click of high heels on the marble flooring in the house. It's definitely not Katniss then since she never wears them unless it's necessary.
Effie pauses when she enters the bedroom. Haymitch is leaning against the railing of the balcony and Effie notices every muscle illuminated by the moon. "Hey Haymitch," Effie says approaching slowly.
"Effie, hey. Let me just get some pants on." Haymitch says turning around.
"Don't worry about it. It's nothing I haven't already seen. Why are you still up?" Effie asks as she comes over to stand next to Haymitch.
"Can't sleep." Haymitch says plainly.
"Nightmares?" Effie whispers.
"Isn't it always? You know it is. They'll never go away." Haymitch runs his hands over his face.
Effie notices the increasingly dark circles under Haymitch's eyes. They were always there, but now they're more prominent. She reaches over carefully and covers his hand with hers. "Do you want me to stay?" Effie asks in a breathy whisper. She knows the company helps. Someone who doesn't see the same images can help make them stop.
Haymitch merely nods. He hates admitting he needs the help. He hates being vulnerable, but he knows he's very vulnerable because of his memories. He takes a final, deep breath before he enters his bedroom with Effie. She moves around the room picking up the dirty clothes on the floor and tosses them in the hamper. She goes into the bathroom and turns the cool water on. Haymitch just stands and watches her. She's always doing peculiar things.
Effie comes out of the bathroom carrying a damp facecloth. "Come here," she whispers gently.
"Why?" Haymitch asks suspiciously.
"Because you're all hot and sweaty and this will cool you down." Effie says frustratedly. Haymitch hates to listen to anyone.
Haymitch walks slowly towards Effie. Effie spreads the facecloth out and begins to run the cool cloth across Haymitch's chest and down to the waistband of his boxers.
"Turn around." Effie whispers. She runs the cloth across Haymitch's shoulders and down his back. She can feel every muscle under her fingers. She stretches up and slowly begins to massage his shoulders. She can feel the muscles relax under her touch. "You get into bed and I'll be right there." Effie pats Haymitch's shoulder.
"I'm so tired." Haymitch admits.
"I know. I won't be long; I just have to change my clothes and get a little bit of this make-up off and then I can come to bed." Effie says reassuringly. She watches Haymitch climb into bed before she picks up a small overnight bag and heads into the bathroom.
Haymitch winces as the bathroom light is switched on and sighs when the door is closed shutting the light out of the bedroom. He doesn't even attempt to fall asleep until Effie comes back. The door to the bathroom opens, but the light isn't as bright because Effie is standing in the doorway. Haymitch turns to see Effie silhouetted in the doorway momentarily before she turns the light off. Haymitch notices the slinky nightgown she's wearing before she turns the light out. She's a striking woman.