A/N: Hello Hayffie fandom. I have decided to create a series of one-shots that explores the moments between Haymitch and Effie during Catching Fire and possible Mockingjay. I hope you enjoy this fanfiction and please leave your review to tell me your thoughts.
"Hello Haymitch." Effie Trinket said as she walked towards the drunken man who was sprawled in one of the seats in the bar cart. "Haymitch, this is our first time with a victor. We have 2 victors and we must make this victory tour the best it can be for them."
"And how do you expect us to do that princess?" Haymitch uttered as he took a swig of his whiskey. Effie began to answer him back, but he stopped her. "Do you hear that Princess? That is the sound of a rebellion starting, that is the sound of your little world beginning to crumble." His voice was laced with spite.
"I just want us to appear united; we're a team after all." Effie paused and waited for a reaction. The train was silently moving and no sound was protruding the walls. She could hear only her own rapid breathing. Whenever she was alone with Haymitch she could feel her heart hammering against her chest. Ever since she had met him she had felt small butterflies in her stomach and as their years working together had gone on those butterflies seemed to get bigger. She now couldn't stand to be in such a close proximity to him, as her cheeks would become a light shade of pink that she was sure Haymitch would be able to see under her layers of pale make-up. "Could you at least wear the bracelet?" Effie held out the gold band that she had had made for him. It was still in its black box, but Haymitch had already seen it.
"I'm not going to wear your stupid bracelet." Haymitch said as he began to get out of his seat. His shirt had come un-tucked and had a large whiskey stain down the front of it. His waistcoat was undone and his hair was messy at the back. Despite his messy appearance, Effie felt her heart rate picking up.
"Just try it on." Effie said, thrusting the box into Haymitch's hand. He promptly handed it back.
"No." Haymitch began to walk away when he felt small hands tugging at his hand. The box in which the gold bangle had been in was now disposed on the floor and Effie was attempting to get the bangle over his hand and onto his wrist. Haymitch grabbed Effie's waist and lifted her off the floor.
"Haymitch Abernathy put me down." Effie squealed. Her small hands batting at Haymitch's back as he had thrown her over his shoulder.
"Don't you like it princess?" Haymitch retorted.
"Let me go!" Effie shouted her accent practically evaporated. She sounded like a seam girl, suddenly Haymitch stopped. He completely froze, Effie still flung over his shoulder. Haymitch was brought to memories of his girl, her blonde hair bouncing around her shoulders as they ran through the streets of District 12. His hand in hers as they strolled around District 12 together. Her shining cheeks as she let tears fall down her face after he was reaped. The last time he saw her in that room with wooden panels. Suddenly his mind was replaced by images of Effie. The first time he had met her, the fear that covered her face as he stumbled up to her and hugged her. The time her hand had involuntarily grabbed his when Katniss and Peeta were battling Cato. When she had wrapped her arms around him when both their tributes had won.
Haymitch lowered Effie down to the floor; her feet were firmly on the floor when she slapped him across the face.
"Don't ever do that again." Effie said, but even as she said it she noticed the vacant look in Haymitch's face. His calloused hand lifted until he was touching her face. His thumb moved along her cheek and Effie began to breathe unevenly. She wanted to grab him and tell him what she felt, but she still felt like she couldn't admit her feelings towards him.
"I'll wear it." Haymitch said, taking the gold band from Effie's hand. He held her hand a little too long than he should have. Effie watched in disbelief as the gold band slipped over his wrist, and clipped into place. "A perfect fit. Did you sneak in and measure my wrist Princess?"
"I just guessed." Effie said quietly, her pink lined eyes looked down at her pink shoes. Effie's hand began to fumble with her dress as she tried to straighten after being picked up by Haymitch. As he hands ran across the silky orange fabric, she felt something press against her forehead. Her eyes flickered upwards and she could see Haymitch's chin. His lips were lightly touching Effie's forehead. Effie froze, her hands still clutching onto the fabric of her dress. Suddenly the warmth of Haymitch's lips was gone. Haymitch's hand's slipped into his pockets, before he turned on his heels and headed for the door.
"See you at dinner princess." Haymitch said. He slipped through the door, leaving a confused Effie behind him. He didn't see the smile illuminate her face, just as she didn't see his smile either.