A/N: So this was just a quick little thing that came to mind after watching Catching Fire again. This is based on a plot twist I found online. Forgive any mistakes: I typed this up within a few minutes before going to bed. If I see any glaring mistakes, I'll edit and repost.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games or the plot twist.
The Capitol was supposed to be the greatest place in the world. It was safe, and no one went without anything there. Effie lived comfortably in the Capitol. She had always been good and loyal. So why was she being put through such torture?
It was the Quarter Quell and the past victors were to be reaped again; her victors and Haymitch were to be reaped again. Effie was surprised she managed to keep herself composed. Then again, it was easy to hide behind a mask of makeup and a butterfly dress.
She stared out into the crowd, meeting the eyes of the people of District 12. She recognized so many faces and didn't know any names. Only the Everdeens, Mellarks, and Haymitch were important to her.
Haymitch.
There was a fifty percent chance that he would be taken away from her. They always argued; they always bickered, she always hid behind the mask of makeup because it was easier than confessing her true feelings. There was no one who could save Katniss. But Haymitch could be saved.
Though it gave her a terrible sense of guilt, Effie was secretly wishing she would choose Haymitch's name, knowing that Peeta would volunteer for him. But she quickly pushed that thought from her mind. She, truthfully, did not want any of these victors to die. They were a team.
"As always, ladies first," the escort managed to choke out, feeling herself lose her composure a bit as she drew the only slip of paper in the bowl. "Katniss Everdeen," she read, tears blurring her vision slightly. She looked to Katniss apologetically, as if that would help anything. "And now," Effie continued, "for the men." Not boys, but men.
Effie reached into the bowl and with great trepidation she chose a random slip of paper and pulled it out. She didn't even realize she was holding her breath as she unfolded the slip. Suddenly, her heart stopped as she scanned the name before reading it out loud:
Peeta Mellark.
It was her job to read the name out loud. But Effie couldn't. Haymitch had been so traumatized by what happened to him in the arena. How could she put the person she loved through that torture again? She supposed the same argument could be made for Peeta. How could she do that to either of them?
Yet, the name would not pass her lips. She was to say Peeta's name, Haymitch would volunteer, and he would go into the arena with Katniss while Peeta remained safe.
She didn't know what possessed her, but something came over Effie and the name Peeta did not roll off her tongue. She closed her eyes for a moment; taking a deep breath and thinking: forgive me. "Haymitch Abernathy."
As expected, Peeta immediately stepped forward and said, "I volunteer as tribute."
No one could stop him. Peeta was going to enter the arena again, thinking he had taken Haymitch's place. And all Effie could think was:
Forgive me.
