Effie had begun staying at Katniss' house after the stunt Haymitch pulled. Ever since he tried to break in, she was too scared to stay alone. And since she and Katniss were so close, she stayed there. They had developed a mother/daughter relationship, which basically meant continuing on as they were. The first time it happened, Effie wasn't sure what was going on.

All she heard was a series of blood curdling screams from Katniss' room. She had rushed in to see her thrashing around in bed, desperately trying to escape her dream horrors. So she did the only thing she knew to do; she sat down, pulled the girl into her arms, and withstood the hits.

"Katniss, Katniss, calm down. It's not real, it's a nightmare. I'm right here and we're both in your house in District Twelve."

After she had stopped thrashing, she began stroking her hair.

"Effie," Katniss mumbled.

"Yes, I'm right here."

She seemed contented with that answer and settled down further. To make sure she would go back to sleep, Effie began to sing.

"Hush-by, Don't you cry

Go to sleep my little baby

When you wake you shall find

All the pretty little horses.

Blacks and bays, dapples and grays

Coach and six a little horses

When you wake you shall find

All the pretty little horses.

Hush-by, Don't you cry

Go to sleep my little baby

When you wake you shall find

All the pretty little horses."

When she was sure the girl was asleep, she tried to stand to return to her room. She was stopped by a firm grip on her wrist. She gently pried the hand off, but paused when Katniss began to whimper. Quietly, she lay down beside her and the whimpers stopped. Katniss cuddled into her side and sighed contentedly.

Effie smiled and drifted off to sleep, not worried about what Peeta would say if he found them there. The next morning, Katniss was distant, apologizing profusely and thanking her. It was worse when she saw the bruises she had left on her pale skin. She assured her it was okay and that she was there anytime. What were a few bruises anyway?

It was worth it. She had helped someone she loved, at least for a while. So if that meant bruises, well, bring them on.