The Undeserving Victor

by Wildmagic-Warrior

Haymitch Abernathy wasn't always a drunk. He wasn't always a pessimist, either. But being in the arena, living through that hell, it does things to you. Changes you. Makes you something you never thought you'd be. This is the story of a man who was so much less than a man, and the people- the person- who helped him to survive.

1. In the Beginning

The voice was unfamiliar, and it was addressing someone else.

"Mrs. Abernathy?"

People only called his mother that when something was wrong. The rest of the time it was Charlotte.

The young boy pulled back his blanket and stood quietly, sneaking across the room in order to press his ear against the door. He was careful not to step on the squeaky floorboards, because if he did his infant brother would wake up and start squalling.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but Christopher won't be coming home. There was a collapse in the mines."

The house was silent except for a quiet gasping sound. It was the first time Haymitch heard his mother cry. It wouldn't be the last.