Haymitch was building a new pen for his geese for the better part of the afternoon. When he was satisfied with his work he made his way back into the house. He was washing up when he overheard Effie talking to Katniss on the phone. Usually she would just walk right over to her house but Katniss accompanied Peeta to one of his checkups with the doctors in the capitol.

"I don't know Katniss. It just seems like he doesn't want me here. It feels like he isn't happy." Effie confided.

"Well I can't just come out and ask him Katniss, you know just as well as I do that he would just laugh at me for being insecure or something."

"Yes, he was the one to ask me to come live with him. He seemed really happy in the beginning but now it seems like he just isn't enjoying my company anymore. Ugh, I don't know. It just seemed like such a good idea at first. I really do love him and he says he loves me, but lately his actions aren't showing it."

"He used to not be able to keep his hands off of me and now it's like pulling teeth to get a kiss out of the man. We haven't had sex in.."

"Oh Katniss, grow up. We are all adults here."

"Well, safe travels tomorrow, dear. We will see you when you get back. Give Peeta my love and I hope all is well with the doctor's visit."

He heard Effie hand up the phone and return to their bedroom.

Haymitch had no idea that Effie was feeling this way. Of course he still enjoyed her company and even though he doesn't say it enough, he truly does love her. He hadn't even taken notice of the fact that they haven't been being very intimate. They have both been busy lately. He was rebuilding the pen and doing some landscaping in the back yard. Effie has been helping a very pregnant Katniss and a very anxious Peeta prepare their house for the arrival of their baby girl.

Effie and Haymitch grew very close during their time in District 13. Even though she was suffering from nightmares of her own, she seemed to soothe his. Space was limited in the District so when Effie was released from the care unit, Haymitch offered to take her in. It was all innocent at first. He just wanted to help her, but they grew closer and eventually they found themselves deep in love with one another. When the war was over and it was safe to return home, it only seemed right that Effie come to stay with Haymitch in 12 so they could explore this new relationship. He never admitted it to her, but he needed her. Without her in his arms at night, the nightmares were grueling.

He loved that crazy woman and he was going to prove it to her. He knew that if he didn't, he would risk not having her in his life anymore and that thought was just too much to bear. He was going to show her just how much she meant to him. He just had to figure out how.