Haymitch

(This is set right after the quarter quell, right before Katniss and Peeta go back into the arena)

I sat at the table, staring at the empty bottle in my hand.

I was just about to get up and find another, when there was a knock at my door. I pretended not to hear it and

Got up to start my drink search, but the person came in anyway.

It was Peeta. "Oh great." I said under my

breath. Every time this kid comes to see me he doesn't let me drink, not even a sip, AND he always takes away

The alcohol I have hidden. Great, Just great "I need to talk to you, Haymitch" "About what?" "

It's about Katniss, listen I need you to promise me you'll protect her no matter what, if it comes down to me or her you

NEED to help me protect her.

She's so worried about everyone else all the time, and she doesn't think before she speaks.

I hate to say it but I need your help."

I sighed "I don't know why you care so much kid, really what she has done to help you?"

"It's not about that Haymitch; I'm doing this because I WANT to protect her, not because I owe her anything."

"Oh I see, Peetas fallen in love hasn't he?" I said smugly

" That's not the point . Promise me just ...promise me you'll protect her. "

"What's in it for me son?"

"I won't bother you about your drinking problem for as long as I can manage." He said staring at a crack in my wooden table

"About how long is that exactly?"

"Haymitch ..." he said I could hear he was running out of patience so I decided to let this one go.

He's a good kid and He's in love. I remember what that felt like ... I sigh again "ok Peeta I'll help you, but if she resists my help I can't force her."

"I don't care if she resists, you need to do it at all costs."

This doesn't really seem worth you not pestering me for "as long as you can manage" I mumbled

"Please Haymitch?" I could hear the pleading in his voice.

How can I just let him suffer? All he wants is for her to be safe.

I sighed and than said

"OK, fine but you have to leave NOW."

"Thanks Haymitch" he said .A look of pure relief was on his young face.

I watched him leave and than walked over and sat on my tattered red couch.

I'm glad I promised Peeta I would help.

That kid is all alone and I don't know why I care but I do.

I mean the kid is obviously head over heels in love with a girl who in my opinion doesn't really care that much about him.

She's a nice kid too but she's not in love with him.

I sit there for, I don't know how long and then I get up to go to bed.

I try to sleep but sleep just won't come. I sit tossing and turning in my rough and uncomfortable sheets.

I get up and walk to my kitchen for some water, still thinking of Peeta's pleas. I sit down in a rough wooden chair and thing

Katniss plays a pretty convincing role, acting in love with

Peeta, but he really means the things he says. He really means it when he kisses her.

He truly loves her.

I sit there like a fool, with ridiculous sappy thoughts running through my head.

I try to shake them out and think about something else, but like sleeping this also won't work.

So I guess the thoughts will just have to run their course through my head.

I think it would be easier for Peeta if they didn't have to fake a romance, because this way he can't tell if it's real or fake on her part.

But I know it's fake.

Katniss is in love with some coal miner kid who the capitol paints as her "cousin".

Poor Peeta…

Oh well he'll get over it.

I'll have to have him over for some drinks after his heart gets completely shattered.