I wanted to note that I am going out of town for a day-trip tomorrow and will be posting the next chapter on Tuesday.
I also wanted to mention that, while I have the ending of this already written, I am a little bit stumped on how to write the chapters that are set during Mockingjay: Pt. 2, as, obviously, I don't have anything from that movie to work with. My plan is to scan over that part of the book and work Effie in as Fulvia like they did in the movie while still keeping up with the relationship she has with Haymitch, Katniss, and everyone else. So, after the next chapter is posted, it might be a few days before another one is put up because they haven't been written yet.
Anyhow… I hope you are enjoying this so far!
The next morning, Haymitch slid open the door to Effie's compartment. He was surprised to see that she was awake, sitting cross-legged on the bed, staring blankly at the wall in front of her.
"Effie, I'm sorry," said Haymitch, walking over and sitting across from her. He took her left hand and stroked the top of it with his thumb.
"Plutarch was right; my days in the Capitol really are over. I have no friends left there. None at all."
"Effie, do you want the day off?" Haymitch asked.
"Yes," Effie replied honestly.
"Well, if you need anything, let me know." But before Haymitch could get up, Effie squeezed his hand tighter.
"Haymitch, Portia was killed because she was Cinna's partner, and her team was killed because they were associated with her. I don't know about Cinna's team, but I'm willing to bet that they're dead too. Haymitch… I was supposed to die with them, I know it" said Effie.
Haymitch had no idea why he hadn't connected that Portia was killed because of her association with Cinna. And Effie was right; if she had still been in the Capitol, she would have either died with Portia or been tortured until she wished she were dead.
"Effie…"
"I know I shouldn't think that way, but it is true. If you hadn't gotten me out of there…"
"Don't finish that sentence," said Haymitch.
"Haymitch… I'll see you tomorrow, alright?" said Effie. Haymitch could tell that she wanted to be alone now.
"Alright," said Haymitch. Once again, he walked out of her compartment.