Effie's PoV:
Topaz, Lil, Ruby, Cindy, and I were all in the lady's room ten minutes before we had to be in the auditorium. Fixing hair, last touches on makeup, latest gossip, normal stuff. Today seemed easier than the day before, the ability to play the Capitol's Effie Trinket has always been a skill of mine. I guess I was rusty at first, but not today. I can't break. I have to be perfect.
I look at myself in the mirror and feel like gaging. What a perfect little Capitol doll I am. Yuck.
"And that Haymitch is kinda cute," Ruby was saying. His name pulled my attention back to the conversation.
"I guess, if you like the rugged look," Cindy commented.
"I'm just saying it'll be a shame when he dies, could of made some woman happy," Ruby gave a fake sigh.
Topaz rolled her eyes, "And who exactly would that woman be? You?"
"You guys are obviously forgetting something," Lil said.
"And what would that be?" I asked.
Lil smiled, "He's obviously crazy about that Maysilee girl. So romantic."
"Yeah, but if he wins she'll be dead, so I don't see why he couldn't make...someone else perfectly happy," Ruby smiled innocently.
I smirked internally, "I bet he'll win and become a disgusting drunk. How happy would that make you?"
"Oh, Effie. I'm sure that wouldn't happen, but we're talking as if he's already won."
Topaz nodded, "Yeah, those careers are brutal, he probably won't last long."
"It's a shame," Ruby nodded sadly, as if she'd honestly be sad at one more tribute's death. But Topaz was right, just because he won once, doesn't mean he can do it again. And those careers...I shutter at the thought.
"We better go or we'll be late," I fell into an old safety net. Schedule, manners, be Effie Trinket.
We scuttled out of the lady's room and went to the auditorium, shuffling into our seats. We all said, "Present," when our name was called for attendance and it was soon time for the games.
"So where are we going today?" Ty asked no one in particular.
"Cafeteria," I said without thinking. That's where Cinna was yesterday, so I hoped he'd be there again today.
Luckily I was right. Unluckily he sat behind us today. I didn't have that little bit of cushion to soften the games. Yes I know he's there, but it was nice to have that reminder.
I tried to watch and look like I was enjoying the games. One thing about acting when I was an escort was that I never had to pretend to be enjoying the games, at least not wile watching them. I would talk to sponsors, but the games would just be background noise. The only person there when I actually watched was Haymitch. And Cinna on the 74th, but the stylist before him never showed after he sent off the tributes.
Now I had to watch people die and cheer for it. The worst part, it wasn't all acting. Every death means Haymitch is that much closer to winning, to surviving. I pretended to stretch, but I really just wanted to look back at Cinna. We held eyes for a moment before I turned away. I glance at the people I sit with, enjoying every second of the Quell. Oh how times change.
Around the end of the day I was getting a little thirsty, so I went up to one of the vending machines for a bottle of water. Cinna's there too, at another machine. It's ironic how out of the 40 or so students in the cafeteria, Cinna was the one I had to run into. Do I believe in omens?
I pretend to ignore him as he ignores me, but I'm really very aware of him. I miss my friends so much and he seems so close, but it's not the same, he would think I'm insane if I told him the truth. I punch in my student number and am about to press the button for a bottle of water when he speaks to me. "Do you think his little game of Katniss and Peeta will work?"
My mouth drops open and my eyes snap to him. He looks at me out of the corner of his eye and half grins. "Don't look at me, look like you're trying to make a decision." I follow his instructions and he continues. "In ten minutes I'm going to leave, wait two minutes, then follow. Just go forward and you'll find me."
Water in tow I headed back to my seat and waited for him to walk out the door. Funny how it's so easy for me to get a bottle of water, when tributes would kill for that in the arena. Cinna finally left and those two minutes couldn't go by fast enough. I got up, muttering some excuse about forgetting something in the auditorium, and off I went.
I had no idea what Cinna meant when he said go forward. The hall was completely empty, but I trek down it anyway. I'm sure he knew what he was talking about. A hand suddenly grabs my arm and I turn, about to scream, when I see it's Cinna, "Don't yell, it's just me." I disappear into the indent in the wall where there's a door to a janitor's closet. We don't go in the closet, but the few feet of wall hide us from anyone in the hall that's not right in front of it.
"Darn it, Cinna. Don't scare me like that," I smile at him.
"Sorry, Mrs. Abernaty, I didn't mean to," he teases me.
I smile and hug him, "Good to see you again."
"You too," I see him smile as we pull apart. "I was relieved you were here too."
"When did you figure it out? I was terrified of saying something to you."
"When we met eyes, the 15 year old Effie Trinket wouldn't have looked so desperate, no offence," Cinna was polite as always.
"None taken. I guess I am a bit desperate, if Haymitch dies..." I trail off.
"He won't, Haymitch is smart. And he's been through this once."
"But he's trying to get Maysilee out too. Darn it, I wish I could do something."
Cinna gives me a knowing grin, "That's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about."
I smile back, "You have a plan."
"Yes. I don't know if it will work but-"
"I'll do it. I'll do anything right now to help."
"Good. Since your dad is the District 1 escort, correct? He can get you into headquarters. Then you'll need to talk to Tyus, tell him what's happened. Since there's no 12 mentor, he can pick anyone he wants to do the mentor's job, or he can do it himself. Ask him to let you do the mentor's job. You know how to get sponsors Effie, and even better, you know how to talk to Haymitch."
"That's brilliant Cinna," I hesitate, "but there's one problem. I've begged my dad to let me go to headquarters, but he won't do it."
"Effie, figure it out. I know you can, you're smart. Think. What would convince your dad."
I thought for a moment, my head was frantic. This might be my only chance. "I don't know. I don't-" I gasped. The idea hit me dead on. Brilliant. "I got something, it's a long shot, but I think it might work."
Cinna beamed, "Great. I knew you could do it. Now-"
We both heard it at the same time. Voices coming down the hall. Voice's I recognized. My friends. Their conversation echoed and I knew they were looking for me, wondering where I had went. They'd see us any second! How can I explain this?
Another idea hit me. Again, it was crazy, but a crazy that just might work. "I'm sorry Cinna," I whisper frantically, then kiss him smack on the mouth.
"What is going on here?" Ace bellows when he sees us kissing. We pull apart and I pretend to be surprised to see him, like I had been so into the kiss I hadn't noticed them approaching.
I try to think of what to say, but I have no idea what 15 year old me would do in this situation. Luckily I'm saved by the bell, literally. The bell rings signaling the end of the day and students come pouring out of rooms. Anxious to get home and continue watching the games probably. "Well, gotta go!" I grab Cinna's arm and jump into the crowd, trying to get as far away from my friends as possible. Trying to do the opposite of almost everyone in the Capitol, disappear.
I don't know how they beat us outside, but when I see the seven waiting at my car I have no idea what to do. "Why don't you walk with me today? You don't live too far right?" Cinna asks.
"Great idea, more time to talk anyway," we turn in the direction of my house and start off down the sidewalk. The crowds seem to hide us as the seven don't follow us.
After we're safely out of site Cinna smiles at me, "That was brilliant."
"What can I say? It's not like I could have explained anything to them."
"Still brilliant. But how are you going to get to school tomorrow? Your car's still in the parking lot."
I brush it off, "Don't worry, I have a driver. Oh, I better call him so he doesn't worry. One second." I took out my cell phone and make a quick call to my driver telling him I'm walking today. Normally I'd never do something so rude as make a phone call in the middle of a conversation, but I know Cinna doesn't mind.
"Now Effie, remember to play up the love story to the sponsors. Also, remember you will have to talk to Trexler Hoverhound."
"Why will I need to talk to the head gamemaker?" I ask.
"You need to give him the idea to let two tributes win. I don't know how Haymitch did it last time, but now you have to," Cinna looked at me seriously.
I took a deep breath, "Okay, I'll think of som-" my phone started ringing. I looked at the screen, Ace. "I'm sorry, but I have to answer this."
"Like I really care about bad manners, go ahead."
I clicked talk and held the phone up to my ear, "Hello."
"How dare he! That creep won't get away with this! I swear, next time I see him-"
"Calm down. I kissed him, not the other way around. But don't worry, he said he doesn't like me like that, so you and I are still fine," I cut him off.
Cinna looked at me oddly and mouthed, "What are you doing?"
"Saving you," I mouthed back.
"Excuse me?" Ace was so loud I had to pull the phone away from my ear. "What did you just say? I am no body's second choice! Especially not behind that...that LOSER! We are done Effie Trinket! I hope you're happy!" He hung up as soon as he was finished.
"Oh please, you cheat with Topaz anyway," I say to the phone then turn to Cinna, "There. He shouldn't bother you any more than normal tomorrow."
Cinna shrugged, "Eh, I don't really care about what Ace Owens says to me anyway."
"Yeah, bigger fish to fry," I agree. "Hey, this is my house." We had almost walked right past it.
"Okay. You know what to do?"
I took a deep breath, "Yes. Let's just hope it works."
"I guess I'll see you when I see you then," he smiled and was about to walk away when I stopped him.
"What's your number in case I need to call you?" I asked.
We exchanged numbers and then goodbyes before I marched up into my house.
"Hi sweetheart, how was your day? Been enjoying the games?" My mother's voice chimed from the living room.
"Good," I called and was on my way up to my room when I heard it.
"I'm glad you had a good day," my dad called.
I rushed back down the stairs and into the living room, "Daddy? You're home early?"
He smiled. "I thought I'd surprise you. Almost none of the sponsors want to give anything so early in the games, and of coarse the mentors are there, so I thought I'd just go home a bit early and watch a bit of the games with my two favorite girls."
"Thanks dad, you know you're the most amazing wonderful dad in Panem," I smiled sweetly.
He raised an eyebrow, "What do you want?"
"Can I please go to headquarters with you tomorrow? Pretty please with sprinkles on top?"
He is in a good mood if me asking again doesn't make him mad. "I've already told you no. I hardly ever tell you no, but this time I mean it. So stop asking because the answer won't change."
I hope this works. "I'll make you a deal then. A bet."
Daddy looked at me curiously, "A bet? What kind of bet?"
"Chess. If you beat me then I'll never bring this up ever again."
"And if you beat me?" he asked.
"Then you have to let me come to headquarters everyday for the rest of the games, I'll even let you pick your colour," I know my dad. Two things he can never say no to, a bet, or a game of chess.
"Do you even know how to play chess?" mom wondered.
"Yeah, Ruby taught me last week," I lied. In truth Haymitch had taught me a wile back, drunk as he may be, the man can strategize. I was actually getting pretty good, and beat him once, so I should be able to take on my dad...I think.
"Effie dear, I've been playing for years. This isn't a fair bet," my dad looked a little disappointed.
"But it is, daddy. If I win I get the better prize. It's a balance," I coaxed.
He thought for a minute, "And you'll never ask about going to headquarters again if I win?"
"Never," I answered.
He sighed, "Get out the board and let's shake on it."
"Thank you, Daddy!" I kissed his cheek and he smiled.
We had the board set up and the TV was on in the background. Mom was mostly watching us, but kept checking on the Games in case something interesting happened.
"Are you sure about this, Effie? You could still back out now," Daddy was only half way teasing.
"And give up my chance to see headquarters? Never."
"Well then, let's play," he indicated the board with a swoop of his hand.
I smirked, "And may the odds be ever in your favor."
My dad moved first and I hoped I remembered how to do this. The first time I had played Haymitch he had a strategy that made me loose in less than five minutes. He'd then laughed at me and taught me how to do it. He also taught me how to block it, I just hope Daddy doesn't know the same trick.
It was his move. if he didn't see it in this move I won, if he does, I might be toast. I could always win in the long run, but it would be much easier to explain that I just knew this strategy. I held my breath.
He moved. I moved. I grinned. "Checkmate."
"What? Oh, ha ha Effie. Don't kid like that, technically that could disqualify you for calling false checkmate. Don't worry though, I won't count it against you," he smiled.
I smiled back, "I'm not kidding, Daddy. Look at your king. It's called seven move checkmate, and you've lost."
He took a second look at the board, going over the location of the pieces. His mouth fell open and he knocked over his king. "Would you look at that."
My grin took over my face. "Guess who gets to go to headquarters for the rest of the games!"
Mother looked disapproving. "No. I'm sorry Effie, but you can't, I won't allow it."
"Oh Feather, a deal's a deal. Wouldn't want to teach Effie not to honor her word would you? I don't like it any more than you do, but she won," Daddy met her eyes.
Mother looked between the two of us. I held my breath again. "Fine. But be careful darling. And make sure to help Daddy get those sponsors for District 1!"
"Maybe," I smiled playfully. Or no. Never. Not in this lifetime.
A/N: Whoa, long chapter. I know there's no Haymitch, but since he hasn't seen Maysilee yet nothing is really going on with him. So expect more Haymitch PoV's in a couple of chapters, until then it'll be Effie.
I hope you liked it, it was fun to write about Cinna. And I know in the books he dies, but in this he's going to have survived because I refuse to believe he's dead.
Another big thanks to:
baileysue2
and
TheGirlWhoWasOnFire21
If it wasn't for you two this wouldn't be up yet. Thank you for the inspiration. I'd love to read any ones thoughts. *cough review cough*
