Effie's POV:
I sat on the train carriage, waiting for Haymitch's sober face to appear at any moment. Suddenly, the car pulled up and my accomplice to the Capitol ball hopped out, dressed in brown distasteful corduroy trousers and a faded blue button up shirt. Cameras flashed and clicked all around him and he slightly smirked when he caught my gaze. The butterflies were dancing around in my stomach, playing bounce castle. Haymitch stepped onto the train and the slick sliver doors whooshed shut.
"Nervous?" He asked and side smiled.
"No way." I lied, my voice going high pitched. I sucked at lying. Haymitch began to chuckle at my poor lying abilities and sat down next to me infront of the tv. I was wearing my white dressing gown and yellow bunny slippers but luckily my wig was in place. The television tuned in and showed images of the mentors for each district, some old, most young. Each mentor was given a brief Hunger Games summary, which was just enough to make Haymitch cringe and leave to have a toilet break. It must of reminded him of his victory, 24 years ago. I remember watching those games on the tiny portable tv, I was only young but as soon as I saw Haymitch in the tribute parade, I was backing him all the way. Haymitch returned from the bathroom when an assistant knocked on the door to let him know we were currently at district 9 and we had to get dressed soon.
I shuffled to my dressing room and took my dressing gown off, revealing my nude coloured underwear. I sat at the mirror and began to apply my makeup, curling my lashes and pouting as I spread glittery lipstick on my lips. I rolled my eyes as the train hit a kink in the track and jogged me, causing my whole face to screw up. I grabbed a hand full of makeup removers and wiped my face clean so I could try again. The curls of my wig began to scratch my forehead so I growled and took it off myself. I looked at my dress in the mirror, smiling at the shimmering colour when all of a sudden, Haymitch opened the door.
"Is my tie I'm here..." His voice trailed off as his eyes met my natural state. "I'm so sorry." He gasped and covered his eyes with his hands. "Oh god, I'm so sorry." Haymitch apologised again.
"It's... Okay." I whispered. I pulled my dressing gown on and swallowed as I took Haymitch's hands away from his face. His look softened as he looked at my traditionally ugly hair.
"Why do you wear those wigs?" He whispered. "You're beautiful enough without them." Haymitch let his fingers tuck some stray hair behind my ear. I closed my eyes as his hand traced the outline of my jaw. Haymitch Abernathy had just called me beautiful. I knew there and then I was in love with him. Within seconds, I could feel his warm breath on the tip of my nose, making me tingle all over. I heard Haymitch swallow then reopen his mouth, even closer to my mouth than anyone had dared to go. Before I knew it, his soft lips were on mine, exchanging a long, passionate kiss.
~Abbie
