Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games.
Chapter 11
Peeta POV
"Katniss, hurry up and get dressed! Let's go take Payson for a walk and spy on them!" I suggest. Katniss rolls her eyes at me and then laughs. "You are so bad Peeta. This is gonna blow up in your face." She says. I tap her butt with my hand and laugh. "Get a move on before we lose them! Where's the stroller? Shit, I should have taken that thing out of the box before now." I dash up the stairs and get dressed. Thank goodness Payson has already been changed and fed. Katniss is running around getting dressed quickly too.
I descend the stairs and head into the storage room and grab the stroller box. One of numerous items Katniss made me purchase at that over the top baby shop a few months ago. I yank it out of the box and wait for it to do something. Isn't it supposed to open up? I look around it from side to side and notice the red latches. I unhinge both of them and the contraption opens up into a sprawling stroller. How the hell are we ever going to catch them pushing a tank down the street? I give up on it in exasperation and grab the baby carrier. It'll have to do.
I get out to the living room and Katniss is holding Payson. She had already bundled him up for the Spring weather and helped me place him inside the carrier. When we're done, she steps back and laughs at me again. "Peeta, you should see what the two of you look like. I can't believe you want to spy on them. Let's go before they get further away." We head out the door and try to gain some time in our pursuit.
Haymitch POV
I swear I'm gonna kill that boy. I tell him I can't stand Effie, so what does he do? He invites her to District Twelve! I know he's done this to get back at me for making all of those comments to Don and Lily. I couldn't help myself. Sometimes it gets a little dull around here with the lovebirds and I need to spice things up a bit. I don't drink anymore, I can't stand the television with all the crazy Capitol bullshit shows on. All I have are the girl, boy, baby, my geese and my crocheting. A man gets idle from time to time and needs a little excitement.
I'm following Effie into town. She's a few feet in front of me and I want to stab out my own eyes for noticing her ass. I would have never, ever given Effie Trinket the time of day but even I have to admit that I never considered that she might be attractive under all that gaudy Capitol hair and make up. She looks natural. Her voice still has the Capitol accent of course, I mean that's where she's from, but for some reason her pitch isn't as annoying. I don't know if shedding all of the excess has shed that part of her persona. I'm only a couple of feet behind her now, still admiring her ass when she whips around and turns on me.
"If you even step a toe out of line Haymitch Abernathy and embarrass me publicly, I will personally put in a complaint with President Paylor. Do you hear me? Treat me with respect at all times." Effie warns. I'm just such a bad ass so I taunt her. "That's supposed to scare me Effie? You must realize that I don't give a fuck. I'll do and say whatever I want. I don't bow to anyone."
Effie scrunches her eyes into slits and then relaxes them. "This is why you will always be alone Haymitch. You're a selfish bastard and can't treat a lady right." I laugh out loud. "Lady? Where is there a lady? I haven't seen one of those in ages!" I slap my knee to demonstrate my laughter. Effie storms off and I rush to catch up.
We get to the town circle and Effie just takes her time walking around. When we approach a building project, the workers glance up and start checking her out. Those fools don't know what they're even looking at. Gawking like idiots. Effie leans in to me and asks. "Haymitch, what project is this? What are they building?" I can smell her sweet perfume. Not in the least bit over powering. It smells lovely on her. "Oh, it's the Justice Building. Peeta's Bakery is over there and Katniss's Apothecary is next door to it. There are several more building and shops that need rebuilding as well."
Effie approaches the men and introduces herself. She asks them questions about the rebuilding and what, if any, new additions they would like to see in the District. After speaking for a short time, one of the men asks her if she'd like to join him for dinner that evening. Effie blushes and respectfully declines. Saying that she's on official Capitol business and is planning to visit with friends before departing. As we walk away from them, I turn around and give them a dirty look. I was standing right there. I'm a man. Why would they think she wasn't with me? I think I'm an attractive guy. Why would they dismiss me? Then the thought occurs to me. They think Effie is too good for me. That she would never stoop so low as to give me the time of day.
Two things happen all at once.
I admit to myself that Effie looks hot. She really does and I'm curious about this side of her.
She will never give me a chance. I have been such a dick to her all these years that I've known her.
And suddenly, I am very interested in Effie Trinket. I replay as many sober moments as I can muster up from over the years. Most of the banter between us involved her over the top appearance or my drinking. There was nothing specific that I busted on her for. I would make fun of her hair, make up, dress or voice. She would make fun of me for my drinking, disheveled appearance, the way I behaved. Manners are obviously a big thing for her. It's her job and she takes pride in it. I am suddenly very curious to have a conversation with her without all of that other bullshit present.
I lead her around the District all morning and after our last stop before lunch, I extend my arm to her. "Would you care to get something to eat with me Ms. Trinket?" I ask. Effie raises an eyebrow in hesitation and then accepts my arm. "Most certainly Mr. Abernathy. What do you have in mind?" She replies. Since we have no other real restaurants, I lead her to The Hob for a bowl of stew. Let's face it, this is what District Twelve is. When I hold the door open for her, I notice Peeta and Katniss with little Payson out of the corner of my left eye. Son of a bitch has the whole family spying on us. I dismiss my negative thoughts for right now. I can deal with the kids after. I have to get through lunch first.
I lead Effie to a stool at Sae's counter and order two glasses of water and bowls of beef stew. Effie looks at me again with trepidation and I pick up my water glass to toast hers. She takes a bite and looks pleasantly surprised. "Haymitch, this is really good stew!" She excitedly says. I look up at Greasy Sae. "See that Sae, even a Capitol official loves your cooking. You should open a real restaurant. I bet there are some guys wanting to take their gals out to dinner. You could make a fortune in that business. I'll even give you the money to get it going." Sae smiles. "I'll think about it Haymitch. You gonna take your gal to dinner if I open it?" I chuckle and Effie blushes. "She's not my gal Sae, just an old friend." Then I return to my stew.
Effie looks at me in between bites. "Old friend Haymitch? Is that what we are?" She asks. I look over at her. "Sure we are Effie. How many years have we been paired up? Fifteen, twenty? Other than breaking your ass over your crazy Capitol couture and your manners bullshit, I don't have a problem with you." Effie smiles and continues. "Well, I must say it's a pleasant surprise to find that you behave quite lovely without the booze running through your veins. You clean up nicely too."
Did Effie just say I look 'good'? Time to pay her the first compliment ever. "Well, if you looked back then, like you do now, I would have cleaned my act up a long time ago. Trust me." Effie blushes and I swear she looks ten times more beautiful as she tucks a strand of her hair behind her right ear. I am definitely intrigued and enjoying myself. I need to change the subject. The kids are a safe topic.
"So, what do you think of Payson?" I ask. Effie gushes and clasps her petite hands together. "Oh, he is a doll! Those two made a gorgeous baby, I'll give them that. All the girls are going to fall all over him when he's older. I haven't had the opportunity yet to spend much time with any of them. I was so exhausted yesterday and working on this new look that I just spent the evening in my room. I'm hoping to spend more time tonight." Then she turns it around. "What do they do all day if they're not at the shops? I know they have some kids working for them too."
I smile and rub the stubble on my chin. "Well, they screw each other all day and then venture out to prey on unsuspecting people, I'm sorry, I meant animals. It's like giving the Hunger Games a whole new meaning in District Twelve here." I know the kids can hear me. I can hear Payson start to fuss so I know they're close by. Effie laughs. "They're that bad huh? There was always a lot of sexual tension between them." I smile again and lean over in my stool towards her. I whisper and lower my eyes a bit up and down, then connect with hers. "You don't know the half of it."
Effie clears her throat and tones down the moment. "I think we should head back Haymitch. I'm sure they're wondering where we are." I agree with her and then feel the wind on my face as I know they scrambled out the door to make it back before us. I'll have mercy and give them an extra few minutes. Poor Payson is going to have whiplash if they run. I'll scold them later for subjecting the baby to their stalking adventure.
Peeta POV
When we get back to the house, we're out of breath. Payson is due for a feeding and Katniss goes to the bathroom before sitting down with him to nurse. She's got to nurse more. She filling up too fast and then becomes uncomfortable. She covers herself and Payson with a receiving blanket, knowing they'll be here any moment. I start the tea to warm us back up and then fix our mugs and sit down next to her right before Haymitch and Effie walk through the door.
"Hey, how was your tour?" I ask Effie. "Good Peeta. Thank you for asking. It was very pleasant mingling with the citizens and viewing some of the rebuild projects. Both of your shops look amazing. Haymitch and I had lunch at a place called The Hob. The stew was delicious. It was a very nice morning, I must say." I nod. "I'm glad that you enjoyed yourself. Why don't you join us for tea. The water is still hot on the stove. Haymitch?" I look at him. Effie excuses herself to the bathroom and Haymitch looks at the two of us and mouths silently "I saw you" and points to the both of us. Katniss and I look at each other and turn red.
I counter and whisper. "Just admit it you jerk, you like her." Haymitch whispers back. "Pound sand Peeta." Then Effie joins us again. We spend the afternoon catching up and telling funny stories. Katniss does her best Effie impression from our time on the train during our first games. She had stabbed the table with a knife and Effie yelled "THAT IS MAHOGANY!" Katniss's voice got all throaty as she mimicked Effie.
Before we know it, the afternoon has ebbed away and Dad and Lily return from the shops for dinner. Katniss has decided to make pork ribs with my homemade barbeque sauce on them for dinner. It's our own little concoction. Payson is fed, bathed and changed for the night and he's already passed out. I swear we got lucky. I set the table quickly and then Katniss moves the food to the table, working around me. We all sit down and dig into the meal. After a few moments I look up at Effie and she looks at all of us while we eat our ribs with our fingers. I wipe my face with my napkin and then address her.
"We won't tell anyone if you eat it with your fingers Effie. I swear they're good and it's the best way to enjoy them." Katniss smiles at her. Effie smiles back and says. "Okay, what the hell." She picks up a rib and polishes it off. Once she's done, she looks at Katniss. "That was delicious Katniss! And it wasn't too bad eating with my fingers. I think I'll live." Katniss grins at her, food in between her teeth. "That's right Effie. You only live once. Gotta enjoy every moment that you can."
After we're done, Katniss and I clear away the dishes while everyone else retreats to the living room and the warm fire in the hearth. I put my arms around Katniss and let my hands trail down to her private area. She moans into my back and says, "Don't start something you can't finish Mellark. We can't get away from our guests." I secretly curse the fact that everyone is here and rest my head on her shoulder. I know she's right. I take her hand in mine and lead her to the loveseat. Haymitch is in the chair while Effie is on the couch with Dad and Lily. We sit in silence for a few minutes and then Effie beats me to the punch.
"How about we all play a game?" She says. I smile. I have just the game for her. "That sounds good Effie. Have you ever played Black or Red?" Dad knows where this is going and tries to get up. "No Dad, sit down. Come one, we'll play in teams. Guys versus girls. Come on Katniss, even you. You pumped and Payson is fed. You'll be fine." I say. Katniss looks at me and then gets up to get the cards and shot glasses. I get up and get two bottles of white liquor from the cabinet, reserved for special occasions such as this.
"Haymitch, why don't you deal since you're the expert. Lets try to get these girls drunk tonight!" Katniss blushes. Effie looks around the room and then back at me. "Am I missing something? It seems like everyone is in on the joke except me." I smile at Effie. "Well Effie, you see, this game holds a special place in our hearts because a few years ago, after we came back to District Twelve, Haymitch got Katniss and I drunk playing it and we lost our virginity. So every time we mention the game it gets pretty intense." Effie slaps Haymitch's arm. "Haymitch you didn't?" She asks.
"Listen Effie. Frick and Frack weren't speaking for months. They showed up at my house, I was half cocked. I pulled out the cards and some shot glasses. They started asking each other questions, and taking shots and boom, fireworks. I didn't tell them to sleep with each other. I didn't know until I walked in on them the following morning." He explains.
I stop Haymitch right there. "Back up Haymitch. You started the game off with a pretty loaded question to begin with. It was bound to spiral out of control from the get go. I don't regret it at all, but still, we were vulnerable." Katniss looks at me and agrees. Effie is curious and asks, "What was the question?" Katniss speaks up and declares. "Haymitch asked me if I had the hots for Peeta. Since we hadn't spoken in months, it was pretty hard to admit. Once I did, Peeta really enjoyed the line of questioning." It's my turn to blush.
"Then when Katniss got mad at me from all the spilled information, she grabbed the bottle and headed to her house. Then I upped the stakes. The real truth is that she just didn't want me to win the game. In the end, she called my bluff and won." I explain. Haymitch pipes up. "Boy, you never did tell me what happened? You were fighting when you left my house." I clear my throat and look at Katniss for permission. "Well, black or red without the questioning became black or red with stripping. That's how it got out of control." Haymitch laughs and slaps his knee. "You are such a dog Peeta. Taking my little drinking game and making it work for you. Dirty dog." He laughs some more.
"Okay Haymitch, just deal. Enough old memories tonight, onto some new ones. Remember, absolutely zero lying." I say. I pour us all a shot and we all take one shot to begin. It's pretty strong. Haymitch deals and it's red. Sweet. Haymitch looks at me. We're not drunk enough yet to begin answering the questions that I have so I have to keep it light enough. I decide make eyes with Katniss and she knows that I'm going to just start with her and warm up. "Katniss, are you hot for me?" Katniss shakes her head and says, "Yes. Drink up ladies."
Haymitch deals. Red. Katniss looks at me and follows my lead. We need to get more booze in us. "Peeta, are you hot for me?" "Always." The men take a shot. Now we've all got two shots in us. It won't get really good until we have four in the girls. Haymitch deals, it's red and asks, "Katniss, did you follow me today with Peeta?" Effie looks surprised. Katniss nods and says "Yes." They all drink. Haymitch deals. Black. Effie asks me, "Why did you follow Haymitch?" I clear my throat. "To see if he made a move on you." Effie sits back, stunned. Men drink.
Haymitch deals. Black again. Katniss speaks up. "From the three of you, first word that crossed your mind when you saw Effie this morning."
Dad: "Beautiful"
Me: "Smoking"
Haymitch "Fuckable"
I suck my breath in and we all do our shot. Effie turns bright red and Katniss doesn't know what to say. I think she wants another shot just for the hell of it.
Haymitch deals. It's red. We're not even keeping score anymore. It doesn't even matter. But we're at the point where we're beginning to feel the booze. I up the stakes a bit. "Effie, do you find Haymitch attractive?" Effie blushes. "Yes." They all drink. Haymitch looks pleased. He deals, it's red. Dad speaks up. "Lily, are you in love with me?" Oh shit this could be bad and kill the mood. "Yes." She says and they all down a shot.
Haymitch deals. Black again. Effie asks, "Haymitch do you want to kiss me?" Katniss and I watch each other and hold our breath. He's either going to blow it or go for it. Haymitch answers, "Yes." We all down our shots and I am secretly pleased. I wink at Katniss knowing we lit that fuse after all. Haymitch deals. Black yet again. Lily takes a turn. "Don, will you do a toasting with me? Right now. In this very room." My father looks over the moon. "Yes Lily. It's all I've ever wanted." Haymitch elbows me and I rush into the kitchen to grab a loaf of bread. I bring it back to the living room and Dad and Lily kneel down in front of the fire.
They toast the bread and feed it to each other. They're very quiet, or we're all too drunk to make out the words. After they kiss, they get up and we all clap. They remove themselves to their room and it's just the four of us. Now that our parents are out of the way, I can up the stakes again. I look at Katniss. "So Katniss, wanna play the game we started earlier?" and I wink at her. She shakes her head at me and smiles seductively. "Peeta, you can't hang with me. I'll make it to the end again. You cannot resist me." I raise an eyebrow. "I was a virgin last time. You had me there. But I think I can show some more self control this time around. What do you say?" Haymitch and Effie watch our exchange with amusement.
I smile at them. "This just became back or red, strippers version. You two in? Katniss thinks she can beat me." Effie squeezes Katniss's hand. "Oh what the hell. I'm so drunk. Why not? Hey, won't we all see each other naked?" Haymitch laughs. "We've all seen each other naked already but for you and you've seen the three of us. No big deal." I know he's lying because it's already been determined that Haymitch likes Effie. I need to be certain to keep my eyes on Katniss at all times or I'm going to be in some serious trouble. I make a mental note not to look at Effie, at all, if the girls are naked before us.
Katniss gets up and changes the seating position so that she's in front of me and Effie is in front of Haymitch. Haymitch deals, it's black. "Shirts" Katniss says. Haymitch and I take off our shirts and then do our shots. Haymitch deals, red. He looks at me. "Pants" I say. Katniss and Effie wiggle out of their lounge pants. I can see Katniss's lace panties. I love it when she wears the lace panties!
Haymitch deals and it's red again. I smile form ear to ear. Haymitch says "Shirts" and both of the girls take their shirts off. I'm already hot for Katniss. I can't take my eyes off of her. They both down a shot. Katniss is drunk now, I can see it clear as day. Haymitch deals and it's black. "Pants" Effie says. Haymitch and I strip off our pants and down our shots. We both have massive boners.
Haymitch deals again, black. Katniss gets up and walks over to me. She crouches down a bit and then licks my lips with her tongue. Forget this game now. I pick her up and take the stairs two at a time. We crash down onto the bed and remove our underwear. I barely have the stupid condom on before she straddles me and pulls me into her. We're all over each other. I forget all about Haymitch and Effie downstairs.
Haymitch POV
Peeta could never beat Katniss at the sex game. There's just no way he can resist her. Effie and I laugh and then she leans back into the sofa, her legs spread open seductively. We're both drunk. I could keep going. I want to keep going. I follow my instincts based on her gaze and deal the cards. Red. I look at Effie and whisper, "bra". Effie removes the article of clothing and I'm staring at what I think is the most perfect set of breasts in the world. I want very much to touch them. I haven't been attracted to a woman in so long that I feel like a damn horny teenager. I'm like a live wire.
The next set of cards is going to make or break this game. Either she wants me or she doesn't. I deal. It's black. "Boxers" she says. When I remove my boxers, Effie stares at my manhood. It's beyond erect with want for her. I can't even see straight I am so attracted to her. It's not even about loneliness. I just can't get over her beauty and the great day that I spent with her. I genuinely am attracted to her in so many ways. Effie gets up off of the couch and walks over to me. "Don't move" she whispers into my ear. Then she wraps her hands around my cock and I swear I could come right there. It's been far too long and I haven't ever wanted anyone like I want her.
She strokes my man hood and then places her lips onto mine for a kiss. I part my lips and her tongue darts in to meet mine for the first time. She tastes amazing. I try not to break the kiss while putting a blanket on the floor in front of the fire. I grab Effie by the hips and place her down onto the blanket. I remove her panties and take in the beauty of her. I bring myself down to her and cradle her face in my hands, kissing her deeply, exploring her mouth. As excited as I am, I am still in no rush. I don't want to ruin the intimacy.
She spreads her legs and my manhood grazes her entrance. We both moan. I face her when I develop coherent thought. "Effie, I haven't been with a woman in forever. I'm apologizing now if I can't hold out long. You're so beautiful, I don't know if I can manage. But I promise that if I come too soon, I will make it up to you in a short while. You can trust me on that." I smile at her and she laughs. "Haymitch, I was only in love one other time in my life and it was very long time ago. I'm practically a virgin again. I didn't have much experience even then." I silence her words with my lips and just let instinct take over.
I had a girlfriend prior to the games but we never consummated our relationship. I was in love with Maysilee, but I had only kissed her. All the other women I had been with were Capitol women and it was just meaningless sex. I was the puppet. THIS, this was entirely new. Effie wasn't paying to sleep with me and I wasn't paying her either. This was pure. We had history together. She found me attractive. How could I not feel good that a beautiful woman actually found me attractive after all the shit I did and put her through?
I was ready to stop being alone. Katniss and Peeta showed me that. There was way more to life than being alone with some loud geese and crochet needles. I had to live my own life. I pushed into Effie and felt the world go around me. It was just the two of us. Effie gasped in pain and I would be lying if I said I wasn't turned on by how tight she was. This was a new beginning for the two of us. It was our first time together but it felt like it was the first time in my life. I waited for her to adjust around me and then began to pull in and out of her. Her hot moisture was all around me, oozing out of her and I thrust back into her when her eyes met mine.
After a few moments getting adjusted, I started a rhythm thrusting into her. It wasn't long before I hit her spot and she cried out in ecstasy. I couldn't hold it anymore and emptied myself into her. When we were all done, we just stared into each others eyes. I rubbed her cheek.
The silence was broken by the baby that we all forgot about.
Tucked away in his playpen here in the living room.
