Okay, I know, I know it's been several months, and to be honest, I've had half of this already written, but haven't finished it out of laziness. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I'm so sorry for my tardiness!
Effie Trinket sat with her legs curled up to her chest on a smooth bench in front of Haymitch's living room window. It looked so peaceful outside, so serene. Little pieces of nature were becoming visible, the leaves enclosed in a very small layer of snow, birds pecking at the ground for their next meal, trees rustling with playful squirrels.
Effie had always admired the natural beauty of District 12, but it never felt like she had enough time to just stop and smell the roses. She always had a schedule to keep, and that was part of her upbringing. There was always something that had to get done, something to keep her occupied. It was her life's purpose, in a strange sort of way.
But now, there was nothing to do, no schedule to keep to, no rules or regulation. She must admit, having nothing to do was relaxing, but would she get bored of it eventually? Her life was back in the Capitol, and if she stayed here, what would she do? She'd have to find something to do, but she doubted anyone in District 12 needed her special assistance. She was useless here. Her skill wasn't in rebuilding a district, or any hands on activities. For the first time in her life, her schooling was utterly pointless. The Capitol was wrong about what she needed in life. So what was she to do?
Effie sighed, a big exasperated breath. She had done more thinking lately than she had done in her entire life. She had room to think now, which was nice, but the unfamiliar notion was exhausting, mentally and emotionally, and if you count the currently recovering state she is in now, physically too.
Haymitch got his pot of coffee off the counter and poured himself another cup. He leaned back against the counter, sipping his coffee. He never thought that Effie Trinket would be in his house, as comfortable as she is. She has adjusted well, but she was very quiet and reserved for her character. He assumed it must have been from the torture and captivity in the Capitol. Every time he thought about it, a shudder of pain and empathy jolted through him. His biggest regret in life was not saving her when he should have. His own selfish thoughts got in the way. How much of a jerk could he be? He knew he had been all along, ever since the first day he met her. Sometimes he wonders what their relationship would have been like if he hadn't shut the door on her that first day. But, she had come barreling inside his home anyway. She probably would have been the same Effie; nothing can change that… except a war and a period of torture. Again, the memory of her lifeless body ran a shiver through him.
He got up off the counter and wandered the house, until he found Effie, gazing out the window, curled up in a ball, leaning against the wall, her gaze traveling over the layout of the yard, gently dusted in pure white snow. Her golden strawberry locks tumbled down her shoulders, a wavy waterfall of wonder. God, she was so beautiful. He would never admit that in her capitol get up. But without all that makeup, the wig and the ridiculous capitol wear, she was absolutely stunning. Her dirty blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders in gentle waves. Her face was relaxed, natural beauty emanating from her pores. She looked so natural, so peaceful.
Haymitch gave a slight gasp at the realization that this extremely beautiful and natural woman had once been the annoying ugly capital creation.
Effie jumped and turned her head around when she heard the soft noise from the person standing in the doorway. Her heartbeat slowed when she realized that it was only Haymitch.
"You scared me!" Effie said, a little winded after her startle.
"Sorry love," Haymitch replied, a small smile creeping across his face. Effie looked him straight in the eye, and could have sworn she say a hint of desire and longing in his eyes. A blush quickly found its place among her cheeks.
Haymitch cleared his throat. "I'm sorry for intruding, you looked so peaceful sitting here. "
Effie shook her head, "No, it's okay, don't apologize Haymitch. This is your house. I was just lost in thought."
"What were you thinking about?" Haymitch asked, genuinely interested.
Effie wonders if she should actually tell him what she was thinking about, or if she should just tell him a false story, something minor so he wouldn't worry so much about her. After a moment's hesitation, she decides, why not? She had better be honest with a man who was letting her stay in his house.
"I was just thinking of how nice it is here. It's quiet, not at all like Capitol life. But I can't help but think that I'm completely useless here,how I'm not actually doing anything. Yes, I help you keep the house, and that's the only thing I can think of to repay your hospitality, but… I'm not sure, Haymitch, what I'm trying to say."
"No, I get it, Princess." Haymitch walked over to the bay window where she was located, and sat down beside her. "You need something to keep you occupied. You are used to keeping busy." Haymitch explained with unexpected understanding. Effie looked at him with appreciation. "However," He continued, "You still need to rest. You've been through a traumatic event, one that you hardly remember, but left terrible scars." Effie blushed because she knew he was talking about her nightmares late at night. He would awaken to her screaming, jump out of bed in a most protective way, to go to her side and shake her awake until she realized that she was safe and wasn't going to be harmed by anyone, emotionally or physically. He would whisper that she was going to be okay and no one was going to get her, not while he was around. He would wait until she calmed down, make sure she was good enough to go back to sleep, and return to his room. "You aren't ready for a constant job yet, physically. But, there are many jobs that are popping up all over the district that need an organizational type person, perfect jobs for you."
"Really?" Effie asked. "Wow, I never knew this district was so… refined."
Haymitch chuckled. "Yes, it might surprise you. The pay's not like that in the Capitol, where you get a paycheck every two weeks. We get paid on what we need, and what is available."
Effie nodded her head understandingly. "I figured as much, especially after a war." She said softly, glad she didn't have the memories of a painful battle. "I don't really care, Haymitch. I don't want to go back to the Capitol. Ever."
Haymitch was relieved, partly. "I know, sweetheart."
"I can't deal with the pain I'm afraid it will bring. I need a fresh new start." Effie explained.
"I understand." Haymitch simply responded. "When you're ready, I'll get a job set up for you, that way you won't be so bored, sitting around the house, getting little glimpses of me as you pretend not to look." Haymitch gave a mysterious little grin and she knew that he knew how she looked at him sometimes. It was the same emotion she had seen is his eyes just a few moments ago. She blushed a deep crimson.
"I don't look at you in any particular way." Effie said defiantly.
"Of course you don't sweetheart," said Haymitch, the grin still consuming his face. Effie turned her head to look out the window, embarrassed that she had been caught. Haymitch sobered suddenly, walked closer to her. He let his hand wander to her face, brushing a wavy lock of hair out of her face and behind her ear. Effie looked up at him, the moment suspended in the air. He finally leaned down and touched his lips to the top of her head, her eyes closed to enjoy this insignificant moment, yet so significant to herself. He let go and started to walk out of the room. As he was almost out, Effie said,
"Thank you, Haymitch." He paused and turned his head slightly to look back at her.
"You're welcome, Darling." And without another word, he exited the room, again, leaving Effie to wonder.
Please leave a review and tell me how you thought the chapter went! Good change? Bad change? Anything you would like to see happen? Please review! You guys don't know how much I appreciate them!