Hey again, sorry for the lapse (again), but I have inspiration issues, and I get stuck a lot. I'm back on track though, and I have quite a few ideas for the next few chapters.
The reason I didn't update last weekend, is because I was in DC. That's right, I got to visit the capitol. It was really fun and exhausting, but I'm back now and I hope you like where this story is going…
Haymitch's POV
I watch a tearful Lysimachia run out of the room and sigh. Now Katniss is going to be down my throat about her, just like the time I bought her a five-pound bag of candy for her birthday a few years ago.
It was only candy! It's not like she got into my liquor, although Lich did once. It was completely unintentional, I swear! But you have to admit the face of the 3-1/2 year old was highly amusing. I snatched it away from him, too late to prevent the look of shock and fear as the burning liquid ran down his throat. "My tummy's on fire!" he shrieked and Lys splashed him with the bowlful of water they had been using to wash their hands while finger painting.
I can laugh about it now, but then I remember glaring at her before handing Lich some juice to drink and a towel for his wet shirt. I instantly regretted it though, because she cowered under my gaze and her lip began to quiver. Something stirred inside me, under all my mounting irritation, and I clumsily patted her shoulder. I gave her a half-smile and she was beaming again.
I think of when she ran out just now, her creased forehead and quivering lip revealing the battle she was fighting for control of her emotions. I do try to care for her, despite what Katniss thinks. I lean my head back on the couch and wait for either Katniss or Peeta to come chew me out about my care of their daughter.
Gale clears his throat and orders his son to go thank 'Mrs. Katniss' for her hospitality. Corren doesn't leave right away though, and remains to question his father further about the games. When questioned about the previous victors, Gale nods towards me, explaining my role in the star-crossed lovers lives.
"Mr. Abernathy won the 50th Hunger Games, or the Second Quarter Quell. Every twenty-five years a rule change would be added to spark excitement in these ever-special games."
Corren turns to me: "You won?" His surprise is obvious, I don't really look like a victor sprawled on the couch, resting my graying head on Effie's shoulder. "Yes he did win!" She indignantly replies, saving me the bother. "He was young and very handsome then." Then she adds, as an afterthought, "You can't tell it now can you..." She smiles teasingly at me.
"You've looked better yourself. I've been watching that waistline of yours." I retort, poking her side in just the right place. She jumps, stifling a giggle, and frowns petulantly at me. She doesn't like losing her composure in front of others, and tickling her is one of the many things I do to disturb her dignified posture.
"Well, someone had to do it." I shrug.
She turns to me accusingly "Haymitch, I am maintaining a womanly figure." She defensively retorts. "Tell it to your tailor." I smirk as she stumbles for a smart reply. When she finds none, she whacks my thigh. "Ow!" I protest.
Now it is her turn to smirk. I sheepishly smile at her. We both know that she is very careful about her appearance and would never allow herself to get even the slightest bit chubby. Years ago, before the star crossed lovers had captured Panem's heart she used to measure herself daily but after a hospital visit over a one-inch gain, I had to put a stop to it. She's gotten better about it, over the years, but I still enjoy teasing her about it.
Corren smiles at me. At least someone appreciates my humor.
Gale continues: "As the youngest and most capable victor, he soon took over duties as mentor. I'm sure you heard about mentors in class?"
"Yes, he said they helped develop strategies for the tributes, and helped them through the chariot, interview, and arena process. But how did they do that exactly?"
"Oh, that's easy. They gave them advice." I reply and begin to chuckle at the advice I first gave Katniss and Peeta.
"And seal sponsor deals." Gale adds. "That's what made the games so big, people would bet on their favorite tributes and that money went to gifts in the arena. The prices were sky-high and the Capitol made a hefty profit off of people betting on the tributes lives" He explains, with a hint of bitterness.
"I'd like to talk to you some more Mr. Abernathy, but I should probably check on Lysimachia."
"Oh yes the poor dear! I should probably come too." Effie exclaims and attempts to rise, but I stop her. "No, let the boy." With worry still creasing her near perfect complexion, she sits beside me once more. I give her a knowing look, and she smiles in realization.
Before Corren gets the chance to leave, Peeta pokes his head in.
"Where's Lysimachia?" he asks while curiously looking around the room for her.
"In a pool of tears." I shrug at Peeta's confused expression.
"What happened?"
"She got as far as the bloodbath and hit the commercial break. She wasn't doing well emotionally so she decided to take a break." Effie cuts in, making the situation sound a lot better than it is.
"Well then, I better check on her."
"No, I'm sure she's fine." Effie giggles.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, I just think she will be feeling better soon."
"Ok then. I'll just go back in the kitchen and check on dinner."
Peeta turns to go when he collides with a fuming Katniss. "What happened to Lysimachia?" She snaps at me avoiding Peeta's gaze.
"She took a break, she ran to the foyer I think." Effie cheerily replies, vainly attempting to lighten the mood.
"She's up in her room crying her eyes out, what happened!" Katniss yells at me, and then turns to Gale.
"Well, I should probably get Corren. He's looking for Lysimachia. We have to leave."
"I think he would have found her by now. What did he want with her?" Katniss walks into the room, keeping her gaze fixed on Gale.
"He wanted to make sure she was ok."
"Why would he think she wasn't? What happened?" The gap between them shrinks as she moves to stand right in front of Gale.
"Nothing Katniss, she was just a little intimidated by the bloodbath." Gale calmly replies, ignoring Katniss' rising voice.
"A little?" Her hands are on her hips now as she glares at him.
"I'm not sure what exactly was going through her head, but she ran out after the commercial break."
"What was happening before she ran out?"
"A sneak peek of you and the tracker-jackers."
"You got that far?"
"This is the abbreviated one. The one they cut so people can relive their favorite years without watching three hours, remember?
"Gale, I wasn't paying attention to what version of my nightmare I had, I just threw this stuff in a box to be forgotten for as long as possible."
"I'm sorry, I know."
"This was almost the worst time of my life and I'd prefer not to relive it, but if that's what it takes to get Lysimachia feeling better, than I'll do it, but I don't need you right now."
"I understand, it was a low point in my life too, believe me, but I want help you now. I understand what you're going through, and I will do whatever it takes to help you and your daughter straighten this out"
"I think you've done enough, thank you." interrupts Peeta as he walks toward Katniss and Gale.
"Katniss, I just want to help, but if you want me to go, that's fine. I'll have to go find Corren, excuse me."
Gale's shoulders stand straight as he marches out of the room to find his son. I turn questioningly to Effie and she nods. "I think we have to go dear, you have to sort this out yourselves."
"Yea, that's fine." Katniss' shoulders slump, her anger almost gone now.
"We'll be sure to bug you tomorrow." I add, not wanting to sound like we're abandoning them.
"Alright, it was nice to see you, I'll see you tomorrow then." Peeta shakes my hand and pats Effie's back as she makes her way to the foyer door.
"Are you sure you'll be okay without me?" Effie asks.
"Yes, go home and settle in." Katniss pushes me into the foyer.
"Bye!" Effie waves and I sigh.
"Let's go home" I gesture towards the door and she smiles. She takes my outstretched hand and we walk hand in hand to the carriage waiting outside.
Mrs. Everdeen's POV
I walk out of the pantry by the stairs and look at the empty room in surprise. Katniss and Peeta must have cleared out after their squabble. These walls may be thick, but they don't block all noise and I know the sound of my daughter's frustrated voice.
I sigh, knowing that tonight's dinner will be a silent one.
Katniss walks in, not fuming as I expected, but deflated. "Dinner's almost ready, is Gale staying? If so set two extra places."
"No, he'll be leaving. He's looking for Corren now." She responds in a flat voice.
"Well then, I guess, it'll be just the seven of us."
"Haymitch and Effie left."
"Ok then, just the five of us."
"Peeta, can you toast some more toast quickly? I believe the last batch burned."
Katniss gives Peeta a glare and I wince. Must have been a sore spot, I'll try not to bring it up again.
"Lysimachia, Lich, dinner time!" I call up the stairs.
A stampede of feet follow my call and Corren and Lysimachia tumble down the stairs. Lich comes running from the hall.
"Your father's looking for you Corren, you have to go home."
"Already?" Lysimachia sighs wistfully.
"Yea, I better go. Bye! And thank you for your lovely hospitality." And with that, he's through the foyer door on the way to the library.
Suddenly, a ring sounds, and Lysimachia calls "I'll get it!"
Peeta shakes his head at her and picks up the phone: "Mellark residence, may I ask who this is?"
"Yes, this is Dr. Everdeen's supervisor, this is the number she gave us to reach her, may I please speak with her?"
"All right."
Peeta hands me the phone, mouthing who it is and I take it with confusion.
"Hello, how nice to hear from you again. I didn't expect to hear from you for at least a week. What's your problem time?"
"We've had a patient relapse and we request that you return immediately."
"I'm taking a break and I won't be back for a couple weeks, can't it wait till then?"
"No, we believe that your insight would be most beneficial in this case."
"I'm in District 12 visiting my family, I have no intention of leaving, have Mara take care of it. I know she's a little inexperienced, but I'm sure that she'll do fine."
"We need you for this particular patient. She's difficult to handle and we believe consistency is the best policy when treating any mentally unstable patient."
"Mara's been at my side while I treat all my patients, wouldn't this patent recognize Mara."
"Dr. Everdeen, it is crucial for the well-being of this patient that you return immediately. We will pay for the travel of your family, but this patient needs you."
"All the way to District 4?"
"Yes, are you coming?"
"Who is the patient that needs me so much?"
"The patient is Annie Cresta."
I told you I'd bring her in. I finally did. I'm really sorry, I don't know if any of you have been keeping track of days, but the last like 8 chapters have been about one day. I will be spending maybe one more chapter on this day, then moving on. Also, if any of you were confused with all the comings and goings to the library, here's what happened.
There's two doors: one that leads to the foyer, one that leads to the hall. The hall leads to the kitchen and the foyer is off the kitchen. The stairs are off the kitchen, opposite of the hall. Lysimachia took the foyer door, Corren took the hall door. Katniss, while down the hall, bumped into him, and Peeta also took the hall.
That make sense? I drew out a floor plan, but I might make a few tweaks.
How did you like my story cover? I love it Review and tell me what you think!
