mgowriter's note: Reference in Mockingjay: Chapter 26, pages 364-365.
Chapter 12:An Escort Never Stops Smiling
One application of the porcelain colored powder isn't enough to cover the crisscrossing electrical scars on her face and neck. Effie pats on the powder a second time, and a third, until the scars finally fade into thin lines that only a close inspection will uncover.
Next, she applies a bright blue shadow onto her eyes and a deep, crimson stain to her lips. After the long, feathery lashes adhere to her own and just a hint of blush, she is finally ready to look at her image in the mirror.
The woman that stares back is someone she doesn't remember. She can't decide if it's someone that she can still become.
A secret compartment in the large suitcase that Haymitch left behind opens to reveal something she thought she would never see again. It's an exact replica of the golden wig she wore the last time she was an escort to District 12. She knows instantly why he chose the wig. Katniss' pin, Haymitch's bracelet, Peeta's locket, and her hair. So we can show everyone that we're a team.
Effie secures the wig with practiced ease. She braces her hands on top of the vanity. What was it she used to say to them?
Chins up, smiles on.
. . .
The walk to Haymitch's quarters is short, but it takes her some time to get used to the five-inch heels. The clipboard at her side serves as somewhat of a balancing weight.
His room is hard to miss, with multiple soldiers standing outside. Across the hall, she sees a flurry of activity in Katniss' room, and even a glimpse of Octavia. It's a familiar scene, yet the context is all wrong. The prep team is going through the same motions of preparing Katniss for a party, but this time, they will all be attending an execution.
Haymitch's door is closed. Mustering up enough courage to face the door, she knocks quickly before she changes her mind.
He swings the door open with a menacing glare before he realizes it's her. He takes a step aback, studying her transformation.
"Effie."
She waits for more as he continues to stare.
"You look…"
"Thank you," she says, clutching her clipboard a little tighter. "Is Katniss ready?"
Haymitch looks across the hall. "She's taking a bath. It shouldn't be too long."
Effie nods. "I'll wait for her."
She walks into the room across the hall and lowers herself carefully into a chair. She carefully places the clipboard on her lap, but her fingers refuse to loosen their tight grip. Thankfully, it doesn't take long before Katniss emerges from the bathroom.
"Effie," she says in surprise.
"Hello Katniss," Effie says in response. She stands and kisses Katniss stiffly on the cheek. The burn marks on Katniss' neck and hands don't surprise her as much as they should. Everyone has changed from the war. Everyone has scars to show.
"Well," Effie continues with a forced smile. "It looks like we've got another big, big, big day ahead of us."
