Effie's PoV:
Haymitch killed the first two tributes quickly. They weren't quite careers, two boys were from 4 and one was from 7, but they were all stronger and might of hat a bit of training. I could hear the gasps when the guy from 7 fell, he was strong but Haymitch was smart. Nobody had seen that though, and taking out tow almost-careers would get him sponsors...if he survived.
I remember he lost this fight the first time and would have died if it weren't for Maysilee. But this wasn't the same. This fight should have happened tomorrow. Haymitch is on his own. What I wouldn't give to dive into the screen right now. I'm pretty sure could rip the boy from 4 limb from limb with the adrenalin pumping through me.
Haymitch fought well, I could see he learned a lot in 13. The fight was much closer this time and I've never rutted for a death so much, not even Cato's.
I finally understand what it's like for the Districts. Capitol children had always been told the Districts were okay with the games and enjoyed the deaths too. Once I became an Escort I thought they were lieing, now I realize the Districts do like the deaths. But not for entertainment, but because every death is one step closer to getting your loved one back.
And Districts 1 through 11 would be sickly happy right now. Because 12's male Quell tribute was about to die. Haymitch had the knife to his neck, and it was about to be slit.
District 4's tribute took a deep breath... and fell over dead. Maysilee had saved the day. I'd been so intent on watching Haymitch I hadn't even glanced at the other screen. I slumped back in my seat and sighted in relief.
Haymitch's PoV:
"We'd live longer if there were two of us," she said.
"I guess you just proved that."
Maysilee looked down at the bodies, "Happy Hunger Games."
"And may the odds be ever in your favor," I imitated Effie. "Come on, we should probably get out of here."
So we walk. Quiet, trying not to be killed, awkward silence.
It starts to get dark and I start looking for a well concealed place to sleep. I settled on another tree and we climb up quickly. Or rather she does and tries to instruct me.
She ends up a branch above me and we settle in for the night. "Haymitch?" Maysilee whispers after a few minutes.
"Yeah?"
"Have you found any water yet?" she asks.
"No. Are you thirsty?"
"A little, but I found some this morning and I think we should stop there tomorrow."
"Definitely," I answer and we fall silent again.
Darn it. I need to play up a romance but how can I do that? I'm probably the furthest from the romantic type as possible.
Darn it. What would Peeta do in this situation? Be a hopeless puppy dong and drool over the girl he loves. I respect Peeta, but he's not helping much right now. I don't love Maysilee.
Darn it. What about Katniss? Act. Pretend. Do whatever she needs to do to survive. Great. Note to self: if you ever see her again, ask Katniss for acting lessons. Or Effie, she's an amazing actress too...Effie?
That's it! Pretend Maysilee is Effie and just talk! "E-Maysilee?" I whisper.
"Huh?" of course she's not asleep.
"How'd you get the poison darts?" I ask the first thing I can think of. I've actually been wondering about this too.
"It was in the cornucopia, or, well, by it. I didn't want to actually go into it," she explained.
I was surprised, "You got that close to the cornucopia and survived?"
"I can run," her voice conveyed a shrug.
"That's, wow, that's really impressive actually," the praise wasn't acting.
She gave a weird sort of laugh, "thanks."
Effie's PoV:
"You tow are home late," may mother smiled as we came through the door.
"Effie here was getting sponsors," Daddy explained.
"Good. 1 needs all the help it can get. I can't believe it, but that 12 team looks tough."
I smile, "Great, that's who I was getting sponsors for."
"What?" Mom looks to Daddy and back at me in confusion.
"Our Effie is the new acting mentor of District 12," he explained.
Mom looked taken aback for a moment, "That-that's wonderful!"
"Isn't it? And by the way things are looking I'll have some pretty tough competition for sponsors this year."
"Oh! You two must be starving! To the table," Mother exclaimed.
Daddy and I sat down and Mom brought out our plates. "So do you have a strategy? I mean 12 might actually have a chance this year with that Haymitch," Mom asks.
"Sad he's such a brute," Dad added.
I ignored his comment, "I can't talk about that in front of Daddy!"
He grinned, "Right, I might steal her brilliant plan." Mom gave him an oh-ha-ha look, "I won't take your idea love. Pinky promise."
We locked pinkys and I grinned. I want to come off gitty and excited, not serious and worried like I feel. "Well, my strategy is to present them as a team."
Mom and Dad looked to each other, doubt written all over both of their faces. "Honey," Daddy said slowly, like he wants to let me down easy, "a little advice from experience. While they both may seem promising, there's only one victor in the end. If you spread your funds too thin and try for both...well, you probably won't get either."
I internally laugh at the experience comment.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," I trust my dad, but I don't want to convince him of the genius of the idea. Like I said, I trust him, but I would bet Haymitch's life on it. I know how desperate an escort can get to save a tribute.
We ate and chatted, ignoring the late hour. "Lance, come with me to the kitchen. I have a surprise for Effie I'd like you to help me with," her tone said she was hiding something.
A/N: 12th chapter...heh...
I'm about to start an acting summer school (soooo excited!) but that also means less time to write :( so expect slower updates. Sorry.
A huge thanks to:
TheGirlWhoWasOnFire21
McMuffin
Isolde88
egel-0507
I love to hear all your thoughts. And a special thanks to those of you repeat reviewers.
I feel like I need an "I love you all!" gif here...