AN: So this is more of an outtake than a real chapter as it was actually supposed to be a part of the last upload. When I realized I forgot to add it in I was going to initially delete it, but I just didn't want it to seem like Katniss was completely clueless as to what's been going on.
Katniss is not as oblivious as everyone thinks she is.
Her powers of observation have been heightened from years of hunting and she knows that the team is hiding something from her. The furtive looks and paused conversations every time she enters the room are wearing on her already fraught nerves. Even Peeta's seemed more secretive lately and not even suggestive promises of alone time are enough to get him to confess.
After not getting anywhere with her husband, she sets her sites on Effie.
She feels almost contrite for poor guileless Effie when she charges into the living room that afternoon. With Haymitch and Peeta downstairs prepping for interviews later, she takes advantage of their absence to corner her Escort who sits at the dining room table reviewing her notes.
Deciding against subterfuge she boldly declares, "I don't appreciate being kept in the dark like some child. Especially when I'm carrying one of my own. Something is going on that you're all trying to hide from me and you're going to tell me right now what it is."
Effie takes a moment before rolling her eyes up to her. Pursing her lips, she flicks Katniss' pointed finger out of her face.
"Pointing is rude and so is shouting. I would think I've taught you better."
Getting up from her seat at the table she calmly walks over to the bar and pours herself a glass of water.
"And so is not answering me," Katniss remarks.
"My dear, there's nothing to answer. Just like last year Haymitch and I are simply trying to prepare you and Peeta for the Games as best as possible. We'd like to keep up our winning streak," she smiles.
"Bullshit! I know somethings going on. This entire place reeks of secrets."
""First off, language," Effie articulates, lifting one perfectly manicured finger in the air. "Secondly..." she pauses to turn the sound system on, something Katniss finds strange and rather discourteous as they're in the middle of a conversation. "We're not keeping any secrets from you two."
"Not two, just one, me," She gestures to herself.
"There's no way Peeta knows anything!" Effie blurts out, clearly caught off guard. "I mean, not that there's anything that he shouldn't know." She covers.
Narrowing her eyes in suspicion, Katniss takes in her Escort's flushed cheeks and her lack of eye contact to mean that she's not going to divulge anything. She's clearly underestimated Effie's stubbornness, assuming that she would've been an easy target. Realizing her error, she settles on a different tactic.
"Just tell me one thing then."
Sighing Effie tilts her head ready to object, but Katniss slides her hands down to her abdomen knowing that a reminder of her condition is the quickest way to get what she wants. Effie's gaze falls on her belly and her features immediately softens.
Whatever you guys are working on, will it... will it keep Peeta safe?" Her voice cracks, the question coming out more emotional than she'd intended.
Walking towards her, Effie reaches up to cup her face, her other hand finding purchase on the baby bump where she gently rubs the curved surface.
"IF we are working on something, it's so that everyone is safe, okay?" The fixed look she gives her is full of fondness, but there's an edge to it that serves as a silent end to the conversation.