"This reminds me of having come across a couple of stories where there's a scene where Haymitch undoubtedly makes fun of Katniss and Peeta for 'ahem' being too loud, during their nocturnal activities :) I think it would be funny, if this series of one-shots include one where Effie overhears them for the first time after moving back to 12. She's uncomfortable for a minute after Haymitch explains that, "no, Peeta is not killing Katniss." They laugh, and then the story becomes more about how they've all managed to find some happiness post war."

OPEN WINDOWS

Rated M for language

Effie gasped, sitting up in bed. When she heard the noise again she scrambled out of bed, heading towards the stairs. "Haymitch!"

"Effie?" Haymitch was up so fast that he was half way up the stairs before she even started down. She nearly bumped into him. "Effie? What is it? Are you okay?"

"It's Katniss. I think Peeta's killing her."

Haymitch blinked at her for several moments. "What?"

"Katniss," hissed Effie, moving him out the way so she could go down the stairs. "I heard her screaming."

"Effie, wait. Are you sure you weren't having a nightmare?"

"A nightmare? No, Haymitch, I hadn't even fallen asleep yet! I probably hadn't been in bed for more than a few seconds before I heard Katniss screaming. And we're wasting time."

"What was Katniss saying exactly?"

"I… well… his name."

"Just his name?"

Effie frowned, thinking. "Yes. I'm pretty sure."

"Jesus, Effie, didn't I tell you not to sleep with the windows open?"

"What? Yes, well I was hot…. What does that have to do with anything?"

"No, he's not killing her, Princess. Katniss is just… loud."

"Well what on earth are they doing?"

"Probably the same thing they were doing on the Victory Tour all those years ago."

It took Effie a few seconds to understand, and then she blushed crimson. "Oh my God." She glared at him. "You told me they weren't doing anything back then."

"Maybe they weren't. I don't know. I don't wanna know. Can we please drop it?"

Effie bit her lip. "Do you think they're using protection?"

"Effie!"

"Haymitch, they're kids! They shouldn't be… I mean they should….. They're not that young. But surely in 12 it's considered wrong to have a baby out of wedlock. It isn't proper. And they certainly don't need a child running around right now. Do you want to play grandfather?"

"If you don't fucking shut up right now I will lose my shit, Princess. I don't fucking wanna think about it. As far as I'm concerned, when the windows are shut, they sleep in separate rooms."

He glared at her, reminding her that it was her fault they were even having this conversation.

"It was hot in my room, Haymitch."

"Then sleep naked for all I care. We can order you a fan from the Capitol. I don't give a damn what you do, just keep the fucking window shut. Spring's around the corner and you're still wearing my flannel shirt. Sleep in a regular shirt for fuck's sake."

He said it with a note of finality in his voice, grumbling the entire way to the couch.

Effie sighed and sat down next to him. "Well I'm not tired anymore. Katniss nearly frightened me half to death."

"Peeta's better, okay? I know the last time you saw him it was crazy, but… he's doing better. Katniss knows how to handle him. It's been a couple of years. They get each other."

Effie sighed and leaned on his shoulder. "What about me? Will I ever be okay?" The question was quiet, almost something a child would ask, and it was questions like that that broke his bloody heart.

He gripped her, bringing his lips to her forehead. "You don't got a choice in the matter, Princess. I'm not spending the rest of my life worrying about you."

The rest of his life.

She sighed softly. "Maybe… maybe it's time I take you up on your offer."

"What offer?" asked Haymitch, stroking her hair.

"To… stay in your room with you." He stilled. She wasn't sure if he was even breathing anymore. "If you want me to. I don't have to. I know it's been a couple of months since you asked."

She held her breath, waiting for him to speak. "Only under one condition," he finally said. She looked at him. "Never open the window."

Effie laughed. "Deal." She got up, brushing her hand against his arm. "I think I'll head up now. See you in a while."

"Night, Princess."

"Goodnight."

She had every intention of it being a good night, which she made clear when she threw his flannel shirt at his head. He stared at it for several moments, his heart pounding. This would be the first time they slept together without the horrors of a nightmare as an excuse.

Maybe he'd open the windows, just to give the kids a little bit of payback.