No housekeeping today really ... just two chapters! As always - because you guys are awesomesauce - thank you for reading and for reviewing - I love seeing how many visitors come a day and, obviously, reviews are such a wonderful bright spot! Enjoy the two new chapters!
It was before dawn. The streets were still dark - the sun not even on the horizon. At Portia's house, Effie changed back into the attire she had been wearing the previous day, borrowing make up to fix her face. Cinna had arrived late in the evening but was up before both of the girl, drinking only a cup of coffee. His mind focused. Portia was nervous - Effie helped her with little things - buttons on her dress, the buckle of her shoe. But even Effie's hands were shaking.
"Go straight to headquarters," Cinna said to her, both hands resting on her shoulders. "Don't leave. Don't go anywhere else. Haymitch will be with you first. We'll follow."
Effie nodded. Cinna kissed her on the forehead. "You'll be all right. We'll all be fine. Just a few hours and we'll be together at headquarters."
"I know," Effie said. "I know."
She embraced Portia, who clung to her tight. "Stay safe," Portia whispered.
"You too," Effie replied, trying not to cry.
Before she left Cinna and Portia, Effie turned back one last time. She wanted to say something - but she didn't know what. Her eyes met Cinna's. He nodded.
And Effie left.
The Capitol was usually warm this time of year, but Effie felt cold - as if a chill was in the air. She crossed her arms tight to keep in the warmth as she hurried through the streets that were slowly gathering with early risers to watch the openings.
Headquarters, Effie repeated in her head. Just get to headquarters.
As she walked, the sun was coming up. Cinna and Portia would be with Katniss and Peeta by now. Effie's pulse began to race. This was it.
All the plans they had made.
The uprisings, the rumors of rebellion.
Today - even if no one noticed - the true rebellion began. The moment Katniss entered the arena for a second time - the moment the symbol of rebellion was put once more again the Capitol's punishment - the ultimate uprising would begin with a slow burn.
Effie felt only mild relief when she reached headquarters. Sponsors had already gathered - still eager from the interviews, the numbers - but ready to place bets on who would go first. After taking care of a few different prospects, Effie slipped away into the usual private viewing room to wait.
And when she opened the door - Haymitch was already there.
It was then relief flooded her. Just as the door shut she ran to him. He caught her quick in his arms and held her tighter than he had ever held her before.
"Are you all right?" he asked, kissing her lips, her cheeks - anywhere he could.
Effie nodded. "I'm fine - I'm fine. I was with Portia and Cinna all night. Did you hear why -"
"Not a damn thing." He kissed her again. "Katniss and Peeta - they wanted me to tell you that you've been the best escort ever. They … wanted me to make it special somehow -"
Effie began finally to cry. Wiping her eyes she said, "Seeing you - it couldn't get any more special than that. Being safe just for a little while longer."
"They meant it, Eff. They really did. They don't know you like me - but damn it if they don't care about you for keeping them alive. Keeping me straight. Saving them."
"We both saved them, Haymitch. And we have to do it again."
"Can you come back to the penthouse?"
"I don't know," Effie said. "I haven't been told. I hope Portia and Cinna hear something. Until then … I'm in the dark."
"Then I'll stay there with you. Wherever you are."
Effie leaned her head against Haymitch's chest, shutting her eyes for just a moment, letting it sink in - she was in his arms. She was okay.
"Can't cry," Haymitch said, pressing a handkerchief to her eyes. "Can't let them see."
Effie took it and began to wipe her eyes - careful not to spoil her make up. As she did, the screen in the room came to life and Claudius Templesmith was reviewing the interviews with Caesar Flickerman.
"You saw them," Effie said. "Do they have a plan?"
Haymitch shrugged. "I don't know. I … I went around and spoke to the right people. Hopefully Finnick will do as be promised."
"What do you mean?"
"He's gunning for them at the start - as alliances. He's the best one to have for the start. And he knows the others we need - the others Plutarch rigged. Finnick is in charge once they're in the arena to at least get everyone in the same place."
"But Katniss -"
"She'll figure it out. I gave him that bracelet you were making me wear."
"Will that be enough?"
"Damn well better be."
It was unexpected when the seal of Panem was suddenly being broadcasted - it could only mean the Quarter Quell was about to begin. But that couldn't be right …
"Where are Cinna and Portia?" Effie asked.
"On their way probably."
"Right. Of course."
The arena, in a flash of light was revealed. Haymitch and Effie stood in silence as they took it in - the cornucopia, the island, the twenty-four tributes standing in the middle of water.
"Peeta -"
"Finnick'll get him."
Effie began to pick at her lips. Haymitch was holding her close to him by the waist. She could feel his fingers tapping nervously against her side.
The countdown as starting.
"Go out as soon as they call it. Start talking. Start doing your business," Haymitch said. "I'll loiter."
"Don't be suspicious."
"Then I'll get a drink and come back and loiter."
They were at the five second mark now. Effie felt her heart lurch when the time was up and the tributes began to move. But Haymitch was quick to move her to the door without another thought. "Go," he said assuringly. "Go."
Effie did her best not to watch the screen when she stepped out. She was watching the crowd more intently - watching where the largest groups went. They would be looking to make a price on the first ones down. That's always how it was.
Sell the story. Sell the sob story. Just focus on that.
Effie plastered on a smile. And she began.
"Peeta's fine," Haymitch said, pulling her aside after a few hours. He reeked of alcohol - but it wasn't on his breath.
"Did you throw a drink on -"
"Yeah - I wasted a damn good whiskey. But would they trust me if I didn't smell like usual?"
"True," Effie said. "They saw Peeta was wearing the mockingjay, too," she continued. "It's going rather half and half right now - there's the fad, obviously, but then there are those who'd like to see the story with a bit more drama."
"The boy just got -"
"It's the Capitol."
"You're right …" Haymitch ran a hand through his hair.
"Have you seen Portia and Cinna at all?"
Haymitch shook his head. "No. Not a sign."
"What could that mean?"
Haymitch shrugged. "I don't know. Don't you worry about it, though, all right? I'm gonna meet Plutarch some time around lunch. If anyone's heard anything … it'll be him."
Effie agreed.
"And sponsors?"
"If they need them."
"You make the call."
"Have names ready." Haymitch squeezed Effie's arm and left her for the other side of the room to mingle in his own way until he had to meet Plutarch - wherever they were meeting.
But Effie couldn't get Cinna or Portia out of her mind.
She finally looked up at the screen. At least Katniss and Peeta were with Finnick. At least that was going to plan.
