She told another lie to them that she knew a friend who secretly stole her name from the bowl so she wouldn't be called. They bought it. Of course, that's cheating but they don't care. What matter to them is that she's out of the arena and she's safe. They proceeded with the dinner celebration. Each of them talked about stories, jokes, sad memories and happy ones. Even Effie joined in whole heartedly which delighted Haymitch.

"Do you remember when Haymitch was so drunk that he hugged you on stage during a Reaping?" Katniss asked with a smile on her face.

"Oh, that is a dreadful memory! I was so embarrassed, well, not about the hug, of course, but because he just shown the whole Panem how wasted he was and that upset me because they would surely make fun of him for the rest of the year, not to mention he ruined my wig", Effie answered.

Katniss and Peeta laughed at her answer while Haymitch tried his best not to pull her into one. He never knew that that is the true reason she got mad at him that day. She yelled at him and even threw her schedule board at him in anger. He always thought it was because he ruined her wig but it turns out, she's upset because he just embarrassed himself on camera and she doesn't like the world to talk bad things about him.

"…but that was really funny though, Effie. Your face at the time was priceless and you managed to keep that smile", Peeta added and they kept on laughing until the it ran dry and everyone went serious.

They are all happy, except Effie. Haymitch is finally beginning to notice that. Why wasn't she happy that she's safe and won't be entering the arena? he asked himself. They talked some more about plans for the coming days until the dinner came to an end the two kids went home. Effie put the dishes on the sink and started cleaning them. Haymitch followed after he walked the kids outside.

"That was a nice dinner. I heard lots and lots of laughter", he muttered.

"Yes. The children are very happy", she agreed.

"…but you're not", he snapped and that made Effie stopped moving.

Does he know? How would he know? she kept those questions in her head.

"I was just tired, Haymitch. Of course, I am happy that I will not be going to that arena and get slaughtered", she lied.

He wanted to believe she's telling the truth but his heart is telling him that there's more she's not telling, that something about her being 'saved' is not right. His instincts were never wrong.

"Who's that friend of yours who stole your name from the bowl?" he asked, just fishing to get the truth.

"Why would you want to know?" she asked him back trying to buy time to think of something.

"Well, he did save your life so I figure maybe we can get your friend something like a gift. I mean, it's the least I can do after what your friend did, right? You agree with me? It's proper", he lied.

Effie nodded. She's all about manners and being proper. She put down the plate and turned to him.

"I think we can arrange something like that. How about I call him in the morning and we can invite him here? We can have Peeta prepare a nice meal", she suggested.

"I think that will be nice", he responded and that put Effie to ease.

The conversation was over and he went upstairs to get ready for bed. Effie took her time in the kitchen. She needs to be composed in order to face him in their room. If he finds out what she did, he will be mad. She knows that before she agreed to it but she would rather have him hate her than for him to kill himself with guilt because she died in the games he voted yes for. Haymitch can deal with rage and anger. He can survive that but not the guilt.

"Are you awake?" she asked when she joined him in bed.

"I was waiting for you", he answered with his eyes half-closed.

Effie leaned in and kissed him on his lips. She caught him off guard but he didn't push her away.

"What was that for?" he asked once she pulled away.

He's not complaining, just surprised. The last time they kissed was when they said goodbye back in the Capitol and it wasn't even a good one.

"I need you. I just need you", she answered unable to put her feelings into words and he understands. He's the same as well.

"Same here, princess", he replied and pulled her so he can kiss her better.

He didn't notice when a single tear escaped her eyes which she quickly wiped away. He removed his shirt fast and almost ripped her night gown from her body. He never wanted to rush her into anything but he did also wait a long time for this moment so when she finally gave him the signal, there is no holding back. He saw how she tried to cover her scars but he removed her hands from the sight.

"You are so beautiful, Eff. It's making my heart hurt", he muttered in awe.

Effie didn't bother wiping the tears this time. She's overflowing with emotions, love, anger, lust, guilt, regret, sadness, happiness, all rolled into one. When his hand wandered between her thighs, she suddenly tensed. Her breathing went fast and it alarmed Haymitch.

"Ssshhh…it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. We can stop. We can stop, Eff. It's fine", he said to soothe her but she recovered. It's Haymitch. He's not going to hurt her.

"I'm fine. Can we try again?" she asked and he obliged.

After few hours, Haymitch sleeps peacefully on the bed while Effie is watching over him, fully clothed with her suitcase. Her heart is already breaking in million pieces but she has to move before he wakes up so she turned around and started walking away from Haymitch, away from the village, and away from District 12.