Haymitch spent the entire night worrying about Effie. Cinna said that his contact informed him that Seneca died from poisoning. It's the goddamn berries. He actually felt bad for the guy because it was his idea to sell the star-crossed lovers bullshit in order to save both Katniss and Peeta. When Katniss made that gesture on screen after Rue died, he feared for her life so he asked Effie to set up a meeting for him and Seneca. That gesture is a three-finger salute used in Twelve to show gratitude and say goodbye to someone you love. That gesture was also used to show strength. It is a symbol of the revolution. He needs to do something or otherwise, they will have her killed inside the arena.
He knows Effie was close to Seneca Crane. She told him they've been together few times in the past and he's offered her marriage to get her away from the games. A part of him wants to rejoice since no one is going to take her away but that's not right. The man offered that to save her life, not to force her into something she does not want. Seneca's death is stepping on a lot of blurred lines right now. Like Effie and Cinna and Portia, Seneca was one of those who proved that not all Capitols are bad.
When the morning comes, Effie woke up last. It's like nothing has happened the night before. She's back to her bubbly self. She's even talking to Katniss now. She talked about her ideas for the tour and she never once mentioned Seneca. It's also not lost on Haymitch how she's constantly holding a glass of wine. She would hold cigarette instead but she's not parading her bad habit to Katniss and Peeta yet so that should be a bonus.
Later that day, they were informed that there will be a delay for the Victory Tour due to Seneca's death. Effie expressed it's a good thing to give her more time to set up everything. This is the first time she's planning a Victory Tour for her district so she wants it to be perfect.
"Remember, always maintain the smile. Be polite and act in love", Effie repeated as she took one last look at her Victors.
It's the coronation night and it will be at the Presidential Mansion. This is going to be the first time Katniss and Peeta will be near President Snow so everyone is tensed including the two Victors.
"Is he a fan of shaking hands?" Peeta asked nervously.
"…not really but if he offers, do accept. However, he likes to stare. Keep that in mind", Effie answered while remembering how the old man looked right into her eyes.
The two noticed how quickly she grew uncomfortable before resorting to her escort persona.
"You've met him before, President Snow", Katniss noticed.
"Of course, dear! President Snow is a generous host", she confirmed while fussing over the fabric of her dress.
They did not push any longer. It's enough to know that they have to be very careful around Snow especially since Effie reacted that way about him.
The crowd applauded as the two Victors were crowned by the president. Haymitch stood close to Effie while she always keeps her glass full. Snow appeared to be calm about the whole thing although he can tell that he's not happy about Katniss and Peeta. It took a few seconds before the president's eyes landed on his. A smirk played upon his lips before eyeing Effie next to him. He felt a knot in his stomach tightening. He knows. Of course, he knows. He questioned Effie already but despite her talent for lying, Snow is not easily fooled.
"Get the kids and we'll get out of here", he whispered to Effie.
"Are you insane, Haymitch? This is their coronation night. They cannot leave", she remarked.
Not only it is rude, it will also draw attention towards them.
"Snow is watching us", he said.
She sighed.
"Of course, he is. It's our lives now. Let's not give him a show, alright? Behave", she replied before stepping away from his reach to mingle with other guests.
It is her way of diverting Snow's attention towards them and their hidden relationship. However, Snow's eyes are still trained on Effie. He is carefully watching her from a far and it's not good. He does not like the way he looks at her. after a few hours, it is already considered proper to leave the party without raising suspicion so went in search for Effie. What he did not expect is bumping against Snow.
"Mr. Abernathy! It's been a while since the last time we see each other like this", the president greeted.
Haymitch wondered for a moment if he can pull off killing the man right now. He does not have a guard nearby and he can do it quickly but that endanger all of them so he controlled himself.
"It's been a while since Twelve has a Victor", he muttered.
"Ah…and now you got two. Isn't that something?" Snow said.
"It is quite something", he replied coldly before trying to walk past him.
"She is something, your escort, Ms. Trinket", that got him to stop walking, "I had the pleasure of talking to her. Very smart and pleasant woman. I can see why you're all over her", Snow mentioned.
He would want to try acting indifferent but Snow might take that as a challenge and actually hurt her so he did not go for that direction.
"Trinket is a pain but she's effective. If you're thinking of transferring her to another district, don't. People like her working in Twelve", he said instead.
Snow smirked smugly at him.
"Of course…I believe she's at the garden. Take care, Mr. Abernathy", he responded before leaving.
Effie is now smoking at Snow's garden when he found her. She's staring at the stone fountain when he reached her.
"Princess, we're going back. Come on", he said.
She did not move.
"This is where he got them", she muttered.
He frowned but followed her gaze and saw the fountain was not working. A bunch of berries are splattered in it, the same ones Katniss and Peeta had during the game, the same ones that killed Seneca.
"Let's go. Now", he's no longer requesting nor inviting.
The Mansion is least safest place for them right now, too many eyes and Effie is not stable right now.
"Alright…" she flicked her cigarette towards the berries before coming with him.
The next day, they all have to return to Twelve since the tour is going to be delayed. This is the first time Haymitch is returning to his district without any coffins. It felt…amazing. He does not have the usual heavy weight in his chest whenever he's boarding the train back to Twelve. Now, what worries him is leaving Effie behind at the Capitol. The city is a mess right now even though most of its citizens don't know about it. It's dangerous for her but he cannot be there with her without raising a flag.
"Are you going to be alright?" he asked while they're at the station.
Katniss and Peeta are already inside the train. She had already said her goodbye to them.
"Yes, Haymitch. Don't worry. Cinna and Portia will be with me. They said they'll be staying in my apartment to help me with the preparation for the Victory Tour so I will not be alone", she answered.
That's enough to put his mind at ease. As long as she will not be alone. He happens to learn how to trust the two stylists so it made him relaxed.
"Call me, yeah? Anytime…" he reminded her.
"I will. Now, go before the train leaves you", she replied and let him walk away.
It's an entire month of preparation for the tour. When Effie sets foot in Twelve with Cinna and Portia, everything is all set and ready to go. Haymitch studied her from head to toe. She looks like a giant snow or a cloud. She's all white. Even her eyelashes are white. It's winter in Twelve and if Effie will lie on the ground, she will blend perfectly with the snow everywhere.
"My Victors! Darlings!" she greeted Katniss and Peeta with such pride.
Her cheerful voice pierced through his ears. She did not greet him the same way but hugged him longer than an acquaintance would.
"You should take a shower. You reek of alcohol", she commented.
He smirked at her. There's the Effie he remembers.
"You look like a clown, princess", he teased.
Effie then greeted Dalia Everdeen and Prim. He can tell that Katniss' mother is uncomfortable talking to a Capitol but she quickly grew to relax with Effie around. Her looks are intimidating to a district people but her warmth is comforting. Prim is so taken with her. She told her about the herbs she learned from her mother and how she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Katniss watched the exchange closely before smiling herself. Once they all settled down, Effie relayed the schedule for the tour.
"An interview? Here in Twelve?" Peeta asked.
"Yes, dear. It will be done remotely. There will be cameras set in the middle of the village. You will make your appearance and well, do play the part of our famous star-crossed lovers", she answered.
It's how the two has to live now. The Capitol is going to follow their love storyclosely, see if there's any truth to it.
"We can do that", Katniss firmly said.
"Wonderful. Now, get ready because we have a schedule to follow", Effie replied.
They applied their makeup but kept them in regular clothings since they're at home before putting them in front of the cameras. Katniss made a show at tripping and falling on top of Peeta before kissing the boy. Haymitch snorted at that on the background which earned him an elbow from Effie.
"What?" he asked.
"They're trying. Stop being rude", she chided.
Dalia and Prim looked at the both of them and smiled to themselves.
"Are they supposed to do this every single time?" he asked again.
It's good that Katniss doesn't mind kissing Peeta but it must have been painful for the boy who actually loves her.
"Hopefully not. We just need to survive this tour and then we decide who will take over the mentoring job. Most districts have two Mentors. You can pick one of them to be your partner or you can rest for a year or more and have them to the job of mentoring the next tributes. I would prefer if you would remain as a Mentor and just have one of them. That way, they're not always both under the spotlight", she answered without averting her eyes from the two answering questions in front of the camera.
She cannot imagine having to pretend so in love throughout the duration of a season. It's going to be taxing and if they're on edge, they're bound to make mistakes.
"I'll keep the job. Don't worry. You're not getting rid of me yet, princess. I am pretty sure Peeta wouldn't mind tagging along first. Let's give the girl some time to rest from the all of this", Haymitch responded before meeting Dalia's eyes thanking him for that.
Effie took a deep breath.
"I was thinking of the same thing. Katniss is a dear but she's not people person", Prim suppressed her laughter, "Anyway, let's make sure to survive this tour first and then we can start arranging that", she subconsciously wrapped her arms around herself, "Is your district always like this during this time of the year? It's like a freezer", she complained.
Haymitch rolled his eyes around and pulled her into his arms to keep her warm.
"It's called winter, princess. You should have worn more clothes other than that ridiculous snow cape", he retorted.
She glared at him but buried herself further into his body.
"It's not a cape, Haymitch. It's a fur coat but of course, you wouldn't understand fashion", she snapped back.