Plutarch has been a dear. He went all out of his way to help me and look after me despite his busy schedule. I couldn't ask for too much which is why I understand his reaction to what I did. He's furious that I gave up. What he doesn't understand is that I didn't give up. I tried to set myself free and atone for my sins which I failed of course.

"If you ever thought about doing that again, will you please make the effort to call me and talk to me first? I may be able to persuade you to change your mind. Don't scare me like that ever again, Effie", he said as he bid goodbye.

"I will keep that in mind, Plutarch", I replied.

Haymitch decided to stay with me at my apartment. I told him that I am fine and I don't need him to babysit me but he refused. He's so stubborn. He hates the Capitol and I know how much he resents staying here with me.

"Good thing your fridge is filled. I am starving. I am making you dinner", he said while waltzing in my kitchen.

"You don't need to do that. I can cook for you", I said.

"Oh no, you sit there and relax", he declined.

He's treating me like a baby. I am not a baby. The fireworks outside caught my attention. It's the Liberation Day. I almost forgot about it. It's the celebration of President's Snow's decline and the victory of the rebellion. I got the invitation weeks ago and have no intention of going. Most people there dislike me even though I contributed back in District 13. My Capitol friends don't talk to me anymore because they think of me as a traitor. Plutarch is the only one left who has the guts to speak with me in this city.

"Liberation Day…you want me to come with you, princess?" Haymitch asked.

I didn't hear him walk towards me because now he's standing behind me only a couple of inches away.

"I am not going", I answered.

"That's odd. You like parties. You've always have. You like dressing up and socializing with other people. I can stomach it as long as you'll not going to leave me by myself out there", he said.

I took a deep sigh.

"That was the old Effie Trinket. I now grew tired of them. They don't deserve my effort to look fabulous. I'd rather hole up in here and let the night pass. Tomorrow, it's all going to be over", I explained.

There's silence that followed after that. Usually, Haymitch will make some hurtful comments but I got nothing. He must be holding it back so he wouldn't offend me. I turned around and met his eyes. They're not teasing nor insulting. They're soft and worried.

"I'm fine, Haymitch, really. I don't want to go", I said to reassure him.

"Tell me why you don't want to go", he said.

I frowned. Why is it so important? He doesn't like parties. He's the one who always makes a fuss whenever I tried to get him to come with me.

"They don't want me there", I said and he kept it shut like waiting for me to say more. "Those people are mostly from District 13 and they still don't like me despite everything that has happened. The remaining Capitol citizens out there dislike me for being a traitor so I can't go there. No one wants me to be there. Plutarch maybe, but I can't force him to stay with me the whole night because he has other things to do so I am not going. Is that explanation enough for you, Haymitch?" I added without realizing that I already raised my voice at him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell. That's rude", I apologized right away.

He walked even closer and put his hands over my shoulders. I can feel the warmth coming from his skin and it's making me nervous.

"Come on…I'll take you out and no, we're not going to that stupid party", he said.

I didn't bother putting much to my face though I dressed up presentably just in case some people will see me. Haymitch didn't take me to the party. He instead took me to a garden by the west side of the city. It's hidden inside the reserved forest. No one ever goes here because it's forbidden which explained my surprise when I saw how beautiful it is.

"Oh my lord…this is marvelous", I muttered.

The flowers are in full bloom. The water by the lake is glistening as the moonlight reflects on it. It is so peaceful. In my entire life, I've never seen such beauty here in the Capitol.

"How did you find this place?" I asked him.

"I love to roam around when I try to escape your stupid parties. The excessiveness and bland conversations always made me feel uncomfortable and pretty angry so I escape and roam around trying to find a perfect spot for me to get wasted so I found this. I've never shown this to anyone. It's like my secret hiding spot", he answered.

Am I dreaming or he's different? He's actually smiling.

"Why did you bring me here then?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" he asked me back.

"I thought you don't care. You said no one cares about me. Why did you bring me here?" I clarified.

I can see the guilt filling his eyes. It's just a question. I need to know because right now I am very confused. He told me one thing and now he's here looking after me after that whole fiasco in 12.

Instead of answering, he moved closer and cupped my face with his hands and put his lips over mine. I am too stunned to react or say something. I just felt warmth all over and for the first time in three months, I was able to relax and let my guard down. I feel safe. He finally pulled away and looked deep into my eyes.

"I brought you here to show you that I am not scared anymore to let you in. I will never push you away again, princess", he answered.