We got back to my apartment and I can feel his eyes on my back all the time. How much did he see? I specifically asked him to stay home and baked me a pie while I was out and he couldn't even do the first part. I should've known. It's Haymitch. When did he ever follow my instructions? Never. Of course, the pie is cold now so I put in the microwave and reheat it. I am honestly starving. As I move around the kitchen, I did my best to avoid his eyes. He's still staring and I know he's waiting for me to explain myself. There's nothing to explain. It is what it is.

"Okay, cut this crap", he said and grabbed the plate from my hand and tossed it on the table. For sure it received an ugly cracked because of it.

"What are you doing? That's a piece of my china!" I exclaimed.

"Cut that too. What were you doing back there? Is that what Plutarch asked you to do?" he fired the questions I don't want him to ask.

My brain is processing things I can say to divert his attention but I couldn't think of any. He's not going to let this go and he's not going to pass out anytime soon because he's not even drunk.

"I was working, Haymitch. It's what I do. I get things done. I seal deals. Leave it be", I answered as polite as I can be.

He's brain is processing. I can see it and he's overthinking everything.

"Plutarch sent you to close the deal because he knows exactly how you do it, is that right?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes around and walked towards the living room where is more spacious than my kitchen so I can breathe.

"Is that right, princess? You have to let men disrespect you just so they can sign your contracts. Is that your new job now, sweetheart?" he shouted as he follows me.

"I said it leave it be, Haymitch. It's late and I don't want to wake the neighbors", I said in my best calmed voice.

I felt his hand grabbed my arm and yanked me around and pinned me against the wall to prevent me from walking any farther.

"Your neighbors don't care about you. You said it yourself. Tell me, princess. Does it feel good to twist men around your fingers so they can give you what you want? Does that make you feel special?" he pressed even more and it finally hit a nerve.

"I was an escort for six years, Haymitch! Do you think all those kids who could barely lift a knife would just get sponsors by looking incredibly pitiful on camera?" I yelled which surprised even myself because I don't like doing that very much but I am so pissed. "I didn't like it either but I have to learn to do it because you did nothing all those years ago but drink until you drop letting those kids get nothing, not even one sponsor so I stepped in. For sure you will say that everything I did was for nothing since they didn't make it but at least I did something. I reaped them from their lives. That's the least I can do for them", I continued.

He slowly released my arms but didn't say a word. I took a deep breath. It's time for the dam to be open, I guess.

"Well, it turns out I am very good at it. Sponsors finally noticed District 12. I barely have to do anything. During the 74th Hunger Games, I had to pull some heavy strings to keep Katniss and Peeta alive somehow. Seneca warned me that they wanted to get 12 out of the game as early as possible to make it more entertaining. I worked really hard to make sure they're not going to pull that stunt to get rid of them like that", I added.

If only looks can kill, I'll be dead right now.

"What strings did you pull, Eff? What did you do all those years ago?" he asked. I felt chills down my spine.

I don't fear around Haymitch. I always feel safe whenever I'm with him but not right now. The way he asked those last two questions struck fear into my heart.

"I don't think you want to hear and I don't really want you to know so can we please drop this subject. I don't want to talk about it anymore", I pleaded.

His hands returned on my arms and his grip is much tighter than before.

"Tell me", he ordered.

"President Snow wanted some attention thrown to District 12. After you won your game, no other victor was produced by your district until Katniss and Peeta. All that followed you died fast and horribly and you getting wasted didn't help. District 12 was disappearing and he wanted to put some spotlight on it so he chose me to be the escort of District 12. I have no intention of joining the games but he didn't give me a choice. I learned that being a former model of the Capitol has its perks when it comes to being an escort. The men, Capitol rich men, wanted to spend some time with me. I capitalized on that and built my network of connections until I met some who agreed to sponsor our tributes. That time when I found out their initial plan for Katniss and Peeta since they're pissed at her manners during that training, I called in some favors to get the bigger sponsors in the Capitol. It wasn't nice. I have to admit that but it paid off. Katniss and Peeta got their first sponsor and things went well for them after that, I guess", I explained trying to avoid sensitive stuff.

He gets it. I know he does.

"Here I thought she really did impress someone with that arrow shot. It was all you. You impressed someone", he snapped and it hurts like hell.

"Oh, screw you, Haymitch…if you think I love every minute of it, I don't. I only did it for my victors and I will do it all over again if needed to", I snapped back.

He loosened his grip but didn't let go of me. He took a deep breath and I can feel the fear subsiding in me.

"I will have a good talk with Plutarch. Tonight is the last time you're going to do what you did. You are so much more than what I saw back there and I don't want you to do that ever again. Do you understand?" he said.

Normally, I will protest at him ordering me around but not this time. I can't find it in me to protest.

"Yes. I understand", I simply replied.