I sat on my sofa with black coffee on my hands as I listened to Plutarch and Haymitch debate about my impending doom. Apparently, President Paylor decided that Katniss' deal with Coin about my immunity is no longer valid considering Katniss did kill Coin. Paylor wanted me on trial to set an example of sort to the citizen. I was part of the games and took a vital part of it too. She wanted to show that the new government will not tolerate people like me. I should've known this will happen one way or another.
"Are you kidding me? Effie was with us in District 13. She helped Katniss be the Mockingjay they wanted her to be. She left her home for the rebellion, not to mention her wigs and ridiculous dresses. She gave us useful information about the Capitol and they wanted to put her on trial?" Haymitch exclaimed for the fifth time.
"Don't you think I didn't mention that to Paylor already? I spent two hours arguing with her but she made up her mind. She's also feeling the pressure from certain people who feel that Effie was let off easy", Plutarch explained, also for the fifth time.
"Screw that! Coin's bomb torched her entire family. Wasn't that enough?" Haymitch asked.
I took a sip on my cup as the two continued to raise their voices on each other.
"What are they going to do if she's found guilty to those stupid charges then?" Haymitch asked.
I put down my cup gently on the table.
"If it comes to that, they will put me in prison for indefinite amount of time. Considering the gravity of charges, I would say that it may not take that long. They will sure give me the death sentence and it will all be over", I intervened.
They both looked at me unexpectedly. I do know the government and its laws though I may not look like it.
"I appreciate the concern from the both of you but we both know how strong their case is against me. I did reap children every year from District 12 and escort them to their deaths with smile on my face. They will convict me. I know that for sure and there's a great chance I will die", I added. They're both lost for words. "Oh come on, we all know that. It's a given fact. Even both of you testified on my behalf about the things I've done during the war, they will still push it to make a point to the Capitol citizen. Darling of the Capitol sentenced to death for her participation during the Hunger Games. That's one hell of a headline and it will solidify President Paylor's government. It's just how Panem works. We should all learn to make peace with it", I finished and resumed drinking my coffee. It may be my last chance to have one.
"There's no way in hell I will let that happen", Haymitch muttered.
"Darling, it's not up to you anymore. You know how things work better than anyone. It will happen. I wish it will not but it is what it is", I explained.
He knows the system. He always does. That's why he hates it so much. Even with the new government, some tactics from Snow's time worked well with the Capitol and it's no surprise Paylor decided to adapt some of them.
"We can still make an appeal. I can call some people and see what I can do. It's not over yet, Effie", Plutarch said.
I smiled at him.
"Thank you for trying dear. Well, if we're done with this dreadful subject, I would like to go to that picnic now, the one that you promised last night. It might be my last chance to be there so I'd like to cherish it as much as I can", I said with my excited and upbeat tone.
Plutarch bid his goodbye. He said he'll do his best to contact some people to help me out. I thanked him, of course, but I don't have my hopes up. I hate being disappointed in the end so I stay away from hoping.
Haymitch took me to the garden and have our picnic. As usual, he made the food while I brought a fine bottle of wine. He's right. The garden looked so much better in daylight. Everything is highlighted, the flowers, the trees, the water, the grass…all of them just shine. I feel like I can stay right here and just stare at them.
"Tell me what's on your mind", Haymitch broke the silence.
"I try not to think much. It's strange considering how I used to worry about everything back in the day. You know how I was. I don't want to think as much as I can. I just want to stay still and appreciate what's around me, like this…like you", I said while looking at the flowers in front of me.
"If I knew you would like this more than those stupid parties, I would've taken you out here long ago", he muttered.
I laughed and then turned to him. He's smiling and for the first time since he got here, there's no strand of worry in his eyes or fear. He's happy.
"I would've wanted that but I am here now. We are here…so thank you for bringing me here and letting me see this magical place", I said.
I felt his hand over mine and all the fear I am currently feeling just disappeared. That's his magic. He extinguished my fears and makes me feel safe.
"Thank you for coming here and staying with me. I know it's a lot and I appreciate it", I said.
"Don't…stop right there. I know what you're doing. Don't talk like that", he tried to cut me off.
"This is a reserved forest and the soldiers aren't allowed to go in without permission from the government. Once we get out of here, they will arrest me. I am sure Plutarch will do his best but he will not be able to stop them and neither will you. So, let's take our time right here, right now. I want to cherish this. I may not get another chance to sit here with the one person I trust in the whole Panem", I explained.
The worry returned in his eyes but he did his best to keep it in and produced a small smile.
"Let's take our time then, princess", he replied.
