We talked about everything in our secret garden in the middle of the reserved forest. For a moment, the old Effie that I know came back. She started talking about random things again with her upbeat tone. It's not exaggerated like she's trying too hard. It sounded natural to my ears. Smile didn't vanish from her face while she talks about the hobbies her father used to teach her when she was younger. We even went to the topic of her past loves to which she didn't back down. She shared that there's once a man who proposed to her his entire wealth, promised her the world but she turned him down when she found out he sponsored a tribute of District 3 to murder a young girl tribute from District 9.

"I just felt disgusted and sick to my stomach. I thought, how can someone sponsor something so horrible? I knew it's our culture. We grew up with it but it never felt okay. When I was chosen to be an escort, I did my best to appear happy about being part of the games that I hated all my life. It was surely convincing because it annoyed even you most of the time. I did my best. Manners and public appearance are two things I can offer to teach on those kids hoping those will be enough to save their lives", she said.

"You did a fine job with that, sweetheart. They were annoyed at your constant nagging about those stuff but they appreciated it once they saw the point of what you're teaching them", I said.

It's true even for Katniss. She was so pissed with Effie but when sponsors came pouring down on her and Peeta and she saw how hard Effie worked in making her look great and appealing to the people of the Capitol, she finally realized Effie wasn't trying to make fun out of her. She was there to help her and Peeta.

"Do you know I still know all of their names?" Effie suddenly muttered. "I know all of them from year 1. That's one of my gifts for the most times. I never forget a name and a face. Now, it seems to be my curse because I still know their names and I can still recall their faces. One can never get over things like this", she added.

I know what she means. I may not know their names by heart, I do know their faces and what they looked like when they died. Those poor kids. I was about to say something when Effie put her hand on my face. Normally, I won't let anyone do that but she caught me off guard. Her hand felt warm on my cheek. I can now see the tears trying to escape her eyes. The smile is no longer there.

"Eff", I muttered.

"Just give me a moment. I want to remember your face. I don't want to forget you so I have to take a mental picture", she cut me off and a single tear managed to fall down her face. "Time hasn't been very kind to us, has it? I wish we could've shared more. I really do. Despite your excessive drinking and your habit of insulting my fashion sense, I enjoy being around you. It took me some time to realize that I want to be with you, Haymitch", she added.

"I want to be with you too, princess. Why do you think I'm in this city that I hate so much? I will follow you anywhere, sweetheart. I will follow you even if you wear your ridiculous wigs again", I said and that made her laugh.

She's laughing but tears are now falling freely from her face. She put two hands on my face and then she gently pressed her lips on mine. I almost forgot how her lips felt. The last time I kissed her was when we said goodbye after the war. For some reason, this kiss felt the same, goodbye. I felt a sting in my heart. When she pulled away from me, sadness and regret had consumed her eyes. My Effie is drifting away.

"Please, stop crying. It pains me to see you like this", I said as I try hopelessly to wipe her tears away but they just keep on falling.

"I love you, Haymitch Abernathy", she muttered and that put me to shock.

Did she just say that she loves me? I heard that right, right?

"You don't have to say anything. I just want you to know that. This could be my last chance to let you know how I feel so I took it and I am sorry to unload this on you so sudden. It wasn't fair, I know, but I can't go without letting you know. I just have to. I love you. I have always loved you. Sure, you're annoying and always make me angry but you're all I want to talk to, to see, to be with. I completely realized that when I was put in prison by President Snow but even then I didn't have the courage to tell you when we were in District 13. I thought, 'I'll just tell him after the war, when all the craziness is over' but Katniss did what she did and another chaos broke. Then, you have to go back to District 12 and I stayed. I tried when I came to visit to your place. I was planning on telling you but things didn't go smoothly back then so this is my chance. I love you and I will always love you, Haymitch Abernathy", she explained.

All of a sudden, soldiers came in to our garden with their weapons. Effie got up as fast as she can and wiped the tears away from her face. I stood up and put her behind me to protect her. They can't do this yet. They can't go in here. We still have time. We are taking our time.

"Effie Trinket, you are under arrest and is directed to come with us for your detention. If you resist, we will be forced to take you by all means necessary", the soldier declared.

I clenched my fists. I can't take all of them. Maybe three but definitely not all six of them. They will get her one or another. I felt her hands over my clenched fists trying to make me relax. Her breath is warm on my back.

"It's okay, Haymitch", she whispered.

Effie stepped in front of me without letting go of one of my hands. She's no longer crying. She put on a smile though her eyes can no longer fake what she's feeling. She turned to me one last time and smiled, a true genuine smile of hers, the one I always love.

"Take care of yourself and the kids", she said before letting go of my hand and approached the soldiers.

I watched them put handcuffs around her wrists and take her away from me. Here I am left alone to our secret garden which despite of its beauty, feels incredibly empty without her.