I need to pay a visit to that Kyle. He cannot torment Effie anymore. He did too much already when she was locked up not to mention what he did with Peeta and Katniss. I get that it was his job, an awful job, but it's over. He has no right to torture Effie any longer.
She remained quiet throughout the evening. We slept on the same bed but we never talked. Perhaps, she thinks my view of her has changed. It's shocking what she told us but it didn't change my perception of her. She's trying to survive and keep Peeta and Johanna alive. She killed for them, for heaven's sake. She did more than what other people would. At first, I found it bizarre for her to wake up in hysteria from her nightmares like that. She was imprisoned and tortured but she reacts like she's been in the arena. Now, I get it. She spilled some bloods and it's eating her along with the torture she experienced.
That whole dark chapter is unveiling itself little by little and it felt like a marathon while catching up with it. If I am getting exhausted with the toll, I cannot imagine how it felt for Effie. She must be fucking exhausted with everything. After that realization, I feel fear in my heart. What if she gives up again? What if she tried to kill herself again? I cannot go through that again. It is scaring me now to death.
"Where are you up to?" I asked when I saw her all dressed up.
"Oh, just to town…I'm thinking about getting some presents for Annie and Finn when Johanna gets back to Four", she answered.
"You want me to come with you?" I asked again.
"No need to babysit me, dear. I can manage. I'll be back later", she answered and gave me a kiss before leaving the house.
Of course, it's a lie. She might drop by some shop to buy Annie and Finn gifts but I know why she will endure the stares in town. She's going to him probably. I grabbed my knife and followed her. I never thought of her being a fast walker though but since she stopped wearing ridiculously high heels, she can walk freely. I saw Katniss in Peeta's bakey with Johanna but I didn't bother them. They will get worried. I heard Kyle is staying in the only hotel in the district so that shouldn't be hard to find.
I arrived at the hotel and snuck my way to the only room occupied. District 12 doesn't get many tourists and Johanna is staying with us. It has to be his room. I am prepared. Effie has been through so much and I will not let this bastard make her suffer more. It has to end. What else is there to do? It's not I haven't done this before. I am a Victor of a Quarter Quell for fuck's sake. This should be a piece of cake.
The door is already unlocked. That is odd. Well, Capitol people don't really make it a habit to lock their doors. I pushed the door opened and it's awfully quiet. Maybe he's not here. I turned on the light so I can get a better view and that's when I saw it. It's Kyle alright although he's so much paler than the last time I saw him…and alive. His eyes are staring blankly onto the ceiling. He's clinging to a cup of coffee with his left hand. He's dead. I felt a wave of relief hit me fast. I don't have to do it. I don't need to get my hands dirty but wait…then, who did it?
My heart started beating fast. I got out of there as fast as I can and headed back to the house. There I found Effie wrapping gifts on the table.
"Where were you?" I asked.
She looked at me and frowned.
"I told you. I went to town to buy these for Annie and Finn. I also got you a new shirt. It's in the bedroom", she answered.
She resumed wrapping and pretended like I'm not here waiting for her to say something.
"Will you stop that for a moment?" I snapped.
She shot me a look and dropped the gift wrapper and the box on the table.
"What's the matter with you?" she asked like there is something wrong with me.
"He's dead", I muttered. She stared at me clueless at what I'm saying. "Kyle…he's dead. I went to his hotel room and I found him there dead", I added.
She frowned. Perhaps, she didn't know.
"What the hell were you doing in his room?" she asked and that's not the question I was hoping for. That sent her to panic mode. "Did you touch anything? Oh my god…what if they find your prints in that room? You will be arrested. He is from Capitol, Haymitch!" she exclaimed.
I don't know what to say. She's more concern about me than the news about a man being dead. It's like she doesn't mind at all. I totally understood but the Effie I know will be horrified about the news.
"Did you do it?" I finally asked.
That made her stop ranting.
"What?" she asked me back in disbelief.
"Did you do it? Did you kill Kyle?" I clarified.
She just looked at me and didn't say a word. I can feel my heart ready to pop out of my chest. Why won't she say anything? Silence is no better.
"Eff, answer me. Did you do it?" I repeated and still no response.
She looked rather hurt. I swear I can see tears building up but she's getting better at holding them back. I can't take it anymore. I walked towards her and grabbed her arms to keep her steady.
"Goddamn it, Eff! Just tell me if you kill Kyle!" I exclaimed.
"Let go of her, asshole!" Johanna intervened. I felt her pulled me back and took Effie away from me. The girl is stronger than she looks.
"I'm not done talking to her, Jo", I muttered.
"No. You are done talking to her, Haymitch. You want your question to be answered? Fine. She didn't kill that bastard. I did. I already said I would and I did and it's damn satisfying", she declared and turned to Effie. "Sorry, Trinket. I know you told me not to do it", she apologized.
Shit.
