The penthouse is one of the perks of being from District Twelve. The view is breathtaking and they got the most spacious floor. Effie particularly happy about it. She filled the kids with commentaries about the view, the furniture, the art, the history of the building while the two kids listened with both ears, fascinated by all the luxury they've been deprived all their lives.

Haymitch, on the other hand, ignored them as best he could and settled for the liquor stock at the bar. He's spent enough time at the penthouse that nothing in it amazes him anymore. The only thing left impressive for him is the amount of liquor they generously provide him. Perhaps, Snow took pleasure at seeing him wasted every year or making a fool of himself. The Quarter Quell Victor turned drunk. He almost finished the bottle when he noticed he's alone in the living room. Effie and the kids had vanished.

His heart started pounding. What if Snow has something in store for him? Surely, he will not go as far as killing his tributes before they enter the arena. What about Effie? She's a Capitol citizen. They will not touch her.

Haymitch searched the penthouse until he found the three all cuddled up in Effie's room with her sandwiched between the two kids. He knows she kept her word to the children and she sings to them every night but cuddling and sleeping together? He has never seen anything like it before for a Capitol citizen.

"What are you reading for us today, Effie?" Leticia asked.

"Well, I stopped by my apartment earlier to get this book. My father used to read me this every night and it is how he sent me to sleep", she answered showing off a storybook.

"Your father didn't sing you to bed?" Daryl asked.

Effie smiled. A genuine one, Haymitch thought. He has seen her during the Reaping and he knows how quick she can mask her true feelings with a smile, a fake smile, but when she's around the kids, there's nothing fake to her anymore. Everything is just so human.

"No, dear. I'm afraid he doesn't know how", the kids laughed. "The stories are lovely though and they're effective too. I fell asleep each time. Would you like to hear one?" she asked and the kids nodded.

Effie launched the story about a princess who got lost in the woods. Haymitch stood by the door quietly, carefully listening to the way she talked to Twelve's tributes like she has known them all her life. After a few minutes, Effie realized the two had already fallen asleep and found herself unable to move.

Haymitch waited for her to drop the act of actually caring for the kids but she only sighed and smiled as she gently brushes their cheeks before gently settling them down in a more comfortable position so they won't strain their necks. Then, she slowly got out of the bed and put the book on the table. Her eyes darted towards the door and found Haymitch still standing there with his bottle.

Effie glared at him and ushered him away from her room. She is still sporting her wig but she got less makeup on her face. The heels are also discarded somewhere so she's walking down the hall barefoot.

"You know it's one thing to drink all day but there's no need to flaunt it in front of the children. It's not a good example. You can use a glass. We got plenty", she commented once they reached the kitchen.

He didn't say a word, just kept on watching her as she makes herself a cup of tea.

"Okay, you've been quiet all day. What's the matter?" she finally asked.

"They're going to die", he answered like it's nothing.

His casualness hit her harder than intended. He finally saw her flinched and it didn't bring him any satisfaction.

"Don't say that. You don't know that. The game has just started and we're not yet out there hounding Sponsors. They have a chance, Haymitch. It will be best if you also start mentoring them so they will be prepared", she said.

He put down the bottle and tried to think a better way to make her accept that it's a lost cause but he's not a subtle person, never was.

"There's nothing that could prepare them for the arena, princess. You're saying they got a chance. Have you seen them? They're still clinging at you like babies. Innocent children like them do not survive the games, sweetheart. The Careers are going to eat them alive and we'll be out of the games in less than five minutes", he explained harshly.

For a moment, he saw her eyes shone but she blinked it away quickly. The fake smile came back to her face.

"It's good to know your team got your full support. Am I to expect you to do your best to get them Sponsors?" she asked in all business tone.

"I told you. Nothing will save them", he answered.

Effie sighed and took a sip from her cup.

"It's a no then. Do me a favor and then don't drink too much that you will cause a scene. We don't need more embarrassment and I can promise you to work really hard to do your job for you. Good night, Haymitch. We have an appointment tomorrow at seven in the morning. Don't be late", she replied coldly and went back to her room.

He has no idea how in Panem she will sleep in there with two children occupying the bed but he didn't dare to come. She's upset. That's clearly stated. What is it to him if she gets hurt in the end? If she gets her heart broken? She is a Capitol doll just like everybody else taking up the job to be more popular. It's no different from the other escorts he had.

Yet he knows she's different from the rest of them. She actually cares. He can see that and that is more upsetting than what he expected of her. She will get her heart broken and he doesn't want to be around when that happens because she will be another casualty to the Capitol's wrath. The games will destroy her naivety and her innocence. The games will make her cruel and cold. She will become another person he won't be able to save.

"Good night, princess", he muttered.


Haymitch doesn't know how to be subtle is understatement of the year. He can be really harsh especially with Effie but deep down he cares a lot.