Game break should be a holiday for Effie but without Haymitch, she finds it difficult to survive. The temptation to fall back again to the same rabbit hole is strong and she cannot decline invitations to various parties because it's not a polite thing to do. She decides that she will keep herself occupied with her cigarettes instead.
The habit is almost impossible for her to quit. She does it everywhere even in front of her mother. That one invitation she cannot decline as well. It's not proper and it's rude so she smiles at dinner table and listens to her mother's rant about fashion and gossips all the while she comments on how sorry she is about Effie's situation of being stuck in the poorest district of Panem. She bears it all with smile and composure like she was taught to do so.
Her apartment became her sanctuary. The bars would be the logical choice to escape for a little while but she cannot trust herself not to pop something when she goes there so she remained at her place. She threw her sleeping pills and other medications when she got back from the penthouse to avoid further temptation. The vodka on her cupboard is for special circumstances – nightmares, nervousness, and anxiety attacks – and she makes sure she doesn't go over two glasses.
Haymitch said to her that she can call him but she doesn't want to impose. He needs the break too from the games and her calling means dragging him down without taking him away from his house. She cannot do that to him not after everything he did for her.
"Fancy running into you here, love", Chaff said to her at the Training Center's lobby.
It's not yet game season but she likes to submit paperwork ahead of time so she doesn't have to think about them when the season begins.
"There are other ways to say that but yes, quite. You stuck around for the Victory Tour?" she asked. Chaff raised his bottle with his good arm and smirked. "I see", she muttered.
Victory Tour means unlimited parties which means unlimited booze and the Eleven's Victor just love that.
"What are you doing here, love? You and Haymitch didn't go to the tour", his turn to ask.
Effie showed him her pink folder and smiled.
"Taking few things off my plate before the fiasco starts again", she answered with her cheerful act.
It didn't fool Chaff. Being around her for the last three years made him aware as well of the escort's mask. Haymitch had mentioned that once or twice and Mags as well. He doesn't like Effie because she's an Escort and a Capitol but he knows it's not fair to hold that against her. She cannot help to be born in the city and as far as he knows, she didn't choose to be an Escort. It makes her a lot like them, thrown in the same path just like the rest of them.
"That's good strategy. Might add that to my memory. Hope you don't mind", he muttered.
She smiled, genuine this time.
"I don't mind at all. See you after the Reaping", she replied and then left.
To be honest, she cannot wait to get home. The press is hounding her like crazy. She used to love the attention. She still does sometimes but when the questions contain about the children she lost in the span of three years, she cannot help but hate the fame.
When she got back to her apartment, she's already exhausted both physically and mentally. She went to do her night beauty routine before she succumbs to her bed.
The 67th Hunger Games season begins and she's already feeling horrible about the next two innocent children she will reap to die in the arena. At the same time, she feels excited to see Haymitch. It's been ten dreadful months and she misses his improper behaviour and insults. It is odd and maybe dangerous for her to dabble with that weird feeling but she wants to see him.
When she went to the Victor's Village like she always does every year, she's surprised to see him in the living room waiting for her. Of course, he's a little bit drunk but no so much and he's already using the flask she gave to him.
"Good, you're up. We can start getting you ready for the Reaping", she greeted in quite a high-pitched tone that sounded so unnatural even in her own ears.
He didn't say anything. He got up the couch and walked towards her and stopped just a few inches away from her. They're close, too close and it's freaking her out.
"What are you doing, Haymitch?" she asked under her breath.
"You smuggled those books", he muttered.
She did do that. It's illegal and she can lose her tongue for it but she took the risk nonetheless for him. Why? She doesn't want to know the answer just yet.
"Don't you like them?" she asked instead.
"I like them too much to return them. Why did you do it?" he answered then asked her back.
She doesn't want to know the answer to that question. That much is clear. It is scaring her and she's not ready.
"You love books and I thought you will cherish them", she answered. It's not totally a lie but it's not the entire truth either.
He put the flask inside his pocket and put his hands on her shoulders and gently cupped her face. She can feel his breath on her skin and it's making her shiver. Is he playing a game?
"I told you, you can call me anytime. You didn't call. Chaff called me and told me he saw you at the lobby. He saw you being followed by the press asking questions about the kids. You didn't call", he finally said.
She wanted to several times but she doesn't want to be a bother. She surpassed the break, barely, but she did.
"I was fine, Haymitch. I didn't pop any pills and I rarely drink. I just smoked. I promise", she said to assure him.
He sighed.
"Well, fuck princess…you scared me", he muttered.
"Language", she chided and that has done it. He pulled her face towards him and his lips met hers.
it's the start of 67th Hunger Games and the first of hayffie kiss!
