"What?"
Heather asked with shock painted on her face. The desire to deny what she just heard was immense. Amaryllis, who was also quiet in shock as well, repeated what she had said before. "President Snow is at our house right now. He's currently staying at the study."
"And where is Katniss?"
"She's still outside. I don't know when she'll come back though," Amaryllis answered.
Heather sighed. She knew that Snow was upset at Katniss's actions during the arena but she didn't think he'd counterattack anytime soon. She glanced at the middle-aged woman, feeling bad for her as she had to deal with one of the most dangerous men in the country.
"Can you stay here and watch over Luke?" Heather asked her. "I'll go talk to him."
Both Peeta and Haymitch were at their respective houses since reporters and camera crews are expected to arrive this noon and none of them wanted to have a published article entirely dedicated to the three victors living together.
Amaryllis's eyes widened in surprise, trying to grasp at the fact that Heather just casually said that she'll speak to their country's president, as if it wasn't a big deal. "Su-sure."
"Thank you," Heather smiled.
After assuring Luke that she'll be back in no time, Heather exited her house and headed straight for Katniss's residence. Once inside, it wasn't hard to locate where the study was as her house had a similar layout to this one.
Heather stopped in front of the study's door and took a deep breath. Dealing with Snow always took a lot of her energy and patience. She needed to prepare herself mentally for this encounter. Gently but also firmly, she knocked on the wood.
"Come in," said Snow.
Heather entered the room with her posture straight. Her normally warm blue eyes turned cold and sharp at the sight of the elder man. "President Snow," Heather greeted courteously.
"Ms. Mildbreeze," he nodded towards her. "Even dressed modestly, you look as beautiful as ever."
"Thank you," Heather gave him an indifferent smile. "While both of us are good at this patience game, I would like to cut to the point."
"What a coincidence for I feel the same way," he said in a cold voice that could rival tundras. Now that she stepped closer to her, the scent of roses invaded her nostrils. She remembered that time Finnick sat her down and told her the reason why Snow always had a rose with him. She fought against the loathing look that she wanted to show on her face and schooled her facial features.
But before Heather could proceed, the door opened to reveal Katniss standing behind it. She looked shocked at the sight of Snow, clearly not expecting him here. However, one glance at Heather calms her down, glad that at least, she's not alone with him.
Snow looked at Heather, telling her with his snake-like eyes to get out. However, Heather stands her ground, her eyes unwavering as she stared at him. "Whatever you say to Katniss, you can say to him."
Thankfully, he nodded. Normally such behaviour wouldn't do well with Snow, but in his mind, he already has Heather under his control so there was no need to push for a redundant order. "Alright then."
"Katniss, come take a seat," Heather said to Katniss.
Katniss seats and Snow follows after her, taking a seat at the desk chair. "I think we'll make this whole situation a lot simpler by agreeing not to lie to each other," he starts. "What do you think?"
Heather glanced at Katniss, hoping her advice on controlling her emotions stuck with her. Luckily, Katniss did and answered back in a steady voice, "Yes, I think that would save time."
President Snow smiled, "My advisors were concerned you would be difficult, but you're not planning on being difficult, are you?"
"No," she answered. Not there was an option to say no.
"That's what I told them. I said any girl who goes to such lengths to preserve her life isn't going to be interested in throwing it away with both hands. And then there's her family to think of. Her mother, her sister, and all those ... cousins."
Heather squinted her eyes, wondering why Snow had lingered on the word "cousins". Obviously, he knew Katniss and Gale were blood-related but why… Heather looked at Katniss suspiciously, something couldn't have happened between Katniss and Gale, right?
Judging by the way Snow looked at her, something did happen.
"I have a problem, Miss Everdeen," Snow said. "A problem that began the moment you pulled out those poisonous berries in the arena.
"If the Head Gamemaker, Seneca Crane, had had any brains, he'd have blown you to dust right then. But he had an unfortunate sentimental streak. So here you are. Can you guess where he is?"
Underground, probably regretting his career choices, Heather wanted to say but she had a feeling Snow wouldn't appreciate her sense of humour.
"After that, there was nothing to do but let you play out your little scenario. And you were pretty good, too, with the love-crazed schoolgirl bit. The people in the Capitol were quite convinced. Unfortunately, not everyone in the districts fell for your act," he said.
"This, of course, you don't know. You have no access to information about the mood in other districts. In several of them, however, people viewed your little trick with the berries as an act of defiance, not an act of love. And if a girl from District Twelve of all places can defy the Capitol and walk away unharmed, what is to stop them from doing the same?" he said. "What is to prevent, say, an uprising?"
Heather sat silently and listened. Of course, she knew about the mood changes in the other districts from her victor friends. Katniss, on the other hand, didn't. "There have been uprisings?"
"Not yet. But they'll follow if the course of things doesn't change. And uprisings have been known to lead to revolution." President Snow rubbed a spot over his left eyebrow, where most headaches occur. "Do you have any idea what that would mean? How many people would die? What conditions those left would have to face? Whatever problems anyone may have with the Capitol, believe me when I say that if it released its grip on the districts for even a short time, the entire system would collapse."
Heather wanted to scoff at his speech. It almost sounded like he cared for the welfare of his citizens and not like he's careful to keep his leash on them.
Heather was taken back when Katniss said, "It must be very fragile if a handful of berries can bring it down."
Snow paused for a while as he examined Katniss. "It is fragile, but not in the way that you suppose."
There was a knock at the door and a second later, a Capitol man appeared. "Her mother wants to know if you want tea."
Heather frowned, wasn't she watching Luke?
"I would. I would like tea," Snow said. The door then opened wider, revealing Amaryllis, holding a tray with a china tea set
"Set it here, please." He patted the center of the desk and she placed the tray on it. Heather noticed the plate of cookies which were beautifully iced with softly coloured flowers. Having lived with Peeta for months now, Heather knew that the frosting was his work.
"What a welcome sight. You know, it's funny how often people forget that presidents need to eat, too," Snow said charmingly, making Amaryllis relax for a bit.
"That's because they're seen as superhuman. Always working to maintain the welfare of the country," Heather spoke for the first time in a while. She got up and started to pour the tea for Snow and Katniss.
Snow smiled, "Yes, Ms. Mildbreeze, that's correct."
Heather smiled back and turned to Amaryllis. "Thank you, Amaryllis. I'll take it from here."
The woman nodded, clearly nervous and probably elated at the prospect of leaving. She walked closer to Heather and told her that she brought Luke with her here.
"You're not pouring for yourself, ?"
"No, I just had breakfast. Sugar or cream?"
"Both, please."
Long after Heather poured tea for him, Snow still remained silent. It was clear that he was waiting for Katniss to say something.
I didn't mean to start any uprisings," Katniss told him desperately.
"I believe you. It doesn't matter. Your stylist turned out to be prophetic in his wardrobe choice. Katniss Everdeen, the girl who was on fire, you have provided a spark that, left unattended, may grow to an inferno that destroys Panem," he said.
"Why don't you just kill me now?" Katniss blurted out.
"Because it wouldn't solve anything," Heather answered for Snow. "No one would buy it and it would only add fuel to the flames."
Snow nodded, "Ms. Mildbreeze is correct." He looked at Heather.
"Th-then what do I do?" Katniss asked, distress clear in her voice.
"If only it were that simple." He picked up one of the flowered cookies and examined it.
"It might not be simple but I'm sure you have a plan," Heather spoke up. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have come here. If this is you trying to show Katniss her grave mistake and scare her then trust me, she's already well aware of what she's done. I know you're a man who enjoys playing games, but we'd appreciate it if you cut to your point."
Snow's snake-like pierced through Heather but maintained her indifferent facial expression. Many would've cowered down under his cold glance and Heather refused to be one of them. Finally, he turned back to Katniss and said. "Tell me, how is the love of your life?"
"Peeta? He's good," Katniss said.
Heather narrowed her eyes at him. There was a reason he brought up Peeta and she had a big hunch that it was built-up to his upcoming passive-aggressive threat.
"At what point did he realize the exact degree of your indifference?" he asked, dipping his cookie in his tea.
"I'm not indifferent."
"But perhaps not as taken with the young man as you would have the country believe," he pointed out.
"Who says I'm not?"
"I do, and I wouldn't be here if I were the only person who had doubts. How's the handsome cousin?"
Handsome cousin? Heather held in a gasp, realizing who it was. He wouldn't...
"Speak, Miss Everdeen. Him I can easily kill off if we don't come to a happy resolution," he said. "You aren't doing him a favour by disappearing into the woods with him each Sunday."
He would.
That son of a bastard
Heather clenched her fists. Unfortunately, Snow noticed that. "I presume that you're also close with him, Ms. Mildbreeze?"
"... I helped deliver his little sister."
"Hmmm."
"Please don't hurt Gale," Katniss whispered. "He's just my friend. He's been my friend for years. That's all that's between us. Besides, everyone thinks we're cousins now."
"I'm only interested in how it affects your dynamic with Peeta, thereby affecting the mood in the districts."
"It will be the same on the tour. I'll be in love with him just as I was."
"Just as you are," Snow corrected.
"Just as I am," she repeated helplessly.
"Only you'll have to do even better if the uprisings are to be averted," he said. "This tour will be your only chance to turn things around." "
I know. I will. I'll convince everyone in the districts that I wasn't defying the Capitol, that I was crazy with love," I say.
Snow rises and dabs his puffy lips with a napkin. "Aim higher in case you fall short."
"What do you mean? How can I aim higher?"
"Convince me" he then turned to Heather. "Ms. Mildbreeze, you know me, I trust you'll an eye on your fellow victor and help her?"
"Of course, sir."
"Lovely," Snow picked his book and on his way out, he leaned in and whispered something in Katniss's ear. Heather couldn't hear what he said but it visibly made Katniss pale in fear.
As soon as the door closed behind him, Heather sighed in relief, letting out all the tension. She then turned to Katniss, "We'll figure this out."
Katniss stayed quiet, not saying anything. "His breath… it smelled like blood."
Heather frowned, "I know."
"...You and President Snow?" Heather immediately understood Katniss's unspoken question.
What's the deal with your relationship? How do you speak freely to him and still live?
"He and I have a history. I've been observing him for years so I know his limits and when to push him."
Katniss nodded. At this point, she really shouldn't be surprised. Heather had sides to her that she never knew about, likely after winning the games, and this was one of them.
"What happened with you and Gale?" Heather asked. "And don't lie to me. I can't help you if you do."
"And say, how are you going to help me?" Katniss asked angrily.
"I've dealt with President Snow longer than you have. I know how to proceed with the situation," Heather told her in a firm voice. "President Snow is a tricky man. He can turn valuable players into mere pawns."
"... Aren't you scared of him?"
"No," Heather quickly answered, hatred bright in her eyes. "But I'm scared of what he'll do. You can almost never know what he'll do."
After a long pause, Katniss licked her dry lips and said, "Gale kissed me."
Heather's eyes widened for a second and then she stared at Katniss. She expected something like this so she shouldn't be shocked. She got up and went to stand in front of Katniss, crouching down to look her directly in the eye. "I'll talk to Gale and I'll get back to you about how we'll deal with this, okay?"
Katniss nodded and spoke in a low tired voice, "Okay."
Heather walked to the door and then looked back at Katniss before going, "I'm sorry this is happening to you, Katniss. You don't deserve any of it."
Haymitch listened intently as Heather explained to him what had occurred this morning. After she was done, he stayed quiet, thinking about what she had said. Heather moved closer to him and hugged his arm, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"I feel like there is something we're missing," Heather said. "Snow must be planning something behind our backs and I bet my right arm it's anything but good for us."
Haymitch kissed her on the head. "I think you're right."
"He wants her to convince him," Heather said quietly as she traced a pattern over Haymitch's clothes. "But even if Katniss managed to do that, a spark has already been light and there is no way to stop it." Heather searched her mind for any possible schemes Snow might be planning for. When she couldn't come up with anything, she groaned.
"I hate not knowing stuff."
Haymitch chuckled. "I'm sure, we'll be able to come up with a few possibilities. After two minds working together is better than one."
Heather nodded then leaned in to kiss him on the lips. She pulled away, "I have to go change, Zed already sent a dress a few days ago. Wait for me?"
"Always."
Heather smiled and kissed him again. She walked to her closet and took out the box that held her outfit for the day. Of course, this wasn't the only Zed sent her as there was also a suitcase full of clothes residing in her closet currently.
In the bathroom, Heather put on a sequined silver dress. It hugged her every curve and reached her ankles. She tried to close the zipper but couldn't. Finally, after a couple of tries, she gave up and went outside.
"Hey, can you help me? I can't zip up the dress."
Haymitch looked up from the book he was reading and went up to her. Heather turned her back to him when he neared it. She slightly shivered in pleasure when she felt his warm hand touch her bareback. He also helped her put on her white fluffy coat even though she didn't require his assistance but she let him be.
With rosy cheeks, Heather stared at Haymitch's face, admiring the shadow of stubble growing on his jaw. In a similar manner, Haymitch was doing the same.
A moment later, the two found themselves in a lip lock. They kissed each other feverishly as if they hadn't seen each other in a while. Intimacy wasn't really a thing in their relationship but Heather couldn't deny the wonderful feelings that arose within her whenever they kissed or did something akin to it.
For Heather, getting intimated wasn't a good thing since her first time was a traumatizing experience but with Haymitch, it was different. The way he touched her, kissed her and caressed her reminded her that intimacy was supposed to be good, wonderful even.
Heather's nimble fingers tightened around the fabric of Haymitch's shirt, as his tongue came out and licked the seam of her lips. He took to placing both his hands on her waist, pulling her even closer to him. His mouth felt hot on hers, his warmth that spread to her was similar to that of a fireplace, warming her from the outside then melting her from the inside.
When they pulled apart, both took a deep breath in as they started to exhale heavily. Heather wrapped her arms around Haymitch's waist, laying her head on his chest. To her, the warmth he provided her was equivalent to his love for her. They both tingled her senses, making her feel weird wonderful emotions all at once.
Haymitch gently tilted her head upward so he could see her face once up. Her puffed-out lips, her rosy cheeks, and her blue eyes were a mirror to herself. And right now, in those eyes, he could see everything he'd need to know.
A gasp sounded from Heather as her lips were once again captured. She moaned out as he kissed her open mouth. Her stomach twisted in a knot before a wonderful fluttering feeling took over her gut. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling closer to her. The way Heather and Haymitch tried to eliminate the gap between them showed the desperation they both felt for the other.
Things got more heated when their tongues came out to play. Unfortunately, the lack of oxygen forced them to end the kiss. They spend the next moment holding each other, trying to catch their breath.
The door suddenly opened. Luke appeared. "Mommy, there is a weird lady-" he stopped in his tracks and stared at them, blinking. "Can I have a hug too?"
Heather chuckled and got out of Haymitch's son to head over to her son. He always had trouble with keeping his attention at one thing at a time. "Later, Luke. What was that about a weird lady?"
"Um, yeah, she came here and asked for you," he said then mumbled. "She was really weird."
Judging by Luke's very vague description, she assumed that Effie must've arrived. She quickly slipped on her heels and left the room, Luke following behind her. Haymitch, of course, stayed behind, wanting to spend less time with Effie as much as possible.
Effie was sitting in the living room, dressed festively in an extravagant coat. At the sight of Heather, she squealed excitedly and went over to greet her with a hug.
"It's good to see you too, Effie," Heather said with a fake laugh, the act she pulls up in the Capitol activated.
"Oh, how I've missed you, Heather," Effie said then she caught sight of Luke, who was hiding behind Heather's skirt. "Oh, and this must be your nephew."
"Uh, yes," Heather looked at Luke. She didn't want him to interact with any Capitol citizen, lest not he deals with such nuisance. "Luke, come say hello."
"Hello," he said, not moving from his post.
Thankfully, Effie didn't take any offence to this. "He must be shy."
He wasn't, but Heather played along with it.
The next hours are spent getting some shot of Katniss and Peeta together, going to the train station, and saying goodbye.
"Be good to Auntie Amaryllis and Primrose, okay? Don't cause any trouble for them," Heather kissed Luke on the forehead. "I'll be back before you know it."
"Do you really have to leave?" Luke whined.
Heather sighed, "I don't want to leave you too but Katniss and Peeta need me."
"They have Hay," Luke pointed out, making Peeta chuckle.
"You saw Haymitch and Katniss, they don't like each other."
"They should learn to get along."
"Yes, they really should."
By this point, Peeta was having difficulties muffling his laughter.
"Alright, alright, cut this out," Haymitch came and pushed them apart. Apparently, he didn't like it when the mother and son talked behind his back.
After reassuring Luke once again that she'll be back, Heather got on the train. She began to mentally prepare herself for this tour. With Snow keeping an extra eye on this, it was obvious that there will be some interesting stuff that will happen, and not the good kind.
Heather sighed. She just hoped they'd make it out of this tour without any additional scars.