Of course, the fun doesn't stop there. Snow is furious about the berries, enraged about Seneca's two district victors rule change, but unsatisfied with his imminent execution. Peeta and Katniss do a good job on camera, although Haymitch can tell Katniss is acting. If he can tell, Snow definitely can.
They get on the train back to 12. Haymitch is relieved to leave the Capitol behind, and a little ashamed that he's looking forward to Effie's return for the Victory Tour.
After a few hours, the train starts slowing down for a fuel stop. Haymitch is walking back to his room, thinking he might have a hot shower and a cold drink.
He sees Peeta and Katniss jump out of one of the exits and stops to watch the exchange. Everything Katniss is feeling and thinking is clearly written on her face. He sighs. He's going to help her put an end to this. Prolonging Peeta's pain will only make it worse. They're walking away, toward the end of the train.
Haymitch hops out and follows them. Neither are speaking, and they're so wrapped up in their own thoughts they don't even hear him walking up behind them. At the end of the train, where he's pretty sure the Capitol's recording devices can no longer hear them, he claps a hand on each of their shoulders.
"Great job you two," he says. "Just keep it up in the district till the cameras are gone. We should be okay."
He squeezes their shoulders and heads back to the train. He's changed his mind about that shower. He's going to fill his flasks and drink as much of that good Capitol liquor as he physically can.
He's filled the flasks and started on a vodka cranberry when Peeta comes stumbling into the dining car, looking as lost as a damn puppy.
"Siddown," he says, kicking a chair toward him.
Peeta surprises him by sitting without argument.
"Can I have a drink?" he asks.
Haymitch spreads his hands to indicate Peeta has choices.
"What's good?" he asks.
Haymitch laughs. He gets up and pours Peeta a vodka and orange juice.
"Thanks."
"Don' mention't."
Peeta drinks deeply, and finishes half a glass.
"So, I guess you knew the whole thing was an act."
Haymitch's eyes have closed. He opens them again. "Was it?" he asks. Peeta is watching him very closely, his blue eyes sharp, like water under ice.
"You tell me. I don't know which way is up anymore." Peeta takes another gulp and finishes his drink. "This is good, what is it?" He moves to the drinks cart and picks up the same bottles Haymitch did.
"If she didn't care about you at all, she'd've left you to die out the riverbed. She didn'. She saved yer life. Few times. Jus' like you saved hers."
Peeta sits down and closes his eyes. When he opens them, he's looking distinctly embarrassed.
"But all the… kissing?"
Haymitch shrugs. "Seemed she was enjoying hershelf."
Peeta sighs. "Yeah, okay, Haymitch."
They drank in silence.
"You ever, you ever love some-un?" Peeta asks a little while later. His eyes are red and his head isn't looking too steady, as though his brain has suddenly got heavier.
Haymitch surprises himself by answering.
"Terra. My girl. So bue- bue- dammit. So pretty. Red hair. Freckles. Terra."
Peeta looks around the dining car, gestures with his hands. "Where's she?"
"Dead. Long time ago. Capitol doesn't write -" He hiccups. "Happy endings."
"Shit." Peeta nods. He puts his head on his arms, folded on the table. "I guess so."
The room went dark.
Some time later, Peeta is shaking him awake.
"Wha'? Whozere?"
"Sh, Haymitch, it's just me. Peeta. Come on, we fell asleep in the dining car. It's late, let's go."
He pulls Haymitch to standing and has him lean on him as they make their unsteady way to the sleeping car.
"We did this, firsnight. You helped me," he says.
Peeta chuckles. "I got to see Haymitch Abernathy naked."
They bump into the wall, and walk a little slower as they try to navigate the narrow hallway.
"Lifelong dream of yours? Shweetheart?"
It's hard to tell because the train lights have dimmed for nighttime, but he thinks Peeta is blushing.
They make it to Haymitch's room. Haymitch lies down on the bed, on his back, and isn't all that surprised when Peeta lies down next to him. He even rolls closer and rests his head on Haymitch's shoulder, and puts a hand on his chest, feeling Haymitch's breathing.
He should tell the boy to go. He can't offer comfort or safety, only a fleeting impression of both that will make everything hurt worse when it's gone. But it's so nice to lie next to someone who wants to be next to him. And that thought is what makes him speak.
"Peeta, you sh'd go."
He doesn't move. Haymitch wonders if he's asleep.
"You don't want me here?"
He sighs. "You're 16. You jus' survived the Hunger Games. I know what you're going through, and you don't want this. You're just feeling scared'n alone."
Peeta raises himself on one arm, and looks at him. He's searching for something in his face. Haymitch doesn't know what, doesn't know how to help him. He looks into Peeta's eyes. He's so glad Peeta made it out. And yeah, he's glad he's here now. He feels less scared and alone.
But that's not right. He shouldn't be looking for comfort from-
Peeta's lips crash against his. He seems to realize he came in too hard and gentles the kiss.
Haymitch puts his hands on Peeta's back. "Peeta," he says, meaning to ask him to stop, but when he opens his mouth, Peeta slips his tongue between his lips. He licks Haymitch's bottom lip, flicks his tongue across his own, then draws back to gently nibble his bottom lip. He slides his hand under Haymitch's shirt.
For just a second, Haymitch gives in. It feels good to be touched, to be warm and feel safe. He kisses Peeta back, explores his mouth with lips and tongue. Then he slides his hands to Peeta's chest, feels the firm muscles beneath his thin cotton shirt, and pushes him away.
His lips are swollen and wet, his eyes glazed. It takes more willpower than he thought he had not to roll him on his back and kiss him senseless.
Instead, he sits up, and Peeta sits up next to him. He puts his arm around Peeta's waist and holds him close.
"It hurts now, but it won't always. You know why?"
Peeta shakes his head.
"You're both alive. There's always hope, when you're both alive."
"Yeah."
"Give her some space. She's just as scared as you are, but she feels guilty too, for playing with you. But I made her play with you. To play on Capitol sympathies and get you out."
"Get Katniss out, you mean."
Peeta stands up.
"You asked me to get Katniss out. And you're right, I never thought for a second they'd let two tributes leave. It's never happened before and the Capitol doesn't deviate from plan. I hear Seneca Crane is scheduled for execution as soon as he's given his last interview."
"I get it, Haymitch. I never thought I'd get out of there, either."
And with that, he leaves the room.
Haymitch thinks he'll have that shower after all.
As he turns on the water and gets undressed, he remembers the night, four years ago now, when Finnick wanted in on the rebellion. He had been asking leading questions, flirting, hardly leaving him alone even when Capitol citizens were around. Haymitch finally agreed to let Finnick buy him a drink.