A/N: This just came to mind while I was reading CF, so I wrote it. Can't say that it's great, but I guess it's not that bad.

09 – Determination

"You what?" Haymitch stares at me in disbelief. His initial surprise feels almost scathing. But I probably should have anticipated it.

"I love Katniss," I repeat steadily, holding his gaze. My legs are crossed as I lean back in my chair, feigning nonchalance, although the bead of sweat rolling down my cheek probably betrays my facade. I switch my legs around nervously.

He continues to gape at me, his expression unchanging. Just as I begin to wish he would stop, he grunts, "Hm." Haymitch nods his head, lips pursed, finally craning his head to the side. While he does so I quickly wipe the aforementioned sweat away. "Okay," he begins slowly, "what do you want to do about that?"

I'm both relieved and surprised by his sudden openness, but I have no complaints. I respond honestly, "I plan on keeping her alive in the Games."

"I thought I got fighters this year." His voice sounds almost disappointed. What have I got to prove to Haymitch though?

"You did get fighters," I spit at him, narrowing my eyes slightly. I feel the need to justify myself. This conversation isn't about the impotent tributes he's been stuck with for the last twenty-three years. It's about Katniss and me. "I'm still fighting. Just not for myself. And if I'm helping her, she has a better chance to win than either of us would alone."

Haymitch seems to mull over my logic. Finally, he decides, "Fair enough." There's a pause as he seems to consider everything. "I assume you want me to give her all the gifts?"

I nod.

"Are you planning on telling her?"

I'm somewhat taken aback by this question. Yes, I have thought of telling Katniss that I love her—many times, in fact, over the past eleven years—but not in the context of the Games.

"No," I say cautiously. "I wasn't really." Now that I've exacted his promise to help Katniss—and not me—in the Games, I'm hesitant to give him any information. I don't know why.

Haymitch averts his eyes to the ground in thought. It's amazing how intelligent he looks when he's sober. If only it lasted. I can see that he has a few bottles of hard liquor stashed next to his seat, and I'm grateful that he hasn't started drinking during my prep. I can't help but wonder if Katniss will have the same luck after she's through with Effie. "Well, since we're supposed to be discussing your interview," Haymitch begins, "I have a plan for you. We can play this angle up."

"I don't want to 'play this angle up,'" I retort, letting some anger slip into my voice. Why is everything about doing well in the Games? I have no intention of becoming the Capitol's puppet. I don't want to make entertainment out of my feelings for Katniss, regardless of how much the sponsors will pay.

Now it's Haymitch's turn to be angry, though. "How about you shut up and think about it? You can give her something that she could never achieve herself."

I allow myself to listen as Haymitch details his plan. I am to admit my love for her in my interview—the declaration should blow all the other tribute's interviews out of the water, Haymitch says.

And in spite of myself, I start thinking that it sounds like a good idea. With his plan, and some determination, I think I might be able to get Katniss Everdeen through the Hunger Games, alive.