Effie basked in the warm, comfortable boundary between sleep and wakefulness. Judging by the slight soreness in her legs, the arm wrapped over her, and the warm breath against the back of her neck, last night must have been a good one. She didn't want to admit the night was over. It had been longer than she wanted to think about, but there was a schedule that needed to be kept. Haymitch certainly wouldn't make sure their tributes got to training on time.

Careful not to wake the man sleeping beside her, she slipped out of bed and into her pink dressing gown. Her hair and makeup could wait until after she'd had her coffee. Barefoot and covering a yawn with one hand, she walked into the living space. "Have a fun night, sweetheart?"

She jumped and, hearing a snicker to her left, glared at Haymitch. "Would it be any of your business if I had?"

"If you keep me and my tributes up so you and what's-his-face can have a roll in the sack? Hell yes, it's my business."

Heaven, this man knew exactly how to make her angry. "That's rich, coming from you. You're passed out by dinner half the time. How is that helping our tributes?"

"Y'all expect me to be irresponsible, but nobody would think Miss Prissy would even know where to find herself some fun." She wanted to wipe the smirk off that smug face.

"So you got up early just to berate me? Very mature of you."

He grinned at her and raised his glass. "Nope, just thought I'd catch up on my drinking." As if to emphasize his point, Haymitch took another swig.

"You make it sound like there's catching up to be done. Are you sure you weren't just jealous?" The instant the words left her mouth, Effie could feel her cheeks warming. Maybe he wouldn't notice.

No such luck. Haymitch leaned back in his seat. "Now, sweetheart, tell me why I'd be jealous."

She backpedaled. "Maybe because no one wants a fat, old drunk."

"You must have missed the fan club outside," he replied. Haymitch studied her over the lip of his flask. "Though it looks like the president might just be right here in this room."

Effie put her hands on her hips and pursed her lips. She should have known better than to talk to Haymitch Abernathy before she'd had her coffee. That man could make her angry at the best of times. She summoned her best authoritative voice. "If you want to have a mature, adult conversation about this, you're welcome to bring this up on a day that you haven't been drinking before breakfast."

"Where's the fun in a day like that? C'mon, sweetheart, you know you love me."

"I'm going to order some coffee and get dressed. When I come back, I expect you to be on your best behavior."

He winked at her. "Anything for my biggest fan."

Effie sighed and went back to her room to order coffee. She hadn't wanted to wake up the man whose name she could no longer remember, but she supposed it was only fair to give him some warning before he ran into Haymitch.

.oOo.

A/N: Written for Day 3 of Caesar's Palace Shipping Week.