Katniss' POV

I blink, unsure of what Haymitch's has said.

"What?" I ask, sounding a bit unintelligent, but I ask for clarification. This is madness, but of the best variety. This is surreal. This is almost as shocking as when I picked up the phone, expecting Haymitch, and instead answered to the godforsaken disasterpiece that was Peeta Mellark of recent. Almost.

"I'm trying to quit drinking," Haymitch explained, swallowing, eyes trained on me. "For you. I want to be better. Not a stark raving mad intoxicated—"

"Inebriated," I added, my sarcasm not caring if I had momentarily been rendered speechless. It tended to land me in a lot of trouble with my mom, but at this point, I'm sure mother dearest was quite certain who ran shit in our house once my father passed away. The side of Haymitch's mouth twitched.

"Hot mess," he concluded.

I smile and then do something completely out of character myself. I give him a hug.

I hold him tightly around the waist, my arms snug against taut muscle under the best cotton in the district, and his arms enveloping me, making me feel whole again.

Secure.

I pull away, trying to hide a self righteous little grin that I can sense is about to form. I must clear my head. I must remain calm. I must maintain sanity. I must maintain control.

"Oh."

"Yes?" Haymitch hands me a tray.

"Peeta's having a party."

"Oh. Really?" I hear confusion in his voice. "What for?"

"For his anniversary."

Haymitch raises an eyebrow.

"The Cartwright girl?"

"Yes," I reply, waiting for his reaction. He simply shrugs, running a contemplative hand through his hair.

"Oh," he says again. Then a grin spreads across his face. "And you're telling me this… why?"

I swallow. Oh, no. I didn't anticipate the actual nature of this impending moment.

"I… Peeta… I need you to come with me."

"Oh."

"Oh? What kind of answer—"

"I'll come with you."

I smile once more. My goodness, Katniss—

"This must be a record."

"What?"

"You're smiling an awful lot today, Katniss."

"Well," I say cautiously, at a bit of a loss for words. "There's a lot to be happy for."

We go out to the party together, and I can't help but think that I can get used to this.