A/N: Thanks again to all of you reading this story! To the anon that asked about the rating, it will be coming up soon, so just be patient lol. Everyone else, hope you enjoy :)

Chapter 3

She turned her eyes up to Haymitch, and saw a look of compassion burning through his stoic expression. He actually looked concerned, as though he wanted to comfort her. As their eyes met, his rubbing hand stopped. A slight pressure was drawing her closer to him, and she didn't want to resist.

Someone cleared their throat in the doorway, causing both to jump in surprise. "I think I left my glasses in here, I'll just grab those quick" the girl said. It was the stylist that Haymitch had seen with Harley earlier, and she looked embarrassed as she fumbled past them, her hair in a ratty mess. Effie took this opportunity to straighten herself up, and with a quick glance up at Haymitch, marched through the doors.

Haymitch sank into the chair he had been sitting in, slowly spinning the ice in his glass. What was all of that about? One minute he was furious with her, and the next he had wanted to…what had it been he'd been planning to do exactly? Flashing through his mind, Haymitch saw Effie's graceful hand laying on her rising chest, her eyes peering at him through her hair back in the justice building, her silhouette as she marched out to the platform to draw the names for the reaping. What in the world was going on with him? He quickly finished his drink, and left to go to his room.

Sleeping on the train was easier than at home, but sleeping anywhere was a difficult task. He hoped the glass of whiskey would help him out. Tossing his clothes on the floor in a pile, Haymitch climbed into bed and lay on top of all the sheets. The train ceiling appeared to be the night sky, and it reminded him of the sky in the arena. He closed his eyes, and started his nightly ritual of trying desperately to think of anything that was not a depressing, terrifying topic. His heart offered up a pale face, with bright green eyes and a head of baby pink curls to think about. One hand idly ran up and down the thigh of the leg that was bent towards the ceiling, feeling a heat growing all on its own. Wasn't she everything he hated? Didn't she stand for all that had destroyed his world? Despite the rumor he'd heard earlier, he was doubtful it was about her. He'd barely interacted with her, and their few encounters had gone awful. Surely tonight's events had led her to dislike him, if it hadn't been official before. She was so focused on building her career as escort, this busted, outlying victor must only be in her way.

The idle hand was still roaming of its own free will, urging the heat to grow. It had been so long since he'd felt any sort of interest in anyone, but especially a girl…the memories of his first love were too painful to think about. It was one of the many keys to the floodgate, and he forced himself not to go there. The last girl he'd been with was a seam girl named Dolly that hung out in the hob. Supposedly she sold spices there with her sister, but Haymitch had received some different services from her. It was a dry, robotic exchange they'd had, which was all he'd been able to handle. Harley was always sending Dolly or someone over to look over Haymitch, and often on Friday nights when he'd already gotten the boy drunk and relaxed. About 5 years ago he'd loved this exchange; getting girls without having to do any work. Thanks to his victor status, he also had to put in very minimal effort in the bedroom, since the girls were always too eager to please him.

Heated, jagged breaths, steady, steady, stroking…. A curl in the wind, the purple silk dress against pale milky skin…his hand unconsciously guiding her closer to him…green eyes staring up into his…steady, steady, steady…Haymitch closed his eyes and rolled his head back, working until he was exhausted and satisfied. He didn't care about cleaning up, he just rolled around until he was under the covers, and fell peacefully into sleep.

In a room down the train, Effie sat at her vanity staring at her reflection. She had showered and taken all of the makeup off, and her natural state sat before her. She had always felt so plain, so basic, according to the capital's standards. Her collection of freckles across her nose and cheeks were something she felt compelled to cover, the pale pink color of her lips in desperate need of stain. Staring at herself, she couldn't help but compare her looks to the young tribute Shanna. How lucky she is, to have the dirty boys in her district love and accept her natural state. All of the girls in district 12 looked plain yet pretty, all of them with braids or natural hair…no makeup that she could see. Was this what he liked? She couldn't stand the thought of how her appearance must repulse him. Had she thought that working with District twelve would somehow excuse her from the capital's fashions? Of course not. And really now, the fashion of twelve was so tired and…she had to say it, poor looking. If she could have her way, she would organize a district wide clean up. She could see it now, the town getting power washed, the years of coal dust rinsing away to reveal shiny, lovely buildings…

Carefully folding her robe and laying it across the back of her chair, Effie strolled over to her bed and rolled the covers down. The cool, smooth fabric of the sheets felt like such a welcome hug, exactly what she needed at that moment. Her mind slipped back to the media room, inches from Haymitch's broad chest, the heat radiating off of him like a furnace…her cheeks burned at the thought. This was ridiculous; she had a job to do! She was here to make sure district twelve ran as smoothly as possible and that the tributes had their best chance at being a victor. Regardless of her motivation to take this position, she needed to stay focused on her tasks, not her…desires. Effie turned on her side and curled up, trying to ignore the aching burn developing in her. One hand under her silky pillow, the other traced her own curves, scrutinizing them as always. The tracing switched to stroking, and she quickly clamped her hand still between her legs. That was enough of that. Definitely not appropriate for a girl who was focused on her career. Determined to wake up clear headed and motivated, Effie willed herself to clear her mind and fell easily to sleep.

Bright and early, Effie woke renewed and ready for the day. The train would be arriving in the capital in just a few hours, and she had a million things to oversee. Dressed and ready, Effie stepped out of her room. The door to Haymitch's room was still shut, which was no surprise. She wouldn't doubt if he didn't get up until lunch time. She made her way down the train towards the dining car, peering in each room as she passed to assess who else was up and was what going on around her. Reaching the big mahogany table, she had the realization she was the first to be up, aside from the workers who had already prepared a huge breakfast spread. This suited her just fine, since she found the morning stillness most inspiring.

As if they were still at home in the Victor Village, Haymitch was startled awake by Harley barging into his room. The room filled with Harley's familiar scent of cigarettes and leather. It took Haymitch a moment to register that he was on the train, and not in his bedroom.

"Morning sunshine" Harley beamed, amused about something only he knew. Haymitch grumbled a greeting and tried to roll to his other side, where another face stared down at him. The big green eyes that had been in his dream stared at him, cheeks burning pink already. Bolting up to a sitting position, Haymitch scrambled to grab the blankets.

"What the hell are both of you doing in here?" He yelled, glaring at Harley to fill him in. Harley just laughed to himself.

"I've been trying to get you up the past 2 hours, and you just kept shrugging me off. I thought seeing this little painted lady first thing would wake you right up, and man was I right!" Continuing to chuckle to himself, Harley walked out of the room.

"Haymitch, we have a really busy day today, as you should be well aware of. We will be pulling into station in just over an hour; I really need you to be dressed and ready to start things up." Her discomfort was more than evident, leading Haymitch to feel that she was nervous about being in his room. Leaning back against the headboard coolly, he lay his hands behind his head and grinned at her. She stood impatient, trying hard to keep their eyes locked. His tan, bare chest tempted her eyes to wander, and she turned her back to him to pace towards the window. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw that he hadn't moved at all, his gray eyes evaluating her from his spot.

"What's the matter sweetheart? Don't tell me I'm the first guy you've seen in bed in the morning"

Effie stormed over and threw the covers back. Leaning her face inches away from him, she growled "Get, up, NOW Abernathy! I don't have time for your little act" His eyes were huge with surprise, the smile momentarily wiped clean. He felt a slight urge to pull her down onto him, and work with her anger. A firm grip on his arm wiped that clean as well. "You may not care about these kids, but I'm going to make sure you at least show up to their events and pretend that you care" The small hand was tugging on him, demanding he get up. Without thinking, he swiped her away roughly, swinging his legs over the bed and stood up. She looked startled only a moment, and then straightened herself back up. "Good, now take a fast shower. Your stylists have already set out your suit for today" She gestured toward a gray and navy suit hanging by his desk. Before she had a chance to leave, Haymitch kicked off his boxers, grinned at her, and marched into the bathroom.

Effie stared incredulously at the spot he had just occupied, the sly grin burned into her retina. What an arrogant brat! He was obviously playing a game with her. Good thing she had resolved to focus on her job. Determined to spend all her energy on the tributes, Effie stormed out of his room.

Haymitch felt the hot water pour over him in a comforting wave. He knew he really shouldn't pick on Effie as much as he had been, but he just couldn't help it. There was something about her that made him have to reach out to her, and the easiest way was making her uncomfortable. He could just tell she liked him, whether she would admit it or not. The gossip he'd overheard yesterday from the stylists helped prove his point. Rumor had it she had fallen in love with a certain victor after seeing him win, and had been obsessed ever since. They never said her name, but he had a huge hunch it had to be her. Honestly, he was flattered. She wasn't just throwing herself at him like most of his fans; she had come up with a plan to get to know him and let him know her at the same time. It was actually a turn on. But here he was, being a big jerk. What had her face looked like as he walked in here? Shock? Anger? He could only hope she would still want to play his games after this. Maybe a few less games from now on.