Chapter 8 is out now.
Effie's POV
I sat down on my comfy couch; thinking of what to do about food. My weekly delivery of ingredients from the Capitol will be delayed-for about 3 days, which is some bad news. The vegetables, bread and produce aren't that much of a problem. I get bread from Peeta and vegetables are always readily available here. It's the meat that I'm worried about; they mostly eat wild game here so sophisticated meats like chicken or beef are pretty hard to come by. To make matters worse Peeta and Katniss will be coming over tonight and I was planning on serving them roasted chicken. I already have the spices and everything; it doesn;t have to be chicken-it can be duck or goose... Wait, that's it! Haymitch takes care of geese.
I got up from the couch then walked towards the phone. I dialed Haymitch's number in a haste. I heard his phone rang and it took about 20 rings before he answered.
'Hello?" Finally!
"Good morning Haymitch. It's Effie. I was just wondering if you could..." I really don't know how to put such a request into words. It is highly inappropriate to say Can you butcher one of your geese so I roast it? Did I mention that I need it today, so please do it ASAP! I don't want you to dilly-dally! No that's somewhat rude.
"What is it sweetheart I haven't got all day?" he said. The impatience can be detected from his tone. I better make this quick.
"You care for a lot of geese correct?" I asked.
"Yeah, so what do you want? You want one so you can cook it or something?" Well, this is a lot easier than I expected.
"Yes, geese do have this nice rich flavor and it goes well with wine." I stated. I hoped that the statement about the wine will help. I know he loves liquors.
"Sorry, no can do princess."he replied.
"Why?" He has a lot of geese. I bet he can give me one. It's not like it's going to affect him much anyways. Why doesn't he want to.
"I raise them geese for their eggs. They're of the light kind, not the best kind of meat." The light breeds-they're perfect for egg production but the heavy ones have the best meat. They're fleshier.
"Okay, I understand. Do you have any suggestions on what I should serve for tonight. Katniss and Peeta are coming over. They say that they want to taste my cooking."
"If you want a bird so badly I can get you some."
"Really? You will do that?" What an incredible stroke of luck. Looks like Haymitch is really the helping type after all.
"Yeah, why not? I'll be there in a couple of hours okay?"
"Alright, Thanks a lot Haymitch." I placed the phone back into the receiver then I happily went into my bedroom to do a little light reading.
It was after lunch time when I heard the doorbell rang. I opened the door, let him in and noticed that he was carrying this big black plastic bag. The meat is probably in there.
"Oh you're going to love this one Effie. I got a nice plump one for ya." He said as he took out a nice fat bird from the bag.
"Is that wild turkey?" It looked like a turkey but I'm not really sure. I haven't seen one that hasn't been dressed nor one that's in the wild.
"It sure is sweetheart. I also got you a special treat." He said as he handed me a couple of small fur like creatures. They're-squirrels?
"I-Is that?" Are those really squirrels. He can't expect me to eat them right? Not only are they cute but they might have rabies and other diseases. What if I get rabies?
"Squirrels, I like grilling them." he smirked. No wonder he's so willing to help. He just can't resist offering up some woodland creature and see how I would react to eating and cooking it. I am most certainly not amused by his trickery.
"I'll pass." I said.
"Why? This is a District 12 delicacy and you've been living here for 3 whole months now." Is that suppose to be a right of passage or something. I doubt I have to try exotic foods to gain the acceptance of the community. I would consider most of them to be my friends already.
"Really, it's okay. I don't have to try it."
"But I insist." he said as he shoved the squirrels to me.
"Why do you want me to? do these things have rabies or something."
"No, of course not! Just try it. You may actually like it." he does have a point I guess. Well, there's no use lengthening this debate wherein I will inevitably loose.
"Fine, but I don't know how to prepare them."
"Oh don't worry. I'll cook it for ya. You just prepare the turkey, okay princess?" he smiled in triumph.
I went out to the dirty kitchen then I started to dress and prepare the turkey. Haymitch was doing the same but with the squirrels instead. I just can't fathom on how I'll possibly enjoy eating the tiny little creature.
After placing the turkey in the oven I walked to the couch then I turned on the television set. Haymitch grabbed a bottle of vodka from his bag and sat down next to me. He said that the squirrels are cooked and ready to eat. They were placed on a tray on top of my dinning table. I tried to ignore him and focus my attention on the screen; The show was a soap opera of some sort; I really didn't understand the plot but it was something about a woman cheating on her husband with his evil twin I think.
"So Effs, when are you going to try the squirrel." he said right before he took a swig of alcohol. Ignoring him isn't really working.
"I'll think about it..." I replied.
"Try em now!" He urged.
"Maybe later..."
"Please..."
"Not now."
"Pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaase" How absolutely infuriating. He is acting like a child. That is definitely not how a man his age should act.
"If I do this will you stop pestering me." I sighed.
"Of course, sweetheart."
"Alright then." I walked to the dining room. I grabbed a knife and a fork and cut a small piece of the grilled squirrel. I smelled it first- well it doesn't smell as bad as I thought it would. I looked at Haymitch and he just nodded. I took a small bite; i tried to examine it's taste and texture...and it... TASTED AWFUL! I tried to chew and swallow the horrid piece of meat but it was extremely difficult not to spew. I kept forcing it to go down my throat and it eventually did. Haymitch handed me a glass of water and I drank it quickly; hoping that it will cleanse the loathsome taste from my mouth.
"So, what do ya think?" he tried to stifle his laughter. Aha! I knew it. He wants to make a fool out of me.
"It was the most revolting thing that I have ever placed in my mouth!"
"Oh, really now." He's snickering now. How rude!
"It's not funny Haymitch!" I exclaimed before returning to the couch to "watch" the soap opera.
"I'm sorry sweetheart but I just couldn't let this opportunity pass me by." He smirked.
"Well, at least now I know it has an atrocious taste."
"That's the spirit sweetheart! A toast to Ms. Effie Trinket!" he raised his liquor bottle to me before drinking some of its contents. I just rolled my eyes.
A few more minutes of waiting Peeta and Katniss arrives. It was just before seven I think. I heard the timer then I plated the turkey and served it at the table. They complemented me on the dish. I was quite proud of myself.
"So Haymitch, is this the reason why you asked me to get you a turkey." Katniss asked him. So that's where he got the bird. I should have known it was Katniss' hunt; where else will Haymitch be able to get a hold of such a meat at such short notice.
"Yup, you have to agree. Hunting it was worth the effort." he smiled at me. I smiled back; admiring his complement.
"Yes, but what happened to the squirrels?" she asked. Haymitch smirked at me and I just glared at him.
"Effie and I had a little feast before you two got here. Isn't that right princess?" he smiled mischievously. He's not going to tell them is he?... No, he is. Sadly, he will definitely tell them
"Don't you dare-"
He cut me off then he told about my first taste of squirrel in such detail. Peeta and Katniss laughed. I forced a fake smile; I'm not giving him the satisfaction of seeing me embarrassed. After a few moments everyone has finally toned down and we all continued to eat our meal.
After dinner, we talked a little about our post-war lives. Then Katniss and Peeta said their goodbyes and left. Haymitch and I were left alone once again.
"I'm out of booze, you have any?" he asked. I shook my head and turned away from him.
"Are you still upset about the squirrel?" he asks.
"That's an understatement, Mr. Abernathy." I made sure that the anger can be easily heard from my tone. He embarrassed me in front of the two. It was hard enough to consume the tiny creature but he just needs to tell my reactions to someone else.
"You know Effie, you're taking all of this District 12 stuff rather well." he commented. Me? Taking it well? I'm having a hard time adapting actually.
"How?"
"For one, you trashed the wig. You have also made a lot of friends here already. Plus, you tried squirrel. You're adapting way better than I thought."
"Well, you're not giving me enough credit." I said proudly.
"I may have underestimated you..." he nodded.
For a brief moment we were both silent. We just stayed seated on the couch looking at blank TV screen; watching nothing in particular. The memory of these past months ran through my head. I guess he has a point but it's still hard for me to adapt to such a life. I glanced to my side and I could tell Haymitch was thinking of something very deep as well. He looked emotionless yet serious at the same time; his eyes moved around the room-looking at nothing in particular. He then fixed his gaze on me and smiled.
"I better get going. Thanks for the meal sweetheart." he said as he stood up from his seat and walked towards the door.
"Okay, thanks for the meat..."
"It was no trouble at all. Besides, it was Katniss who caught it, not me. I'm also going to need something in return." he smiled.
"Okay then. I'll give it to you after my trip from the Capitol. I know the perfect gift for you." I smirked at him. I have the perfect gift. It is something that he will surely love and something that will help him get over alcohol.
It's time for payback Mr. Haymitch Abernathy...
Well, this one took longer than I expected. Well, with the upcat reviews, unfinished paintings and the nagging sister, I shouldn't really be that surprised. anyways please review ^_^
Oh and pop quiz! What is one of the strongest alcoholic drinks that was once believed to cause hallucinations?