Sorry, I haven't updated for a while... Anyways, I would say this is about 15-18 months since the 1st chapter.

Effie's POV

I picked up the silver envelope from my mailbox. It was an invitation to a dance in the Capitol celebrating Panem's new government. These parties are quite common; ever since the new government's establishment the whole of Panem can't get enough of these celebrations.

I sat down on the couch and took a sip of tea before reading the invitation more thoroughly. My eyes glanced over the scented paper and my eyes fell on the typed words that says that my attendance was mandatory. I wonder if Haymitch is required to attend as well; I'm certain he also got an invitation.

I have to prepare either way; not only is it in the Capitol but I'm also required to attend so this must be a really grand celebration. I have to look my best.

I took another sip of tea before I allowed myself to relax. I imagined the party and how grand it would be but I mostly thought of my love. I thought of his strong arms guiding me towards the dance floor and how we would spin and dance. I can almost feel his touch and his warm breath against my skin.

I opened my eyes and went back to reality. There will be plenty of time to daydream later; for now I must get myself ready for work.

"You look great Effie." Katniss reassured me.

"Are you sure? I-I don't think I fixed my hair right." I said. I must look perfect for this occasion. I know that I pretty much look okay but 'okay' isn't just good enough for tonight- good enough for Haymitch.

"M-maybe I should wear a wig and I could use a little more foundation..." I stated.

"Oh Effie, you know just as well as I do that Haymitch prefers the natural look."

"Really? Are you sur-" I cut myself off as the full message of Katniss statement hit me straight in the face. I looked back at her and noticed the smirk on her face. She knows...

"H-how d-did you-" my shock prevented me from forming coherent sentences. I think she is laughing at my expression; which is extremely rude by the way.

"It's sort of obvious."

"R-really? D-does he know?" If Haymitch finds out I'm dead. I know it will be hard for him to love me back; it would be extremely difficult if not impossible and if my secret gets out that will be the end of our short-lived friendship.

"Don't worry, he doesn't. He's quite oblivious to the fact that you like him." she said.

I breathed a sigh of relief before adjusting my hair a little more. I guess this will do, Katniss is right he does prefer the natural look. I hope I look 'natural' enough for him.

The two of us walked to the train station. We all agreed to meet up there. From the distance I could make out two figures sitting down on the waiting area. Peeta was wearing an elegant dark blue which would complement well with Katniss' blue green dress.

Haymitch wore a black satin coat and trousers, he also wore a red silk necktie that was tucked under his gray vest. I can make out his well-chiseled body beneath those layers of fabric. I can almost imagine his warm embrace and his comforting touch. When he's with me I feel that nothing can harm me because I feel like we're the only people in this world and I know that I can move on and forget the past; he's my world.

"My little sugar cookie looks great!" Peeta exclaimed as he took Katniss' arm. Katniss blushed slightly from his gesture.

I glanced at Haymitch's direction and noticed that he was staring at me. Our eyes met and he immediately turned away. Did he not like my appearance?

"Y-you look pretty Effie..." he said. I whispered him a thanks then we all boarded the train. We talked but he didn't look at me in the eye for the entire trip. I guess he only said that I was pretty so that he wouldn't hurt my feelings. He should've told me the truth in the first place; it would hurt less.

Haymitch's POV

Effie looked gorgeous; her baby pink dress complemented well with her baby blue eyes. Her make up did the exact opposite of what it used to; instead of hiding her beautiful features it enhanced it. Her honey blonde hair sparkled like the sun and her eyes were like stars in the dark night sky. Whenever she's with me I feel that I can do anything because she gives me the strength and the will to change for the better; she's my strength.

But despite everything I cannot tell her my feelings, I'd rather us be friends than not at all. I know that she can never love me; I'm not good enough for her. I will only drive her further away from me if I tell her and I can't live without her anymore.

After a few moments the train stopped and we all got out. We walked towards the party's venue side by side. I stole glances at Effie but I never looked at her straight in the eye; I'm afraid that she'll notice.

The party was grand and lavish but not as lavish as the Capitol's many parties before the rebellion. We all sat in one table. The food was great but the liquor was even better and I had a couple of shots but just a couple. A slow song started playing

I glanced towards Effie's direction and she was looking back at me. I tried to turn my gaze away from her but I was too enraptured to do so. We got lost in each other's eyes... Her eyes looked like they were begging; it's like she's asking me to dance with her.

I was torn; I want to but what if I do something stupid? What if she finds out about my feelings? This sucks! Should I ask her to dance?

Again, sorry for the long update (mental block sucks -_-) Anyways, I hope you guys like it. Your reviews are much appreciated.