Effie's POV

Last night felt like a hazy dream. I was not myself and Haymitch-well he kissed me. No one was around at that area at the time just me, him, Katniss and the bartender who was too busy wiping off the spilled liquor to care. It's better that way; that kiss means nothing to him anyways.

He was drunk; he didn't know what he was doing. He will most likely forget it even. It felt good; his lips were warm and sweet despite the after taste of alcohol but he wasn't sincere. It meant nothing to him so I should just shrug it off but it wasn't that easy. I was sober so I felt the kiss; I savored each taste and each feeling. It's hard to classify that as an insignificant action.

It shouldn't be like this; I should be moving on with my life and be happy but instead I am now haunted by the dark shadows of torture and the fear of loosing someone I can't possibly live without.

The sweet heaven I tasted yesterday; it's memories now feels like bitter hell. It hurts knowing that it wasn't sincere and it hurts that he can turn away from me at any given moment. How can the man that once gave me the strength to carry on is the very reason of my broken state?

No, I have to be mature about this. I'm acting like a high school girl that was rejected by her crush. How immature, brash and childish of you Effie! Just shrug it off like a proper, well-mannered and mature woman that you are.

Maybe I need a distraction. Mother has been nagging me to get my masters degree and I do plan on getting it before I reach 30. Education, it will keep one's mind off things; it always has been. It's just too bad I have to spend less time at Peeta's bakery. He's a nice boy, I'm sure it will be okay with him. It's settled then, I'm going back to school.

Haymitch's POV

I had the most wonderful dream last night; it felt almost real but I couldn't remember going home and it really sucked when I woke up and found myself back at at my own bed with this massive hangover. Oh well, no use putting thought into something that's not real.

I took a pill for my headache before I went out to feed the geese. I can still remember her first encounter with my geese. I found it funny then but now that I look back on it; she was rather cute that day. I wonder if she will ever get along with them. Effie is not really the type of person to be good with handling animals.

I then saw Peeta wave at me. I signaled him to enter the gate.

"What brings you here?" I asked.

"I just came by to check if you're okay." he replied

"Why? Why wouldn't I be?" I gave him a questioning look. Why would he check on me? It's not like I can't take care of myself now that I've sobered up.

"You can't remember? You got drunk and fell unconscious at yesterday's party."

"Oh, well I'm fine now so don't you mind me." I said as I went back to attending to my geese.

"Hey, can I get a drink of water? It's a really hot day today."

"Yeah, sure. Let's go inside." I led him in and allowed him to sit on the couch. I handed him a nice cold glass of water before I took a sip of my brandy.

I then recalled what he said earlier. It turns out that the party was real; it wasn't just a dream. But how real is it? Did I really kiss her yesterday? It felt too fantastic; it felt so real yet it also felt like a dream.

"Hey Peeta, how about we play a game?"

"What game?" he gave me a questioning look. I wasn't really the type of person who would request for games.

"Real or not real." He seems to understand then he gave me a nod. I started to ask him a few questions; just a few stuff I thought happened.

"There was a party at the Capitol yesterday. Real or not real?"

"Real"

"I got drunk at that very party."

"Real"

"Katniss tried to stop me."

"Real"

My heart pounded heavily against my chest and my palms started to sweat. a part of me doesn't really want to know the answer but there's no turning back now.

"Effie kissed me. Real or not real?"

"Not real"

"I kissed her."

"Real" he smirked at me. Oh crap! Effie's probably mad-no furious. I bet she doesn't even want to see my face anymore. I have really done it this time.

"Don't look at me like that Peeta." I said sternly.

"What look?" he replies defensively.

"That look." I replied.

"But this is how I always looked." he reasoned.

I got impatient with him so I got up and walked back to the kitchen to grab another bottle. Sometimes that boy gets into my nerves. The moment I got back he was annoying me once again.

"Haymitch, if you love her why don't you just tell her!" he exclaims.

"Love who?" I of course knew who he was talking about. I just didn't want to talk about her. I know that she can never love me. Why would I tell her then?

"Effie Trinket!" he exclaims. I knew it. Did I really make it that obvious? I already made the mistake of kissing her yesterday. Great! She probably hates me now...

"I never said that I love her." I stated. I never did and I doubt that I ever will. It's just better that way.

"You never said that you didn't." he replied.

"Get off my case, Peeta!" I exclaimed. He seemed to be taken aback by my outburst. Good!

"Alright, just think about it okay?" he said.

"Yeah, fine, whatever..."

He left soon after and I found myself alone with my thoughts. What the hell am I going to do about Effie? I broke my promise plus I kissed her too. Darn it! Will she even talk to me? Can she forgive me? Damn! I swear I won't be able to live with myself if I drive her away.

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