I do not own The Hunger Games
Chapter Thirteen- Haymitch Abernathy's Book
(Katniss)
The spring came and went in a matter seconds. Our lives suddenly became busy with things to do. The mornings were easier now because as soon as Peeta fought off his nightmares, he helped me fight mine. We didn't work much on the book anymore. We just add to it when a memory surfaces. I actually started hunting again, not just sitting in the woods. I brought game in for all the people in town who were hungry, free of charge. I gave Greasy Sae all she would ever need and Peeta and I were never short on rabbit or squirrels. In a way, the seam had turned into one giant hob. We make sure to check on Haymitch everyday. Peeta had basically moved in, and insists on sleeping in that chair every night. I am eighteen now, but feel as if I should be an old woman. Peeta is in the process of restoring his old home and family bakery. He, and a few of his old school friends that came back to twelve, demolished the whole thing and started from scratch. So far the only have the basis of the building, but one day it will be up and running.
Peeta and I have done a better job of keeping in touch with people. We write letters to Annie and her baby boy named Finnick. I call my mom every week. But the one person I have failed to contact is Gale. I have felt nothing but relief since I found out Gale was not returning to twelve, except for when I'm in the woods. But I know I should at least call him.
Peetas' nightmares have gotten better. He hasn't had a close call in about two months. He still has to sort through his past in the mornings, but otherwise he's the same.
Peeta bakes, I hunt, Haymitch drinks. We all have our things to keep our minds off the games.
It was a hot June night; Peeta and I were sitting in the kitchen just talking, when Haymitch walked in the door. Well he more like busted though the door.
"I did what you asked." He said, throwing a book on the table and sliding into a chair.
"And what was that?" Peeta questioned.
"I wrote the book." Haymitch answered.
I realize what he means and I snatch it from the table. I have no idea why, but I'm beside myself with curiosity. Peeta slides over beside me and we slowly look through the book.
It's incredible.
It's starts with little things Haymitch remembers from his childhood. Things like his mom, his dad, some of his friends from school, and this one picture of a girl with long brown hair and light blue eyes. The caption says, "My Girl."
"It's the only picture I've kept." Haymitch tells us. "My she was something."
"What was her name?" Peeta asks.
"Adeline." Haymitch says, he almost tears up, but stops it by taking a huge gulp of liquor.
As it turns out there is a whole huge story on this Adeline, but not once did he write her name. He calls her, "my girl." Haymitch seems to remember everything about her, her laugh, and her eyes, even her family. He had a crush on her since they were little kids, but only got the guts to tell her in the justice building before he was sent to the games.
Haymitch was close to tears as his parents left the room. He leaned against the walls and waited for his final visitor. She practically ran into the room and went straight for his arms. They hugged for a long time as Haymitch thought of all the times he'd taken spending days and days with her for granted. Oh what he would give now for ten minutes instead of only five.
There was silence and he knew now was the time to expose his secret, this would be the last time he'd see her.
"I love you Ade, I'm sorry I waited till now, but really I do." Haymitch choked out.
"Haymitch." She said, taking him into a hug. "I love you too. I've loved you as long as I can remember."
Adeline started to cry and he slowly wiped away her tears.
"Goodbye Ade." Haymitch whispered. Kissing her for the first time.
She kissed him back and then said, "This isn't goodbye."
Peeta and I both tried to sympathize for Haymitch but he nudged it off.
"I just want to remember her, I don't want your sorrow." Haymitch said.
His love story was followed by a description of all the tributes he had been in his games with, and all the tributes from district 12 he had mentored.
There was also a huge chunk of the book dedicated to Maysille. She apparently had been very funny, but the kind of funny that the games would never show to the people. Haymitch put all her jokes and sarcasm in the book. She reminded me a lot of Johanna, but less insulting.
He also included descriptions and jokes he shared with all the victors he had mentored with.
The last part of the book was a complete and total shock.
It was all about Peeta and I. It was how I had volunteered for Prim, it was how I shot the gamekeepers pig, it was witty conversations Peeta and Haymitch had shared, and it was Peeta and I winning the games. It was Peeta and his first normal conversation when he'd been rescued and brought to thirteen. The most surprising thing about it is that he had written about the time I fell into his arms crying when I realized how the capitol was using Peeta. It said, "She could've slobbered all over anyone, but she chose my shirt to soil."
I know he knew I would see this so he tried to slide it off as a joke, but I know Haymitch wanted to remember that he comforted someone.
After we were all done reading his book he didn't allow any conversation he just took some bread and left.
"Who knew Haymitch had so much big, romantic heart?" I asked Peeta.
"I did not see that coming." He answered.
"It's nice though."
"It is. It sure is." Peeta kissed my cheek and started cleaning the kitchen.
Sorry it took me so long to update! PLEASE REVIEW…even if you've already reviewed, it motivates me more than you can imagine. I started a Finnick/Annie story and it will be up soon. Oh and I'm doing a Haymitch one shot, so make sure to check that out too. Thanks for reading!