A/N: Hey guys. So instead of doing homework and studying for my many exams, I decided to write a special collection for If Only. This is a huge AU where Maysilee wasn't sent into the Arena but her sister was instead. This is Haymitch handling the aftermath of his victory and his 'relationship' with Maysilee, his girlfriend Sophia and even his best friend Luke. This is actually going to be ten prompt long and I decided to release the first three. Remember to review!

If Only: Collection #4

#16. Peace

"Haymitch over here! Look this way." Bright lights flashed in front of Haymitch's face as he plastered on his signature smirk with a tad bit of surliness. His brother, Oliver, flinched at the bright lights, curling away from the photographers and camera crew. His mother's hand dug into Haymitch's shoulder, creating tiny imprints in his shoulder. His mother was an actress as she continued smiling, hiding her internal fears. Behind the lights, Haymitch could see a hint of Sophia's lanky form as she leaned against the wall. "One more, Haymitch." He turned his head just so, catching Sophia's teasing smile as the strobe light flashed, blinding him.

As the spots cleared, Haymitch smiled towards the dark haired girl before his mouth parted at the sight of the blonde girl in the background. She wore a plaid skirt with a white short-sleeve blouse. Her golden hair fell in wisps, tickling her pale cheeks. Her eyes, a deep shade of azure blue, glared at him with such an intense expression. I know the exact shade, how? He wondered as his mother stepped away, allowing shots of him and Oliver. The girl fiddled with a long gold chain that fell over her chest, running her fingers over the metal. Haymitch rattled his brain for her name as a blond hair man walked over, placing a soothing hand on her shoulder.

"Marigold," he realized, causing just about every Capitol news hound to jump at the name of the deceased. Oliver spun around to look at his brother's face. His mother stiffened on the sideline. Sophia frowned as she straightened up, sending him a worried glance. The hounds swarmed him with their mics and recorders.

"Haymitch, did you just say your district partner's name?" One said, shoving her mic into his face. Haymitch ignored the question, keeping his eyes focused on Marigold's double. She glared sharply at him before shoving her friend's hand off her shoulder and disappeared into crowd. She moves swiftly despite the masses but Haymitch kept his eyes on her lithe form.

"Haymitch, what was she to you?!"

"Abernathy, over here!"

"You're Marigold's sister, right?" Maysilee's lips curled into an unattractive scowl as she glared into the woman's cat-like eyes. The Capitol reporter stood in front of her with a prim-pressed suit with a tape recorder into her face. The woman's orange hair fell in corkscrews around her ears. Her suit was an ugly yellow that clashed with her hair terribly. Beside her stood a buff man in a powder blue suit with a camera in his hand, snapping photos of Maysilee without her consent. She turned away slightly, giving them a shot of her profile. "You're a splitting image of her."

"Yeah? That's kind of the definition of identical twins." Maysilee quipped back, staring down the lens of the camera with a hard glare. The man didn't back down, rapidly clicking the button, loving every second. "Are you bothering me because you can't get close to Abernathy? A little pathetic, preying on the deceased's sister for your fifteen minutes of fame?" The woman's lips curled up like she struck a gold mine in Maysilee's hostile attitude.

"My, you two are nothing alike." Maysilee scowled and bit back her immediate response. Sorry, Marigold sucked all the sunshine and rainbows while in the womb. She smiled slightly and crossed her arms. "But I see her in you when you smile like that." Instantly, the smile fell. "I thought it would be a good idea to have a different angle. We rarely hear from the… unfortunate ones' families." You mean the losers, Maysilee corrected as she sucked her teeth. "How do you feel about Haymitch Abernathy?"

He's a cunning Seam boy who can goad his way out of anything, even the freaking Hunger Games, Instead of voicing her thoughts, Maysilee smiled coolly. "If my sister couldn't return home herself, the second best thing is for a District 12 resident to return home. I'm happy." She answered diplomatically. The woman frowned, pressing her fat lips together in disdain. "Now if you'll excuse me," Maysilee said, side-stepping the Capitol duo and headed towards the gate to exit the Mayor's Manor.

"Do you resent him?" The woman called out as Maysilee walked away. "She could have won. Top Seven is very impressive. But don't you think her death could have been avoided?" She froze at the statement, the memory of that night flashed before her mind. "One of them had to die in that instance. The hybrid creature was going to disembodied one of them. Have you wondered why Maysilee? Was she really that unlucky to trip at that exact moment?" Maysilee could feel the woman's icy cold breath against her cheek. "Or did he push her?" Maysilee sucked in a deep breath, shutting her eyes and forcing the images away. "How do you really feel about Haymitch Abernathy, the 50th victor, your sister's murderer?"

"Get away from her!" A deep voice shouted. The Capitol reporter twisted as Markus Undersee pushed his way towards them. Maysilee took that moment to run, shoving her way towards the masses in the house rather than away. The images of Marigold's death slowly replayed in her mind. "Maysilee!"

They were both running, two teenagers dressed in dark brown cargo pants and tight green t-shirts. Maysilee was squeezed between Kane and Markus, their eyes glued to the screen. Her hands were gripping both boys' hand, squeezing their hands until hers turned white. Haymitch was a few steps ahead of Marigold, clenching his knife in his right hand, reaching out with his left. "Come on, Mar." Maysilee murmured as her younger sister pumped her limps. The monstrous cry echoed from the television pathetic speakers. "Come on…"

Their fingers were almost touching, inches away. Marigold stretched out and he almost wrapped his fingers around hers until – "MARIGOLD!" Haymitch's cries rippled through as Marigold fell. Maysilee could feel Kane tugging her into his chest to shield her from the gruesome sight but she kept her eyes focus in the screen as her sister disappeared from view, as the Capitol monster pounced and mauled her. Marigold Donner was gone.

"Oomph," Maysilee gasped as she ran into a wall of solid muscle and mass. She almost fell if it wasn't for a steady grip around her waist. "Sorry," she muttered instantly before looking up into the stormy gray eyes of the 50th victor of the Hunger Games.

"Mari-" Haymitch muttered.

"Maysilee." She corrected instantly, ignoring the flashing lights of the camera as the Capitol hounds found their next big scoop. On the bright side, that bitch won't get her big story. Maysilee thought as she stepped away.

"I know." He replied in a bristled tone, stepping away and tucking one hand into his suit jacket. Maysilee turned away, glancing around, realizing she ruined photo op between Haymitch and his girlfriend, Sophia. Sophia gave her an odd look as the cameras clicked. Oh I can see the headlines now. Maysilee thought as she ran her fingers through her hair. Marigold's deranged twin ruins 50th victor photo-op with his beloved.

"I'll get out of your shot." She replied lamely, stepping out of Haymitch's warm hold. His hand shot out, tightening his grip on her wrist.

"Wait," Haymitch whispered, pulling the thing he's been toying with out. "She would want you to have this." He tilted the object to the light, unconsciously showing the Capitol crew. The flashes started firing faster. Maysilee's eyes grew as he held out Marigold's pin, her pin. The light danced across the Mockingjay making seem almost alive. He moved slowly, reaching for her necklace and clasped the pin into its rightful spot. "Pretty…" he murmured, still holding the pendant and locking his gaze with hers. It felt like the world just faded away as Maysilee returned his sorrowful eyes. And that photo dominated the Capitol's gossip magazines for weeks.

#17. Breach

"This is a very flattering photo." Haymitch jumped when Luke dropped a pile of mail onto his Capitol-issued coffee table. He moved his legs off as Luke sat down in the armchair beside him, sucking on a lollipop and flipping through a Capitol gossip magazine. His dark hair was tied back and he was wearing a few of Haymitch's new clothes. "Maysilee almost looks happy."

"Why are you eating a lollipop?" Haymitch asked as he flicked his knife open, avoiding look at the sharp edge, before sliding it through the tape. "And quit looking through that mag!" Haymitch ordered, batting the magazine out of his best friend's hands. Luke rolled his Seam eyes and settled in the chair, playing with his white stick of the lollipop. The cover was a good shot of the night of the welcome back party. Haymitch actually looked caring as he held Marigold's pendant and gazed into Maysilee's eyes. She was blushing in the photo, bringing a rosy tinge to her pale skin. Haymitch scowled at the photo before shoving it away.

"What's wrong? It shows your softer side." Luke said as he picked through the package Haymitch's stylist sent. "Maysilee gave it to me." Haymitch looked up as Luke smacked his lips. "The lollipop, not the mag. Mmm, strawberry." Luke reached into the box, pulling out a tailored dress shirt with a suit jacket and jeans. "Fancy, why do you need new clothes?"

"It's the first parcel day." Haymitch replied, picking the package up and heading towards his room. Luke followed wordlessly, grabbing the magazine at the same time. "A little privacy?" Haymitch asked which Luke ignored and sank into the overly stuffed bed. "The Capitol crew will be here to film the first one. I have to look presentable. What a concept. When are you friends with Maysilee?" Luke tilted his head as Haymitch unbuttoned his shirt and slipped on his crisp white shirt.

"Why do you care?" Luke asked as he opened the magazine, flipping through the photos. "Maysilee's been helping out at the apothecary, giving out sweets to the Seam kids. I was visiting with Orion before popping over and bothering you." Haymitch finished buttoning up his cuffs and shot his friend an odd look. "It's her way of coping. She's good at it. She's gonna be at the parcel day event, volunteering. The Capitol crowds love her and Juliet latched one. Listen to this. Maysilee Donner, the grieving sister of the recently deceased Marigold, sacrifices her precious time to help the poor community of District 12. She is truly an angel. Wow, she has more fans than you. Jealous?" Luke asked smirking at Haymitch which he ignored as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Juliet made her work at the parcel tent."

"And how did Juliet do that?" Haymitch asked as he led them out of his extravagant house. Juliet was Haymitch's escort and now publicity manager. She was ruthless in a tiny package and a purple power suit. Haymitch sighed and stared up at the sky. It was one of the wetter days in District 12. The light drizzle created a gloom over the District despite the happy occasion. Haymitch popped his collar as Luke shoved a hat on. "Is that my hat?"

"Yep, and it looks so much better on me than you." Luke replied smartly as their shoes hit the cobblestones of the market. A tent was already set up with piles of crates tucked near the Justice Building. Seams families were already lined up, despite the steadily growing drizzle. A few Capitol camera crews stood around, mingling around waiting for his grand entrance. Haymitch paused just before he entered the limelight. "Juliet is like every Capitol scum." Luke described, tucking his hands into his jeans. "She guilt-trip Maysilee into it. Saying Marigold would want her to do this." Haymitch flinched at the name. "Oops, sorry."

"It's fine." He replied, looking and seeing Maysilee in the crowd, flashing false smiles at the crew as she handed a few crates to some eager Seam boys. She wore a pair of jeans and a tight t-shirt, showing off her figure. "It's like she's here though, through Maysilee." Luke turned and the two boys continued watching as the girl moved with ease through the crowd.

"That's not Marigold. Maysilee has softened up in the last month but she's still a hard ass." Luke said, smiling slight as he waved to said girl. Maysilee's eyes narrowed suspiciously like she heard but a cry from another person drew her attention away. "You always liked your girls a little rough around the edges." Haymitch narrowed his eyes and smacked Luke's arm. "What?"

"I'm still with Sophia."

"I know and you haven't noticed her once ever since we arrived." Haymitch turned to his friend who nodded towards the line. Sophia stood there with a few of her Seam friends, huddling together for warmth. Sophia waved at him, smiling shyly. He didn't even notice her standing only a few feet away from him. "But with Maysilee, you track her with your eyes, like you're afraid she would disappear. She's not Marigold, Haymitch. You have to accept that Marigold isn't here any longer. She's dead."

"I know." Haymitch answered firmly, trying to focus on Sophia but Maysilee appeared in front of the two boys. "Donner." He greeted stiffly, avoiding looking at Maysilee's necklace. Her hair was tied up with a few strands falling into her eyes. She looked good, alive.

"Abernathy." She greeted coldly before smiling at Luke. "Hi, Luke. Now if you two ladies are done chatting, can you help me with the heavier crates?" To prove Luke's point wrong, Haymitch stepped closer to Maysilee, invading her personal space. Maysilee barely flinched, tilting her head. "Do you understand English, Haymitch?

"A pretty please would be nice, May-si-lee." He added, accenting each syllables, ignoring the little flecks of green in her blue eyes and how her nose scrunched up when things don't go her way. I will not falling for Maysilee. Haymitch ordered keeping his hands tucked in his pocket. Maysilee moved in closer, breath caressing his cheek. He would practically feel the gaze of the cameras as their shutters clicked rapidly but at that moment, all he could think about was the girl in front of him.

"Pretty please with sugar on top." She murmured.

#18. True

"Tell me the truth." A soft voice ordered as a pair of warm arms wrapped around Haymitch's waist, dragging his thoughts away from the blonde sitting in the distant. He turned to stare into a pair of deep gray eyes, a button nose and a slight frown. "What is Maysilee to you?" Haymitch tilted his head, faking confusion as Sophia rested her head on his shoulder. "You always avoid her but you keep tabs on her. Whenever you two do talk, you attack her and she attacks right back. You act like your old self around her." Haymitch returned her hug, trying to chase away her unsecure thoughts. But his eyes still lingered on the Donner girl from across the canteen as she laughed, gently shoving the baker's son's arm off her shoulder and latching her arms around the apothecary's daughter.

It was one of those days where Haymitch couldn't stand sitting in his house as the silence consumed him. He would usually tag along with either Sophia or Luke to distract himself. But surrounded by his peers, Haymitch still felt like an outsider. He has too much money to be considered a Seam kid but the Townies can't see past his tan skin, dark hair and steel gray eyes. He was Haymitch Abernathy, District 12's only living victor.

"She's nothing." He lied, softly kissing Sophia's forehead and pushed a tray of food towards her. She ate the food slowly; savoring each bite like it would be her last. He tried to focus on his girlfriend, memorizing her features. "Maysilee is just a ball of sunshine." He said sarcastically, rubbing small circles over her knuckles. "She's fun to jab and her reactions are priceless. She needs someone to treat her like her sister isn't dead."

"By you? The man who pretty much killed her sister?" Haymitch flinched and Sophia instantly smoothed her hand over his cheek. "Sorry. That was uncalled for."

"She's nothing to me, Sop." He repeated looking over again as Maysilee covered her lips, laughing hard. But Haymitch could see she was forcing herself to act happy.

"He's looking again." Kane murmured into Maysilee's ear as he leaned over, gently touching her elbow. Maysilee ignored her best friend, bumping his hip with hers as she grabbed her books for the next period. "He's trying not to look but he just can't stop. What did you do to the poor boy?" Maysilee sighed, running her fingers through her hair and peeked in Haymitch's general direction. He had his trademark brooding expression as he sat on top of the table. His fingers laced together with his chin rested on top of them. He wasn't exactly looking directly at her but she could feel it.

"He seems a bit lost." Ivy mentioned as she picked up her own satchel before Kane plucked it out of her hands. Kane is a natural sweetheart but especially now he seems extra sweet on Ivy. Maysilee gave her best male friend a knowing smile as the girls followed him. "May, maybe you should talk to him. He always seems happier after chatting with you."

"What conversations have you been watching?" Maysilee asked as Ivy gently pushed her towards the brooding boy before heading off. Sighing, Maysilee shifted her shoulder bag. "When did I become Haymitch's confidant?" She asked no one before shoving her bare fingers into her pockets and headed towards the boy. She wasn't watching where she was walking and bumped into Sophia Rains. "Sorry." Maysilee said automatically, steady herself and the girl. Sophia instantly recognized Maysilee and stepped away like her touch burned. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine." Sophia replied curtly, brushing her dark locks out of her heart-shaped face. Maysilee was a bit jealous of the dark beauty in front of her. Despite coming from poverty, Sophia was stunningly beautiful. Her dark complexion and soulful eyes complemented each other perfectly. She held herself with a quiet confidence that Maysilee could only wish she could mimic. "Donner, may I ask you a question?" A tad confused by the older girl's formal request, Maysilee nodded her head. Sophia looked like she was trying to compose herself for any answer. "Is there anything going on between you and Haymitch?"

Maysilee chuckled at the idea. "That's rich." She muttered, running her fingers through her hair. "I annoy him at most. There's no reason for him to like me in any way." Sophia crossed her arms, not believing the blonde girl's statement. "My sister is dead." She stated, ignoring the twang inside her heart and the tears threatening to leak out of her eyes. "He doesn't treat me like I'm gonna shatter and I don't let him forget Marigold isn't here. I'm not Marigold no matter how much we look alike." Sophia looked unconvinced as she continued glaring at Maysilee. The sixteen year old girl sighed and met the older girl's gaze. "I'm not attractive to Haymitch. Now can I talk to him? He looks like he needs a good kick in the rear."

"Knock yourself out." Sophia said before heading into the school building. Maysilee smiled at her nonchalant response and watched as the Seam girl disappeared into the building. She never held a grudge against Sophia despite the animosity between the Townies and Seam. Maysilee should hurry if she wanted to get to class on time. Not like I need to go to math. Maysilee thought as she walked over to Haymitch and plopped down beside him.

"Thanks for sic-ing your girlfriend on me." Maysilee said as she crossed her legs. "She was accusing me of having a little tryst with you." Haymitch's eyebrow rise as he allowed her mouth to run, lips threatening to curl up at her tone. "Did you know all our debates and arguments are just our way of expressing our pent-up sexual tension? If you didn't kill my sister, I might actually be attractive to you. Haymitch threw his head back, chuckling at how ridiculous she sounded. "Thought you would like that," Maysilee said fondly.

"I don't get you, Mar." Haymitch admitted, leaning back and stretching his legs out. "I killed Marigold."

"And I'm a candy store brat. I thought we were playing 'state the obvious.'" Maysilee kidded as she laced her arm through the crook of his. "Don't say you're sorry for coming home. I'm sick of your wallowing in guilt and whatever other crap you seem to find. It's not helping anyone and Marigold wouldn't want this. You didn't kill her. The Capitol did. They sent that creature out after you two. They forced the Hunger Games on us. They killed Marigold. You were just the fortunate survivor."

"Unfortunately." He murmured, leaning his head against her shoulder, inhaling her sweet scent. It was nothing like Sophia's earthy smell. Her soothing touch calmed him down unlike anyone else's. Why? He thought, leaning against her. "May, what are we?

"I have no idea but I might have lied to Sophia."