A/N: I have mix feelings about this update. It's kinda too soon for this to happen and I want to explore Maysilee/Haymitch before another Hunger Game starts but the prompt popped up and I had to follow. Don't worry this isn't the end of this AU. At least three or four more prompts. Remember to review! Sadly, the next update won't be as speedy.
If Only: Collection #5
Pre-Crazy
Sophia Rains looked at her image in the cracked mirror of her home. Her mother stood behind her with a strained smile as she smoothed her daughter's curls down. Eighteen, she was finally eighteen. "Just one more Reaping." Sophia muttered as she stroked the goose feather with her fingers. The familiar faded blue dress clung to her lanky form like a second skin. Her jet black hair curled at the ends from the icy cold wash. Sophia smiled at her reflection, hoping and praying this was the last time she would need to wear the dress.
"Please Sop, you have nothing to worry about." Whirling around, Sophia was greeted by the sight of Luke, leaning against the door frame in his miner outfit. He smiled brightly which created dimples against his tan skin. His long hair was tied back neatly for once. "I will miss seeing you in that dress." He confessed stepping in and winking at her mom. Sophia's mother rolled her eyes and retreated back into the bedroom.
"Down boy," Haymitch's gruff voice said from behind his taller friend. Haymitch stood there in a light tan shirt with the collar open. He wore dark brown pants which actually fit his long legs. Sophia still wasn't used to seeing Haymitch dressed in nice clothes. His black hair was swept to one side as he stepped in, bumping Luke. "How ya doing?" He asked, reaching over to grasp her hand. Sophia smiled, squeezing back just as tight.
"I'm fine. It's just like any other Reaping." She replied.
"You denied the Tesseraes this year right?" He asked, piercing her with his deep eyes. Sophia nodded her head, trying to will away the sick feeling in her stomach. Haymitch's recent salary easily fed her small family of herself, her mother and her ill father. Sophia's older sisters already married and started their own family. She was the last child to go through the Reaping. "Atta girl."
"Even if you are selected Sophia, you have Haymitch here. He'll save you." Luke reminded, dropping into one of the rickety kitchen chairs. "Seven entries. You had tripled that last year and you weren't chosen. Sophia, it's a piece of cake this year. Don't worry." Sophia nodded her head and stepped close to Haymitch, burying her head into his neck, inhaling his scent.
"Do you trust me?" Haymitch whispered, holding her close. Sophia nodded her head, unwilling to lift it. She felt safe in his arms. "Good, you're not going into that Arena."
"Ok."
"Sorry to break up this love-fest." Haymitch cringed and tightened his hold on her. Luke jumped up and glared at the icy woman in high heels and a power suit. Juliet combed her fingers through her flaming red hair and tapped her heels against the coal dusted ground. "Haymitch, we need to prep you before your appearance." Haymitch glared at the woman and kissed Sophia's forehead before trudging after Juliet. "Cute girlfriend." She commented after a moment of icy silence.
"Shut up."
"Calm down, Ivy." Maysilee ordered as she continued fiddling with her friend's hair. "And quit fidgeting or else I might poke your eye out." Ivy calmed herself down, running her fingers over the light purple dress she wore as Maysilee pinned up her golden hair. "It's just another reaping. We'll get through it like always."
"Marigold didn't get through it." Ivy replied before ducking her head down. "Sorry."
"Listen, I'm not going to freak out if you mention Marigold's name. She's… in a better place. I just wished it was under different circumstances. Now, you're done. Trade." Ivy smiled at her reflection before standing up and allowed Maysilee in front of the vanity. On the window sill, a tiny yellow canary sat watching the two girls in interest. The room was unchanged since Marigold's death. There were still two single beds on either side of the room. One untouched for one year. "Your signature braid?"
"Of course." Ivy answered as a knock interrupted their tranquil moment. "Yes?"
"You girls decent?" Kane's clear voice asked through the wooden door. The door creaked open and his handsome face appeared with his hand over his eyes. "Markus is here too but I have to protect your virtue."
"We're decent, you oaf." Maysilee replied as she turned to see the two boys enter in their Sunday's best. Kane wore a vertical button-up with a pair of slacks while Markus stood there in black slacks, white crisp shirt and a suit jacket. "Hi Markus."
"Hey Maysilee." He greeted, awkwardly looking around the room for a spot to sit. Kane just plopped down in Maysilee's bed, putting his feet on the clean sheets. Markus was fond of Marigold before she entered the game. Her loss has affected him greatly but he was gradually getting better, hanging out with Maysilee, Kane and Ivy. He was handsome in a school boy way. As the Mayor's son, he was always top of the class, goodie-two-shoes. His blond hair was cut neatly. Bright blue eyes smiled at Maysilee's reflection. "You two look nice."
"And you're done." Ivy declared, stepping back and smiling at her handiwork. Maysilee's long hair fell into a single braid down her back. Her dress stopped mid-calf, revealing a sliver of her pale skin. The dress was a forest green which contrasted nicely with the golden Mockingjay pendant she proudly wore. "Come on, lazy bum." She ordered, smacking Kane's leg, who pushed himself off to chase after the giggling apothecary's daughter.
"They're happy." Markus noted as Maysilee slipped on a pair of green flats before accepting Markus's arm as he lead her out. She ignored her mother's pointed gaze as they left the candy shop. "Are you sure you want to wear this?" His warm hand gently brushed the pendant, pulling her gaze to the bird. "Doesn't it hold bad memories?" Maysilee bit her lip, curling her fingers around Markus's hand. His clear blue eyes bore into hers.
"Everything holds bad memories." She replied coolly, looking into his eyes. Markus pulled her away from the crowd. "Are you going to treat me like a fragile flower too?" Maysilee muttered, reverting to her usual defense mechanism of underlining biting remarks. The way Markus was looking at her echoed how he gazed at Marigold a year ago, an adoring gaze which made her sister gush on and on about Markus Undersee. "Don't give me that look, Markus."
"What look?" Markus asked, blinking, unconsciously running his fingers over her hand.
"Like she's Marigold." Maysilee and Markus spun around to see Haymitch ambling over. Juliet followed behind closely, eying the blond pair with interest but keeping her distant. "Hey May," he greeted, inserting himself between Markus and Maysilee. "Such a lovely day, huh?" Maysilee rolled her eyes and shoved him. He didn't move, slinging his arm over her slender shoulders; avoid noting how soft her skin was underneath his fingertips. "You heard the lady; don't look at her like she's her dead sister."
"Funny, I can say the same thing to you." Markus replied back before he actually thought about his words. Haymitch and Maysilee both looked at him like he grew a third head. "What?" He asked, miffed at the appearance of the 50th victor. "I can't be a smart aleck?"
"No, that's my job." Haymitch declared before looking back at Maysilee. "Don't date this fruit-loop."
"I – "
"Hey guys," Juliet said, inserting herself in their little group. "Sorry to interrupt but Reaping starts in ten." The two blond teens looked at her before quickly shuffling off, leaving Haymitch alone with Juliet. Maysilee turned her head, giving Haymitch a tiny glare. "Now, why are you so interested in Maysilee Donner's love life? Or rather life in general." Juliet asked as they continued towards the Justice building. Haymitch grunted, ignoring the woman. "Curiosity? You don't do curiosity. Worry? Ha, that's funny. Survivor's guilt?" Haymitch's eyes harden and Juliet sighed. "You can't still be guilt about her sister. It will drive you insane."
"Maybe I should be insane?" Haymitch replied before heading into the Justice building, waiting for his announcement. The Capitol escort sighed and pulled out her watch as the seconds ticked away.
#19. Crazy
"I volunteer!" That single line rippled through the plaza of District 12 from an unknown source. Haymitch stiffened as he recognized the female voice when he stood up from his seat. Sophia Rains stopped mid-step, twisting around to see who saved her from certain death. A lithe blonde appeared from the masses of seventeen years. Her head was held high as she glared at Juliet with icy blue eyes. Her intense gaze was unwavering as a familiar mockingjay pendant swung against her chest. "I volunteer as tribute." She repeated making sure everyone, the Seam families, the Merchant upper-class and especially Capitol fans, heard her.
Juliet pursed her lips together as she stepped away from the mic. The camera flew around the plaza, capturing every shot. Ivy clenched to Maysilee's arm, trying to pull her away. Kane Mellark strained against the Peacekeepers, trying to reach his friends, anguish clear on his handsome face. The Donner parents sobbed silently, realizing they're going to lose another child to the cruel game. Haymitch clenched his fingers together and forced them into his pocket.
"Come here, sweetheart and tell us your name." Juliet ordered, pretending she didn't recognize the girl, the girl who shared the face of the deceased female tribute from last year. Maysilee smirked and gently peeled Ivy's arms off her arm. She whispered something to her best friend who continued sobbing. Kane lost the will to fight as Maysilee walked past him, giving him a reassuring smile. Sophia Rains grabbed her arm before Maysilee past. The two girls locked eyes, communicating a silent message. "Hurry up, dear. We don't have all day."
"Don't worry, Juliet." Maysilee said as she gave Sophia a slight nod before facing the Capitol escort. "I'm all yours." Haymitch would have smirked if his heart wasn't pounding so hard against his chest. He walked over to where Juliet was standing as Maysilee ascended up the stairs. She wore her false smile so well it almost looked real. Already playing the Capitol games, Haymitch thought as she held her hand out to Juliet. "Maysilee Donner, at your service."
Juliet's mouth popped open in fake surprised as she gaped at Maysilee. "Maysilee Donner?" She repeated slowly, making sure everyone knew who was going into the Arena. Haymitch could almost hear the shock gasps from the Capitol as their slow minds connect who she is. "As in Marigold Donner's sister?" Maysilee nodded her head and turned away from the crowd, hugging herself.
"What the hell are you thinking?" Haymitch whispered as Juliet steered the attention away from Maysilee and to the male glass ball. His Seam eyes were focused on the flying camera as he leaned in close. "Maysilee, do you have a death wish?"
"At least Sophia will be safe." Maysilee countered back, giving him an icy gaze. He should be relieved. Sophia was going to live but instead he had a sick feeling in his stomach as he glared at the beautiful girl beside him. Her unwavering stare and straight posture embodied confidence and power but Haymitch could see the bit of uncertainty in her sapphire eyes. "I know what I'm doing, Haymitch." She whispered back, trying to convince him or maybe herself this was the right decision. "So back off." Haymitch was close to dragging her off the stage until Juliet's booming voice woke him up, reminding him where he was.
"Ryan Road!" Haymitch and Maysilee both looked up as a fifteen year old Seam boy flinched and started the long walk to the stage. No one was going to volunteer for him. They all knew it as they watched him in his faded clothes and tired eyes, shoulders slump in defeat. Ryan stood beside Maysilee, wiry and way too young, trying to look strong. "These are your District 12 tributes of Hunger Games 51st!" The silence was piercing as Maysilee and Ryan shook hands, sealing their fate.
#20. Love
The insistent ticks of the clock penetrated Haymitch's core as he sat in the overly stuffed chair, staring into the darkness of the Capitol's skyline. His nails dug into the fabric of the chair, sick at the situation he's been forced in. The television was muted but the images were familiar as all the tributes of the 51st flashed across the screen. An alluring eighteen year old girl from District 1 smiled seductively at camera, playing with her gem necklaces. A burly District 2 boy scowled at the screen, muscles bulging underneath the suit he wore, the clear favorite. A charismatic handsome boy from District 4 laughed and kidded with Caesar, the crowd pleaser. Their training numbers appeared underneath their silent conversation. District 1: 8 District 2: 10 District 4: 10.
Haymitch sighed and closed his eyes, feeling as if the deck was stacked against him. No, it was always stacked against him. It will always be against him. He opened his eyes as the recap continues. A District 5 boy grunted at every question Caesar asked. A spacey District 9 girl, eyes' sifting left and right like something was going to jump out and snatch her. A lanky teenager from District 11 yawned in their face like he was better than everyone in the room. District 5: 9 District 9: 2 District 11: 10.
Caesar faced the camera as the District 11 boy sauntered off. His mouth moved but no words came out. The camera shifted to the door as a pale figure appeared. Haymitch clicked the un-mute button just as the cheers of the crowd exploded when Maysilee appeared. She wore a floor-length strapless coal black gown; bring out her pale skin and golden hair. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail, revealing her slender neck and big blue eyes. Her lips twisted into her soft smile as she waved shyly to the crowd.
"Maysilee, my dear. You look radiating." Caesar greeted as he kissed her hand. Maysilee giggled and covered her mouth as she delicately crossed her legs. A number underneath the screen flashed. District 12: 7. Not low but not high enough.
"Stop Caesar, I bet you say that to every pretty girl." Maysilee joked back as she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Her mockingjay pin gleamed under the glaring lights. She looked composed like it was just another day, playing a part for the Capital crowd. Her blue eyes sparkled as she playfully shoved Caesar's shoulder, like she would if it was Kane beside her. Haymitch frowned, hating every second she was in the spotlight. He just wanted to grab her and protect her from all of this.
"Only the special ones, Maysilee. I've noticed you have a huge number of fans already." That triggered a huge cheer and people stood up, waving signs with her pin. Boys with 'I heart Maysilee' signs cheered and waved their hands fanatically, trying to get the girl's attention. "How are you reacting to the huge amount of attention?" He asked as Maysilee blew her fans a kiss and a playful wink. "Well, I assume?"
"I guess. I'm not like my shy sister or surly mentor, I'm an angel." She teased, placing her index finger on her lips like she was telling the audience a secret. "Shh, don't tell Haymitch that. I might get in trouble." Caesar and everyone chuckled and the screen switched to a shot of him. It was weird watching himself on the screen, scowling at his tribute with his arms crossed. Haymitch wore a black button-up shirt with faded gray jeans. On the cuffs of his dress shirt were cuff links with the number 50. Maysilee gave him a little wave which his on-screen self rolled his eyes at.
"You and Haymitch don't see eye-to-eye?" Caesar asked, drawing attention back to Maysilee. She posed herself in a thinking position with her index finger on her chin and her eyes look up. "If I remember your reaping correctly, you volunteered for someone named Sophia Rains who I believe is Haymitch's girlfriend." The crowd fell silent, waiting with baited breath for Maysilee's answer. The adorable expression slide away from her face and she fully faced Caesar. "Why?"
"Isn't it cruel to force him to spend one week with the girl he loves and then send her off into the Arena where he might not be able to save her, Caesar?" Maysilee answered as she grabbed Caesar's hand, appealing to his and hopefully the Capitol's human side. "I –" Haymitch clicked the mute button again, cutting off the rest of her response. The silent images continued moving but Haymitch didn't want to think. Maysilee said something else, the crowd goes insane and then the buzzer rang, signaling the end. She completely captured the Capitol's hearts if she didn't already.
"What an ironic statement." Haymitch turned his head to see Ryan standing there in a t-shirt and pajama bottom combo. His black hair was sticking up in all directions. His Seam eyes were bright and clear as he observed his television self enter the stage, stumbling through his interview with Caesar. He started to fill out from gorging himself with rich food. "You're going to save her."
"Why would you say that?" Haymitch barked, standing up and pressing the off button. "You have as much as a chance as she does." Ryan let out a sadistic laugh and shook his head. Haymitch ambled over, grabbing the front of the kid and dragging him forward so their noses were almost touching. He annoyed him how much of himself he saw in Ryan. "Twenty-four kids come in. One leaves. After all the glitz and glamour of the first week is over, that's all that matters. There is a one in twenty-four chance that you'll make it, Ryan."
"You won't save me. You won't even look at me if there's a slight chance of saving her. You love her, Haymitch." Haymitch wanted to lash out at Ryan, let out all the frustration that's been building up for the week. But instead, a slow reel of memories played. "The hostile conversation in the train."
Maysilee flinched when Haymitch's fist flew towards her, striking the wall behind her. He was inches away from her, their breath mingled together. Juliet cringed in her corner as she tried to calm Haymitch down. Ryan sat in his chair, leisurely chewing on a bread roll, watching the drama unfolded in front of him. "Haymitch! Get away from her!" Juliet cried as she grabbed his shoulder, trying to pull him away. Haymitch didn't budge as he glared at Maysilee.
"I don't own you anything." He hissed in a low threatening voice.
"I didn't volunteer for Sophia." Maysilee argued back, shoving against his chest. Haymitch backed off, pacing the length of the field. "I have the best chance out of all females in District 12 to come home." She rattled off, smoothing the creases of her dress and sitting down beside Ryan. "The Capitol already knows my face, Maysilee Donner, Marigold's identical twin. They know my story. The girl who's sister died last year, District Twelve's Angel. They already love me."
"And how is their love going to save you in the Arena?" Haymitch spat back, looming over Maysilee. "Will their love kill a Career as he stands over you with a knife in his hands? Will their love save you from rabid monsters seeking your blood? When you stepped on that stage, you basically signed your own death certificate, Maysilee. Is that what Marigold would had wanted?"
"I don't know. She's dead." Maysilee bit back. They were throwing punches, hitting where it hits. "It almost sounds like you wanted Sophia to be here instead of me, fighting for her life, dying instead of me." Haymitch turned away, hating himself for actually considering it better if Sophia was here instead. "I worked with Ivy for months, learning which plants can save me and kill others. My parents can't look at me without seeing Marigold. They lost one daughter last year but they act like we're both dead."
"And now they're gonna lose both of you." Haymitch replied, watching for the hurt to flash across her eyes. It didn't come and Haymitch wondered how long she has been planning this crazy stunt. He reached out, to offer her some form of comfort.
"Sob, sob. Blah. Blah. Blah." Haymitch turned and glared at Ryan. Ryan was lounging in his seat, feet on the table as he sipped a cup of juice. "Look, she's already on the train. We can't exactly turn around and return her. Bitching about it won't help, Haymitch. Now sit down and let indulge ourselves."
"The opening ceremonial."
"Whoa…" Ryan said as adjusted his miner's helmet. Haymitch turned around to see Maysilee dressed in a miner's outfit as well with a few altercations. Her shirt was half-unbuttoned, revealing her flat stomach and subtle chest. A black half-tee covered her breast but left little to imagination. She wore the miner's belt with a pick-ax and lantern. Her head lamp was one, flickering on and off.
"Don't look." Haymitch ordered, shoving the helmet over the hormonal teen's eyes. Maysilee tugged at her sides, trying to cover herself just a bit. Haymitch noticed her signature long hair was cropped to shoulder-length. "They touched your hair." He commented, touching the intentionally rough cut which gave her a hard edge. Maysilee's cheeks were caked with sparkling black make-up hiding her blush.
"It's safer if it's shorter. They can't pull my hair." Maysilee answered, adjusting her necklace so it fell over her heart. Haymitch fixed it and smiled at her. "Do you still hate me?" She asked, sounding a bit vulnerable. Haymitch looked at her form in the sexy version of the miner's outfit before giving her a rakish smile.
"Not right now."
"You love her. I don't know when and I don't know how but between the times you left the Arena and to this point, you fell for her." Ryan said, peeling Haymitch's now limp hands off of his shirt. "I'm going to try to win but if I see Maysilee, I won't kill her. District 12 pride and all." Haymitch watched Ryan return to his room before closing his eyes, trying to figure out a way to bring at least one of them home.