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a sober dance a fleeting chance part 2.

It was the morning after. Effie was late down for breakfast. Haymitch couldn't help but wonder if he was the reason why.
He tried to go over every inch of their conversation on the roof that night...

He'd been polite. Some might even say charming. He hadn't crossed the line, he'd wanted to BUT! he hadn't!
His eyes burned circles into the door way to the kitchen. Nothing.

Breakfast was over, Katniss washed the dishes as Peeta dried, a small thanks for the courtesy and extravagance they had been shown at the party last night.

Haymitch had given up on the door just as it began to open and Effie glided in.
His heart fluttered.
He didn't like that.
Weakness.

'Effie!' Katniss purred 'you look-'

'Somewhat different I know!' Effie cut her off. Her wig not present or standing to attention. Her clothes as vibrant as ever but her face and hair was not. Her natural skin shone where there once was powder and blush, her blue eyes revealed and glowing. Not hidden under bushes of lashes. Her hair soft and wavey, swept up into a loose pin. Not jet black, as Katniss had always imagined under there, but a soft pearl pink.

'I was going to say pretty, you look really pretty Effie' Katniss smiled and tucked a lose strand of Effie's hair behind her ear. Effie touched her hand by the side of her face briefly and whispered 'thank you dear'

'Infact-' she continued, addressing everyone. 'I want to thank you all. For being on your best behaviours last night, for thanking and charming your sponsors, for staying professional and...sober-' she winked at Haymitch, his blush buried beneath his hair 'and thank you for your support. Your faith in me and trust' she looked at Katniss.

'For being yourself Katniss. I'm sorry I ever doubted you for a second. I never will again'

Katniss nodded a respectful smile her way

'I believe that, to be true to ones self you must be true to others. I'm inspired by you Katniss, so...' Effie struck a pose. 'The true face of Effie Trinket. If my victors can accept me and all my flaws then I can accept you and yours'

Peeta didn't know if it was a compliment or an insult but Effie was trying, she'd never been good at compliments before so he gave her the benefit of the doubt. 'Thanks Ef, Kats right, you do look very pretty...less Capitol. It suits you'

Effie blushed. 'Its all for the honour of my team'

Sweet smiles passed over the three of them then Effie's eyes caught Haymitchs.

'What do you think Haymitch?' She twirled for him and he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. Katniss and Peeta awaiting his response with baited breath.

'I thought you'd be a red head under there'

He winked, drawing a dissatisfied eye roll and a huff from her. She laughed it off but he caught her eye again when the kids weren't looking and gave her is best charming look and nod of approval. Her answering blush and knowing smile was the icing on top of his cake.

He needed cake that day. Like his final meal was upon him. If he was falling like he thought he was, head over heels for this Capitol beauty, his days were numbered.

A soft tendril fell before her eyes as she poured herself a coffee. She looked beneath it, towards him, soft and humoured and gave a him a wink.

Yep. He was a dead man.