It was only Peeta and Haymitch at breakfast.

'Wheres Katniss this morning? Your big day tire her out?'

Peeta almost choked on his croissant as he held back a laugh

'Yeah, I mean sorta. She ate too much at dinner so we ah... We missed the opera. Came straight back here'

Peeta smiled as Haymitch stopped stirring his coffee momentarily.

'Ye we ah thought you and ah Effie might want to watch a movie, you know, chill out, relax before today'

Haymitch shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his eyes wouldn't meet Peetas but a small smirk had come upon his face.

Not getting any response, Peeta continued.

'So...ye we guessed you guys had just...gone to bed early... Early rise and all. Effie never misses breakfast. She must be quite tired herself-'

'Alright! Alright!' Haymitch quickly interjected 'what did you hear?'

Peeta laughed and looked at Haymitch knowingly. Haymitchs smile turned into snigger, then a slight chuckle until both guys were completely in hysterics over their bacon and eggs.

'Effie trinket huh?' Peeta managed

Haymitch soon controlled himself. A sudden seriousness fell upon him. A sadness too.

'What is it Haymitch?' Peeta asked, genuinely concerned

It took Haymitch a moment to gather his thoughts and pluck up the courage to speak but he had to speak to someone.

'I think...well...I'm pretty certain I'm in love'

Peetas eyes widened. It was bizarre to hear that from Haymitch but nice at the same time. His face softened.

'Love is the strongest emotion that we have Haymitch. I feel sorry for those who have never get to experience it. You should be happy but I'm afraid you look sad'

'We're from different worlds Peeta. What right do I have to love her?'

Peeta shook his head.

'What right do any of us have to love. It's if we are loved in return that we feel it's true glory. Does she...has she told you she feels the same?'

Haymitch paused. After a moment of quiet, Peeta contnued.

'Look Haymitch, I may not be an expert at this but Effie Trinket is one stubborn lady. The fact that you even shared something last night, without any arguments, says a hell of a lot in my opinion. She's never been one to share her feelings, she's always too concerned about everyone else's. That's why I like her. She's a good person and I think you should give her the chance.'

Haymitch nodded at his words and took them in.

'But...if I love her and she loves me...we are doomed'

'How so?'

'Because I'm a district 12 drunk and she's a Capitol god damned princess!'

Peeta sensed Haymitch was making his own heart break at just the realisation of them being so different

'But Haymitch. You haven't been drunk in almost 3 days and Effie hasn't put one of her god awful Capitol wigs on since the party. Things can change, people change. If you really care about something. You can change.'

And with that Peeta stood. 'Kat and I will meet you at the station. I suggest you go speak to Effie'

He left for his room. Shortly after, Haymitch found himself back in Effie's.

She was placing the last few pins in her natural hair.

She hadn't heard him come in so he watched her as she watched herself in the mirror. There seemed to be a sadness in her eyes too.

She suddenly reached for her wig and Haymitchs heart sank. Maybe She wasn't ready to change.

But Effie stood and tossed the wig into her closet and shut the door, grinning triumphantly.

Suddenly Haymitchs hands wrapped around her waist and locked in front of her, his nose resting just above her ear.

She jumped slightly but she knew those strong arms and her knees weakened.

Turning around to face him his lips pressed against hers immediately. Soft and tender at first but the woman made him crazy. He pushed her back against her closet door and she went willingly, gliding her fingers into his hair and pulling him harder onto her lips.

The room seemed to grow dark and the city seemed to silence as they lost themselves in each other, their kisses deep and passionate, their embraces tight and loving.

Effie tilted her head back against the door as Haymitch placed tender slow kisses on her jaw and down her neck to her collar where he rested his head to catch his breath.

She too sighed breathlessly but broke the endearing silence

'Dont stop kissing me Haymitch. Never stop, please.'

His mouth found hers again making a longing moan escape her

'Come with me Effie. To 12. Stay with me'

He kissed her again but suddenly she had become stiff.

He pulled away and looked into her eyes. They looked lost and confused.

A small tear suddenly fell down her cheek. Her eyes met his and he already knew her answer.

Haymitchs hands dropped to his sides as he backed away from her.

'Haymitch!' She reached out for him, cupping his face. Her eyes begging. 'Cant you just come back here? Come and be here with me! Then we can still do our duties to the Capitol but be with each other, every night!'

She tried to kiss him but he turned his back

'I don't belong here just as much as you don't belong in 12 Effie. I'm sorry I even asked. Your better than that, better than I'll ever be. I'm sorry'

'Haymitch Abernathy you turn and face me right this instance! You and I are no different at all! What does it matter where we live, what we do? all I know is That I...oh for crying out loud Haymitch I love you.' She wrapped her arms around him and rested her her cheek on his back. 'I love you'

Haymitch wouldn't face her. He couldn't let her see his pending tears. He tried to shake her loose but she just held on tighter.

'Effie let go'

'Never'

'Please Effie. Let go!'

'NO!'

He turned. Angry at himself and frustrated and grabbed her by the arms. They looked deep into one another's eyes.

'Look at me! I'm not worthy of someone like you! We don't belong together Effie! We never have and we never will and I'm sorry I've only just realised it but you know it's the truth! I saw it in your eyes as soon as I asked you to come with me. You will never come. You will never change and I wouldn't want you to. I won't ask you to. I don't deserve that from you'

She dropped her head. Her tears spilling at their feet. Haymitch wanted to hold her. To take her to bed and make love to her. One last time.

Her hands stroked up to his chest. He was about to lean down to kiss her again when she pushed at it and moved him away.

'You know what Haymitch? You're right! Your not worthy of me. You never will be. Any man not willing to take a chance will never be worthy'

Her speech was slow and controlled, her eyes now vacant and cold.

'Go. You have a train to catch'

'Effie please, let's not leave it like this. I can visit ok? You can visit! We can remain friends can't we? We'll see each other every year we can-'

'No Haymitch. We can't. I can't. Please go. The kids will be waiting'

He took hold of her again.

'Your coming aren't you?! To say goodbye?'

'Good bye Haymitch'

Effie pulled herself away and walked out.

She wouldn't give him the satisfaction again of letting him see her cry.

Authors Note: *ahhh poor Effie and silly Haymitch! Really really appreciating your comments lovelies! Keep them coming! They make my day! :) thank you for following. I'm afraid the next chapter will be the last on this story but I promise you a happy ending ;) meanwhile please check out all my other stories too! If you like this then you will love them...I hope! Keep following me for more new stories too. See you in chapter 7! I'll call it 'Changes' ;) xx