mgowriter's note: I finally figured out how the story is going to end, so yay! I've been going back and forth for a couple of weeks. Also, had to look back at the first book for this chapter. References: pages 17-21 of The Hunger Games & pages 186-187 of Catching Fire.

Chapter 6: Reaping Day

The air is still. Not a single bird sings, nor a wisp of wind flutters. There is no relief from the heat. The humidity that clings to her clothes and lungs is stifling. Effie stands in the shadow of the Justice Building. One Peacekeeper stands on each side of her; dozens more surround the square and occupy the rooftops above. Their guns are trained on the crowd below.

The holding areas are considerably smaller this year. Katniss stands alone on the left; Haymitch and Peeta are to the right. Beyond them, in the space where the rest of the children of District 12 usually await their fates, is a wall of adults. The children have been moved to the back of the square. For once, they are safe.

Mayor Undersee does not recite his usual preamble to begin the ceremony. Instead, the guard to Effie's right signals to her that it's time to begin. She takes a tentative step into the light of the beating sun. The concrete building behind her feels more like a prison than the Hall of Justice. The thought of what she's about to do, about the possibility of sending Haymitch back into the Games, makes her sick to her stomach. As she walks, President Snow's words repeat themselves in her mind.

On the seventy-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from their existing pool of victors.

. . .

Effie clears her throat into the microphone. The echo reverberates throughout the silent crowd.

"Happy Hunger games," she says, lacking much of her usual conviction. "And happy Third Quarter Quell." There is a pause, but no one cheers. She can't bring herself to say the next words in the script. The odds will not be in Katniss, Peeta, or Haymitch's favor this year. Instead, she says, "Now we will watch a video presented to you by the Capitol."

The ceremony begins, as it does each year, with a video that reminds the Districts of the rebellion, the Dark Days, the return to order, and the Treaty of Treason. It is the reason for the Hunger Games. It is a reminder to the people that no one can overcome the power of the Capitol.

When the video ends, the reaping begins. The two large glass bowls that are usually filled with hundreds of names stand almost empty. Ladies first.

Effie reaches into the bowl that contains only one slip of paper. It falls through her fingers and she has to grab it a few times before it's finally secured. She unfolds the paper, and states the name that everyone in all of Panem already knows. "Katniss Everdeen."

Not a sound escapes the crowd. Katniss' footsteps are hollow as they echo off the concrete steps. She makes her way to the stage, and stands at attention. Her gaze is fixed somewhere in the distance.

Effie's eyes make contact with Haymitch. The look on his face reminds her of the last time they were together, the kiss that she didn't think she had enough courage to initiate. The taste of his lips. If she picks his name…she can't bring herself to finish the thought.

Effie tries to take a steady breath. She reaches into the second bowl and feels the two pieces of paper in her hand. Which one to pick? Her fingers switch from one to the other. At the last second, they reverse to the original slip. She pulls it out, and carefully unravels the fold.

. . .

Her voice catches in her throat. The name that stares back at her is the realization of her worst fear. She closes her eyes, forces a breath in, then out. They are on live television, she reminds herself. She's not allowed to break down on stage.

Slowly, carefully, with everyone watching, she regains her composure, but the words "Haymitch Abernathy" only come out as a whisper.

. . .

She looks up to see that Haymitch's eyes have never left her. Before either of them can communicate a message, a voice behind him rises through the silence.

"I volunteer!"

Peeta pushes himself in front of Haymitch.

Effie blinks, then switches her gaze on him. She is sure her ears are playing a trick on her, but Peeta is walking toward the stage. In a few seconds, he stands before her and she knows what he's done. The breath that she's been holding no longer feels like it's choking her. She's relieved and terrified at the same time. Haymitch is safe. The Games have begun, but there is no way to win. Between Peeta and Katniss, only one can survive.

. . .

Peacekeepers separate Effie from Peeta and Katniss, and they are all taken into the Justice Building. She is hastily placed into a room with a thick, patterned carpet and bookshelves that line the walls; a library of sorts.

A minute later, the door opens and Haymitch crosses the room in long strides. Effie lets herself fall into his arms. She's done with the cameras, the speeches, and most of all, the reapings. She's done pretending to be strong. Her tears soak into his jacket but she doesn't care. Here, in his arms, she finally feels safe.

"Effie," he murmurs into her ear. "It's okay. I'm here. We're here, we're okay."

The lock clicks from outside and the door is pushed open forcefully. Haymitch's reaction is automatic. He places himself in front of Effie.

"We're leaving," says the Peacekeeper at the door, with his gun pointed in their direction.

Haymitch narrows his eyes, but follows the order, keeping himself between the guard and Effie as they walk through the building to the rear exit. They enter a nondescript car that is occupied by two other Peacekeepers.

Effie's demeanor is calm on their way toward the train station, but the trembling in her hand gives away her anxiety. When the guards aren't watching, Haymitch takes her hand in his, and whispers again in her ear.

"You're doing great, sweetheart. Just follow my lead. We'll get to the train, get away from here, then we'll sort it out."

Effie nods. He gives her hand a light squeeze, releasing it just as the guard turns to check on them. When they arrive at the station, Effie is visibly relieved to see Peeta and Katniss waiting for them. Haymitch only stares warily at the man beside them—Thread, the notoriously bloodthirsty Head Peacekeeper. His worry is unrealized, however, when the four of them are hurried onto the train. The doors are barely closed when it starts to move, and quickly pick up speed. They are once again on their way to the Capitol.