So…I suck. The last time I updated this story was over a year ago, and I'm really, really sorry about that. I wasn't getting any feedback or response from the story so I thought no one was interested, but after cleaning my desktop, I found my story and decided to start it up again. Hopefully my readers will continue to read and enjoy the story, and I hope it picks up some new readers. Thanks for reading and sticking along!

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Chapter Thirteen

Effie wasn't sure how to react. Yes, Haymitch had won, but at what cost? His insides were on the outside! She turned Aria for advice on how to react and what to do, but she was no help either.

"He won…" she kept mumbling. She soon snapped out of her funk and looked at Effie.

"Hurry along and gather your things," she spoke in her usual bossy manner. "We must get to the hospital soon. The press will be there and we need to answer as many questions as possible."

Effie hurried to her room, changing her simple clothes for an extravagant white dress she had been saving for a special occasion. With no time for a shower, she pulled her hair up into a clip and let a few curls bob from side to side. She slipped on a silver pair of flats before grabbing her notebook and meeting Aria at the door. She was dressed in an obnoxious lime green dress, complete with bright blue trim and a yellow hat.

"At times like this, it is always important to remember make up," Aria said. Effie touched her face and felt a slight blush. "No time to worry about it now. We must get to the hospital."

Soon the two were in the car on their way to the hospital. The cab driver parked near the Victor wing of the hospital. Aria flashed her laminated card in front of a scanner, which unlocked and opened the side door.

"Aria," Effie saw the bright flashes from cameras and heard the mindless chatter from reporters. "How do we know what to tell them? We don't know anything about Haymitch!"

Aria smoothed out her dress and pushed the hair of her wig around with her fingers. "We say what they want to hear," she simply said. "It's all a show. That's what they're here for."

Aria led Effie over to the throngs of reporters. They all began to speak at once, asking about Haymitch, his injuries and District 12. Aria held her hands up and they all stopped talking. It was like she was conducting a symphony: she would point to one section of the crowd and they would ask a few questions. Then she would point to the opposite section and they would do the same.

"While I cannot comment on Mr. Abernathy's condition, I can say he, his family and the entire population of District Twelve is happy to have him return home."

"When will he be out?"

Aria kept a smile on her face, despite the repetitive questions. "It is unknown at this time, but we hope it will be soon." Aria looked over at Effie and smiled. "In fact, my junior escort, Effie, was just about to check on his condition."

Effie nodded and took off towards the end of the wing. A nurse told her Haymitch was in the last room in the wing, which was reserved only for victors. Effie quietly walked down the hall and entered the room, afraid of what she would find.

Her eyes scanned the large room and found Haymitch lying in a bed towards the back of the room. It was next to a large window with the most perfect view of the Capitol. His eyes were closed, but it was apparent he was conscious.

Effie took a few more cautious steps and surveyed the sight before her. While Haymitch was wearing a hospital gown, it was clear to see his stomach was bloated, no doubt from the stitches and heavy bruising. His arms, hands and face had cuts, lacerations and bruises.

A doctor came in to update Effie on the situation. "All of the facial and arm scars will heal," he said. "We're trying a new formulated cream to rid the body of imperfections. It's revolutionary."

Effie kept her eyes on Haymitch. Who cares about body scares, will he be okay?

"However, the scarring on his stomach, where his intestines were out," the doctor started while Effie felt her stomach churn. "That scar will probably remain. The cream won't reduce the size of the scar, just the color. Besides, he refused to let any of us touch it after surgery."

The doctor told Effie Haymitch would be released in a couple of days, just in time for his crowning, post-Games interview and victory ball. The doctor left Effie alone with Haymitch, who was starting to wake from his slumber.

He opened his eyes and surveyed his surroundings. While everything was blurry, he made out a figure with blonde hair to his right. All he could think of was the District One tribute, back to finish the job. He sat upright in his bed, held his hands out and began to yell.

"No! Haymitch! It's me!" Effie called, grabbing hold of his hands. "It's me! Effie!"

He let his eyes adjust and heartbeat return to normal. "Eff?" She nodded and kept a hold of his hands. He let out a relieved sigh and for a moment, Effie thought she saw his eyes tear. "I'm so glad to see you."

Effie smiled. No one had ever said that to her before. Ever.

"You too," she whispered.

The more Haymitch looked at her, the more she resembled an angel. The glow from the false lighting pooled around the crown of her head. Her white dress radiated light, as did her eyes and smile.

"Can I go home?" Haymitch whispered like a child.

Effie wasn't sure how to respond. He still had a week to spend in the Capitol before he could return home to his family. All of a sudden, she heard Aria's words in her head: We say what they want to hear. It's all a show… "Soon," Effie smiled. "I promise."

Haymitch nodded and leaned back into his bed. Effie stayed with him and held his hands until he fell asleep. She looked down at her small, fair skinned hand. Her slender fingers wrapped around Haymitch's long, thick ones. His hands had bruises and cuts all over; his knuckles caked with dried blood. She gave them a reassuring pat before exiting the room and updating Aria and the press.

Just tell them what they want to hear. It's all a show…