Chapter 6
Ruby and Haymitch walked to the dining cart together. Effie was already chatting away about how wonderful the capital is and how great breakfast is. Rupert looked up when Ruby walked in and stood to hug her. He held her tightly as Effie chirped on.
"Well, well, well. It's wonderful to finally meet you, Belinda. I'm Effie."
"I know who you are. And it's Ruby. No one calls me Belinda." Ruby cut her off.
"Well, I was just telling Tomo here about…" Effie started.
"It's Tano. You should be a bit more professional and remember our names. I know how wonderful the Capital is, you don't need to repeat anything. Ever."
Ruby sat down and they started to eat. Breakfast was a quiet affair. Effie remained quiet for the most part, aside from commenting now and then about the train, the food or the mood in the room. After breakfast, Rupert took a bread roll and led Ruby and Haymitch into the only cart that had a fireplace.
"Do it." Rupert handed Haymitch the bread. "I know this is morbid, but it may be the only time you have left together. I'd rather see you be relatively happy for a few days, than be the one who stands in your way."
"You're already wearing white." Haymitch pointed out. Ruby looked down at her dress. It was not meant to be a wedding dress, but it was beautiful. A tear ran down her cheek as she looked up at Haymitch. "This isn't how we wanted it."
"But it's better than nothing." Ruby finished his thought and reached for the firewood. Ruby and Haymitch stacked the wood and lit it together. Rupert divided the roll and handed them each a piece. He began softly singing the wedding song and Ruby and Haymitch joined in. They toasted the bread and kissed.
"In my eyes, you are now married. The Capitol wont care much for a silly District 12 tradition, but it's not for them. It is for you, my darling." Rupert kissed Ruby on the forehead and headed out.