I'm soo sorry for the delay! I had a really hard time writing this chapter, figuring out what could've happened on the train was so difficult. But after many rewrites I finally did it! I'm going away for a while so hopefully the change in scenery will inspire me. Unfortunately I wont be updating till I get back.(imagine it, 3 weeks without internet!)

I really hope you enjoy this!x (You probably won't)

Disclaimer: No, I do not own the Hunger Games. Le sigh.


3

I am a despicable person, I think to myself as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Why don't I just do something? It'd be better than sitting around lying to the entire country while I wait for something to happen. Besides, who would care if I was arrested,or executed? Portia, maybe, perhaps my sisters? Me, that's why I can't do this, I'm to selfish. If things do change I want to be there to see it, and that's what's stopping me from helping. After about five minutes I push these thoughts to the back of my mind and dress for the day, making sure my old locket is hidden from view. I finger the fine gold chain for a moment before going to wake the kids for breakfast. Haymitch saunters into the dining car as I pour myself a cup of coffee.

"Looking ridiculous as always, Princess," he says with a slight nod in my direction. I frown even though I agree.

"A simple good morning would have sufficed," I reply as I turn my whole body to face him. "And my name is Effie."

"Whatever, Princess."

"Haymitch, I think you should mentor these kids properly," I say, knowing this is my only chance to catch him even vaguely sober.

"Why should I do that? They don't stand a chance."

"I think that they do, especially her. I just, have a feeling, at least think about it."

"I don't think so,Princess."

"Why are you so..." I suddenly realise how close he's standing to me now, I know I'm starting to blush as I take in his scent of pine and whisky. "Difficult?" I finally manage. Thank God for make up.

"Princess, you have no idea what you're talking about, It must be difficult for that blissful Capitol brain of yours to comprehend-" he staggers back as my slap cuts him off. I grab my coffee and leave the compartment, not even bothering to acknowledge Katniss as I brush past her on my way out.


"You hit a tribute!" I scream, "of all the stupid things you've done Haymitch, this takes the biscuit!"

"Calm down, Pri-"

"I will, not calm down, and stop calling me that! I cannot fathom why you would do something so idiotic!"

"He spilt my drink..."

"It's free!"

"Anyway, I thought about it... and I will stay sober enough to mentor them."

"W..what made you change your mind?"

"I have a feeling." It's exactly what I said but I don't ask him about it, after all, the penthouse is most likely bugged. Instead I decide to dress for the Tribute Parade. I'm not normally excited for the parade but this year we've got new stylists. More importantly we've got Cinna and Portia, whom I know to be two of the best stylists in the Capitol, but I'm a bit biased when it comes to Portia. Dear Portia almost screamed down the phone to me when she got the job, she got to work with Cinna, the most amazing designer Panem has ever seen in her opinion.

"But Effie, the way he looks at fabrics... the way he uses colours... his eye for detail!" For weeks I've listened to her gush about her partner and now I get to see what they've come up with.

I find Haymitch waiting in the living room looking rather...handsome. I must have frozen for a moment because he suddenly grabs my arm and leads me to the elevator. Gently, it surprises me, I half expected him to nearly rip my arm off. I probably seem to be acting strangely because he glances at me and moves ever so slightly further away. For some reason I can't stop smiling. Haymitch notices and questions me on it.

"What's up with you Trinket?" Oh would you please use my proper name?

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean."

"You keep smiling and staring..."

"It's just... you look good." I reply as the elevator opens. We say no more until after the Parade. Even then we don't say much before he goes of to look for either sponsors or Chaff and escrt the Tributes home, but not before hugging and congratulating Portia.

I begin to babble to the kids when were in the elevator, telling them how I've been trying to win them sponsors. I'm sure to throw some stupid Capitol insult in there, just to be safe.

"Everyone has their reservations, naturally. You being from the coal district. But I said. and this was very clever of me, I said, "Well, if you put enough pressure on coal it turns into pearls!" And the idiots believed it, does anybody else in the Capitol have the capacity for logic? The districts are much smarter."Unfortunately,"I continue, "I can't seal the sponsor deals for you. Only Haymitch can do that. But don't worry, I"ll get him to the table at gunpoint if necessary." That would be fun. I show Katniss and Peeta to their rooms before going up to the roof.

I stand alone, leaning against the railing, for at least half an hour before I'm disturbed. Somehow, I don't hear Haymitch before he's right behind me.

"What brings you up here Princess?" he asks loudly. I jump slightly and turn around to find my face inches away from his. Certian I'm blushing I turn back to watch over the city.

"I was thinking,"I reply as he stands beside me, looking at me as if to say, 'about what?' I sigh before I continue, "Do you ever wonder what it would be like if the Dark Days didn't happen? If there was no Hunger Games? What if we were all free? How would we feel if it all went away?" I speak quickly, in case he decides to interrupt me, instead he just looks worried. "Don't worry, I swept the area for bugs, it's safe." He breathes a sigh of relief before speaking.

"I'm sorry, about this morning, I shouldn't have been so..." he says.

"It's fine, really, I'm okay with it, and I shouldn't have slapped you anyway.."

Nice necklace," he says, reaching for my engraved locket, his thumb runs over the bird on the surface before glancing at me. " You should get ready for dinner he says before going back inside. I stand still for a moment before following him.

How did you fall for that one Effie?


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