READ THIS FIRST: This chapter contains Hayffie fluff and gets a tiny bit smutty in the end. I won't go in on details or anything. I worked really hard on this one so I hope you like it! Thanks for all the reviews :D I love you guys. Enjoy! Please read and let me know what you think! All characters belong to Suzanne Collins.
"So, today's the day." Peeta spoke to Effie and Eden. They were all having dinner in the living room area. "Your interviews with Caesar are in 2 hours. Don't be nervous, he's a good guy. " Effie shook her head. "I've had interviews with Caesar before, I know what to do." Haymitch wiped his mouth with his handkerchief and stood up from his chair. "Well, then I suggest you both get yourself cleaned up and get to Magnus. I saw your dress already." He winked at Effie. What was that supposed to mean? She stuffed a chocolate covered strawberry in her mouth, stood up and walked towards her room, head held high, Eden not far behind.
"Open your eyes." Magnus said. Effie opened them and looked in the mirror in front of her. The strapless gown was gorgeous. The bodice was beautiful as it was completely covered in crystal embellishments. The rest of the gown was also done in gorgeous embellishments and cinched in with an equally sparkled waistband. It made for a truly stunning look. Her long blonde hair hung loose down her back in wavy curls. Magnus grabbed two strands of hair on either side of her head and pulled them back. He clipped the strands together on the back of her head with a silver flower. Effie placed a hand over her mouth and then turned to Magnus. "Thank you." she managed to bring out, and she hugged him. "Now don't cry on me, Effie." He grinned. "I want you to look perfect for your interview." Effie nodded and blinked any tear of glee away.
"Is she ready?" she heard Katniss ask. Effie turned to look at Katniss. "Wow, Effie! Magnus, you did a great job, thank you." Katniss grabbed Effie's hand. "Come on, you're up in a minute." Once they walked into the backstage area, they heard Caesar's voice. "Thank you! Octavia, everybody!" They heard people cheering, then Octavia appeared. She immediately made her way to Effie. "Good luck, dear." she whispered. Effie gave her a smile and then looked at the screen on the wall. "And now, ladies and gentlemen." he announced. Effie plucked at her dress. She had to admit she was kind of nervous. "The woman you've all been waiting to see." Katniss looked at Effie. "Good luck." she whispered and backed away a few steps.
"Of course you know her; fashion icon and former escort for District 12. Here she is, Euphemia Trinket!" Effie took a deep breath and made her way to the stage. She put on her fake smile and waved as people were screaming her name. Caesar took her hand. "Euphemia, dear, you look amazing! Of course you always do, as the most beautiful woman in all of Panem! Am I right folks? Hahaha!" People responded by applauding and whistling. They both sat down. "Now, Effie." Caesar began. "How do you feel about this; finally sitting here yourself, ready to go into the Arena?" He pointed the microphone at her. "Well, Caesar, let's just say that it is a true honor to represent the city I was born in!" It was a lie. A big, fat lie. But she kept smiling. "Ahw, isn't she cute ladies and gentlemen?" She faked a giggle. Caesar asked her a couple more questions until he heard the buzzer. "I'm afraid our time is up." He grabbed her hand and stood up, pulling her to her feet. "Euphemia Trinket everyone!" Effie smiled and waved at the crowd. Caesar gave her hand a kiss. "Thank you." he said and motioned for her to step off the stage.
Once backstage she ran into the open arms of Haymitch, Katniss and Peeta. "Good job, Effie!" they all said and they hugged her. "Thanks." Effie smiled and her eyes shot to the screen on the wall. It was Eden's turn now. Dressed in a suit with silver collar and cufflinks; he looked charming as ever. The crowd went wild. After asking him a few questions about the Games in itself, Caesar switched the subject. "So, your sister is going in too. How do you feel about that?" Eden leaned in to speak through the microphone. "You know, as a big brother, I always want to protect her." "I understand." "But looking at her now… She's such a strong, independent woman it frightens me." Effie thought Eden had made a mistake and faced Haymitch with a worried look. "Don't." he said. "He's very good." Effie turned to face the screen again. "She sure is a tough one, Eden." Caesar nodded. It was funny how quickly you could feel understood by that man. It felt like you had known him for years. "I mean, I love her to death. I believe that's literally, looking at the situation we're in. We can't both win. And I will do anything to get her out of there." Caesar nodded in understanding. "You, sir, are a man after my own heart." The buzzer sounded once again. "Eden Trinket, everybody!"
Eden stood up and waved at the cheering crowd. People were applauding him. They gave him a standing ovation, waving with their wallets. That's when it hit Effie for real. There was only one of them who would get out of the Arena, and those people were betting on them. She suddenly felt sick to the stomach. "Effie, are you alright? You look ill." Peeta asked her and put a hand on her forehead. "I have to go." Effie said. She turned around and ran off. "Haymitch?" Peeta tapped on Haymitch's shoulder. "What is it, kid?" "Effie. I think you should go after her. She's not feeling so well." Haymitch looked in the direction of Peeta's finger. He saw a flicker of a silver dress disappearing just around the corner.
Once she reached the Penthouse she ran to the bathroom. She wanted to throw up, but it didn't happen. She grabbed a glass of water and drank all of it within a few seconds. That felt better. She put it down and looked at herself in the mirror. "Look at you." Effie said to her reflection. "You're a tribute. Where's your pride now?" She reached behind her head and tore the flower from her hair. Then she stepped out of the gown and decided to take a quick shower. The last one she would probably ever have.
As she finished blow-drying her hair she heard a knock on her bedroom door. She put her hair in a loose ponytail and threw on her dressing gown. She walked to the door and opened it. It was Haymitch. "What are you-" He pulled her into a hug before she could finish her sentence. She let her body relax and leaned her head against his shoulder. "What were you doing?" he whispered in her ear. "I was feeling ill so I headed back to the Penthouse." "You gave me quite a scare there, sweetheart." Effie smiled at the thought of him calling her sweetheart instead of princess. "I'm sorry." She lifted her head to look him in the eyes. Bright blue staring into deep grey. Haymitch leaned in carefully and before he knew it, he was kissing her. He felt Effie's body tense. Then her eyes fluttered shut and she kissed him back. They pulled apart after a few seconds.
"I thought we had an agreement about this?" Effie asked, staring at his lips. Haymitch grinned. "All is fair in love and war." "You love me?" Effie's eyes focused on Haymitch's again. "I believe I do." he answered. "And you, do you love me?" "I believe I do as well." she whispered and pulled him in for a kiss again. The kiss started out sweet and loving, but soon got heated, passionate and hungry. Effie clutched onto his shirt and let out a soft moan as they fell backwards onto her bed and he started trailing kisses down her neck. Soon their clothes were sent down to the floor, their kisses grew intense, they let their hands roam over each other's bodies and called out each other's names. Haymitch kissed her lips one last time and held her close. Effie's snuggled up to him as he fell sleep. "Don't let me go, Haymitch. Don't ever let me go." She whispered.