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Interlude: Through a Mentor's Eyes IV
74th Hunger Games Part I
Haymitch looked at her skeptically.
"Come on, Sweetheart. Be a darling and walk my drunken ass home." Haymitch slurred gruffly.
Something tells me I'm not drunk enough for this conversation.
Katniss rolled her eyes at him.
Sorry, Sweetheart as much as I know I'm going to hate this conversation, you aren't getting out of it.
Tel and Prim runs to follow them out, "Bye, Uncle Mitchy."
Damn, kids. Fucking, adorably sweet. Sweetheart raised them right, don't know how she managed to raise pure, kind-hearted kids specially in this fucked up world. While, her and Sia are feisty and sullen.
As, they walked to Haymitch's house, and he finally noticed the smirk on Katniss' face.
He glared at her, "Oh, shut up."
Katniss snickered, "I didn't say anything….Uncle Mitchy."
Haymitch scowled at her, That sounds so wrong coming from Sweetheart….I think I actually prefer her calling me, Sugar.
"Only the little tykes can call me that. After, all they have all the charm in your family." Katniss laughed lightly.
Haymitch eyes softened at her laughter not that Katniss noticed.
Okay, maybe the Sweetheart has some charm. And shit that charm is going to be the end of Sweetheart's innocence….not like there's much left anyway. Fucking, Capitol. Fucking, Snow. Sick, bastards. They're definitely are going to regret ever having reaped Sweetheart, she's already lit a spark in people… It's only a matter of time before the flames catch up to them and burn their child-murdering perverted asses to the ground.
Haymitch's face grew grave, "What did Snow really want, Sweetheart?"
Katniss' smile vanished from her face.
Oh, fuck! You really never get a break do you, Sweetheart?
"Before, the Victor's party you said something I didn't understand tell now. 'Poor thing, you're gonna hate Snow's gift for your 16th.' You knew this would happen didn't you?" Katniss asked softly.
Haymitch nodded gravely, Shit, this really is gonna happen to her... I need a fucking drink.
"I had hoped naively for your sake that he wouldn't make you the offer but yeah, Sweetheart. I knew. You made yourself unforgettable when you won your first Games. Then, when you won your second Games. Well, damnit Sweetheart! You licked your lips seductively, dripping wet, saying you have many skills and asking if you can show them! That really didn't help you're case, especially since you were already stacked as a fourteen year old!" Haymitch slurred half accusingly and half hopelessly
Fuck, Sweetheart. There's nothing I can do to save you…god damnit Katniss you were just too special for your own good.
Katniss blinked shocked at his words, her cheeks darkened in a very rare blush.
"What?" She squeaked out pathetically.
Christ, they're gonna eat her alive.
Haymitch snorted, Damn, Sweetheart. Just how oblivious are you?
"Oh, Sweetheart. You're completely hopeless. You really don't know the affect you can have on people, do you?"
Katniss blinked at him owlishly, not comprehending what he was saying.
Haymitch rolled his eyes at her before sighing exasperatedly
Oh for crying out loud! She's so fucking naïve…. and good, too good for those Capitol fucks to touch her. I'm gonna need more booze.
"It would be in your best interest, if you propositioned that hunting partner of yours before you start your appointments." He snapped out the last word in disgust.
Katniss looked at him dumbfounded
"Gale? He doesn't see me that way! That would be incredibly awkward for him, Haymitch!" Katniss yelled obliviously.
Haymitch sniggered at her naivety, God, for one of the smartest people I know, Sweetheart can be such a dumbass sometimes.
"Oh please, Sweetheart. The boy is hopelessly in love with you. It will be a wet dream come true for him." Haymitch stated bluntly.
She blushed again
Ha! I don't think I've ever seen the Sweetheart this red before.
"I've seen your Hunger Games…you weren't ugly. How did you handle Snow's deal?"
His expression grew grim.
My mother, Kyra Abernathy was one of the strongest women I knew. My little brother, Dureau was only fucking ten when Snow had him killed. My girl, Naveen Areta was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, and so god damn stubborn. Lot like Sweetheart…it's disturbing and heartbreaking to see the similarities between them. Plus the similarities between me and Sweetheart. In a life where Snow didn't kill Naveen and where she had our kid that she was pregnant with, I can see Naveen and I having a child a lot like Katniss…
"I wasn't strong enough to say yes. He killed my family and my girl. Then I started drinking, so I was no longer wanted. Same thing happened to Johanna, the two of us didn't agree as readily as you and Pretty Boy did. For that, Sweetheart. You will always have my undying respect. For, whatever it's worth." Haymitch snorts bitterly
Not, like it will do anything to save you.
Katniss looked at him sadly with understanding.
Yeah, that's right Sweetheart… a Victor never knows peace or freedom. But you're different, you're the hope for change, for freedom. You could change it all…. 'cause you're the spark.
Finnick as he slung an arm over her shoulders.
"Hey, there, gorgeous. Why don't we leave these two lovebirds and the old drunk here and get acquainted with one another in a more intimate way? Come on, Hell Kat. You wouldn't want to disappoint your Fish Boy. Now, would you?" Finnick purred into her ear, his voice husky with desire.
Come on, Hell Kat. I promise to make it worth your while.
Katniss looked up at his sea green eyes and cocky smirk, she smirked back at him seductively before grabbing his arm and flipping his body over, he landed ungracefully on the ground with a loud thud.
Finnick let out a surprised, "Oooff" sound.
Is it wrong that makes me even more turned on by my Hell Kat? She's stunning and ethereal when her eyes blaze with that fire. I'm glad she's not letting her fate as a beautiful Victor get to her. It's not easy being a Capitol sex slave and she might be putting up more walls and suppressing the painful emotions it's causing her but it's better than letting Snow break her spirit. Hell Kat's still has her fire and that is a fucking miracle. She really is something else.
Everyone stared dumbfounded before breaking out in loud laughter.
Katniss stared smugly back at his stunned expression.
"You aren't my anything, Fish Boy. And the next time you touch me without my permission, you'll lose something more valuable than your dignity." She said this with an evil smile on her face, staring pointedly at his crotch.
Finnick gulped nervously before quickly recovering and putting on his famous cocky smirk.
God, I think I love you. Wow, I am in love with my Hell Kat….she's not ready though she's still trying to figure out how to survive being a Victor. I'm okay with that. Hell Kat is definitely worth waiting for. She's the one. There will never be anyone else.
"You and your threats. Always, the kinky one huh, Hell Kat?" He leered at her.
She really has no idea what she is doing to me and honestly that's part of her charm.
Katniss rolled her eyes before walking away
Finnick chuckles warmly
The only way I could possibly want you to change Hell Kat is for you to love me as much as I love you.
It's the 74th Reaping. The once incredibly short list of victors of District 12 gets more interesting to hear: Augustan Burroughs (13th), Haymitch Abernathy (50th), Katniss Everdeen (70th & 72nd), and Dean Rivers (73rd) .
Haymitch and Dean snort quietly
Way to outshine us there Sweetheart. Haymitch thought smirking.
Dean thinks, Showoff.
"Primrose Everdeen"
Oh, for crying out. You have to be fucking kidding me. Snow, must of fucking rigged this thing! There's no way he would want to kill her, Sweetheart is earning him money and he knows that she'll win of course she'll fuckin' win it's in her nature to survive. So, what could be the god damn reason for this? Fuck, I need a drink!
"I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" Katniss yelled the fury clear in her voice and in her blazing grey eyes. Everyone flinched, as the anger seemed to roll of her in waves.
Damn you, Sweetheart! You're getting kind of predictable there. What am I going to do with you?
"Katniss! No! Katniss, you can't go!" Prim screamed.
Sorry, mini Sweetheart but this time Katniss isn't going to give into you because there's no stopping the Sweetheart from doing anything in her power to protect you.
Effie cleared her throat nervously, knowing there was no way to talk Katniss out of this.
"Let's give a big round of applause to our tribute once again, Katniss Everdeen!"
To the everlasting credit of the people of District 12, not one person claps. This silence speaks with more emotion than any words the citizens of District 12 could ever utter at once. Anger. Pain. Loss. Respect. Admiration. Love. Which says, we do not agree. We do not condone. All of this is wrong. Then something unexpected happens. At first one, then another, then almost every member of the crowd touches the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and holds it out to her. It is an old and rarely used gesture of their district, occasionally seen at funerals. It means thanks, it means admiration, it means good-bye to someone you love.
I'll be damned Sweetheart, you really are the one we have been waiting for.
Katniss looked like she was in danger of crying
Here, let me help you out, Sweetheart.
"Look at her. Look at this one!" He hollers, throwing an arm around her shoulders.
All of us are fucking lucky someone like Sweetheart exists.
"That's my girl! I've always liked her!"
Who am I kidding? I fucking love the spunky Sweetheart... not like I'm about to admit that. She'd never let me live that down.
"Lots of . . . " He can't think of the word for a while. "Spunk!" He says triumphantly.
And you can't destroy it Snow. She'll destroy you before you get the chance.
"More than you!" Haymitch releases Katniss and starts for the front of the stage.
"More than you!" He shouts, pointing directly into a camera. Haymitch loses his balance and before he falls of the stage he last thought before he's unconscious is,
This is gonna hurt.
Haymitch pulled Katniss into his room to talk to her privately before Effie called them out for dinner.
"What's your plan, Sweetheart?" Haymitch asked gruffly.
Katniss avoided his eyes as she answered, "I won't be returning to District 12 this time, Haymitch. We'll be saving, Peeta."
Haymitch gaped at her shocked but it quickly turned to anger. WHAT THE FUCK IS SHE THINKING!
"You are planning on sacrificing yourself, for that kid? What the hell, Sweetheart? Why is saving Bread Boy so important that you would leave your kids to fend themselves and alone with that worthless mother of yours?" Haymitch asked harshly.
You can't give up, Sweetheart! So many are counting on you!
Katniss rushed out the story of Peeta saving her family with the two burned pieces of bread and how she owes him her life.
Haymitch glare turned into an understanding expression but his eyes were pained.
Oh, Sweetheart.
"That was years ago, Sweetheart. Thank him, and focus on staying alive." He practically pleaded with her.
He's not worth you dying, Sweetheart, no one is.
Katniss shook her head stubbornly, before he could argue with her more they were interrupted by Dean and Peeta.
"Effie is looking for you guys." Dean explained and left the doorway, with Katniss following him out.
This isn't over Sweetheart.
Peeta lingered behind watching the two leave but not leaving himself.
I really don't want to deal with this kid. He may have saved Sweetheart's life but he'll need to die so I can make sure she gets out of that damn Arena.
"Was there something you needed, Bread Boy?"
Peeta rolled his eyes at the unoriginal nickname.
"You have to make sure she wins again." Peeta said calmly, shocking the older man.
Haymitch's eyebrows shot up in surprise
Well that's unexpected but not really unwelcome at this point. The Sweetheart is stubborn but she usually pulls off her plans through sheer will power, I'll definitely need all the help I can get to undermine her plan to save the boy. I'm sure Pretty Boy will lose it when he finds out about this.
"Why would you give her life more priority over your own?" He asked the baker's son curiously. Peeta rubbed his neck uncomfortable with this conversation.
"She's special. She's the survivor not me. Like you said, I'm just the Bread Boy."
Haymitch studied him critically, "True enough, but there's more to it than that."
Peeta blushed lightly, before finally admitting "I've been in love with her since I was five and the birds stopped to hear her sing."
Haymitch examined the boy's face before smirking.
Thank fuck! Always, knew the Sweetheart was too special for her own good but this I can work with.
"Looks like, Sweetheart's plan is doomed to fail." Haymitch Abernathy snickered as he dragged Peeta to dinner.
Katniss looked suspiciously at them as the two entered the room.
Peeta looked sheepish and Haymitch was smug as her returned her searching look with one of his sarcastic smirks.
Sorry, Sweetheart. You're gonna survive whether you like it or not.
"So, Bread Boy. What is it about Sweetheart that attracts you? Is it her tits? How many times do you jerk off thinking about her? What's your number one fantasy involving the Sweetheart?" Haymitch teases with a huge smirk on his face, he bursts into laughter at Peeta's answering blush.
Dean looks torn between amusement and discomfort because while it was funny seeing the slighty older boy completely red from Haymitch's taunts. It was also awkward because Dean also sees Katniss as the older sister he never had. Besides, by the way Freesia and his little brother Duke are attached to each other it's very likely that he and Katniss will be in-laws someday.
Effie leaves disgusted by Haymitch's remarks.
Peeta is embarrassed when Katniss walks in.
"Sit down! Sit down!" says Haymitch, waving Katniss over.
Dean just looked extremely uncomfortable.
"So, you're supposed to give us advice," Peeta says to Haymitch.
Dean and Katniss snicker.
"Here's some advice. Stay alive," says Haymitch, and then bursts out laughing.
Gotta let Sweetheart think I want to help the boy.
"That's very funny," says Peeta. Suddenly he lashes out at the glass in Haymitch's hand. It shatters on the floor, sending the blood red liquid running toward the back of the train.
"Only not to us." Peeta says seriously. Haymitch considers this a moment, then punches Peeta in the jaw, knocking him from his chair. When he turns back to reach for the spirits, Katniss drove her knife into the table between his hand and the bottle, barely missing his fingers.
Don't you ever get tired of attacking me with knives, Sweetheart?
"Geez, Sweetheart. Watch it, you were too close to my fingers this time." Haymitch slurs exasperatedly.
"That was the point, Sugar." Katniss smirked at him.
Dean sniggered as Haymitch rolled his eyes
She never changes.
Peeta rises from the floor and scoops up a handful of ice from under the fruit tureen. He starts to raise it to the red mark on his jaw.
"No," says Haymitch, stopping him.
"Let the bruise show. The audience will think you've mixed it up with another tribute before you've even made it to the arena."
Katniss looked at him in surprise, "Wow, actual advice? Impressive, Sugar. You, can mentor Peeta then and I'll mentor Dean on how too mentor me."
Dean nodded his head towards her, Peeta looked relieved, and Haymitch had a sly look in his eye
Thanks for making it easier to save your life, Sweetheart.
Finnick Odair was waiting in the elevator for Katniss.
Finally, it took the Hell Kat long enough.
"Hello, gorgeous. Just when I thought you couldn't get any hotter, Hell Kat."
God, she is so damn beautiful.
Katniss snorts, "That was a terrible fire pun, Fish Boy."
Finnick grins charmingly at her.
She's lucky I didn't make any water meets fire jokes…they'd definitely be on the naughty side.
"Well, Hell Kat. Have you heard the saying 'foul water will quench fire'? Suits us don't you think?" Finnick purred seductively
Alright, I had to least make one water/fire comment. It wouldn't be right if I didn't.
Finnick spotted her shiver with a triumphant gleam in his sea green eyes
Oh, what little naughty thoughts are running through your head my pretty little Hell Kat?
"In your dreams, Fish Boy. It's never gonna happen." Katniss smirked at him.
Finnick smiled at her wickedly
It shouldn't turn me on as much as it does when she plays hard to get. Oh, who am I kidding? She's my Hell Kat anything she does makes me want her more.
"What did I tell you about saying, 'never' Hell Kat?" He chuckled and winked as she scowled before she exited the elevator.
Oh, yeah. She wants me. Finnick thought to himself with a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
"That girl is a knife-throwing psycho." Katniss said with a look of disgust on her face.
Haymitch snorted at her
Like you're one to talk Sweetheart. How many knives have you thrown at me?
"No one likes a hypocrite, Sweetheart."
Katniss glared at everyone as they laughed, before ignoring them to watch rest of the scores.
11? Guess, I'm not the only one to like Sweetheart's spunk but at the same time I'm sure half the Gamemakers wanted her to have a high score as punishment while the rest felt like she truly deserves it.
"The Gamemakers gave me that score so the Careers would forget about any idea of an alliance, they want me to be the Careers number one target." Katniss pointed out logically.
Haymitch sighed
Glad you spotted the ramifications of this too, Sweetheart.
"I don't doubt that, Sweetheart"
Katniss beamed, as a brilliant idea began forming in her mind.
Haymitch groaned
I hate that look. That look is going to kill me before my drinking does.
"Why the hell do you have that glint in your eye, Sweetheart?"
Katniss shrugged innocently
"What glint, Sugar?"
He glared at the spunky girl
"The glint that says you're planning to do something completely unpredictable that could get you killed if the plan goes bad but will be ingenious if it's successful."
Katniss laughed at him.
Everyone smiled at the sound besides Haymitch.
Sometimes, Sweetheart I despise your devious mind.
She smirked before repeating the first words she ever said to her mentor, "You'll find out, once the games begin just like everyone else unless you're too busy choking on your own vomit again."
Haymitch rolled his eyes as he fought off a fond grin.
Yeah, yeah.. I love you too Sweetheart no matter how much a pain in my ass you are.
Haymitch grinned at Finnick
"Just a warning Pretty Boy I don't think you'll like Bread Boy's Interview that much" His fellow mentors excluding Katniss of course looked at the drunk mentor from District 12 curiously.
"Why?" Finnick asked warily.
Haymitch just smirked in response.
As Finnick watched Peeta's interview he couldn't understand Haymitch's warning.
The baker's kid seemed like a good person, funny, and extremely kind. He's definitely not made for the Games. It wasn't until Caesar started asking Peeta about a girlfriend that Finnick got what Haymitch was referring to.
Peeta: "I don't know for sure, a lot of boys like her. She's treasured in our district has been for as long as I can remember. She is certainly special; she's beautiful but doesn't realize it, she's fierce yet compassionate, she's had a hard life but she inspires people with her spirit. Her most frustrating yet enduring quality is she has no idea the effect she can have."
The crowd was speechless as Peeta passionately described the girl he was in love with. The Victors that were close to Katniss grew anxious. Finnick felt a scowl growing on his face, He better not be talking about my Hell Kat.
Caesar: "Sounds like some girl. So, here's what you do. You win, you go home. She can't turn you down then, eh?"
Peeta: "I don't think it's going to work out. Winning . . . won't help in my case for many reasons."
Caesar: "Why ever not? Most girls would love to date a Victor."
Peeta blushes beet red and stammers out.
Peeta: "Because . . . because . . . she's won the games herself…and she came here with me."
Not only did Peeta wipeout the rest of the tributes off the map with his declaration of love for Katniss but he also acknowledged that he has a massive death wish. Finnick glared
If Hell Kat doesn't tear into him with her claws then I will personally gut him with my trident… hell I'll do it anyway if he touches my Hell Kat.
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