Author's note: Sorry this took a while, I've been working on a new Everlark story called Just Friends (if you haven't read it yet, you should) and a couple drabbles you can find over on Tumblr (booksrockmyface).

Thank you so much for reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting! I hope you like this chapter! There are some great gems here.

Happy reading!

Chapter Five

"Look, you know I don't care." Haymitch said.

"But I wanted to make sure." Katniss said. "One more time before I file the papers."

"Your mom wants you to be the one with custody. And I do too. You can stay in your house and not disturb any of Prim's routine. If I take custody, she may have to move. Not to mention that I may be rejected with my past being what it is."

"But you're a counselor, no matter that you were an alcoholic."

He sighed. "Stop trying to talk yourself out of it. You and I have talked about this before. It makes the most sense. Call me if you need a letter or something."

"I will."

Haymitch hung up and walked in the building to start the last half of his day. He and Effie had made a lot of progress and he could see her spirits had lightened. She looked healthier and acted healthier. But she spoke often of her fear that it would all go back to how it was before once she was out. These were her last weeks. Her phone calls with Cinna had become almost daily visits. And as Haymitch walked through the common room on his way to his office, he saw Effie and Cinna sitting together on the couch, holding onto each other and laughing.

He almost kept walking, but Effie called, "Haymitch, you've never officially met Cinna."

He turned and walked back to them. He held out his hand. "Haymitch Abernathy."

The other man stood and shook his hand warmly. "I'm Cinna." His voice was kind and still held a hint of amusement.

"Well, it's nice to meet you. Effie, make sure you aren't late for group." He walked away. It warmed his heart that she was happy now. He remembered that hallow shell she was when she first came in.

She came hurrying after him. "Hey, that was kind of rude."

"I have things to do, I can't stand around and talk all afternoon." He unlocked his office.

She followed him in. "Are you mad about something?"

"I told you, I have stuff to do. You have a group session in twenty minutes. Wrap up your visit." His voice was gruff.

She nodded and turned to leave. She swirled back around. "I just..." She grabbed his face and planted a kiss to his lips. She stepped back and turned a deep red. "I'm sorry." She hurried out of the room, pulling the door closed behind her.

Haymitch stood in shock for several seconds before he was able to move. Of all the things he expected Effie to say or do, that was the last one he ever imagined.

He gathered up a file and relocked his office door. He walked to the room where they conducted the group sessions and started setting up. The first clients started coming in alone or in pairs. Effie was one of the last. She avoided eye contact and took a seat farthest from where he sat and at an angle that she could sit and not look at him.

He started the session and asked if anyone had anything they wanted to say. A few took turns talking. He tried to get Effie to say a few things, but she was noncommittal. She spoke just enough for the group to know nothing was amiss, but Haymitch knew.

He sent everyone away after they all recited the serenity prayer. He noticed Effie hung back. He finished putting things away and then met her in the middle of the room.

"About what happened in your office..." She began.

He shook his head. "We have to forget about it. It was highly inappropriate and I could get fired. Don't ever do anything like that again."

"Are you going to report it?"

"Not as long as it was an isolated incident."

She kept a steady hold of his gaze. "I guess it's going to have to be." She turned on her heel and sauntered out of the room.

Haymitch noticed the sway of her hips and wondered if it was exaggerated or if Effie always walked that way and he just never noticed.

She was discharged a few days later. She sat in Haymitch's office as he reminded her of all her responsibilities and expectations.

"Once a week with me for another six weeks and attend either AA or NA once a week." He said. "I think twice a week for the first month, but that one is up to you." He held out his hand and enumerated with each finger. "No drinking, no drugs, eat regularly, healthy meals, and exercise responsibly. That is not a suggestion. If you don't do those, you will relapse. And as much as I like your company, I prefer you healthy."

She smiled and looked down. She tucked some hair behind her ear and looked up at him under her eyelashes. "Well, we still have once a week for the next few weeks."

"Yep." He wrote a note and snapped the folder in front of him closed. "Good luck, Effie. It's going to be tough out there, but I know you can make it."

She shook herself and stood. "Thanks, Haymitch." She held out her hand.

He shook it and motioned her to precede him out the door. She walked out. She gathered her things from her room and walked to the front, all with Haymitch following on her heels.

Effie ran to Cinna and threw her arms around his neck. "I'm free!" She exclaimed.

Cinna laughed and held her close. "I'm so glad." He kissed her cheek. He held out his hand to Haymitch. "Thank you so much for all you've done to help Effie."

"Just doing my job." Haymitch said as he shook the other man's hand. "We still have a lot to go, so encourage and lift her up often, especially in these next few weeks."

"Oh, I will." He said. He held out a card. "I'm having a gathering at my place. You're welcome to join us."

"I'm not supposed to. Conflict of interest and all that." Haymitch smiled and took the card anyway. "But thanks. I'll see you on Tuesday, Effie."

"Tuesday." She smiled. She watched him over her shoulder for a few moments as they walked out the door. She winked and turned away.

"What's that about?" Cinna asked.

"Nothing." Effie said quickly. She didn't say anything else until they were in the car. She smiled and said, "I kissed him the other day."

He looked over. "You better be glad I wasn't driving. Details, woman!"

"That day you were here when he met you officially? When I got up to follow him, he stepped into his office. I followed. And I just planted a kiss on his lips. Then I ran away. We've kind of been avoiding each other except for when necessary."

"But he's so handsome."

"He's also my counselor." She smiled. "But I've been flirting mercilessly the last couple days."

Cinna laughed heartily. "Good to know."

"And he's been kind of ignorant." Effie sighed. "I guess we'll see if he makes it to the party."

"Yeah, I guess we'll see." He smiled. "I invited a lot of people, but not all the people. I told them you wanted something low-key and they all promised they'd keep it that way. We're cutting out the alcohol, a few people grumbled, but they'll comply or they'll be kicked out. I didn't invite any models. I figured that was the main part of your problem."

She nodded and chewed her lip. "Thank you."

"So what are you going to do? Now that you're out? Do you still want to model?"

She shrugged. "I don't know."

"I could use a stitcher. You could do that. You've always been good with the repairs."

She shrugged again. "I guess. I have nothing better to do. And I need something to occupy my time. But I need to find a job."

"I can pay you."

"Cinna—"

"It wouldn't be charity. I need a stitcher I can rely on. And you're in my house, so I know where to get you if you don't show."

She chuckled. "Okay. I guess. Thanks."

"Plus, you know me well enough to call me on my bullshit instead of just taking it or quitting because of it."

She laughed. "I love you so much."

He reached over and squeezed her knee. "Love you, too."