AN: Hi everyone! Here is Chapter two of our star cross lovers. They meet for the first time. Is Haymitch all that Effie thought he would be? Will Effie begin see what she sign up for? All I can say is that you may need to read the chapter to find out.

Like always sit back and enjoy.

Review if you like.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, nothing at all.

Effie's POV

I didn't think about Haymitch Abernathy again until ten years later. I was twenty-two and in love with the life style I had. I was the daughter of wealthy technology tycoon and a home stay mother who lived for the latest trends. I had everything at my fingertips and I was content.

However contentment can only take you so far. I was at university studying fashion when an opportunity knock at my door. Panem was looking for a young student interest in becoming an escort for District twelve. I jump at the opportunity, I have never left the safe wall of my beautiful city and I thought that it was time. So I applied and thanks to my many years of etiquette training, social events, and my father's charm did I get offered the position. I was over the moon, for the first time, I was going to be leaving home and exploring the world on my own. I couldn't wait, so when the 60th hunger games started I began my new journey.

I arrived at District Twelve early in the morning ready for my new position to start. I breathe out as I look at the mirror in front of me, my pure white makeup gleam and glisten in the dim lights of the train. My plum purple lips were kissable and in a perfect pout. My sea foam blue hair fell effortlessly down the side of my face. My deep blue suede dress fell down the length of my slim tone body and my blue heels made my legs go on for miles. Yes! I was ready for today.

When the train door open and a man's voice whispered

"May I can come in?"

I turn my head in a gentle voice said.

"Please do come in."

A well dressed general step into my line of sight, his pitch black eyes stared at me and bow. I tilted my head at him as he said,

"Welcome to District Twelve ma'am. I was informed that you wish to meet the mentor of this District."

"Yes general that is what I requested, has he arrived?"

"He's should be here soon, but I came to warn you."

"I'm afraid I'm not following you general."

"Haymitch Abernathy is our only mentor and he is a special case…and I wouldn't want you to be shock when you first meet him."

My eyes narrow in slight confusion. How could the only mentor of this district be a special case? He was a victor and all glory rains down upon him. Not to mention that he was my childhood hero. The general look me in the eyes and said.

"He is a drunken fool ma'am, and his cruel in his ways."

I nodded my head gently before replying in a breathy voice.

"Thank you general for your concern of my well being, but I do believe this meeting will short and to the point. I just wish to meet the man that I would work with to bring this lovely darling tributes glory. And if anything shall transpire you will be at the door, correct?"

"Of course."

"Then I feel safer than any escort in this district shall ever feel knowing you are outside that door."

The general threw me a warm smile and bow out of the train. I return my eyes to the mirror and deem myself prefect. I walk slowly to the silk cover table with white china tea cups filled with green tea and matching china plates with French pastries that would melt in your mouth. I sat down gracefully on one of the lounge chair and crossed my ankles together and waited. In a matter of minutes did the train door open and in step the boy that I have long forgotten.

As my green eyes drank the rugged hunched man in front of me; my breathing hitched a little. There he stood in brown pants and shirt that look dirty and unwashed. His hair was filthy and sway in his face, that I could not see. I was train well so I plaster my Capital darling smile and rose gracefully out of my seat and toward him. I lifted my hand gingerly and said.

"Mr. Abernathy I presume."

He push his hair away from his face, and even after all this years his face was still handsome even under the grime and five o'clock shadow. His grey eyes were dark, cold, and oddly enough vacant. He stared at me with a rose eyebrow and sneered.

"So you're the new escort?"

"This is correct, my name is Effie Trinket and I am very pleased to meet you."

"Yeah sure…why the hell did you set this meeting so damn early."

I blink at the way he spoke to me. No man in the capital ever spoke to a lady in such manner. I forced my smile to grow brighter and whispered.

"I am terrible sorry for awakening you so early but the reaping will be taking place soon and I wanted a chance to chat with you about your wonderful district since I would be representing it and I want to be proud of our tributes and where they come from."

Haymitch look at me before laughing loudly and I could smell the alcohol that still resided in his breathe. I must of look taken aback because I did not expect what came out of his moth.

"On what planet are you living on, princess. Because the last time I cheek this district is not wonderful. We are nothing but coal miners who died everyday because your capital wishes to starve us."

With that he look around the train and said.

"Were are you keeping the booze?"

"I have a wonderful selection of pastries and tea for this glorious morning, if you prefer."

"I wanted booze not your tea."

"Well that all I have, I am sorry I can't accommodate you, sir."

I could not hide the annoyances in my voice. Haymitch laughed before saying.

"You're feisty sweetheart."

I rose a well arch brow at him as he turned and walk out of the train. I gape after him. The nerve of that man, he was my childhood hero? If I had to deal with him, then I surely didn't want this job for long. I sat on the lounge chair and narrow my eyes at the tea cup in front of me until the general return and told me that reaping was to begin soon.

I stood up and graciously took the generals hand and let him lead me to my stage for the morning. I stood tall and said my well rehearsed speech to the sea of frighten children. My heart broken and my tall proud frame soften as I utter the words.

"May the odds be ever in your favor."

Without thought my eyes travel the crowd and spotted Haymitch in the dark corner lean against a brick wall. A sneer on his face as he lifted a glass to me and I finally under stood.

I was the one that sentence these children to death, not glory. So with that thought, I lead our tributes onto the train and let them eat to their hearts desire and try to find peace in their sleep.

I wept that night because I realized what I had accepted, at that moment Haymitch came out of nowhere and lean close to me where I could feel his warm body heat against my cold frame and whispered in my ear.

"Become cold princess, that's how we stay alive."

Then he took off toward his room leaving me to face the reality of my career choice.