One Last Game -Haymitch Abernathy-

Chapter 22

It was a pattern. Every day Amelia woke up, helped her Victors prepare their speeches in a new District. Each was different. Some had retaliation, others had executions, and the rest were simply angry. Then she went to bed and did the process all over again the next day. It never got easier, but luckily it would all be over in two days. They would head to the Capitol and experience one of President Snow's lavish parties.

The train was on its way to the Capitol currently. It would arrive tonight and allow them a day to relax before the party. Amelia finally had time to rest and was enjoying a cup of coffee. She traveled between the train cars in search of Haymitch. He woke up before her and wanted to speak with Katniss and Peeta before they arrived at the Capitol.

It didn't take long to find them. They were sitting in the second to last train car. "If he wants you to pacify the districts, I assure you that he isn't happy," Haymitch spoke to Katniss and Peeta. At the sound of someone approaching, he looked over. His features visibly softened at the sight of her: messy hair and a sweater, his sweater. "Instead of being in love, you sound as if you're reciting from a drilling manual."

Peeta was hunched over, "you trying reading the stuff Effie gives us." Amelia listened to the conversation as she skimmed over the assorted biscuits and cookies laid out on the table.

"You can tell that to President Snow when you see him two days from now," he responded.

"Well," Peeta huffed. "I'm open to suggestions."

Katniss commented, "we could get married."

Amelia froze mid-grab, unsure if what she heard was supposed to be a joke or not. "That's not helping."

"I'm serious," Katniss concluded. "If we are on this train forever, we might as well. It's going to happen eventually. Why not now?"

She watched Haymitch carefully, "it does make a statement. I'll give you that."

They waited for Peeta to respond. There was clear hesitation on his face. "Sure. Let's do it." The young boy pushed up from the couch and walked out of the room. Amelia remained silent, grabbing a few cookies off the plate. Katniss stood up next, following after him. However, she didn't appear to be going after him. Most likely, the girl wanted time alone.

Amelia walked towards the couch, sitting beside Haymitch. "Just once, I would like for this job to be easy."

She hummed in agreement. Haymitch held a glass of champagne in his hand, and she decided not to comment about it. He reached over and took one of the cookies from her hand. "Hey," Amelia scolded. "That was mine."

"Yeah," he raised an eyebrow. "If we're going by that logic, then this mine." He gently pulled on the sweater she was wearing.

Amelia grinned, taking a sip of her coffee. "Shouldn't have left it in my room then."

Haymitch playfully rolled his eyes, taking a bite of the cookie. "I'm sure that's the story."

Amelia shrugged, sinking into the cushions of the couch. "So," she began. "They're engaged now?"

He sighed, "I guess so."

"Do you think it's enough to make Snow happy?"

"Doubtful." Haymitch muttered, "but for now, it's the best we can do." That was true, "I'm going to inform Caesar Flickerman and see what I can do about getting them on the show tomorrow night before the party."

He stood up. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Haymitch smiled and gently kissed her cheek, "you can just sit there and look beautiful."