TUSETHA (Edited)

8 ~ A Talk

I rouse from my deep sleep to an obnoxious noise echoing from the hall. I roll over and feel a large source of heat beside me, I open my eyes and suddenly remember what happened the night before, Haymitch sleeps soundly beside me. He actually looks kind of adorable when he's asleep. I smile sleepily at him.

I sigh as the noise occurs again, probably the phone. I gently kiss Haymitch's cheek before getting up and slipping my silk robe on. The floor creaks underneath my feet, I freeze as Haymitch rolls over with a groan, falling back asleep immediately. I cringe as I try to make my way to the phone as quietly as possible.

I answer it as it rings for the third time. "Hello?"

"Ah, Miss Trinket, what a pleasant surprise all of this is. Simply exhilarating, is it not?"

"President Snow." I breathe out, my eyes wide. "What an honor this is-"

"Miss Trinket, I do not wish for your petty lies." He snaps. "I only ask for the truth."

"The truth..." I repeat back.

"Yes, Miss Trinket. The truth about you and Mr. Abernathy."

"President Snow, must we discuss this right now, it's-"

He sighs in frustration. "Now, Effie!"

"I'm pregnant. But it's not Mr. Abernathy's, we have a strict business relationship. He's simply taking care of me until I find out how to tell the father."

I can tell he doesn't believe me. Who would? I'm a horrible liar, I always have been. But maybe we can play this out....make Snow believe our story. Just maybe...

"I see..." He says after a long moment of silence. His voice sounds much calmer now, almost content. "Well I now realize I'm mistaken in my assumptions."

I simple nod until realizing he can't see me. "Um, yes.... An obvious mistake. I understand, President Snow."

"Well, Miss Trinket, I'd love for you to meet me in the Capitol tomorrow. We can discuss how to break the news to the father of the baby."

I close my eyes and shake my head. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."

"I'll see you then, Miss Trinket."

I go to offer him a quiet goodbye but he hangs up before I can. I sigh softly and set the phone down, running my hands through my hair.

What in Panem's name will I do? I can't let Snow find out this baby is Haymitch's. And I certainly can't let Haymitch know that I'm talking to Snow about our baby, saying it's someone else's.... 

There's a creak from upstairs, I quickly turn and look up to Haymitch who stands at the top of the stairs in his black boxers. He runs a hand through his hair, still messy from earlier tonight. "Why are you up so late, Sweetheart?" I see the nickname is still in use.

"Um, the baby and I are hungry..." I glance down and my tiny swollen stomach from underneath my silk robe. "You wore me out." I force a small smile.

He smiles smugly and walks downstairs. "I'm sure I did. What do you want to eat? I'll make you whatever you want, I know pregnant women have some weird cravings." 

I roll my eyes as I turn towards the kitchen, but smile genuinely. "I don't have any weird cravings yet because I throw up nearly everything I eat." I pull my robe tighter around myself as I feel Haymitch's eyes wander. I don't enjoy people seeing me in anything less than my usual attire. "Just surprise me."

We make small chatter as he makes us food, smiling at each other here and there. How can a man that's broken my heart possibly mend it back together again? It seems impossible that someone like him can love someone like me. But do I love him?

I've already broken my promise of hating him. I don't know if I can love someone like him though. 

  (A/N: I apologize for the wait on this chapter and also for the length of it, I haven't had much inspiration lately. Comment! Vote! And as always, keep on reading my little Hayffie shippers! I'd love suggestions for the next chapter!)