Sweet Disposition ↠ H. Abernathy | The Hunger Games

Chapter Four

Almost a year has passed since I moved in with Haymitch. My mother didn't consider it proper and my father worried for my safety after the nighttime visit from President Snow. I couldn't leave Haymitch alone after what happened. Still, sometimes my presence wasn't enough. What once held laughter and smiles, now was dreary, despite the riches the games brought him. I know he'd trade all of that to have them back. Maybe even trade me as well.

"Where are you going?" I ask, my knees pulled up to my chest in the bare chair. My tea sits cold, untouched, on the table before me.

"Going out," he replies gruffly.

"Reaping is tomorrow," I mention. "You're supposed to go mentor the next tribute."

"I know." He glares, but not at me. "Your name is up for reaping again."

I nod, not meeting his eyes. "That's normal. At least you aren't in it again." My words are quiet as he storms out. He's still so volatile to be around a year later. I want to be patient. I want to be kind. Yet, I feel anger rising inside my chest at the overwhelming unfairness he's been dealt. No, both of us. I was close to his mother and brother as well. I miss them too.

-

Haymitch doesn't return until late that night, completely hammered. He's trying to speak, but the only words I make out are my name and his family's.

"Let's get you to bed," I say, helping him to the mattress. He tries to drag me down with him, but I pull back. The night terrors will begin once he falls asleep, and I won't be safe. He lets go with ease. I step back, watching sadly at the man who once was so full of life.

I go downstairs to the couch, attempting to sleep as well. Tomorrow is a big day.

What feels like seconds later, my eyes open to birds chirping and sunlight streaming in. I dress in pale blue, braiding my dark hair into a braid and then putting it up. My next few minutes are spent waking up Haymitch. Hangovers are never kind to him.

"Here's some coffee," I tell him, handing him a mug. Coffee is a luxury, one afforded to us since he became a victor.

He sips it quietly, watching me from over his cup. "I don't want to mentor."

"I know," I say softly. Our food is done and I serve us both. Just in case anything happens, we both need our strength.

"Thank you, Lyn," he says, grabbing my wrist gently. His grip pulls me in, his lips meet mine and I realize he's saying goodbye, at least for now. "It'll be alright."

-

We head to the reaping, our hands intertwined. It's no secret in District 12 or among the Peacekeepers that we are together. Maybe even President Snow himself has told everyone I'm the girlfriend that he spared. I haven't told Haymitch that part, that I wasn't supposed to be here either.

We separate. He heads to the stage as the only victor of District 12 and I make my way to where the possible female tributes are standing. The introductions are done and the male tribute, Alder Caspian is called. I watch him head up as Haymitch did last year.

"Now for the female from District 12," the emcee says, pulling out a slip of paper. "Lynix Wysor."

No.

No.

I realize the last no wasn't just internal, it came from Haymitch. My eyes meet his as I head up to the platform. He wants to struggle and fight against every single peacekeeper between us. He thought the fight was over after the arena, but he was wrong. It's never over when there's one person left he cares about.

Don't, I mouth to him. He stills completely. The ceremony is over and I'm led over to the trains. My parents and sister are brought over for a quick goodbye.

"I love you," Phynix says, pulling me into a quick hug. My father is in heated words with Haymitch, though I cannot make out what is being said. By the look on Haymitch's face, it's something he's taking seriously.

"Be safe," my mother adds, hugging me as well. Peacekeepers separate us and Haymitch ushers me along. His hand squeezes mine.

"I'm here," he whispers. My eyes meet his, surprised. I've been his rock for the last year. He's taking the lead with this.

"I'm scared," I admit.

"You're not alone. You won't be alone."

-

The train to the Capitol is quiet. Caspian is stocky but silent. He nods respectfully as Haymitch gives tips while we eat but otherwise, doesn't say much. I get a small smile out of him when I introduce myself, which is a small victory.

The city is bustling when we arrive and I'm immediately swept away to be dressed up.

"Ah, a soft spirit! Something soft for the soft spirit!" the older tiger-striped lady calls out to the other workers. "I'm Tigris, dear. You are?"

"I'm Lynix," I say quietly, smiling at her. Outside of people I know, I tend to become soft-spoken, something that I'm sure won't help me here.

"Beautiful name."

"You too," I reply and she pauses, tilting her head at me like a cat. She resumes measuring me. There's tutting here and there but eventually, she seems satisfied with her measurements.

"We'll have something beautiful for you to wear for your interview with Caesar Flickerman. Have a good night's sleep, dear," she says to me and I nod. One of her assistants dresses me for what I'm told is the tribute parade. It's a simple grey dress and my hair is slicked back into a tight bun. Hopefully, this isn't what they have in mind for the interview.