I Will Protect You

Chapter 1; The Announcement

The agreement from the Districts to end the rebellion was shocking, yet simple. This was that one final game was to be carried out, however; this time the tributes would be reaped from those who helped create the games orginally. This included verious roles, from Gamesmakers right the way down to the District Escorts. A conclusion was made that the tributes would be reaped from selected Victors, due to what the games did to them - and everyone around them too. When it came to the day of the announcement, an untraditional feeling was all around. No longer was there a feeling of fear, but only one of happiness, joy and success. To accomapany this, the announcement was no longer made by President Snow, due to his recent death. Instead the honours were handed over to Plutarch Heavensbee.

Everyone was gathered in the Mellark's household to watch the announcement, including Effie. She had moved away from the Capitol during the rebellion, and had decided to stay in the District. When Katniss and Peete tied the knot for real, Katniss allowed Effie to stay in her house in Victor's Village - as she wanted her to stay just as much as the others. None of them knew what the final games would be like, but they all knew it would be some sort of pay back for the previous 75 years of cold blooded murder. When Plutarch's face appeared on the hologram, silence fell in the room.

"Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to the very speical 76th, and final, Hunger Games!", the crowds roared in happiness - and maybe even a slight bit of happiness. Plutarch continued, "This year's games has been concluded to work slightly like the Quarter Quell. It will uphold a honorable end to The Hunger Games by having a select caterogry that the tributes will be reaped from. This year, all 24 tributes will be roared from the exisiting Victors. That's not all the excitement though, because this year's tributes will be reaped from anyone who helped or accompanied the creation of the games in any way. From the Gamesmakers, right the way down to the District Escorts..."

Effie Trinket, previous escort to District 12, stifen up in a bid to hide away her anger - but mainly her devestation. Katniss had burst into tears straight after the mention of the catergoized reaping, and Peeta sat wth an arm around around her looking shellshocked by the announcement. Haymitch was the first one to make an exaggerated approach to the topic. He rasied the bottle of liqour he had in his hand and launched it straight at the hologram, making the image dissolve into thin air.

"Haymitch, please will you calm down? It's improper to behave in such a manner as a guest at anothers house" Effie stated, trying to act like she normally would at the announcement to the games. She had lost all her Capitol make up, wigs and outifts. She just looked liike the other now, simple clothing - and only very faint make up marked her face.

"Calm? CALM!? You must be having a laugh, sweetheart! How can anyone be calm at a time like this!" He continued to raise his voice, trying to contain his true feelings. He loved the woman who stood before him with everything he had. He'd never tell her though, he wouldn't even dream about speaking a word about his feelings. The last time he loved someone they were killed - and he couldn't do that to Effie. He turned back to the Merllark's. "Thank you for having us round, kids - but I think I should take her back home.", he suggested, to of which they needed in agreement. With that, he secured a gentle grip around her arm - and helped her up. She seemed so weak because she willingly let him help her... For once - and with that, they headed home.

Not a single word was spoken on the short walk from the Mellark's house to Effie's, but Haymitch held her close all the same. He had never seen her in such a state before, and only wanted to support her at this time. The only thought going through his mind was her heading into the arena... because he had reaped her name. He'd never be able to live with himself if he sent the woman he loved to her death.

Once they reached Effie's house, she collapsed on the step of her front porch. Being away from Katniss and Peeta made her feel more comofrtable to let out her emotion, which she did. She sat on the step and began to cry; and shake; and sob; and get weaker by the minute. Haymitch sat beside her and wrapped his arm around her waist without a second thought. She turned into him and began to sob into his shirt, leaving mascara marks and tear stains all over it.

"Hey, Princess! This is, well was, a new shirt, y'know!", he laughed in hope she would too. The only responce he recieved was a half-hearted smile and a couple of sniffles, as she began to calm down.

"Haymitch, I know I deserve everything that's coming to me after my part in the games - but I never wanted it. I was forced into this role, and now I have to pay the price for doing as instructed by President Snow. I should have known I was either going to die for saying I didn't want the job, or die having taken it.", she managed to get out, rubbing her dampened and puffy eyes.

In reply, Haymitch simply planted a kiss on her head. He held her close to him, never wanting to let her go. He wanted to protect her with all he had and he vowed to her he would do so.

"I will protect you, sweetheart. I promise. I'll mentor you, I'll get you sponsers, I'll even stop drinking just so you can get what you deserve from me. I've mucked up some many times being a mentor, but that changes now. I'm not going to let you die, Euphemia Trinket - I promise you."

For a second, Effie could have sworen to have seen a tear for in the corner of his eye - but he quickly dismissed it. She loved him the same way he loved her but it was a secret to both, and now they could be torn apart. When he looked up to face her they held each others gaze briefly, but then looked away from each other.

"Haymitch?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Please will you stay here tonight, I don't want to be alone. I'll get hardly any sleep and I guess I just want some company", she glanced towards him with a hint of begging in her voice.

He pulled her closer to him, before nodding. With that, they entered Effie's house and simply sat on the sofa together. She rested her head against his chest, as Haymitch ran his fingers through his hair. Once she had fallen asleep he whispered very softly to her, hoping that the phrase may come true just once.

"May the odds be ever in your favour"

A/N; I really hope you like this update. Please leave me comments. If you have any ideas, leave a comment - and I'll do my best to use them in the creation of my story! Thank you! ~ Hayffie_Abernathy x