Forever in the Games- UNDER EXTREME EDITING

Chapter Four

The living room, and the attendants are the only thing keeping my from storming outside and demanding to see my mother.  I pull my cardigan tighter around my body, puling the sleeves over my hands, and bringing them to my lips. I close my eyes, and wonder if my mother knows just how much I wished I could talk to her. Just to be near her, or close enough to hear her speak to the friendly neighbors who should be extremely old by now. 

Haymitch wobbles in, a large bottle in hand, his shirt untucked, and his greasy hair covering his eyes. I turn away, unable to look at him whilst he is in this kind of state. 

"What are they like?" He mumbles, clanging his bottle against anything in sight, searching for a fresh bottle. Although I am suppose to provide him with an answer, I don't currently have one to give him. Both Tributes look like they have a fighting chance. I'm guessing possibly the top 15, if they're lucky. 

"They look like they have a chance" I bring my hands into my lap "one of them volunteered" Haymitch sprays his cider over the furniture. Effie is going to kill him. The amazement in his eyes bring a smirk to my lips. I quickly recap what happened during the Reaping, how Katniss had volunteered for her sister, the salute, how her sister was taken away. And then the boy, Peeta, having no one to volunteer for him. I wonder if he has any family?

"I need another drink" He grumbles, still looking as though he is processing the information. He stands, and walks in the direction of his bedroom.

"Goodbye Haymitch" I rise from the chair, and grip onto the cardigan "this is going to be the last time it'll be just me and you" I smile. He halts in his step, and turns around.

"After you win, we'll have all the time in the world, just like always." He smiles at me, and walks away.

After ten minutes of being alone, I hear the reporters arrive at the station, waiting for the new Tributes to arrive. One of the reporters even attempts to gain access to the train, knowing perfectly well that I am on board. Peacekeepers push him back into the crowd, in a not so friendly manner. I approach the window, and shift patterned blinds slightly, so I can look outside.  The Tribute's car approaches from a distance, so the reporters prepare their cameras, along with pens and paper to write down anything they have to say, but I'm sure Effie will have instructed them not to speak.

I watch, as the three step out of the car. The reporters surround them, but the peacekeepers are soon on the scene, holding onto Effie, Peeta and Katniss, while the rest form a line so the reporters can't go anywhere near the train.

Katniss and Peeta freeze in their step, staring up to the glistening train. Effie gestures for them to follow her inside. They move slowly towards the door, so I move away from the window, and stand in the dark hallway leading into the dining room.

The doors whooshes open as I fold my arms. Katniss, Peeta and Effie walk through. Effie has a big grin on her face, while Katniss and Peeta look as though they've just been told they're going to get a free trip around the world. But I know just how mesmerizing this train can be, especially if you have never been on board before. Katniss slowly feels the glass table, and stares at the food available for them. She stares at the walls around her, and her gaze lands on me. I stare back at her, but soon turn around, and walk towards my own room.

_*_

I had been trying to regain lost sleep when Effie burst into my room. My heart beating quicker than it should, I shoot up, pain instantly filling my forehead. I press my hand against my head "Jesus, Effie" I groan, but she smiles desperately. 

"I'm sorry, Luce, but I can't seem to get them to talk!" She throws her hands up, exaggerating, so do me a favor sweetie and go and get Haymitch, you know I don't like it when he's drunk off his head"

"No one likes him like that" I chuckle "but I'll do my best, if you go and find out what's on the menu tonight"

"Absolutely" She trots out of my room. Shaking my head with a grin on my face, I slide off my bed, and walk through the train to Haymitch's room. I knock twice, and he answers, unfortunately. As soon as the door opens, the smell of cider hits me like a brick wall. I take a step back, a look of disgust on my face.

"I think it's time for your talk to the newbies" I try and speak without breathing in his smell "there's an awkward silence."

Haymitch snorts "Fine, let me just go and get my drink"

I stand with my back leaning against his doors frame. Once he comes out of his room with his second bottle, I snatch it out of his hand immediately "I don't think that's a good idea, do you?"He stares at me with astonishment, and then down at his hand, as though it would somehow bring the bottle back to him "But I have a fantastic idea! Seeing as they're already terrified of me, why don't you go and introduce yourself,  while I tidy your room before Effie sees it?"

"Ah Luce" He pulls me into his arms "You've always had good ideas" I feel his hand attempt to reach for the bottle, but I move it further away from him.

"I don't think so" I raise my eyebrow, and usher him into the hallway. 

His room isn't as messy as usual, but isn't as clean as it could be. I walk around, and find bottles all over the place, his best shirts ceased, and his trousers sprawled across the floor.

Haymitch still has nightmares. I often hear him roaming the hallways during the night, or hear him thrashing about in his sleep when I roam the hallways instead.  I spot his wallet on the carpet, so I carefully pick it up, hoping nothing fell out. But I was unsuccessful, however, when a collage of photographs drops out of the wallet.  I take a look at it and gasp. It's me, from my first games, growing up to what I look like now. There are some of just me, some of me and him, some of me and Effie, and one of all three of us. I smile down at us all, a tear threatening to spill.

To distract me from crying, however, I manage to  tidy a small amount of his room, before I give up and call for the attendants. I put his wallet and collage of photos back, and leave his clustered room. I gradually make my way back to where Haymitch, Katniss and Peeta were sitting. At least, that's what I thought, until Haymitch pushes past me, with an angry whisper of 

"He tried to take my drink off me"

"Oh no" I chuckle innocently , and let him return to his room. Effie isn't in sight, leaving Katniss an Peeta alone once again. It's just Peeta and Katniss sitting down, Effie isn't in sight, and I stand in the doorway staring at the pair.

"He's going to come around" Peeta declares, and walks out of the room

"Wait it's no use!" Katniss insists

"I'm going to go and talk to him" and we walks out, but before the doors close. I wish him good luck, because he's going to need it. You can't really talk to Haymitch unless he's sober.  I stare at Katniss, who is evidently uncomfortable to be in my presence. If only she knew the sympathy I felt towards her now. Not for volunteering for the Games, but being here. 

She glances towards me for a short moment, before turning her head to the window, which is apparently more interesting than I have ever found it. 

She may have courage, but courage won't save her when we are in the arena.