Sparks

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

I shiver as I walk across my yard to Haymitch's. He might have an idea about what the pins mean. He's always able to help me with these kind of things, but sometimes his response isn't what I want to hear.

When I open the door I see Hazelle whipping down a counter in the kitchen. She looks up from her work and gives me a big smile. "Hi, Katniss." She says in a graceful tone.

"Hi, Hazelle." I say trying to mimic her tone.

"Haymitch is in his study." She says gesturing towards a room he never goes in.

"Thanks." I walk to the door and knock before entering.

"Haymitch?" I whisper. I glance at the half dead body stretched across the lounge sofa.

All I get in response is a scratchy moan. I walk over to the windows and open the shutters, letting light fill in the dark, dreary room. Haymitch's hands go to his eyes, covering them before letting out another moan. He's drunk.

"Haymitch, this is serious." I say shaking him.

"Katniss..." That's all he manages to get out.

I take his shoulders and pull him up so he's sitting up with his back straight. He opens his blood shot eyes and shoots me an evil glare. I sit in the chair next to him.

"Don't look at me like that. This isn't a joke, Haymitch." I say trying to sound as serious as possible.

"What? Is you fiance backing out on you again?" He teases.

I scold at him then I rise and head for the door, but Haymitch grabs my wrist. "Katniss..." He says again. I sigh under my breath and sit down again.

"Whats going on?" He asks raising his eyebrows.

I pull out the pins and tell him about the where I found the pin and about the dead bodies and my scenarios, as he admires the pins. Turning them over, studying the back closely with a puzzled expression. "I don't know what to make of it, Katniss. It makes no sense." He says staring at the pins.

I let out a small sigh. "I was hoping you would't say that." I say. I wish I could blame his response on him being drunk, but I can tell by the look in his now clean eyes, that he was as sober as it gets. "And the bodies?" I ask in hope that he can give me a sensible answer.

"Katniss, nothing can explain what it all means. Maybe its best if you just stay out of public for a while. Lay low until everything calms down." He says.

"It's been two years, Haymitch! How long is it going to take?" I shout then I stomp off out of the house.

Once I'm outside, I notice a sleeping pile of brown and orange fur in a pile of leaves. Once Buttercup wakes up and sees me, he stands, yawns, and walks over to me and brushes whats left of his fur on my leg. "Stupid cat." I mutter.

I walk back to my house and open the door. When I get inside, Peeta comes up from the side and presses his lips to mine, while wrapping his arms around my waist. My response was fast as my arms wrap around his neck. When he pulls from me, he just stares. "What?" I ask.

"I just wanted to do that before she comes, and we won't be alone for a couple of weeks." Peeta says with a sigh.

"Before wh-" I'm cut off by the door flinging open.

"Hello, hello! We haven't much time!" A preppy Effie trinket sings as she glides into the house with her stunning outfit.

Her white hair up in its usual cloud formation, is decorated with gold pins, butterflies, bows, and stars. She wears a short simple white dress that just about reaches her knees, with a golden sash at the waist. A drape of white lace hangs from the back only inches from the ground, showing off her white pumps with gold bows at the tip. Her sleeves puffy at the shoulders and silk hanging from her elbows. If I didn't know any better, she resembles a bride.

She walks up and gives us both a slight hug, then releases. She steps back and smiles gracefully.

"What are you doing here, Effie?" I ask. I know that was rude to say before saying hello back, but by the way Peeta and I were in each others arms before she hugged us, she can tell why I asked so quickly.

"President Paylor requests you both go on an engagement tour, to celebrate your engagement." She says cheerfully.

I let out a small sigh under my breathe. "Is it mandatory?" I ask.

"Yes." She responds.

Then the door bursts open and my prep team walks in. "We are back!"