The Untold Story Of Effie Trinket and Haymitch Abernathy

Quarter Quell

(A/N: Okay, I wrote this before Catching Fire actually came out, I had only seen pictures of some of the outfits, so this won't be accurate in a lot of ways. But I hope you still enjoy. Oh, but this will be re-written in the "improved' version of this story. Comment! Vote! And as always, keep on reading!)

It has been almost four hours and I can't sleep. I slip from Haymitch's arms and go downstairs, I make a quick snack. I start to pack for the time we'll be at the apartment in the Capitol. I pack mostly maternity clothes and flats because I've been gaining weight so quickly.

I finish packing and now have nothing to do. Then I start thinking, I know I can't cry today, not on live television.

"Okay... I can't cry." I state to myself, thinking of what to do.

I think through my lines and write them down. I know I'll be fine up until I pull the names. I check to make sure I have everything written.

I put on a fake smile. "Welcome, welcome, welcome. Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor. Now! Before we begin, we have a very special film brought to you all the way from the Capitol!" I gesture to my left where the large would be.

"I just love that! This is the year of the 75th annual Hunger Games, the Third Quarter Quell of our time. Now! The time has come to select one courageous male victor and female victor for the honor of representing District 12 in the 75th annual Hunger Games! As usual, ladies first!"

I pretend to pull a name out of the bowl, my eyes tear up but I pull myself together. "Katniss Everdeen." I take in a shaky breath. I can't reap my own daughter, not again. But she'll be fine...maybe.

"Now for the boys!" I pretend to pull a name out of the bowl. "Haymitch Aber-" I let out a sigh and tears fall from my eyes. I know I can't do this. I put my elbows on my knees and my head in my hands.

"Are you doing alright?" I flinch and look up. Haymitch stands at the bottom of the stairs with his arms crossed, leaning on the railing.

"I'm fine." I wipe my tears away. He comes behinds me and wraps his arms around me, I lay my head on his arm.

"Get some sleep Eff." He whispers in my ear. He kisses my cheek.

"I can't..." I say softly.

"Try. For me. You look so tired." he says looking in my eyes.

"I tried to. I can't... My mind won't shut up..." I smile slightly.

"Okay. Just come to bed when you feel like it..." He turns towards the stairs.

"Can you stay with me?" I ask grabbing his hand.

"Sure." he yawns and sits on the couch and flicks on the television. I sit next to him and he pulls my legs over his and puts his arms around me.

"You dont have to stay..." I say looking at his tired face.

"No, I'm fine." He kisses my lips and smiles.

I smile and lay my head on his shoulder, he falls asleep after some time. I close my eyes and finally find sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I wake to the smell of breakfast. I sit up to see Haymitch in the kitchen.

"Did I wake you?" he asks pouring something into a pan.

"No. Breakfast smells good."

"Thanks, I'm making pancakes. You like pancakes right?"

I nod and yawn. I sit at the counter and watch him cook.