Haymitch's Love: The Untold Story

Chapter 13

Chapter 13: Nemit: The Victor

Nemit lies, hands behind her head, on a plain, too-small bed in one of the community home rooms. The place is tiny with just enough space for the bed and a small, practically empty night table. The rainy, overcast outside is setting a dull gray look around the peeling wallpaper.

Nemit stares at the ceiling with bored eyes, the weather making her feel sleepy and stupid. Though she may not be showing it, inside she is screaming. These past few weeks have been the hardest ones in her entire life to get through. Every moment, every second, it has been impossible for her to rest. She is constantly on edge.

People say she is crazy. Hell, she even thinks that she might be crazy. But she needs to know. It would be better she know if something terrible happened right away than she not know at all and was left wondering. For the past few weeks Nemit has been rushing home from school, skipping lunch, staying up late, waking up as early as possible, all to watch the Games. At night, she will lay awake in bed not being able to sleep. In school, her mind wanders to crazy scenarios in the arena. When she does get to watch the Games it's not because she wants to. It's never because she wants to. It's because she must. She must know what happens to Haymitch. Every time she sees him on the television she stares at the screen with wide eyes and trembling lips. Never crying but never smiling. Come to think of it, she hasn't smiled in a long time.

The plump, red faced woman who is in charge of this dump had sent Nemit to her room, forbidding her from viewing the Games on account of her 'bad' behavior. Usually Nemit would not obey such orders but today something has come over her. The hag had shoved her into this room, locking the door on her way out and Nemit hadn't even attempted to put up a fight. If she really wanted to, she could escape through the window but today she just doesn't have the energy. Is it because of the Games?

Nemit remembers how she felt singing the love song Zelda had picked out for her to all of Panem, being intervied by Caesar Flickerman. She had been nervous at the time but that was nothing compared to how she feels right now. Sick. She thinks she may vomit.

After waiting for what felt like an eternity, the peeling brass knob of the door jiggles, and Nemit sits up hopefully. The door swings open, revealing Ms. Abernathy, Haymitch's mother. The woman is biting down on her lower lip, just as Haymitch does when he is unsure or hiding something. Her scraggly graying hair is in a loose bun and her clothes look more patched and tattered than usual. With purple bags under her eyes and several newly acquired wrinkles, she looks as if she has aged greatly over this short period of time.

The woman takes a deep breath and Nemit's general dislike for her lessens. Although Ms. Abernathy despises her, Nemit can't help but feel pity towards the woman. After all, she is Haymitch's mother. She must be as worried about him as Nemit is. Nemit stares at her expectantly.

Something completely out of the ordinary then happens. Ms. Abernathy shocks Nemit by slowly walking over to the bed and perching herself down, her expression unreadable. Next, after taking another deep breath, she abruptly throws her arms around Nemit and begins to sob her heart out.

Nemit is astounded but very pleased. Finally, she has gained this woman's approval. Now the more pressing matter has turned in Nemit's mind. Is this woman sobbing about good or bad news?

Nemit rubs the woman's back in what she hopes to be a soothing way as the lady gulps and sniffles. Finally, she lifts her head. Ms. Abernathy's face is red and splotchy, her eyes puffy. For a moment, she merely stares at Nemit with what almost looks like pity. Then, she takes Nemit's hand in a motherly fashion and smiles. Actually smiles at Nemit.

'We better get cleaned up. He'll be home soon.'

What did she just say? What does that mean? Did those words really come out of her mouth? Perhaps Nemit isn't hearing properly.

'Wha-?'

'Nemit,' Ms. Abernathy begins. For the first time ever Haymitch's mother has said her name. She also said it without a hint of disgust. Incredible.

'He won.' She says simply, unable to sustain a joyful smile.

Nemit's eyes widen and a grin grows rapidly on her face. A genuine grin.

Haymitch has won. Haymitch is safe. Haymitch is coming home!

The two women hug and laugh and for the first time in weeks, Nemit is happy.

There is nothing in the world that could spoil her happiness. Nothing.