Haymitch's Bangle

Chapter 3: Monsters don't deserve beauty

After an incredibly awkward breakfast with Effie glancing at me, and Peeta fussing over Katniss, I went back to my room for some alcohol. Just as I was uncapping some whiskey, three soft raps came from outside my door. "That, is mahagony!" I said, and the door opened partway. She smiled a sad smile. "I do wish you wouldn't drink so much." Her pale cheeks looked flustered, making me concerned. "Are you okay?" Her long lashes blinked up at me, "How much of last night do you remember?" I pour myself a quarter glass, and take it like a shot. "Which part? The tears or the promise that you would be in here drinking with me tonight?" Effies lips parted slightly, and her heels clicked over to my bed. She stood over me, "This isn't a game Haymitch."

"Oh but isn't it? Sweetie, I know you're from the Capitol but look at it from my perspective." I picked up the bottle, and pressed it to my lips, downing the remainder.

"I'm surviving, but only with the help of alcohol. There are no winners of the Hunger Games, only survivors. Don't you understand? I never get a happy ending, no matter how bad I want one. I don't deserve that. District 12 is one of the weakest districts.. Or has the Capitol long since messed up your head and made you forget?"

The whiskey burns in my throat, but the words feel bitter on my tongue.

"Do you really mean that..?"

"Yes. Now leave. Tell an avox to bring me more liquor."

"Get your own liquor Mr. Abernathy. I'm not your servant."

She leaves, slamming the door, and she takes with her undeniably wonderful presence. Why was I like this? The Capitol. THE DAMN CAPITOL MADE ME LIKE THIS. I throw the empty bottle across the room, watching with satisfaction as it smashes to pieces against the wall. I curled up onto my bed and sobbed, I let the saddest part of me come out, because just like every single innocent kid who has been reaped, I was turned into a monster. And monsters can't live happily ever after with anyone. Especially someone as beautiful as her.

I awake several hours later, by an avox shaking me gently.

"We almost there?"

He nods his head slightly, before bowing, and leaving the room.

I blink the sleep from my eyes, letting my rumpled pants fall to the floor. I guess I should shower. Need to look professional for the Capitol slobs. 15 minutes later, I am showered, fully dressed, and sober. I walk into the main car, where the star crossed lovers sat waiting, with Peeta's arm around Katniss' shoulders. I was surprised that girl hadn't snapped yet.

"Katniss, when you get up there for interviews will you at least think about it?" Katniss looks up at me, and whatever her reply might have been, is lost. Her eyes are hard and distant,

"Well good morning to you too, sweetheart." I say.

"Morning Haymitch. How did you sleep?" Peeta asks. I shake my head, "About the same that you did most likely." I take a seat across from them.

"What were you guys talking about?"

"Oh I had an idea about interviews, but Katniss isn't too big on it."

"Enlighten me." I chuckle. When is Katniss big on anything?

"I was just saying, what if you said something interesting for the interwiews?"

"Thinking like a mentor already, eh?"

"Yes, actually I am. Since MY mentor and MY fiance are about to go back into the arena, I want you two to be prepared." Peeta glances sideways at Katniss. Katniss glares at me. I sigh,

"Well, I haven't been in the arena in quite awhile, and there will be no liquor, so you make sure to send me some Peeta." I wink and Katniss rolls her eyes in disgust.

"What should we do for interviews?" Her eyes bore into mine, and she leans forward in her chair. I flick a strand of hair away from my ear, and look out the window. We are nearing the Capitol rapidly. I can just barely see the glow and gleam of the tall buildings that arise from seemingly nowhere. Blurs of blue ocean and blue sky whiz past us. I wait until we go through a small tunnel, before replying.

"Well sweetheart, we just go through the normal procedures. Let the stylists make us pretty and polished, smile and laugh whenever Ceaser says something funny, and lets not forget you're signature twirling. Perhaps you could get Ceaser to dance with you." I lift my arms above my head, and snap. I shake my head pretending to dance. Peeta looks at me,

"Haymitch, please."

"Alright everyone, let's get up. We're here!" Effie's smile lights up the room, as her words wrap around my head like a ribbon of silk. Her eyes soften as she sees me, and she walks over to us. "So I've decided something."

"Oh yeah?" I murmer.

"I'm going to get you boys something gold."

"What?" Peeta asks.

"And why is that?" God, she was magnificent. Jasmine and Vanilla..

"Well, Katniss has her gold pin. I have my hair. I want to get you two something gold. Because we're a team. We need to show all the other tributes why District 12 is the best! Because we are all a team."

Katniss takes Effie's hand, holding it gingerly, as if she were afraid the break her. I take her other hand, her soft skin breaking my resolve.

"Of course we are a team."

Effie smile beams directly at me, and I can feel my heart hammering deep within my chest.

"Come on now, we're here."

Behind Effie, I can see the bright lights, and the cheering faces of every Capitol person cheering. Cheering for me. Cheering for Katniss. Cheering for our death.