Haymitch's Love: The Untold Story

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Katniss: The Interview

The tape of the Quarter Quell finally ends and Haymitch rises to press the off button when, to my surprise, the Capitol logo is abruptly shown while the anthem blares from the speakers. That 's odd. As a Victor, you only get interviewed twice; once before and after the games. Haymitch seems to realize this too; curiosity gets the better of us so we sit back down to watch. The training center appears and Caesar Flickerman, sporting a sparkly, egg yolk colored suit along with his hair and eyebrows dyed a painfully bright mauve, strides onto the stage bearing his overly toothy- more fang like- grin.

'Ladies and gentlemen,' he bellows cheerfully, basking in the applause. 'Welcome and good evening! I'm sure that you are all very excited to hear the tributes' families finally speak out! Tonight will definitely not be disappointing!'

Oh, so that's what this is. I had forgotten how the Capitol interviews each of the tributes' family and friends once the Games reach the final eight. I make a mental note to watch the interview with my mother and Prim. I look over at Haymitch, and see his mouth hanging open in utter shock; he has never mentioned his family to me before. As Caesar lulls the audience to ease with some opening jokes, I suddenly realize that this is a majorly personal moment for Haymitch. Should I give him some privavcy?

The two of us sit in stone cold silence as the interviews commence, each one more painful to watch than the next. Families speak of how they love their sons and daughters, sporting a faith that I can't help but pity. I'm eager to see what Haymitch's family was like but keep my mouth shut, because by the looks of him, he's never seen this tape before either. I silently wonder what happened to his folks and old friends, but feel slightly sick at the thought; what could President Snow have done to them to make Haymitch the way he is?

My ears perk as a familiar name is mentioned.

'Please welcome the family of... Maysilee Donner!'

Maysilee Donner? As in my mother's friend? As in the girl whom Haymitch made an alliance with? My suspicions are confirmed when a magnified photo of the girl I watched die just moments ago wavers in the background as a small family teeters onto the stage. There are two girls, both around Maysilee's age. One with a resemblance forcing me to believe to be her twin, the other looking strangely like -

My mother? I just can't believe my eyes. Haymitch's jaw is clenched throughout this interview. He was the one who was by Maysilee's side during the last moments of her life, was the one who held her hand as she died. I can't help but think of the resemblances to myself and Rue. 

Finally, District Twelve is announced for the second time, and the vibes in this room suddenly become much more than their previous tenseness. Butterflies are fluttering in my stomach and I think of fleeing the room before the interview begins. If I thought that merely watching the Quell was an intrusion of Haymitch's privacy, then what would I consider this?

'And now…' Caesar begins. 'Please give a warm welcome to Angress and Melmar Abernathy, the mother and brother of Haymitch Abernathy, from District Twelve.'

The audience goes ecstatic as the tiny family meekly walks on to the stage. Angress is holding on tightly to the little boy's hand, looking extremely apprehensive. Both are rather pale and thin, sporting the same shining, blond hair. Melmar, who must be about thirteen, is wearing an overlarge pair of glasses and simple brown suit. As I watch the little boy, I am forced to think of my own young sibling, Prim. Honestly, he could be the male version of her. Perhaps Haymitch and I share more in common than I thought? His mother, Angress, is looking slightly haggard, dressed in a patched up, emerald frock. They sit down and Caeser flashes his fangs at them.