Absolutely Final Goodbye (#Wattys2016) (Fanfiction)

Twelve

I sit in Haymitch's arms as the alarms keep ringing. I am slightly trembling, and I can tell Haymitch realizes this because he holds me tighter. A tear falls down my face as I contemplate what might happen. We could walk out of this thing alive, or die trying.

"I'm scared." I say as I clutch to his shirt. I'm glad it's basically pitch black so no one sees this moment.

"I know." Haymitch responds. He gently runs his finger through my hair in an attempt to make me feel better. It works.

"Do you want to talk about something in the meantime?" He suggests. I nod, and he starts up again: "Okay, let's see. I remember one time, when I was younger, it was a really stormy night, and I was scared."

"You? Scared?"

"Trust me sweetheart, I'm not a tough man. You've seen me break. Anyways, my parents would hold me in the same fashion. I always felt so much better when I was in their arms. I know what it's like, I can guess you feel the same way?"

"Yes." I say. I look up at him, and even though it's very dark, I can see the silhouette of his face, and his eyes. I stare into them, as if that's what will save me from this horrid nightmare.

"What about you?" Haymitch suddenly says, "Any young Effie moments?"

I keep staring as I tell my story: "Well, not young young Effie, but about the time of your games." I am see Haymitch shutters a little, for I'm about to talk about his nightmares now: "When you won. Do you remember what happened?"

Haymitch smiles and nods: "I do recall. You ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug, talking about some kind of shit."

"It wasn't some kind of shit! It was how happy I was to see you out if there alive."

"Nonetheless, you were talking a mile a minute."

"Can't say I don't agree!"

"You looked up at me."

"And?"

"And, you just stared into my soul, like the devil."

I quietly laugh: "Well thanks! Every women likes to be called the devil!"

"I'm joking! You stared into my eyes, yours filled with tears, and said, 'I'm so lucky to have you back.' Almost at a whisper. And right then and there, I fell for you."

"Really?"

"In that moment, I saw your beautiful, mysterious eyes. I saw your perfect smile. I saw your strict jawline. I noticed your eyebrows weren't some crazy color, but blonde. And I wondered what was hiding under that wig."

I feel a sudden urge of complete happiness wash over me: "Well now you know!" I laugh.

We kiss. It's long and romantic and I'm in love with all of it. I had completely forgotten about the rebellion. I had completely forgot about the stressful, scary situation we are in right this second, because all I feel are Haymitch's lips.