Much like everyone else, Prim had noticed how much time Katniss had been spending with Haymitch. It had started happening well before the four of them had ever left home, even before the Quarter Quell announcement had been made. Prim knew that winning the Hunger Games changed people, and that Haymitch was the only other person that Katniss had to turn to when things got hard because neither she, nor their mother or even Peeta really understood what had gone on. Of course, Prim had noticed those extra glances between her sister and the older man, the way they seemed to understand each other well beyond friendship and how both of the former Victor's were much more pleasant when the other was around. That feeling hit Prim again, the one in her gut that said she wasn't the only person who was keeping a secret.

“I know,” Prim agreed. She wasn't bothered by the time that they got to spend with everyone else, but the blond was used to having much more alone time with Katniss. Since coming to the Capitol there had been a distinct distance between the two of them, and Prim felt guilty for thinking that it wasn't all bad. At some point, the younger girl knew that she would have to grow up, make the choice to step out from behind Katniss and live her own life, and there was a part of her that thought Katniss wasn't ready for it to happen yet. The Games forced their hand, and although their lives would soon be different, Prim was determined to hold onto some kind of closeness with her sister.

After chewing and swallowing the latest bite of her sandwich, Prim nodded to Katniss, her expression one of excitement. “We should,” she said, happy that the older girl had offered. “Maybe you can show me how to make some traps?” She was really terrible at them, and Gale had only showed her how to construct a proper trap once or twice before she had become frustrated with it and quit. If things got tight during the games, if they were low on food or without weapons, a trap could save their lives. Naturally, Prim was under the impression that the four of them would stick together while in the arena. “My survival skills are kind of a joke,” Prim admitted.

The mood shifted slightly at the mention of their mother and Prim tried not to think about how hard this must have been on her. “We're going to see her again,” she said, a promise to her voice. Although Prim couldn't say how they would be going home, she wanted Katniss to believe that it was possible. “And then I'll cook for everyone,” the blonde added with a smile as she continued to eat her lunch.

In Haymitch's opinion, there was nothing fun about preparing for the Hunger Games, or going into them. He knew that Johanna's advice had been in jest, but there really were tributes who were dim enough to step into the private session and just stand there. While he hoped that Gale was smarter than that, the older man couldn't be too sure. Whatever his fellow tribute ended up doing, whether it be something with a sword, or even running the obstacle course a few times, Haymitch didn't think there was too much to worry about. His main concern, as always, was Prim. Even if she was improving, she was still the weakest link in their chain.

Lunch was starting to come to an end and most of the table began to excuse themselves. Haymitch had just finished when Gale began to speak. The newest topic of conversation caused him to raise his eyebrow, and Haymitch immediately felt himself go on the defensive, tense shoulders and set jaw. Gale's meddling had to be the most annoying thing he had encountered since the first year he had worked with Effie and he didn't appreciate the other man being such a hypocrite. His relationship with Katniss had gone left unsaid but if anyone was going to be tripped up by love in the arena, it would be Gale and his constant worrying and fussing over Prim.

“Sorry, when's the last time you won one of these things?” he asked, voice full of sarcasm as he looked at Gale, unflinching. “Oh, that's right. You have no idea what you're going into, but here you are trying to give me a lecture.” Apparently, it wasn't enough that Haymitch had stopped drinking and taken Peeta's place in the games, that he had been ready to lay down his life in order to keep Katniss safe when the time came. Haymitch had never been sold on Gale even though he had been incredibly close with and important to Katniss. This latest stunt made him even less eager to be nice to the younger man.

Scowling, Haymitch shook his head and turned in his seat to face Gale. “I'm going to tell you this one last time, Gale,” he began, eyes a little dangerous, “don't you ever talk to me about what needs to be done. I know what's at stake. I know what happens inside.” Rising from the table, Haymitch's focus stayed on Gale. “Why don't you find your place and stay there and stop worrying about what I'm going to do?” It was less of a suggestion and more of an order, because the next time Gale tried to speak to him that way, about Katniss or anything else he didn't understand, Haymitch wasn't going to let it slide. 

After that, he walked away, leaving the cafeteria behind. It was better to get away, to focus his anger back on training and be productive rather than wallow in what he thought Gale might know.