[IC] Beyond a Fire's Embers

[Genkai]

The night itself could go several different ways but in Peeta’s mind, something more tame and relaxing was the most preferred. He knew his plan needed to work. It was risky and relied heavily on people he didn’t know very well. It also relied on the fact that both heavy contenders, named Katniss and Haymitch, couldn’t know about said plan. Peeta was counting on inside help from Plutarch and a few of the other tributes Katniss had begrudgingly given her seal of approval to. And of course the plan would be nothing without the compliance and secrecy of Primrose and Gale. The plan had so many opportunities to fail in the arena, and even outside of it that Peeta barely got any sleep.

Even with the aid of Capitol remedies, the baker still found himself restless with fears of the past as well as the future. He knew if Haymitch were in his position, the man would be just as tired and cranky and nervous. Peeta knew his new Mentor status was a blessing but at the moment, it felt like a suffocating curse. Katniss had good intentions, he couldn’t fault her heart was in the right place but he just wished he could confide in Haymitch regarding the plan. Effie and Cinna were fine people but Peta knew Haymitch was much better suited to construct a plan and make alliances and keep cool when under pressure.

But for now, he knew this party would be a somewhat welcomed distraction for everyone, not just himself and the tributes. Effie, Cinna and even Portia needed some time away from the complex politics of the Capitol and even they were helping with the plan, in their own ways. The boy up and moved over to the table and made himself a small plate as Effie turned on some music. It was rare for music to be broadcasted across the districts but this wasn’t what he’d ever consider music. It was mostly noises of the electronic nature, nothing really made sense to him. There weren’t any words and he didn’t think people could really dance to such things.

Meanwhile, Gale was content to chat with Prim, as she was a better source of comfort than some of the drinks they had at their disposal. “Yeah.” He nodded and thought back to him and Finnick, knowing he would be a great asset in the arena. “He’s got a lot of knowledge and insight despite his appearance.” He mentioned to Prim with a modest smile. Gale knew his initial impression of Finnick was skewed but now they were getting along well and he was more confident in how things could play out in a few days time. “There’s something about him though…” He couldn’t put his finger on it quite right. “I think he’s hiding something. I don’t think it’s anything dangerous but when I look at him sometimes and he’s smiling, it’s not really...real.”

He shook his head.

“Sorry, I know that doesn’t make much sense but, it makes me wonder what the Capitol really does when no one’s looking.” District 12 was so far away from it all but Gale was still rightly upset and suspicious when it came to the Capitol and what it was capable of and doing behind the scenes. Of course such ideas weren’t exactly suitable for a party so he dropped the matter. “Anyway, I think tonight will be good for us, Peeta’s been working hard.” Of course they didn’t know what since the less the knew, possibly the better the outcome. “I wish we could do something for him.” He commented. For a moment, his mind fell back to the girl he was with at the ball.

There wasn’t anything he could do there though. Gale shrugged his shoulders and looked over to where Effie was with the stylists. She seemed to be dancing, sort of. He grinned. “I’d ask you to dance but uh...I don’t think this is music as much as it’s sounds from some alien city.” He told Prim lightly as he saw Katniss hand Peeta a drink before she turned to Haymitch. Gale suddenly got a knot in his stomach. The previous one had only gone away since he had started chatting to Primrose but now it was back. “I think Haymitch and I are never going to be on good terms. We’re incapable of seeing eye to eye.” He sighed and rolled his head back to Prim, pouting. He tried several times and while his attempts weren’t the best, at least he was trying.

Things were going well, or as well as they could be going.

Katniss was still trying to think of something clever and amusing to show the Gamemakers since the time was quickly evaporating right in front of their eyes. Before any of them knew it, they’d be back in chaos with only their tools and weapons to keep them safe. Before she could do anything else, Haymitch appeared and asked if he could talk to her. Much to her surprise, her first thought was that he wanted to talk about them, that he was sorry for what had happened, that it was some kind of mistake and he had no real feelings for her after all.

But she quickly got a hold of herself and reminded herself that she was acting stupid and that not every problem had to do with her, if she could somewhat help it. The archer nodded and headed off with Haymitch, curious as to why he was in a bit of a mood. Once they were in another part of the suite, she looked to him expectedly. “Is everything alright?” She asked. That was a bit of a comical question of course. They were in the shittiest of situations and were also attending a party of a good friend while trying to keep a level head about killing people and staying alive. Feeling alright would be tough, to put it lightly.

If she knew Gale was the issue, she would have felt mild relief followed quickly by concern. Gale was her best friend. He knew he better than anyone else and she trusted him with her life, way before the Hunger Games with Peeta happened. Gale was someone she may have ended up with, if she were older and faced with nothing but loneliness. Her feelings for him weren’t romantic but she also knew that if they lived to be thirty and were still alone, they’d probably have surrendered to the idea of marriage out of survival. Romance hardly crossed her mind until very recently and it so happened to come from the most unlikely of people, Haymitch. So if he was upset, she was upset. She already had a strong urge to protect him but putting Gale in the mix, would just complicate things further. She needed both men to get along.

[mmidnight]

For Prim, the party was a good and welcomed distraction from the games that were rapidly approaching. It was hard to believe that in a few short days, the four of them would be thrust into the arena and forced to survive. It was a tall task, made even more difficult for the need to stay alive for Peeta's plan. Prim needed things to go as smoothly as possible, and she had been fooling herself into thinking that if she, Gale, Katniss and Haymitch could just stick together through everything, that nothing bad would happen. The blonde girl didn't wish to think about the very real possibility of there being no control over what happened once the bloodbath began. In that moment, her mind truly was a mess, and there was still interviews to think about, and the private session with the Gamemakers where the target on her back would finally be assigned a number.

Gale's speculation about Finnick had Prim raising an eyebrow. It was hard to imagine what Finnick was keeping a secret, but Prim really didn't think that she wanted to know. Many of the Victors came with their own set of problems, scars from the Games that would never fully heal and the Capitol stayed in their lives for so long after they left the arena. If Finnick was keeping something from Gale, or the rest of the very secret alliance, he probably had a good reason for it. “Don't think about it too much,” Prim said, figuring that was the best advice that she could give. If Finnick wanted to share the meaning behind his barely-there smile, he would.

The party was beginning to get underway, and although Prim didn't understand the strange music that was playing on the stereo, she did appreciate the effort that Effie had put into the celebration. Peeta deserved something nice for all of his hard work, and having to celebrate a birthday in the Capitol didn't have to be terrible. “I don't know how anyone would dance to this,” Prim agreed, laughing softly. However, Gale seemed to be having more problems with Haymitch, and a concerned look came over the blonde girl's blue eyes. If they couldn't get along as a cohesive group, it would spell disaster in the arena. “What happened now?” Prim asked.

To a point, Prim could sympathize. Haymitch wasn't an easy person to get along with, and even when he was close to someone, he was still a pain. Those times when he and Katniss had been training quickly came to mind, and Prim remembered how upset her older sister was after the incident in the woods. For someone like Gale, who was always trying his best and hardest, Prim could see how that would grate against someone like Haymitch—who was so much more solitary.

Solitary was a good way to describe it. Had Haymitch been anywhere near Prim and Gale's conversation, he would have had to agree. Even when he was younger, he had liked to be alone and the idea of an alliance with anyone had always bothered him. Another person, or three were just going to slow him down. As Haymitch got older, he learned the value of alliances and working together, but it was still difficult for him to take direction from anyone other than himself. He supposed that was why he and Katniss got along so well. It was that fact alone that had Haymitch thinking of Katniss empathizing with him over Gale and his constant pestering.

However, when Katniss asked that question, wondering what was and wasn't wrong, Haymitch hesitated. He gripped the glass in his hand, somehow unable to come out and say exactly what was on his mind. He wanted to talk Katniss's ear off about how tired he was of Gale checking up on him, how the younger man seemed to think that he was the same useless drunk that 12 had known for decades, and worse yet, that he was going to get Katniss killed. That was the assumption that bothered Haymitch the most; that he would ever be selfish enough to slow down someone so important.

“When these games happen,” he began, choosing to change course, “you know to save yourself, right?” The question was a difficult one, probably not something that guests at a birthday party would be eager to discuss, but Haymitch had to know. He had been operating under the assumption that Katniss would never go back for him, that his safety was his alone to worry about, and if anyone was going to cause problems, it was Prim. Unfortunately, Haymitch didn't know how Katniss felt about everything, and if the time came, Haymitch needed her to understand that letting go would always be for the best.

At the same time, it was a slightly hypocritical query. Katniss was the key to the revolution, but even if she wasn't, Haymitch would have saved her every time. Just the year before, he had been rooting for her to win, and although he would never admit it now, there had been a very large part of him that didn't care what happened to Peeta—it mattered that Katniss came home. It still mattered that she came home. “I just mean,” he shook his head, a slight frown creeping across his lips, “you can't go back for anyone. If we fall, we fall. This about you.”

Way to put a damper on the festivities.

[Genkai]

Trying to explain what was wrong to Prim was hard, since it was difficult for him to really figure out. Gale knew he wasn't as tactless as he seemed but around Haymitch, it was a lot harder to remain collected. Haymitch was an asset, Gale knew that. Haymitch was also stranger, someone he only knew from whispers and bitter ramblings from certain people. Gale wanted to trust Haymitch, to put the lives of those he cared about in the man's hands but at the same time, he still wasn't sure what Haymitch was capable of. The man had gotten sober but sobriety and executing an unknown plan were two different things.

"I don't know." Gale sighed and pressed his lips together. "I keep trying to talk to him about Katniss and you and the Games..." He knew this wasn't the right time to be talking about any of it but with Prim, he could honestly talk about anything, as well as nothing at all. She helped even if it was just by listening or being around. "I feel like on one hand, we can trust him," Well they needed to, and they had to. "but then again, he's as wild as Katniss, unpredictable and I need to know he'll protect her, and you, if something happens." Of course whenever Gale seemed to open his mouth, a lot of junk ended up tumbling out instead.

For Katniss, the main goal was to get everyone except herself out. At least that was the goal until very recently. With her new relationship with Haymitch, things had changed and she wasn't sure if she could sacrifice herself so that the others would live. After having to involve everyone else, Katniss was fine with accepting her fate as long as her loved ones were never bothered or harmed again. She knew she should have died a year ago, should have let Peeta win but that couldn't be undone. She stayed quiet, keeping her mouth shut as she tried to think of a way to tell Haymitch that she would play for herself. He probably wouldn't believe her though, so what was the point in lying?

He continued since she had given no inclination of commenting. "This isn't..." She stopped herself slowly. "This isn't about me anymore." She told him. "This is about everyone: me, you, Prim, Finnick, Johanna...Rue." Katniss swallowed and sighed deeply. "You know I'm not going to leave anyone behind, not if I can help it." She told him firmly. "A few days ago...I was fine with living until I died in the arena because I had ways of getting the rest of you to safety." She told him. "I was happy to accept some delayed fate but-" She glanced over her shoulder, unsure if anyone had wandered out of the main living room.

"But now," It was very sappy and hard to admit but if she could admit it to anyone, it had to be Haymitch. "I have you." She finally got out. "I didn't think I'd have a chance to be happy like everyone else, hunting makes me happy sure, but it's not the same." She glanced off and wished someone would come and find them so that she could be saved from this conversation. She didn't think this was what was bothering Haymitch though. "Are you sure you're okay?" She asked him, happy to change topics for now since she hadn't really resolved his worry about her well being when it came to everyone else. It was probably an important matter to discuss but it wouldn't mean much when they were truly in the Games.

Gale wasn't too happy to be talking in depth about Haymitch. It didn't seem right, especially when they were teammates. His reservations, to him, weren't misplaced but they could surely be quelled somehow. Hopefully soon. But right now, they had other matters to deal with, like Peeta. "Anyway, as weird as this...music is, let's try to have a good time." He smiled to Prim and got up. He turned and held out a hand for her. "Let's get some snacks." He offered. When she took his hand, he headed over towards the table and made a small plate with Prim by his side. In a week, this would feel like a dream. "Hey Peeta, I heard Effie got you a nice cake." He called the blond over.

"It'll be nice not to have had to decorate it." Peeta commented, though doing so was a good way to take his mind off things.

"I bet." Gale nodded.

"So what are you two thinking about doing for the presentation?"

"Oh, is that all you can talk about?" Effie interjected as she broke away from the stylists.

"Considering the Games are only a few days away, yes." Gale said honestly. Effie gave a pout and walked off, her heels clicking rapidly. Gale turned back to Peeta and shrugged, the boys exchanged a smile. "I was going to try some sword tricks I've been on so it's not too boring." He told Peeta.

Heels could be heard approaching and Katniss saw Effie inching towards them, looking a little bothered. "Come along you two, the cake is on its way up, I've ordered something special for our birthday boy and you won't want to miss it." Effie beckoned them. Katniss rolled her eyes, not happy that she hadn't been able to really speak to Haymitch but she knew she could try and get something out of him at night when they were in bed together.

"Right, sorry Effie." Katniss said and followed the woman back to the others, though still worried about a million other things.

[mmidnight]

Listening closely, Prim wanted to do whatever she could to ease Gale's concerns about Haymitch. As someone who had never been the biggest fan of Haymitch, drunk or sober, the blonde supposed that her trust in the other man should have spoken volumes. If it wasn't for Haymitch, Prim would have started her training much too late and with the wrong weapon, she wouldn't know how to properly defend herself if someone got too close. Haymitch had a way of looking out for people, and although it was more likely the mentor in him than genuine concern, Prim did think that the former Victor's advice was genuine. She couldn't seem to understand why Gale was doubting that when Haymitch was throwing himself back into the Games in Peeta's place all because Katniss needed someone reliable at her side.

“Nothing's going to happen,” Prim said softly, secretly unsure of her own words. She reached out and set a hand on Gale's, giving his fingers a firm squeeze. “If he's anything like Katniss, or you, I don't think he would be here unless he's prepared to protect us.” At the very least, Prim had no doubts that Haymitch would protect Katniss—their special bond was becoming more and more apparent as they days rolled by. Prim didn't want to acknowledge what she had already assumed, but Prim truly did believe that Haymitch would do the right thing if the time came.

That was hardly the answer that Haymitch wanted to hear from Katniss. Her desire to save everyone, himself included, was going to be her downfall and although she had no knowledge of Peeta's plan, Haymitch suspected that her answer would have remained the same regardless of the information. Hearing how important he was to Katniss, listening to her open up and stop short of just coming out with those three beautifully terrible words worried Haymitch to his bones. In that moment, he didn't care that Gale had been somewhat right about what was going on in Katniss's head, he simply needed her to think for herself because she was what sparked the revolution and if she died in the arena, the hope of Panem would die with her.

Sighing, as if disappointed, Haymitch set his drink down and took a step closer to the woman in front of him. “Katniss, I...” he paused, currently at a loss for words. “That's not the way this is going to go. It can't be.” He knew that she wasn't going to like what he had to say, but Haymitch wasn't willing to risk an entirely new world of change over love—he had always said that fickle emotion had no place in the games, and he was still right. “You have to think of yourself, alright? You can't be trying to save everyone.” He looked down at his feet for a moment, part of him afraid to meet her eyes after what he was about to say. “Especially me.”

The sound of high heels clicking against the floor caught his attention and Haymitch straightened himself up. The last thing he wanted was for Effie to be suspicious or find out that something had happened between himself and Katniss. Just as he suspected, the brightly colored escort had come to fetch them just in time to cut Peeta's cake, and Haymitch had no choice but to follow along. Before he did, however, he caught Katniss's arm. “I mean it,” he stressed, bothered by having to cut their conversation short. “I love you, but you can't play hero this time.”

It was the worst time to say something like that, and after he did, Haymitch walked away. The sensation was bittersweet, and if Katniss was angry with him, then he really couldn't blame her.

Birthdays had never been a very big deal in the Seam. Everyone was so poor that no one ever got much of a celebration, only a few kind words and maybe something decent from the Hob if they were lucky. With Katniss and Gale always hunting, Prim's birthday had usually consisted of some kind of pie that she baked herself, and a trinket from Katniss along with many well wishes. To see a cake, and an entire party organized for Peeta was somewhat surreal to Prim, but she was having a good time anyway. The mood of the room was a bit stiff, considering where they came from and the pressure that they were under, but Effie had clearly put in some much effort. Prim thought it was sweet of the woman, and she was always trying to make them feel so much better about being away from home and only steps away from certain death.

“Happy birthday, Peeta!” Effie giddily announced, clapping her hands together as an Avox wheeled in a rather spectacular-looking birthday cake. The frosting was a pale orange color that faded into different shades of itself up and down three impressive tiers. This cake looked nothing like any of the confections that had ever come out of Peeta's bakery, and Prim was sort of stunned by the beauty of it.

After the obligatory song had been sung, the cake was cut into and everyone was offered a piece. It was delicious, airy and soft, unlike anything Prim had ever tasted before. She decided that birthday cake was her favorite new food that she had been introduced to while at the Capitol, and she was just glad that such a nice night could be shared with her friends. The rest of the evening went by rather quickly, and there was more talk of private sessions. Prim still didn't know what she was going to do for the Gamemakers, and she wouldn't have worried about it had it not been for retaining sponsors.

Finally, the party started to wrap up. Most of Effie's friends had left, and Haymitch had managed not to have too many deep conversations with strangers. After saying goodnight to Peeta and wishing him a happy birthday one last time, the former Victor returned to his room. He wasn't tired, and there was anxious feeling inside of him that was currently making his skin crawl, but he tried to ignore it. Getting a full night of sleep was ideal, but Haymitch knew from experience just how long it took for the Gamemakers to see District 12 and he told himself that he could always catch a nap while waiting for his turn.

After wrapping up a game of chess with Peeta where Prim had more or less gotten destroyed, the blonde girl decided that it was time for bed. She said goodnight to the other stragglers and then quietly padded down the hall to Gale's room. Since coming to the Capitol, Prim had developed a fondness for sharing a bed with him, and she didn't expect this night in particular to be any different. “Did you like the party?” Prim asked after knocking and being let into Gale's room. It had been a nice break from the Games, Prim just wished that it could have lasted longer.

[Genkai]

Haymitch had been helpful, there was no denying that in Gale's mind but even so, Haymitch was still somewhat of an outsider and Gale simply wanted to make sure trust was formed between everyone. Gale, Prim, Peeta and Katniss were close already but Haymitch had only been recently introduced into everyone's lives as a prominent figure. Gale was happy to drop the subject though and Prim was a fantastic distraction from all the stress going on around them. She really was quite special and he hoped that the Games didn't take that away from him, or from her. They had changed Katniss and everyone else and he hoped that there was light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to Peeta and the others, it was more likely that they could get out alive and hopefully well.

She wasn't about to censor herself, that wasn't her thing. Katniss knew her answer was not what he wanted to hear. She knew she needed to look out for herself, first and foremost. But it wasn't easy when you had so many loved ones around you, in the same Hell as you. Effie was somewhat welcomed since Katniss wasn't certain whether or not the conversation would go in circles or just crash and burn. The girl was surprised when Haymitch grabbed her arm and kept her close but he clearly had a bit more to say on the matter. Haymitch then told Katniss he loved her but that she couldn't play the hero again. Her neck nearly snapped when she looked at him, turning her head rather quickly to figure out what he had said to her, as well as what he had meant.

Before she could worry or think too much, Effie steered everyone towards the cake. Katniss couldn't meet Haymitch's gaze and simply refused to acknowledge the rapid beating of her heart. Sure, they had done things that had proven love but saying it was something else. Saying it made it real and it put everything back into clumsy perspective. She did love Haymitch, she couldn't deny that. But right now she had to put that and everything else aside, as much as she felt the room spinning around and around. The cake was a fun treat and though Katniss didn't want to eat much more at the moment, she could tell everyone, not just Peeta, needed this distraction from everything dangerous around them. She noticed Gale and Prim happy and even Haymitch was socializing, it was almost like a dream for Katniss.

During the leisurely party, Gale had enjoyed the cake as well as the company. More people had arrived but he was still careful to say only the right thing, just in case any of them were somehow commissioned spies acting on Snow's behalf. He couldn't let his guard down, not even now. He soon departed and went back to his room for some much needed alone time. He was finally able to sit down and breathe without being watched by someone. It was easy to get swept up in paranoia but he was trying to keep his head above water and not drown or get overwhelmed. Soon it would all be over. He was about to get up and take a shower when Prim appeared in his doorway. "It was interesting...I think it was a good thought on Effie's behalf, Peeta seemed to enjoy himself." He told Prim.

Peeta was risking so much, for what he was doing for everyone. Gale knew that the party may have been a little odd but it still should have helped get everyone's minds away from the dangers around them. Effie may be a little high strung and be concerned with the stupidest of trivialities but Gale knew she was also an alley and probably needed to let some energy out with the party. "I was just going to shower." He told her and got up from where he was been sitting, at the end of the bed facing the tv. He gestured for her to sit down and make herself comfortable. He knew he didn't have to ask her, that she was already going to stay the night with him, but he couldn't help but want to say it anyway because it warmed his heart, a warmth which couldn't compare to the sun back home. "I'll be right out, then we can go to bed." He told her and headed into the bathroom and closed the door behind him.

For Katniss, the party had gone alright. Hearing Haymitch say he loved her did make things a bit more skewed however. The girl spent most of the time walking around and pretending to make light jokes with Effie's friends and everyone else. She kept an eye on her sister as well as Haymitch but not much happened. Some light games were played and soon the evening appeared to be wrapping up. Gale had already retreated to his room and Prim seemed to have just done the same. Haymitch had escaped earlier and Peeta seemed to be a little groggy. "Night." Katniss waved and headed back toward her own room. She got changed and doubled back out to Haymitch's door and let herself in, not being one to bother with the politeness of knocking. "Hey." She greeted and walked in.

Her mind and chest were tightly wound and it wasn't easy discerning between what she knew she had to do and what she wanted to do but Katniss knew she did love Haymitch and he loved her and it was incredibly cheesy and hard to think straight. And maybe hopefully things would become that much more clear. Right now she didn't want to think about who would make it out alive and why. Right now she just wanted to enjoy what time she with Haymitch and Prim and Gale. "I don't like being the hero, it's what got us here. I want to be someone who survives and Prim and Gale are survivers too." They just didn't know it yet. "Like you." Katniss said as she walked over and sat down on the side of his bed. She wan't fond of mushy speeches or anything like that but right now, it was better than arguing or making pointless plans.

By the time Gale came out, he was in fresh clothes and trying to dry his hair in the white towel. He tossed it into the hamper which then folded itself back into the walls of the room, where all dirty clothes and towels were disposed to be cleaned and later returned in the night automatically. The Capitol was a frighteningly secretive place. He had on a black tank top and a pair of dark blue cotton pants. "I guess all that's left to do is the presentation, get the scores and have the interview." He told Prim as he moved over and climbed into bed next to her. "After that..." Gale trailed off and put his arm around Prim. "After that, we're going to be fine." He said. And he actually believed his words. The plan was risky but he did have faith in not just his own ability but Peeta's, Prim's and Katniss's. And if they trusted Haymitch, he could try to do the same too.

The following morning wasn't much, very minimal training in the morning but after lunch, the Tributes were told there wouldn't be anything else to do except to present themselves to the Gamemakers in the afternoon and that evening, the scores would be given after dinner on the tv, broadcast everywhere around the country. Gale wasn't nervous at all, he was almost excited to show his skills. As Peeta came down, along with the other mentors, he began to speak to the four of them. Though Katniss and Haymitch didn't really need the speech or advice. Katniss looked a little sly s Gale hoped she didn't do anything too offensive, though she had told him what she did last year, he had grounds for concern. "Don't worry about what everyone else is doing, you will go last, just relax and prove why you're a force to be reckoned with." Peeta told them. Rather than go for downplaying skills, it was pointless by now. Prim and Gale needed to preform on the same level as their District counterparts or else they'd be targeted even more.

"Got it." Katniss smirked and Peeta gave her a worried glanced. "What? It's not like I'm going to try killing anyone up there. I'm harmless." Katniss insisted.

"Right, well...good luck and Effie wanted me to tell you to smile."

"I bet she did." Katniss said.

"Thanks." Gale said to Peeta as they were ushered into the waiting room away from the cafeteria. He sat down with the others and one by one, everyone was called up by name and district. After about an hour, it was finally dwindling down. No one really said anything and by the time his name was called, no one else but their district remained. He got up and headed over to the proctor who guided him into the other room where all the training equipment once were. Now only minimal things were out for everyone upon their request. Gale spotted his sword and the dummy he had asked for. He picked it up and did a few slices through the air before he advanced on the dummies. Gale made some flexible aims and cut off the dummy's head, legs and arms. He then did the same to two other targets and then finally spun around and threw it at a target several feet away, landing his weapon in the dummy's chest.

After Gale, Prim was called, followed by Haymitch and lastly Katniss.

When finished, the candidate told to go up to their suite and have dinner and wait for the results. Katniss was the last one show up. By that point, dinner had been laid out and everyone had been sitting in the living room, discussing what they had done. "How'd it go?" Gale stood up and asked Katniss. Gale had just finished telling the others about his swordsmanship. Peeta had also been notified of their displays but his expession changed when he saw Katniss. Effie didn't look pleased either. "...What did you do?" He asked.

"I may have done something, you know, with my hands." Katniss shrugged and walked over to them.

Only a minute ago, had a phone call been taken by Peeta in his room regarding District 12's final display of skill. Peeta wasn't surprised, just bothered. But what was done was done. "She built a structure, got a dummy and wrote Seneca Crane on it and then hung it from the structure with a rope around his head, she then show three arrows into his head, saying one was from her, Peeta and Snow." Peeta said. Clearly Katniss was making a statement that only select people would have heard about last year. "She certainly used her full 15 minutes..."

"I'm not going to apologize, they're to blame too." Katniss said.

"Do you really think doing that is going to help you get sponsors?" Peeta asked tiredly.

"Do you think she'll get a high score or...?" Gale started to ask. Then Effie headed down the stairs and into the living room. "Is dinner ready?" He asked, hoping to change the subject. Over dinner, they could hopefully talk more about what everyone did. He was hopeful that Prim's demonstration had gone better that Katniss' and that his own score wouldn't be too bad. Part of him was also pretty interested into those like Finnick and Johanna and even some of the careers. They sat down and the avoxes began to serve them a nice meal of steak and fries as well as a hearty salad with plenty of greens and additions like carrots or strawberries or chunky bits of toasted garlic bread. "So what dd you do, Prim?" He asked, fairly certain her actions wouldn't have been as controversial as her older sister's.

Sitting next to Haymitch, Katniss knew he was probably against her actions but her score didn't matter anymore. Whatever she got, people knew what she was capable of. The other tributes knew she was a threat and knew what her weaknesses were. The Gamemakers weren't stupid and wouldn't mark her down for what she did because her display of rope tying skills, archery and distance from which she shoot the arrows as well as accuracy, still amounted to something dangerous that deserved a high score. Even if that didn't happen, she'd still have sponsors, as would Prim and the others. It was pointless to get worked up over something stupid and she wasn't, she was trying to have a little fun. "How about you?" She said quietly to Haymitch, more in regards to what he did, but it could also be taken in the context of how he thought about her actions.

[mmidnight]

Over the years and since Maysilee, Haymitch had been with his fair share of women. He couldn't say that he was proud of every encounter, or that he had ever felt more than lust for any of them, but none of them had ever compared to Katniss. It was a horrible thing to realize, and at such an inconvenient time, but Haymitch really did love her. For all of her flaws, and all of the headaches that she had personally caused, Katniss made him a better person. If it weren't for her needing him in these games, Haymitch knew that he never would have gotten sober or trained to get back into fighting shape. In return, she had opened up to him and that in itself was something close to amazing.

Now that the party had ended, Haymitch was back in his room and very much alone. He sat on the bed, mind reeling with what he said to Katniss, and disappointed that he hadn't stayed to see or hear her reaction. Even at his age, Haymitch still made mistakes. Sighing heavily, the former Victor dropped his head into his hand and ran his fingers back through his hair. He was angry with himself, halfway sold on the idea of getting up and going to find Katniss, but it was just a few moments before she was already there. This time, he didn't mind that she had let herself into his room, and Haymitch was quiet as he waited for her to speak, or punch him; whichever came first.

Much to his surprise, Katniss was calm. Her words were sweetly brave, so genuine that Haymitch couldn't even think to cringe over the sappiness. He found himself smiling, eyes following her as she took a seat on the bed next to him. “We're going to make it out of here,” he told her, giving his fellow tribute as much of a promise as he possibly could. Lying to Katniss was one of the hardest things he had ever done, but if it got all of them out of the arena and off to better places, it would be worth it. “Together. You got it?” he asked rhetorically and reached out to pull her into his arms.

While Gale took his shower, Prim changed into her night clothes. She made herself comfortable on the bed and waited for Gale to come out. It didn't take him long, but the sound of the door opening brought her back from near-sleep and she sat up just as he tossed his towel into the hamper. “Yeah, I'm a little nervous,” Prim admitted in regard to the interview, but she smiled as Gale's arms enveloped her. Lying there with him after a long day always seemed to melt the stress away, and the blonde girl no longer minded the fact that in just a few hours, she would be trying to impress the Gamemakers into thinking she would be hard to kill. The interview was another issue entirely, but that seemed worlds away.

Sleeping through the night was easy when she was with Gale, and in the morning, Prim awoke well-rested and ready to go. Her morning routine went quickly, and the blonde made a final decision on what she planned to present to the Gamemakers. It wasn't anything fancy or complicated, but she thought that showing off her throwing skills would work nicely, especially with all the improvement she had done over the last week. After all, Prim assumed that the scores were based on how deadly a tribute was, and nine times out of ten, she could hit a dummy in the throat without a problem. Brutal as it was, Prim continued to tell herself that it wasn't real yet—the targets she was used to never bled.

The discussion at breakfast seemed promising, and it left Prim wishing that she could sit in on Katniss's demonstration. After hearing about what her older sister had done the year before, the display might have been inspiring. However, it was soon time to leave the suite and Prim was forced to put her serious face on. The four of them were in a room with the other tributes, forced to sit and wait as the lower-numbered districts went ahead of them. Prim was silent through most of it, only bother to speak when spoken to, or to promise Haymitch that she would try her best when her turn had finally come.

Once inside the training area, everything felt so much larger. When the room was filled up with other tributes and equipment, Prim always found a way to blend into the background. This time, all eyes were on her. The sound of her shoes against the concrete sounded too loud as she picked up a set of throwing knives and prepared herself. Squaring herself in her stance, the blonde concentrated and threw the set at the targets placed yards away. Almost every knife had hit somewhere vital, and all but one had landed. The last knife had clattered to the floor, short by a few feet. Glancing up to the Gamemakers, at Plutarch, it was hard to tell if they were impressed or not.

With Gale and Prim having gone before him, Haymitch was the last to go before Katniss. When his name was called, Haymitch got to his feet and gave Katniss one last glance. “See you on the other side,” he said, and nudged her before he was allowed into the empty training area once more. Whatever Prim had done, it had already been cleaned up and Haymitch was getting a sense of deja vu from the last time he had tried to impress the people in charge of his life. He didn't bother to acknowledge any of them, figuring that his bad attitude had worked for him the first time, and it would probably work again.

Picking up a familiarly heavy ax, Haymitch demolished a row of dummy targets. He threw his weapon a handful of them, cut the throats of others, and even dusted out a reference to his last games. On the final dummy, the former Victor raised his ax, shiny and glinting in the overhead lights and buried the blade in the top of the target's head. The rubber mold looked nothing like that girl from One had, but Haymitch hoped to send a message anyway. If that didn't earn him a high score, then he didn't know what would.

All that was left to do was wait for Katniss and Haymitch hoped that she would raise a little hell. Her display the year before had gone over well with no one but him, but for Peeta's sake, Haymitch hoped that she could reel it in—just a little. The elevator ride upstairs was a short one, and Haymitch gave an acknowledging nod to the others who were congregated in the living room before dinner was officially served. In no time at all, Katniss was joining them, and judging by the phone call that Peeta had received, she had done something inappropriate. Haymitch was all smiles.

“We've got all the sponsors we need,” Haymitch insisted, dismissing how upset Peeta was about Katniss's art show. He didn't mean to undermine the younger man, but it was just sort of natural for him. In the mean time, dinner was on the table and Haymitch took a seat next to Katniss. Under the table, he gave her thigh a pat, as if to say good job for whatever she had done.

Across from Katniss, Prim was equally proud of her sister. At least the older girl had the guts to shake things up a bit. Taking a bite of her salad, Prim shrugged her shoulders at Gale's question. “I threw the knives. It's what I practiced with the most. One of them missed the thing completely. I don't think I did well,” she said, shaking her head a bit. “What did you do?” she asked in return, wishing that she could have seen Gale in action.

When the question was turned around on him, Haymitch didn't think he had anything to hide. “I put an ax through one of the dummy's heads,” he said, and saw Effie frown from the corner of his eye. “Just like when I won, but less blood.” He turned to Katniss. “I think you outdid all of us though. You should be more smug about it because they're going to remember you forever.”

Whether Katniss was or wasn't going to be the most talked about tribute that year would be decided soon enough. The rest of dinner went smoothly and the conversation was oddly light, all things considering. Eventually, the Avoxes were back, doling out dessert just as Effie was turning on the television in the living room. The anthem had already started to play, and as the song tapered off, the voices of Caesar Flickerman and Caludius Templesmith could be heard. They sounded excited, booming voice excitedly talking about each tribute. They paid particular attention to the career districts, and of course, the favorites from the pool of existing Victors. Haymitch's name was mentioned a handful of times, but Katniss was the real star and both men on television seemed eager to discuss her performance and speculate about how she would fare that year.

“It's starting!” Effie insisted from the other room. The escort appeared in the dining room once more, painted face looking impatient as she ushered the four tributes and Peeta into the living room and onto the couch. Prim brought the small dish of strawberries and cream with her, deciding that she hadn't been done with dessert yet. Still, she took a seat next to Gale on the couch and settled in for a night of comparative war. The blonde was slightly nervous about her score, but she did her best to tell herself that it couldn't be that bad.

For the next hour, the tributes and their scores were revealed. Haymitch paid close attention, the mentor in him unable to help the need for control. He wasn't surprised to see that the old career pack had scored fairly high, and that included Finnick. The whole Capitol loved him, though, and Haymitch suspected that there would have been a riot had he gotten anything less than a nine. The rest of the winners were mixed, and Johanna was at the top of the pack with the morphlings scoring abysmally low. Finally, it was time for 12.

“I'm sure you all did well,” Peeta said, sounding comforting despite his disappointment with Katniss. “Prim and Gale have come a long way.”

[Genkai]

One of things she liked about the newly improved Haymitch was that he didn't take every obvious opportunity to mock her when it came to being sappy. She didn't like it, sometimes it just came out. Either way, his support meant everything to the girl and she wanted to be equally helpful in his own progress. Katniss was still determined to keep everyone safe but now she had a more pressing need to not just cast aside her own well-being. Now that she had remembered her family and friends, she knew she couldn't die being a martyr. That really wasn't who Katniss Everdeen was. It was what the Capitol wanted, perhaps. Then their troubles might be over if they go the rumblings in the distant Districts to die down. But Katniss wasn't about to roll over and die. No. She would fight, along with anyone else that she could trust but that list wasn't exactly extensive. For now, she was happy to focus on anything else and give her mind some rest.

At the table, Haymitch praised her efforts more than Peeta, which she had been secretly hoping. Peeta was trying to have a firm grasp on his tribute's actions but all of that didn't matter. All that remained was the interview night tomorrow and then that would be it. They'd be on their own, lost to blood-lust and survival. "Thanks." Katniss smiled at Haymitch when he suggested she take more pride in her actions. The meal was nice, considering there were minimal tensions regarding everyone's scoring and their competitors. The girl looked across the table at her best friend and sister who seemed to be chatting closely as well. It was good that they could both support each other but Katniss was still understandably worried about them. They could watch carnage on tv but being stuck in it, was something different and it would change their lives if they made it out alive. Katniss didn't want Prim or Gale changing because of her error but she also had to trust in their progress of skills. "I'm sure you did great, Prim." She spoke up.

Gale nodded at Katniss's words. "I'm sure they're taking a look at your skills, not just how accurate you are. There's probably a lot more to consider." He tried to assure the girl beside him. Gale was interested to hear about what Katniss had done, as well as Prim. Haymitch's display didn't surprise him much either. He knew Haymitch was strong, well stronger now than a year ago. "Me? Well I just did some tricks with the sword, tried a little too hard I'm afraid." He said, silently wishing he had been able to talk to Peeta more in depth about what to do since Peeta was always likable. It wasn't that Gale wasn't, but Peeta had a natural charm to him that made everyone, even his enmities as made evident by last year, enjoyed his personality and skills. Gale couldn't worry about the scoring anymore though, that was out of his hands and the only thing that could earn him a better favor was tomorrow night's interview.

"I'm sure all of us preformed well enough to make a statement, that District 12 is a strong team that won't be easily defeated." Gale said as the dinner began to wind down. Soon enough Effie left to go turn on the screen in the living room and Gale set his utensils down, finishing his appetite depleted. "Coming, Effie." He got up and placed a hand on Prim's shoulder before he headed down the stairs and walked over to where the anxious escort was. Gale took a seat and Prim joined him, taking a seat beside him with her fruity creamy dessert in hand. He leaned over and dipped his finger in and licked it. He gave her a teasing grin before his attention was returned to the tv in front of them. Katniss was slower to join, clearly not as nervous or as excited as everyone else. Even so, the dark haired male knew this was important to her as it was to them so he focused on the presentation. He was also making mental notes as to who to look out for and who could stay off his radar. As he watched, he found himself lucky to have Johanna as an ally and not an enemy, which had been tricky to sort out given her and Katniss' rocky friendship of sorts.

"Thanks, we've got plenty to be motivated by." Gale replied to Peeta.

First up was Primrose Everdeen and it was announced with a bit of dramatic pause that she had earned a score of 7.

"That's great Prim!" Gale took the opportunity to slip his arm around her waist and give her a bit of a sideways hug. "That's loads better than most of the fresh faced tributes." He said happily.

"It's in the top=middle, very well done, Prim." Peeta nodded.

"I'm so proud of you." Katniss said to Prim and reached over Gale to give a kiss on the cheek. "See? You're a fighter, it's not just in my blood." She said, quite pleased with her sister's score. It could have been lower but it wasn't. Katniss was sure the others were now looking at Prim in a new light, that she wasn't some kind of baggage, that she could fend for her own, in her own right.

Up next was Haymitch Abernathy who ended up scoring a 9.

Gale glanced to Haymitch who was by Effie while Peeta stood behind the couch behind everyone. "Well done." Gale offered his light congratulations to Haymitch. Gale knew the man would score at least an 8 but a 9 was even better. So far, their hometown was getting plenty of praise and he hoped it didn't end up shooting them in the foot.

"I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks." Peeta teased lightly.

Katniss looked to Haymitch and smiled but didn't say anything. She knew he would do damned good and he did. She had so much to be proud of her, her sister and friend, and even Haymitch and Peeta. Despite the stress of going back into the Games, Katniss was feeling surprisingly good at the moment. Internally, she couldn't help but wonder how attractive Haymitch must have looked, and in turn he got a prety good score, Katniss couldn't help but feel a bit flustered for a moment or two. Thankfully things moved on to Gale Hawthorne who mirrored Haymitch's score of a 9 which surprised Katniss, but only slightly. Gale was younger and offered more polished skills but even so, Gale was unprepared where Haymitch had wisdom. Comparing them wasn't easy but they both got a 9 so Katniss hoped this might somehow get both guys to accept one another as somewhat equals and leave any kind of pettiness behind before the the Games began. "Way to go Gale!" She said to him and patted his leg. "You've worked hard to get that."

"Well everyone's been working hard." Gale pointed out, slightly sheepish. He was pleased with the results but he was also pleased with Prim's and even Haymitch's. So far, things were going very well for them. Gale leaned over and rubbed Prim's waist softly, not really caring if anyone noticed or said anything about it. The fact was that he and Prim were no longer the scared wide eyed innocent victims of the Capitol's game, no they had fought hard to make something more of themselves, to help Peeta's plan and everyone else involved with it as well. Gale was pleased with the results and even Haymitch and Katniss had been able to better their own talents and short-comings. "It is still great to see hard working paying off." He couldn't help but admit. It seemed there was only one last score to reveal and Gale slowly removed his arm from around Primrose as the transmission fell silent. Would they give Katniss a low score on purpose? Would they make some retort about her presentation? Or would she get some high score that she earned, or that would label her the biggest threat in the arena?

She got an 11, the same as last year.

It was still among the top five highest scores of the 48 Tributes.

"Your risk paid off, it seems." Peeta had to admit as he leaned down and hugged Katniss from behind briefly. "I'm really proud of all of you. You all made District 12 and Effie, and myself very proud." He smiled to them.

"Wonderful scores, everyone!" Effie cheered and glanced to Peeta by her side. "All of this nervousness and excitement has worn me out, I'm afraid I must retire early but tomorrow is a relaxing day leading up to the interviews, after that it's..." She trailed off, unable to really say what the end meant to her.

"Good night guys, well done, you've earned a big brunch tomorrow so feel free to sleep in if you'd like." Peeta added quickly before following Effie, intending to talk to her further in private about their plans for the upcoming Games. Now that scores were known, things had to be double checked with their allies behind the scenes. This left the four Tributes alone together, no longer bogged down by anything except interviews which were typically pretty harmless. Of course Effie and the others had a plan to make sure Katniss was still the image they had hoped she could become, a sign of a bright future that wasn't tarnished by the shrewd Capitol and its miserable traditions. Gale stood up and turned around to the others, still feeling like he was flying up to cloud nine. At the same time of course, he knew not to get too ahead of himself.

If Haymitch wasn't sober, he would have suggested they share a celebratory drink but for now he could only offer, "How about we have some tea and see what's left of the desserts." He suggested, not feeling too tired at the moment, not with such a weight lifted off his shoulders. If he liked dancing, he might have started to do just that.

Katniss looked over at Haymitch and tilted her head, hoping he wouldn't try to duck out of their informal celebration together. "Sure, I wouldn't mind another raspberry tart." She commented and got up and held her hand out for her sister, still feeling like a proud mother. "You know, I bet mom is back home, feeling just as good as we are. I can feel it." She told Prim.

[mmidnight]

If the other tributes weren't intimidating before, then they were when they received their official scores. Suddenly, Prim was rather glad to have Johanna and Finnick as allies; better to be working with deadly people than against them. As the show went on for the evening, she and the others commented alongside the commentary on television, mostly it was just Haymitch speculating on who had done what, and why they got such a high or low score. Eventually, the presentation had come to their district, and Prim was anxious to see her marks. There was a part of her that worried she would be the lowest-scoring tribute out of all of them, that missing one target by a mile and not landing every hit had cost her something precious.

As Caesar Flickerman began, Prim held her breath. She didn't even want to look at the TV, but when her score was finally revealed, the blonde breathed a sigh of relief. Seven wasn't that bad, and everyone around her seemed to be proud, especially Gale and Katniss. Prim smiled and leaned into Gale, “thank you,” she said, laughing in near disbelief. Her smile widened as Katniss bounded her way over to kiss her cheek. Accomplishments always felt ten times better when Katniss was proud, but Prim was just happy not to have let anyone down. Now she could stop worrying about it.

Unlike Prim, Haymitch wasn't very worried about his score. Thanks to Katniss being on her best behavior at the ball, and how oddly charming Prim and Gale could be, District 12 had an abundance of sponsors and he highly doubted that any of them would do terrible enough to warrant a second thought by the Capitol citizens and their never-ending pocketbooks. After the program had announced Prim's score, and Haymitch gave her a thumbs up, it was his turn to be scrutinized. He had been through this once before, and remembered the anxiety he had tried to hide. Now, he was calm and collected, although he raised his eyebrow when his score was revealed to be one shy of double digits.

The others seemed pleased by it anyway and Haymitch shrugged. “Yeah, yeah,” he replied dismissively to Peeta's comment about old dogs and new tricks. It would have been accurate had he not done the same thing during his first meeting with the Gamemakers. Quickly, Caeser was moving onto Gale and Haymitch was decidedly more interested. After all of the grief that the younger man had been giving him over the last week, Haymitch wanted to see just how good or bad Gale had done. The mentor in him wanted to see a high score, but the angry jerk embedded into his personality hoped for a seven.

Luckily, Gale was granted a nine. Their twin scores irritated Haymitch slightly, not wanting to be compared to his most recent pain in the ass, but Caeser and Claudius were cheerily doing just that. It sounded like the men from 12 were supposed to stand together, get along and work together, all of that nonsense. Haymitch congratulated Gale anyway, not as proudly as Katniss and Prim had, but he didn't want to look bad or give Peeta the impression that something needed fixing. Now that the Games were just a stone's throw away, the new mentor needed to concentrate on his job and think strategically.

Finally, the program was at its end, and they had come to Katniss. Out of every former Victor that had been reaped that year, Haymitch knew that everyone across Panem was the most excited to see Katniss. Knowing what she had done, he wondered if the Gamemakers would give her the lowest possible score, something to make the uprising doubt her, or something far higher than anyone had received that evening so that she would be even more of a target. Haymitch watched in silence until the number finally showed up on screen. An eleven was impressive, but fair—it was the same score she had gotten the year before. Although he had been tipsy at the time, Haymitch remembered being surprised and realizing, for the first time, that Katniss had it in her to win the whole thing. Being right was sometimes very costly.

“Good job,” he said, the traces of a smile still on his lips as he looked at Katniss. The urge to lean over and give her a kiss was strong, but Haymitch resisted as Peeta began to speak. He seemed generally pleased by the evening, as did Effie, but Haymitch wasn't looking forward to what was coming next. Interviews were almost as pointless as the parade, just another excuse for them to get dressed up and pushed around on stage for the Capitol's amusement.

As Effie and Peeta retired for the night, probably up to something, the four tributes were left alone to bask in the glory that was decently good scores. Haymitch himself had every intention of getting the hell out of the living room and securing himself a few hours of peace and quiet before bed, but Gale seemed to have other ideas. It wasn't until Katniss practically begged him with a look to stick around. The former Victor found himself sighing, wishing that he was either drunk enough to enjoy himself, or leave without caring who he upset. As Katniss got up to fuss over Prim, Haymitch found himself on his feet as well.

Something was compelling him to reach out to Gale as they approached the dining room. Dessert was still being served, and in the absence of alcohol, sugar was just as good. “Nine's a pretty good score,” he said, looking over to the younger man as he poked at something yellow and lemon scented.

Focused on getting Katniss another raspberry tart, Prim hadn't even noticed that Haymitch and Gale were having a moment. “I hope she's less worried now,” the blonde commented as she plucked one of the tarts from the serving plate and handed it off to her sister. Thinking about her their mother was handling both daughters in the Games was something Prim had been avoiding, but she really hoped that the woman could hold out for just a little longer. Escape meant saving her too, just one more life riding on Peeta's plan. “But you're right,” Prim added with a smile, picking up a glass of sparkling juice, “I'm sure she's proud of us. All of us.” Haymitch and Gale included.

Taking a seat at the table, Prim continued to focus on her sister. “I can't believe you did that though,” she laughed softly, “with the dummy and the arrows. I thought Peeta was going to explode when he heard.”

[Genkai]

The fact that everyone was pleased, including the grumpiest ones in the group, was amazing. It just proved that not everything had to be so tense and troubled. Katniss got her tart with Prim and the pair continued to chit chat closely together while the boys were left on their own to fend for themselves. "I think Gale's family and even Peeta's are looking after her. I'm sure they're worried but after tonight, I think it's easier to see the big picture." Katniss attempted to offer some kind of comforting consideration. "Yeah, I know I'm proud of everyone." She nodded in agreement as she glanced to Gale and Haymitch, biting her lower lip gently.

"I hope those two can get along..." She said quietly to Prim.

As he got up, he found Haymitch approaching him, though Gale was sure it was mostly due to the fact that the girls were busy together. He turned to the man and gave him a small smile, still not sure if things were still weird between them or not. "I'm glad I stuck with the sword and was able to focus on it, thanks for that advice." Gale mentioned to Haymitch, recalling that it was the older man who had advised Gale to stick with the sword last week. And now Gale was able to prove that he wasn't a burden or just going along for the hellish ride. Looking back down at the array of selections, he picked up three chocolate chip cookies.

He looked over and saw Prim and Katniss began to make everyone a cup of tea.

"Sorry about earlier." Gale said to Haymitch, not really brave enough to bring it up anymore. He had decided while safety and trust were important, it wasn't worth babbling about and risking some words spoken out of turn. Gale knew Haymitch cared about the girls and didn't want Katniss becoming some kind of sacrifice when push came to shove. Gale just wanted to make sure Prim didn't go home without her sister but he also knew that realistically, he couldn't alter the future since it hadn't even happened yet. Peeta had a plan and Gale needed to relax and trust that things would work out for the best and that the arena would be alright, that Katniss wouldn't be reckless and that they would stick together and make it out alive.

"Hey guys, how do you like your tea?" Katniss asked them as she finished putting down the teapot with its intricate stenciling in blue and grey. Katniss added a bit of milk and a sugar cube to hers before she took her small teacup and matching white saucer down to the living room. She wasn't one for fancy cutesy things and here she was, sitting with a tiny cup of tea and a fruity tart. She was glad no one back home could see her now. Gale smirked a little and walked around the table by where Prim was fixing her own cup. He added just a pinch of sugar and took his handful of cookies and followed where Katniss had gone, but not before slipping a cookie onto Prim's saucer, figuring she might want one as well.

"I wonder what the stylists have planned for tomorrow." Gale commented as he sat down on the couch. Katniss had nabbed one end and he had the other. Gale had assumed Prim might sit next to Katniss or himself but he was rather hoping Prim sat next to him so he didn't have to sit next to Haymitch, since Gale still wasn't sure how the older man felt about him in regards to him in general. Of course right now, things didn't seem tense but the boy was still surprised Haymitch had voluntarily said something to him. So that was a pretty big plus in his book. For now, he wanted to be cautiously optimistic since getting things straightened out would preferably happen now rather than during the Games when shaky alliances could lead to events that couldn't be mended.

"I don't doubt you two will look handsome." Katniss said before she could censor herself.

Gale glanced to Haymitch but only smirked a little.

"I mean you guys will probably be more comfortable than us." Katniss pointed out. She picked up the tart after set down her tea and took a small bite. She hummed happily and shook some crumbs off of her chest. "I have a feeling we're going to look outrageous since this would be the last chance for the public to gawk before we're on tv." She figured with a shrug ad she took another bite and then set it down beside her hot beverage of choice. But for now, they didn't have much to worry about, Cesar was a pretty good guy and since Katniss had already been through the torture before, she didn't feel as nervous. "I guess Peeta might need to give us some tips before tomorrow night." She considered as Prim and Haymitch settled down with them.

"I'm sure whatever you're wearing or saying, you'll be great." Gale told the ladies lightly as he took a drink.

Of course being annoyingly nice was easy for people like Gale or Peeta or Prim but Katniss knew she'd need to still make an effort not to ruin what their hard work had done for them. "Thanks." She said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"It's going to be fun, sure it's mandatory but if you look at it like that, then you probably won't enjoy yourself." Gale pointed out. He had a feeling Peeta had some kind of plan in mind to make sure the public knew how awful it was for the Capitol to doing such a thing for the Quarter Quell. "I bet you Finnick is the only one who is allowed to go out on stage shirtless." He joked as he tried to imagine a stylist trying to get the man to stay in a shirt for long periods of time.

"I think more people would complain if he didn't come out shirtless." Katniss grinned and took a drink quickly.

[mmidnight]

Everything would have gone much more smoothly if Haymitch and Gale could stand to be around one another for more than five minutes without snapping. Much like Katniss, Prim was also worried that the men in their alliance would never see eye-to-eye. The blonde thought back to her conversation with Gale the night before, and the concerns that he had when it came to the former Victor. Looking at them now, Haymitch seemed to be trying to bridge that gap, and that was some kind of miracle on its own. With Peeta's plan depending on all of them staying alive and together, Prim hoped that Gale would start to change his mind about Haymitch before it was too late.

“Yeah, hopefully,” Prim agreed quietly before Katniss took on the task of getting everyone a cup of tea.

Although the majority of his personality said differently, Haymitch wasn't incapable of getting along with others. Had the situation been any different, he would have had his own reservations about having to work with an old drunk. Gale's concerns weren't without merit, but the former Victor had a big problem with the way the younger man spoke to him; as if he were old and senile and didn't know the impact of what the four of them were about to face. Knowing all of that, Gale's sudden apology caught him by surprise and Haymitch was rather unsure of how to react to it. He wasn't one for tender moments, and cared even less for bonding, but the right thing to do was let it slide.

When Katniss asked them how they liked their tea, Haymitch took the opportunity to pat Gale on the arm and simply take his cup. He didn't add anything to his tea, always feeling like the bitter taste suited him nicely. Soon after he picked up one of the delicate tea cups, he too made his way to the living room with Katniss. He took a seat on the couch with her and offered her a wry smile, like a cat who had just eaten a canary. “How are you feeling about tomorrow?” he asked, taking a drink from the cup.

With two sugars in her tea and a cookie on her plate, Prim joined the others in the living room. She saw that Haymitch had situated himself next to Katniss, so Prim didn't feel too out of the place when she took a seat next to Gale. She was just in time to hear Katniss commenting on what the guys might look like for their interview, and the blonde found herself agreeing. Then again, she always thought that Gale was handsome. Smiling into her teacup, Prim took a drink and then broke off a piece of cookie. “You guys always have it easier than us. Just be thankful you don't have to break your ankles in high heels,” Prim said, laughing.

“Finnick would complain if he didn't come out shirtless,” Haymitch commented, which seemed to make Prim laugh even more. He smiled to himself, a little amazed by how easily they were all getting along. “Anyway,” he shrugged and took another pull from his cup, “it's probably the least horrible part of the whole dog and pony show if you're not bothered by crowds.” Both he and Katniss had gone through the interview before, and Haymitch was sure that Caesar would have all kinds of tailored questions for them this time around.

Prim was somewhat nervous about the night, but she wasn't going to let it get to her when she was feeling so good about their scores. “It can't be worse than the ball,” she said and set her tea cup aside. “At least you get to leave the stage when Caesar is done with you.” Not standing around and pleasing people seemed like the easiest thing the Capitol could offer next to riding around in a chariot all night.

Glancing over to Katniss, Haymitch couldn't help but wonder what Cinna was going to put her in. Her gown for the ball had been stunning, and although Haymitch had hated the idea of going, the night had been spectacular. He did his best not to let on that something had happened, not wanting a fight to break out when they were all getting along so well. “It's quick,” he promised, watching as Prim leaned against Gale. “You two might want to talk about each other. These people need a new couple to latch onto and if they really like you, they'll send you more gifts.” Prim and Gale's relationship could only help them in that respect. Although Haymitch was slightly envious of them because he and Katniss had to hide. He supposed it would all come out in the arena anyway.

[Genkai]

Even in the Capitol, miracles were actually possible.

When Haymitch looked to her, almost as if to show off or even seek approval, she just returned the smile and looked to see Gale and Prim getting comfortable on the couch with them. If a stranger could see them now, they might mistake them for friends, as opposed to warriors and killers who only sometimes saw eye to eye. Katniss was surprised by how well they were getting along and she didn't want to jinx anything because the more they had moments together now, the easier it would be to keep a level head when the world was on fire and crumbing all around you, creating some real-life hell that only one person could somehow escape from.

The topic moved from Finnick to the event itself and how it wasn't as bad as the Ball. She shook her head. "Nah, it's a lot easier than the Ball." Having now done both, Katniss could say she was feeling more comfortable with the impending interview. Of course she and Peeta had to figure out what she was going to saw because their relationship would be brought up, without a doubt. "You've got nothing to worry about, everyone already loves you." She told her sister. Katniss worried about survival back home but now that they were someplace else, she hoped Prim wouldn't worry about things that didn't matter, that they couldn't readily change. Prim needed to be focused and treat the interviews as another way to survive, give people what they want.

Gale listened as Prim expressed concern about the interviews to which Haymitch had assured her they weren't bad and then Katniss also chimed in. He wasn't worried. He was almost looking forward to it. He could finally have his voice be heard. Of course he thought nothing of the people in the Capitol but he knew that important people were watching and listening too. He had a lot to say when it came to how he viewed the unjust way the big city treated those it relied upon for food and materials. But Peeta had been stern in telling them not to say anything too colorful and to keep things light and casual, to appear human, genuine but also considerate.

But to Gale, he didn't think he owed the Capitol any sort of pleasantry.

They had all been pulled into some shitty situation and were now expected to smile and laugh along with everyone else? How disgusting. For he withheld his contempt for now, like Katniss, he wanted to enjoy the fleeting peace. He felt Prim lean against him and then Haymitch made a comment which surprised him. He knew he and Prim were a bit obvious by now but to hear the man bring it up was still unexpected. He saw Katniss quickly kick Haymitch in the ankle, which he knew meant she wasn't one hundred percent on board with him and her sister. "You think it'll be a good angle?" He asked Haymitch. The more he considered it though, the more the man figured it would be nice to play it up if it meant a better chance for their plan. But even more so, he would happily declare his love for Prim if it meant everyone knew.

"It could make them targets." Katniss quickly pointed out, not wanting Prim or Gale to get too far ahead of themselves. "What?" She saw Gale looking at her. "Any weakness will be exploited, that's not my fault. I'm just trying to look out for you two." She quickly said before Gale or anyone else accused her of being bothered for other reasons than it having to do with the Hunger Games. She was happy for Prim and for Gale but it was proving to be difficult to be happy for them both together, hence the kick to Haymitch for even bringing it up. "Anyway, I'm sure Peeta has a list of things we should and shouldn't do so...just check with him." She glanced to Haymitch, not wanting to necessarily undermine him or his advice but Peeta's thoughts had to be considered too.

"Your list is probably very long, catnip." Gale teased her. He knew Haymitch's suggestion was valid but so was Katniss's, even if she was still getting used to him and Primrose together. He finished his tea and set it down, not feeling like getting up for a refill quite yet. The topic needed to move on though, before Katniss had some kind of mental episode if she kept picturing him and her sister together, holding hands, kissing. "Anyway, I'd like to think we're more in control than other Districts. We at least all know each other and can trust each other but some newcomers and returning Tributes might not see eye to eye." He pointed out their advantage. "I've heard some arguments erupting from the 2 District, as well as the fourth and seventh."

She was very thankful for the change in topic, even if it wasn't that much better.

Katniss glanced back to Haymitch, hoping she hadn't upset him or anything, as she hadn't meant to.

"Well we've also got Haymitch." Katniss pointed out, smirking with a hint of pride sparkling in her eyes.

Gale glanced to Prim, Katniss had been more cheery lately and he figured Haymitch was the cause, somehow.

He didn't need to think about that though, not if his suspicions were right.

"Yeah, and we've got you and Peeta." Gale added. "We're in good hands." He put an arm around Prim.

"You guys will be good." Katniss agreed and bit on her lower lip, wishing she could do something, at least lean against Haymitch or loop her arm in his own. His slight jealousy was something they also had in common. "And the interviews will be painless, and whether you two make your relationship known or not-" She swallowed, trying to stay collected. "you'll be loved and everyone will wonder why Snow has decided to hurt so many innocent people." She pulled herself back in, finding comfort in her resolve as she smiled at them. While their public affection could be weakness, she also knew it could be very strong and she just hoped the odds were in District 12's favor.

The boy at the other end could tell Katniss was thinking about something and he nodded in appreciation. "Snow will be sorry for everything he's ever done." He assured her. Katniss released her lower lip from her teeth's grasp and finished her tea. It was times like this, when she was anxious, that she wished she could hunt. Being in the forest and rambling made her feel at peace and safe but now she wasn't alone and didn't have to be. "After the interviews," He decided to change topic again hoping this attempt would be better. "I'm sure Effie will want to fawn over us but I wouldn't mind if we sat down like this again. It's...nice."

"The view from the roof is actually amazing, Peeta and I used to-" She stopped herself. "We should check it out tomorrow." She just said.

Gale wondered if Katniss hadn't been in a better mood, if they would have ever gone up to the roof. He knew Haymitch was to thank for keeping Katniss sane, especially after the incident at the Reaping and then on the train. An apology was hard enough, coming from any man's mouth but Gale knew he also owed Haymitch some gratitude. "Thanks for uh...thanks for looking after Katniss." He spoke up, leaning over to look at the old man. "I didn't give you enough credit, for all I know, Katniss could be much worse if you weren't here." He said, swallowing a bit more of his pride.

"I'm not a dog who needs looking after." Katniss snapped, pouting slightly but she knew what he meant. Prim and Gale and even Peeta, had been hard-pressed to help her back home and even then, they didn't make much progress the way Haymitch somehow could. "But it's really good to see you two finally getting along." She then looped her arm through Haymitch's.

"Baby steps." Gale rolled his eyes a little and glanced to Prim, hoping she knew how difficult it was to do such a thing, and in front of Katniss and Haymitch no less. Katniss would surely tease him about it for a while but hopefully Prim wouldn't. "But yes, the roof would be a good place to enjoy our last night together." He quickly said.

[mmidnight]

Even though the interviews were supposed to be easy, Prim couldn't help feeling a bit anxious over the whole process. Since becoming a tribute, too many people that she didn't know had gotten far too involved in her life—commenting as if she was a close friend, ignoring her personal space, trying to buy a spare moment with her—it was maddening. Haymitch's suggestion about revealing her relationship with Gale on national television was something that the blonde didn't agree with at all, but her reasons for secrecy had nothing to do with the concerns that Katniss had raised. If she had to go into the arena and lose pieces of herself, Prim didn't think keeping one thing between her and Gale was asking too much. She didn't want the Capitol fawning over them, she didn't want to take Katniss and Peeta's place as star-crossed lovers.

“I don't want them knowing everything about me,” Prim said, looking reluctantly from Haymitch, who was left to rub his sore ankle, and then to Gale. If he wanted to tell the world about them, he could, but Prim was hesitant to mention their relationship just because it would lead to freebies in the arena; she was under the impression they had already procured enough sponsors.

Had Katniss been anyone else, even Johanna, Haymitch would have hit her back. “I've been doing this a long time,” he said, watching Prim carefully. Although he didn't want to put a damper on the mood, Prim and Gale and even Katniss needed to remember that their lives no longer belonged to them. Until whatever Peeta's plan consisted of came through, every tribute was the property of the Capitol, and that meant being an open book. Whether it was forced or given up freely, the citizens of the Capitol would devour personal details and having another love story to latch onto and throw money at could only help them once the Games began. “You have to give the people what they want.” If Haymitch knew Caesar, which he did, the man already planned to ask questions about love and dating.

“They're targets anyway. We all are,” Haymitch said, eyes now back on Katniss and slightly narrowed. “Every time he saves her, every time she wraps one of his cuts in a leaf, or they kiss, someone out there is going to want to send them something.” If the four of them stuck together the way Haymitch wanted, each gift would be for the group.

“I don't need saving.”

Sighing, Haymitch ran a hand through his hair. “Be realistic here, would you?” Although Prim had been improving greatly since coming to the Capitol, Haymitch still saw her as the weakest link. Not only was she still Katniss's biggest concern, but she was Gale's as well, and in a way, that made Prim his priority as well. Unfortunately, the conversation seemed to be moving on, and Haymitch's opportunity to really drive a point home had been missed. He supposed it was up to Peeta to tell them what they should and shouldn't discuss, but at least one former Victor and mentor planned on going with his gut.

There were distinct advantages to getting along as a district and being able to move as one unit throughout the games. If Peeta didn't have a plan, Haymitch would have been more reluctant to get close to anyone, ultimately not wanting a repeat of what had gone on during the last Quarter Quell. Still, he was surprised to hear Katniss singing his praises, especially after she had just given him a swift kick in the ankle just for talking strategy. Whether she was upset with him or not for bringing up the obvious didn't matter—not when it came to staying alive as comfortably as they possibly could.

“The roof is the only upside to the penthouse,” Haymitch agreed. Both as a tribute and a mentor, Haymitch had gone up there plenty of times. It was the perfect spot for a person to collect their thoughts, to calm down and tell themselves that everything was going to be okay until they actually believed it. When Haymitch had first come to the Capitol, he had thought of throwing himself off a few times, just going for it and jumping; he would have found out about the force field much sooner then. His thoughts returned to the present as Gale personally thanked him, and Haymitch was sure that his face read as a mixture of confusion and warning. Just as he thought, Katniss hadn't taken kindly to being talked about as if she wasn't there.

Thankfully, she didn't seem to stay angry for long, but Haymitch was unsure of what to do when she looped her arm with his. Normally, he would have pulled away, but it was nice to have her close. If Prim and Gale hadn't figured out what was going on by now, then they really weren't looking hard enough. “I've never had a tribute live, so,” he shrugged, finally answering Gale as he looked back to Katniss. She was special—not because she lived, but because she had forced him to live with her. “I did what I could. Same went for Peeta.” Even if Haymitch wasn't in love with Katniss, he still would have done anything for her.

“You, on the other hand,” he went on, looking rather serious as his eyes settled on Gale. He could have said something horrible, ruined the mood and stalked off to his room, but the younger man was trying. “You're okay.” That was all Haymitch could manage, and all of his other compliments to Gale centered around his ability to swing a sword and not kill himself while doing it.

If okay was the best that Haymitch could do, Prim thought that Gale should consider himself lucky. She laughed softly, looking back at him with the same look he had given her. “Just okay,” she repeated, unable to resist teasing Gale a little. “I can't believe the games are so close,” Prim said after they had all agreed to go up to the roof after interviews. Although she knew that the Games had been looming in the distance from day one, it felt strange to be so close to the arena. She had gotten used to this existence in the Capitol, a limbo of sorts full of training and small parties, dinners with Effie and nights with Gale. Another change to suffer through was slightly unsettling.

[Genkai]

Topics between the four seemed varied, depending on the level of seriousness that people wanted to discuss. Everyone knew the overall risks and challenges they faced but there was still an attempt to keep things superficial and easy-going for the time being, as dread and danger would be waiting for them soon enough. Katniss was amused by Haymitch's begrudging compliment to Gale. It really was a small step but Haymitch rarely gave praise in Haymitch-Speak, being "okay" was pretty good. She gave Gale a small quick smile as Prim teased him a little. The conversation had shifted a lot and was beginning to wind down finally.

Katniss wasn't the only one surprised by Haymitch's select words but he would take what he could get and figured that was as good as it would be, between the two of them. Gale felt he had said more than enough to try to mend fences and Haymitch was trying in his own way as well. Any other forcing and their progress would lay in ruin. Gale shook his head and Prim. "Thanks, I think you're okay too." He chuckled lightly and looked around their suite as Prim then noted how close the Games were. "They'll be even closer tomorrow." He said. It wasn't a comforting sentiment though it hadn't been meant to be.

Gale was often blunt and to the point with things and his direct manner of looking at things made it a little easier to face the Games and those in his way of keeping the plan on track. He knew he'd have to kill and he was prepared to do so. He was also prepared to die, if it meant ensuring the safety of those in his alliance. His word was his bond and Gale wanted to make sure he was safe but that the others were as well. The Games couldn't be seen as some horrible event, but just something the four of them needed to, and would, overcome. "I plan on getting as much sleep between now and then, as possible." He said finally and got up and looked at the others.

"Good night." He nodded and waited for Prim before they both headed off towards the left where their rooms were.

"Night." Katniss replied and glanced to Haymitch beside her. He had been very good tonight when it came to getting along with the others, it meant a lot to her.

And yet there was really no use in turning a blind eye to Prim and Gale's relationship, whatever it entailed. Katniss knew Gale and Prim weren't stupid, wouldn't do anything crazy. For now, she wanted to look forward to sleeping in, just as Gale had mentioned. Back home, sleep was a rarity for the girl but now she had been getting rest ever since she reconciled with Haymitch. It was a weird cure for nightmares but she knew the pair benefited from it, even if they refused to admit it worked for them in more than one. "We better get some sleep too." She commented and got up as well. Their mess, what little there was, would be cleaned up before dawn and though she might not sleep in, she still intended on being productive while savoring the idle time they had.

She headed back to her own room, figuring tonight they could crash in hers, as opposed to Haymitch's. She walked over to the balcony and thought back to when they actually kissed for the first time, it felt like years ago and yet it was barely a few days and yet so much had happened between them. It would be hard not to say anything tomorrow night on stage, she'd be pressed for juicy gossip and she'd have to walk the fine line of still caring for Peeta but being torn up about how things couldn't work out thanks to the Quarter Quell and the wedding being called off. "I'm not that great of a liar." She muttered and turned back towards the blond man. "Do you have any idea what you'll be asked tomorrow night?" Her topics were likely love and family but Haymitch's would surely be about his past, as well as having Peeta take charge.

But wouldn't there be some question about his own affairs of the heart?

Meanwhile, Gale and Prim had moved into her room for the evening. He had excused himself briefly to get changed, and also to give Primrose the same privacy, and when he returned, he figured they could use the time to talk about the interview. They should consult Peeta about what they should do but while he didn't mind making their status known, he also didn't want to do something that made Prim uncomfortable or added more stress to their delicate situation. "If you'd rather we not say anything tomorrow night, I'd understand." He said softly and walked over to where she was sitting on the side of the bed and slipped his arms around her. "We could keep things vague." He shrugged.

His relationship wasn't fake, it was real and he knew it was more precious than any game or threat, he'd protect Prim no matter what the arena may be.

[mmidnight]

What had been a pivotal day had turned into a rather relaxed night. The group seemed better, closer after commiserating over their scores from the private session and finally, the night was winding down. Even Haymitch was tired from such a long day, and he was nearly ready for bed when Prim and Gale decided to call it a night themselves. They left after saying goodnight, which Haymitch returned before turning to Katniss. He couldn't say that he was thrilled with her and what she had done to his ankle, but the former Victor wasn't about to ruin a perfectly good night by being petty. With the games a day away, Haymitch was determined to keep everyone on speaking terms before the real test started because once they were in the arena, they were all going to need each other in more ways than one.

The suite was now quiet, and Haymitch didn't mind turning in for the night. He left his teacup for the Avoxes to collect in the morning, and followed Katniss back to her room. There seemed to be a lot on her mind, but Haymitch knew better than to pry. Instead, he followed her out onto the balcony, appreciating the warm night air and the small moment of calm that came before the storm. With his arms braces against the railing, Haymitch turned his head to look at Katniss as she spoke, obviously worried about her inability to lie. If Haymitch thought that she was underestimating herself, he would have called her out on it, but her fabricated relationship during the games had been maintained almost entirely by Peeta.

Taking a deep breath, Haymitch exhaled slowly and folded his hands together. “So don't lie,” he suggested. “Be vague, refuse to talk about it, say it's too painful.” As someone who had been lying since his school days, Haymitch knew how to derail a question. “I'm sure you'll get other questions,” he added. “Prim's here. She was a big deal for you last year, and I'm sure people want to know how you feel about going in with her.”

As for his own questions, Haymitch hadn't given them too much thought. He shrugged, brow slightly furrowed as he tried to figure out what Caesar would ask him. “Probably the basics, mostly how I feel about being back for a second quell and why I took Peeta's place in the games.” It was obvious, of course, and Haymitch's reasons weren't solely rooted in his feelings for Katniss. Sending Peeta back into the arena with that leg would have guaranteed his death and Haymitch had lived too long and too uselessly to be that selfish.

Straightening up, Haymitch turned to Katniss. “Why?” he asked, suddenly unsure of whether or not she was just making conversation. “Is there something you don't want me to say?” Even if he wanted to, or somehow thought that it would be a good idea, Haymitch wasn't going to tell all of Panem that he and Katniss had become something more than friends. Although it was sure to come out in the arena, he didn't want to piss off any sponsors prematurely and ruin the group's chances of collecting.

After calling it a night, Prim had gone back to her room with Gale, and changed into something to sleep in. The interviews that would take place the following night were still on her mind, and the blonde couldn't help but wonder if Haymitch was right. Being open and honest, behaving like a good tribute for the Capitol was sure to make surviving in the arena that much easier, but letting all of Panem into her relationship with Gale didn't feel right. It was a lot to think about, and part of Prim really wanted to ask for Peeta's advice, see what would be easiest all around. After all, once the four of them stepped into the arena, his job truly began.

Deep in thought, Prim wasn't made aware of Gale's return until his arms were around her. She sighed softly and leaned into him, blue eyes closing as she struggled for a better explanation of her racing thoughts. “If you want to tell them, I don't want to stop you. I won't be mad,” she said, looking up at him. What Gale said during his interview was up to him, but if they were going to be honest about everything, Prim wanted to be on the same page. It wouldn't be believable if one of them was over the moon and excited, and the other was demure and vague.

“It's just...” she paused, clearly frustrated. “I don't want our life to belong to them. Even if they'll find out in a few days, I still want something to be on our terms.” It was easier said than done, of course, and Prim was starting to think that she and Gale would have to talk about each other. Now, it was just a matter of what questions they would be asked and how they could answer.

Settling, Prim leaned her head against the crook of Gale's neck and stared ahead at the holographic image on the wall. “Do you think we should talk to Peeta?” As someone who had a plan, he was sure to have a preference as well.

[Genkai]

She didn't harbor much guilt for kicking Haymitch though it may have been a bit too hard, and if it was, then she was sorry in that regard but there was no use apologizing for something you couldn't exactly fix or take back. Right now, they had plenty of other things to talk about, or just pretend didn't exist. The latter seemed much more preferred. Katniss had done a horrible job last year when it came to pretending to be in love, and even on the Victory Tour, she struggled to keep reciting Effie's lines with sincerity and gratitude. She hoped the interviews would go well, she wasn't worried they would mess anything up, but she just wanted to do well, as opposed to scrap by. Cinna was always good with the pep talks and she was sure he'd have some words of encouragement come time to dress up.

But right now, outside with Haymitch, she knew his advice would also be useful and comforting, in his own way. He told her to stay vague, something she had considered. If she didn't lie, she wouldn't have to remember what she said or meant. It wouldn't be easy but she also knew Prim would be a big topic and she wasn't sure how she felt about that. Prim was her sister and she was where Katniss was a year ago, if she talked about the issue for more than thirty seconds, it was likely she'd get more angry as opposed to teary eyed, which wasn't good for their publicity or whatever. Furiously pushing horrible fabricated scenarios from her mind, Haymitch then mused about what he would have to discuss when the lights were finally on him.

His sobriety would probably be brought up as well.

When he then asked why she asked, she found herself a bit taken aback. Katniss was just trying to keep conversation, she hadn't meant anything much by it otherwise. "What?" She spun around and leaned against the rail, her back turned against the shining lights and noises the city created down below them, so far out of reach. "Not really." She shrugged, propping her elbows back on the rail. It still was a bit cruel that Prim and Gale could be more open about their relationship, or at least had a suitable opportunity to do so. But there was no way she'd be able to stop herself from expressing her true feelings when the Games began. She just considered how much it might actually hurt one of them when they had to deny any sort of feelings for someone, anyone. "I just want us to be on the same page, like Gale and Prim." She cleared her throat and glanced off, fighting off jealousy as she headed back inside.

The weather was warm and slightly breezy but Katniss would rather just get under the covers and get some sleep. They've earned it. "Speculating seems pointless though, so we should just get some sleep. I don't feel bad for the Careers who have to get up early and kick the interviews off." She smirked and got into bed.

His arms remained around her, feeling too comfortable to move away from her warmth and softness.

Gale inhaled softly, bringing her scent to the forefront of his nose. She still smelled of home, even though they had been in the Capitol for nearly two weeks. It was reassuring to know that she could still be his anchor in the sea of madness crashing around them. That she and Peeta could help bring them all back to safety, no matter where that happened to be. District 12 or otherwise.

Gale knew they needed to have their story straight, no matter what they intended to tell the next night in front of cameras. That didn't matter but he wanted to figure out a general plan of discretion if they needed one, much like Katniss. "I don't really want to tell them, I'd like to but I'm not bursting at the seams." He tried to phrase it as best he could. He wanted people to know but he also wasn't about to push the matter into the spotlight to create any kind of issue or problem. He didn't want to be compared to Peeta or anyone else, or have people think it was just some trick (though they seemed to buy into Peeta and Katniss's star crossed lovers bit). Either way, Gale was pretty sure that they would need to keep things general for the most part. Prim's general tone seemed to be against making a big deal out of it and soon she gave more of an elaboration as to why.

The lovely lady in his arms then said that she didn't want them to belong to the Capitol, he could understand that. Their privacy though, was no longer sacred like it was back home, and even then, Gale sometimes felt like he was being watched by someone other than the Peacekeepers. He pressed his lips to the side of her face, kissing her softly as she continued to express her distaste for the notion of their private lives being on display and nitpicked. "We can ignore all of them tomorrow night, it can still just be me and you if that's what you want." He told her softly. "Or we can just pretend there's nothing going on and behave ourselves and make sure we're still as well liked as we were at the Ball, you and I both had some admirers." He reminded her sweetly and slowly loosened his grip so he could rub her arm softly.

She then moved to rest her head against him, which he welcomed. "I think talking to Peeta is a good idea. I'd hate for him to scramble at the last minute if he didn't consider a budding romance to flourish right before the Games kick off." He considered. "No matter what, you and I don't need to worry about anyone else who is watching us tomorrow and when the Games begin." Gale told Prim. "We just need to remember who the real enemy is," As Peeta had pointed out on more than one occasion. "and who really matters." He let slowly let go of her but not before moving in front of her and kissing her sweetly before moving to get into bed. He never could have imagined that he'd finally be with Prim in such an intimate manner, he had only wondered when out hunting but now, of all places, being in the Capitol was able to finally bring them together. "We'll talk to him in the morning, for now, this is our time to have." He then pulled her into bed with him.

[mmidnight]

The interview process, invasive as it was, didn't bother Haymitch the way it seemed to bother everyone else. Even during his first games, he understood that the Capitol was only looking for a good show, and that playing nice and doing what was asked was the fastest way to get sponsors. People liked to see cooperation, even when it came to a bunch of kids being sent into an arena to kill one another, the Capitol still liked to see a human side to the tributes before that benevolence was stripped away by the first kill. The former Victor didn't care that he wouldn't be inviting all of Panem into his relationship with Katniss, and although she seemed to be upset by the lack of honesty in their lives, Haymitch didn't see it as a bad thing. What they had, the way it had come about and so soon after the demise of the lie that started it all; their relationship would never be cheered for.

“We are on the same page,” Haymitch promised quietly. The only thing that he envied about Prim and Gale was their ability to be close when someone was watching, other than that, being in love with someone and going into the games was difficult. Those words had apparently done little to ease Katniss's mind, and Haymitch breathed a sigh before leaving the balcony, agreeing that they should get some sleep. That nagging feeling inside of him was back, though, the one that continued to insist that he tell Katniss about Peeta's plan. She would worry less if she knew, she would be more confident...but something was always stopping him.

Now feeling like the worst kind of liar, Haymitch reluctantly climbed into bed beside Katniss and wrapped his arms around her. “It's going to be easy tomorrow,” he told her, compensating for the truth, “you probably won't even get asked about me, and you won't have to lie.” Gently, he pressed a kiss to her temple and closed his eyes.

Everything that Gale said made sense, like always, but Prim was still unsure of what she was going to say if Caesar asked her about boys and love. All of the young tributes got many of the same questions, speculating about all of the dates they would get back home once they won the games. However, this time would be different and Prim knew that she wasn't just anyone. She had a special connection to Katniss, the most talked about tribute since Finnick and the blonde was sure that the Capitol would want to know the most ridiculous things about her. Being with those she cared about most, getting to fall asleep with Gale night after night kept Prim sane and she didn't want to give that up just because it might get her an extra blanket, or water when things got rough.

“I don't want to pretend that I'm not...” Prim began, and then paused, stopping short of saying those words. She shook her head, “I don't want everyone to think that it's some kind of gimmick, that we're just—lying to look better.” Even if they weren't in the games together, Prim liked to think that she and Gale still would have ended up with one another, and that their time together hadn't been based on circumstance.

Talking to Peeta seemed like the best bet, the safest thing to do when the plan was still in the back of her mind. Again, Prim agreed with Gale and softly returned his kiss. After, she got into bed with him, instantly relaxed with the warmth of Gale's body next to hers. The morning was going to be chaotic with the stylists rushing around, and Effie was more than likely going to be beside herself trying to keep everything organized. Prim was happy for the calm before the storm, the time that she got to relax and drift off to sleep peacefully beside Gale. Soon, these moments would just be a distant memory, and Prim desperately wanted to hang onto any shreds of normalcy that she could.

The morning had come all too quickly, and Haymitch felt like he hadn't slept at all. It was the first time he had been restless since falling asleep with Katniss night after night, and he was disappointed to find that not even her presence could guarantee him a good night's sleep. Turning over onto his back, the former Victor tried not to focus on how tired he still was, or the fact that soon, someone would poking and prodding him to get dressed and hold still. The interviews, which were normally done in a single, early evening, were now an all day event due to the massive amount of tributes. Everyone got ten minutes, six hundred seconds to give the Capitol and Panem an intimate look at who they were, how they had been before they were turned into a murderer. Lying there, Haymitch felt awful for what he was about to suffer through, putting himself out there again and things hadn't gone so well since the first time he'd been on that stage.

Next to him, Katniss was still asleep. He turned onto his side and stroked his fingers through her hair, combing out the slightly tangled strands. “I'm going to get some breakfast,” he whispered to her, which earned him a quiet noise of acknowledgment. Before getting up, Haymitch gave her shoulder a kiss and then made his way out into the suite. Their teacups and plates from the night before had been cleared away, and the living room looked as if no one had ever been there. Haymitch looked around, able to see that Effie and Peeta were already awake and mobile, chatting about something in rather hushed tones before the presence of the Avoxes serving breakfast halted their conversation.

“Morning,” he said to both of them before taking a seat at the table.

For some reason, Effie seemed delighted to see him and was quick to launch into a rundown of everything that would be happening that day. Although District 12 would be the last interviews of the night, it didn't mean that there was copious amounts of time to sit around. According to Effie, the stylists would be up by the time District 1 went on, but Haymitch didn't think it would take very long for he and Gale to get dressed—Prim and Katniss were the ones that would be dressed to impress, and Haymitch knew from years of experience that interview night was as much about the fashion as it was the substance. Digging into his breakfast, Haymitch grudgingly accepted that he wouldn't be able to relax or sneak a nap the way he wanted.

After having breakfast, but before the hectic parts of the day began to get underway, Prim made a point to find Peeta. He had been making himself scarce over the last few days, and the blonde could only assume that his diminished presence had something to do with putting the final touches on the plan. She could only hope that Peeta would fill them in on whatever gaps had come about before it was time to go into the arena. Nevertheless, Prim wanted Peeta's input on what could and couldn't be said during the upcoming interview.

“You don't have to keep it a secret if you don't want to,” Peeta responded. “And Haymitch was right, it will help you. It definitely helped me and Katniss last year.” There was no bitterness in his voice, and Prim trusted what Peeta had to say. “If you're asked, do whatever feels right.”

Somehow, Prim was sure that her decision would be a snap one, something left to the last minute. It was a tough choice, however, even if the whole country was going to find out what was going on between her and Gale the very next day. There wasn't much time to dwell on Peeta's words, however, because the stylists had found their way up to the penthouse soon enough. The blonde girl could hear them already, Portia, Flavia, Octavia and of course, Cinna. Out of everyone's outfit that night, whatever they happened to be wearing, Prim was most excited to see what Cinna had put together for Katniss. She always looked so stunning in his creations, and Prim still remembered her reveal from the year before, all of that fire that had consumed the older girl. She hoped that Cinna would use Katniss's clothes to send another message to Snow.

Out in the living room, Haymitch had been sitting with Katniss when the stylists made their entrance. If he had known that they were going to come so early, he would have attempted to hide in some other part of the suite. They all seemed so excited to get to work, and Haymitch gave Katniss a look before Cinna whisked her away. Apparently, it took hours for hair and make up to be done, but the former Victor knew that the end result would be beautiful. Katniss always looked good, and it didn't matter if she was dressed up or down, or had just awoken for the day—in a way, Haymitch had always felt that way about her.

The process of getting ready was much of the same as it had been for the parade and the Ball. There was a bath, more of that pink foam that washed away every scar and imperfection that may have been procured during training. Then there was hair, trimming and plucking, primping every tress to perfection. There was only so much that Haymitch could sit through, but time seemed to be racing by. When the older man had finally gotten to take a break, halfway between Octavia fussing with his hair and having his suit tailored, Finnick was already on the television. He spoke vaguely of Annie, not mentioning her by name, but Haymitch knew the girl that he was leaving behind. Over the last few years, he had grown incredibly close with some of the other Victors, and seeing them back on stage, about to be thrown back into the gauntlet was surprisingly hard. It all seemed so much more final now that the games were closer.

When all was said and done, the sun had finally started to set and Haymitch was dressed and ready to go. The suit was different than what he was used to, and not a color that he would have chosen for himself. Still, it fit correctly, and Haymitch didn't think that he would look too ridiculous when some of the other tributes had been put in full costume—like Blight who resembled a tree instead of a man. Johanna was sure to have a laugh about that later on. Currently, Haymitch was out in the living room, the first to be fully dressed before Gale came out to join him. The other man looked nice as well, his own outfit different from what he had worn to the Ball, but it was fitting. “We don't look as ridiculous as I thought we would,” he commented, laughing dryly.

One thing that Prim didn't ever think she would get used to was high heels. Although she had gotten better at walking in them since the parade, the blonde didn't think that feet were meant to bend that way and be walked on. Regardless, the prep team was finally done with her after hours of washing, straightening, braiding and powdering, her dress had been pulled over her head, and she was sent out to join the others. The first person that she saw was Gale, standing there and looking handsome as ever. Her heart did a flip and the corners of her lips turned up into a smile. “You look nice,” she said softly, going over to him. “And you too, Haymitch,” she said, sincere. For once, District 12 wasn't going to the laughing stock of the games.

Finally, Katniss had arrived and the room fell silent. Cinna had really outdone himself, and Prim thought that her older sister looked like a real life princess. “Wow,” she gasped, looking the dark-haired girl over. Had Prim been less distracted, she would have noticed the way that Haymitch was looking at Katniss, stunned into silence by her beauty and unable to do anything but smile.

On the way down to the sound stage, Haymitch continued to glance at Katniss, his eyes wandering over to her every few seconds. She was gorgeous, and it was hard for him to believe that she was all his. If they really did make it out of the arena alive, Haymitch would consider himself the luckiest man in the world. When they finally arrived, Effie and the stylists continued to fuss and give direction. Prim would go first, then Gale, himself and the show would end with Katniss. Haymitch thought the order was appropriate, something that he would have chosen himself if he still held his former position—maybe Peeta wasn't half bad at all of this.

“Hey,” Haymitch said, turning to Katniss behind him as they waited in the continually shortening line. “You look great. Best I've ever seen you, sweetheart.” He knew that dresses and make up weren't exactly Katniss's thing, but there was no denying that everything Cinna had done for her only helped to bring out her beauty.

Being interviewed first wasn't something that bothered Prim. Although she was nervous, she told herself that it wouldn't be that bad and after catching bits and pieces of Caesar's work throughout the day, he seemed nice enough and easy to talk to. The only thing on her mind was whether or not to follow Peeta's advice, but every time she looked at Gale, she simply wanted to tell the world how wonderful he was. All of the other questions were easy, and the blonde knew to speak from the heart. “Are you ready?” Prim asked, looking to Gale as the new tribute from District 11 made her way onto the stage. Prim took a step forward, inching closer to her turn.

[Genkai]

Having felt Haymitch surround her, the mockingjay let out a soft sigh and welcomed night once more. Her dreams were of many things. She saw Finnick but when she tried to talk to him about staying alive, he simply turned into some kind of horse with wings and flew away. Other snippets of the girl's dream included being back home and smelling roses everywhere she went. When she finally did arrive back home, where she and her family had struggled to make a home for years, she found Gale a Prim holding a child and telling Katniss they would go somewhere else since the wars were now fought and won. Katniss felt a flurry of confusion as she woke up but quickly fell back into dreamland. She then dreamed about being in an arena filled with ice and snow and the cold would have reached her, had it not been for Haymitch holding her hand and talking with her as they wandered around, wondering where the other tributes were.

For Gale Hawthorne, his own dreams weren't as scattered and sewn together as Katniss'. He couldn't remember what he saw or did but he remembered that what he felt was either joy or distrust. The latter was surely worrisome but for the man who liked to make plans and see the big picture, he wasn't much for reading too much into dreams. The man kept hold of Prim as the night wore on, his mind swaying from one emotion to the next as various abstract images flashed in his head. Gale often thought very little of his dreams but he noticed that the more he stayed inside the Capitol's grasp, the more peculiar his dreams were becoming. He shifted a little and took a deep breath, unable to figure out what time it was without opening eyes, a task that seemed too daunting at the moment, given how warm and comfortable he felt with Prim.

When Haymitch awoke, the woman beside him was still deep in a dream where she happened to be flying across the world, seeing so many new people and places and yet their faces and other details were a blur to her. Katniss felt the bed shift and she knew deep down that it was morning and which meant it was time to go back to solid ground. She was curled up in bed, her back turned to the wall as she clutched part of her pillow to her chest, enjoying the feel of something close to her. His voice penetrated her dream and she let out a small noise, hoping to get back to her dream, just for a little while longer. Fingers moved through her hair briefly before Haymitch moved once more and she felt his lips against her bare skin. Those tiny sensations would also make her smile and that's exactly what she did as the door close after Haymitch. Katniss squeezed her eyes closed but felt it impossible sleep any longer than she had.

Katniss pushed herself up and looked around, her vision still a little blurry as she adjusted to where she was, having been someplace very magical. She got dressed in some casual wear and headed out to the others, feeling ready to take on the day, even if it meant putting on a dress and some heels and pretending that she wasn't mad at everyone for where she and her loved ones now were. Breakfast went by smoothly enough. Katniss felt well rested enough but she couldn't shake the fact that she was still restless about something. The Game began the next day but that wasn't what was gnawing at her insides, no...it was something else. She wished she knew what was troubling her but she also knew that remaining focused on the unknown was a waste of time, as well as energy. When everyone was seated for breakfast, she made sure she contributed to the conversations as everyone was speaking about the interviews which had just begun, starting with the first district.

Waking for Gale wasn't too hard, nor was he plagued with his own doubt in regards to keeping secrets. His mind could stay focused on the big picture and he knew their alliances with Finnick, Beetee and the others would be very valuable. Gale also knew that keeping Katniss and Haymitch in the dark was also for the best, it was as if Gale could feel Snow's leer deepening as the Games were less than a day away now. It was true that the head Gamemaker was on their side and that they had plenty of sponsors to act as connections for special supplies. Everything was lining up and he knew that the next week would test more than their skills to survive and mental capacity to kill, it would also test their own relationships and he had faith that Katniss and Haymitch would be able to help, rather than get bogged down with hidden truths when they were out of the arena. Gale also knew the other districts were going to play a big role in getting them help. The Games were no longer about just themselves, but the entire world watching them.

By the time the morning meal had been over, Gale had gone off to do some light working out while he noticed Peeta and Prim head off. While he would have liked to be part of their conversation, he didn't want to tip Katniss or Haymitch off to anything, not when they had done so much work up to this point. The swordsman knew Prim had more concerns about the issue of making them public or not if the interview asked for some kind of statement, so he figured he'd like her talk to their mentor and see what he said, since Gale could go either way and knew the risks and rewards that came with being tight lipped or open and blunt about their feelings. Clearly the interviews weren't about the Tributes, as much as they were about making a statement and getting people excited for the Hunger Games, as the more excited they were, the more gifts they could get once things started.

Sitting beside Haymitch, Katniss heard the elevator door [i]woosh[i] open and turned to see the stylists had finally arrived. The tv was on but it was on a low volume since it was just background noise at this point. Still, Katniss had been picking up on what things the Careers were saying, hoping that any insight could provide with a weakness to exploit like family or something but they were careful, easily answering the questions which were probably told to them in advance. Seeing Cinna and the teams refueled the anxiety which had settled down momentarily. Giving the man next to her a look, she got up and knew the next few hours were going to be some kind of Hell. "Wish me luck." She told Haymitch before they were taken away to another part of the penthouse suite. Katniss spent the next couple of hours filling in Cinna in what she and Haymitch had been up to. Cinna didn't censor his surprise and amusement as he began to braid her hair which was wavy and rested casually behind her as he created a tight braid around her head. It would be different than her usual kind of braids but it would still be comfortable and remind people who she was.

Part of Gale was a little saddened by the fact he hadn't been able to see Prim or say anything before the night fell and it would then be their turn to step on stage and dazzle everyone who was watching and waiting for something fantastic to happen. He was able to take a shower before getting ready though. The boys wouldn't take nearly as long as the ladies which meant he had gotten an extra ten minutes in with the weights before he finally admitted that there was nothing else to be done before the Games began. As the hour turned, the terror began to slowly creep up on him. There was nothing else to do, no other hoops to jump through. Now everything was up to Peeta, just as long as he and Prim and the others made sure to meet where they needed to, when they needed to it. Such a delicate plan had plenty of room for disruption or deception. He just hoped the four of them could make it out a alive, at the very least.

Though his worrying was interrupted as he was finally beckoned off to get ready. Snacks were provided as a late lunch while they got read. In the back of his mind, he tried to focus on Prim and what she'd look like. What she said would change what he said but he knew he couldn't worry about it. Prim would make the right choice and he would follow her lead. Whether she mentioned him, kept it vague or did something else altogether, Gale was just happy to have her in his life, as it was uncertain how long air would continue to fill his lungs. As the hours ticked by, Gale was finally done. He had been given a rather casual look compared to Haymitch though he figured their different appearances may have something to do with their experience and what kind of "image" Peeta was going for when it came to consulting the stylists. As he adjusted his heavy brown blazer, he made his way out to the living room to see District 10 wrapping things up. "As long as we don't need to dance, I'll be happy." Gale smiled at Haymitch.

His thoughts of Prim were back as he knew it was only a matter of time before Katniss and Prim made their own appearance so they could all get down to the large hall where the interviews were being given and broadcast. For a moment, he wondered what those back home would think of him. He wasn't one for flair or neat clean wrinkle-free clothes. The Ball had been private and for that he was thankful. But now with everyone showing off, and in front of everyone, Gale began to feel a little uncertain which wasn't like him at all. Before he could voice his displeasure, someone came out and he turned to see Primrose in a very light colored dress. His worries were gone and he found himself grinning ear to ear. Prim looked amazing. "You look even better." Gale told Prim and took her hand, kissing the back of her hand, not caring anymore if Effie wanted to make a fuss. She was too busy gushing over everyone to scold the two lovebirds. His stomach was in knots but he wasn't complaining, not when Prim was so pretty and perfect. "They captured you...very well." Gale tried to speak but found his mouth suddenly dry.

t wasn't much of a shock that Katniss was taking the longest to get ready. She was fighting the issue of the heels. They weren't high but she just hated them. "No one is going to even see my shoes, why can't I wear my boots?" She protested as Cinna just slipped on the gold one inch heels, telling her they could have been higher if he wanted them to be and that the only reason they weren't is because he liked her so much. Katniss got up and steadied herself as she pushed the red dress down. It was meant to make a statement, catch eyes and all that. Cinna said if she spun, there would be the usual flames but that there would be another surprise too, which meant she had to wait until the very end to get up and show off. That was weird for the girl but she shrugged it off and headed for the door. She had on her mockingjay pin and paused before looking back to her faithful friend and stylist. "Thank you." Katniss said. He waved her off and she went out to see how the others had turned out.

When she made her appearance, Gale quickly said she looked amazing though he was also drinking some bottled water, trying to regain the ability to actually form words. Her sister seemed happy too though Haymitch had turned rather quiet as they headed down together. Katniss hoped that was a good thing, as opposed to him just being cold or stuffy when things got serious. The girl's dress made sure to show off her waist and hips and of course her other assets as well. She was just thankful that the dress wasn't as skimpy as the black one she wore at the Ball, but then again, it did lead to some very very good things so Katniss couldn't discount the dress entirely. While Effie and Peeta were taking quickly, Haymitch finally seemed to pull himself together. "Thanks." She smiled to him. Her makeup had been modest, red lipstick, mascara, light fiery eye shadow and that was it. Katniss had to decline to the long nails and other tricks Cinna had up his sleeves. "You look pretty damn good yourself." She smirked. The color went well with his eyes but to her, they didn't need any help shining. "If I wasn't already in love with you-"

She was cut off by Effie calling for everyone's attention.

Gale looked to Prim who was about ready to go on as the last person for the eleventh district was wrapping things up.

"As ready as I'll ever be." He told Prim confidentially with a nod.

It would have been nice to go out with her but he knew she didn't need his support, that she would be incredible and blow everyone out of the water.

"Show them how easy it is to love you, you'll win them over in no time." Gale whispered to her softly.

Katniss didn't mind going last, it would give her time to collect herself.

The interviews were just another silly thing but at least thing time, she knew she didn't have to be afraid. She had Cinna and Peeta and everyone else and she wouldn't anyone down.

"You'll be good Prim, I promise!" Katniss leaned down and hugged her briefly before the cue was given for the girl to come out. As she did, the crowd seemed to get even louder, everyone eager to hear from Primrose Everdeen who was proving to be more than Katniss's little sister, that she was also a solid competitor who could stand on her own.

[mmidnight]

Coming to the Capitol certainly had been an experience, but one thing that Prim would never get used to was the amount of undying love that she was getting from complete strangers. It had all started the year before when Katniss had volunteered, and the blonde girl remembered how interested the news programs seemed to be. They had her picture, speculated on how far she would have made it into the games, and of course, compared her to Katniss. Being there with her older sister, having to stand shoulder to shoulder in just a few hours was daunting, and Prim was ultimately worried that the Capitol wouldn't like her once they got to know her. The whole point of the interview was to give Panem something to latch onto, a sparkle of personality to make every tribute all the more appealing, but there was still anxiety.

On stage, District 11 was wrapping up and everything felt like a blur. Prim wrapped her arms around Katniss, wondering if the older girl could feel the rapid beating of her heart. Those parting words made walking onto the brightly lit stage a little easier, but it was Gale's last-minute expression that finally forced Prim to make a decision.

They layout was much larger than she had anticipated, and the roar of the crowd was loud enough that Prim almost reached to cover her ears. The ease of Peeta's job depended on how well the four of them did over the next forty minutes, and the last thing that the blonde girl wanted to do was screw up the plan. Instead, Prim swallowed her nervousness and managed a modest smile, waving to the audience as she walked her way over to Caesar. One gesture sent them cheering even louder, and Prim couldn't help but laugh softly as she crossed the stage and finally joined the man in his metallic blue suit by a pair of chairs.

“Primrose Everdeen,” Caesar boomed into the microphone while his large, perfectly white smile remained on his face. “How good it is to finally have you here!” He placed his hand on the small of her back, showing her off to the crowd for a few lingering seconds before gesturing toward the chairs behind them.

Tucking her dress beneath her, Prim sat down and turned most of her body toward Caesar. “Thank you for having me,” Prim said and inwardly told herself that this was only one conversation and that ten minutes of exaggerations in the grand scheme of things meant nothing. It was easier from Prim to get through everything if she pretended that the crowd wasn't even there. Blocking them out was difficult, but it was much easier when they quieted down, hushed to hear every word exchanged between them.

“It's so unfortunate that we couldn't meet under better circumstances,” Caesar said solemnly, and the crowd followed suit in apologetic murmurs. “But tell me. What is it like to be here with Katniss? Your own sister, who laid down her life out of love!”

Glancing toward the crowd, Prim's blue eyes fell to her folded hands before looking back to Caesar. “Well,” she began, lightly shrugging. “It's bittersweet. I'm grateful for every second that we get to spend together and having Katniss here makes things a lot easier. She's helped me a lot, but...” Honesty was usually the best policy, even if Snow was watching. “I don't like to think about what could happen. I wish I could save her the way she saved me.”

Somewhere in the front row, Prim heard a whimper. She couldn't see beyond the bright lights of the stage, but there was at least one woman crying for the plight that had become entertainment for a nation.

“Bravery must run in your family,” the blue-haired man complimented, now wearing a rather cheeky smile. Prim mirrored his expression on a lesser level, genuinely finding Caesar Flickerman to be an infectious presence. It was no wonder that his interviews were always so unique and even. “After all, if you weren't brave, how could you have gotten such a high score from our most insightful Gamemakers?”

“Luck?” Prim suggested, just a tad coy.

Caesar returned her look, head tilted like a cat who had been offered a treat. “Come now.”

A seven didn't seem very impressive when Gale, Haymitch and Katniss had scored so much higher, but Prim wasn't about to say so. “What can I say? Haymitch gives good advice. He's a great teacher.” At least that part was true of the often grumpy former Victor. “I definitely owe him.” Although they didn't always see eye to eye, Haymitch played a major role in Prim finally choosing a weapon.

“And I'm sure you'll find a way to pay him back,” Caeser grinned. “Now, when you win these fabulous games, what will you do when you get home?”

The idea that Prim could become a Victor against all of the other tributes, including Haymitch, Gale and most of all, her own sister, was ridiculous. Prim's smile waned and the audience had grown an impossible kind of quiet once more. “My home isn't my home without the people that I love the most,” she explained. “I haven't even thought about the end when the beginning isn't here.”

Reaching over, Caeser placed his hand on top of hers, and Prim found herself accepting the gesture. “But you have to look to the future. A pretty girl like you—I'm sure every boy back in District Twelve can't wait for you to get home! I think everyone wants to know,” he paused for dramatic effect, “is there someone special for you to go back to?”

Again, the crowd cheered, although Prim was unsure of the reason. She felt her heart beat quicken over the question, the very thing she had sought to avoid but being with Gale was one of the best things that had ever happened to her, and Prim didn't want to lie about someone that made her so happy. “Not back home, no,” Prim answered, her cheeks just slightly flushed. She looked over her shoulder, off to the side of the stage to where Gale was, on next, and the audience's cheers became that much louder. Caesar had to work to quiet them down. “Everything about being here is bittersweet,” she added, attempting to reiterate the fact that human lives were not a game.

“Oh!” Caesar smiled, apparently just as excited as the crowd. “I'm sure you just made some of Gale's fans very sad,” he chuckled. “Such a handsome boy, though!”

Prim's pink cheeks turned a shade darker, and she nodded, laughing again because discussing her personal life with the whole country was just surreal. “He is,” she smiled widely. “He's...everything.”

“Uncanny,” the blue-haired man said, his words nearly mixing the sound of the audience. “So much like your sister, and yet, so very you.” Caesar reached out, taking Prim's hand once more and stood with her. “Thank you so much for talking with us tonight, Primrose. It's been a delight, and we can't wait to see you dazzle us in the games!”

Just like that, ten minutes as over. Prim was quickly giving the crowd a graceful bow and a wave before climbing the stairs to join the other tributes. Everything had happened so fast and yet, it was all so easy. Prim wondered if it had been some kind of trick, but it didn't matter. Her time in the spotlight was done, and Caesar was moving on, ready to bring out Gale and continue to enthrall not only the Capitol, but Panem as well.

[Genkai]

From behind the stage, Gale and the others watched as the interview commenced.

An anxious tug was given as he pulled his blazer down a little, not really concerned about the hem or stitching. He peered around the wall but then he felt Katniss smack his arm and he looked to where everyone's attention now was. The screen was much easier for the rest of them to watch without causing any problems for the stage crew's set-up. Gale watched, pressing lips together in excitable curiosity as Prim talked with the grinning man who Gale figured had the stamina of a warrior. Gale figured he couldn't sit under powerful lights and talk to nearly fifty people all day but then again, Gale also figured the pay was pretty damn good and that the guy must really like to gossip since it appeared to be quite natural.

It was then that the aspect of Prim's bravery was brought up and how it must run in the family. Gale wasn't sure he could consider their mother outright brave, but he knew Prim and Katniss's father was very brave and he nodded slowly, well aware that Prim was more than a pretty girl. That she was brave and strong. Of course she claimed she had luck in getting her high score but Gale wasn't so convinced and it seemed neither was the interviewer. Caesar continued to keep the conversation going with Prim's help. Haymitch was brought up and Gale had a feeling his own name would soon also be brought into the mix, though he still wasn't sure what Prim would disclose about him, or them to be precise.

As things progress, the boy felt a forceful yank of his heart when Prim mentioned that home wasn't home without the others.

That was quite true.

Then things finally got around to Prim and whether or not she had any sort of suitor back home. Gale glanced to Katniss who looked at him. They locked eyes and much to his relief, she looked back at the tv and he did as well. Primrose seemed to carefully consider her next action as she then implied that he and her were together. Not at all to his surprise, the crowd went wild. He was sure this kind of juicy information was what Caesar often prayed for. Now he got it. Gale swallowed anxiously as he now knew his questions may center around Prim and the Games. He chewed on his lower lip for a moment but quickly swallowed his nerves. Prim was easy to talk about and it was better than how boring life was back home, compared to the gadgets at the Capitol, for instance.

Things ended soon and Gale turned to see Prim come back stage. He smiled at her, not really able to find the right words at the moment. Even if he had them, there wasn't any real time to say anything as he was being waved on by one of the crew. He headed out and put on a smile, having heard Effie's words echo in the back of his head, reminding him to be effervescent and charming. Gale gave a wave as his smile remained. Caesar welcomed him to site down where so many others had, most of which who had died or would die. As the cheering calmed down and many of the female spectators ceased their declarations of adoration, the boy looked to the older man who amazingly, still exuded endless energy and charisma. “So Gale Hawthorne, you volunteered.” Cesar started off, his smile coy and very particular.

Gale gave him a nod and the interviewer continued. “Why?" He asked. He was going to ask if it was for Katniss but everyone knew, she didn't need protecting. And now with the recent news of him and Primrose, Caesar had a new theory in mind. "Was it for Katniss or for Prim?"

The crowd held their breath and Gale leaned back in his seat, crossing his legs. "Caesar, you and I both know Katniss doesn't need protecting. If anything, I was volunteering to protect all the other poor Tributes. You do not want to be on the other end of her arrow, trust me." Gale said, thinking back to when they were younger and scrounging in the wilderness for game. That was a crazy day but not one that was really suitable for a public audience. "Anyway," Gale waved a casual hand to move on. "honestly? I was doing it for Prim." He admitted. "But not because I thought she was weak or needed my help because she really doesn't." He said as Caesar leaned in closer and Gale did the same because it seemed prompted somehow. "I wanted to spend more time with her. When Katniss and Peeta left last year, we grew close." He paused and figured Prim might not want him disclosing so much so he tried to keep it brief and vague.

"I just didn't want that time to be cut so short...so in a way, I was volunteering for myself because I didn't want to miss her yet." He glanced down at his lap, giving a sheepish expression which he knew would go over well with the crowd. A lot of 'aws' were heard and after a polite pause, the man to his right decided to keep things moving since he didn't want other viewers to get bogged down with the budding romance.

"I can't blame you, she is quite a young woman, you two are lucky to have found each other." He was ready to move on but Gale's hatred for the city couldn't contain the next comment he made.

"Not lucky enough, only one of us is supposed to survive right?" He knew as soon as the words left his mouth that Effie and Peeta were probably fuming with his outburst but Gale couldn't help it. It wasn't fair and while it wasn't really Caesar's fault, Gale couldn't pretend to be happy for their situation. For a moment, Caesar appeared taken aback but having done these things for so long, he knew how to move things along fairly nicely.

"Yes, but the time you have together right now, is even more precious." Caesar said and reached out to clasp a hand on Gale's shoulder. The boy nodded and dropped his momentary expression of agitation.

"I'm going to miss you the most, Caesar." Gale laughed softly, knowing he needed to make up for that slip up. "But I actually have a question for you, if you don't mind." He proposed. The grinning man looked back to the audience and gave a fantastic expression.

"No one's ever asked me a question before, please, go on."

"Why? You're so friendly. I actually wanted to know if you'd come visit me in District 12 after I win. My family would love to meet you, I'm sure. Peeta could make the bread and I could cook a great big stew of wild deer with my mother, it's an old family recipe." He offered and nudged the older man. "Come on, you'd love some real fresh air!"

"That's the kind of confidence we like to see!" He cheered. "That is a fine offer." Caesar replied. "I would be honored to visit you." He said. Of course Gale left out that Prim and Katniss and even Haymitch would also be around for that meal because there was no way Gale would leave without any of them. "I've never had deer, to be honest. What's it like?" He asked.

"It's amazing." Gale grinned. "How about I trade you one deer for a few of those, they're called pizzas?"

Caesar nodded and held out his hand. "It sounds like a good deal to me, Gale."

"Deal." Gale smirked and shook his hand.

"I can't wait to see you in the arena. I've heard Katniss speak very highly of you and your score just proves that you're one to watch out for." Caesar said as the interview began to wind down, back to a serious note. "Your sword and survival skills will make you one of the front-runners, let me assure you of that. I will be rooting for you." He said and looked back out to the cameras.

"That's just because of our date." Gale teased him. The man beside him let out a loud laugh and stood up and took Gale's hand and raised it upwards. Everyone clapped and cheered as Gale gave a few waves with his free hand to the people watching him. Many odd looking women seemed taken with him but he did his best to be polite enough.

"Good luck young man, we look forward to seeing more from you." Caesar nodded before sending Gale off so the next person could come up. Gale hurried back behind the stage and finally felt a bit more at ease. The tips Peeta gave him had been highly helpful and he figured he did alright, considering he didn't want to be where he was in the first place.

"You and Caesar, how cute." Katniss teased and tried to pinch one of his cheeks.

Deep down, she was proud of her friend though, he did well considering this was his first and only time in front of a big crowd.

[mmidnight]

Although both Effie and Peeta didn't seem to be amused by Gale's honesty, Haymitch could appreciate it. Questioning the Capitol was never a good idea by anyone's standard, and with all that was currently going on in the districts, free thought was an even worse strategy. Being something of a pain in the ass himself, Haymitch had to give credit where credit was due. Looking around at the other tributes, mainly Prim as she watched Gale's interview proceed on the monitor, she appeared to be nothing short of enthralled. Haymitch supposed that it was a good thing, that the new couple were both charismatic and likable—it was sure to earn both of them gifts when the Games began and that could only help he and Katniss as well.

As much as Haymitch would have liked to stay off stage and chat with Gale about how well his interview had gone, Effie and her gang of stylist friends were making some very last-minute adjustments to his outfit as he was being herded toward the stage. There was a certain sense of déjà vu that came with the moments before being in front of the crowd once again, and Haymitch just hoped that he was still as charming as he had been twenty-five years ago. People had loved him back then; the underdog from the Seam, quick-witted and surprisingly lethal and impressive enough to stand out against forty-seven other tributes. The win was always going to be hard for him, but these second games were a chance to give sacrifice real meaning, and not just a way for the Capitol to scare the country into submission.

After a quick break between interviews, presumably so that Caesar could get something to drink and have a moment to rest his voice, but after that, the process started all over again. Soon enough, Haymitch got his cue and he stepped out onto the stage and in front of the audience for the second time. Ten minutes wasn't very long, Haymitch knew from experience and there was nothing for him to be nervous about when no one expected him to be a serious threat for very long.

“Haymitch Abernathy,” Caesar welcomed as the two men sat down. “We meet again!”

Relaxed in his hair, Haymitch crossed one ankle over his knee and listened as a portion of the audience began to sniffle. He had almost forgotten that he had fans out there. “Just couldn't stay away,” he grinned, though his voice was coated with sarcasm. Caesar sensed that and the blueish man's chuckle said that nothing had changed. “I hope you missed me as much as I missed you.”

The audience chuckled, a low murmur that collectively sounded like buzzing. “It's always good to have you here, Haymitch. You were quite the hit last time, if I remember correctly,” Caesar winked toward the cameras before taking on a more serious tone. “Why did you decide to join us again and volunteer in Peeta's place?”

The promise that Haymitch had made to Katniss shortly after the initial Quarter Quell announcement wasn't anyone's business. “It's what anyone with a conscience would have done,” he explained with a light shrug. “It was time for me to move on anyway, and his leg wasn't going to get him very far.” Out of all of them, Haymitch thought that Peeta deserved to live, that he had done nothing wrong in his life and it was only fair that he got to take his rightful place as a mentor for the first and last time. Would anyone in the audience or the Capitol understand the basic principles of human compassion? Haymitch had his doubts.

“That's incredibly kind of you, Haymitch,” Caesar said with a nod. “What is it like for you to be back as a tribute and not a mentor? It must be different than the first time.”

Laughing lightly, Haymitch raised his hands, obviously at a loss. “Do you remember what I said the first time?” he questioned, and Caesar's expression prompted him to continue. “It's still twice as stupid, but this time it's a little more dirty. Me and Katniss, my friends were supposed to be safe from this kind of thing.” If Effie and Peeta thought that Gale would be the only interruption, they were mistaken.

The comment didn't seem to throw Caesar off of his game. “We were all very shocked by the announcement,” he admitted. “But you have to some kind of strategy this time around, don't you?”

“Of course I have a strategy,” Haymitch nodded but soon broke out into an evasive smile, “but you know I can't tell you that. I'm trying to stay alive here, Caesar! Not die the minute all the excitement starts.”

“And how exciting it will be!” Caesar agreed, and the cheering crowd roared back to life, apparently ready for their fair share of bloodshed. “Speaking of excitement, how have you been getting along with your fellow tributes from home?”

The experience so far had been both bad and good, but no one wanted to hear about how annoyed he'd been with Gale, or how he and Katniss had barely spoken before coming to the Capitol together. “Let's just say, I picked the wrong time to stop drinking,” he laughed, and the other man did the same, his laughter the loudest of all. “Being a tribute is so much easier than being a mentor, though. I wouldn't want to be in Peeta's shoes for this. There's a lot to manage, a lot of personality to contain.”

“And I'm sure you're keeping him on his toes,” Caesar speculated. “And finally, how do you expect to fair in this years Quell? There's a lot of talent going into that arena.”

Little did Caesar know, a lot more talent would be coming out soon enough. Haymitch took a moment to a pause before answering, quiet and thoughtful as he carefully chose his words. “Are you asking if I think I can win again?” he questioned in returned, and the charismatic host nodded his head. Again, Haymitch was quiet, as if he really had to think about it. “I guess anything's possible, but if I thought I was going to come out of this alive, I wouldn't have volunteered. There are too many people going in that I care about this time and I've lived so much longer than so many of them.”

Much like Prim's touching answers, Haymitch's words also earned a few tears and one rather loud sob. “These games didn't have to happen,” he added, looking directly into the camera.

Clearing his throat, Caesar was quick to stand up and practically yanked Haymitch from his hair. “We look forward to seeing you again, Haymitch. And as always, it's been a pleasure.”

It didn't feel like a pleasure, and as Haymitch walked off of the stage, he could already see the angry and slightly horrified look on Effie's face. There would be time for arguments later, in ten minutes and after one more interview. Looking to Katniss, Haymitch gave her a rather flat smile and hoped that she could close the show with something big. This wasn't just an excuse for Panem to come into their lives, it was an opportunity to fight back before they were tossed into the arena without mercy.