One Last Game -Haymitch Abernathy-

Chapter 14

Amelia heard what was happening in District 11. Right now, they were rumors, but she had no doubt they were true. The people were rioting after what happened to Rue. Not that she could blame them. Katniss had shown humanity and love for a girl she barely knew. It was a reminder of what the games truly were. Horrifying. Finally, people were starting to question things. Amelia knew there would be a price to pay, and Haymitch was already figuring out a plan to keep them both alive.

Anytime anyone defied the Capitol, even without realizing it, there was punishment. During Haymitch's games, he had made it to the final two when the other finalist threw an ax at him. He managed to dodge it, and the ax bounced off the force field and killed her. The Capitol believed this to be an act against them, and everyone he knew paid the price for it.

For her games, she outsmarted The Capitol by figuring out the avalanche pattern. Using their own technology against them and killing Augustus. Her family paid the price for that choice as well.

Right now, all they could do was try and get on top of it. Amelia had decided to venture outside of the penthouse today. Walking around The Capitol was always a treat. Everyone who lived there was very self-obsessed—always wanting to outdo the others around them. Whether it was dressing in incredibly bright colors, dying their hair, or getting plastic surgery. That also meant everyone always stared at her. None could figure out why she always dressed differently. Many silently judged her, but Amelia didn't care. After having to endure the Hunger Games, she could handle the stares.

Taking a turn around the corner she headed for her favorite place—the flower shop. However, she came to a quick stop upon seeing Haymitch. His blond hair stood out against the grey columns around him. He wasn't alone. Seneca was standing across from him. Amelia stood in the middle of the walkway, her head tilted to the side as she watched them talk. There were hundreds of possible reasons, and most were due to their Tributes. Haymitch seemed just as concerned about them as she was, which was odd because he typically never cares.

After a moment, Seneca nods and places a hand on his shoulder. He says something to Haymitch before dropping his hand and walking in the opposite direction.

Haymitch stays in his spot for a moment but eventually spins on his heel. Before he could take a step, he noticed the girl watching him—a confused look on her face. Amelia observed him as he approached her, not daring to move. "So," she spoke once he was close enough. "What was that about?"

There was a stumble to his steps, a clear indication he was more intoxicated than normal. "Oh, you know," he smirked. "Just making some friendly suggestions to our favorite game maker about our Tributes surviving."

"Suggestions?"

"About our star-crossed lovers," Haymitch threw his arms out. "They need a story, something to make District 11 stop rioting."

Amelia blinked a few times. "Are you seriously suggesting they stop rioting?"

"They won't win," he shrugged. That was true. They were useless against the Peacekeepers. "I thought you would be pleased." The man reached forward and grabbed the flask from inside his jacket. Amelia rolled her eyes at the sight. "I'm trying to keep our Tributes alive."

"I appreciate you trying, but they'll never go for it. You of all people know that Snow will do anything-"

"I know," he cut her off. "That's why he will do this. He has to keep the peace."

Amelia pursed her lips, almost not sure what to say. "Both of them? Two Victors?"

"Two," he held up three fingers.

"That's three." Amelia grabbed his hand and lowered one of his fingers. "You need to stop drinking. It's messing with your head, making you irrational."

"The only thing messing with my head is you," he leaned too far back and took a couple of steps. Amelia reacted quickly and grabbed his arm, keeping him from falling. "Whoops."

"You're impossible, Haymitch." She wrapped her arm around his. "Let's get you back, okay?"

"Yeah, sure."

~~~~~~~~~~

Haymitch dropped on the couch unconscious the moment they got inside. Amelia couldn't help but become concerned. He hadn't drunk this much since before her games. After he was better, but something seemed to be changing. She wasn't sure if it was the stress from their Tributes or something else entirely. Whatever it was seemed to be serious, and Amelia was determined to figure out what it was.

Right now, he needed to rest. In the morning she would express her displeasure again over his drinking. Any hope of him becoming sober was long gone. Now a dream. She did have a dream to see Haymitch overcome his demons. Amelia knew he was stronger than this but only wished he saw that in himself.

Grabbing a blanket, she tossed it over his lower half. His left leg had already fallen off the couch, and Amelia sighed. Grasping his leg, she tossed it back onto the couch. Haymitch muttered something under his breath before turning his head. "Oh, Haymitch," Amelia stared at him. "What am I going to do with you?" Raising her hand, she gently pushed the hair out of his face. Her fingers skimmed over his cheek, a gentle smile on her face. Haymitch subconsciously leaned into her touch. Even in his drunken slumber, he felt comfortable enough around her.

It was no secret that Haymitch didn't trust anyone. Keeping to himself nearly all of the time, but when Amelia won her games, that changed. She wormed her way into his home, and he let her after a while. Now, all they had were each other. Amelia stared at him, watching as he slept. He looked so peaceful, so unbothered. It was a different sight than what she was used to.

Amelia couldn't help but gaze at him, biting her lip slightly. The rise and fall of his chest was gentle and slow. His cheeks were pink, and his lips were parted. Pulling her hand back, she took an unsteady breath. The longer she looked at him, the more her heart began to race. It frightened her what she felt, and the more she thought about it, the worse she felt.

Love was a ridiculous thing. Everything Amelia had ever loved, Snow took away. If you love something then it can be used against you. It's a weakness and one Amelia couldn't afford to have. She couldn't afford to love again, not in the way she once did. Haymitch was her friend. That's all he could ever be. But the longer she looked at him, the more her heart ached. Amelia pushed herself away from him, shaking her head as if she was forcing away the thoughts. Whatever she felt for Haymitch was still a mystery to her, but it wasn't a good thing. Feelings were dangerous, and Amelia couldn't afford to have them.

Closing her eyes, she tucked away all her emotions. Keeping a clear head was key to survival, and that's what her Tributes needed right now. Her personal feelings would have to be pushed away and remain that way for her safety and his. Taking another look at Haymitch, Amelia felt her heart drop. Walking towards the kitchen, she grabbed the pitcher of water and a glass cup. When Haymitch woke up, he would have something to drink that wasn't alcohol.

"Attention. Attention Tributes," a voice spoke from the games. Amelia's attention shifted to the screen. "The regulations requiring a singular victor have been suspended." She nervously set down the water. "Now, two victors can be crowned if they both originate from the same District. That will be the only announcement." Amelia put a hand over her mouth. She was in a state of shock. Haymitch had done it again. He was single handly saving their Tributes.

She took one last look at the man, "thank you, Haymitch." Now it was Amelia's turn to save them. Walking around the side of the couch, she leaned over. After pressing a kiss to the top of Haymitch's head, Amelia pulled away and headed towards her room. Sleep wouldn't be as kind to her as it was to him.