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Haymitch had a partner once.
At first, they worked together in an attempt at survival.
No one told him that life wasn’t worth the sacrifices he would have to make.
They split up. The thought of being the final two, of having to kill he’d terrified him. He thought it would be better that they each focussed on their own survival, knowing that he couldn’t be responsible enough to try and protect her as well.
He let her go, knowing of them would likely die if they parted ways, yet not quite believing it until he saw her crumpled form, lying in the grass, heard her scream as she was killed.
He doesn't live the life that she deserved. Maybe he should, but he can’t bring himself to. He can’t smile fondly when he thinks of her, because her death could have been prevented.
The only thing he can do is try to keep to 74th tributes alive. He tries to help a child become a Victor if he thinks they have half a chance, but they're always pitiful, half starved kids with wide eyes who flinch when he puts his bottle down.
What could make this year any different?