Chapter Text
Haymitch
He’s sobered up a bit after the shower but now moans in agony again as I shepherd him into bed.
“Whateryou doing - you - you…who are you again?” He stammers, squinting up at me while I guide him to lay down.
“Peeta” I respond. “I’ll remind you again in the morning…g’night” and I turn to go.
But before I can go, he’s bolt upright again - his eyes shifting to the windows and the darkness outside.
“Why don’t you siddown.” He says, still slurring and too loud “keep your mentor company”
“Alright” I agree - suppose it can’t hurt. I sit across from him in a small swiveling chair.
But he doesn’t seem to notice. He’s groaning again and he drops his head between his legs.
Hoping to distract him and avoid another incident of vomit erasing all my work to get him cleaned up I say “want to hear something really pathetic?”
He looks up, trying to focus on my face with a confused look. “Uh - sure? Why not?”
“You know the other tribute, Katniss? I’ve been in love with her since I was 5 years old…” Saying it out loud feels strange. Many had guessed. My older brothers teased me mercilessly for years, and my father had even made a comment or two about my lingering looks, a certain interest in the girl with the squirrels - but I’d never really told anyone. What’s the point in keeping the secret now? The rest of my life will be measured in days, not decades, I’m past the point of embarrassment or modesty. Let’s be honest - Haymitch probably won’t even remember this anyway.
“Are you joking?” he says, tilting his head up while remaining bent over. His voice sounding remarkably less slurred and almost focused.
“Nope” I confirm.
“Hm.” He says with a thoughtful look “I might be able to work with that…”