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After the tribute parade, which goes smoothly, as it has for the last twenty five years, Haymitch catches up with Finnick. He thinks the young man can be useful to Katniss and knowing her big heart, she’ll want Mags as an ally. But Finnick and Mags are a dynamic duo. Never one without the other. Especially since the Third Quarter Quell announcement.
“Well, well, well.” Haymitch says, approaching Finnick who exchanges some last words with Johanna before she walks off. Seeing Haymitch walk over, she leaves abruptly. “Finnick.” He nods at said man.
“Haymitch.” Finnick nods in response, a subtle sign of respect. “My congratulations for last year’s Games.” He says, crossing his arms. He’s shirtless and Haymitch knows he must feel exposed, even here with everyone leaving.
“Ah, well. That was all Katniss and Peeta. All I did was keep them alive.” They don’t mention the elephant in the room. Mags, being eighty, likely won’t survive the upcoming Games.
“As is your job. What did you want, anyway? Seems important.” Finnick says, getting down to business. They don’t have much time to loiter around after the parade.
Haymitch slips his hand into his pocket and pulls out a sleek black box. “Effie gave this to me so we could all have something gold. Katniss, Peeta, Effie and I. I want you to have it. Take it into the Games as your token and keep your eye on Katniss’ back. Like we talked about.”
Finnick takes the sleek black box and opens it up. It’s a gold bangle. “Okay…and how do you suggest I do that? She’s not the…easiest person.” He frowns, hinting at her aloofness and carelessness for other allies, especially Career, in the Games given her stance on them last year.
“Figure it out. Just keep her alive.” Haymitch then starts walking away to catch up with Katniss and Peeta.
He hears Finnick call out.
“Isn’t that your job?”