There was a reason that Haymitch never wanted to bond with the tributes, and this was it. Caring about them only to watch them die later on was always hard, but he thought he had been in the clear when it came to Katniss. At the very least, the former Victor knew he would be dead before he had to watch her suffer. Although he hadn't mentioned it to Katniss, or even Peeta, Haymitch didn't suspect that he would last very long once the games truly began. All of the training he had done, getting sober, that was to ease Katniss's mind, to alleviate some of the stress and worry that she always seemed to carry with her and make it easier for her to make it to the end. With Gale and Prim now in the games with her, Haymitch knew he wouldn't be needed as much—she would be taken care of and although Haymitch had next to zero confidence in Prim, Gale was a different story. 

For now, Haymitch was content to sit with Katniss and keep his thoughts to himself as she stayed by his side. The close contact was strange for him, but the dark-haired didn't seem to be protesting. Now that he thought of it, this was the most relaxed he had seen her in weeks. Haymitch was glad that he could do something for her, as he was unsure that his impromptu pep talk had really done the trick. Whether Katniss had taken it to heart or not, they were no longer fighting and that meant he would be able to help her play the game better.

When the door slid open, Haymitch scooted away from Katniss, surprised to see that Effie had come to join them. The wig-wearing woman was sensitive, and he was surprised that she had recovered from Katniss's outburst so quickly. Regardless, he didn't want the Capitol escort to see him sitting so closely with the former tribute, worried that she might take something the wrong way. Then again, Haymitch didn't think there would be any confusion when Effie knew that he and Katniss couldn't even have a civil conversation most of the time. Effie wouldn't make that kind of mistake, or at least, Haymitch hoped she wouldn't. His feelings for the Girl On Fire were purely platonic, after all.

After his senseless worrying, Haymitch filtered back into the conversation and agreed to go and talk with Peeta. It was hard to think of the boy as a mentor now, and Haymitch had always thought that Katniss would be the one to take over for him. That had been the plan until President Snow decided to bend the rules of the games just to take out one teenaged girl with a defiant streak. Haymitch hoped that Peeta would be able to handle himself when it came time to secure sponsors. The blond was charismatic, a real people person, but the lives on the line were personal this time and Peeta was easily distracted by his feelings, always ruled by his heart and Haymitch suspected that the other victor still carried a torch for Katniss.

Out in the dining car, Prim had found another candy to try when Katniss entered. She was happy to see that her sister was still in one piece, but she was surprised that Haymitch had been able to do anything for her. The blonde was truly worried about the older girl, and hoped to comfort her when they had a private moment together. As it currently stood, everyone was fussing over whatever they could, and there was no opportunity to talk, or even give Katniss a real hug. However, Gale seemed to take care of that rather quickly and Prim felt a wave of guilt wash over her for even being a little bit jealous over the interaction. She was on the way to the Capitol, more than likely going to die in two weeks time, and she was still worried over something that was really never going to happen. She needed to focus on something more substantial, something real that could help Katniss and didn't have anything to do with wanting Gale to see her as more than just his crush's sister.

“That's a good idea,” she agreed after hearing they would be watching footage of the past games. Before, Prim had never paid much attention to any of it, thinking it was brutal and sick, but it was best to learn what she could while the information was available.

“It's not just one and two you need to be worried about this year,” Haymitch mentioned. He was the last to enter the room and took a seat off in the corner to observe everyone else. He already knew most of these victors, and had spent the last decade viewing their strengths and weaknesses first hand as mentors. Often, they would comment on what tributes were doing wrong, what they would have done different and sometimes if there was enough alcohol going around, they would open up about the ins and outs of their win. That information was the most valuable, although Haymitch hadn't thought it would ever come in handy. 

There was a lot of footage to sift through, but Johanna seemed to be of particular interest. She was a different kind of person, possibly more angry than Katniss, but at least ten times more likable. “Don't count her out,” Haymitch said, shaking his head. “She stays in shape and she's got nothing left to lose anymore. If you're smart, you four'll win her over and get her on your side. You don't want that ax of hers coming for your head.” The majority of the games was strategy, once everyone understood that, it would be smooth sailing.

As Johanna's games concluded, and Effie started to spout off about the stylists and the god awful parade, Haymitch popped in another tape. Finnick Odair was one of the youngest tributes to ever win the games, and he was just as deadly as any fresh, young career. “You might want to get this one to like you too,” he mentioned, tapping a finger on the screen. “If you don't, and there's any water around, you're as good as dead.”

“Don't you mean [i]we[/i]?” Prim asked, feeling uncomfortable with all of this. She stayed close to Katniss, leaning against her sister as Finnick speared a tribute through the chest with his trident behind Haymitch's shoulder. He didn't look pleased with the reminder that he too was in the games.

Snorting, Haymitch sat back down. “He already likes me.” Running a hand through his hair, he then turned his attention Effie. “And would you stop trying to get them excited about the ceremony? That doesn't mean anything. [i]This[/i]. This is where everything happens.” He pointed to the television as Finnick's games played on. “They need to study. Not worry about which blue-skinned freak is going to primp their hair tomorrow.”