After stepping out of the elevator, Haymitch followed Peeta to a more secluded part of the suite. All day, he had been trying to work out the baker's plan in his head, needing to know every specific part and then some if it meant making it out of the arena alive. What Peeta had to say was the exact opposite, his entire demeanor was different than Haymitch had expected, and it was almost as though he was bothering the new mentor. Even though Haymitch had focused more of his energy on Katniss in the previous Games, he had still made a point to save Peeta too, and he was being repaid with exclusion. “I can't tell her?” he asked, dumbfounded and needing clarification from the other man. Realistically, he knew that Snow would be looking at him and Katniss the most, but the plan clearly needed their input and at least Haymitch's own brand of guidance.

Keeping things from Katniss was easy, Haymitch was already doing it, but he really felt that Peeta was making a mistake with this. A plan to save people from the oppression of the Capitol needed to be talked about, and the former Victor was unsure of whether or not he could put all of his faith in a single promise of salvation if only he could last seven days. Shaking his head, the older man gave the younger a hard, annoyed look. “There are other people to consider for this thing, you know. What am I supposed to tell them?” Johanna and Finnick needed answers, and Haymitch didn't think either of them would be satisfied by Peeta's vague plan of waiting for a week without a word of what would be there for them afterward.

There was no time to discuss much of anything, as Gale had appeared around the corner to call them to dinner. Haymitch frowned, having so much more to say to Peeta, but he held his tongue before following everyone into the dining room. Dinner smelled and looked fantastic as always, but Haymitch couldn't say that he was into it, or even the conversation when he was so angry with Peeta. 

“People should watch their backs anyway,” Haymitch said, and he could practically feel Peeta glaring at him. The older man didn't bother to acknowledge the new mentor, and continued to eat his dinner instead. He wasn't supposed to mention the plan, or even the existence of one, and snapping at people wasn't going to help him fly under the radar. 

The mood had been light, bordering on friendly when the group had come up from training. Prim couldn't help but wonder what had gotten under Haymitch's skin so quickly, and she looked to Peeta, wondering if he had anything to do with it. She knew better than to ask, and didn't want to poke and prod at whatever was actually going on when there was enough on her mind already. Instead, she focused on eating, very hungry after a long day of practicing with the throwing knives and getting into the defensive combat moves. She hoped that she wouldn't have to use any of the hand-to-hand training, but it was a good idea to be prepared.

“Are you all looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow?” Effie asked, clearly changing the subject. 

“I am,” Prim spoke up, feeling the need to indulge Effie's effort. The blonde had never been one to sleep in late, but she wasn't used to waking up so early to work out, not like Katniss who was often up before the sun had risen. Prim was looking forward to a few extra hours and a lighter day of training, but she didn't plan to take it easier when there was only so much time to get comfortable with the knives. She wanted to prove that she could take care of herself.

Effie perked, smiling. “You should try and relax tonight. You've had such a long day.” 

Haymitch knew that his attitude had to change, and quick, and it was best for him to get away from the others as soon as possible. For once, Effie was right and he did need to relax. Johanna's advice rang in his ears, and a massage sounded like just the thing he needed. After a long day of working with an ax, his muscles were sore and needed some relief, and his mind needed some time alone. It was time the Capitol gave back to him, anyway.

Dinner continued on without much of a hitch and the Avoxes began to clear the plates away before bringing out dessert. All of the sugary sweets seemed unappealing, and Haymitch settled for a dish of fresh fruit, which was much better than what they got back in 12. He ate quickly before leaving the table and letting one of the other Avoxes know that he wanted a massage. Normally, those services were reserved for mentors, but the Quarter Quell was a big enough deal that every tributes was now entitled to the best of everything. He headed off to an unused room, ready for the tension to leave his body until something else annoyed him the next day.

After finishing off a chocolate truffle, Prim was also ready to leave the table. “I'm going to take a bath,” she mentioned before standing up. “You two should take Effie's advice too,” she added, smiling to Gale and Katniss. The day had been a good one, very productive, and they owed it to themselves to take the night off. Prim for one, couldn't wait to sink into the hot water and stay there until it got cold, which was something she had taken to doing after their family had moved into the Victor's Village.