The garden was far from crowded, and it was a welcomed escape for Haymitch, who had quickly grown tired of the overflow of guests inside. Anything formal, be it a Ball or even something for the mentors had never been something that Haymitch had enjoyed before, and he didn't expect to start to enjoying himself now. The only bright spot in the abysmal darkness that was the Capitol's idea of a good time was Katniss, who also seemed to be tired of being anywhere but upstairs and away from the public eye. They hadn't been there for very long, but Haymitch was already wondering when he could make a run for it, and possibly take Katniss with him. Although the real point of the Ball was to assist Peeta, Haymitch didn't necessarily think that he was a vital part of gaining sponsors. He had already won, and he had been charming a kid; people remembered that sort of thing.

As Katniss rose from the bench, Haymitch couldn't help but chuckle slightly. He reached for her hand, “I meant out here,” he looked around at the large and mostly empty space. No one would see them out there, no one would think how close they were was scandalous, and the two former Victors could squeeze out another few moments alone before having to return inside. The music was still playing, and the silent workers of the Capitol had crafted them a perfect night—it would have been a crime not to take advantage of it. Haymitch knew that Katniss didn't want to dance in front of anyone, either, and he didn't mind helping her to avoid it for a while longer.

Standing himself, Haymitch gave her hand a tug and lead her away from the bench, but deeper into the garden. Flowers of all colors were in full bloom, perfectly engineered to be at their most beautiful stage during the Ball just in case any guest was to wander into the garden. “I don't want to go back in there anyway,” he said, pulling her close as he set his other hand on her waist, “not yet at least.” Going back into the den of lions was the last thing Haymitch wanted to do that night. A few more stolen moments with Katniss would suffice before he had to subject himself to plastic faces and neon hair; an entire room full of Effie with much less heart.

Slowly, much like the night before, Haymitch began to dance with Katniss. “You're a little better this time,” he pointed out, happy that his toes were still in one piece. Katniss's shoes were much more dangerous this time.

Back inside, Prim began to walk over to a crowd of garish-looking people who were talking about a previous games. The blonde didn't wish to associate with any of the Capitol citizens who weren't Effie or the prep team, but talking to the others at the Ball was a necessary evil. After all, this had been her idea and Prim didn't want to back down before she made an impression on anyone. Earlier in the night, Portia had promised that Prim already had her supporters, people who loved her before they had seen a single thing from her, and the woman had insisted that this was a good thing. Prim found it odd, and was unable to wrap her mind around the concept of support for a total stranger after seeing them one time on a chariot. On top of that, Prim didn't want to become a Capitol sweetheart, she didn't want to have to pretend to like anything that was happening, or any of the people around her who hadn't been there all her life.

As soon as she had been introduced to both Sindy and Daviod, Prim made sure to mask her emotions. These people, horrible as they seemed, could have been the difference between life and death in the arena and the blonde girl didn't want to offend either of them. She did as she was supposed to, shaking hands and smiling at their compliments, even if Daviod did come off a bit strong and slightly slimy. Instinctively, she moved closer to Gale, not wanting to seem to available, or overly friendly. Haymitch's warning from dinner the night before was still in Prim's mind and briefly wondered if Daviod and Sindy were the types of people that the older man had been talking about. Suddenly, she wished that she and Gale had gone over to a different group.

“I'm having the time of my life,” Prim smiled, only lying a little. The Ball was wonderful, but it would have been made infinitely better if she and the other tributes weren't being held prisoner in the Capitol.

Sindy beamed, “the Quarter Quell Ball is always so special. I was your age the last time the Capitol graciously put on something this extravagant.” The woman flipped her black hair and sighed happily as she plucked a drink from one of the passing trays. “Do you feel lucky? This has to be so much better than what you're used to back home. I heard that 12 is just...wasting away!”

The comment had been so callous and mocking that Prim had almost walked away. She kept her composure and nodded at Sindy's statements about her home. “It's very different,” she said, looking to Gale to add his two cents in.

By this time, Daviod too had snagged a drink and he sipped it slowly as he looked at Prim. “It must be so much better for you, Primrose. We [i]love[/i] Katniss here, but you finally get to stand out like the beautiful flower you were named after.”