Most of the time, Haymitch wasn't the type of person to involve himself in social situations, but the ball was different. He knew how important it was, but he also knew that Katniss was very much like him when it came to solitude. He was just glad that she seemed to like Bea, and that Bea liked her as well. She was a critical sponsor for them, and although Haymitch didn't think that the older woman would withdraw her support all of the sudden, it was best to make sure of that. They would only have to endure seven days in the arena, but that was a long time when both the nights and days were filled with careers who wanted to get home, and who wanted the alleged glory for themselves. On top of that, there was the actual arena to worry about—Haymitch didn't trust the Capitol to go easy on them, and he was fully expecting something worse than the last Quarter Quell.

Before Haymitch could say anything to Katniss about how well it had gone with Bea, they were interrupted by a smooth voice from a man who seemed intent on something. The former Victor was used to people knowing his name and acting like he was an old friend, but this man's target was clearly Katniss. For the first time all night, Haymitch felt a twinge of jealousy. Realistically, he knew that Katniss didn't want anything to do with the other, more handsome man, but that didn't stop him from hating the way Blaze looked at her, and touched her. At the very least, Haymitch knew that Katniss wasn't the type to be kissed by strangers, and he was sure that her patience would quickly wear thin.

As she looked to him, Haymitch shook his head. Blaze wasn't someone who had ever given to 12 before, so in his mind, Katniss didn't have to be nice to him if she didn't want to. He ran a hand over his chin, feeling the stubble there as he continued to watch the scene unfold before him. “She doesn't want to go anywhere with you,” Haymitch said, almost as a warning, but he knew what Blaze meant and Katniss was better than what had happened to so many other Victors. Of course, Katniss was very capable of taking care of herself, and Haymitch didn't bother to conceal a laugh as she put this creep in his place—it looked like it hurt, too.

“Let's go,” he smirked as Blaze scurried off. Haymitch was more than ready to leave, and seeing Katniss that way, in that dress seemed like a good enough ending for him. Quickly, he lead her out of the ballroom before Effie could find them and scold them. Out in the halls, there were no Capitol officials to escort them back to where they were staying, and Haymitch didn't have a problem walking. “I know you're mad, but you shouldn't let him get to you,” he said to Katniss as they headed back. “He's not going to be the last slimy guy to hit on you.” It wasn't much of a pep talk, but Haymitch was just stating facts. There was no point to getting angry at every person with no manners.

“It was pretty funny, though,” he added as they arrived at the elevator. Haymitch pressed the button and waited for the carriage to arrive. He rocked back on his heels as he looked at her, hoping she would be in a better mood by the time they got back upstairs. “Among other things...” but that hardly seemed appropriate if Katniss was upset.

Since Prim had been spending so much more time with Gale, it made sense that Katniss was hanging out with Haymitch. Although the blonde had noticed, even before the Quarter Quell announcement that the two had become much closer since the Victory tour, and very briefly, Prim wondered if something was going on. She was the way they stole glances at each other, but the idea of Haymitch having a crush, especially on Katniss, was as foreign as Katniss returning those hypothetical feelings. Prim never knew Katniss to have a boyfriend until Peeta, and that had been an act—it was hard to think about her older sister being romantic with anyone. Maybe, she thought, she would ask Gale about it later.

“If you're sure,” she said and took her eyes off of Katniss and Haymitch. They seemed to be having a good time together anyway. Dessert did look tempting, and Prim agreed to getting a bit of fresh air and enjoying some more of the food that Capitol had set out. Most of the more savory treats had been taken away to make room for many desserts, and Prim thought that the ball was beginning to wind down. The night really had flown by, but it was refreshing to get outside and have a moment to breathe. Inside, Prim felt as though everyone had been looking at her, judging her and possibly comparing her to Katniss. She knew damn well that the other tributes had been sizing her up, which meant she would have to work harder at training the next day.

Pushing all of those thoughts from her mind, Prim took a seat on the bench with Gale and breathed a heavy sigh. “I think I'll miss our old lives,” she said, having to agree with Gale that peace would become something of a distant memory very soon. Regardless of what happened in the arena, if Peeta's plan worked or not, everything was going to change and the blonde girl really would miss the simple life she'd had before the Games. Thoughtfully, she took one of the chocolate-covered strawberries and licked her lips after finishing it off, not wanting to get any juice on her dress.

Turning toward Gale, she smiled. “I could make these,” she said, nodding to the strawberries on the plate. “If 12 ever got some chocolate,” she laughed, “how hard could it be?” Next, she picked up one of the oranges and offered Gale a bite. With him, her worries melted away, and all she wanted to do was spend all the time she could with him before the Games started.