mmidnight

Beyond a Fire's Embers

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.

Beyond a Fire's Embers

Yay! Now I hope the site holds up for us.

And yeah D; none of my friends like the sims as much as I do, haha. But I found a download with these really nice Edison bulbs and I was so happy that I just had to build something.

Beyond a Fire's Embers

Ooh, have fun and let me know how it is c: And sure. I'll head them upstairs and let Prim and Gale make out in the garden, haha. And I don't mind aimless fluff at all c:

I am >__> I posted for you and now I'm decorating the house I just built because omg I missed the sims 3 so much. I'm so lame but idc.

Beyond a Fire's Embers

I just posted and I can't wait for your reply :3 Should we start wrapping up the ball in the next few posts? Or did you want Haymitch and Katniss to finally sneak off?

It's okay. No one understands mine either. I've got shit to do on the other site, but tbh, all of it is kind of crappy except for one thing and I just don't feel like doing it right now. I can't stand when people switch tenses in the middle of their post. It's like, do u not see what ur doin, or???

Beyond a Fire's Embers

No one could help the life they had been born into or the way that they were raised. It was that knowledge alone that told Prim she couldn't fault the people of the Capitol for being the way were, so callous and oblivious to the plight of others around them. Still, it was hard to imagine a life that wasn't full of hard work and struggle and instead, a plush, jewel-encrusted existence that was presented easily and beautifully upon a silver platter. The blonde girl supposed that she was a bit envious of the passivity of it all, and although she didn't think that her life back home was horrible, it would have been made infinitely better by the constant guarantee of food, shelter and safety. The Capitol citizens didn't realize how good they had it, and Prim didn't think that any non-tribute at the Ball would have survived for five seconds in any district—let alone 12.

As Amethyst spoke highly of all of the things to do around the Capitol, Prim looked to Gale to see if he knew what was happening. She doubted that a man had ever attempted to flirt with him before, as it wasn't a very common thing back home. If Gale did know, then he was handling it well and Prim was much more open to both purple people than she had been to the last pair. Both Amethyst and Lilas seemed truly harmless, much like Effie, simply eccentric and appreciative of the colorful styles and trends that the Capitol had to offer. Prim was happy to have their support once the Games began, and she hoped that she and the rest of her district would continue to impress sponsors.

“I've found a few ways to stay happy,” Prim confirmed with a lofty smile as she looked to Gale. She didn't need to see every crevice of the sprawling Capitol in order to be happy; Gale was enough entertainment. She looked back to Amethyst and Lilas and continued to smile. “And than you so much for your support. We can't thank you enough.” They may have been watching to see the bloodshed, but there was a human quality to them that Prim found sort of endearing.

When Katniss joined himself and Bea, Haymitch noticed that something was off about her. When they had parted ways, the dark-haired girl seemed ready to tackle the task of wooing the sponsors, but from look currently on her face, it wad clear that something had taken the wind from her sails. Haymitch hoped that no one had said anything inappropriate to her, or tried to take her somewhere. However, the former Victor knew Katniss very well and if something had gone wrong physically, there would have been a second incident to go alongside Johanna's. He made a mental note to talk to her about it when they were back upstairs, just to make sure that she was okay. In the meantime, Bea needed to be further impressed.

One year made a world of difference, and Haymitch thought that Katniss was handling the social aspect of the ball quite well. Perhaps she was finally starting to understand how important charm was, or she had simply matured after seeing so much. Either way, Haymitch was proud to stand next to her, and listen to all of the things that she had to say about her district, and her assumed alliance. He wasn't worried anymore, and if Katniss was, she was very good at keeping it to herself. “I was telling Bea about the simulator,” he encouraged, wanting to give Katniss more talking points.

The older woman smiled. “Yes, he said you two make a very good team,” she said. “Although I'm not looking forward to watching him, or you, suffer through another Games. I think what the President has done to you all is just terrible.” She spoke as if her words had no consequences. “But you'll do your best, I'm sure. I know everyone is looking forward to more of your archery, Katniss.”

“She's still amazing,” Haymitch assured his old friend, and he offered Katniss a small, praising smile. Even without his heavy, personal bias, Haymitch still thought that Katniss was the natural choice for Victor. She was the strongest tribute selected, and if President Snow wasn't so against her, he had no doubt that she could win the Games all over again. “I've never seen her miss a shot.”

After saying goodbye to Amethyst and Lilas, Prim laughed softly at Gale's assessment of the situation. “That man has a crush on you,” she pointed out. Although the meeting hadn't been bad by any means, simply a little different from what she was used to. Then again, that had been life since coming to the Capitol. “What should we do now?” she asked before looking around the room. The crowd was still thick and people continued to dance, but Prim spotted both Katniss and Haymitch talking with an older woman and she was happy to see their familiar faces. “Maybe we should meet up with Katniss and Haymitch,” she suggested, thinking it would be a good idea to touch base, or just be friendly in front of others. If anyone was questioning whether or not 12 was united, they wouldn't have to worry.

Beyond a Fire's Embers

I know D; You could have texted me if you wanted :3 And I'm almost done with this post! So we can get back on track with everything.

Beyond a Fire's Embers

Now it is. It's ten PM and I'm finally sitting down. I think everyone picked today to need me >__> it's a conspiracy.

I feel like a bad partner ;n; but I'm getting to work this time for real and if anyone else calls me and needs attention, they can wait until tomorrow.

Beyond a Fire's Embers

Sorry to hear you were so busy too D;

I made Salmon and some steamed veggies. And then I had some more running around to do, which I forgot about. I didn't think I would be this busy but it just came all of the sudden. Holidays, I guess D;

Beyond a Fire's Embers

I WAS SO BUSY YESTERDAY AND TODAY ;n; I JUST GOT HOME AGAIN AND I'M MAKING DINNER BUT THEN I'M GOING TO SIT DOWN AND REPLY TO YOU. Also, I'm going to stop yelling now >__>

hello, how are you? <3

Beyond a Fire's Embers

Prim is going to be way too amused by that, haha. She'll start calling him an eagle~ and aw, poor Katniss ;n; Haymitch will make it better.