Listening closely, Prim wanted to do whatever she could to ease Gale's concerns about Haymitch. As someone who had never been the biggest fan of Haymitch, drunk or sober, the blonde supposed that her trust in the other man should have spoken volumes. If it wasn't for Haymitch, Prim would have started her training much too late and with the wrong weapon, she wouldn't know how to properly defend herself if someone got too close. Haymitch had a way of looking out for people, and although it was more likely the mentor in him than genuine concern, Prim did think that the former Victor's advice was genuine. She couldn't seem to understand why Gale was doubting that when Haymitch was throwing himself back into the Games in Peeta's place all because Katniss needed someone reliable at her side.
“Nothing's going to happen,” Prim said softly, secretly unsure of her own words. She reached out and set a hand on Gale's, giving his fingers a firm squeeze. “If he's anything like Katniss, or you, I don't think he would be here unless he's prepared to protect us.” At the very least, Prim had no doubts that Haymitch would protect Katniss—their special bond was becoming more and more apparent as they days rolled by. Prim didn't want to acknowledge what she had already assumed, but Prim truly did believe that Haymitch would do the right thing if the time came.
That was hardly the answer that Haymitch wanted to hear from Katniss. Her desire to save everyone, himself included, was going to be her downfall and although she had no knowledge of Peeta's plan, Haymitch suspected that her answer would have remained the same regardless of the information. Hearing how important he was to Katniss, listening to her open up and stop short of just coming out with those three beautifully terrible words worried Haymitch to his bones. In that moment, he didn't care that Gale had been somewhat right about what was going on in Katniss's head, he simply needed her to think for herself because she was what sparked the revolution and if she died in the arena, the hope of Panem would die with her.
Sighing, as if disappointed, Haymitch set his drink down and took a step closer to the woman in front of him. “Katniss, I...” he paused, currently at a loss for words. “That's not the way this is going to go. It can't be.” He knew that she wasn't going to like what he had to say, but Haymitch wasn't willing to risk an entirely new world of change over love—he had always said that fickle emotion had no place in the games, and he was still right. “You have to think of yourself, alright? You can't be trying to save everyone.” He looked down at his feet for a moment, part of him afraid to meet her eyes after what he was about to say. “Especially me.”
The sound of high heels clicking against the floor caught his attention and Haymitch straightened himself up. The last thing he wanted was for Effie to be suspicious or find out that something had happened between himself and Katniss. Just as he suspected, the brightly colored escort had come to fetch them just in time to cut Peeta's cake, and Haymitch had no choice but to follow along. Before he did, however, he caught Katniss's arm. “I mean it,” he stressed, bothered by having to cut their conversation short. “I love you, but you can't play hero this time.”
It was the worst time to say something like that, and after he did, Haymitch walked away. The sensation was bittersweet, and if Katniss was angry with him, then he really couldn't blame her.
Birthdays had never been a very big deal in the Seam. Everyone was so poor that no one ever got much of a celebration, only a few kind words and maybe something decent from the Hob if they were lucky. With Katniss and Gale always hunting, Prim's birthday had usually consisted of some kind of pie that she baked herself, and a trinket from Katniss along with many well wishes. To see a cake, and an entire party organized for Peeta was somewhat surreal to Prim, but she was having a good time anyway. The mood of the room was a bit stiff, considering where they came from and the pressure that they were under, but Effie had clearly put in some much effort. Prim thought it was sweet of the woman, and she was always trying to make them feel so much better about being away from home and only steps away from certain death.
“Happy birthday, Peeta!” Effie giddily announced, clapping her hands together as an Avox wheeled in a rather spectacular-looking birthday cake. The frosting was a pale orange color that faded into different shades of itself up and down three impressive tiers. This cake looked nothing like any of the confections that had ever come out of Peeta's bakery, and Prim was sort of stunned by the beauty of it.
After the obligatory song had been sung, the cake was cut into and everyone was offered a piece. It was delicious, airy and soft, unlike anything Prim had ever tasted before. She decided that birthday cake was her favorite new food that she had been introduced to while at the Capitol, and she was just glad that such a nice night could be shared with her friends. The rest of the evening went by rather quickly, and there was more talk of private sessions. Prim still didn't know what she was going to do for the Gamemakers, and she wouldn't have worried about it had it not been for retaining sponsors.
Finally, the party started to wrap up. Most of Effie's friends had left, and Haymitch had managed not to have too many deep conversations with strangers. After saying goodnight to Peeta and wishing him a happy birthday one last time, the former Victor returned to his room. He wasn't tired, and there was anxious feeling inside of him that was currently making his skin crawl, but he tried to ignore it. Getting a full night of sleep was ideal, but Haymitch knew from experience just how long it took for the Gamemakers to see District 12 and he told himself that he could always catch a nap while waiting for his turn.
After wrapping up a game of chess with Peeta where Prim had more or less gotten destroyed, the blonde girl decided that it was time for bed. She said goodnight to the other stragglers and then quietly padded down the hall to Gale's room. Since coming to the Capitol, Prim had developed a fondness for sharing a bed with him, and she didn't expect this night in particular to be any different. “Did you like the party?” Prim asked after knocking and being let into Gale's room. It had been a nice break from the Games, Prim just wished that it could have lasted longer.
