Everything would have gone much more smoothly if Haymitch and Gale could stand to be around one another for more than five minutes without snapping. Much like Katniss, Prim was also worried that the men in their alliance would never see eye-to-eye. The blonde thought back to her conversation with Gale the night before, and the concerns that he had when it came to the former Victor. Looking at them now, Haymitch seemed to be trying to bridge that gap, and that was some kind of miracle on its own. With Peeta's plan depending on all of them staying alive and together, Prim hoped that Gale would start to change his mind about Haymitch before it was too late.
“Yeah, hopefully,” Prim agreed quietly before Katniss took on the task of getting everyone a cup of tea.
Although the majority of his personality said differently, Haymitch wasn't incapable of getting along with others. Had the situation been any different, he would have had his own reservations about having to work with an old drunk. Gale's concerns weren't without merit, but the former Victor had a big problem with the way the younger man spoke to him; as if he were old and senile and didn't know the impact of what the four of them were about to face. Knowing all of that, Gale's sudden apology caught him by surprise and Haymitch was rather unsure of how to react to it. He wasn't one for tender moments, and cared even less for bonding, but the right thing to do was let it slide.
When Katniss asked them how they liked their tea, Haymitch took the opportunity to pat Gale on the arm and simply take his cup. He didn't add anything to his tea, always feeling like the bitter taste suited him nicely. Soon after he picked up one of the delicate tea cups, he too made his way to the living room with Katniss. He took a seat on the couch with her and offered her a wry smile, like a cat who had just eaten a canary. “How are you feeling about tomorrow?” he asked, taking a drink from the cup.
With two sugars in her tea and a cookie on her plate, Prim joined the others in the living room. She saw that Haymitch had situated himself next to Katniss, so Prim didn't feel too out of the place when she took a seat next to Gale. She was just in time to hear Katniss commenting on what the guys might look like for their interview, and the blonde found herself agreeing. Then again, she always thought that Gale was handsome. Smiling into her teacup, Prim took a drink and then broke off a piece of cookie. “You guys always have it easier than us. Just be thankful you don't have to break your ankles in high heels,” Prim said, laughing.
“Finnick would complain if he didn't come out shirtless,” Haymitch commented, which seemed to make Prim laugh even more. He smiled to himself, a little amazed by how easily they were all getting along. “Anyway,” he shrugged and took another pull from his cup, “it's probably the least horrible part of the whole dog and pony show if you're not bothered by crowds.” Both he and Katniss had gone through the interview before, and Haymitch was sure that Caesar would have all kinds of tailored questions for them this time around.
Prim was somewhat nervous about the night, but she wasn't going to let it get to her when she was feeling so good about their scores. “It can't be worse than the ball,” she said and set her tea cup aside. “At least you get to leave the stage when Caesar is done with you.” Not standing around and pleasing people seemed like the easiest thing the Capitol could offer next to riding around in a chariot all night.
Glancing over to Katniss, Haymitch couldn't help but wonder what Cinna was going to put her in. Her gown for the ball had been stunning, and although Haymitch had hated the idea of going, the night had been spectacular. He did his best not to let on that something had happened, not wanting a fight to break out when they were all getting along so well. “It's quick,” he promised, watching as Prim leaned against Gale. “You two might want to talk about each other. These people need a new couple to latch onto and if they really like you, they'll send you more gifts.” Prim and Gale's relationship could only help them in that respect. Although Haymitch was slightly envious of them because he and Katniss had to hide. He supposed it would all come out in the arena anyway.
