Chapter Text
(Haymitch POV)
It’s about the same unpleasant experience as most reapings are. Except this time, I’m back in the draw. Even if I volunteer for Peeta, it’s still fifty fifty. If my name is drawn Peeta will volunteer, if his name is drawn I have to volunteer. Peeta stands right by me. Katniss is in a similar enclosure,but she stands alone. These games are to get rid of her. If I die it’s only a bonus.
Effie stands on stage, this year in a shimmering gold wig. She does lack her usual verve though. The crowd is glum, the guns trained on them truly adds to the gloom. I glance through the crowd, few faces I recognize. Astrid and Prim are huddled together. Peeta’s family is standing close. I wonder if the district would care if I died. How many of their children have I had a hand in killing? How many sparks of hope have I crushed? It’s a rigged game anyway, maybe the forgotten victor could have saved them. The actual drawing of the names is quick. Katniss’s name gets drawn like we all know it would. Effie fumbles around for a moment before grabbing a slip.
“Peeta Mellark!” I look at Katniss, she’s waiting. I sigh, it would have been much easier if I was the mentor.
“I volunteer as tribute.” I sound tired. I look back at Katniss, she breathes a sigh of relief. If Burdock were still around I wonder if he would care if I died. The peacekeepers quickly shove us towards the justice building. Katniss screams about saying goodbye. What is Snow getting at by taking away her goodbyes? I don’t care, it’s not like I have goodbyes to say. Not that I couldn’t say later at least.