Chapter Text
"Katniss Everdeen."
The square is silent. Katniss is already on stage. She doesn't move as Effie makes her way to the other glass ball.
Haymitch meets Effie's teary eyes and knows she is hoping for his name. He might be offended if the alternative wasn't Peeta returning to the Games. Even with the planned rescue, the risks are too high.
Effie's hand hesitates between the two slips of paper. She almost takes one, then grabs the other and unfolds it. Her voice cracks as she says, "The male tribute from District Twelve is Peeta Mellark."
And Haymitch breathes relief because for once, the odds are in his favor. He steps forward before Peeta can move. "I volunteer."
His hands are shaking slightly because he just volunteered to go back to the Games. Later tonight, he's going to drink anything on the train he can get his hands on. But now, he manages to stand firm and walk past Peeta, who's grabbing at him and telling him to take it back. Haymitch shakes hands with Katniss. When she meets his eyes he gives her a small nod. Gratitude and guilt war on her face, but she gives his hand an extra squeeze before they let go.
He doesn't remember saluting the square, or missing the chance to say goodbye to family and friends- what's the point, Katniss and Peeta and Effie are all coming to the Capitol anyway- or making it onto the train. There's nothing left to pay attention to today. He's done half his job already and kept Peeta safe. He'll do what he has to to get Katniss out. And maybe, if the odds keep holding, he'll get himself through it all too.