Everything had happened so fast, from Haymitch’s departure to the capital to the shock of him winning the games and returning home to find his Ma and Sid reduced to ash. He could assume it was his punishment from Snow, the method screamed of his cruelty. For a few days he stay hidden in his new home, drowning in his sorrows and sleep syrup.

The shock of Lenore was the thing to finally take him down. Her tear filled eyes, the blood, the panic. It shut him down completely. It hurt for you to see him disappear. For two days his house was vacant, you could only assume he’d found her grave. But when he returned he became violent if anyone tried to disturb his mourning.

You’d known him since childhood, always playing together when his Ma or Hattie allowed it. You knew him well. You waited until night fell over district 12 before wandering into the victors village. You knew by now he’d likely passed out from drinking and decided to test your luck. With a firm push his door opened and you wandered inside the house, choked by the smell of alcohol.

You found him in the kitchen, slumped on the counter and fast asleep. You walked slowly and softly until a smashed piece of glass squeaked under your feet. He shot up in an instant, a scared and quite hopeless expression on his face.

“What are you doing here?” He snarled.