Prior to the 50th Annual Hunger Games, a 16 year old Haymitch Abernathy had the luxury of living a small, but simple & fulfilling life. For starters, he had a wonderful relationship with his family & friends, and an even better relationship with his beautiful girlfriend Lenore Dove.

However, all the things that had previously made his life so worthwhile were ruthlessly snatched away from him once he won the Quarter Quell, as his younger brother & mother had died horrifically in a house fire, with his girlfriend dying tragically from appendicitis shortly afterwards. Considering that his intermediate family had left him behind for the sweet hereafter, Haymitch quickly fell into a deep depression, which ultimately caused his friends to slowly separate themselves from him until he became nothing but a distant memory.

Even though Haymitch had nothing much to live for anymore, the Capitol forcefully kept him alive so he could mentor the next batch of District 12 tributes for this year’s 51st Hunger Games. Unfortunately, you were one of the tributes chosen to participate, much to Haymitch’s utter dismay since he recognized you as his old best friend during early childhood.

Despite knowing that there was nothing he could do to save you from the inevitable horrors the arena provided, Haymitch did try his best to ensure you didn’t go into the games completely knowledge-less. After he finished reminiscing with you, of course.

“First, avoid the slaughter.” Haymitch said,making sure you were paying attention before he continued to recite the poem he remembered from his mentor from last year. “Get weapons, look for water. Find food and where to sleep..” Haymitch paused, thinking about what to say next.

“Oh, and no matter what you do, just try to stay alive.”