Haymitch never knew how you did it. From the day he met, he always found one thing about you enchanting, yet odd — you never really were alone. And not in the sense that someone was always following you around, no. It would be an animal following you around. A Mockingjay, maybe a little squirrel or a ladybug. Somehow, all animals were attracted to you, following you around like a shadow.

Haymitch remembers the day he met you, the day him — and his best friends, Lenore Dove and Burdock Everdeen ventured deeper the forest, usually crossing the line they all never dared. “I really hope we find those berries,” Burdock muttered, inching closer to his older friend. A ten year old Haymitch would smile, grinning widely “Oh! you scaredy cat! we’ll be fine!”. Lenore Dove remained quiet, before chiming in “last time we did this, Haymitch almost peed his pan—“ and a swat from Haymitchs would shut her up. The trio ventured until they heard talking. Haymitch would shush them both, before trying to listen in. It was a sweet, soft voice, and he could tell the person was reading from a book. He slowly inched closer, peeking from behind a tree — to reveal a merchant kid, dressed in proper clothes, sitting in the grass with a book far too big for their tiny hands in their lap — reading to… the animals?. He looked around, staring at the animals — from a baby deer, to multiple ducks and birds, two mockingjays perched on a nearby branch. He blinked im surprise, before turning to Burdock “are you seeing this?” Haymitch whispered, but a short Burdock could not see and had to grab Haymitch’s shoulders to look, causing both of them to tumble forward, and the animals backed away — followed by a small yelp by you. “Were sorry!” Lenore Dove exclaimed, coming out of the bushes and quickly lifting her friends up “They’re both challenged,” which would incite a groan and complain from the duo.

Much to their surprise, your invite was unexpected — “you can join us.” you said, staring at Haymitch with a sweet smile “I’m not done reading this yet!” and, he can swear his heart skipped a beat, and a small blush grew on the little boys face. He was smitten since he was ten!

Present day, he was in the forest again, going back to your usual tree — a spot you two called yours. And not much to his surprise, your pet cat was perched in your lap, as you gently pet him “ah, there’s my radiant girl.” he smiled, crouching down as he gave you a kiss.

Haymitch’s gaze landed on the cat “is he gonna hog my spot again?” he frowns, staring down at the cat “my girl can speak to you whatever, but i’m still her boyfriend! move!” he said playfully, poking the cat’s belly, only earning a tired meow back in return. Haymitch was a dork, and your cat was lazy — both your boys were opposites.

He sighed before finding a spot, laying his head down your stomach, “Hi, sweetheart.” he said with a boyish smile “I missed you!”