IRON GAMES AND LOST TRIBUTES

Warnings: Violence, strong language

The three of them sat motionless and silent around Haymitch's small kitchen table. Katniss had turned visibly pale and avoided the gaze of the others, feeling like the ground had been swept from under her feet yet again. They had not escaped after all, there was no escape from them. Strangely, she felt no more fear, just a profound exhaustion. Haymitch wished he had something special, or at least helpful to say as a mentor to his two students, but it was hardly the case now. He used his free hand to crumple the piece of paper in front of him and toss it to the side, then watched it absentmindedly as it rolled down on the floor.

"What are the Iron Games?" Peeta asked suddenly, bringing him back to reality. Katniss had also raised her questioning glance up at him, furthering his discomfort.

"How long have you known about this, Haymitch?" she inquired, in no more than a whisper.

The mentor scrubbed a hand over his face and took his time pouring another fill of vodka into his glass, which he then downed quickly.

"Not many people know…" he began hesitantly" but I have a few friends at the Capitol… There was nothing but a rumor about this, for a short while, well until we received the official written notice anyway. There was nothing I could do about it, but I suppose you already know that, sweetheart"

"You can at least talk to us" Peeta insisted. "Explain us what the hell is going on"

"Well, as you know, the Hunger Games are ultimately a political tool – to assert the power of the Capitol over all of us - and a means of punishing the districts for their past uprising, watching is compulsory for the districts and free for the people of Capitol. But as a means of entertainment, at least as far as the Capitol elite is concerned, they are rather average rated. After all, they're for children…" Haymitch could not suppress a bitter smile. "So, after the Hunger Games lost their initial novelty appeal, someone though of creating the Iron Games, as a private entertainment for the Capitol elite. They are far more dangerous and require a lot more skills, they're for pros and rich people pay a lot of money to watch them. Sometimes, when the winner of the Hunger Games is a particularly good career and they're deemed old enough, they're given the opportunity to participate in the Iron Games, if they want, for a substantial prize"

"Except we're not given the opportunity, right?" Katniss concluded. "We're forced to"

"The official version will be that you have both volunteered for it, for further fame and glory, as kids are known for pushing their luck foolishly sometimes. But yes, in truth you do not have a choice. You are compelled to go." He did not add why, but there was no need. Their survival had defied the will of the Capitol and President Snow wanted them crushed, made an example of, however subtle.

Peeta was about to ask something more when the Haymitch's cell phone vibrated discreetly two times. He picked it up with surprising speed and stood up, almost knocking down his chair in the process.

"Um… I really need some fresh air after all this" he explained, referring more to the half-empty bottle lying on the table than to the recent unfortunate developments. "I'll be right back"

He stormed out of the house, as fast as his alcohol numbed body allowed it, and crossed the yard in a few large strides, into the thick shadow of the nearby trees.

"I wasn't expecting you so soon, but it's good you could make it here so fast" he addressed the figure wrapped in a dark hooded raincoat.

"As fast as I could when you called, I was in another district and I travel on foot, as you know"

"At least you can travel" Haymitch said impatient. "Now listen carefully, opportunity has arisen for us to do something towards our common purpose. The kids will be sent to the Iron Games, in three months' time, I've just received the notice. Only this time they are expected to deliver a far more spectacular performance, so they're allowed to have their own team of mentors, stylists, trainers…"

"Do you want me to train them?" The voice sounded rather unconvinced.

"No, what would be the use? Of course, they will be trained as best as we can, I'll see to that just in case, but it's obvious they can't be like you, they're normal"

"Oh thanks, Haymitch"

"Haymitch? Are you alright?" Katniss called from the front porch and he turned around startled.

"I'm ok, sweetheart, I'll be with you in a second!" He turned back to the stranger who had withdrawn a few steps at the sound of the girl's voice.

"I need you to replace them. I mean if we can save at least one it would still be something. Besides, it's a safe way to get into the Capitol and the man you're after will surely be there at the games, I've heard he's directly involved-"

"Haymitch you're crazy! Do you realize what kind of security they'll have there? It's the Capitol we're talking about! Now I may have certain qualities but you can't expect me to deal with all that alone. It will be difficult, and dangerous. We'd be putting everyone in danger, rather than saving anyone. I honestly don't think I can do this!"

"Then find someone who can, Hazel!" Haymitch ran a nervous hand through his tousled blonde hair, then shot a quick glance around. "Look, you're all I've got, you know that. I've got no one else who can do the things you do, I've got nothing, I'm helpless… and we both know what is like to be a tribute"

"Haymitch? Are you sure you're ok? What are you doing there?" Katniss called again.

"I'm fine, I'm fine!" he replied with a dismissal gesture. "Listen Hazel, just do what you can, yeah? Please"

"Ok, I'll help, even if I think it's crazy, I'll do it for you and the kids… But it will take some time and I can't promise to get any backup"

"Alright, but just keep this in mind: three months is all we've got"

-x-

The bar was small, filthy and of course illegal, but as long as one had money to pay everyone here minded their own business and no questions were ever asked. It was almost the only place Haymitch felt truly free to soak his sorrows in an adequate quantity of liquor and now Hazel knew it too. The few customers that were still there despite the late hour were busying themselves with their scarce meals and cheap drinks and nobody looked at the petite girl in the large dirty raincoat, who was sitting with a beer in a dark corner and was watching the only TV in the room. Since they were broadcasting reruns of the last edition of the Hunger Games, no one else was watching either. Hazel remained there, inconspicuous like a shadow, with eyes glued to the screen until closing time.

"Fucking Haymitch, 'find some who can', very funny…" she muttered placing a few coins on the counter on her way out and disappeared into the night.

Ok, I know it's not much so far, but maybe tell me what you think? Feedback much appreciated. :)