Hey guys! So i always wondered what it would be like if the tables were turned, and Haymitch and Effie were forced to fake a relationship for the Capitol and if, like Katniss and Peeta, genuine feelings start to grow? So i started writing this and I hope to continue it, depending on what people think. Enjoy!

Summary: It was Peeta's name pulled out in the reaping. It was Haymitch who volunteered. Steps are taken to ensure Haymitch and Katniss's safety towards the end of the games, a plan that concerns Haymitch and Effie. A deceptive relationship built on bringing down the Capitol. But with the rebellion drawing closer, could these lies entangle the couple in a dangerous liaison? Hayffie. M for later chapters. Reviews are love.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games. All rights go to Suzanne Collins.

Illusion

The applause rumbled throughout the crowd like thunder, setting his ears ringing and his heart pounding. Blinding white light dropped onto him, drowning him in a warm radiance for all of Panem to see. Haymitch swallowed, Effie's words suddenly coursing through his mind.

Confident and charming, that's what we're going for Haymitch. Not alcoholic and barbaric. And for god's sake it wouldn't hurt to smile!

Pushing back a mouthful of insults Haymitch flashed a charming smile, setting the crowd on fire. They cheered, roared and stomped their feet with excitement. Haymitch's weary eyes winced against the glaring night, struggling to make out the ocean of colourful, Capitol caked faces. He could faintly hear Caesar Flickerman's charming voice ushering him back to reality, but there were so many eyes, the light was too bright, and he was already exhausted after enduring ten minutes of this façade that he struggled to bring himself back to reality.

"Haymitch, Haymitch, Haymitch?"

Haymitch shook his head and blinked, clearly startled. He had to pull himself together. God he shouldn't have downed those three glasses of scotch. Haymitch was confronted with Caesar's twinkling eyes.

"Sorry Caesar," he forced the heartbreaking smile back onto his lips.

Caesar laughed, staring directly at the camera. "If you've just joined us here, we're back with District 12's tribute, Haymitch Abernathy! Now Haymitch," he returned his attention back to the tribute, his voice quieting. "I couldn't help but notice that you've been a little distracted tonight. Care to share your thoughts?"

Yes. There were a million spiteful thoughts clouding Haymitch's mind. A million vindictive words Haymitch wanted to spit out that would surely make Effie Trinket faint. A million words he wanted to shout angrily, to Caesar, to the crowd of privileged Capital citizens, to Effie who wouldn't stop screaming at him to put down the drink all morning, to his prep team for keeping him the dressing room for hours without even a glass of scotch, to President Snow for chucking him back for another round of hell…

Instead Haymitch took a steady breath and swallowed back these words. There was more than his life at stake here, because every moment leading up to the rebellion counted.

Haymitch couldn't think of a more perfect time to enact the plan. He could only hope that Peeta was right. Well he had never doubted the kid before, after all he was bright and everyone agreed that the idea seemed good. Everyone but Haymitch it seemed. He still stood by his belief that the plan was ridiculous and bound to fail, but he couldn't turn back now. It was the only plan he had.

"Yes Caesar," Haymitch responded. "I've just been thinking about my past, my home…what I may be leaving behind or what may be waiting for me when I return".

Caesar's eyes rounded with delight, his eyes lighting up with the potential gossip. "Things you'll be leaving behind? Or a someone that you'll be leaving behind, am I right folks?" he turned back to the crowed, igniting another roar of cheers.

Haymitch chuckled, his eyes briefly flickering down. "Well, you could say that".

Caesar laughed. "Of course. A girl back home I assume?"

Haymitch shook his head, his bangs flicking past his eyes. "No. Actually, she came here with me".

The journalist's jaw dropped, sharing a shocked look with the audience. "A girl from the Capitol? And does this lucky lady have a name?"

"Yes. Effie. Effie Trinket".

A stunned silence shocked the crowd, his comment slapping the smile off Caesar's lips.

"Effie Trinket? District Twelve's darling Escort? Well, that is quite a surprise. When did you two start seeing each other?"

"Just after last year's games," he replied with a sheepish smile, remembering what the others had clearly told him.

The flabbergasted man pulled his lips into a beaming smile, turning back to the crowd. "Well, we simply must bring her out here then. What do you think?"

Haymitch's smile fell. No. That wasn't part of the plan. He cringed. She would be furious at him.

"I don't think-"

A deafening pause drowned out his protest. Haymitch stood up as Effie walked onto the stage, taken back at just how well she played the part. He had to admit, the woman had a talent for masking her emotions and stepping into the shoes of the polite, proper Capitol Escort. Even in this situation.

She walked onto the stage with a gracious smile, wiggling her fingers in a small wave to the crowd. Her eyes swept over the sea of people and across the lit stage. Her lips broke into a thrilled smile when her crystal blue eyes met his. Running across the stage in her glittering, golden pumps she enveloped Haymitch in a warm embrace, resting her head on his shoulder.

"For god's sake Haymitch smile, you look like you saw a slug," she whispered into his ear through gritted teeth.

Effie broke the hug, her hands still resting on his shoulders. "Haymitch," she breathed fondly, her eyes locked onto his lovingly.

"Well, this is a surprise".

Caesar's booming voice caught their attention. Effie gave him a gracious smile, accepting his hand. He led her onto the seat opposite to Haymitch. Her hand slid into his, their fingers lacing together. Haymitch did his best to give her a small smile and mask his true emotions. By the judge of the wild applause and cheers, the audience was buying it.

"Now," Caesar began once the crowd had settled down. He leaned forward, his eyes glimmering with anticipation. "We're all bursting to know the story between you two".

"Well, you know what they say Caesar, opposites attract" Effie responded, a mischievous tinkle in her eye.

Caesar laughed. "Indeed they do. But surely, something must have happened to ignite the spark between you two?"

Effie cast Haymitch a questioning look, gesturing for him to answer.

Haymitch shook his head, an incredulous smile touching his lips. "What can I say Caesar? I wish I had more of a story to tell everyone tonight. But the truth is…" he paused, meeting her eyes. "The truth is I always felt something for her, I just had never realised it…until the Harvest Festival".

"I had begged Haymitch to accompany me to the Harvest Festival Ball," Effie continued his story, a daze look clouding her eyes. "We danced, talked and drank," Effie stretched out the story, already noticing the looks of awe and envious glares being casted her way. "I know now that Haymitch was right. I had always felt something for him. And it wasn't until we kissed that night under the mistletoe that we both realised it".

"What a story," Caesar said softly.

Haymitch breathed out a sigh of relief. They had bought their story. And by the looks on their faces and the thunderous applause, they knew that Haymitch Abernathy would surely be remembered in this year's Games.

"But I have to ask," Caesar spoke up, curiosity etching his features. "Why bring this up now? It has been a year since you two started seeing each other".

Effie took a steady breath, releasing her hand from her 'lover's' hold. "Well…we always wanted it to be a secret. Something we knew the press would not take kindly too…District Twelve's Escort dating the District's only Mentor. We didn't want the bad publicity. But now…" she paused, meeting Haymitch's eyes. "With Haymitch being selected at the repeaing, we weren't sure if we'd ever have another chance to tell anyone," Effie's eyes saddened, her voice cracking. She swore she could hear the bated breaths and teary sighs. "And as much as it kills me to think that he may never return to me, we both knew we had to consider the possibility".

A silence swept throughout the crowd, a sad, solemn silence. It suddenly struck them that the new, golden couple may break apart because of the Hunger Games. The exact effect Haymitch Abernathy was hoping for.

"Well…" Caesar began, his eyes softening, lost for words. "That is unfortunate".

Caesar's eyes flickered to the side, receiving his cue to tie up the interview. "Unfortunately we've reached our time, but before you two leave, I'm sure our viewers everywhere are dying to see the Golden Couple kiss. Could we get a preview of the beginning of an undoubtedly magical relationship?"

He spun back around to the crowd, encouraging them to cheer the couple on. Effie's smile faltered. She glanced at Haymitch, who wasn't even bothering to hide his anger and disgust. She'd rather break all her heels in her closet than kiss Haymitch Abernathy. Drunk, filthy Haymitch Abernathy. But she had no choice. And judging by Haymitch's look of disgust, she'd have to be the one to initiate it.

A tinkling laugh rose in her throat, her lips smiling shyly. "Of course Caesar, we'd love to" Effie replied sweetly, standing up.

She briefly shot Haymitch a hardened glare, her eyes pleading for him to stand and do this or face being struck by the end of her stiletto heel. Haymitch stood up rather awkwardly, doing his best to bring back his smile. Effie approached him and brushed her lips against his in a soft kiss. Their hands soon met, intertwining with each other at their sides as their lips moved together. The kiss was soft, tender and sweet, everything the Capitol wanted.

They finally broke apart. The audience continued cheering as they left the stage, their hands never leaving each other.

Their smiles immediately fell when they reached the hallway at the back of the stage, safe from the prying eyes of anyone but Katniss and Peeta. Their polite and sickeningly sweet, puppy love nature had shed off like old skin, still left on the stage.

"Where's my drink?" Haymitch snarled, slumping back against the wall.

Effie pushed her violet lips together disapprovingly as she watched Peeta reluctantly hand him his alcohol. "Really Haymitch, must you drink now? Can't it wait until we get back to the Hotel?"

Haymitch shot her an icy glare, taking a generous swig of his whisky. "If I recall princess, I never complain about the ridiculous dresses and wigs you wear. So I suggest you but out of other peoples' business".

Effie folded her arms tightly but bit her tongue, remaining quiet. She knew quite well what a drunk, pissed off Haymitch could do.

"You two were great," Peeta offered, trying to break the tension.

Katniss nodded. "You two sold the act perfectly, especially you Effie. The story behind your relationship was genius".

Effie couldn't help but smile proudly, having come up with the Harvest Festival tale herself.

"Katniss, Katniss?"

Katniss whirled around at the sudden voice, to see a frantic lady ushering her forward. "You're on now dear, come, come".

Katniss repressed a small sigh and turned to the others. "I'll see you later".

Effie's lips melted into a smile when she took in Katniss, dressed in the stunning, ivory wedding dress. A small sigh escaped her lips. "Oh Katniss, you would have been the most beautiful bride".

"Thanks Effie".

Peeta reached for her hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze. "See you later".

She gave Peeta's hand a squeeze before following the lady.

"She'll be fine," Haymitch said from above his glass of whisky, noticing Peeta's concerned look. "Fortunately for her, she doesn't need to perform like us to gain sponsors".

Peeta bit the inside of his mouth, sensing that the sentimental mood had broken. He cleared his throat and looked down at his notes, filled with the list of potential sponsors. "Well, after tonight I wouldn't be surprised if we had sponsors phoning by tomorrow morning".

Haymitch grunted, swirling the fiery liquid around his glass. "Good. Otherwise all that time tonight would've been for nothing. And I am not putting on another show with Effie again".

Effie's eyes flashed angrily, her hands landing on her hips. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"

"Well I hate to break it to you sweetheart, but tonight wasn't necessarily a walk on sunshine for me".

"And you think it was any better for me?" Effie hissed, her eyes shooting daggers into his. "Sometimes Haymitch, you should pay close attention to what you're about to say and the effect these words have on people!"

Haymitch stifled a bitter laugh into his drink. "Yeah? Then perhaps you should warn me next time before you decide to jump on me like that".

Effie huffed, her face growing scarlet with rage. "You know I didn't have a choice. Haymitch, we agreed on the plan. I had to play the part. I was doing this for you!"

Haymitch blinked up at her, his eyes hardening into a murdering glare. "Doing this for me? I never wanted this. If you remember correctly, I never agreed to the plan. And sweetheart, I never asked you to do anything for me".

Effie looked like she had been slapped. She blinked. Tears bit the back of her eyes and leaked at the corners, her arctic blue depths searching his. Her voice shook as she spoke in a bare whisper. "You never had to".

She spun around on her heel and stormed out of the hall.

A stunned silence clouded the room. Haymitch bit his tongue, knowing that he had pushed her too far. He tried to push away the sudden guilt he felt with another swig of whisky, letting the liquid burn down his throat.

"Haymitch, you should probably go and check on her. She was only trying to help".

Haymitch shot him a small glare. "I never asked for this," he muttered, letting out a small sigh. "And I sure as hell didn't ask to fake a love affair with, of all women, Effie Trinket".

Peeta shook his head incredulously at him. "Katniss was right. You are unbelievable," he paused, trying to meet his furious gaze. "Don't you get it Haymitch? You never had to ask her to do this for her. But she still did it anyway".

Haymitch bit his cheek, a scowl twisting his features."Nobody forced her into this".

Peeta stifled an incredulous laugh, staring bewilderedly at the man. "You still don't get it do you? She doesn't want you to die in there".

A thunderous applause rang out. From the plasma television screen they could see the Girl on Fire, twirling in brilliant flames.

"You owe Effie an apology".

Peeta left to go greet Katniss, leaving the Victor to the silence.

She doesn't want you to die in there

The thoughts confused the hell out of him. It meant that meant beneath her haughty, irritated demeanor, and in some ludicrous way, Effie Trinket cared about him.

Haymitch took another sip, a frown pinching his features. Sure, they had there moments. Like when Effie would gently help him to the bathroom to throw up after a night at the bar, or when he'd make her a cup of tea and put an arm around her to comfort her when they lost their tributes to another grueling game. But he had always, truly believed that the woman hated him. That they had a relationship built on mutual loathing. Perhaps he was wrong.

Haymitch look down at his glass. It was empty. He had to find a bar. But first, he needed to greet Katniss with the others. Then he would apologise to Effie. Peeta was right. Effie was only trying to help him, and he owed her.

Throughout the day Peeta's words lingered in his mind. She doesn't want you to die in there. Haymitch had always believed that their relationship would always be like this: snide comments and raging arguments. Now Haymitch couldn't help but wonder, perhaps there was hope for them yet.

So i know it may be a little confusing now but i'm going to clarify everything in the update. Expect future fluffy moments and the occasional hayffie sex. But this chapter was just setting the scene. And anyway, i always wanted to write a hayffie stage kiss in front of the Capitol haha Please leave a review and tell me your thoughts!

Lydia :)