The taxi to Caesar's studio was silent. Thea had been hit by a wave of exhaustion, depression, and nausea, and spent the time trying to prepare herself for this interview. Every year, mentors came together to speak with Caesar Flickerman and discuss how they believed their tributes would do that year - it was a chance to both talk up the tributes, gain sponsors, figure out other tributes strengths and how to combat them, and just a chance to catch up with old friends. But now, all that ran through her mind was the morphling and the thought of the baby inside her at that moment.

As they entered the building, Haymitch and Thea were led to a private room. A few other mentors were already there, and Thea spotted Finnick: smiling, she managed to wave.

"Hello, stranger," She said. "Fancy meeting you here."

"I know. Had no better plans." he grinned and gave her a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. "How are you?"

She shook her head in response. "Don't. I'm on another plane of existence. Got the good stuff straight in my veins."

Finnick tutted in mock disapproval. "Bad girl, bad girl. I can't believe you'd do that. So out of character."

Thea responded with a soft laugh. "What about yourself? Doing good?"

"Never better." He rolled his eyes. "Back in my favourite place."

"We are so lucky, huh?" She smiled. "An interview with Caesar. Every year. Till we die."

Finnick sighed. "...not much of a life, this, huh? You know, I think it's true what they say about your life ending when you're reaped, regardless of if you survive."

Thea nodded, jumping slightly as she felt Haymitch's hand on her lower back.

"Stylists want to do you up." He grumbled.

She sighed in annoyance. "To do what, exactly?"

"Uh, according to the main one, cleavage contouring." He looked away, an aloof expression on his face. Thea rubbed her temple.

"Oh, Lord forgive me..." She mumbled before looking up. "Alright, then."

After a few uncomfortable hours, each mentor stood backstage while Flickerman commanded the audience. Thea had to admit, he was easy to work with. She was grateful for that, at least.

However, lining up backstage felt like being right back in her own games. She wished desperately she didn't have to go last, but at least Haymitch was right there next to her. As each of the district's mentors spoke with Caesar, she allowed her thoughts to flicker back to the pregnancy. She felt nausea swirl in her stomach again, and it wasn't entirely clear if it was morning sickness, morphling sickness, or anxiety. She closed her eyes tightly and silently prayed, dear Lord, don't let me throw up on this fucking stage.

"You okay?" Haymitch's soft voice cut into her thoughts. She took a breath and nodded, then shook her head. His hand found hers in the ruffles of her dress, and he stroked it gently with his thumb. The soft motion calmed something in her and slowly she felt normal once again.

"I'm scared." She whispered. He nodded.

"I know, princess. It's gonna be okay."

Then, Flickerman's voice came. "And now, you know and love them, Althea Hart!" There was a huge cheer from the audience. "...and Haymitch!"

With her Capitol smile plastered on her face, Thea made her way onto the stage, Haymitch following along. She was vaguely aware of Flickerman laughing and kissing both of her cheeks; even less aware of her doing it back and going to take a seat.

"Thea, Thea, Thea, our darling... now, you know me, I really have to comment on that dress."

Thea tilted her head slightly and giggled coyly. "Of course you do, it wouldn't be one of your interviews if you didn't."

Flickerman laughed heartily. "Isn't she wonderful, folks?! But, really, that colour just absolutely stuns on you. And that's before we even discuss the neckline. What kind of neckline is that, dear?"

Her smile didn't falter. "Oh, this? I think it's a sweetheart neckline."

"Well, isn't that name fitting, folks?!" His words elicited a loud cheer from the crowd. "Now. As much as we would love to sit and chit chat, let's move onto what we're here to discuss. Your tributes."

Thea turned to Haymitch with a smile, ready for him to speak. He cleared his throat, his voice gruff. "Mmhmm, yeah. Real good pair this year, yeah."

Flickerman's smile didn't falter, but Thea noticed the look in his eyes; as if he was asking for something to work with. "Good pair. That's good to hear. Well, let's hone in on the girl, Katniss Everdeen. That display of bravery, volunteering for her little sister, I mean, I don't know about you, but my heart stopped. Do you agree?"

Haymitch gave a curt nod. "Nice thing to do, yeah."

Thea, seeing Haymitch was struggling, jumped in. "She's wonderful. She has a big personality, and she's selfless. I'd definitely keep my eyes on her in that arena."

Haymitch gave Thea a soft smile, feeling a little bad that she had to jump in, but otherwise grateful she did. Flickerman nodded. "And the boy?"

Thea smiled. "Strong. Very strong. I think he's a dark horse."

Flickerman nodded. "That's excellent to hear. It's always interesting to see who emerges from the most difficult situations. So, all in all, you think District 12 could have good chances this year?"

Haymitch nodded. "Better than previous years, that's for sure."

Thea's smile faltered just slightly at the grim joke. "Mmhmm. Like I said, don't count us out just yet."

"Well, thank you very much for your time. It's been wonderful to see you both." Flickerman nodded, his eyes fixated on Thea. "Althea Hart and Haymitch Abernathy representing District 12, folks!"

The audience cheered as the two stood up. Thea smiled, giving one of her iconic curtsies (the only reason she gave them was to give the audience a good view of her cleavage). However, shaky from lack of food and drugs in her system, she toppled over and onto her knees.

She was vaguely aware of Flickerman exclaiming, "Oh, my!" and the audience gasping. She took a breath, the nausea rising in her throat, and begged God to not have her vomit on stage. A moment passed and she raised her head, faking a laugh.

"Are you alright, dear?" Flickerman asked, helping her to her feet. She brushed off her dress and nodded.

"Yes, I'm alright. It must have been my high heels." She giggled, sounding less bothered than she really was. The crowd cheered again, and she blew a kiss, that nausea not relenting. She needed to get off stage. 

"And that's all for tonight, folks!" Flickerman said, ushering the two off stage, where Thea grabbed the nearest bin and puked her guts up into it. Haymitch rubbed her back gently.

"Jesus." He said.

After a moment she looked up at him, speaking weakly. "That's better."

"That's better?" He confirmed. "You ain't gonna vomit or fall on your ass again, are you?"

"No, no." She mumbled, standing up. "Besides, it was my knees, not my ass. Let's just go."

Haymitch nodded as peacekeepers surrounded them and led them away.

A few hours later, sitting with the tributes, Peeta spoke.

"Good interview. But you didn't say much about me. You didn't even say my name."

Haymitch rolled his eyes. "Maybe if that creep didn't spend half the interview talking about her tits we'd have gotten somewhere."

"Eh." Thea said. "May as well exploit me and not the kids where we can."

Katniss's eyes snapped up. "Yeah. Let's not exploit the kids in the games where they're being put in an arena to murder each other."

Thea gave her a pitying look, her hand subconsciously going to rest on her belly. "I'm doing what I can, honey."

Katniss sighed. "Not much we can do. Either be complicit or die."

Haymitch sighed and leant forward. "You deserve to know that death is probably the better option. Your life is over whether you win or not."

"Haymitch..." Thea murmured.

"It's true, ain't it?"

Thea frowned. "Give them some hope. Listen, you still have your families, you still... you have things to live for. It's not all bad."

Peeta rose from his seat. "I'm gonna get some rest."

Thea nodded, concern apparent on her face. "Alright, honey. God bless."

He looked at her and nodded. "Goodnight."