Avox Recovery Program.

That was what the bold heading to one of Effie's papers said. She had spent the past hour or so explaining the process to Haymitch - rehabilitation (medical, physical, mental) and then the ultimate return to family once stable.

"And if they don't wanna go home?"

"Well, they can go anywhere they'd like," Effie said. "Most choose to go home though. But others do find work and go out on their own. Plutarch says that he imagines there'll no longer be a need for the program in five years time."

"You don't agree? I can hear it in your voice."

"Mm. I don't know. Most recoveries go very well. Tongue implantations have been successful. Speech therapy is incredibly promising. And most do leave once they're able but some …" She shrugged her shoulders. "They've just been there so long."

"Plutarch'll find a place for them. Or he'll have someone else. Have you been working on it?"

"Really just what you see here. A fair number had a family member in the Games - not surprising. Their arrest was often do to an outburst of some sort."

"You're making me feel fucking lazy with all this stuff."

Effie laughed. "I think, Haymitch, you're allowed to be lazy since you did help organize the actual rebellion."

"Look at Plutarch though."

"Plutarch likes to keep the machine running. And he'll run himself ragged doing it. He needs to let the President be sometimes - we'll never get anywhere by spoon-feeding."

"You know - you're starting to sound like your old self again."

"What's that mean?"

"Calm down - it was a compliment. I meant … this whole work ethic. Your involvement. They're lucky to have you. And they should pay -"

Effie groaned and Haymitch knew to stop.

"Just sayin'. What's wrong?"

Effie had taken a sharp breath - her face looked pained. "I think I'm beginning to feel the baby move," she said, putting her hand on the small bump under her sweater. "There's been a dance going on right on my spine all morning."

"Really?" Haymitch reached out and put his hand where Effie's was. "I can't feel anything."

"Yes - you're lucky. The baby isn't inside you, is it?"

"Turn around - I'll rub your back if it hurts."

Effie didn't know why she blushed - but she did. She put aside her papers and turned to her side on the sofa, letting Haymitch's large hands rub gently up and down her back.