Annie had been more than happy with the new arrangement. She offered to house Peeta and Katniss as well if they wanted to stay, but Effie had a feeling that the two of them needed a bit of time alone - really alone, not with Haymitch to babysit.

They decided on a late night train that would deliver them to Four by the afternoon. Peeta left earlier on a more express route to Twelve. It was clear he was eager to leave the Capitol - as comfortable as Plutarch tried to make him, he was happy to be on the train home to Katniss.

"You smell like soap," Haymitch muttered, his lips pressed against the top of Effie's head. "I missed that."

Effie grinned and moved closer to him in their bed in the train cabin. "I'm still mad at you …"

"Yeah, I know."

Effie tilted her head up and kissed him. "I am glad you're here though. And that you came. We've got a lot -"

"A lot to talk about - yeah. But can I just hold you tonight?"

Effie took his hand from her cheek and put it on her bump. "Can you feel her moving?"

Haymitch smiled, kissing her again. "I missed that. I missed you. I missed her."

"You're an idiot, you know that, right?"

Haymitch chuckled. "I know."

Effie let out a contented sighed and settled in his arms. "If you'd turn off the light …"

"That mean I can stay in here?"

"Where else were you going to sleep?"

"I was almost resigned to the dining car -"

"Shut up …"

Haymitch grinned. "You don't know how much I missed hearing that."

They were an hour outside of Four when Haymitch finished up the piece of toast he was eating in the dining car and headed back to the cabin. Effie hadn't been hungry - insisting she would eat when they arrived at Annie's. Haymitch opened the door, finding Effie finally out of bed and leaning against the window.

"All set?" he asked. "Where's the suitcase? I'll … Eff, you okay?"

Effie nodded. "Fine." She lifted an arm and pointed. "The suitcase is -" She paused. Clenched her teeth. "Over there."

"Eff -"

"I'm fine," she said, trying to laugh, though it sounded more like a small cry.

Haymitch rushed forward. "Eff, what's wrong?"

"Just a little bit of - oh!" Effie almost doubled over.

"Are you -"

"I can't be!"

"There should be -"

"Haymitch, I am not having this baby now!"

"Sweetheart, if it's coming -"

"Not on this train!" Tears feel from Effie's eyes. She tried to regain herself as Haymitch helped her to the edge of the bed.

"Has your um …"

Effie shook her head. "No. Not yet."

"Then … we've got time, right?"

"Haymitch, it's too early!"

"The healer said it was a possibility - it'll be -"

"What if it isn't?" Effie doubled over again, clutching the edge of the mattress. Haymitch didn't wait to ask if she wanted a medic. He was going to get one.

And the medic confirmed it - Effie was in labor.