It had been Haymitch's idea.

They had been able to get out while at Annie's but now that everything seem settled - now that there was a routine, that Effie was less nervous, and that he himself was starting to become more a part of Rosie's daily life - it was time to have a quiet night. To themselves. At home.

"As much as I'd enjoy it," Effie said. "I think Katniss is already fighting an uphill battle about children with Peeta. Do you think asking them to babysit would really be such a great idea?"

"Why not? Rosie's been fussy recently. Maybe it'll turn Peeta off."

"She hasn't been that fussy. At least it isn't colic - the healer thought it was at first and Rosie would be ten times worse. She's started to cry for attention now. You know that."

"How do I know that?"

"Because we went over it in one of the books Annie gave us - did you not listen?"

"Eff, I don't usually pay attention when you're reading out loud from one of those stupid books. Rosie's still alive, isn't she? We haven't done anything wrong yet - and that's no thanks to a book."

Effie rolled her eyes. "Yes, all right. True. But it doesn't change the fact that I think it would be difficult on Katniss. Not that she can't take care of a child - she's probably far better than us - but I do not want to be the reason Peeta nags her."

"That boy'll nag her all he likes whether they're watchin' Rosie or not. Whether the baby's crying or not. The damage has already been done."

"So what is your plan?"

"Take Rosie next door for the evening - you and me have the house to ourselves - have dinner … you know. How the usual night in goes."

Effie's face reddened. "We haven't really had time -"

"No, we haven't. I think we've probably only -"

"Haymitch!"

"Twice. twice. Once on the sofa and you fell asleep right after -"

"Haymitch, stop!" Effie said, covering his mouth. "Stop," she said again, though she was grinning.

Haymitch pulled her hand away gently. "We've been home for two months - three months. I don't remember. And that's a problem."

Effie laughed and shook her head. "Fine," she said. "If you're that desperate."

"I am not above admitting that I am."

"What do you want for dinner then?"

"Dinner? Nah - that was just what we're telling the kids." Haymitch kissed her cheek then, as if on cue, headed upstairs as Rosie started to cry, having woken up from her nap.

"So we're taking her the full night?" Katniss asked.

"Only if you want," Haymitch said. "Effie made me be absolutely clear on that. And it wouldn't be the whole night. It's just be the evening."

"Right … you mean the full night."

Haymitch shrugged. "I guess it'd likely lead to that."

"Fine."

"Well that was quick. Where's Peeta?"

"Helping build something somewhere in town."

"You two all right?"

"What do you think?"

"Listen, if you don't want to watch Rosie, we understand. Effie already feels overwhelmingly guilty about the pressure Peeta must put on you. She hasn't shut up -"

"You make it sound like I'm being forced into motherhood."

"Yeah, well. I can't really see you as a mother."

Katniss laughed. "Neither can I. How Peeta does is crazy. But it's not a problem. We can take Rosie. You guys probably need some time to yourselves anyway. I can hear her crying sometimes. She's as loud as you when you were drunk and angry."

"Comforting."

"Hopefully she'll inherit Effie's manners."

"Oh, I'm sure mother will instill them. When do you want me to bring her over? What works?"

"Any time. Peeta'll be delighted so really it doesn't make much of a difference."

"It'll be a nice surprise."

Katniss took the apple core she had finished and chucked it at him - but Haymitch was quick and avoided it.

"Ha ha," Katniss muttered.