A Propostion

Butch was located within his room as he continued to obsess over how he would win these games knowing he was wracked with hesitation as he couldn't bring himself to imagine harming his closest allies. The aimless pacing didn't help either as even his stylist had given up trying to go over what he would say within his interview before the games.

He was lost, causing him to fall into peaks of emotion as tears brimmed in his eyes due to the panic he was feeling regarding the games. He didn't feel this way until after winning his games as he held no emotional attachment to any of the tributes within his earlier game besides his district partner.

As Butch entered the beginnings of a panic attack, he knew he couldn't show a glimmer of weakness to anyone who may be around due to him needing to ensure his confidence was unaltered in front of the Capitol in order to ensure gifts within the arena. To escape this torment he left his room and exited the apartment while fidgeting with his clothes in an attempt to break the symptoms he was experiencing while waiting for the elevator.

As if on cue two familiar voices spoke out to the panicked victor and as he turned he realised Haymitch and Finnick were heading in his direction. To avoid questions, Butch swiftly wiped away his tears and stood firm before the two could see him as the elevator welcomed the trio in.

Before anything was said, Finnick reached over to hug his friend before whispering the words;'We need to talk to you privately, just act natural.'With that the pair broke apart and the three spoke about the parade and the training room in order to make light conversation while heading out of the centre.

Haymitch lead them to an area behind the building secluded from view but giving a reassuring nod to Finnick to signal him to speak.

'We need your help mate.' Finnick opened the discussion.

'Why? Has something happened?' Butch responded with a face of confusion- taken back the look of need on his friends face.

Haymitch took the reins of the conversation and explained the matter to Butch while Finnick ensured no one was listening in.

'We need you to form and alliance with Katniss and Peeta.'

Butch looked on in disbelief, such a sudden request perplexed him as despite not having any issue with either tribute he wanted to know them more before securing an alliance.

'Why? Haymitch I hardly know them, why ask that all of a sudden?'

'We need your tactics to keep the pair alive... whatever it takes.'

'Why the fuck would I do that? I don't owe them my life, we haven't spoken once, where the hell are you pulling this idea out from.'

Butch stared at the mentor with frustration and confusion as he would never imagine such an obscene request be made to him- he could tell there was something being left out.

'Haymitch, you would never ask that to anyone without a secret beneath. What the fuck is going on?'

'Katniss and Peeta are the face of the rebellion. Their defiance in the games has sparked whispers amongst the districts about the mistreatment they have received, they want to rebel. We need the two to stay alive through these games so those whispers continue to grow- you're not the only one we have offered this to.'

The word rebellion was so feared by many in the districts as the sheer implication of the word would almost lead to certain death. Due to Haymitch's serious tone, Butch could tell that he wasn't lying, a rebellion truly was brewing.

'Who have you asked?'

'Johanna, Finnick, Mags, Beetee, Wiress, Tiffany and you. All have agreed to join in hopes that the rebels will continue their work however we're still in the process of asking others.'

'We really need you on board with this Butch. I need you covering my back.' Finnick added.

'If Tiffany has agreed then this must be important. Besides, an alliance would ensure that we're safe throughout most of the games...' . There was another reason that he was certainly considering this offer.

Butch cast his mind back to his daughter, Tiana, as she was currently too young for reaping age but would be soon. If he assisted with this rebellion he could prevent his daughter ever experiencing what he had to and through this alliance he could have a better chance at surviving these games and therefore see her again. His mind was made up.

'Okay, I'm in. On one condition.'

'Name it.'

'My daughter is put under protection while I'm in these games. If I'm involved in the rebellion my daughter is target number one on the Capitol's list.'

'I will see what I can do.' Haymitch assured as he looked on with relief that his tributes would be further protected.

Finnick walked over with relief radiating from him.

'This is going to work, trust me.' Finnick could tell that something was still eating up Butch from the inside.

'I do trust you and I know this will work. The problem is that it'll work so well that we'll be the last ones standing...'