A Night Out

Effie had made certain he'd learned the ways of Panem, and had learned quickly. He knew ettiquette and customs, knew what he would see and to not be shcked by it. He had the accent down, that wasn't a problem. Mostly she had coached him again and again on his story. He'd lost all his funds on the games and had turned to working in a shop to pay his mounting bills. He side hustled a bit with gambling, seemed he had a bit of a problem with gambling, and he was always right on the edge of making his comeback to society. And then he'd met Effie and his life turned for the better. She had taken him in like a project...or better yet, like a pet. And she'd dressed him and given him an allowance and he was happier than he'd ever been.

Drugs, drink, fine clothes...it was all so believable because, to be quite fair, here he was her pet. He looked to her for everything. Still, he'd learned to keep to his story. He needed to to keep them both safe.

After a couple weeks in Effie's flat, having clothes brought in from Cinna and being trimmed and groomed by a flamboyant stylist named Baltus, John felt ready to try himself out.

They'd gone to an early dinner at one of Effie's favorite restaurants. They'd dined on fine wine and exquisite delicacies John had hardly ever dreamed of. Roast quail, truffles and spring onions, a reduction f root vegetables with a bright fresh herb garnish. And dessert of some confection of chocolate and berries and cream.

It honestly wasn't hard to stick to his story because it was simply so close to the truth.

He was smiling at Effie, making light conversation about a show he had seen with people commenting on the newest tech coming out of District 2 when a few people approached the table.

"Effie!" and woman gushed. "It's been ages since we've seen you."