Haymitch Abernathy

Haymitch Abernathy was the only living Hunger Games victor from District 12 before Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the 74th Hunger Games, and works as a mentor to subsequent tributes from the district.

Biography
Haymitch Abernathy was the only living tribute from District 12 up until the 74th Hunger Games. A survivor from the 50th Hunger Games, Haymitch participated in the second Quarter Quell at the age of sixteen. During the Games, he formed a temporary alliance with Maysilee Donner, his fellow District 12 tribute. Near the end of the Games, when there were only a few tributes left alive, she broke up the alliance not wanting to kill him herself. She died a few minutes later, killed by deadly pink birds which speared her throat with their beaks (reminding Katniss, rewatching the game with Peeta Mellark, of Rue's tragic death). Haymitch won the 50th Hunger Games less than a day later by using the arena's force field to repel an axe thrown by the other remaining tribute, which buried itself in her head and killed her. After winning the Games, Haymitch became an alcoholic due to the mental and physical torture the Games inflicted on him. In Mockingjay, it is revealed that two weeks after he was crowned victor of the 2nd Quarter Quell his mother, younger brother and girlfriend were all killed by President Snow because of the stunt that Haymitch pulled off with the force field. Haymitch was also very helpful and brilliant helping Katniss and Peeta win the 74th Games.

Ever since his grand victory, Haymitch must mentor other District 12 tributes and, typically, watch them die. He mentors Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark twenty-four years later, during the 74th Hunger Games, and again during the 75th Games. At first he does not take them seriously, until one morning at breakfast they "attack" him, angered by his don't-care attitude. Thinking that he got some fighters at long last, he orders them to do everything he and their stylists, Cinna and Portia, say. He never makes the mistake of being nice to them.

Haymitch was originally drawn to be the male tribute for the 75th Hunger Games, but Peeta volunteered to go in his place. During those Games, Haymitch still puts on the same hard personality, but is closer to Katniss and Peeta, although he tries to hide it.

He is revealed to be a member of the rebellion.

Work
Haymitch doesn't work, but before the war he mentored tributes yearly. However, after the war he raises geese in addition to obsessively drinking.

Description
Haymitch is described as paunchy and middle-aged in The Hunger Games. In Catching Fire, he is described as formerly being young, strong and good-looking 25 years ago when he won the games; his gray Seam eyes were bright and dangerous.

Relationships
It is mentioned in Mockingjay that 2 weeks after being crowned Victor his girlfriend was killed (along with his mother and brother) because of the stunt he pulled with the force field in the 50th Hunger Games

Katniss Everdeen
Haymitch first meets Katniss when she volunteered to go in instead of Prim at the reaping for the 74th Hunger Games. He was impressed by Katniss but he collapsed afterwards because he was drunk. At first, he dismissed her as well as Peeta but decides that they may be worthy of winning the Games after they gang up on him. Katniss is convinced that Haymitch hates her and he does not try to contradict her. He is hard on them but his teachings are the only thing that help them through the Games. During the Games, Katniss and Haymitch, albeit being apart, develop an understanding and a strong bond is forged. Haymitch is the first whom Katniss thanks when she leaves the arena.

In Catching Fire, Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch are closer and always deal with whatever threat comes in front of them. Haymitch keeps his role as a mentor despite the end of the Games.

After Peeta is captured by the Capitol, Katniss becomes angry with Haymitch and rejects him. It isn't until she decides to be the Mockingjay that they speak again. Haymitch cares about her, understanding her more than others. For instance, when she realizes how Snow is using Peeta, Katniss runs to Haymitch as she breaks down, for they both care about him. Later, Katniss goes to Haymitch to confide in her idea of Coin killing Prim, and when he teases her, causing her to flee, he tries to follow her (but trips) and get her to talk of her problems. He continues to be her "mentor" when she is sent back to District 12.

Personality
Haymitch is often drunk and surly, harsh, but on rare occasions understanding. District 12's hero is often sarcastic and unfriendly, but it is revealed in Mockingjay that, even though he doesn't say it, he loves Peeta and Katniss.

He and Katniss are on the same "wavelength" for most of the books, as he can "communicate" with Katniss by unconventional means, such as the timely deliverance of a sponsor's gift. After the war is over, Haymitch is sent to District 12 to look after Katniss, but for a long period after arriving he does not visit her, opting to stay in his house and drink. It is indicated that his relationship with Katniss and Peeta is somewhat repaired as time goes on.

Haymitch doesn't sleep at night because of nightmares pertaining to the Hunger Games. When he does sleep he always clutches a knife. Drinking is Haymitch's way of tuning out the present and the pain of his Hunger Games. His alcoholism was also prompted by the loss of his entire family shortly after he won the Games, at the hand of President Snow, due to his rebellious victory. Haymitch did not have access to his liquor while he was in District 13, as the intoxicating substance is banned. He was mostly unaffected by this after therapy, but his skin became noticeably yellower. As soon as they returned District 12, he began drinking again. When Haymitch is in withdrawal, he becomes violent, incoherent, and prone to hallucinations.

Film portrayal
He will be portrayed by Woody Harrelson in The Hunger Games film.