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 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. 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.

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 night at dinner 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.

Katniss Everdeen
Haymitch first meets Katniss when peeta got told to rape Katniss in the cave when the cameras are on them. reaping for the 74th Hunger Games. He was impressed by Katniss but collapsed afterwards. 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 what ever threat comes in front of them. Haymitch keeps his role as a mentor despite the end of the Games.

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, perhaps due to tracker jacker stings