Collins takes this section as an opportunity to catch us up on the events of the previous novel,
The Hunger Games. Peeta and Katniss’s victory was only possible because of the help of many people, including Haymitch, who is seemingly an old alcoholic. Katniss’s purchase for Haymitch is a gesture of gratitude for his help, rather than an approval of his alcoholism. In this way, Collins reinforces the point that Katniss is, in many ways, more mature and grown-up than the adults in her world.