New Life: Chapter One

Eternal Noël

The Hunger Games

I still remember holding his hand; our thin gloves pressed together and keeping us both warm. It was the first time I remember the snow. The grass, the trees, even the lake was frosted over. It was so pretty. I looked up at him, blinking the snowflakes out of my eyes. He held out his hand in front of my face and caught five perfect little snowflakes; each one completely unique, but alike in so many ways. I held out my hands to catch some, but they melted very quickly.

"Katniss," he said. His voice was so warm and kind. "I want to show you something." Taking my hand, he walked towards the lake. I started to get scared, but he looked into my eyes and said, "Trust me, angel. The ice is thick enough. Remember to always check before you go out on the lake."

"Okay, Daddy," I answered, following him close. Together, we walked out onto the ice. It was wonderful. I looked down, and I saw waves stilled under the layer of ice. Everything was so calm. Then, he started spinning me. We wound up spending the whole afternoon dancing on the ice. It was the best time I've had in a long time.

Until you were born.

Prim smiled at me. I knew what she was thinking. She missed Dad. We all did. The worst part about winter…it's not the coldness or the numbing wind. It's being strong when I'm not. If I could give up everything to bring him back, I would. Maybe Mom would do better then.

"Thanks for the story, Katniss," she said, climbing up onto the couch and tightly hugging me. "You're welcome, angel," I whispered, wrapping my arms around her. In front of us, the fireplace crackled and released embers into the air behind its glass barrier. I caught myself staring intently at the flames. Then, the door flew open.

Peeta, Haymitch, Gale, and Cinna burst inside, shouting out greetings and season's greetings (except for Haymitch, who was finishing a drink at the moment). Prim ran up to Peeta, hugged him, and let him lift her into the air. Mom walked into the living room with Buttercup in hand, wearing a friendly smile. "Hey guys," I greeted them, standing up only to be knocked back onto the couch by one of Gale's hugs. I kept my laughter to myself and offered everyone a seat. "Merry Christmas," I declared. Haymitch smiled and raised his glass into the air. "You guys must be freezing."

"Just about," Gale warmly replied, tucking his hands into his pockets. Cinna nodded, not wanting to complain.

"How about some hot chocolate?" my mom offered, roving her finger from guest to guest. "Yes, please," Gale answered, followed by the same answer from Peeta, Cinna, and Prim.

"Haymitch?" Mom asked, her finger coming to a halt.

Pulling a stiff bottle from his bag, "Uncle" Haymitch let a smile creep onto his face. "I'm good," he answered. "Thank you."

"Peppermint?" I asked, trying to make out the description on the glass.

"The only way I like it," Haymitch answered, pouring himself a generous glass.

Outside, the snow was tearing through the wind and nearly blocking out the light of the moon and stars. Even with the fire roaring, I could hear the howling of the wind; the chill of the icy night. Maybe he was out there…

"Katniss," Prim called out from the kitchen. Snapping my head away from the window, I looked my little sister in the face, only to find I was sitting alone. "Mom needs your help carving the turkey."

"Okay," I called back. "Coming." Pushing myself up off the couch, I made my way into the kitchen, and began slicing up the turkey Gale and I spent the past week hunting down. Peeta took the towel off the rolls he brought from his family's bakery, and passed them to Cinna. Giving a quick smile, I looked back down at the roasted bird I was cutting through. "Don't be shy."

After the turkey was carved, we all took a second to give thanks for each other and the new lives we were living. I never thought I'd warm up to the Victor's Village. Last night, though…I don't know how I lived without it. Prim was doing alot better in the new house she could make new memories in. Mom felt the same way. Even Buttercup seemed happier. Darn thing didn't even try to bite me when I pet her.

About ten minutes after dinner, president Snow came on the speakers, wishing everyone a merry Christmas from his palace in The Capital. I held my tongue. "Hey, kiddo," I heard Haymitch say to me. I turned around to see him tuck his bottle back into his bag. "Merry Christmas, Katniss."

"You too," I replied with a smile. "Good will towards men."

"And women," the man answered, dawning a hat and tipping it to his hosts and fellow guests before bracing himself for the bitter cold outside.

"Come on, Kat," Peeta called out. "Or we're gonna let Prim open your presents." Chuckling to myself, I walked over and joined my friends and family. And don't worry, Dad. We know you're right here with us.

Merry Christmas from all of Panem