Chapter 1 - Warmth
Peeta
The warmth from the oven and the sweet scent of gingerbread cookies were enough to put me at ease for the night. I untied my white apron and tossed it on the counter before taking a seat at the dinner table. It made me slightly happy that the holidays were coming up. At least I would have some peace to myself after years of traumatic events. After Snow and Coin were executed almost two years ago, Panem seemed to regain its peace. 12 was slowly being rebuilt as a new town. I had no more family left after 12 was destroyed, so it was all left to me to wipe the slate clean and start my life anew.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sharp noise of the oven timer ringing. I must have dozed off into a daydream while waiting. Getting up, I pushed my chair in before making my way to the kitchen. The sight of dirty dishes and scattered utensils were unappealing, but thankfully the cookies were done. Slipping on an oven mitt, I opened the oven and let the scorching yet soft heat hit my face as the finished cookies revealed themselves. I took the burning tray in my mitt and placed it on the counter. It made me smile knowing how much the children would love these at the bakery tomorrow. I prepared each of them delicately in order to spread the warm feeling of the holidays. To me, the feeling was symbolic of the rebirth of our country.
I placed the cookies in safekeeping for tomorrow before beginning to clean up the kitchen. I reminisced of the times under Snow's reign. Now, my biggest worry is about burning bread. It was a joyous feeling knowing that our country is experiencing growth little by little. In the corner of my eye, I noticed the snow beginning to fall outside the window. It's funny how "snow" used to be a word that induced fear in many, but now it's turned into something children play in and enjoy.
After I was done tidying up the counter, I headed over to the window to watch the snow begin to coat the grass with a smoky white color. Across the landscape, I caught a glimpse of Katniss' house. Since the Victor's Village was left untouched during the bombings of 12, we still lived in our respective houses as before, along with Haymitch. I try to not visit her too often for I fear bad memories will arise, but I still run into her once in awhile. Katniss was such a nice girl; it's a shame our lives had to be ruined with the games. Oh, what a horrible memory. Around this time of year during December is usually when the victors return home from the games. It's shocking to know that this used to be a reality. I, for a fact, am a victor. Not a victor of The Hunger Games, but a victor of peace among the districts. It's something we fought for, and now it's something we experience everyday. I let out a soft puff through my nose in joy. I really need to stop reminiscing about the bad stuff in life. It's Christmas time, for crying out loud.
I took a couple of the cookies I baked to the table along with a glass of milk. Maybe Katniss would like some as well. I thought about taking some to her tomorrow after my shift at the bakery. I left my cookie soak up in the milk for a few seconds, since I didn't like them to be too soggy. This cookie was green and was shaped like a pine tree, only with a yellow star on top of it along with red dots. The red dots represented these little things hung upon the tree called ornaments. I took a bite from the soft treat and placed the remaining bite back on the plate so I can dust the crumbs off my fingers. Back during Snow's era, we did celebrate Christmas here in the districts, but the Capitol had a very different style of celebrating it. Christmas in the Capitol was very flashy with colorful lights, and included mascots of a fat bearded man dressed in a red suit along with deer with antlers. To us here in the districts, Christmas was more about spending time together with family and saving up to buy wheat and cheese for that special someone. But, once the districts and the Capitol were united, our culture was too. I, for one, actually enjoy the rather odd traditions that the Capitol does, such as lighting up a tree inside a house, making houses out of gingerbread cookies, and kissing under a leafy plant. I still have so much to learn about this holiday.
Across from me on the table was my radio, something which was illegal in the districts before. But now, all it does is play nonstop Christmas music, which isn't a burden at all. I switched it on only to be greeted by a soft, jazzy holiday tune. It sort of resembled Silver Bells, but everything was still too new for me to safely assume anything. So far, out of all the tunes I know, my favorite has to be Silent Night… or was it O Holy Night? I don't even remember, all of them are too sweet to decipher from one another. Nonetheless, the soft piano music slowly began to put me to sleep. I was comfy where I was on the table, with the warmth of the oven still radiating the house. I couldn't stop thinking about how much joy will erupt once I reveal the cookies tomorrow at the bakery. But for now, this baker needed some rest.
Gale
I hated economy class. The train blasted its horn once more, signaling another stop. The idiot in front of me with no idea of personal space was probably going to bump into me again as the train hit the rough stop. I tightly clenched onto the handrails as the train slowed down, and thankfully, I didn't bump into anyone this time. The vehicle stopped and a few more people exited, but not enough to calm my claustrophobic frustration. People around me were talking to one another, dogs were barking, and there was even a chicken in here somewhere. Although my destination was nearly minutes away, the urge to hop off the train was unbearable. My plan was to just visit my family for the holidays and spend a couple of weeks in 12 before returning back to 2. I haven't visited 12 since last Christmas, and I hope to see the progress that was made in restoring my hometown. Maybe I can even visit Katniss again for an impromptu winter hunt.
At last, the train pulled towards my destination. I couldn't wait to breathe air that wasn't polluted by rabies and vermin. I shoved my way through the crowds, tightly holding onto my luggage as I exited the car. Once I was outside, I felt the cold winter air blow against my face. My fingerless gloves weren't that much of a help in preventing my hands from becoming numb. From the station, my family's house was supposedly a ten minute walk through town. Aside from the bright full moon, I noticed all of the colorful lights, presumably for the holidays. It didn't really excite me though, they're just decorations. I still don't know why there's so much hype about this holiday when it's just about visiting your family.
I happened to take a route that passed the mines I used to work at. It used to be conveniently close to my house so I could come straight home after work to enjoy a nice bowl of rabbit stew, and it still is. It was just across the spot where Katniss' house used to be. She still lives in 12, but just in another part of town known as the Victor's Village. I was sure to pay her a visit tomorrow.
I arrived in front of my house no longer than half an hour later. Just a sight of this small house brought so much nostalgia to me. As I knocked on the door, I realized that it was the same piece of rotten wood I had gotten used to growing up. The door opened seconds later, and I was met face to face with my mother. We didn't hesitate to warmly embrace each other on sight. The look on her face seemed surprised, yet very joyful. Since I was rather tall, her head fit snugly into my chest. I wrote her a letter weeks ago stating that I would be home for the holidays, so it wouldn't be much of a surprise, but I could tell she's been waiting days for her family to become whole again. I released the hug and she offered me a kind smile.
"We've been waiting all year, Gale." She said to me fondly.
Our sudden encounter flattered me. "Don't cry, mom." I let out a soft chuckle in order to lighten up the emotions. I missed having a caring mother I could see everyday.
She giggled and rolled her eyes in an attempt to keep the tears from falling. "Rory, Vick! Your brother's home!"
My two little brothers, dressed in their sleepwear, entered with half as much energy as my mother to come and greet me. It was understandable though, since I had arrived at nearly midnight. Both of the boys seem much more older than when I visited last year. "Nice to see the little dweebs are up and okay!" I greeted them playfully, ruffling both of their hair simultaneously with my two hands. "Where's the third one?" I asked, referring to my youngest sister, Posy.
"She waited all night for you, but just couldn't stay awake. She's asleep in her room." my mother said.
I guess I was going to have to wait till tomorrow to see how much that five-year old has grown. I felt slight guilt that I arrived right when they were just about to go to sleep. Nonetheless, I planted a goodnight kiss on top of each of their heads. It's about time they got some sleep. "Don't worry about getting breakfast tomorrow. Get some rest." I said gently to my mother.
Mom looked at me with concern. "Gale, you don't have to-"
I unwillingly cut her off before she finished her sentence. "Don't worry about me. I want you guys to be happy...and lazy while I'm here." I gave her a reassuring grin. It's my way to repay them for my visit once a year. My job in 2 is very strictly scheduled, so I'm only able to visit them during the end of the year during the holidays. The least I could do was cut my mom some slack from her already hard-working life. I knew for a fact that she enjoyed bread from the Mellark bakery.
She seemed to nod in approval with a content smile. "Very well then. Goodnight." She said in a mellow tone as she took the boys to their rooms.
I made my way to the candles around the living room and made sure to blow all of them out before going to my room. I placed my luggage on my floor as I took in all of the nostalgia this house had to offer. I remember when Rory hid in my closet during his first reaping, and I had to comfort him until he was fine. Thankfully, that's not something to worry about anymore. Taking off my coat, I took a seat on my bed, which was still the squeaky mess I remember years ago. Glancing out the window, I noticed the snow starting to fall. To me, snow had a bittersweet feeling, as I associated it with the Winter before the 75th Games. It's crazy to think that it was just a few years ago. For once, I felt grateful for my life and how my family was still alive, for there are probably others out there without the privileges that I have.