Someone from the Seam sits at the table while Mr. Staunton cleans a wound on his shoulder. There was a small cave-in down one of the new tunnels. From the bit of mining that I know about (since it's shoved down our throats in school) this man is lucky. The last cave-in killed five miners.
"Aster, the poultice please."
My friend is in another world when someone is injured. Hard to believe that she's terrified of spiders, but doesn't flinch at the sight of blood. Gingerly, she puts whatever it is she put together on the shoulder wound. Her father nods with approval.
There's a knock at the back door and Mr. Staunton answers.
"Mr. Everdeen, come in."
Cedar walks in with his pack. He scans the house and his eyes rest on Aster who gives him a small smile. Reaching into his pack he brings out some flowers. That's a bold move. I knew he liked Aster, but enough to announce his intentions like this in front of her father?
"Perfect," says Mr. Staunton. "Aster."
What in the world?
Aster hurries over and takes the flowers from him. "Thanks."
Her smile widens when her father walks over to where he keeps the coin purse.
"Not necessary, Mr. Staunton," says Cedar. "Just use the coin as part of payment for him."
"Now Cedar," says the man.
"You pushed my friend's mother out of the way. You have no idea how grateful they are right now. They're making dinner for your family as we speak."
"That's… very kind of them," he says. "And you."
Cedar nods. As he looks away, he catches sight of me. He smirks as he indicates the flowers he brought in. There's some kind of joke that he and Maddy must share about them. Not knowing what else to do, I smile.
He looks at me curiously before Aster gets his attention. "I just thought of something. Father where's the book."
"Where it always is… why?"
"Feverfew, just in case."
"Good thinking."
Whatever it is they are talking about, it takes Cedar's attention off of me. Aster shows him the book and he's either intent on that or her. They are a bit close to one another.
"I'll see what I can find," says Cedar.
As he turns to leave he looks at me one more time. He's onto me.