IA gracious nod to seasons of everlark for hosting the site where writers can explore different ideas. I've been dying to do another time travel story but this time with Pirates and adventure. And the prompt allowed me that doorway I needed. Also thank you to my beta Norbertsmom who is a precious Cinnabon. I do not own the hunger games.
1975, 2nd Annual Heritage Day, Alberta Canada.
"Prim all of these stalls are starting to look the same," Katniss muttered as she followed her sister from one stall to the next. She was tired.
"Someone's cranky," Prim said.
"I didn't sleep much last night," Katniss yawned.
"You should have been tired after what you did to me yesterday."
Katniss chuckled as she followed her sister to another booth containing more macrame items. Prim was right; she'd made her baby sister hike up the beautiful paths in the mountains that were a few hours outside of Edmonton. It wasn't a nice thing to do considering her sister loathed the outdoors, but Katniss needed the exercise and her sister's company.
Katniss had gotten her love of nature from her father. He was from the Mohawk Nation. He instilled in Katniss a love for nature and respect for the earth. Their mother was from Puerto Rico, she was of mixed heritage. She was part Taino, part English. Their English grandmother, Rose, always liked the finer things in life and Prim took after grandmother. Prim needed 5-star accommodations to go camping.
"Why do I let you talk me into these things?" Katniss bemoaned as she watched her sister pick up a postcard that had the familiar 'wish you were here' on the front with black and white photos of Edmonton.
Prim liked to collect little odds and ends from her travels. Her husband worked with the International Olympic Committee. He inspected the arenas and the accommodations to make sure that they were safe for the visiting athletes. Prim often traveled with her husband. He was checking the sites for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Montreal and the Paralympics in Toronto.
"Because yesterday we did what you wanted and we're never in the same province, let alone country and we never get to see each other." Prim winked.
Katniss groaned.
"Come on Katniss, this is exciting, look at all of these things," Prim said, pointing around her. There was a general feeling of celebration within the city of Edmonton and there were many little local fairs around the city. The heritage celebration was going to begin tomorrow at Fort Edmonton Park.
Katniss eyed the flower children and painted flowers' faces. Katniss shook her head, it took all types to make this world go round.
"Aren't you excited? You're here to represent dad," Prim said.
Katniss was here to play in the Multicultural Concert in Alberta's second annual Heritage Day. Her father had taught her how to play classical guitar. It was a job not many women did, but because Katniss sang many folk songs and she also sang many native songs she was hired to play and sing. He passed away this past winter of cancer. They were all blindsided. Their dad would have been so happy to hear that Katniss was hired to play for this Heritage day. Katniss, however, couldn't muster enough gumption to be happy.
"You really didn't get much sleep, did you?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Katniss said, rubbing her eyes.
"Try me," Prim said.
"I don't know."
"Come on Katniss, I haven't seen you since the funeral. You haven't been calling mom back. And when did you break up with Gale? I mean not that you guys were hot and heavy or anything. But you guys were sweethearts?"
Katniss had been avoiding calling her mother. Every phone call was difficult because her mother was grieving hard for the loss of her husband and partner in life. Katniss didn't want to be reminded of the painful loss of her father. The only person she spoke to over the phone was Prim. But their phone calls were infrequent because it was expensive making international calls. She felt guilty for not telling her sister everything that was going on in her life. She and Gale broke up because he fell for a perky blonde.
"Please," Prim begged.
"Fine," Katniss sighed. The guilt ate at her. "I dreamt I was one of the warriors chasing the monster bear to the end of the earth. But when I leaped, I didn't find myself in the sky, I was surrounded by water. I was pulled out of the water onto a ship. Like the types pirates used. The ship was empty save for the silhouette of the monster bear standing by the bow of the boat. The silhouette of a bear transformed into the silhouette of a man surrounded by an orange light. His hand extended to me. I couldn't see his face, but I could hear his voice. I heard him call me."
"That was some dream." Prim stood with her eyes wide open. Her sister could have been a doctor or a psychologist, or something more. But she'd fallen in love and quit school to marry.
Katniss had studied music in school.
"I couldn't sleep after that; I could still hear his voice," Katniss said, rubbing her temples.
There were other phenomena that she experienced but she didn't want to tell her sister. After the dream, her room smelled of cinnamon and dill. The window of the bed and breakfast she was staying at was opened. Katniss did not recall opening the window, though it could have been left open to let a cool breeze in.
"Wow, that's the type of dream I would love to tell my therapist. All I do is complain about the hubby, who doesn't put the toilet seat down."
Katniss chuckled at her sister's wry comment. Though hearing the dream aloud caused her to become pensive. She reached for her locket. A gift from father, that contained a little mini-painted portrait of their family dressed in native garb. "It kind of feels crazy to be honest?"
"I know Dad dying from cancer was a big blow to us and maybe you're manifesting your grief through dreams."
"I don't know; the voice didn't sound like dad though, it sounded deeper." Katniss shrugged and wrapped her arms around her middle.
"I can tell you what her dream means," a voice said behind them.
Both turned around.
There stood an old woman, with a shawl over her shoulders. Her black hair was braided into twin braids. Her face was weathered and her eyes held the deep knowledge that could only be passed down from oral traditions. The hairs on Katniss's arm stood up.
"You have Mohawk in you but you also have the blood of the noble people, the people of the sea. They call you." She closed her eyes and began chanting, singing to the spirits for protection, in her native tongue.
Prim put her hand on her chest and with the other hand grabbed Katniss's hand as if to lead her away.
Katniss stood still and shook her head. "No, she wishes to protect…"
When the older woman was finished, she looked tired. "You have a journey ahead of you, an adventure. But like your namesake, you will always find yourself, so do not fear."
"When will I begin this journey, wise mother?"
"You must find the key to unlock the door." Her eyes looked shiny, and she smiled at Katniss in a grandmotherly way. "You are, strong archer, strong warrior, fit for this journey."
Then as if she never existed she disappeared carried by the wind.
"What the hell just happened?" Prim said, looking around.
"I'm not sure," Katniss said, but the air smelled of cinnamon and dill. "I think I need to lie down and rest."
"I think so too, maybe get a drink on the way."
"Nope, I stay away from that stuff," Katniss said.
"I think you can make an exception."
"I just need to rest," Katniss sighed.
"How about something to eat then," Prim said. "I'm starving."
"Okay, I could eat something."
They left the fairgrounds. The driver Prim's husband hired for her was waiting for them. He drove them to a Chinese restaurant. Prim had the duck and Katniss had fried rice. When they got their fortune cookies, Prim opened hers.
"Know that the one you love will travel to find happiness," Prim's voice trailed off as she read. "Must be a fluke. Open yours."
Katniss took her cookie and broke it in half and read. "Your journey begins soon."
Prim laughed, shaking her head, "Silly messages"
"Is there something wrong?" The owner came.
"I think there is something off with these messages."
"I'm sorry, my mother makes them. She told me to give these to you ladies."
"What?" Prim said.
"My mother is very old and wise. She hand makes the cookies and every once in a while she has special messages for certain customers. Never fails."
Just then the man's mother came walking out, using a cane. Just like the older wise woman they'd met in the fairgrounds this one had the knowledge of the ages within her kind eyes. "Ah she is the one," she said. "Katniss."
"I'm sorry, who are you and how do you know my sister?"
The woman began speaking in her native language, and her son began to translate. "You come from a line of strong warriors, a noble people of the sea and the appointed time is upon you."
Katniss had goosebumps running up and down her arms.
"How, I demand…" Prim sputtered.
The owner's mother looked at Prim then the son said, "You cannot interfere with your sister's journey. Her destiny does not lie in the future, but with the forebears. Your father knew this and taught her the way of the ancestors."
Prim sat there with her mouth open. The owner's mother then turned her attention back to Katniss.
"Seek the key to unlock the door. You must find the monster bear before the end of the time."
The woman then said, "zhù nǐ hǎo yùn!" She handed a small box to Katniss.
"She's wishing you good luck. She also said this will protect you."
Katniss opened the box and inside there was a beaded jade necklace with a bear charm.
"The bear will protect you," the owner said. The mother walked away.
"This is unacceptable…" Prim began.
The owner said, "Please, the meal is on me and my family."
Prim stood up and grabbed her purse. "Katniss, I will meet you outside."
Katniss stood and smiled apologetically. It was hard to erase the incidents as the musings of an elderly woman. There were two women, both wise, both speaking of a journey, and Katniss was having a hard time believing what was happening. Her father had taught her the old ways but she, like Prim, was a pragmatist; she wasn't someone who was prone to whims of fantasy. She believed in science and evidence.
"Miss, you should know my mother is a Cōngmíng de nǚrén. She is very wise and carries within her the knowledge of our ancestors. I've seen her do this a few times over the years and every time she tells someone of their future it comes true. I wish you luck."
Katniss gave a small nod before leaving.
Prim was fit to be tied during the ride back to the bed and breakfast. "This town is full of quacks!"
Katniss kept quiet. That night her sister didn't want to leave her room. "Prim, I'm exhausted and want to go to sleep."
"I'm sorry. I'm just freaked out."
"I get it," Katniss reasoned with her sister. Currently, she needed her space to mull things over. "I'm just as skeptical and pragmatic as you are. We were raised by our mother who always insisted on cooler minds. Mom can find a rational practical reason behind every irrational occurrence."
Prim's shoulders slumped. "Just call me if something happens."
"I promise."
Katniss thought the conversation was over as she followed her sister to the door. Prim had just one more thing, to say like the TV detective Columbo when he was investigating a murder.
"I've called my husband. He's spoken to the sponsors. As soon as your performance is over tomorrow, I'm taking you back with me to Toronto. He's arranged a private jet." Prim then proceeded to pack her bags.
"Prim."
"No," Prim said. "How do I know this isn't some plot to have you kidnapped."
"This is not the plot of Thoroughly Modern Millie. No one is out to kidnap me. Look at me, I'm not a glamorous, tall, slender, young blonde. I"m a short scowling woman with a chip on her shoulders."
"Katniss, there is no need to make fun."
"Prim really, you're right next door. If anything happens you'll be able to hear me."
"Fine," Prim said. She stomped to the door, looked right and left before walking to the room next door. "I wish you had your bow and arrows with you."
Katniss laughed. "I'll see you in the morning."
Prim wouldn't close her door until Katniss closed hers. Though without her sister in her room Katniss rubbed her arms and locked the door and put a chair under the doorknob for safety. She had already changed into her pajamas while Prim was still in the room, so she didn't have to get undressed alone.
Katniss took the box from the old Chinese woman out and stared at the jade necklace. The stones were smooth and cool to the touch. They warmed up as she held them.
Katniss took a good look at the bear charm. It was gold, and it was heavy. She brought it to her lips and bit it, the metal bent. This was high-quality gold.
The necklace was obviously expensive, Katniss reasoned. Why would the mother of the restaurant owner give her such an expensive gift? She could not have known about the dream yet both old women spoke of her Taino heritage.
The Tainos were known as the Noble people. Katniss looked more like her father than her mother's people. She had straight black hair and olive skin tone.
Sighing, Katniss put the necklace on the side table and laid back. She closed her eyes momentarily. Her mind whirled with everything that happened today. Getting up, she walked to the windows and checked to make sure they were locked before pulling the curtains closed.
Tired and assured that she was safe, Katniss got into bed and fell asleep. That night she dreamt she was in the forest near her home. She could hear the drums and the ancient songs of the warriors.
Katniss looked down at her hand. She had her bow with an arrow loosely knocked. She heard the roar of the monstrous bear in the forest. The drumbeat matched the beat of her heart as she stealthy walked through the forest.
She could hear the monster bear run as she chased after it the way her father had taught her. The bear came to a cliff, the inky black sky surrounded it as it reared on its hind legs, a paw reaching out to her. Katniss pointed her bow at it, her breath coming out harshly.
Suddenly the eyes of the bear changed to blue. Those blue eyes looked wounded and tired. Katniss took a step forward and she found herself on the ship. When she focused on the bear, he was once more surrounded by an orange light so bright she was momentarily blinded. When her eyes adjusted to the light, she could see a blonde man with broad shoulders and piercing blue eyes.
He walked to her and smiled down at her. His face was handsome, ruddy, his eyes were filled with kindness and generosity. He smiled and it caused her knees to weaken. His large warm hands surrounded her middle.
"Katniss," he whispered. "Katniss, I'm waiting for you."
"Who are you?"
"Find the bear," he said, "And you will find me."
"Who are you?"
"I'm waiting. I need your help," his strong voice faded, then suddenly she found herself sitting up in her bed with her hand extended. Her mouth was open as if in mid-scream.
All around her she could smell the warm spicy scent of cinnamon and the earthiness of the dill. Quickly Katniss got off the bed and checked the door and the chair was under the doorknob. But when she checked the window she found the curtains carefully pushed to the side and the window opened just a few inches.
Scared, Katniss reached for the phone to call her sister but then she recalled what the women told her. Katniss rationalized this was a coincidence. She must have fallen asleep after she put the chair under the doorknob.
But never closed the window. However, she couldn't rationalize the scent. Getting up she closed and locked the window and shut the curtains. She laid back on her bed. Sleep was hard for her to find, but her exhausted body eventually succumbed. In the morning she woke up to Prim banging on her door.
"KATNISS!"
"Coming." Katniss dragged herself out of bed yawning. Removing the chair, she opened the door.
Prim hugged her. "Thank goodness."
"Good Morning," Katniss said.
Her sister barged into the room and closed the door. "I've been banging on the door for nearly twenty minutes."
"Sorry I had a hard time sleeping last night."
"Oh." Prim looked around and saw the chair by the door. "You propped the chair?"
"Yup."
"You need to get ready. You missed breakfast. It's almost eleven and you have to be on stage before noon."
"Crap," Katniss said. She began rushing to the bathroom to get ready. The fort was a good thirty minutes away. Katniss washed and dressed in the special outfit she was to wear to perform today and put on the jade necklace for protection.
Prim grabbed her guitar case as they rushed out of the room.
Prim's driver took her case and they piled into the car. They barely got to the location on time.
Katniss stood with the other women who began singing. Katniss sang with them, dancing, performing what her father had taught her.
When it was time for her solo, she began singing but she noticed a blond-haired man standing in the audience as she sang.
Katniss nearly missed her step as she recognized him from her dream. He stood watching her, his blue eyes glittering like blue sapphires. He smiled just as he did last night.
When she was finished. Katniss watched him walk through the crowd. Katniss began following him. She followed him to the side of the fort. He paused before the wall.
"Wait," Katniss shouted.
"Come find me. I'm Peeta." Then he dematerialized.
Katniss ran to the wall and stopped dead in her tracks. There on the wall was an image of the cliff with a bear standing before a starry night.
"Katniss," Prim shouted.
Katniss glanced back at her sister.
"Katniss," his voice seemed to call to her from the beyond.
"Katniss, what are you doing?" Prim said, running.
"I'm sorry," Katniss said. She turned back toward the wall and closed her eyes. She took a step forward. As she did so she felt the jade beads warm up. Looking down they changed in color from green to orange. Glancing back she saw Prim looked small like when you viewed houses from an airplane.
Katniss was pushed forward and one minute she was in Edmonton, the next minute she was falling into warm water.
Original Prompt: Heritage Day: I see celebration includes face painting and treasure hunt. What if Katniss, jealous of girls getting painted by Peeta, wants Peeta's attention on her, so she waits to be last, asks him to paint dandelion on her breast? Alternative: treasure hunt includes something Katniss may give Peeta? Or, team up with Peeta out of necessity? [submitted by 567inpanem] due 7/31
A/N: So I took some liberty with the prompt and made Katniss a mix of Mohawk Nation / Taino / European ancestry. During Heritage Day she sees this man she's been dreaming of. Thus begins the adventure for a treasure hunt.