Special thanks to Norbertsmom for helping me get this chapter in form, your eagle eyes are amazing, to sunsetsmydream for reading the entire story all 100+k and easing my mind that the story is good. As always I do not own the Hunger Games.

Thank you to Hartmannclan, WWHPmockingjayLILI, TLWtlw, Eliley, lhaine07 and all of the countless guests for all of your wonderful comments they mean the world to me. Sorry for last week I uploaded the wrong chapter and it took like nearly two hours for it to upload the correct chapter

Last week we saw the unexpected visit of the Peacekeepers at the Everdeens on the eve of the holidays but as Christmas Eve dawns what lies in store for our intrepid District Twelve natives

Christmas Eve

"Don't stay out too late. It's awfully cold out there," Delly's father said from his chair in the back of the shop.

The weather had caused the Peacekeepers' boots to deteriorate faster. They needed them fixed, so the business picked up.

It was cold and snowy outside. As soon as December rolled around the snow began. At first, it was a fine dusting. By the time of the winter solstice, the snow was so bad outside many parents kept their kids home from school, sending them when the weather let up. Last night a clipper brought a good six inches overnight.

Delly had elected to keep her brother Andy home. The only time he was able to attend school was when the Hawthorne boys showed up and helped her travel back and forth with him. She appreciated the friendship Vick and Rory offered her brother.

Andy looked up to them. Gale's brothers treated Andy normally even after they found out the Capitol physician didn't think her brother would make it to his first reaping. Delly didn't want to think about that. She only wanted him to live happily for as long as he could.

"I won't father. I am going to pay a visit to Mrs. Everdeen and the Hawthornes," Delly said.

"She's good folk and so are the Hawthornes. Those boys are very respectful and that older one, Gale, he's going to grow up to be a fine man." Her father stood from his bench and took out a few coins. "Here, you give this Mrs. Everdeen, and take our laundry to Mrs. Hawthorne. I am sure she'll appreciate the business."

Delly's mother's health hadn't improved, but seeing Mrs. Everdeen on a regular basis had made her mother feel better. Mrs. Everdeen visited them during the day and her mother was able to feel social and not trapped in her room.

On the days Mrs. Everdeen came to visit, Delly found her mother sitting on a chair, a book in hand, reading, and her brother playing a game. It was such a lovely feeling to come home to find her family alive, and usually, there was a simple soup made. It allowed Delly the time she needed to help her father out next door at the shop.

She was beholden to Gale Hawthorne for his suggestion. She had managed to make a contract with Mrs. Everdeen. Delly would take her earnings and request the medicines from the Physician and give them to Mrs. Everdeen so that she could help out the folk in the Seam.

"Yes sir," Delly said as she took the money. As fathers went he was like most Merchants, not overly affectionate with his children. Her mother was the touchy-feely one, a rare thing in town. Like most, her father was beat down by the system, his personality was squeezed out of him.

He experienced a lot of tragedy in his life. He lost the majority of his family to illness, others to the Games, his only son would never see adulthood, and his wife had never recovered from a simple cold. Delly often wanted to hug her father and tell him it was going to be alright, but when they couldn't make ends meet he took it personally, as if he was the failure. Delly did her best to help, but this only added to his hopelessness. He was worried about her taking Tessare on a yearly basis from the time she turned twelve. Her job at the hob to provide for the family, was an embarrassment for him because it let people know that the business wasn't doing well.

Meeting Gale had brought him back. He wasn't as servile in Gale's presence as he usually was, but he wasn't living. He was going through the motions. Delly sensed her father was holding on to reality by a slim line.

"I think that if Gale wanted to work here with us he could. He's a smart young man, don't you think?"

Delly's cheeks turned pink as she looked down at the coins her father had given her. "You think he would want to?"

"I have done some checking. There is this form at the Justice Building where you can take a young man from the Seam and make him your apprentice. He can work with us after his last reaping."

"Do you think that's possible with the new Peacekeepers and the way things have been going?" Delly wasn't sure that the Capitol would allow it.

"I don't see why not. Your brother," her father paused. He looked at the blade he held in his hand. "Your brother will not be able to, well let's not think about that. But that boy, he's got a family and he's helping to rear them up right."

Delly understood what her father was saying, with all of the bills they had Delly would need help to keep the shop afloat. He knew better than anyone that no one would want to marry her, none of the available young men came forward so far seeking to make a marriage contract or a bid to court. Partially it was because of the Cartwright family history, their family had bad luck. Another reason was Andy, no one wanted to deal with him, nor did they want to marry into a family that could produce sickly children. The greatest reason had to do with her looks. Delly wasn't attractive and no one wanted an ugly partner in life.

Someone like Gale who was easy on the eye could have anyone. He was smart and sweet, fiercely loyal and opinionated. From her time with him, Delly saw the potential for greatness in him, if he allowed himself to grow beyond his prejudices. Delly made it her mission to make him better understand the world, help him see that there was more to life than what he was told to believe about those like her who lived in town. Just like she was told all of her life that boys from the Seam loved to take advantage of girls from town, those in the Seam were told the Merchants were rich Capitol supporters who had no problems.

Her father's opportunity could be just what Gale needed to be able to see they were one district. She sighed, too bad that being a cobbler didn't lead to much money. When she passed she could leave him or one of his children or brothers like what happened to Rooba. She was an apprentice and who inherited the butcher shop.

They could keep the business growing with Gale. She looked down, not wanting to show him her internal sadness. Her father needed someone to be a positive force in his life and not just another burden. Delly tried to

"I think it's a sound idea, father," Delly slipped the coins into her pockets.

"I'm glad you see things in a practical way, Delilah." Her father patted her on the shoulders.

"Father, in the meantime, Jeb could help us with the boots. That is until Gale becomes of age."

Her father thought over her suggestion. "Why don't you ask him first? If he agrees, then we'll talk."

She nodded as she buttoned up her coat. She walked next door and took the bundle of clothing and the small presents she had made for the Everdeens and the Hawthornes.

As she stepped outside she stopped short as she saw Katniss Everdeen slipping out of Peeta's second-floor window. Katniss shimmied down the tree. Walking to the fence, Delly peeked through the hole in the fence to see Peeta waiting for Katniss at the bottom. Delly smiled brightly and her shoulders shook with glee. She was happy for Peeta. Delly suddenly felt the Christmas spirit.

Holding on to her bundle, she decided what Peeta needed was a good ribbing.

Delly headed for the Mellarks. She went to the back entrance and hid as she saw Peeta embracing Katniss. It was so tender and she could see the love they shared. Delly sighed, it was all so romantic.

"I'll see you tonight," Katniss said before slipping out of the yard.

Delly hid, watching the district most notorious huntress leave for parts unknown. She slipped into the backyard leaving her packages by the gate. She found Peeta staring up at the tree with the goofiest smile on his face. Delly snuck up behind him. "So you and Katniss, huh?"

Peeta turned around, and his eyes grew large on his face, "Delly, it's-"

Delly chuckled. "It's what, Peeta, not what I think? I just saw her shimmy down from your window, and into your waiting arms, Peeta."

Peeta turned pink.

Delly wanted to burst with happiness for him, but she kept it together. "So how long has this been going on?"

Peeta looked guilty. He wouldn't make eye contact with her. He kicked the snow, and he murmured the answer under his breath.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"Right around the time school started."

She knew the day that he began acting weird. Delly squealed and jumped. "It finally happened, you and Katniss are together like a couple!"

"You're not mad?"

"Why should I be? You've only liked Katniss since kindergarten. She was all you spoke about when we were younger. Remember when we played with dough and made little dough people and you made one of Katniss and gave her a braid."

"You will never let me forget that." Peeta rubbed the back of his head.

"Of course not, one day I'm going to tell her."

"NO," Peeta shouted. "I mean you can't…not just yet…I mean no one knows, except for Madge, but other than that we've been keeping it a secret just being friends."

Delly blinked. "Oh, so a secret." She wasn't sure she could keep something like this under wraps. "This is why you didn't want me to know."

"Yeah, you're not the world's greatest secret keeper." Peeta rubbed his face. "Look Dells, I love you like a sister, but I know that you let things slip, you can't help it, but other than that you're the greatest friend a guy could ask for."

Delly sighed. "I know, but I am just so happy for you. You deserve happiness, especially with your mom and all being so strict and mean to you."

"Dells, you deserve happiness too. I am sure that there is someone out there for you."

Delly snorted. "Really Peeta, no one wants all of this." It was true, she thought, no one wanted a fat girl with a terminally ill brother, a sick mother, and a failing business. She was not the best candidate to be called attractive. Even her blond hair was out of control.

"You sell yourself short, Delly. You've got a lot of good qualities. People don't understand the gem that's hidden behind all of that wild blond curly hair." Peeta hugged her.

Delly chuckled, though on the inside she was crying. She smiled brightly at her best friend.

"Don't that happy thing you do. I know you better than anyone." Peeta knew her all too well. He knew that despite the front she showed everyone she dealt with some pretty devastating stuff.

Delly was only sixteen, but she acted way older than her age. When her brother contracted polio, she had to put aside childish things and focus on her brother. The only time she played was when she was around Peeta. Other than that, she was responsible for Andy's care. After her mother's health declined, Delly took on the responsibility of caring for her mother as well.

"You don't get to lecture me, about my station in life, I am aware of the reality, mister I-got-Katniss-Everdeen-coming-out-of-my-window. "

"Delly," Peeta groused. "You have to promise not to tell anyone."

She grinned. "Don't worry, your love life is kinda of boring actually. I bet you haven't even kissed her yet."

Peeta turned bright red.

Delly laughed. "If it had been Rye, I bet he'd have kissed her dozens of times by now."

"Ugh, let's not bring Rye into this now. He's so gross. Did you know he hasn't changed his underwear in days, because he hasn't showered? He smells worse than a wet dog, and last night he was going out like that."

Delly scrunched her nose.

"Dellymister," Rye exclaimed as he came out.

Taking one sniff at Rye she backed away.

"What?"

"Rye you smell like something died on you." Delly held back nothing.

Rye sniffed his underarms. "What, I smell nothing?"

"Really, I think you need a bath, buddy. What if the girl of your dreams walks in through the front door of the bakery and you smell like you work in the sewers?"

Rye opened and closed his mouth.

Delly mouthed the magic word, "Madge."

Rye turned red.

Delly grinned. She was the only one in the entire world that knew Rye Mellark used Beulah River as a decoy to talk about one Madge Undersee. He went to the parties hoping Madge would show up, but she never did.

Rye rubbed the back of his head. "Okay Delly, I promise the next time I see you I will have bathed."

She squared her shoulders. "I'll stop by tomorrow with your Christmas gift."

"Sounds like a plan." Rye clasped his hands. "Peeta why didn't you tell me I stink."

"I have," Peeta deadpanned.

"I don't remember?" Rye shook his head.

"I told you last night when you tried to get me in a headlock, after dinner," Peeta said disgusted.

Delly left the Mellark's backyard. The boys were arguing as she closed the gate. She picked up the laundry and the bag containing the gifts and quietly walked toward the Seam. Her mind whirled with the future and how different it was turning out. In her head by this time, at sixteen, she would have had a boyfriend. Her brother would have been running around annoying her, playing pranks. Her mother would have been able to help her with her clothing, and her father would have been questioning the boy she was dating. Nothing was as she imagined it.

Life was far crueler, far more complicated, and far harsher than the imagined scenario.

This morning everything was far quieter. Delly was no stranger to the folk who lived in the Seam. She worked in the Hob with Jeb, had made deliveries for him. Also, during her trips to see Mrs. Everdeen and visit the Hawthornes, nobody blinked at her appearance. This morning, however, it was all still, and even though it snowed, the acrid smell of smoke was in the air.

Delly kept on walking through the snow through the Seam, when she arrived at the Everdeen's home she knocked on the door.

"Delly," Mrs. Everdeen said, looking relieved.

"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Everdeen," Delly greeted. She held up the packages for them. "These are just a small token for you and your girls for all that you have done for me and my family."

A look crossed Mrs. Everdeen face as she took the small packages. "Oh, Delly dear, you shouldn't have."

"It's Christmas and we can afford to have a cup of human kindness."

Mrs. Everdeen smiled. "Would you like to come in?"

"I really can't stay. I have to head over to the Hawthornes."

"The Hawthornes?" Mrs. Everdeen repeated.

"Yes, the boys are friends with my brother Andy. He made them pictures."

"Oh, that is very nice of Andy. Tell me, Delly, how are you?"

"I am fine. Father got a new slew of boots to fix for the Peacekeepers because of the weather, so we are busier. I was thinking of giving Jeb some of the work to help him out as he had to close his stall."

"You are always thinking about everyone else except yourself. Just like my Katniss."

Delly didn't reply, but it was flattering to be compared to Katniss. She thought Katniss was inspiring, and Delly looked up to her. The Everdeens had it tough, but Katniss didn't give up. She fought every day, hunted in the woods, and was able to shoot her prey right through the eye. Delly thought Katniss was amazing, and one day she hoped to live her life with that type of bravery.

"Yes, oh, before I forget," Delly said putting down the laundry. She searched her coat pocket. "My father asked me to give this to you."

"Really, Delly this is too much."

"Nonsense, you are good folk, and besides we never know what will happen tomorrow." Delly smiled brightly. It was true as she learned from the conversation with her father. "I hope you and your girls have the Merriest Christmas."

Delly picked up her bundle and left, walking through the cold streets of the Seam. All of the homes had small puffs of smoke billowing out of their chimneys. The homes were old, older than the ones in towns, but many were well loved and cared for. Delly loved seeing the decorations on the different homes. Pinecone wreaths decorated some doors.

But even with the cheer, something had gone on here recently. Not even the dogs barked. She finally reached the Hawthorne's home.

She lifted her hand to knock on the door when it opened. Posy, Gale's little sister cried out, "Delly!"

"Hi Posy, is your momma home?"

"Posy what have I told you about answering that door by yourself?" Mrs. Hawthorne admonished her youngest, her voice sounded scared. Her face full of that same fear that Delly saw on Mrs. Everdeens face before it transformed into relief and then a smile. "Delly, come in out of the cold, child."

Delly was pulled inside of the home. It was warm and there were some bundles of laundry in the corner. "I came to drop off some laundry."

Mrs. Hawthorne took a look at her. "Is that the only reason you have come here?"

Delly beamed. "No, I have presents for all of you. Andy also drew the boys some pictures. I wanted to give them to them, if that is alright with you."

Mrs. Hawthorne cupped Delly's cheeks. "You are such a good girl, Delly Cartwright. Why don't you sit down? I'll get you a cup of tea."

The boys came thundering in. "DELLY!"

Vick and Rory hugged her.

"Momma it's not fair, why do they get to hug Delly and not I?" Posy put her hands on her hips.

Mrs. Hawthorne questioned her youngest, "Posy, what have I told you about this behavior?"

"God don't like ugly, and jealousy is real ugly," Posy recited.

Mrs. Hawthorne patted her youngest on the head. "Good now, if you are really patient I am sure that Delly has something special for you."

Delly winked at Posy. Posy blushed and sat down at the table obediently.

"How are you boys, have you been keeping out of trouble?" Delly asked but she mostly meant it for Rory.

"I promise I haven't been causing any trouble," Rory said.

"Ha," Vick exclaimed.

"Vick," Rory whispered. "You want to get me in trouble?"

"If you told the truth," Vick shook his head, "you wouldn't get in trouble."

"Now boys, no bickering," Delly interrupted. "I've got some presents for you, but you can't open them until tomorrow morning." From her bag, she handed out the pictures and the presents she helped make for them. She took the box out for Posy. "This is for you, but you have to wait until tomorrow okay?"

"Oh, thank you Delly!" Posy took her box and ran with it into the living room.

Delly smiled at Mrs. Hawthorne as she re-entered the room and handed her two gifts. "This is for you, and this is for Gale."

Mrs. Hawthorne put the cup of tea on the table. "Why don't you give it to him yourself?"

Delly shook her head. "I cannot stay, my family needs me," she drank the tea quickly and got up to leave.

"I'll have Gale stop by tomorrow with your clothing."

"Please no rush." Delly didn't want Gale's mother working on Christmas Eve.

"Nonsense," Mrs. Hawthorne said.

"I have to go now, but Merry Christmas." Delly left happily, humming an old holiday song and headed to Jeb's place. She knocked on the door.

Jeb's voice was muffled, "Who is it?"

"It's me Delly, Delly Cartwright!"

The door opened. "Delly, how are you child?"

Jeb had a blanket over his frame and was sporting a scruffy beard. He looked like he had seen better days. Delly held out the small present she made for him. "I am fine sir, Merry Christmas."

"Delly you shouldn't have." Jeb had tears in his eyes, as he took the box. "This is very sweet of you."

"Jeb, I wanted to know if you would like to work for my father. We need a good hand, with the repairs." His grey eyes lit with interest, but then they dimmed. She could see him wavering, quickly she added. "I can bring the shoes here if you don't want to go into town."

Jeb smiled. "That is mighty kind of you to offer, but I couldn't work with your father.

"But, but, why?"

"Because you were my apprentice and you already know more than me. No, it's better that I work on my own, make my own way."

She was deflated. Her shoulders drooped. Delly just wanted to help him out, much the way he once helped her.

Jeb gave her a fatherly smile. "Delly you are the most thoughtful child, but no. Though thank you for thinking of an old man like me." He gave her an affectionate pat on the shoulder.

"Please Jeb, just think about it?"

"No, but thank you, Delly." Jeb smiled. "I hope you and yours have a safe Christmas."

Delly nodded and thought to herself at least she tried. When she reached her home, she helped her father make them dinner. She made sure her brother was taken care of. She turned her attention to mother before she headed off to bed.

"Delly," her mother whispered as she stood by the foot of her momma's bed.

"Yes, momma."

"Don't be so scared."

Delly sat by the bed, recalling how vibrant her mother once was. Her melancholy showed in her voice, "Momma?"

"Hush, I know you're scared of being alone, but trust me, the dark clouds that we see today won't be there tomorrow. It'll be a kinder day tomorrow, just like in the song. Can you sing it for me Delly, my sunshine."

Delly began to sing it softly,

"Black clouds are behind me, I now can see ahead

Often I wonder why I try hoping for an end

Sorrow weighs my shoulders down

And trouble haunts my mind

But I know the present will not last

And tomorrow will be kinder"

"Thank you, my love," her mother smiled. The harsh creases on her face smoothed and her eyes sparkled.

Delly smiled softly, thinking of the song from the dark days, as she gave her mother a bath and put on her prettiest nightgown. She braided her pale blond hair and added a ribbon. Tomorrow was Christmas and Delly wanted her mom to look pretty.

"Promise me you'll keep smiling."

"I promise, momma."

"Good," her mother smiled and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Delly awoke, smiling, humming the song she sang to her momma the prior evening. She went into the bathroom, deciding that a bath, even if it was cold, was necessary.

When she finished she went to the living room and found her father sleeping on the sofa. Her father often couldn't sleep so as to not disturb her mother he slept on the sofa. She went to her parents' bedroom. Softly, she knocked on the door before entering. "Momma," Delly called out sitting on the bed, but when she took her mother's hand it was ice cold.

She dropped it quickly and stood up from the bed.

Someone was knocking on the door. On autopilot, Delly backed away from the room and walked to the door, opening it without really registering who was there.

"Delly," she heard someone call her name but she didn't reply. "Delly, what's wrong?"

Delly looked up to see Gale Hawthorne holding her shoulders. "Momma's dead," she said before she burst into tears.

An hour later Gale still held Delly as the Peacekeepers quietly removed her mother's body. Andy was given a sedative. Delly still had yet to speak; silent tears were her only words. Her mother had been ill for so long, but to die on Christmas was a shock. Gale gently rubbed her back. She was tiny compared to him, and rather frail looking. Death amongst the Merchants was a costly thing.

Mr. Cartwright remained strong like his mother Hazelle, doing what was necessary. Gale admired the man, though he could see the grief in his eyes. His eyes were glassy and the brokenness was evident as he took out his worldly possessions to give his wife the best that he could. Delly's father paid the Peacekeeper the death tax, and paid the undertaker for a pine box so she could be buried in the town cemetery with a chiseled rock for a headstone. Mrs. Cartwright would be buried by this evening because they couldn't afford a viewing. Sickness was listed as the cause of death.

"Gale, thank you for staying with us," Mr. Cartwright said before he turned to his daughter. "Delly I think you should make us something to eat now." Her father sounded defeated, his voice wobbled. "There's no more need for hysterics, she's at peace now."

Delly nodded before she quietly stepped away, her head cast down. "I'm sorry father for the dramatics. I will make you something to eat." She went to the kitchen and began cooking.

Gale watched her silently as she made a simple soup. He hurt for her, wanted to hold her and take all of the pain away. Their pantry was bare, only a couple of cans, and a loaf of bread. The small cut of meat in the simple soup she made was one Mr. Cartwright had traded for.

Delly served them both before going to check on Andy.

"Mr. Cartwright do you have any savings?" Gale was concerned for the family.

"No son, we do not. We'll have to make do with what we have. Why don't you go home to your family? I am sure your mother is worried about you."

Gale took a look at Delly when she came out of Andy's room. She served Andy the last bit of soup. For herself, she took a glass of water. Her hands shook as she put the glass down. Gale wondered how many glasses of water Delly drank to keep the hunger at bay. He knew that trick all too well. He had seen his mother do it, Katniss do it, and he'd seen many people in the Seam do it. He'd become aware of the glasses of water on the counters of the Merchants. Drink water to stave away hunger. "Do you have enough to possibly purchase a chicken or two?"

"We can't afford a chicken son," Mr. Cartwright shook his head.

"I have two coins, will that help?" Delly finally spoke.

"Delly," her father said harshly. "With the prices as they are today, that won't even get us an old chicken."

Delly lowered her head.

Gale didn't like the way her father spoke to her, but her father was right, things were expensive. He stood from the table, "Thank you for the food, sir, Delly."

"Thank you for coming. Please wish your family a Merry Christmas." Her father stood and put on his jacket. "Delly I'll be next door. You can take your mother's things out. Maybe we can sell them for a good price at the seamstress. They are always looking for a good deal. She could probably use the buttons and the material."

Delly nodded as her father left for the shop.

"Why sell the clothing, can't you wear it?" In the Seam, clothing wasn't wasted. It was handed down.

"My mother was a slender tall woman. Her clothing won't fit. Besides I don't think I can." She swallowed several times. "I can't."

He gingerly placed his hand on her shoulder, took her hand and gently brushing his thumb over her knuckles. When she composed herself he got his coat and slipped it on. "Will the seamstress be open? It's Christmas."

"The shop may not be, but recently because of the weather, they are always looking for material and buttons. A lot of supplies aren't reaching the district. They'll open the side door for me."

"Be careful," Gale whispered.

She glanced at Gale. "I am sorry you had to deal with all of this." She took out the last two coins. "Father was right about the chickens, but I forgot to pay your mom yesterday. I hope this will suffice for the laundry."

She handed him the coins, and it felt wrong to take away their last two coins. They needed food, without thought he said, "Go fix your mother's things. I'll be right back."

He doubted Delly understood what he meant as he left. Determined, he made his way toward the one person he was sure that could help Delly and her family out. When he reached the house he knocked on the door.

The door opened and Darius stood before him grinning. "Merry Christmas, Gale, are you here to trade?"

"Not really, I need your help."

Darius' smile faded as he pulled Gale inside. "You haven't gotten in trouble with the new Peacekeepers, have you?"

"No."

"You didn't knock up a girl, have you?"

"No Darius." Gale jammed his fingers through his hair.

"It's not Katniss, is it?"

"No, Katniss is alright."

Darius frowned. "Then what is it?"

"It's Delly."

Darius was confused. "Delly Cartwright, the fat girl I warned you to stay away from? What have you done to her?"

"She's not fat, and I haven't touched her." Gale didn't see her as fat, she was well endowed. "She needs help, her mother passed away today, and because of the Peacekeepers and that undertaker, they are wiped out. Delly can't even work at the Hob because Jeb closed down his booth a few days ago."

"Why are you helping a Merchant? I thought all of them were snobby, Capitol sympathizers?"

"You said it yourself, not all Merchants are bad."

"I did say that, but my question is, are you interested in Delly like you are in Katniss? Cause I could never see you doing this for your hunting buddy."

The question struck Gale, but he didn't have the time to dwell on that. All he knew was that he had to help. "Look, I'm not going to go down that road with you. Delly and her family are good folk, and they need help." Gale raised an eyebrow at him. "Now are you going to help her?"

"I am sorry to hear about her mother, she was a kind woman." Darius rubbed his face. "You really need to figure out what you need, because what you need may not be what you want. And what you want doesn't want you back."

Gale didn't understand Darius' tangent. He was coming to him about Delly. They didn't have enough to last them another day. He shuddered to think of her taking out Tesserae. "What are you talking about?"

"You'll find out soon enough Gale and when you do, I'll be here waiting."

Frustrated, Gale snapped, "Are you going to help or what?"

"What can I do?"

Gale had thought this out carefully. "I need to secure a chicken and maybe a rooster, if they got eggs that will help her feed Andy, and she can also trade for milk."

"Okay," Darius said. "I'll tell you what. I've got a pair of shoes that belong to my daughter, they need fixing. I'll trade them a hen and a rooster for the shoes."

Gale grinned, and extended his hands. "Deal."

Darius shook his hand.

"I'll be right back with the chickens and the shoes. I'll need Delly's father to give me a receipt that says he accepts the payment of the chickens for the fixing of the shoes."

"No problem." Gale was glad he was able to help them. The coins felt heavy in his pockets and he knew that the only way to help them was to give these back. His mother would never accept the coins knowing she was contributing to the starvation of a family.

Darius came back with the caged hen and rooster, and the shoes. "Okay, get out of here."

"Thank you, Darius and Merry Christmas."

Gale walked away with the cage. He was careful to stay out of the way of the Peacekeepers. He made it in a few short moments to Delly's place. He knocked on the shop, and her father answered the door. He wiped his eyes, they were red and filled with grief.

Mr. Cartwright gruffly asked, "Gale, what is all of this?"

"I went to a friend of mine, Darius. He gave me these shoes for you to fix. They are for his little girl. As a payment, he gave me this hen and rooster. As I understand it fixing shoes is just as expensive as the price of two chickens."

Mr. Cartwright face changed, he looked optimistic. "Yes, they are."

"One more thing, Mr. Cartwright. Delly tried to pay me with her two coins. She insisted, so don't be so hard on her. I can't take these, but I will take a dozen eggs when the chicken lays them." Gale handed the coins back to him. "My brothers love eggs."

"I don't know what to do with that girl. She's too tender-hearted. I try to toughen her up, get her ready for the harshness...but she is too kind. Just like her mother." At the mention of his wife, a tear slipped out of his eye. He cleared his throat. His lip quivered but his voice sounded gruff as he spoke, "I am afraid that people will try to take advantage of her in business." Mr. Cartwright rubbed his face. "I am afraid for her future, you know. I am afraid that one day some man is going to come and crush her, or try to do something bad to her."

Gale didn't say anything about the Sharpies. Ever since that afternoon, he'd been keeping tabs on Delly at school. He knew that the only boy she was constantly around was Mellark, and by the looks of it neither Delly nor Peeta were interested in each other in a romantic way. "Don't worry Mr. Cartwright, the right man will come for your daughter. My brothers and I will make sure of it."

"Thank you, Gale," Mr. Cartwright said but he gave him a particular look. Gale wasn't sure what it was, but he left him in the shop, and walked out. He saw Delly cross the street with her mother's things in a box. She looked sad, and it struck him that he was going to step up his game if he wanted to see that darned Delly smile again.

Gale promised himself that he would make her smile again.