Opening up the windows in the kitchen, Heather felt the cool wind of September hit her. The strong scent of the cooked food lessened as it went away with the free air. Heather turned her attention to the brewed remedies she made for the people in the Seam. After double-checking that they were ready, she scooped them up in bottles and labelled them. She also organized food into a bag.

"Heather, the food is going to get cold," Haymitch called after her.

"Coming!"

After cleaning her hands, Heather went to join Peeta, Haymitch, and Luke in the dining room. The two men were talking about Peeta's talent while Luke sat happily in Haymitch's lap, trying to attentively listen in on the adult conversation.

"So, what are you thinking of doing for your talent?" Heather asked him as she made her plate.

"I want to do painting but I'm not sure," he said. "I mean, shouldn't a victor's talent be something they could show off?"

"As I told you before, it doesn't really matter," Haymitch said.

"Matter," Luke repeated quietly then faced Haymitch. "What does that word mean?"

While Haymitch explained to Luke the word's meaning, Heather responded. "You do realize that you can occasionally showcase your paintings, right?" Judging by his silence, Heather assumed that he didn't and chuckled. "Besides, as Haymitch said, it doesn't really matter. There's no rule that you need to show off your talent."

"Oh, I didn't know that."

Heather just smiled and looked at Haymitch who was now listening to Luke talking extensively about something he and Marlin, his cousin, did when he was over at his uncle's.

Peeta leaned in and whispered, "3 months and I still can't get used to the sight of this."

Heather chuckled. "You get used to it."

"I doubt it."

Afterwards, Heather left her house, dressed in warm clothes, and headed towards where Katniss lived in her new house. Katniss chose to take the house three doors down from hers.

Heather knocked firmly on the oak door and waited for someone to answer. A minute later, Amaryllis Everdeen opened the door for her. The woman smiled at her and welcomed her inside the house.

"How have you been?" Heather asked her as she walked in.

"Good, still trying to get used to all of this," she said.

"I know, it was hard for me at first too." When Heather got back from the Capitol as a victor, she wanted nothing to do with the house she won and chose to live in her old house until Snow burned it, killing her brother and wife. It wasn't bad getting to her new house, mansion really, because she was still grieving. "I'm going to the Seam and I was wondering if Prim wanted to come with me."

Amaryllis smiled, "Oh, that's sweet of you, I'm sure Prim would like that. Why don't you go sit in the living room, I'm going to go call her."

"Sure," Heather looked around to see where the living room was then headed for it.

Upon sitting down on one of the plush sofas, she began to stare at the furniture. It was as big as hers with three big sofas and two tiny love seats. There were paintings around of beautiful forest scenery. The room's walls were painted in blue and brown streaks. There was a hint of projection of the roof of the room, hinting there was a TV.

"What are you doing here?"

Heather turned around to find Katniss leaning against the door frame with a blank expression. Ignoring her rude tone, Heather smiled, "I'm waiting for Prim to come. We're going to the Seam," Heather patted the space next to her. "Would you like to sit?"

Hesitantly, Katniss walked and sat across her. It was clear that she was nervous from her posture as the last time they were alone wasn't a great moment, to say the least. Heather played the fabric of her shirt, not expecting anything from Katniss.

"Um… is it true that Peeta is living with you?" Katniss asked nervously.

Heather looked up at her surprised. "Yes."

"... How is he?"

"He's good," she answered with a smile. "You know, there's nothing stopping you from asking him that yourself."

Katniss stayed silent.

"He's not mad at you, he was just hurt," Heather continued. "If you ever want to talk to him, feel free to come over. I promise you he won't be upset."

Katniss still didn't look convinced. Prim entered the room, similarly dressed in warm clothes as Heather. She didn't notice Katniss's mood and hurried over to where Heather was sitting. As they exchanged pleasant greetings, Katniss quickly put on a smile before her sister sensed her bad mood.

After reassuring that they'll be back before sunset, Heather and Prim headed out.

"What are we going to do today?" Prim asked excitedly, jovial at the opportunity of helping people in need.

"Well, we're going to check on a few patients of mine and hand out some food," Heather told her. "Winter is nearing and not all people have a coat so I'll have to get a countdown of those who need one."

"Are you going to buy coats for them?"

"No, I'm going to make them."

"Wouldn't that be too much for you?"

"No. In fact, I already made a handful of coats," Heather said. "I just need to make sure that there is enough for everyone."

Heather talked about what she was doing wasn't a big deal but Prim knew better than that. That's why she looked up to Heather. Not only because she helped poor people, but because she never took pride in it. She only did what she was doing because it was the right thing to do. Not for selfish motivations. In a place as dark as Panem, it was hard to find people like that.

As soon as they arrived at the Seam, the children ran to Heather. They were clearly waiting for her as this was usually her visiting day, each eager to take her to their family members so she could help them

For the next few hours, Heather and Prim were busy treating sick people and giving out food to those who were desperately starving. Additionally, Heather gave out some tips to not get sick during winter such as light regular exercise.

Around late afternoon, they made their way to the Hawthrone household for some rest. Since today was the miners's day off, Gale was home.

"Heather!" Posy exclaimed with excitement as she ran over to give the woman a hug. Heather laughed and twirled the little girl around, making her squeal in joy. Rory followed after his sister to join in the hug

"And how is my little Posy doing today?" Heather put the little girl.

"I'm good," Posy answered then frowned. "But mommy's tired."

"Yea, can you help her?" Rory added.

Heather furrowed her eyebrows in worry, "Oh, and how is she currently, Gale?"

"It's nothing serious," Gale said from where he was organizing the food in the kitchen. "She's just exhausted from working. I guess it's just her age."

"Is that the case?" Heather smiled in relief. "Some herbal tea might help her."

"Yes, I'd really like that," Hazelle said as she entered the room.

"Mom, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be resting," Vick, ever the protective son, moved from Prim's side and led his mother to sit down on a sofa.

"Even if I'm tired, it's rude not to greet guests," Hazelle said in her defence.

Heather went to sit next to her and gave her a side-hug. "It's good to see you, Hazelle. But Vick's right, you shouldn't be pushing yourself."

"It's alright. I was already feeling suffocated alone in the room," Hazelle said.

"Hmm," Heather reached out her hands hesitantly to Hazelle. "Do you mind?

Hazelle looked confused, "Uh, no, go ahead."

Heather placed her hand on Hazelle's shoulder and felt tense muscles under her hand. Instinctively, she began to massage her.

Hazelle groaned. "That.. that actually feels good."

Heather giggled and moved to stand behind Hazelle. "Your muscles are tense and stiff. Can you tell me where it feels tight?"

"Oh, that's alright," Hazelle shook her head. "You don't need to do this."

"I don't mind," Heather smiled.

Gale watched silently from the sidelines as Heather took care of his mother. He always felt bad when the young woman helped their family. It wasn't the same thing with Katniss as he helped her as well but it was different with Heather because he couldn't do anything for her. Heather always said it didn't matter but it still weighed on him.

Feeling the pressure of his stare, Heather turned to him and tilted her head. "Is something wrong?"

"Uh, no," Gale averted his gaze and returned to his current task.

When Gale went outside to throw the trash, Heather followed him.

"Are you okay?"

Gale jumped in surprise at the sudden voice of Heather. Heather grimaced and mumbled an apology.

"I'm okay," Gale assured her. "Why are you asking me that?"

"Oh, nothing serious," Heather looked away from him nervously. "You just don't seem… alright. Is it because you start working at the mines?"

Gale was about to answer her when a little girl came rushing over to Heather. She looked scared and desperate as she stood in front of the young woman. Heather recognized the girl as Amie Dawnforge. Amie tried to say something but all that came out were a bunch of tiny whimpers.

"Take deep breaths," Heather told her and placed her hands on her shoulder. Amie obliged and soon, breathing became easier for her.

"M-m-my mom… H-her water b-broke," Amie told her.

"I see," Heather turned to Gale. "Tell Prim to meet by the Dawnforges' house."

Gale nodded and Heather hurried along with Amie to her house.

Thankfully, it wasn't a hard childbirth. Since this wasn't April's, Amie's mother, first time giving birth, it didn't take long for her cervix to open up. Even though it was Prim's first time helping with childbirth, she was able to do a good job. She helped Heather when it came to soothing April and didn't complain when April clutched her hand hard.

With a few more encouraging words, April gave one last push and baby's cries filled the room. Heather sighed in relief and tied the umbilical cord then cut it. As she got up to wash the baby, Heather turned to tell Prim to help April but it seemed like she didn't need to as she was already doing that.

Heather turned her attention back to the baby. A quick glance downward told her that she was holding a boy. The baby boy eventually stopped crying as Heather gently washed him. She couldn't help but smile giddily as the baby silently stared at her.

Unfortunately, the wonderful feeling stopped as reality crashed into her. The harsh truth of what awaited that baby couldn't be ignored.

Heather held him to her bosom and smiled his head, relishing in the good scent. As weird as it sounded, newborns' heads always smelled amazing. When Prim had April settled in, Heather gave the woman her baby.

"It's a boy," she told her.

April, despite being tired, smiled as she held her child. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Heather said and pulled Prim close to her. She whispered in her ear, "Good job."

Prim blushed slightly and looked down in embarrassment.

Heather looked back to the mother and baby scene, feeling tight in her chest. It saddened her that this happiness isn't going to last for long and that it will be hard to regain it with the Capitol in charge. Heather clenched her fist, silently promising herself that one way or another, she will remove Snow from the presidency.

I feel like this chapter was forced and that it doesn't sound natural. Is it true or is it just my imagination? It could be because nothing major happened, just a regular old day. I wrote this because I wanted you guys to get an idea of what their lives are before the Victor's Tour, which is going to happen the next chapter by the way.

Oooo, I'm soooo excited to write it.

Until next time, guys.

P.S. Thank for the new follows and favourites teary joyful eyes. It really means A LOT to me that people out there love my story.