Sam

Sam parked the rented luxury sedan in front of the towering building.Turning off the engine, he exited the car and lifted his head to admire the elegant carvings in the stonework.

Effie wasn't kidding when she said budget wasn't a problem. The units in this building must go for a few million each.

The doorman rushed down the blue, carpeted walkway and toward him. "Are you here for Mr. Abernathy?"

"Yes. Haymitch Abernathy."

"He's waiting in the lobby. I'll get him."

Sam walked to the back of the car and opened the trunk, and then to the back passenger door to open it, as well.

A paunchy man who appeared to be in his late fifties, give or take a few years, walked out of the building carrying a suitcase. He was dressed in a sports jacket, crisp white shirt, and dark slacks.

"I can take that Mr. Abernathy," the doorman insisted. "It's my job."

"Don't bother, kid. I'm been carrying my own bag for years." Haymitch stopped for a moment, reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. He shoved it into the doorman's hand.

"Merry Christmas. I'll be back in a few days."

Ignoring Sam, Haymitch walked to the trunk, deposited his luggage, and slammed it shut. Then he put out his hand to shake Sam's.

"I'm Haymitch Abernathy and you're…"

Surprised at Haymitch's friendly, no-nonsense demeanor, Sam shook his hand and introduced himself.

"Look, you don't mind if I ride up front with you?" Haymitch asked. "I hate riding in back."

"No problem."

Sam closed the backdoor of the vehicle, and opened up the front passenger door.

This should be interesting.

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Gale

"What are you doing here?" Gale hissed at his ex-girlfriend. "I would have thought you'd be spending Christmas skiing in the Alps, or drinking champagne on the top of the Eiffel Tower."

"That's one of the reasons I broke up with you Gale Hawthorne," Madge retorted. "You have a serious problem with people who can afford things you can't."

"I do not."

"You do too."

A woman wearing a business suit and sporting big, poofy hair that was popular when Gale was a toddler, interrupted their argument. She introduced herself as Effie Trinket and asked everyone to enter the house. Gale carried his bag inside, sticking close to Katniss' side, wondering if he should quit right now.

The next few days are going to be a nightmare, but I don't want to lose out on that money.

He'd already spent a portion of the $500 clothing allowance for a new suit, saving the remainder to get a rear spoiler for his car.

I suppose Madge already blew through her entire $500 advance and then some. I don't recognize that dress she's wearing.

The living room of the Snow Mansion looked like a swanky hotel lobby with polished wooden tables, plush upholstered sofas and chairs, thick carpets, and colorful artwork. A big stone fireplace lit by a gas flame sat at the end of the room.

Fancy surroundings, fake fire. I'll bet Madge feels right at home. Why is she even here? Just when I was beginning to get over her.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Katniss

Katniss sat down on the sofa, sensing the tension in the air.

Maybe I should have told Gale about Madge working this job.

But her good sense kicked in. Nope, not my responsibility. Gale may be family but he can be a jerk sometimes, too. Their break up was just as much his fault as hers.

Katniss took a deep breath, and ran her hand across the sofa's velvet upholstery to center herself.

Her pretend husband sat beside her. He'd introduced himself as Peeta. He was of medium-height with blond hair that fell in waves over his forehead and friendly blue eyes.

He's good-looking, but in that outfit he's gorgeous.

To her eyes, he looked like a hero straight out of a story by Jane Austin. She could already picture him walking out of a lake with a wet, white shirt clinging to his chest.

Yet despite his hunky appearance, Peeta seemed sweet and genuine. Katniss had been touched by the expression on his face when Effie Trinket had told him that no one was supposed to be in costume. It was a cross between horror and mortification.

"I'm so sorry," he'd apologized.

"Well change your clothes when you get a chance," Effie requested.

Katniss had wanted to blurt out, "don't change, you look incredible," but she didn't want to get off on the wrong foot with Effie Trinket who seemed to like making up rules.

Still Katniss couldn't help but wish that men still dressed like this. Waistcoats and breeches did a good job of showing off a man's physique. And Peeta appeared quite appealing in that garb which highlighted his broad shoulders and spectacular backside.

Katniss had taken the job to make some extra money, but she suddenly felt a flicker of hope.

Could Peeta be the one?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Peeta

How did I get it so wrong?

Sam Dalton had used the words Dickens-type Christmas and then a scene from some old movie version of Scrooge popped into his head and the costumes the actors had worn.

Oh crap. What have I done? I spent $500 on this getup.

Peeta eyed his pretend wife. Long black hair, braided and hanging over her left shoulder, she was stunning. Her eyes, a beautiful silvery color, somewhere between blue and gray, were huge underneath her dark lashes and sculpted eyebrows.

He was pleased to have such a pretty wife, even if the relationship was only for a few days and was fake.

Now I've probably blown any chance of something real happening because of this costume.

Peeta hadn't dated since he'd graduated from college and his girlfriend dumped him. She'd called him unsophisticated and provincial because he wanted to work in his family's bakery instead of heading off to the City with her to use his business degree.

Maybe I am provincial. But I've never wanted for much, only to do work I enjoy, and to have a family of my own.

Still it was near to impossible to make a dent in fulfilling that latter goal because his work hours made his living schedule so different from that of everyone else.

What woman wants a man who gets up at 3 a.m. and is asleep by 8 p.m.?

Peeta's reverie was interrupted by Effie Trinket. "Haymitch will be here at three. I'll show you to your rooms now. We'll talk more over lunch."

He followed the group, all of whom carried their luggage, upstairs. The men were located on one side of the house, the women at the other. Closing the door to his room, Peeta set his small carry-on on the bed.

Might as well put on the only regular clothes I brought with me – the outfit I was planning to wear home.

He dressed in dark jeans, a blue dress-shirt, a red pullover sweater, and sneakers before joining the others downstairs in the dining room.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Madge

Madge looked at the buffet, her mouth watering. Her appetite had returned with gusto after the morning sickness had ended a few weeks ago.

What had seemed like a great way to make some extra money - which she needed more than ever now since she'd be a single mother soon enough – seemed like a terrible idea after realizing she was supposed to spend the next few days pretending to be Gale's wife.

What a shock to see him here. I could swear the baby kicked me although I doubt that's even possible yet. It's only 72 hours, though. I can do it.

Madge made a heaping plate for herself, a mountain of food that included a sandwich thick with roast beef, a green salad, and fresh fruit. She eyed the chocolate cake, but decided against it.

She poured herself a glass of milk from the pitcher that stood on the table with the other beverages. Madge guessed it was for the kids to drink, but she was supposed to be drinking a couple of glasses everyday, too.

While everyone ate, Effie passed out a paper schedule, and went over it with the group.

"We still need a tree. I thought it would be nice for Gale, Peeta, Timmy, and Taiden, to go to the wooded area behind the house with Haymitch and cut one down. We women will stay back to bake sugar cookies, and make decorations for the tree.

"You'll have some free time tomorrow morning. There's a church service in the early evening. Afterwards we'll have a big dinner. We'll open gifts on Christmas morning, followed by breakfast. The afternoon is open, maybe Haymitch will have some thoughts about what he'd like to do. And as for the 26th, I figured we'd wing it.

"Any questions?" Effie asked.

Peeta raised his hand. "I'm a baker by trade. I could stay back and help with the cookies this afternoon, if you like."

Out of the corner of her eye, Madge took in the curl of Gale's lip as Peeta spoke.

Judging a man who has traditionally feminine skills he lacks. Gale's so alpha male.

Unconsciously she rubbed her belly.

"Maybe you could do some baking tomorrow," Effie suggested. "But today I need you to help with the tree. I think you and Gale will have to carry it back to the house. Although Haymitch is quite virile, I'm not sure he can manage it by himself."

Effie's next instructions were directed to Madge and Katniss. "You'll both be playing mothers for the next few days. Madge, how about you be Timmy's mother, and Katniss can take on Taiden."

"Can I have Tricia, too?" Madge asked. That little girl is so sweet looking, with her curly hair. I hope I have a baby girl as cute as her.

Effie blinked. "Of course, you can, if that's all right with Cecelia."

Effie turned toward the children's mother who sat at the end of the table surrounded by her offspring. "Do you have any questions or advice for these ladies?"

"Do you have any experience with kids?" Cecelia asked, her eyes falling onto Katniss first.

"I'm a teacher, and I helped raise my younger sister," Katniss said. "I have plenty of experience with kids."

That's right. Katniss does have experience. A lot more than me.

"I love children," Madge assured Cecelia.

Gale snorted loudly. Madge turned to give him a dark look. They'd talked about having a family one day - well, Gale had talked about it - but at the time Madge had been more concerned about getting promoted at City Hall. Children were not on her radar then.

Maybe the influx of baby hormones has helped me realize that I liked kids all along.

"Haymitch should arrive in a half hour," Effie broke in. "I've taken the liberty to make up a backstory for each of you." She passed out a second, personalized paper to everyone.

"You're welcome to add to it, but don't veer too far off. Haymitch is very traditional; he would be upset to find out that any of his relatives were louts. Read it over. If you have any questions, ask me now."

Madge read the opening line on her sheet. "Madge Abernathy was born to a well-off family, educated at private schools, and is a good and devoted mother."

Why this is me, exactly. How did Effie know?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Haymitch

Sam drove onto a private road that led past open iron gates. A sprawling country house stood before them.

"What is this place?" Haymitch asked. Sam was a chatty fellow who was a storehouse of random trivia about every topic under the sun, but on their two-hour drive he hadn't revealed much about himself or where he was taking Haymitch.

"It's called Snow Mansion. The late Coriolanus Snow built it over fifty years ago. He made his fortune by developing different varieties of roses. Now his family rents it out for private gatherings."

"Any idea what I'm in for over the next few days?"

"I've got a good idea, but I don't think it's my place to say. How about we get your luggage out of the trunk and get you inside. I think there are some people waiting to meet you."

People?

Haymitch followed Sam inside the house. Even though he could easily have afforded to purchase an even bigger country house, Haymitch had never been one for excess. He was perfectly satisfied with the small penthouse apartment he'd bought when he made his first million.

Besides I spend most of my time at work anyway.

Effie appeared in the entryway as he stepped inside.

"Thank you Sam for getting him here safely. " She turned to Haymitch. "Come inside and meet your family."

An uncomfortable stabbing sensation arose in Haymitch's chest. Family? His parents and his brother were dead. His only family was himself.

And maybe my employees to a small extent. Of course, Effie probably knows me the best. But what in the hell has she arranged? Am I spending Christmas with a bunch of employees?

Effie reached for his arm and pushed him into a large living room. Strangers sat on the sofas and chairs. All eyes were fixed on him.

"This Christmas, you'll be experiencing all the joys of being a father and a grandfather," Effie said. "Let me introduce you to your children and grandchildren."

Weirdly enough the young man and woman that were supposed to be his son and daughter bore an uncanny resemblance to each other, and even to himself when he was younger and had a full head of dark hair.

The little kids that Effie called his grandchildren were tow-heads, just like the young man and woman who were his son-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Maysilee was blonde, too. I wonder if we would have had fair-haired, or dark-haired kids?

Haymitch hadn't been expecting the emotions that overwhelmed him. It was disconcerting, and it made it hard for him to keep everyone's name straight.

The middle-sized child bounded up to him after the introductions. "Are you rich?"

Haymitch bit his lip trying not to smile, as a woman's voice called out to the child to mind his manners.

Nothing like a little kid to get straight to the point. Maybe he should give advice to some of my executives who spend their days talking in circles to me.

"This isn't my real house, if that's what you're asking."

The little boy's face turned downcast.

"What's your name, again?" Haymitch asked.

"Taiden."

"How old are you?"

"Four. Mama said I'm supposed to call you Gampa while we're here, but you're not my Gampy."

"No, I'm not. Why don't you call me Haymitch, instead. That would be a lot easier."

He looked around at the others. "All of you should call me Haymitch. This entire situation is surreal enough."

"You don't like it?" Effie blurt out. She sounded panicked.

Haymitch turned to his secretary. "I don't know what to think yet." But after noting the hurt in her eyes, he added, "But I'm willing to give it a try."

"Good."

"What happens next?" he asked.

"You'll be taking your son, son-in-law, and grandsons out to chop down a Christmas tree."

Haymitch glanced down at his dress pants. "I should probably change my clothes first."

"Let me show you your room." Effie led him out of the living room and down a short hallway.

Sam had already put Haymitch's bag inside the door of the suite.

"What do you think so far?" she asked. Her hands flew up to her bouffant, patting the sides of it.

Haymitch had never heard Effie sound so nervous. He ran his hand across the back of his neck. "Too early to tell. Guess I'll have to see how it goes." He paused. "Who are all these people, Effie? Are they employees of mine?"

"Only for the next few days."

"Where did you get the little kids?"

"Their real mother is helping out in the kitchen and doing some light housekeeping."

"All right, then. I trust you on this. I'll go along with the program. Who knows it might be interesting."

A big grin appeared on his secretary's face. "I know you'll have a wonderful Christmas."

Haymitch closed the door to change, wondering at his secretary's exuberance.

What's going on in her head? I know Effie isn't married. Is she projecting her own desire for a family onto me? I don't need anyone. I'm perfectly happy with my life just as it is.