Peeta

Maybe the moonlight made Peeta fearless, or perhaps he was so caught up with the idea that he'd finally met "the one" that he'd lost control of his tongue.

"I know we're being paid to put on something of a show, but I can't help wanting to get to know you better."

"Why?" Katniss teased.

"It's not every day I meet a beautiful, single woman. I can't figure out how we never ran into each other before. Dandelion's not that big."

Katniss giggled. "How do you know I'm single? We are getting paid to act."

His stomach dropped. No, no, no. That can't be right.

"If you were with anyone, he'd have to be nuts to spend Christmas apart from you. And you seem too smart to be involved with a fool."

He could see by the upward curve of her cheeks that she approved of his answer.

"You have an astounding voice. You could be on one of those TV singing shows and win."

What are you doing? Don't give her any ideas to leave you and Dandelion behind.

Fortunately Katniss laughed. "Thank you, but I'm happy being a teacher."

"About that, I was wondering…" Peeta began, when they heard the jingle of bells.

Katniss lifted the flashlight from the snowy ground in front of them, and directed it down the road. The sleigh was coming.

"We need to get to the side, or those horses will mow us down."

She slipped her small, soft hand into his large, calloused one for a second time, and they moved to what they thought might be the shoulder of the road.

"Hey Sam," she shouted, as the sleigh drew closer.

"Woah," Sam called out, stopping the rig next to them.

"They're waiting for you back at the church," Katniss said.

"Want me to take you two to the house first?"

"No, we're fine walking." She swung her hand that was attached to Peeta's upward so that Sam could see the connection between them.

It was silly stuff, but still Peeta couldn't help but be thrilled at Katniss' gesture.

It must be real. We don't need to playact in front of Sam.

Sam waved at them as he took off.

"Hope you don't mind me speaking for you again."

"I don't mind. I'm enjoying our walk."

They strolled in silence for a minute, as Peeta scrambled to think of something to say. His thoughts were so feverish he couldn't even remember what he was talking about before the sleigh appeared.

"Peeta, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why are you wearing a costume?"

He groaned. "The clothes I wore today in the snow got so wet that I had to put this outfit back on."

"But didn't you pack any extra clothes?"

"No. I was under the impression that it was some kind of Dickens' Christmas, he wrote that book about Scrooge, but I guess you know that being a Literature teacher."

Katniss giggled. "That's actually funny. I have to tell you, though, that you wear your outfit well."

She likes me.

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Madge

Madge sat in the back seat of the sleigh squashed next to Gale. Sitting so close to him on the ride to church had been awkward, but now she was too tired to care.

I'm exhausted.

She knew a big dinner was planned for the evening. She wished she could excuse herself and go straight to bed, but she didn't have any choice. It seemed ironic that she couldn't take a rest, especially since a big part of the Christmas story was about a tired, pregnant woman.

I'm getting paid to be here. I have to go along with the program.

Unconsciously she found herself leaning into Gale's side.

It's only normal. His body feels as natural to me as my own.

She could smell the traces of the aftershave he used combined with his body's own natural scent. The combination of the two was oddly comforting, and tears came unbidden.

She blinked rapidly, glad for the dark. Why am I so emotional these days?

"Are you cold, Madge?" Gale asked.

"A little."

He put his arm around her and she sank down into it.

Why is he being so nice to me? Because he's getting paid?

She closed her eyes and began to doze off. Soft lips pressed against her forehead.

Did Gale kiss me?

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Haymitch

A momentary glance over his shoulder and Haymitch caught Gale kissing Madge on the forehead.

What's that kid up to? Could Madge be the girl he was talking about yesterday?

Haymitch turned forward to ask Sam about the horses, ruminating on the fact that Effie's grand plan might have inadvertently reunited the couple. It struck Haymitch suddenly that this holiday was opening up more eyes than his own.

He helped Effie out of the sleigh, and linked his arm through hers so she wouldn't stumble in the snow as they made their way back to the house.

Haymitch was looking forward to dinner. Sae was a talented woman. Her delicious meals reminded him of his mother's – hearty food that stuck to the bones.

Maybe I should hire myself a personal chef.

"Why don't you relax, while I talk to Sae about dinner," Effie said.

"Okay." Haymitch went into the living room and sat in the chair by the tree that he'd already claimed as his own.

He hadn't felt so at ease - well since he was young. For a bunch of strangers everyone seemed to be getting along. No fights, no outbursts. Even the little kids were well-behaved.

And that church service was just the right mix of scripture and song to cheer people up and put them in a festive mood.

How did Effie know this is what I needed? I didn't even know it myself.

The thought crossed his mind that after tomorrow it would all be over. He'd be back to his penthouse eating canned soup and cold cereal, and spending all his spare time reviewing work documents.

I need to find some way to incorporate my favorite elements of this vacation into my daily life. Of course, I'll have Effie get everyone's address. I'd like to stay in touch.

Effie came into the living room. "We'll be eating in fifteen minutes. Cecelia just set the table. She's dressing the kids now. Maybe after dinner you can put on the Santa suit and make a guest appearance."

"Sounds like a plan. Do you have any gifts I can give them?"

"Yes. I'll put them by your chair."

"You know I've never dressed up like Santa Claus before."

"You'll do a great job," Effie said. "Now you'll have to excuse me. I'm going to change for dinner."

Haymitch stood up. "Guess I ought to do the same."

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Effie

She changed out of her pantsuit and put on a red dress. She re-applied her make-up and went through the stack of gifts that sat in the corner of the room, pulling out one for each child, and putting it into a bag.

She thought about Haymitch's story about his mother allowing him to open one present on Christmas Eve. Effie reached for one more gift, and added it to the bag.

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Sam

"Uncle Sam, where were you?" his ten-year-old great-niece asked. "You missed dinner."

"Working honey."

"On Christmas Eve?" The look on her face showed she didn't believe him.

"It's true. A woman is holding a big holiday event at Snow Mansion. It's a fake family reunion. I hired everyone except for the guest of honor."

"It sounds weird."

"It is kind of strange," Sam agreed. "The guest of honor is wealthy, but he has no family or friends to spend the holidays with, so his secretary dreamed up this scheme to make him happy."

"Is it working?"

"You know I think it might be. At any rate, everyone seems to be getting along. And I may have inadvertently played matchmaker with one couple."

There was something about the way Peeta and Katniss were looking at each other as they walked through the snow.

"Good thing you have a license to perform weddings," his niece, the child's mother, said."

"Doubt there will be any wedding. They'll all be clearing out day after tomorrow."

Still it warmed his heart to think that he might have played a small part in bringing a young couple together. He looked toward his patient wife, who'd kept his dinner warm in the oven until he got home.

Everyone deserves a happy life.

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Gale

Damn. What was I thinking? I never should have kissed her.

But in that moment, snug and cozy in the sleigh, he'd forgotten that they'd ever broke up.

He waited for her eyes to open and a rebuke to pour forth from her lips, but Madge's eyelids fluttered and a tiny smile appeared on her face as her head sank lower on his shoulder.

When they'd arrived at the house, she woke up suddenly, looking confused. But when she caught sight of him, her expression changed. She rushed out of the sled toward the house.

She's embarrassed.

Effie called them all to dinner not long after they got back. Gale didn't change his clothes and neither did Peeta, but the women did. Madge was wearing a different dress, again loose.

Her body looks different, her breasts are larger and her butt is more pronounced. She looks pretty sexy, actually.

Like the previous evening's meal, cards were set in place indicating where everyone was to sit. Tonight Gale was seated to the right of Haymitch, who was at the head of the table. Madge was at his left and his faux children, Tricia and Timmy were left of Madge.

It was a regular Thanksgiving-type feast. Roasted turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes casserole with melted marshmallows on top, a variety of vegetables. The food was set out family-style in the center of the table.

"Sae, it looks delicious," Haymitch said.

"Thanks," the cook answered. She stood up suddenly, her eyes falling upon Cecelia. "We forgot the drinks."

I could sure use a drink.

Already Madge was ignoring him again and focusing on the little girl at her side.

Must be pissed off because of the kiss.

Cecelia sprang up and the two women left the room; both returning quickly. Sae carried a pitcher filled with cider; Cecelia carried a carton of milk.

As the women made their way around the table, milk was poured out for the kids, and cider for the adults.

Madge refused the cider and requested milk, "the same as Tricia."

That's weird. She's not a milk drinker.

He caught Katniss' eye at that moment. She had a funny look on her face.

Gale took a sip of the cider. It was fresh and tasty, but there wasn't a drop of alcohol in it that he could taste.

Maybe it's subtle and I'll feel the buzz a little later.

He turned back to enjoying his meal. Haymitch seemed in particularly good spirits, asking Gale about his day job.

"I'm head mechanic at Dandelion Motors," Gale explained.

"So you're good at figuring out what's wrong and then fixing it?" Haymitch asked.

"I never thought about it that way, but I guess I am."

"How did you get interested in cars?"

Gale launched into a story about an old car that he'd fixed up when he was a teen. Haymitch listened politely, but midway into the story the older man cocked his head toward Madge.

"Is she the one you were talking about yesterday?"

Gale's face grew warm. What the hell? Madge is sitting right next to me. She'll hear you.

Gale's head twisted abruptly to see if Madge was listening in, but she was paying him no attention. She was turned in her seat spoon-feeding Tricia mashed potatoes.

Gale turned back to Haymitch, his voice low. "Yeah, that's her."

"I guess it would seem a bad piece of luck to you, but who knows maybe you can turn things around."

"I don't know," Gale muttered.

"You two looked cozy enough in the sleigh."

There was that.

"Now about that car engine you were rebuilding," Haymitch shifted the conversation back.

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Katniss

As soon as Madge requested milk, Katniss knew. She'd witnessed the dietary changes of expectant co-workers in the teacher's lounge at Dandelion Middle School often enough to figure it out.

Madge is pregnant.

It explained everything. Her choice of clothing. Her attraction to Tricia. Her need to practice for being a mom.

She probably didn't know she was expecting when she broke up with Gale. I wonder if her parents know.

The Undersees were very traditional people. They wouldn't take the news well.

Maybe they disowned her and that's why she didn't go to Europe with them.

"What time will Santa Claus get here?" Taiden asked. "What will he bring me? Will he know that I'm not at home?"

Katniss turned her head to the child who sat between her and Peeta. Her fake husband had quick answers for the boy. "He won't arrive until you fall asleep. He'll bring you something special. He knows exactly where you are tonight."

"You know a lot about Santa Claus," Katniss teased. "It sounds as if you two are personal buddies."

Peeta chuckled. "We're closer than you know."

As the child turned back to picking at his food, Peeta leaned over Taiden's head to whisper to Katniss. "I played Santa at the bakery last week. It was a promotion to sell our specialty Christmas items."

"What holiday goodies does Mellark's make?"

"Stollen bread, almond kringle, and gingerbread are just a few."

"Sounds yummy."

"If you stop by in a couple of days, you can get some pfeffernusse cookies. We make them until New Year's.

"I'll be sure to do that."

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Peeta

I am definitely going to see Katniss after the 26th even if I have to go to her school and bring her baked goods dressed in this crazy getup.

He'd never met anyone like her. Pretty. Smart. Laughing with him, instead of at him for his clothing mix up. Peeta also liked that she had a healthy appetite.

A baker's wife should like carbs.

Already he could see their children. Dark-haired like her, with blue eyes like him. They'd be adorable.

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Madge

Madge nibbled at the last bits of food on her plate when a sudden wave of nausea came over her.

This can't be happening. Not now. I haven't had morning sickness in over a month.

She put down her fork. "Excuse me," she murmured. Her hand automatically flew upward to cover her mouth.

From across the table, Katniss caught her eye. A sympathetic expression appeared on Katniss' face.

"Are you okay?" Gale asked.

But his words were lost as she rushed from the table and toward the downstairs bathroom. Entering quickly, she was able to lift the toilet lid before her stomach emptied out.

Her throat burned and tears formed at the corner of her eyes.

Why is this happening now?

Turning on the faucet, she ran her hands under the tap, wiping at her mouth.

She stared in the mirror. Bloodshot eyes. Blotchy cheeks.

I look awful.

She took a deep breath. I should go back out there. But what is everyone going to think?

A knock sounded at the door.

It's probably Effie telling me I'm fired.

"Just a moment," Madge said. She turned on the water again and dipped her head to drink from the faucet and rinse out her mouth. Then she straightened her hair. She opened the door.

Gale stood in front of her. "Are you all right, Madge?"

I'm so tired of doing this alone.

She reached for his steady hand and pulled him inside the bathroom. "We need to talk."

His eyebrows went up, but he shut the door behind him.

"I'm pregnant."

His eyes glazed over, and his mouth fell open.

"It's yours… our child."

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Haymitch

Conversation at the table stopped for a moment after Madge ran off.

From the other end of the table, Effie took her napkin from her lap and set it on the table. "I'll see if she's okay."

"No, I'll go, Effie," Gale said, jumping to his feet.

"Guess, all families have their drama, huh Effie," Haymitch said, after Gale left the room. He wanted to ease her mind. She'd gone to a lot of effort to make this Christmas special for him. He didn't want her to feel badly if the family she'd created wasn't perfect.

No family has it altogether. And I'm right about all families having their little scenes, too.

At least he'd heard that from some of his executives over the years.

I could have written a book about Plutarch's divorce antics.

Taiden pushed his plate away from him. "Mama, I need to go to bed right now so Santa can come."

From across the table, Cecelia warned him. "He won't come if you don't finish your dinner."

The child frowned, but he reached for his plate and ate another spoonful of mashed potatoes.

Haymitch caught Effie's eye. "If you'll all excuse me, I think I'll check on the others." He looked around the table. "Enjoy your meal. Have seconds. I'll meet you at the tree, later."

Haymitch stood up. He had no intentions of looking for Gale and Madge – they could figure things out for themselves. He needed to put on his Santa suit.

Once he was dressed and properly disguised with a fake white beard and fake wig that fitted under his red cap, he went into the living room and sat down. He noticed a bag of gifts next to the chair.

Effie must have placed it here.

He picked it up and looked through it, finding one gift for each child and a gift for himself, as well.

Interesting.

He didn't have to wait long for the others to arrive. The children came in first. "You came Santa," Taiden shrieked. Timmy picked up his pace as well, while Tricia slowed hers, stopped and eyed him nervously.

Taiden leaped onto Haymitch's lap and wrapped his arms around him.

Hasn't the boy realized who I am?

But clearly, he hadn't. The child turned to Peeta. "I didn't have to go to sleep for Santa to come." Turning back to Haymitch, he asked, "Did you bring presents for me?"

Haymitch chuckled. "I have one gift for each of you now. You'll find the rest under the tree tomorrow morning."

He reached into the sack and handed the gift to Taiden. Timmy came closer and accepted his gift, while Cecelia had to carry her daughter to Haymitch to receive hers.

When the children opened the packages, they found matching pajamas.

Haymitch looked to Effie and grinned.

Just like my mom.

There was one present still left in the bag. Haymitch pulled it out.

"That's for you Santa," Effie said. "You can open it now.

In front of everyone, Haymitch unwrapped the soft package to find a red bathrobe.

"Now you have pajamas too," Taiden said.

"That I do, son." He threw a grateful look in Effie's direction. "This robe's my favorite color, too."

"But you can't go to sleep yet," Timmy insisted. "You have to deliver all the presents to everyone in the world."

"You're right."

"Where's your sleigh? Where are the reindeer?" Taiden blurt out. "Can we see them?"

Oh crap.

Haymitch scanned the room looking for help from the others.

Why doesn't the kid's mother say something?

But it was Peeta who spoke out. "You can't see them, Taiden. He's used his cloaking devise to hide the sleigh, and the reindeer are wearing their harness of invisibility."

Cloaking device? Harness of invisibility? That boy's a fast, creative thinker. Reminds me of myself when I was younger.

"I think it's time you said good-night to Santa," Cecelia said. "He's got a busy night ahead of him. Besides you need to put on your new pajamas."

"You're bringing more presents for us, aren't you?" Taiden asked.

"Taiden," Cecelia hissed.

Haymitch chuckled. "Yes, son. But first you need to go to sleep."