Five
Clara woke up and put her long red hair back in a pine green ribbon. She shook her sister Marissa awake before they hurried into the living room where their parents were waiting. The medicine factories and research centers were closed on Christmas, so they were able to celebrate as a family.
"Mom, what's that?" Marissa asked pointing to a tall box near the Christmas tree.
"Why don't both you girls see." Their mother said smiling as her husband brushed her dark auburn hair with his fingers and grinned with anticipation. The girls ran over to the corner and opened the box.
"WHOA!" The two girls squealed.
"A chemistry set!" Clara giggled.
"Yeah, so you won't keep sneaking our glasses and measuring spoons around the house to do your own little projects, my sly fox." Clara's father chuckled. Clara blushed to the roots of her red hair.
"Dad!" She yelped.
"Yeah, Clara. See, I told you I didn't tell on you last week!" Marissa said, hands on her hips. The girls giggled and opened their other presents of clothes, books, and jewelry before joining the neighbor kids in a snowball fight. At least for today, they could forget the stress of the constant demands of research and enjoy the company of each other for Christmas.
Six
Coin smiled as she looked at her schedule stenciled on her arm. 1000 - 1500 Christmas in Collective. She opened the door to her compartment and was greeted by a smiling face in the doorway. "Hello Officer Boggs."
"Hello, madame president." He said smiling. "I got you something."
"You know we exchange presents in Collective." Coin said automatically.
"Yes - I know, madame president, but I thought you would want something special." Coin looked at the small metal box that had obviously been used for another purpose. She opened the box and peered inside at a brass Mockingjay pin. Coin smiled and held it up.
"The revolution is soon, Madame President. That should give you some cheer this Christmas." Boggs explained.
"Yes, it will. Thank you." Coin affixed it to her grey uniform before walking down to Collective. After her yearly Christmas address, she handed Boggs a package in a camoflauge bag. Boggs pulled out a small hand held computer. "It's called a holo. You can program a map in it and you can view it on voice command."
"Thank you." Boggs said smiling. "I am sure I will find it useful soon, Madame President." Coin smiled.
"Yes, Officer Boggs. Yes you will." Coin said confidently before adjusting her Mockingjay pin and talking to the other citizens who were exchanging practical gifts like boots, clothes, and different items for their compartments.