Help friends! I didn't think I was going to be able to update this week! My computer is giving me a fit (as we say it here in the south!) so send happy thoughts to my machine, and hopefully I won't have to replace the hard drive! Blah!

I need to thank the wonderful Norbertsmom. She works so hard too on this. Thank you friend! And then thank you for the wonderful loueze for helping with the Gaelic. You are helping to make it even more wonderful.

And thank you reader for coming back. You make all this so worth it! I love you! And all of the guest reviewers… you are so sweet! Thank you! Leave me some love, maybe it will rub off on this hateful piece of you know what computer! Ugh!

Katniss lets her arrow fly and smiles when it lands with a satisfying thud. The boar thrashes through the underbrush on this frosty winter morning before he lands on his side. She steps down off of her blind, and walks silently on her deer skin boots to collect it. Once she has it settled the hundred pound animal, on her shoulders, she sets off for the village.

Winter is here and while it's colder than normal, her village is prepared, even without Mitch to chop and bring in the wood. Her cottage is the first one on her path coming out of the woods, and with the heavy boar and a full game bag, she is glad that she doesn't have far to go.

The sound of approaching hoof beats echoing through the forest makes her want to hurry and get to her cottage. She glances behind her, and sees a black horse trotting towards her. She looks to the rider, and when she recognizes those blond curls, she almost drops the pig off of her back.

The horse and rider trot right up to her, with the handsome man that she has been dreaming and thinking too much of, reining in his horse beside her. The black beast snorts when he comes to a stop and Katniss can see that he wasn't done running with his master. She steals a look at the man and quips, "It seems that he has other ideas than stopping."

He looks at her with a smile in his eyes, even if it doesn't reach his lips. "He thinks he can have his way. I have to use a firm hand with him."

She can't stop the shiver that ripples through her. She just isn't sure if it's from the cold nipping at her nose, or his honey-soaked voice doing things to a widow that it shouldn't. "True, but creatures like him want to run and do what they will."

Understanding lights up his eyes. "Mistress, may I help you? Carry home your bounty?"

She shakes her head. "My cottage is not much further. Thank you." The horse dances sideways, ready to be off again. "How is your son," she asks before they take off again.

She doesn't miss the pride that makes him smile. "He is good. May I have your name? So I can tell him that you asked about him?"

She smiles faintly. "Tell him that Katniss, Violet's mother, said hello."

She sees his lips move, but doesn't hear him whisper, "Katniss." Then he gets down and walks the couple of feet to her side. "Let me help you, Katniss. I know that boar is at least a hundred pounds if not more."

She nods and he relieves her of her burden transferring it to the back of his horse. "What is his name?"

He pets the beast's nose, and says, "His name is Bishop. He was my father's horse before he passed."

She touches his arm, and she wonders why he looks surprised, while she says, "I am so sorry to hear about your loss."

He shrugs. "It was a long time ago."

"I lost my father too," she volunteers, shocked that she is talking about it. She never does that, much less with strangers. "What is your name?"

He smiles, like he just received the greatest treasure. He lays his arm across his chest, and bows his head. "My name is Peeta."

For some reason, his introduction makes her feel like she is meeting someone really important, perhaps one of the royal guard. She points in the general direction of her cottage. "My home is that way."

He follows her in silence for a moment before he asks, "How do you come to hunt in the king's forest?"

"My husband's uncle Haymitch has permission from the king himself. As far as I know, he is the only one allowed. He is no longer able to hunt, and since I married into the family, he said I could hunt."

He surprises her when he says, "You said that you are a widow at the feast. What happened to him?"

"He was hunting in these woods last spring and was trampled by a boar. He didn't recover from the resulting fever and he passed."

This time it's him who reaches out and touches her arm. She is comforted by his touch. "I am so sorry Katniss. I lost my wife last spring also."

She nods. "It seems that we both have lost much. Can I ask how—"

He swallows hard. "She was in childbirth. They both—"

"Oh that's horrible," she gasps. "And Ethan? How is he doing?"

"He's better. He is actually sick today. That is why he's not with me."

"Oh no, I hate to hear that he is sick. I know he likes to go riding with you. Does he ride with you on Bishop?"

Peeta chuckles. "Oh no. He rides on Cake."

Katniss' steps falter and he steps up behind her catching her when she stumbles. "Cake? How does he ride Cake?"

This time she joins in his laughter. "Cake is his horse. He named him when he was four after his favorite thing."

"I've never had cake. Is it good?" she asks shyly.

"It is." He stops. "Is that your cottage?"

She can't stop the disappointed feeling that washes over her. "It is." She starts to tug the pig off of Bishop.

He steps forward to help. "I can carry it for you."

"I can get it. Thank you for your help."

She watches him climb back into the saddle. "The honor is all mine."

"Mama! Where are you?" Violet runs into the cottage where she is working at the table. Its winter solstice and Violet's birthday, and Katniss doesn't want her daughter to see her tears. This will be Violet's first birthday without her father, and its reminding her too much of her own first birthday without her father. "I'm right here," she calls out as Violet storms into the little house, followed closely by Prim.

"Mama! Look what Grandma made for me!" Violet exclaims as she twirls. The shawl that her mother just finished knitting the night before covers her daughters' slight shoulders. Its off white color compliments Violet's green dress that she just finished.

"You look beautiful. Did you tell Grandma, thank you?" Katniss asks as she looks to Prim. "I thought she was going to wait 'til supper?"

Prim shrugs. "She mentioned that she was cold—"

"So Grandma gave it to me. Are you coming too, to uncle Haymitch's for dinner?"

Prim smiles at the excited five year old. "I wouldn't miss it."

Delly's children, Tommy and Sarah knock on the door. "Can Violet come and play?" Sarah asks.

Katniss nods and says, "Come home in just a little bit. We need to be at Uncle's house by sundown.

"Yes, Mama," Violet chimes and runs off after her friends.

The two sisters watch the children for a moment before Katniss turns her attention back to the deer leather she is working on. "What are you making?" Prim asks.

"A small bag for Mother and I need to make one for Haymitch." Katniss replies without looking up.

"How are you doing?" Prim asks.

Katniss knows exactly what she is asking her, but she doesn't really want to talk about it right now. After all, her sister wouldn't understand how she is mourning for one man but yet missing the blond man she met again in the forest just last week. So she says, "I'm ok. I just want to help Violet have a good birthday and Christmas." She only glances up at Prim, and hates the pity she sees there. She sighs, "Really Sister, I'm fine."

"Alright." but even Katniss can tell by the tone in her voice that Prim doesn't believe her. "I'll see you in at dinner." Prim opens the door and a cold wind blows through. Katniss gets up to put another piece of wood in the fireplace. "Stay warm," Prim offers.

Katniss hugs herself, wondering where her shawl is. "You too." She waits until Prim closes the door behind her before she lets her thoughts wander as she stirs the stew she made to take to Uncle Haymitch's. They go to the blond haired, way too handsome Peeta. She wonders what he, as a palace guard is doing right now to get ready for solstice and Christmas.

"Please, Finnick, can we talk about the treaties after Christmas? Let us enjoy this holiday with our family," Peeta almost pleads.

Finnick gathers up the papers scattered before him. "I told Snow and Coin that it would be after the holiday before we could finish the treaty anyway. I just don't understand the interest in our little country."

Peeta shrugs. "It's either our ports, or the coal. I don't think they know about the gold."

"They shouldn't. I mean we haven't even started to mine it."

Both of the men grin when they hear approaching footsteps. They know who it is before he even appears and pouches on his father. "Someone must be feeling better?" Peeta asks.

Ethan grins. "Annie said I was all better. Can we still go take the presents to the village?"

"We will on Christmas Eve." Peeta meets Finnick's gaze across the table. "Was the rest of the food delivered to the other villages?"

Finnick nods. "The men returned just today."

Peeta smiles. "I'm hungry. Do you want to go see if Sae has anything for us?"

"She does. I was just helping her make meat pies," Ethan offers.

Peeta grabs his son, and tickles him. "You mean Sae made meat pies and you didn't tell me?"

In between his giggles, Ethan gasps, "But I just did!"

Peeta stops his tickling and says, "Oh, so you did. I'll beat you to the kitchen!"

Ethan takes off running back out. Peeta comes around the table and pats Finnick on the back. "I'll beat you to the kitchen too."

Finnick chuckles then takes off, not quite running, but walking faster than normal with the king right on his heels.

"Uncle Haymitch!" Violet runs through the front door of the biggest house in the village. Katniss knows that Haymitch is wealthier than others in their little village. Mitch even told her one time that the old king had offered to make Haymitch one of his nobles after he saved his life, but uncle already had Johanna and Mitch living with him. So he asked for a house, instead of a cottage, in his village of Gual.

Katniss follows behind with her mother, Prim and her fiancé, Cato following. She smiles when she sees Violet's other family members greeting her with hugs, and returns theirs, when they come to give her one. By now, Gale and Madge and their little ones are here, along with Delly and Thom with theirs. Haymitch slaps her on the back after Johanna's Brue takes the stew from her. He grumbles, "I didn't think I was feeding the entire village of Gual today."

"I heard you Uncle!" Jo exclaims. "This is our family whether you like it or not, old man. Now, come and sit so we can eat. I know Violet wants her birthday presents soon."

Violet jumps around the dining room with the other children following her. "I want my presents Auntie Jo!"

Jo smiles at her niece. "Yes, I know sweetie. Let's all sit down and eat, then we will open them."

While everyone starts to find their seats around the huge table, Jo walks by Katniss. She jerks her head towards the kitchen and Katniss follows. Once the women are in the other room, they go to the counter to finish up the food. Jo asks, "How are you?"

Katniss smiles and gives her a tired smile. "I'm ok. I think I'm missing Mitch more than Violet is."

Jo finishes getting the napkins together. Then faces her sister-in-law. "One day, you will have someone besides us to love again. It might be tomorrow, it might be next year. But know that no matter what, we still love you."

Katniss nods and gives her a little smile. "Thank you."

"Besides I miss him too. He is all I had left of Mother and Father. At least he left us Violet."

Katniss doesn't miss Jo's tears. She pulls her close for a hug. "We will always have Violet. Are you ok?"

Jo shakes her head. "Some days I think I am, then there are others that if he was here, I'd beat him for doing something so stupid! He knows to stay away from boars! You need to leave them alone too."

Katniss won't meet her eyes. Looking down at her hands she says, "I'm just keeping them cleaned out of the woods. You know how the children like to play at the edge. I wouldn't want any of them to be hurt."

Jo grabs Katniss by the shoulders and gives her a little shake until she looks up. "You have to stop. I've seen how many you've been shooting. At least make Gale go into the woods with you or something. Violet can't lose you too."

"I'm a better shot than that." She won't tell Jo the other reason why she is hunting boars. They are worth much more than the much larger deer she can bring down. Now that Mitch isn't providing, it's her bow that brings in food and meat to trade. "Come on Sister, let's eat. Violet isn't as patient as we think she is."

The next day in the forest, after a messenger brought Katniss a note from Sae at the castle, she is able to get a deer, and several turkeys. She also bags several rabbits, so she can use their fine winter coats to make into gloves for Violet once they are cured. After Gale helps her bring in their combined bounty of several turkeys and a deer for him too, they quickly field dress the animals. Thom said that they could use his wagon to take the offerings for the royal family's Christmas to Sae so she can begin to prepare it. At the last minute, Violet and Gale's son, Colton decide to go with them to the castle.

The castle isn't far at all, but the road climbs several hills on the way, and Katniss is glad that they have the wagon. Violet and Colton play along the way, since they are both now five they walk in front of Delly's old mare, Nessie while she follows them at her own well deserved pace.

"The king is bringing Gual a feast again this Christmas?" Gale asks.

"That is what Haymitch said. I think they are going to set up the food in his house again this year. Then everyone can come and sup, or even take some back home."

Violet calls out pointing to the sky, "Look Mama!"

She looks up to see a flock of mockingjays take to the sky. They were her father's favorite birds so she never shot one. She starts to whistle and everyone in their little group smiles when they call back to her, mimicking perfectly what she just whistled.

Colton, a perfect copy of his father, tries to whistle but can't seem to get it, while Violet can whistle the four-note tune perfectly. She and Gale both smile when Colton starts to lose his temper. "Dad! Help me!"

Gale steps up behind his son and swoops him up into his arms, tickling him as he does. Katniss smiles but looks at Violet, worried for a moment until she sees Gale running after her trying to catch her too. Not for the first time, she is grateful for good friends.

Violet runs to her, clinging to her legs, giggling the entire time. Colton joins her as soon as Gale puts him down. Another wagon on the road gets their attention, and Katniss puts the children behind her while Gale steps between her and the approaching men.

They don't stop, but continue trotting past them, and Katniss and Gale both recognize the colors and flags of Trideag, their neighboring country to the south, when three of their wagons come roaring by. When all is quiet again, it's Violet who asks, "Who was that, Mama?"

"Those are men from the country of Trideag. They don't have a port, so they have to use ours." Katniss answers.

Violet asks, "Why don't they have a port?"

"What is a port?" Colton questions.

Gale chuckles. "So many questions. A port is where ships come and bring you things for your country. They don't have a port because they don't have any land next to the sea. Let's keep going. We still need to get back to our village before nightfall."

Both Colton and Violet mutter, "Yes sir." They follow the adults up the hill to the castle. Soon they are in the courtyard. Katniss goes straight to the kitchen door, and as usual, Sae opens the door before she even had a chance to knock.

Sae looks behind her and smiles. Katniss follows her gaze to see Violet and Colton both hiding behind her skirts peeking out at Sae. "Ye' brought her!" Sae exclaims. "My, my, she sure is beautiful. And what a handsome young man you have with you. Come children. Ethan and I made cookies this morning."

Katniss wonders again what Peeta and Ethan's roles at the castle are. If Ethan is in the kitchen helping, then would Peeta still be a palace guard? Or even one of the king's horsemen? Katniss shakes her head to clear her thoughts. "I brought what your messenger asked for."

Sae passes Katniss the pouch full of coins as she murmurs, "Thank you." Katniss nods as she takes it. Sae continues, "Let me get some help—"

Gale steps forward. "I can help Katniss unload the wagon. I think that is why she brought me."

Sae chuckles. As Colton chimes in, "I can help, too!"

And Violet, not to be left out, adds, "Me too!"

Sae smiles. "I'm not one to stop youngin's from working." She pats the table outside the kitchen door. "Put them here. I'll start cleaning them."

Katniss doesn't miss how the older woman clenches and unclenches her hands in the chilly winter day. "We can help you if you need us to. The children can pull the feathers and I can skin the deer. We'll be done in no time."

Sae nods gratefully. "You can keep the feathers and the deer skin." She then turns and disappears for a moment and returns with the finest set of knives Katniss or Gale have ever seen. "I just sharpened them today."

Gale accepts them reverently. "These are amazing."

Katniss can see her blinking fast because of her tears. "My dear Blight made them. He did all of the iron work for the king. Those are the last set of knives he made."

About that time, Ethan comes barreling out the kitchen door. "Who is this?" Gale asks.

Ethan steps forward. "My name is Ethan. Welcome to my home."

Violet throws her arms around him and he returns it while Colton looks on with an unsure look on his face. Katniss has to stifle a smile. "Come now. Start plucking those birds." Sae hands her some sacks. "Put them in here and we will get started on the deer."

Ethan asks, "You're going to do what?"

Violet reaches for his hand. "Come on. I'll show you what to do. This is how you make pillows."

"You can make pillows? I didn't know you could do that."

Colton huffs, and crosses his arms grumpily. "I can do that."

Katniss nudges them all over to the carcasses. "Everyone can do it. Show them how Violet."

The children start pulling feathers and with Gale helping her, she has the deer ready for Sae in just a little bit. Sae who is standing beside them says, "I remember when I used to be that quick."

Katniss offers, "I could get Mother to make up something to help with the ache."

"I remember ye' mother. She can use her herbs to make anyone feel better. That would be nice."

Ethan's laughter breaks into her their conversation. "Look, Sae! I have feathers everywhere!"

Everyone laughs with him. "You aren't the only one," Katniss says as she points out the feathers pointing out of Violet and Colton's hair.

Gale asks, "We are done, are you?"

"But, Dad," Colton whines. "You always beat us."

Katniss and Gale join the youngsters. "Well let's see who can do this the quickest."

In a flurry of activity, within a matter of minutes the rest of the feathers are gone. Everyone washes their hands with the water pump in the yard. This time Sae presses some coins into Gale's hands while Colton and Violet get in the wagon. Katniss doesn't hear what they are saying, but Gale rejoins them in a moment anyway.

"Where are you going?" Ethan asks, and it breaks Katniss' heart to hear how lonely he sounds.

"Back to the village. It will be dark soon, and we need to be home by then," Katniss replies.

"When can you come back and play?" Ethan asks.

Violet and Colton both chime in with their "Yeses and pleases." Katniss looks at Gale and then at Sae.

It's Sae who rescues them. "Ethan, you can play with them another day. Right now we have to get ready for the Christmas feast, just like these fine people have to get ready for theirs. Besides, you might see them on Christmas day."

All of the children look at her in puzzlement. "Aren't you going to the village on Christmas day? With your father?"

Ethan grins and Violet and Colton do a little happy dance while Katniss tries not to think about seeing Peeta. "Well then, we will see you in a couple of days," Gale says.

The adults smile at the cheers of the children.

Katniss is up, as usual while it is still dark. She returns to the same spot with her tea, every morning to watch as the sun rises over the mountains surrounding her village. The light orange mixing the lingering night helps her to gather her thoughts for the day. Instead of enjoying the view today, she is instead thinking of a certain blond man on a big black horse and as usual, comes the guilt that she shouldn't be thinking of any man at all.

She sips her tea and tries to will her mind to still, but it refuses to. She remembers the happy times with Mitch, how he held Violet for the first time, how he held her that first time. She feels the wetness on her cheeks and wipes her tears with the back of her hand. The sky outside her window turns the same color as Peeta's eyes and she doesn't even try to stop thinking about him. How he sounds, how he says her name, even how he smiles at her.

She hears Violet starting to wake up, and wipes her tears away before her daughter sees them. She shouldn't be thinking about Peeta while she is mourning Mitch. She owes Violet better than that.

A weight bouncing on his bed wakes him up. "Dad! Hey Dad! It's time to get up."

Peeta uncovers his head to see Ethan bouncing on the bed beside him. He pulls back the covers and swoops Ethan under them with him. Ethan struggles against him and Peeta says, "What's wrong?"

"We've got to go!"

"Now, you know you can't open presents until Finnick and Annie are here," Peeta admonishes.

Ethan stills. "I don't want to open presents, well I do, but first I want to take the feast to Gual. I need to go play with Violet and Colton."

"Mac, what are you talking about?"

He huffs, "Katniss and Violet and Colton and his daddy came to the castle the other day and we got to pluck turkeys. They live in the village and I want to go play with them. You said I could go take the food to them. Can I still go?"

All of a sudden the beautiful woman he met in the woods invades his thoughts again. He smiles thinking that it would be wonderful to see her again. He sits up and tickles Ethan. "Yes! We are going to spread Christmas cheer. But first we have to eat breakfast. Then we have to visit with Finnick and Annie. Then it will be time to go."

Ethan lets out a big dramatic sigh, "You mean I have to wait all day?"

Peeta can hear the disappointment in his voice and he feels it too. "Come on, Mac. We will stay busy until then."

"Mama! They are here." Violet exclaims as she opens the cottage door to let the rest of her little family in. since they were going to help at the feast tonight Grandma, Prim and her fiancé Cato come in for a Christmas visit.

Violet gathered their coats and shawls while Katniss fixed everyone a bowl of simple stew while they gathered around the table. They eat quietly for a moment before Prim says, "More and more people are asking Cato to continue bringing in wood."

Katniss nods. "That's good. The village needs someone to do it." She looks at Violet and smiles. "I don't think we could do it."

Cato offers, "It's a good job for me. You know the king asked me to keep the forest clean from brush?" He waits for the women to nod. "Well he asked me to continue to do it this year. It will be enough for us to finally be married."

Prim's eyes light up and Violet claps her hands. "Really? We've been waiting for so long." He picks up her hand and presses a chaste kiss to Prim's knuckles.

Katniss smiles when she sees Cato look at Prim like a love-sick calf. "I also got us a cottage."

Prim bounces in her seat. "Which one?"

Cato chuckles. "The old one that the McCabe's lived in. it needs some work, but Gale already said he and his brothers would help."

"A spring wedding is always good," Grandma Lily adds.

Prim looks to Cato who nods. Violet asks, "Is getting married when you two finally live together in the same cottage instead of meeting in the barn all the time?"

Katniss' laughter, Prim and Cato's embarrassment, and Grandma's gasp of shock has Violet asking, "What? I've seen you in there. You two meet every evening after dinner."

Katniss stands up and holds out her hand for Violet. "Come little bird; let's go change so Prim can explain to Grandma why she spends time in the barn alone with Cato."

Katniss and her family arrive at Uncle Haymitch's house where a couple of their neighbors are starting to gather. Ever since any of them could remember, the castle would provide them with a Christmas feast. They would usually eat at the church in the center of the village, but the roof needs to be replaced. Since Haymitch has the biggest house, he was volunteered to host it. Katniss looks around the huge living room and dining room, and since they cleared out the furniture, she thinks that there might be enough room for everyone.

Violet runs off with the other children, while Katniss finds a bedroom to put their shawls in. She returns and Jo hands her apron. Tables have been brought over from the church for the food. It is a known fact for everyone to bring their own plates, bowls and other utensils they might need. Prim is already helping in the kitchen, while her mother is talking to some of the older people whom she helps on a weekly basis. Before she has a chance to do anything, there are men from the castle, led by Sae, bringing in platters and platters of food. Katniss gets out of the way, and tries not to be too obvious as she looks for a certain someone amongst them.

The rest of the village must have seen the wagons arrive, because all of a sudden the large house, doesn't feel so big after all. She fights against the flow and escapes out the front door. She almost gulps the cold air into her lungs feeling free from the press of the people. She tries to look back into the house but can't see past the crowd. She knows that Jo will be upset with her, but she just can't stay and help.

She escapes off of the wide step and with her head down, heads towards her cottage. She decides to go and get herself other shawl, and then return to help watch the children when she runs smack into a wall. She stumbles back but quick hands reach out to catch her before she falls.

She looks up into those eyes that are the same color of her favorite sky. Her arms warm from where he holds on to her. Her breath stutters in her chest and she knows that it's not just from the cold. She looks up into his easy smile, and she finds herself returning it.

"It's you," he whispers and it sends warm shivers down her spine. She can't seem to think, much less to catch her breath so all she can do is nod. She can't take her eyes off of him even when he looks around behind her. "Is there somewhere we can go talk?"

She clears her throat. The earlier conversation at her table reminds her of the perfect place. She mutters, "The big barn behind me. You go in the front and I'll be there in a minute." And then she steps away. She finds herself returning his smile and then he walks away. She glances back towards Haymitch's and thankfully she spies Madge. She weaves in and out of the crowd until she gets to her friend. She touches her arm and Madge turns around with a smile. "There you are. I thought you would be inside."

Katniss shakes her head. "Too many people for me. Can you watch for Violet? I need to go do something really fast."

Madge nods. "Yes, hurry back. You know Jo will be looking for you."

"Not if you don't tell her." Katniss says over her shoulder as she walks away. She doesn't see Sae watching her from Haymitch's house with a great big smile on her face.

Katniss gently opens the back door of the barn and smiles when the horses nicker at her. She quickly closes the door behind her. This is Haymitch's barn but everyone who doesn't have their own shelter for their horses keeps them here in the winter time. She has always loved the smell of the horses and the hay, but that isn't what is making her excited. He is standing on the other side of the barn talking to Uncle Haymitch's old brown mare.

She watches him for a moment. He is dressed in simple clothes with his breeches tucked into his boots and he has his cape covering his shoulders which just adds to his air of mystery. She slowly approaches him, her movement gain his attention. He looks up at her with that smile and she thinks her heart flips. "Are you warm enough?" he asks.

She just remembers that she still doesn't have her shawl but being inside the barn helps. "I'll get warm in a moment, Peeta."

She didn't think his smile could get any bigger, but it does when he hears her use his name. She watches, mesmerized, as he takes off his cloak and wraps it around her shoulders. She relishes in the lingering heat and if she isn't mistaken, it smells like bread? "There. It looks better on you anyway."

She doesn't want to seem ungrateful even if she hates to admit how good it feels. "Thank you. And thank you for helping with the feast today."

He looks at her funny and says, "Of course I wanted to help. Besides Ethan couldn't wait to come and play with your daughter and another little boy. Colton, is it?"

A smile full of a mothers pride graces her lips. She doesn't know how beautiful she is as she says, "Yes, when we brought what Sae needed to the castle he helped us. Gale and I cleaned the deer while they plucked the turkeys—"

"Wait," he interrupts her. "Ethan plucked turkeys?"

"He wasn't sure at first, but after watching Violet and Colton, he didn't have a problem at all." She notices the weird expression on his face that is even weirder than before. "Are you sure that you are ok? Do you need your cloak back?"

"I'm fine. I just never pictured Ethan even wanting to pluck feathers."

"Oh no. I shouldn't have let him do that. I'm so—"

He grabs her hands. "You don't have to apologize for anything. I know the boy enjoyed it; If not, then he wouldn't want to go find them now. Thank you for giving him the chance to help."

Katniss isn't sure why that means a lot for him to be thanking her. She answers, "You're welcome. Do you not have any family to spend Christmas with, besides Ethan that is?"

"I have a sister-in-law and her husband. We had lunch, then we came here. They are probably out there somewhere—"

She interrupts, "Oh no," And tries not to think about what would happen if they were found. She looks around nervously. "I really must be going—"

She turns to leave and for the second time that night he stops her with just a touch. She turns to look back at him and she doesn't mistake the look of longing on his face, because she is sure the same is on hers. "Stay with me?"

She can't help but to lean into his touch and she forgets where she is, and that she is with a complete stranger. They lean into one another, so close that she can smell the mint on his breath, when one of the horses kicks the side of the barn, breaking the spell. They both jump back, and she, not knowing what else to do, runs out of the barn. Keeping to the backs of the cottages, she goes straight home, slamming the door behind her like the very hounds of hell are chasing her. She leans against the door, waiting for her heart to return to its normal pace when she catches the whiff of bread again coming from his cloak still wrapped around her. For a moment, she lets herself bury her nose in the collar, and thinks about how blue his eyes really are and how soothing his baritone voice is to her hurting heart.