Thanks to everyone for all the lovely reviews! It's so nice to know that other people have enjoyed something you've written. Hope you all enjoy the next little rambling thing...
Katniss stretched herself out along the length of the couch, wedging herself between the cushions that made up the back and the seat of the elaborately large, curved lounge. It was the middle of the night, and she still wasn't quite used to being inside again. Her bed felt strange. Almost too exposed with its flat expanse of emptiness. She much preferred to be nestled in the lounge, protected from a few sides at least. She'd spent the past hour watching the stars, looking up behind her at the floor to ceiling window to the side of the lounge. Overall, the penthouse was a pretty impressive place to be staying, but the view of the stars was Katniss's favourite feature.
She sighed and closed her eyes, hoping to finally fall asleep. Everyone had celebrated her and Peeta's success the night before in true, over the top, Capitol fashion, leading to a mostly lazy day. The looming journey back to District 12 the next day meant that everyone was taking advantage of these last few hours of calm, before the inevitable craziness began.
Suddenly Katniss froze, hearing soft footsteps leading to the kitchen beside her. While they never did any actual cooking in the penthouse, the fridge was always extremely well stocked. She turned her head silently and squinted as her eyes adjusted from the night lights of the Capitol back to the dark kitchen. The fridge was opened and Katniss relaxed, letting out a breath she didn't even know she was holding.
She could see Effie, illuminated by the soft light of the refrigerator. She was shorter than normal, her feet bare against the tiles. She bent slightly, moving around plates and containers, and after a minute or so, reaching further into the fridge, obviously looking for something.
Katniss tensed again as she heard another set of footsteps.
Effie glanced back at Haymitch, who had wandered into the kitchen, before turning her attention back to the fridge. "They're in here somewhere Haymitch. I saw them earlier today." Haymitch leaned over her, balancing his chin on her shoulder, one arm sliding around her waist effortlessly.
"Do we really need to have chocolate covered strawberries right this very second, princess?" They spoke softly, but in the stillness of the open plan penthouse Katniss was able to hear every word.
"We can't celebrate without chocolate covered strawberries."
Haymitch paused and straightened back up before tightening his hold on Effie and tugging her up and away from the front of the fridge. He picked her up off the ground, her legs dangling over the edge of his other arm as she let out a surprised giggle. She smacked his shoulder lightly and wrapped her arm around his neck for support.
"Well, I guess we're going to have to try."
"Haymitch! Put me down!" Haymitch ignored her request and hoisted her higher, getting a better grip. He pushed the door of the fridge closed with his foot before carrying a giggling Effie out of the kitchen and down the hallway.
Katniss smiled to herself and resumed her stargazing.
When she arrived at breakfast the next morning, Katniss couldn't help but notice the large bowl of fresh strawberries set out along side all the other extravagant breakfast foods. Effie had cut the stems off her strawberries, sliced them into quarters and was eating them with a fork while Haymitch, sitting opposite her, was using the stem as a handle and eating them whole.
Effie stared directly at Haymitch as he shoved another strawberry in his mouth, hiding a smile as she scolded him for his table manners. "Manners, Haymitch! We have company!"