Hazelle looks over her children one more time. They're in their best clothes, the same outfits worn on Reaping Day. Their hair is brushed, their faces washed. Hopefully they are presentable enough. She'd never expected them to be on display like this, but as Katniss' "family", they can at least look presentable and be there to support the Everdeens. Having approved their appearance, she herds her children out of the house and toward tonight's "Victor's Dinner" at the Mayor's house.
Well, three of her children. Gale stalked out of the house about an hour ago, as soon as she allowed it, with his game bag. She made him stay to help wrangle the kids while they all took turns getting cleaned up, but she knew she couldn't force him to go with them. She can't blame him. Peeta's proposal to Katniss had caught them all off guard. Gale shouldn't have to welcome Katniss back home at a dinner with her new fiance. If anyone questions his absence, she'll just say he's home sick.
She thinks she's prepared them for what this will be like, not that she knows exactly what to expect herself. She's told them it might be boring to them because there will be a lot of adults and not many kids. They still remembered the District Holiday soon after Katniss and Peeta returned from the games, and of course the couple of Parcel Days when they've gotten shipments of food that come with living in the winning district. She's sure there will again be an unbelievable spread of food laid out tonight, and hopes her children remember their manners – at least they are pretty well fed these days. Gale can only make it to the woods on Sundays, but Hazelle had saved up some money when Katniss was bringing them game before the Victory Tour. That beaver pelt fetched a good sum at the hob once Hazelle had cured it, too. So the children weren't starving, meaning they might actually behave themselves.
Outside the mayor's house, Hazelle pauses and circles her children in front of her. She looks each one in the eye and tells them, "We are all using our manners tonight, right everyone? It might seem boring, but enjoy the food and have fun, okay? Just … be polite."
Hazelle has just raised her arm to ring the doorbell when the door is swung open by a butler in a fancy suit. He ushers them into the house and says to Hazelle, "May I take your coat ma'am?"
Hazelle fixes a light smile on her face, saying, "thank you" as he helps her with her coat. Then she takes Posy's coat off, collects the boys' coats and hands them over, too.
"But Ma - " Rory begins to protest. Hazelle quiets him with a look, softly pointing out, "Rory, sweetie, we don't need our coats inside." Well, not unless it's so bitterly cold outside that the fire in the hearth can't keep their small home warm, and even the coal stove barely seems able to warm dinner. But it's not that cold, and anyway the Mayor's house, even here by the door, is toasty warm. And the temperature isn't the point.
The butler's face pokes up out of the mountain of coats she's deposited in his arms, and he wordlessly takes them away.
Inside, Hazelle spots the Mellark family and the Everdeens, as well as Haymitch and Effie Trinket. Katniss and Peeta stand by their respective families, Katniss wearing a gorgeous silver gown, Peeta a simple but elegant suit. There are camera crews filming everything. As they enter the room, Mayor Undersee, his daughter at his side, greets them. The only other time the Mayor has spoken to Hazelle was when her husband was killed in the mines. At the time she was beside herself with grief, and overwhelmed with the idea of raising four children on her own. She doesn't remember it well.
"Mrs. Hawthorne, welcome. Thank you for joining us tonight. My daughter Margaret and I are so pleased that you and your family are here, to help us welcome our victors home." He seems genuinely happy to have us in his home. Maybe he's simply enjoying celebrating victors from district 12 rather than strangers from another district. His daughter Margaret, dressed in a lovely white dress, smiles wordlessly from his side.
The Mayor gently proffers his hand, continuing, "Please, enjoy the festivities. There are appetizers and drinks at the buffet. The formal dinner will begin in about twenty minutes. I won't keep you - I'm sure you're anxious to see Katniss and hear about the Victory Tour."
Hazelle gives the Mayor's hand a light squeeze before he releases hers. "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. We're honored to be invited to your lovely home." Just then Posy giggles, hiding shyly behind Hazelle's skirt. Hazelle looks down to realize that the Mayor's daughter has been silently engaging with the young girl with smiles and waves. Hazelle smiles to herself, thinking that tonight will be like Catnip to Posy, if she gets any attention from the older girls.
Looking to the girl standing with the Mayor, Hazelle offers "Margaret, you look lovely tonight. I think your pretty dress has already bewitched my daughter Posy." It's just a simple compliment to her hosts, part of social protocol, but the girl's cheeks turn bright red at Hazelle's comment. Then she seems to remember herself, and responds, "thank you, ma'am. Posy is quite bewitching, herself."
With a smile and nod, the Undersees excuse themselves, and Hazelle leads her family over to join the Everdeens. There's an awkwardness to the gathering, which seems to emanate from the cameras recording every action. Katniss looks too thin, worn and tired, despite her elegant gown which entrances Posy. Hazelle and her children each embrace their "cousin," genuinely glad to see her. Feeling the weight of the cameras on them, Hazelle puts on her best smile and congratulates Katniss on her engagement. She apologizes for Gale's absence, claiming he wasn't feeling well and stayed home in bed. She expects Katniss will see through the lie, but doubts anyone else will question it, if it matters at all.
Rory and Vick are getting antsy, so Hazelle lets them go check out the food along the far wall. Katniss is called away from them, and Prim leads Posy off to find some juice, and get something from the buffet table. Hazelle makes small talk with Mrs. Everdeen, about the weather and the Victory Tour. Nothing of substance. She keeps an eye on the children, but Prim, Posy and the boys have taken over a couch in the corner and are amusing themselves quietly.
Soon, the Mayor begins a speech welcoming the Victors home. A waiter comes by with flutes of sparkling wine while Mayor Undersee prattles on about the history of district 12, the humble coal-mining district, about how proud the district is of Katniss and Peeta, and the strength of their love. Hazelle makes an effort to keep a straight face through it all. He ends with a toast to the newly engaged couple. Peeta makes a short speech of thanks before everyone is invited to the table for the formal dinner. It's there that Hazelle realizes there is not even a place set for Mrs. Undersee. She's heard that the woman is in poor health; she must not be up for this kind of extravaganza.
All in all, Hazelle has to be proud of how her children behave themselves. It's been quite pleasant overall, other than Mrs. Mellark who seems to want to have nothing to do with the Everdeens or Hawthornes. Still, the dinner entails several courses. The boys hold up well, distracted by each course and competing to see who can eat the latest concoction more slowly. Vick spills some red sauce down the front of his shirt, but at least everyone pretends not to notice while Hazelle dabs at it with her wet napkin. However, long before dessert is served, Posy has had enough. Hazelle holds her in her lap, crooning quietly to her little girl whenever she starts fussing. The Mayor and Mr. Mellark are engaged in a boisterous conversation about the Harvest Festival, and Hazelle wonders how much longer this will go on. She smiles apologetically to the Mayor's daughter, who is sitting between Prim and Rory across the table. Margaret smiles back, and lifts her eyes to something behind Hazelle. In a moment, one of the waitresses is at the girl's side as they whisper back and forth. The waitress comes back around the table and directly to Hazelle.
The woman whispers, "Miss Undersee noticed the late hour and wanted to invite your daughter Posy to use her room, if you like, for a nap." Not wanting to disturb the table or attract attention, Hazelle simply nods in agreement. The woman explains, "If you'd like I can take her upstairs, or show you to the room."
Hazelle slips out of her chair as discreetly as possible, and follows the woman out of the dining room, upstairs. The woman leads her to a large bedroom with a bed that's almost as high as her hip. Hazelle gently lays Posy down on the bed, on top of the blanket decorated with blue flowers. Posy stirs, but Hazelle hums quietly to her and comforts her as she slips the shoes off her daughter's feet. Posy drifts off to sleep almost immediately.
The rest of the dinner passes without incident. Vick and Rory begin looking tired themselves, until dessert is served, which perks them up again. When the meal is over, Hazelle collects Posy from upstairs, then thanks the Mayor and his daughter for their hospitality. She says goodnight to Katniss and her family, and turns toward the Seam. Posy is still half asleep, so Hazelle carries her daughter home, while Rory and Vick follow along, debating which course was their favorite.
A/N: There's not a lot said in Catching Fire about the Victors' dinner the night before the Harvest Festival, but I'm exploring the interactions between Hazelle and Madge so here's my (Madge-centric) take.
As always, comments, criticism & reviews appreciated!