A/N: One of Katniss and Hazelle's few scenes in Canon. Quoting Suzanne Collins directly in their dialogue. Hope you enjoy.

The cold water in the sink has leached all the warmth from my fingers when I spot Katniss out the window. Her game bag is slung over her shoulder. I welcome the opportunity for a break, even this early in the day, and maybe a hot mug of tea. With a nod of welcome, I wipe my hands on my apron and head to the door to meet her.

It was only weeks ago that Gale was taking game to the Everdeens while Katniss fought for her life. Now that Katniss is home and Gale is working in the mines, she's bringing game to us. He resents Katniss' hunting for us. Really, he resents Katniss being taken away from him. So much is changing for both of them- so much that Gale even sees her hunting as charity, given her new found status. Of course it's really the whole situation with Peeta that he's reacting to, but he's not making things any easier on the girl. Unfortunately he doesn't see he's only pushing her further away. And he's too pig headed to hear anything I say about it. Just like his father. And given everything she's been through - this is the first time in twenty-four years that a district 12 tribute has won the games - and the first time two tributes have ever been allowed to survive.

She's hard to read though; I don't know what her feelings are toward either boy. If anything, she seems confused. I'm not sure she has anyone to help her figure it out, either. Gale's her best friend, but she couldn't talk to him about this. And it's not my place to mother Katniss - I have enough to deal with as it is, and Gale would think I was interfering. So I won't butt in. What Katniss needs from me, the one thing I can give her, is to treat her as I always have, and let her feel normal again if only for a moment.

When I meet her at the door, Katniss looks slightly uncomfortable, though I'm not sure whether it's because of Gale's new hostility or those fancy new shoes. I accept the beaver carcass from her, instinctively assessing its weight and condition as I hold it by the tail, planning how to use it best. "He's going to make a nice stew," I say appreciatively.

I'd never have thanked her outright before, so I don't now. I know it's not appropriate anyway. We may need the food far more than she, but she needs this too, in a different way. She's clinging to this connection to us and to her old life. I worry to think how long it can last, now that she's so famous. Katniss is strong though. She'll find a way to survive.

"Good pelt, too." she says. Treated right, the Beaver pelt will be warm, supple, and resilient. We could use it, perhaps to make mittens for the boys, but we'll probably be better off if Gale can get a good price for it in the Hob. If this cold weather keeps up, it'll be all the more valuable, to the right buyer.

I gesture for Katniss to come in as I carry the beaver into the kitchen. The pot of herb tea is still keeping hot on the stove, so I pour us each a mug. Katniss isn't the talkative type, so I'm a little surprised when she says, "You know, when I get back from the tour, I was thinking I might take Rory out with me sometimes. After school. Teach him to shoot."

I nod, agreeing it would be a good idea. Gale had hoped to do it himself, before he started in the mines, but with Katniss going into the games, that plan had been derailed. Now he has such little time. Sundays are his only chance to get out into the woods. It's the only time he gets for himself, and his only time with Katniss. Also, I know it's not what she means, but with Gale in the mines, we can't be reliant on Katniss forever. "That'd be good," I tell her. "Gale means to, but he's only got his Sundays, and I think he likes saving those for you."

Katniss blushes, and her brow furrows. I meant it as reassurance, but I've inadvertently brought up whatever conflicts she is facing with Gale. She knows how hurt he was watching her games. Maybe she's thinking about him watching the Victory Tour. From what I've heard she hasn't been spending much time with Peeta, but I suppose the Tour changes that again.

Katniss gulps down the last of her tea, probably scalding her tongue, and pushes her chair back, saying, "I better get going. Make myself presentable for the cameras."

I accept her excuse to avoid talking about my son. I sigh, again wishing that Katniss had the freedom of a regular teenager to sort out feelings and relationships in the usual way. With both Gale and now Peeta, Katniss has been thrust into relationships for the sake of survival. At least with Gale they both had some choice in the matter, and plenty of time to sort things out with each other and develop the friendship that has kept both our families fed. Now, it seems she's had no choice and no time, and instead of working things out on her own time, she will have the entire country watching.

"Enjoy the food," I say, hugging her goodbye. It's safe to say that; it seems to me that the food will be about the only pleasant thing on the Victory Tour.

"Absolutely," she answers, before turning to leave.

After all, from our perspective, any filled table is a blessing.

Random A/N: A guest review asked what AU stands for. I don't think I use AU at all in this series? Typically it stands for Alternative Universe so something about the set-up or setting for the story is deliberately different from the original. Here I try to stick to the original as much as possible. ( I do use "A/N" a lot, which stands for "Author's Note")