Katniss and the Rebels
Chapter 34: Happy Holidays
AN: So this is pretty much a long, fluffy, Christmas chapter. A lot of this is just pure fluff so I hope you like it. Thanks so much to everyone who has been following, favourite and especially those who review. To Gabrielle I want to say that I appreciate your constructive criticism and I am really sorry for the mistakes. A lot of the earlier chapters have a lot of mistakes because I wrote them when I was younger and I didn't proof read the chapters as much as I do now. I'm planning on going back and editing them when I finish the story.
Now on with this next chapter which takes place on Christmas morning.
Gale POV
The joys of having a sister who is young enough to still believe in Santa Claus is that you get the pleasure of being woken up at six am on Christmas morning by said younger sister jumping up and down on your bed and squealing, very loudly.
Thankfully Posy didn't wake anyone else up in her excitement to see what father Christmas brought her so only my sleep was disturbed.
I throw on an old sweater, take her hand and bring her downstairs.
"Yay, yay, yay-"
"Posy, remember what I said? We need to whisper so nobody else wakes up." I say, tiptoeing around the room so I can turn on the lights of the Christmas tree.
Posy puts a finger to her lips and nods but when the lights of the tree sparkle in the dim light of the sitting room, she claps her hands together and squeals again.
I try not to groan in annoyance, I was probably just as excited when I was her age. Though I can't remember ever waking my parents up this early to open my presents, my mum assures me that I did.
"Galey! Galey! Santa got me the doll I saw in the store last week! I didn't put it on my list! How did he know!?"
I shrug, "Santa knows everything Posy."
Posy nods seriously and turns back to her presents, "You're right."
She doesn't receive as many presents from Father Christmas as she did last year unfortunately but Posy certainly doesn't notice. Mum's cleaning business is picking up again but we are trying to save more and more for college next year. If I chose to go to college of course, honestly I still haven't decided.
Posy runs over to me and pulls me down to kneel beside her, shoving her new dvd in my face and all thoughts of my treacherous future drift away.
"Can we watch? Can we watch?"
My laugh soon turns into a yawn so it takes me a minute to properly respond to her,
"Maybe later Pose."
Posy sighs and then spots something behind me,
"Mummy! Mummy! Look what Santa got me!" I turn and spot my mother standing behind me, tying her bathrobe tightly and grinning down at Posy.
"Yes show me, show me!" My mum replies, excitement drenched in her tone and I smile.
A few minutes later, Posy is still rambling about her presents when mum turns to me.
"You can head back to bed you know? I got this."
I shake my head, "Nah I'm up now. I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep anyway."
I catch the worry in mum's eyes so I kiss her on the head to reassure her.
"I'll make us some coffee."
Mum frowns, "You hate coffee."
"Presents!" Vick shouts from the top of the staircase. He flies down the stairs and joins Posy at the bottom of the tree. Less than a minute later a rather exhausted looking Rory appears too, rubbing his eyes but wearing a bright smile.
I turn back to mum, "Yeah but it looks like I'll need it."
…
Katniss POV
Prim strolls into the kitchen while I'm eating my cereal, arms full of blankets and pillows.
I raise an eyebrow but she simply grins at me.
"The Annual Everdeen Christmas Movie Marathon starts in five minutes; get dressed and meet me in the sitting room. Oh and bring your pillows, I couldn't carry them."
I sigh and run upstairs to change into my comfy green sweater, sweatpants and fluffy socks. The sweater belonged to my dad and for some reason I always seem to wear it at Christmas time. It's oddly comforting.
When I enter the sitting room five minutes later, pillows in hand; Prim has a mixture of sweets, healthy food and drinks spread on the small table and she is scanning through multiple DVD's on her lap.
"You want to watch the 'Santa Claus' movies? Or 'Home Alone'?" Prim asks, spreading the DVDs on what's left of the coffee table.
I sit on the couch beside her and wrap a blanket around myself.
"Home Alone is Vick and Rory's favourite right?" I ask, "We might watch that later when they come over. What about 'A Christmas Carol'?"
Prim clicks her finger at me and nods, "Yeah you're right. 'A Christmas Carol' it is."
A half hour later mum comes in and joins us. She sits in the armchair with her own blanket. She's up and dressed and there's something about her today. She's smiling brighter and commenting on the movie with Prim.
She seems happy.
The magic of Christmas I suppose.
I hope it lasts.
Two hours later, we are in the middle of the first Santa Claus movie when I get a text message.
From Peeta Mellark: Merry Christmas
From Katniss Everdeen: Merry Christmas
From Peeta Mellark: Is it alright if I come over some time today? I understand if it's a family day, I just wanted to see you
From Katniss Everdeen: Of course it is. Nah we aren't religious at all. Come over whenever.
From Peeta Mellark: Is it alright if I come over in around half an hour?
From Katniss Everdeen: Sure
From Peeta Mellark: Thanks Kat, see you then
From Katniss Everdeen: See you
"Is it alright if Peeta comes over for a bit?" I ask
Prim nods from her spot snuggled into my side while my mum turns to face me.
"Your boyfriend?"
I nod
"Sure if you want." Mum smiles before turning back to the TV again.
…
Peeta POV
I put my phone into my pocket and re-enter the kitchen.
Brian sits at the table with his arm around Gwen while Rye is perched on the counter, his eyes trained on his phone.
"Where's mum and dad?" I ask
Usually they try and act like they love each other for the first few hours of Christmas Day at least.
Rye snorts, "Mum's gone to mass. She mentioned something about how she's the only decent one of us because she's going to church. I think dad's at the shop."
I frown, "Dad's at the bakery?"
Rye rolls his eyes, "Duh."
Some days I hate my dad for being as dedicated to his job as he is.
"I'll go check on him"
"I'm sure he's fine." Brian reassures from the table but I just shake my head and walk to the bakery.
Sure enough when I let myself in; I find him in the back hunched over some books.
I cough twice before he notices my presence.
"Peeta! Merry Christmas son!" Dad stands and envelops me in a quick hug.
I smile, "Merry Christmas, Dad…what are you doing here?"
Dad sighs, "I just wanted to look over a few things. It's one of the only days we have off and-"
"Dad you'll have tomorrow off. I'll take over some of your shifts while I'm off from school but you can't work today."
"But-"
I shake my head and close the books on the table and pile them in the corner.
"No. Not today Dad I won't allow it."
He raises an eyebrow at me, "Who's the son and who's the father here?"
I shrug.
Dad rubs a hand over his face before nodding,
"Alright, alright. Are you coming in for some tea?"
I shake my head as we make our way outside, "No I'm going to head out to Katniss's."
Dad raises an eyebrow at me.
"Unless…you want me to stay." I add uncertainly.
"No of course not" Dad smirks, "You go have fun."
"Dad if you want me to stay-" Dad locks up the bakery and turns on his heel to face me.
"I'm serious Peeta. Go, enjoy yourself. Be home for dinner or your mother will go mad."
I nod and he frowns when I don't move; I hold my hand out expectantly in response.
Dad narrows his eyes at me, "Really?" he asks drily
"We both know the minute I turn the corner, you'll be back in there working unless I take them."
Dad rolls his eyes but he places the keys in my hand anyway.
"Good and don't even think of getting the spare from Brian. I've already warned him not to give them to you." I lie
Dad gives me a gentle push, "Go!" he insists
"Bye and make sure to relax!" I say and I hop into my car and drive to Katniss's.
The roads are pretty clear but there is snow all along the roofs and the sidewalks; I assume it snowed during the night. Thankfully it isn't heavy this year. Business gets bad if it snows a lot so hopefully there won't be any major snowstorms this year.
Before I know it I'm at Katniss's house, the journey has become familiar to me as of the past few weeks. When she opens the door, she is dressed in casual sweatpants and an overlarge sweater with a blanket draped around her shoulders. She looks comfy and beautiful.
She smiles at me, "Merry Christmas Peeta"
I step closer; bringing my gloved hands to her cheeks and kiss her lips gently.
"Merry Christmas Kat."
I shut the door behind me and Katniss helps me remove my coat, hat and gloves; putting them on the coat hanger beside me.
Taking my hand, Katniss leads me into her sitting room where her sister and mother are sitting watching that Christmas movie with Tom Hanks in it. There's a small Christmas Tree in the corner, white lights draped around it that Prim and I arranged and the star that Katniss put on the top of the tree (even if I might have had to lift her up a bit to reach it).
"Hi Mrs. Everdeen, Prim, Happy Holidays."
Mrs. Everdeen turns her head to smile at me and Prim wishes me a Happy Holiday back but she is happily engrossed in her movie.
Katniss and I settle into the couch beside Prim and I'm barely there five minutes when Mrs. Everdeen stands and announces that she's going to go out for a walk.
I can feel Katniss stiffen in my arms and I try and give her arm a comforting squeeze.
"Are you sure?" Prim asks softly
Her mother nods and kisses Prim on the head,
"I'm sure, nobody is out on Christmas Day. I'll have some peace."
Her eyes flit to Katniss and they look at each other a bit longer than necessary.
"I'll be back in an hour." Mrs. Everdeen says calmly.
Katniss waits a second before nodding and then Mrs. Everdeen is gone.
Prim turns back to the screen but Katniss's eyes are glazed over; unfocused.
I kiss the side of her head and whisper in her ear,
"She'll be fine."
After a minute, Katniss relaxes in my arms and leans her head back on my shoulder. She doesn't say anything more but I catch her smiling and laughing under her breath over the children's movie and I know she's okay again.
…
Unfortunately time flies when you're watching Christmas movies and soon it's time for me to go home for dinner.
When I start getting ready to leave, Prim rushes forward to give me a hug. I laugh and hug her back. Katniss is right she is growing taller; it wouldn't surprise me if she's taller than Katniss is a few years, though I'd never tell Kat that.
"Are you still coming over later?" Katniss asks me when she walks me out.
On the last day of school Thom and Darius asked everyone at our table at lunch to meet at the Hob at 8 pm on Christmas Day. None of us had any idea what they were planning but we agreed nevertheless. Except for Delly and Thresh who said their families wouldn't allow them to leave the house on Christmas day.
I nod, "Yeah I think so."
If I can escape from my family that is.
Katniss's lips twitch but she doesn't smile.
A hand dives into her pocket and she hands an envelope to me.
I frown, "Katniss…"
"I know your birthday present was also supposed to be your Christmas present but this doesn't count because it didn't cost me anything."
"But-"
Katniss shoots me a glare and I shut my mouth; accepting the envelope with a small smile.
"Well open it then." Katniss says impatiently, folding her arms.
I raise an eyebrow at her but tear the paper open anyway.
Inside is a small rectangular business card with a phone number on it and a name that I recognise but I'm not sure where from.
"Cinna from school helped me out." Katniss explains "I asked if he knew of any local artists that give lessons to teenagers. Good ones. He told me about this one, she lives in District 7 though so you might have to get the train. He said she's very good and I already contacted her and she said Cinna had been in touch and that she'd give you a few lessons for free. A favour to Cinna I don't know-"
I want to tell her that I love it, that I love her. That I can't believe she went to all this trouble for me but for once in my life words fail me so I don't use words at all.
I step forward and press my lips to hers.
Her lips are cool and I feel guilty about bringing her out in the freezing cold to make out on her doorstep but I can't bring myself to stop.
Seconds, minutes, hours pass and we stay like that; content to be locked in each other's embrace for a little while longer. Eventually I remember my own parcel in my pocket so I reluctantly pull away.
Katniss's cheeks are pink from the chilly air but she smiles widely so I don't feel too bad.
I take out the small, poorly wrapped present from my pocket and hand it to her.
Katniss opens her mouth, probably to say something stupid like I shouldn't have bothered and that she isn't religious anyway but I beat her to it.
"Just take it Kat" I grin "If you hate it, you have every right to throw it back in my face."
Katniss rolls her eyes but thankfully opens it.
She opens the slightly worn box and her mouth opens but no words come out. Lifting the chain up in one hand, she traces over the face of the golden locket with the other.
Finnick surprisingly loves shopping and dragged Annie and I Christmas shopping a week or two ago. After admitting I had no clue what to get Katniss for Christmas, they suggested jewellery. At first I was adamant that jewellery was a no-go area. I've never seen Katniss wear jewellery before and she never showed an interest, but when Annie pointed out the locket with the engraved mockingbird on it; I couldn't walk away.
Ten minutes pass of just Katniss staring at the locket and I'm beginning to get more than a bit nervous. My palms are sweating inside my gloves and I've gulped approximately six times in the past five minutes.
I clear my throat, "So…is it alright?"
Katniss looks up at me, her eyes wide and her eyebrows raised. She lets out a little laugh, clutches the locket tightly in one hand before stepping forward to hug me tightly.
One thing I've noticed about Katniss in the few months that we've been together is that she isn't a hugging person. Not really, I mean she kisses and cuddles, even holds hands but we rarely hug. With that in mind, I wrap my arms around her and hug her back.
The treasured bliss doesn't last long but it's worth it to see Katniss's shining grey eyes and massive smile when she steps back. She turns around too quickly for my liking and offers me the necklace.
"Would you…?"
I take the locket from her and press a gentle, chaste kiss to the back of her neck causing her to shiver.
"Of course"
I put the necklace on her and it embarrassingly takes me a few minutes of fumbling with the clasp to close it on her.
"That okay?" I ask when she turns around again, "It's not too long?" I silently pray that it's fine because I don't think I can handle dealing with that dreaded clasp again.
Thankfully Katniss nods and kisses my cheek, "It's perfect. I love- I love it. Thank you."
...
Katniss POV
My eyes widen as I realise what I almost said.
'I love you'
No, no, no. I can't say those words, I don't even feel them towards Peeta.
At least I hadn't thought about it before but now I'm not so sure.
My brain is working on overdrive, Peeta smiles down at me so I don't think he realises what I almost said but I can't seem to focus.
Why did I almost tell my boyfriend that I love him?
It's not like I thought about telling him that before.
We're taking this slow. Or well as slow as any modern day teenage romance can be.
But as I think about it, the clench in my stomach when his name appears on my phone, the smile on my face whenever I catch myself thinking about him and not to mention how I manage to forget all the bad things going on in my life when I'm with him. Or the times when I do remember them and I talk about them with him and instead of rolling his eyes or changing the subject he comforts me, he helps me.
It's not at all what I thought love would feel like.
But as I stare up at Peeta's flushed cheeks, kiss-bitten lips and intense blue eyes, I realise that I've fallen in love with Peeta Mellark.
Just as I realise that some part of me deep inside has known since the beginning that I would love him sooner or later.
It just happened a lot sooner than I was anticipating.
…
Peeta POV
Katniss smile drops suddenly and she pulls away.
I wait for her to explain but she only stares at me as if I had grown another head.
I brush a hand over my face, suddenly insecure that something was on my face but I find nothing there.
"Kat? You alright love?"
Katniss seems to snap out of her spell at my words and she smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes.
"Yeah, fine. I'm fine. You better get home, your mother will be looking for you."
Katniss steps back again and opens the door to her house.
Even though I know she's right, a sickening feeling settles in my stomach at the thought of going home when I'd rather be here.
"I'll see you tonight?"
Katniss swallows and nods, "Yeah, see you then Peeta."
Then she's gone, a door placed between us and for the whole drive home, I contemplate over what on earth I might have done wrong.
…
Katniss POV
I shut the door and lean against it, letting out a deep breath.
One hand clutches my stomach while the other clings to my locket.
A million thoughts circle in my brain but all of them silence when I spot my mother watching me from down the hall.
She looks fresh from her walk, there's mud on her shoes so she must have gone to the woods and come in the back door.
Mum takes in my appearance for a minute and then she smiles a small, little smile that she used to use on me when I was a child.
"He feels the same way, you know?"
My eyes widen at her words, I open my mouth to say something, anything but that's when Prim rushes in; telling me a Harry Potter marathon is starting on TV and that we need to watch it now.
That's one thing I love about my sister, she never fails to help me forget about my problems; as big or small as they may be with the help of an eleven year old wizard with a lightening bolt scar.
…
Gale POV
Our family used to be quite religious, we'd go to church every Sunday, pray and all of that. But after Dad died and Posy was born we kind of stopped.
Whether it was because of lack of faith or we were all just so busy, I don't remember. All I know is that the only time we've been to a church since was for Posy's christening and Mum spent most of it crying her eyes out over Dad so needless to say none of us are eager to return, even if it is Christmas Day.
Instead we happily continue our tradition of spending hours fawning over presents that Mum and I scrambled to get at the last minute, letting Vick put on a mini-dance show for us and Rory helping Posy put on a puppet show that Mum always thinks is utterly hilarious because she usually has more than a few glasses of wine in her at that stage.
And it's good, really good.
We're having our typical Christmas dinner when Mum turns to me and says,
"You should ask her to visit for an hour or two, if she's allowed."
I narrow my eyebrows, "Who? Katniss?"
Mum shakes her head in despair, "No not Katniss, Madge."
Incoherent words fall out of mouth and my mum just rolls her eyes. She stands and grabs my phone from the counter before shoving it in my face.
"Text her, no call her. Ask her to come over. There's no better day for a mother to meet her son's girlfriend."
I swallow, "Well she's not officially my girlfriend…"
Mum just sits back down and returns to buttering her potatoes,
"Well then, there's no better day to officially start dating the girl you're clearly mad about. Finish up your food, clear it away and then call her."
I decide its better not to protest and the minute I've cleaned up; I call Madge.
"Hello?" Her voice is loud and I can hear the distinct sound of 'Jingle Bells' playing in the background.
"Hey, Happy Holidays."
"Gale! Hi!" There's a bit of shuffling and then the background music becomes more muffled. "You too, sorry all of my relatives are here and they don't know the meaning of quiet." She jokes
I laugh softly, "You want to escape for a bit?"
"Absolutely." She answers immediately, "Before the thing Thom and Darius have set up or after?"
"Well eh…mum wants to meet you…"
There's a beat of silence and then two.
"Oh…do…do you want me to meet her?" Madge stutters
"Yeah…if you'd like to…she's nice, she won't kill you. She doesn't have the power, it's not like she's the mayor or anything."
The sound of Madge's loud laugh drifts into my ears through the phone and I grin.
"I'm sorry!" Madge exclaims "You don't have to meet my family today though, there are waaay too many of them here. I don't want to overwhelem you. When can I come over?"
"Emm," I look around the sitting room and realise that most of the ground can't be seen from all the torn wrapping paper and sweet wrappers thrown everywhere, "Say about a half hour?"
"Great, see you then."
"Bye Madge."
"Bye Gale and Happy Holidays to you too."
…
Two hours later I'm playing a very competitive game of snap on the couch with Rory; I'm losing but that's only because I'm facing Madge and Vick who are playing an intense round of Just Dance and it's slightly distracting.
Madge is out of breath by the third song and I can't stop laughing.
"This…this is harder than it looks. Gale stop…stop laughing, Gale!"
I bring an arm up to cover my mouth and I use the other to place another card on top of the pile.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry babe" where did babe come from? "We just have a lot of practice in this family with Just Dance as Vick is a tiny bit obsessed."
"Am not." Vick defends
"Are too." Rory counters before exclaiming "Snap!" and Madge sniggers
"Alright alright, I can do this." Madge stretches and I have to look away, "Pick a decent song this time Vick."
"But the decent songs have super easy dance moves!"
"Exactly." Madge replies in a monotone voice and Rory and I have to avoid eye contact so we don't both have a heart attack from laughing too hard.
A half hour later Madge has given up with Wii games, Rory has won snap three times over and I hesitantly ask Madge if she wants to go up to my room, in the least creepy way possible.
Madge nods, grabs the rucksack that she brought with her and as we head upstairs, I catch Rory's raised eyebrows and my mum mouthing, 'Leave the door open'; I roll my eyes but follow her orders nonetheless.
Madge looks around my room and I silently pray that she isn't judging me for how tiny it is.
There's barely enough room for my bed, wardrobe and desk but I'm happy with it. I have pictures of my friends on the notice board across from my bed and posters on every other surface of the walls.
I tried to tidy up a bit before Madge arrived so it isn't as messy as it usually is.
"Your room's really nice." Madge says, perched on the end of my bed.
Rubbing the back of my neck; I join her, "Well my parents painted my room a horrid shade a green when they moved in so ever since I lived here it's been my effort to make it look semi-decent."
Madge grins and I watch as her fingers trail along the crumpled duvet,
"Still, it's very you."
I shrug, "Suppose so."
We sit in silence for a minute, sitting side by side on the end of my bed and if Darius were here right now he'd say something along the lines of how he could 'cut the tension with a knife'.
Eventually Madge is the one that breaks the silence,
"So eh…I wasn't sure whether to get you anything. I know you said you aren't religious anymore but…well it's that time or year so…"
She digs through her bag and pulls out a shoe-box.
I raise my eyebrows, "Thank you so much, you didn't-"
Madge rolls her eyes, "They're practical and Katniss helped me pick them out so just…open them."
Following her orders, I open the box to see two brand new hiking boots enveloped in paper-thin white tissue.
I blink twice as I numbly take them out of the box and look at them in detail. I feel the sides and I instantly know they are waterproof. These could not have been cheap. I check inside the soles and sure enough they are my size.
"Madge…Madge I know this brand. They're incredibly expensive…you can't…I can't accept these."
Madge smirks, "Well they're bought now and I threw away the receipt so you'll have to keep them. I won't wear them. No offence but you are like five shoe sizes bigger than me."
I let out a sound that is between a chuckle and a sigh, "There's nothing I can say that will get you to take them back is there?"
Madge grins and shakes her head "Nope."
That's when I hug her. It's awkward from our positions and the shoe-box and heavy boots in my lap but the feel of her in my arms is good enough for me.
"I've something for you too." I say as I pull away and open the drawer of my dresser.
Madge raises an eyebrow, "What? Really?"
I laugh, "Of course what kind of a- anyway…" I retrieve the present I spent an hour wrapping last night and hand it to her.
Seriously who knew wrapping presents was such a difficult task?
Madge takes her time, gently opening the present. As each tick of my alarm clock passes, another jolt of dread hits my stomach. She probably won't like it…it was a bit presumptuous. Really presumptuous actually.
I'm drawn out of my negative thoughts when I feel Madge take my hand.
"You made me a mix tape?"
"No I made you a CD with all your favourite songs on it."
Madge raises an eyebrow
"Okay yeah a mix tape basically. And I know I got you another CD but you said you like music so…"
Madge squeezes my hand, "Don't worry, I adore it. How did you even know I liked half of these?"
I shrug, "Well I pay attention half of the time and Katniss pays attention the other half."
She laughs under her breath and traces the track-list on the back before stopping at the last song.
"Is…is that one of yours?"
I gulp, "Yeah…it's eh…one I wrote."
Madge grins, "Yeah?"
"Yeah" I confirm
Madge checks her watch and groans, "I'd listen to it now but I better go home. Who knows what relatives have arrived in my absence." She makes a face that's supposed to be one of disgust but just comes out completely adorable instead.
"That's fine," we stand "Thanks for coming over"
"Oh no...no problem"
Madge slings her bag onto her back and leans up to kiss me on the cheek.
"I'll see you later?" She asks
I nod, "of course"
Downstairs, Madge says goodbye to my family.
Posy rushes to hug her, Vick gives her an enthusiastic high five while Rory just nods from his spot on the couch where he's face timing Prim; honestly they live less than ten minutes away from one another. Mum hugs Madge and wishes her a 'happy holidays' for what must be the fourth time since she's arrived but Madge doesn't seem to mind.
Once we're outside, I help Madge put on her button up black coat. Only when she has flipped her hair out from under the collar, wrapped a purple scarf around her neck and put on a matching hat do I notice the sprinkles of white falling onto her coat.
Madge is too busy fussing with her bag to realise so I brush them off for her.
She looks at me in confusion but then her eyes drift to my hair and she lets out a deep breath that is visible in the bitter air.
"It's snowing" she breathes
I laugh, "Yeah it is"
Madge's fingers thread through my hair, picking the specks of white mush out of it yet the snow keeps falling.
Madge whimpers, "I think that's the best I can do. You better head inside so it doesn't get worse"
"Hmm in a minute." And then my hands are on her face and my lips are on hers.
Her arms wrap around my back; she deepens the kiss and as we stand there in front of my door I can feel the snowflakes falling all around us.
When Madge insists that she has to leave, I tell her "If your family complain just tell them that your boyfriend distracted you."
Madge bites back a large grin before taking off down the road; leaving me standing alone in the snow.
...
Katniss POV
The Hawthornes arrive at 7 and I'm overcome with gratitude as I don't think I can watch anymore TV or eat any more junk food even if I wanted to.
We all sit in the sitting room, Hazelle and my mother talk happily in the corner while my mum braids Posy's hair; Vick flips through his new magazine that we got him, Prim and Rory sit close together on the couch and Gale and I stand by the doorway.
He throws a bag at me and I clumsily catch it.
I shoot him a scowl but he simply grins, "Hope you like it."
I grab the thin rectangular box from under the tree and fling it at him.
My mother's words of disapproval can't be heard over Gale's giggles as he hurries to pick up the wrapped parcel.
"You open yours first." Gale says when he's regained composure
I hastily rip open the packaging and am faced with a soft grey t-shirt. I toss the paper on the floor and hold out the t-shirt so I can read it.
In big block letters it reads:
'Me?
Sarcastic?
Never!'
I snort but from Gale's dazzling smile I can tell that he knows I love it.
"Thanks Galey. Your turn."
Gale tears open his gift as carelessly as I did mine and I can practically hear our mother's flinch.
Gale holds the glass case tenderly in his hands; his mouth drops open as he opens it.
It's not much. I ordered a case of five guitar picks for him online. He has had the same ones for years and I know he's been meaning to get new ones. I found these ones on a music website but what appealed to me the most was they had the name of a band on them that I know Gale adores.
Gale swallows before closing the box and shoving them in his pocket.
"Thanks Catnip; they're eh really great."
"I know" I tease
Gale rolls his eyes and opens his mouth to retort but Hazelle interrupts him,
"I hope you two are gonna clean up that mess"
Gale and I exchange mutual sighs and mutter our agreements; spending the next five minutes picking up and throwing out all the wasted wrapping paper from the day.
"Hey" I say to him after we're finished, "Have you any idea what Thom and Darius are planning?"
Gale shakes his head, "No idea. I guess we'll find out soon enough. We better get going actually."
"Yeah I suppose we better."
...
On our walk to the Hob we hear a loud car horn sound from behind us and after we jump out of our skin, we realise it's Peeta's car.
He rolls down the window and we can see Finnick and Annie in the backseat.
Peeta raises an eyebrow, "Want a lift?"
...
The ride to the Hob seems longer than it should be. I sit in the front beside Peeta but I can't bring myself to say anything to him after the almost incident earlier today.
Gale sits in the back with Finnick and Annie, they are talking amicably until Gale lets out a shocked gasp.
I turn sharply and frown at him, "What's wrong?"
Gale is staring at Annie's left hand that's innocently resting her lap, specifically the sparkling ring on Annie's finger.
I look from the ring to Annie, back to ring again.
"Emmm...guys? Something you want to tell us?"
Annie and Finnick's faces portray utmost horror but I'm pretty sure Gale and mine do too.
"It's...it's not what you think" Annie protests
"It really isn't" Finnick insists
Peeta laughs from beside me, his eyes still trained on the road.
"Is this about the ring?" He asks
"Yes" Finnick sighs
"What do you- of course this is about the ring!" I say, horrified that Peeta is so calm about this.
"Can I...?" Gale asks, reaching for Annie's hand and when she nods he takes it in his and studies the ring carefully.
A minute later he breaks out into an understanding smile.
"Promise ring right?"
Finnick nods and Annie bites her lip, presumably to hold back her laughter from the way she's shaking.
Finnick notices it too because he pinches her arm gently,
"I don't know what you're giggling about, you almost had a heart attack when I gave it to you."
Annie rolls her eyes, "Finnick you practically got down on one knee and you said a whole speech declaring your love for me, of course I assumed it was a proposal."
"Can I see?" I ask awkwardly.
I have little interest in rings but curiosity gets the better of me.
Annie offers me her hand and I take it, taking in each detail of the delicate piece of jewellery.
The diamond looks real enough but I wouldn't know anything about that sort of thing. Up close you can tell that it isn't fancy enough to be an engagement ring but it's beautiful nevertheless. On the back, engraved in the band is the word 'Indivisible' in italics.
I let go of her hand and smile genuinely at her,
"It's gorgeous."
Annie smiles and leans her head on Finnick's shoulder.
Finnick suddenly breaks out into a wide, proud grin,
"Oh that's nothing! Wait until you see what she got me!"
Annie blushes a deep shade of scarlet,
"It's really nothing compared to what you gave me."
Finnick shoots her a look that clearly says 'don't be ridiculous' and pulls something out from under his shirt that's hanging around his neck.
It's a necklace, a sea-shell necklace that has been carved into a thin, upside down pyramid shape. The twirls and bridges in it are intricate and well-made. It suits him really well and I know it must mean a lot to him as it's clear that the shell came from District Four.
Finnick still has the soppy grin on his face as he explains his present,
"We went to Four a few months back and she brought home a bunch of shells. I didn't understand why but it turns out she made lots of necklaces for me with them. And look she made the rope too just like I taught her to!"
Finnick continues his explanation and I face the front again; half-listening to the conversation but smiling and nodding along nevertheless.
Finnick and Annie are one of those couples in the movies that you just know are endgame.
Peeta and I are both vastly different, Madge and Gale might turn out to be better off as friends but Finnick and Annie...have something really special. Something different than we do.
The way they look at each other like there's nobody else around. I think that's what it looks like to not only be in love but also accept that you're in love and to thrive in it.
I feel Peeta take one of my hands in his and squeeze it gently, no doubt assuming that I'm bored by his friend's small talk.
It's then that I realise that even though Peeta and I aren't in the place that Finnick and Annie are, we seem to be well on the way there.
I'm not sure whether that excites me or frightens me. Maybe a bit of both.
...
We arrive at the Hob a few minutes later, somehow I've eased in Peeta's presence now after the conversation with Finnick and Annie.
Madge is waiting for us at the door, understandably uncertain about going in alone, especially since the building is not supposed to be open today and yet the distinct sound of Christmas music emits from inside.
Gale looks relieved at not being the fifth wheel anymore and he's the first out of the car to greet her.
Peeta and I exchange knowing smiles and we follow his lead.
Together the six of us huddle outside the Hob for a moment, it isn't snowing as bad as it was a few hours ago but every now and then I'll feel a speck of crystal white fluff fall onto my hair or forehead.
"So...should we knock? " I suggest
It's the Hob yes and I do work here but it seems like uncharted territory to come here on a holiday when we are clearly not working. Part of me worries Thom and Darius have broken in even though I know neither of them ever would.
Finnick nods, Peeta makes a half nod, half shrug gesture but only Gale actually answers,
"We might as well"
He steps forward, his left hand still entwined in Madge's and he uses the other to knock twice on the door.
The door swings open two seconds later and Thom and Darius stand there grinning at us, wearing shockingly vibrant red and white identical Christmas sweaters.
"Happy Holidays!" They unanimously exclaim and before I can blink, they pull out those tiny party poppers that pop confetti everywhere right at us.
So now we are all covered in both confetti and snow.
On any other day I think we would have been a little mad but the five of us can't help but laugh. The secrecy and tension of the past week of Darius and Thom's side looks and sly hints have been driving us around the bend; but I suppose their surprise can't be that bad if they start the evening with colourful confetti all over my coat...right?
"Well don't just stand there dumbfounded in the cold, come in, come in!" Thom reaches out his hands and pulls the two closest to him, Madge and Gale, inside before standing back and hurriedly gesturing for us all to follow.
The Hob looks relatively the same as a few days ago, the decorations are still up, the lights are on but the tables and chairs that are usually scattered on the floor have been pushed to the side. The ancient jukebox in the corner is playing Christmas music and there are plates of party food and cans of soda on the counter.
"What's all this then?" Finnick asks curiously
"Well Mr. Odair," Sae emerges from the kitchen, wipes her hand on a tea-towel and smiles at us, "Nobody celebrates the holidays as well as we do so why not make an party out of it?"
Finnick hesitates for a moment before grinning; in an instant he has bolted over to my boss and is happily chatting to her about who knows what while helping her carry out the rest of the food.
Why am I not surprised that they get along so well?
...
Gale POV
I have to admit I'm impressed.
Thom and Darius managed to pull off this successful, secret Christmas party with the help of Sae and none of us knew about it.
"Well we just thought we'd do something fun you know? 'Tis the season and all that." Darius explained
I'm sitting with him and Thom on two tables that are pressed against the side wall.
Madge is talking with Annie across from us and Katniss, Peeta and Finnick are laughing about something with Sae.
"Plus it's our last year of school and things have finally settled down so we decided to celebrate." Thom adds
I raise an eyebrow and smirk at them,
"Is that why you two are wearing matching sweaters?"
Darius bursts out laughing while Thom just shakes his head,
"No we just accidentally got each other the same Christmas present." Thom explains
"Yeah, we were in town a few weeks ago and we both commented how horrific the sweater was. I thought it would be hilarious to buy it for Thom since he practically vomited at the sight of it and he apparently he had the same idea."
I roll my eyes but a chuckle escapes my lips anyway,
"You guys are such idiots."
Darius raises an eyebrow, "Says the boy who gave his girlfriend a CD with a song he wrote her on it for Christmas."
My smile falls, "Shut up."
"Did you even tell her that the song is about her?" Thom asks, his tone a little softer than Darius's
I look over to Madge who is listening intently to something Annie is saying and sigh,
"I didn't get a chance."
"Are you going to tell her?" Darius asks
"Well I..." I hesitate "It's pretty obvious...if I point it out then I'll probably ruin it."
Thom rolls his eyes, "Gale, if you don't tell her then she'll spend hours agonising over whether or not you wrote it for her or about someone else. Then things will get awkward and I'm not ready for things to go bad for you two just yet."
"Thom's right" Darius inputs, "You've got to tell her. Girls like it when you tell them how you feel. Or at least I think they do. Maybe we should ask Katniss on that one?"
All three of us look over at Katniss who is in a deep conversation with Sae but her hand is holding on tightly to Peeta's; without saying a word we all know that we don't need to ask Katniss to know the answer to our question.
...
Peeta, Katniss, Finnick, Annie, Madge and I are all dancing to 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree' in the centre of the floor when Thom opens the back door and shouts at us from outside,
"Hey guys, there's a surprise out here too!"
We grab our coats and gloves; strolling outside to see what the excitement is all about but when we get outside there is nothing there except for a blanket of snow and the old, worn bench from my date with Madge.
Finnick frowns and looks around, "Thom? Darius? What's the surprise?"
"This" A voice says from behind a dustbin and in the blink of an eye a snowball is flying through the air and has hit Finnick full force in the face.
Silence fills the air for a minute. Annie's eyes are wide, Madge has a hand to her mouth in shock while the rest of us are barely holding in our laughter. Finnick calmly wipes the cold snow from his face, cracks his neck before locking eyes with Sae who has come out of her hideout.
"Oh it's on."
...
After twenty minutes, the bitter cold has got to us and we are forced to go back inside; every last one of us covered in white frost and snow but with wide grins etched on our faces.
Unfortunately it's also time we all go home.
Thom and Darius insist that they are fine clearing up alone but I decide on staying behind to help anyway.
"You want me to stay too?" Katniss asks
"No you're fine, just maybe bring Rory home for me? I presume he's still at your house but mum and the two kids will probably be home by now."
Katniss nods and she walks back over to Peeta.
I feel a tap on my shoulder and I turn to face Madge who is smiling brightly at me.
"Hey, Peeta's going to drive me home with the others."
"Oh that's good."
"I eh...I listened to the CD by the way. I loved it."
I rub the back of my neck, "Oh yeah?"
She nods, licking her lips, "Especially the last song."
"Oh..."
I can practically feel Darius and Thom's eyes drilling into the back of my head.
"It was..." I take a deep breath "That song, I wrote it a week or two ago."
"Yeah?" Madge asks and the hitch in her voice gives me the courage to continue
"Eh yeah...I wrote it about us. Well about...about you really."
After the words leave my lips everything seems to stop. The music in the background becomes muffled, Annie's laughter from outside and the sound of opening car doors are drowned out by the thumping in my ears.
Madge's fingers are in my hair and her mouth is firmly on mine.
We stay in our own little world for who knows how long before I'm forced to pull away, all too aware of our surroundings.
I let out a breathy laugh, "You really liked the song then?"
Madge shakes her head, "No, I really loved it."
I kiss her head gently before shoving her every so slightly towards the door, "Happy Holidays Madge, text me that you got home safe."
Madge bites back a grin, "I will. Happy Holidays Gale...and thanks."
And then she's gone.
...
When we are finished, I check my phone for the time and I see four new notifications.
One is a text from Katniss letting me know that she dropped Rory home, another from Madge letting me know she got home safe, a text which she ended with two x's I may add.
The others are from an unknown number, one is a missed call and the other is a voicemail.
Standing outside, waiting for Thom, I dial my voicemail box and press the button to listen to it.
"Gale...Gale it's James Heavensbee. Listen I know it's been a while since I've been in contact and I'm sorry. I just wanted to let you know that I talked to my bosses, we had a lot of meetings and conversations but I convinced them to give you a shot. The four of you. I'd really like to meet up with you to discuss this. Preferably with the three other members there as well. I talked to the head guy and he agrees with you. We want to sign you. All four of you."
My fingers tremble as the voice from the phone continues to speak. His words circling round and round in my head.
'I understand you mightn't want that anymore but if you do then call me back on this number. I understand if you need time to think about it but you should know that my company and I are very sorry for any offence and hurt we may have caused and we want to make amends. Goodbye Gale, I hope to hear from you soon.'
When Thom finds me a few minutes later, I'm slumped against the wall with my eyes shut tightly.
Thom places a gentle hand on my shoulder and when I open my eyes, he searches them for any signs of a problem.
"I suppose our drama-free weeks have come to an end?" Thom says quietly, he has always been quick to catch on when something is wrong.
I nod, tilting my head up to stare past the snow-covered rooftops to the twinkling stars,
"You could say that Thom...you could definitely say that."
...
So there you go! I hope you liked it! Lots of fluff with a small cliffhanger at the end!
I have the rest of the story planned. The story will stop at chapter 40 unless my plan changes so just so you know there'll probably only be six chapters left.
Six eventful chapters though ;)
Anyway please follow, favourite and review! You know by now how much I love your opinions
Thanks for reading!
- xTeam Mockingjayx