[Twenty-Five - Right Through The Eye]

[the_effect_she_has]

Christmas time again.

[Katniss's voice is soft, and sad, as she plays with the laces on her boots. She's looking out the windows at the soft, white snow that is gathering on the ground.] This time of year always reminds me of Gale, and Peeta, and back home. When things were at their worst, they were still with me. I miss them, every single day.

[She sighed, quietly, before she got up and went to the window.] I know you're still here, my friends and my family. I've been thinking ... maybe I should come back to the Castle for the winter. I don't really want to but - I don't know.

[She touched the glass.] It seems like a bad time, to be alone.

Comments

Dictated forever

[whichwayyoulean]

[Gale. It wasn't fair, that he'd finally grown close to the guy only for him to vanish along with the rest of his makeshift family. So he understands her, he does]

It's supposed to be a time for family, right? Blood or otherwise.

Re: Dictated forever

[the_effect_she_has]

[She comes back from the window to see Once's words, and her lips curve up a little sadly.]

So I've heard. We don't have Christmas, in my world.

[whichwayyoulean]

Really?

...Guess that makes sense. Given what you've told me about it.

[He'll smile, even if she can't see it] Well, hopefully by the time Christmas rolls around, me and Ted will have a place of our own in the city. You're welcome to drop on by if you want to see how we do Christmas in our world.

[the_effect_she_has]

Yes, really.

The only things we really celebrated were birthdays and weddings. Reaping Day was supposed to be a holiday, but ... only in the Capital.

[She felt her lips lift up.] I would like that. Thank you, Once.

[whichwayyoulean]

Why am I not even remotely surprised that the Capitol made Reaping Day a holiday. [God he hates that place so much, never go back, Katniss]

No problem. I'll save you a plate full of a ridiculous amount of food and everything.

Oh also, on returning to the castle? The creepy decorations of doom are up, you might want to avoid them.

Dictated

[putuporshutup]

[Meg doesn't know Katniss all that well, but she likes her, and she knows Emma trusted her. Knowing that, and given her annoyingly heightened compassion since her last bout as an actual person thanks to castle wonderfuck, she feels compelled to reach out. Loneliness sucks, and she can sympathize.]

You know you can always come hang at the bar if you want some company.

Re: Dictated

[the_effect_she_has]

[Katniss glanced over at the wording, grey eyes considering, before she silently nodded to herself.]

Thanks ... but ... I'll warn you now. I'm not much of a drinker.

[putuporshutup]

[She laughs a little.]

You don't have to drink. I've been cooking a bunch lately since I found Emma's old recipe book. Kinda fun to pass the time, and no one seems to be complaining.

[the_effect_she_has]

[She snorted, softly.]

You really just said the magic words, right there. [And as if on cue, her stomach growls.] What did you make?

[putuporshutup]

Today? Just some spaghetti and meat sauce, nothing fancy. Garlic bread should be ready soon, too.

Pretty sure there's still leftover pie, too.

Dictated

[godmakemeastone]

Not alone. Have family here.

Re: Dictated

[the_effect_she_has]

[Now this did make her smile, before she gently touched the words.]

I know, River. It's just ... you know, there are just people who if you don't have them with you? Feels like you're not really whole.

[godmakemeastone]

Know that feeling. Helps to be with people who understand. Can't make you whole, but can soften the edges.

[the_effect_she_has]

Well, I could always use softer edges... so ... I guess I should really consider coming home over the winter.

[godmakemeastone]

A good idea. Let us all take care of each other.

[pompous_today]

Do you still have a room in the castle? Because if not... or if you don't want to be alone... you know you are welcome to stay with me.

[the_effect_she_has]

I do have a room.

[Here she paused.] ... you have room? I mean, with River and all.

[pompous_today]

She and I are right next to one another, so I am sure we could find some space between us. Our two rooms are slowly becoming more like one, any way.

[the_effect_she_has]

I'm starting to think I need to knock down walls so you can have one.

[There's a quiet smile in there.] I ... have pretty bad nightmares. Half the reason I went out to the woods. So I'll stay in my room. But I know who I'll have breakfast with.

[pompous_today]

I am sure River would like that- but then again, even we need our own space sometimes, too.

Nightmares would not be a problem. [A long pause.] River has them a lot, too.

Katniss

[well_assembled]

Being alone can be good, for some people. It spares us having to face people sometimes.

Natasha

[the_effect_she_has]

And who exactly would you not be facing?

Katniss

[well_assembled]

The past, or maybe myself. Some days I don't even know.

Re: Katniss

[the_effect_she_has]

Do any of us really know?

Katniss

[well_assembled]

I guess not really. But we can hope.