[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

[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.

[the_effect_she_has]

Because the Capital was a bunch of selfish, spoiled, sociopathic brats -- for the most part.

[She grinned at that. Once knew her only too well.] Now that ... sounds like a holiday.

Creepy decorations of -- you mean the kissing ones?

[whichwayyoulean]

I thought you might say that.

Yep. The place is in full swing with them, so be careful. I think it's the mistletoe.

[the_effect_she_has]

I do like food.

[She sighed, softly.]

Wonderful. Kissing plants.

[whichwayyoulean]

And trust me when I say that they're everywhere. I was like an obstacle course just grabbing some supplies.

[the_effect_she_has]

Great. [Her tone is clipped and sharp, with a touch of exasperation.] Just what I need, to be walking around and then be mouth-molested.

[whichwayyoulean]

Knowing you, you can always just punch them or something if they get all creepy about it.

[the_effect_she_has]

Don't think I won't.

[A faint smirk appeared on her lips.] And if I see you?

[whichwayyoulean]

I'm trying to avoid any and all holiday greenery.

But if an accident does happen, please don't punch me, I'm delicate.

[the_effect_she_has]

Duly noted. I'll be avoiding them as well.

Should I just shove you instead?

[whichwayyoulean]

I'll probably fall and break my long giant legs.

[the_effect_she_has]

Well, then I guess I'm not allowed to punch or push you. I'll have to think of something else.

[whichwayyoulean]

Let me know when you think of something, Katniss.

[the_effect_she_has]

I will when I see you, Once.