Thank you my sweet Gentlemama for beta-ing! You rock!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Winter, 1860 [four years later]

Katniss draws her arrow, releases the breath she always holds, and lets go with a prayer on her lips. She doesn't stop the grin when it sinks into its eye, dropping it to the ground. Gale slaps her on the back and says, "Good job, Katnip."

"Thank you. Now you can help me carry him back."

He throws his own bow over his shoulder. "I knew that's the only reason why you brought me out here."

She shakes her head at him, and grabs his game bag. Gale then hoists the deer onto his shoulders. "You came out here to check your traps. I was here hunting."

It's been years since the mines blew up, leaving Katniss and Gale both without fathers. In the year that followed, they started hunting together and trading to feed their families. Katniss never told any of her friends or family about Peeta helping them that one time. While she is thankful for his generosity, it's with a proud tilt of her chin she knows that she hasn't had to use the store credit since those first couple of months. Everything else since then, she and Prim have earned. She was also able to find a goat for Prim, and Prim uses the milk from the goat for trade.

It took Mama a little longer to get back to herself. Even now, there are days that they have to beg and plead for her to get out of bed. If they aren't in school, Prim goes with her on her visits and Katniss goes to the woods.

While Jack Everdeen and Colton Hawthorne were killed in the mines, Jo's father lost his legs. Without Mama to tend to him, Doc Lund had to come and help. The owner of the mine, Mr. Snow, gave Mr. Mason a wheelchair, and a tiny monthly sum. It's enough to cover some of the expenses.

Johanna's oldest brother Gabe and her other one, Clinton have both left home. Gabe went to go work as a ship hand, and Clinton went into the army. Jo confided to Katniss that her brothers send home money when they can.

Annie's daddy was sick that day. Since then, he has quit working in the mines, not wanting to go back where his friends were killed. So he opened a sawmill with Mr. Mason helping him. Uriah, Annie's older brother, has stayed home to work at the sawmill. Annie has told her the stories about how even with his legs gone, Mr. Mason will climb all over logs, measuring them before they are sawed, doing things a man with two legs can do easy.

Soon Katniss and Gale are where they butcher their kills. They work together in silence, quickly dividing the meat, so they can go do their trades. They part, with Gale heading towards town, while Katniss heads to the Mellark's.

Graham sets down his newspaper as Seeder brings him his coffee tray. "Thank you. Is Lily here yet?"

Seeder gives him a knowing look "I know what you are doing with her-"

Graham grins at her. "We are just two widows who are enjoying one another's company. Did I ever tell you that I knew Lily when we were young?"

Seeder nods as she pours the dab of milk he likes in his coffee. She hands him the cup, and huffs, "Just because you two have known one another for a long time doesn't mean that what you are doing now is right. Why don't you just marry her then? Move those girls out of that run down shack and give them a proper home since their daddy died."

Graham sets down his cup. "Is something wrong? I told you to tell me if something is wrong-"

Seeder interrupts, "Nothing is wrong. Prim is usually at the Hawthornes' while Lily is here-:

"Where is Katniss?"

"I've tried to tell you, she puts on her daddy's old pants and goes into the woods with the oldest Hawthorne boy."

Graham stands up, reaching for his coat. "That is highly improper. I'll move them right-"

"You can't do that without marrying Lily."

"And she won't marry me." he says, his wide shoulders deflating in defeat. "I've asked, she won't."

"Then there is nothing you can do." Seeder says as she hands him the mail.

Graham smiles when he sees letters from Peeta and Rye, then his smile fades. "Do you think they will be alright?"

Seeder sighs. "The boys or the Everdeens?"

"Did you see the paper this morning? South Carolina is wanting to leave the union."

"Do you think they will?"

Graham Mellark isn't an old man, but in that moment, all of his worries about his loved ones, his people, and world weigh heavy on his shoulders. "I think this just may lead to war. The boys will be fine. Peeta is at West Point, Bram and Rye are at Chapel Hill. I just worry about Lily and her girls."

Seeder nods, understanding, but also knows that he is thinking out loud. She offers, "I wish I knew what to tell you. If I can do anything, let me know."

Graham focuses on her. "Thank you. I know that it's not always easy being in the position that you are in. You know that you can leave anytime you want to. You and Chaff can go up-"

Seeder shakes her head. "My family is here. Anna might be gone, but my other half-sister lives in the next county. You are letting Rue and Thresh get an education too and we are together. That means a lot. Besides if a war might be starting, then we want to stay here."

Graham stands and circles his old desk. "You will always be welcome here-"

He is interrupted by Chaff knocking on the doorframe. "Ms. Lily is here."

Graham knows that he smiles, but only Seeder and Chaff knows that he has only smiled that way since he started courting Lily. "Seeder can you-"

She finishes his sentence, "I'll bring you two tea in the parlor."

He grins and makes his way down stairs. He finds her sitting on the low couch that Anna hated. She wanted to throw it out, but since it was the very one that he and Lily would sit on when they were coming of age, it would have been like cutting a piece of his heart out. So he bid for Chaff to move it to the attic. He brought it back out after Anna passed. He watches her for a moment fidgeting with her threadbare shawl, wishing she would finally accept the one he bought her a month ago. He supposes the years have been kind to him, at least that is what she tells him, but he promises her that her beauty grows more and more each day. She swats him on the arm like she did once when she was sixteen, and they chuckle together. He wants to give her everything that she has missed out on since she ran away with Jack Everdeen instead of him, but he knows that she is also very proud. "Have you been waiting long?" he asks.

She jumps, and he feels like a cad for scaring her like that. "Oh, Graham, there you are."

He enters, and she doesn't get up, but does offer him her hand. He sits down beside her, bringing her knuckles up to his lips. He brushes feather-light kisses on each knuckle, and loves that he can still make her blush. He keeps a hold of her hand when Seeder comes in with the service. She winks at Lily, who by now, is an old friend of hers too, and shakes her head at Graham. The blush on Lily's cheeks grows in brightness, and she pulls her fingers from his grasp. "Thank you Seeder." Lily says.

She reaches for the tea pot, and begins to pour. They both sip the welcome warmth on this cold winter's day. He waits for her to set her cup down before he asks, "How are you and the girls?"

She nods and takes one of the cookies cook baked today. "I'm cold-"

He sets down the dainty cup that always looks too small for his huge hands. "Please, Lily. Let me move you and the girls. I can give you everything-"

Lily interrupts. "You know that I can't do that. We will be fine this winter. Mr. Cresta is letting us have the scraps, along with a couple of logs that Gale and Rory have chopped for us to share. We have put up plenty of food," she places her hand on his arm. "We will be fine."

He only really touches her when they are in the bedroom, but he pulls her into a hug anyway and whispers, "I just worry about you, please let me do more for you, for Katniss and Prim-"

She pulls away and hushes him when she puts her fingers over his lips. "Thank you for worrying about us. Can we go upstairs?"

He smiles against her fingers, his head whirling that she is letting him hold her. He nods eagerly, and pulls her with him to his room.

Kpkpkpkp

Katniss pulls the old game bag higher up on her shoulder and opens the door to Sae's. It's early yet, so it's only her and Sae. "Hello dear. Did you get the mistletoe?"

Katniss sets the bag on the counter, and slides in her hand in, reaching for the leaves. "I also got some squirrels today. Do you want them too?"

Blight comes through the swinging doors from the back. "Did someone say squirrels?"

Katniss tilts her chin up. "I got five of them today."

Sae and Blight exchange a smile. "I'll take them all. I know Cray will want some."

Katniss can't help the repulsion that makes a chill run down her spine. Cray has only talked to her once in the store, and thankfully Gale was with her. She isn't sure why, but she can tell that he is a cruel man. She is sure at one time he might have been a decent sort of fellow, but now he is hunched over, one side of his face is droopy, and he is always wiping drool from his mouth.

She makes herself smile, ready to leave the store before Mr. Cray does arrive. Before she reaches the door, the newspaper boy comes rushing in waving a paper. He is breathless from running, but when he lays it on the counter, they all read the headline, "SOUTH CAROLINA SECEDES FROM THE UNION" with the date, December 20, 1860.

Ever since the mine blew up, the families get together for a Christmas meal. The Masons and the Crestas wanted to do more, but with their own big families, they would share their food when they could. This year, as they all sit at the Crestas the now teenagers can't help but to hear the adults talking about South Carolina. The boys are in there listening, while the girls are as far away as they can get.

"This war is stupid anyway." Jo whispers while Annie is trying to hush her. "Oh you hush yourself Annie. This war is going to do nothing but make our brothers go away."

Katniss knows that there are tears in her eyes when she sees Annie's and Jo's both fill with their own tears. Annie gets out her handkerchief and dabs her eyes. "Hush now Jo. Let's talk about something else."

Jo smirks. "Guess who I saw in town today?"

It's Jo's little sister Jessie who answers, "Who?"

"Hey, you aren't supposed to be over here! Go back to Mama!" Jo fusses.

"I'm not a baby anymore. I can be over here with you."

Annie's twin sisters, Leah and Lila chime in too, "We can be over here too."

Katniss scowls. "Just tell us already who you saw!"

Jo looks at her knowingly. "That's right, you have a crush on him." she pauses for dramatic flair, "I saw the Mellark brothers. And they had a very handsome friend with them. I think they said his name is Finnick-"

"You talked to them?" squeals Annie.

Katniss feels her heart speeding up. Should she do something? Go seek him out and offer to repay him? She wipes her hands on her skirt. This time, Jo leans forward and says, "I bet you they will be at Blight's barn dance tomorrow. I think we should go."

"You look so pretty Katniss," Prim says behind her, straightening her dress.

She runs her hands over her bodice, enjoying the feel of spun, rich cotton under her fingers. The dress is a wonderful shade of light forest green, with little pink flowers stitched delicately all of it. She has never seen material this fine except when she passes the wealthier citizens of their little town when she is out doing trades. Mama left out early this morning after hearing Katniss and Prim expressing a wish to go to the dance, she came back with two dresses, one for her and one for Prim. Katniss and Prim both asked where she had gotten it. Lily just shook her head and wouldn't say anything. It reminded Katniss of the arguments Mama would have with Daddy.

Katniss, for the first time, is wearing a corset. She isn't sure how she likes the tightness around her ribs, but she will have to get used to it. She walks across the floor, and the rustling of the petticoats distracts her. These are so stiff, they can stand up by themselves.

Prim sighs dreamily, "I wish I could have petticoats like that." Prim's dress is a beautiful shade of pink. In its simplicity, Katniss feels like it's even prettier than her dress.

"You have petticoats," Katniss says with a chuckle.

Prim shakes her head. "But you have more."

Lily is still adjusting her stays when she notices them. Katniss isn't sure how to describe the look on her face, but she is relieved when mama sighs happily. "You two are going to be the belles of the dance tonight."

Katniss blushes, it's been a while since Mama has been this happy. Prim says, "Let me help you get dressed Mama. I'm ready to go."

"You know you can only dance the reels," Lily admonishes Prim.

Prim sighs, "I know mama. I just want to go watch everyone dance!" She grabs Katniss' hands and pulls her around the room, twirling in circles. They finally stop in a flurry of skirts and giggles.

Lily asks, "Can someone fasten me, please?"

Prim goes to Mama while someone knocks on the door. "That must the Crestas." Katniss says as she goes to the door. She opens it to Annie standing there with a huge grin on her face.

"Are ya'll ready to go?"

Katniss looks back at Mama and Prim. She nods and opens the door wider. Annie accepts her unspoken invite and comes on in. "Ya'll look so pretty!" Annie exclaims.

Prim finishes with Mama, and they grab their shawls and clutches and follow Annie out the door. Since the start of his sawmill, Mr. Cresta has been busy. Instead of showing off the new found prosperity, he has been putting everything back into the mill. Tonight for the dance, he has offered the use of his long wagon to carry his neighbors to the dance.

Mama and Prim go ahead of Katniss, and she latches the door behind her. She notices who is driving and she yells, "Clinton! Gabe! What are ya'll doing home?"

Clinton mason jumps down from the wagon and hurries over to her. Their porch is of a good height, and with Clinton standing before Katniss, his head comes to her waist. He reaches up, grabs her about the waist and carries her to the back of the wagon, where the Crestas have hay bales for everyone to sit on. "We wanted to surprise Mother and Father for Christmas." Clinton says.

"We didn't even tell Jo we were coming home." Gabe adds. Katniss notices her friend sitting there behind her brothers. They help Mama and Prim into the wagon while Jo huffs, "They woke me up when they put a piece of ice down my gown. You will have to help me get them back."

Katniss sits down beside Jo and pinches her in the side. "It's nice that they are home. I know that you've missed them."

Jo shrugs, trying to keep the smile off of her face. "Where did you get the fancy dress? Prim is all dressed up too."

Annie joins them, sharing her blanket with her friends. The wagon starts moving, and Katniss hopes that the subject is forgotten, but it's Annie who asks, "I love this dress-"

Katniss whispers harshly, "I don't know where Mama got them. She won't tell us."

Annie pats her arm. "It's alright. Tonight, we are going to dance all night long! Or at least 'til Daddy says no more wagon rides."

They all chuckle at that, and then they are in town, approaching the barn. "It's beautiful," Katniss breathes.

The wagon pulls to a stop, and they help one another down. Katniss doesn't think anything about it when Clinton helps her down again. She tries to step away from him, but he keeps his hands on her waist for a moment longer than he normally would. She looks into his deep brown eyes, and he whispers, "Will you save a dance for me?"

Before she has a chance to answer, Jo links her arm through Katniss' and pulls her away from her brother. Katniss looks back at him, not sure what just happened.

Jo pulls her into the big barn, that Blight built after Mr. Cresta built his sawmill. They use it to store their hay in, which for the evening, is gathered around the wall to make room for a dance floor. It seems that everyone has brought their lanterns, lighting up the entire barn as if it's in a fairy tale. She recognizes several of the musicians warming up at the other end of the barn. It's going to be good to hear music again.

"This is beautiful," Annie murmurs, and she can't help but to agree. She isn't sure what it is, but something wonderful is in the air. That is, until someone, a big someone, runs into her back, nearly knocking her down.

Hands grab on to her shoulders, keeping her from falling, when a deep voice says, "I am so sorry, miss-"

He trails off as she meets his gaze. Silver meets his wonderful sky colored eyes. Tonight, she decides, his eyes are the same color as the sky on a clear winter's day. Her breath comes out with a delightful shudder and she breathes, "It's alright, I'm sure you didn't see me."

Peeta Mellark's right eyebrow lifts the exact same way it did so long ago. A smirk decorates his face, lightly teasing her sixteen year old self. "I definitely see you now."

She smiles at him, but it's Annie who interrupts, "Are you alright, Katniss? I'm so glad that he caught you before something happened."

She can't help but to think that something is happening. Peeta lets his hands trail down her arms, ending at her hands. Then he brings one of her hands to his lips, and brushes his lips across her knuckles so lightly, she can barely call it a kiss. He murmurs, "Will you save a dance for me? And not a reel, but a real dance?"

All of the air has left the room for her and all she can do is nod. This time, when he smiles at her, there isn't a hint of anything but genuine warmth. She smiles back until they are interrupted by his green eyed friend slapping Peeta on the back. He drops her hands and rolls his eyes. "What Finnick?" he asks, with a hint of boredom in his voice making Katniss wonder where he's been all this time.

Finnick ignores his friend, and instead gives her a little bow. "My lady, would you please introduce me to your beautiful friend over there?" She follows his nod to the where Annie and Jo are both standing, the rest of their brothers and sisters scattered about.

She glances at Peeta, who is still watching her. "And you are-"
Finnick pushes Peeta away enough so he can get a hold of the hand he didn't kiss. He brings it to his lips, gives her knuckles a sound kiss and she knows in that moment that Peeta's touch makes her feel good. "I'm Finnick Odair of the New Orleans Odairs. I know young Peeta here," he releases her hand and slaps Peeta on the shoulder, earning him a grunt from Peeta. "From West Point."

She give a little crusty, and replies, "My name is Katniss Everdeen." She then waves Annie and Jo over. The girls quickly catch up to them. "Finnick Odair, this is my friend Annie Cresta, and my other friend Johanna Mason."

The simple sound of a fiddle starting brings a hush over the crowd that is assembled. Blight stands before the musicians, and clears his throat. "Can everyone hear me?" He asks loudly.

Someone in the back who sounds like Mr. Mason replies, "We would rather hear the music."

Everyone laughs. "I'll be out of the way in just a moment. As I look around my too big barn, I am grateful for so many familiar faces I can see this evening." He looks towards the Masons and nods. "I hope everyone has a wonderful time."

One of the men in the back, Katniss can't tell who it is because the shadow is hiding his face yells, "What about South Carolina leaving the union? Do you think North Carolina is next?"

Blight looks into the corner, covering his eyes so he can see better. "Who is that? Cray?" Katniss shivers when she sees the nasty man come into the light. "I told you Mr. Cray, we aren't talking politics tonight. This is Christmas, there will time for that later." His words are met with applause. Blight nods at one of the fiddle players who Katniss can see that it's Mr. Bristol. He begins to play and Blight continues, "Now let's start this dance. First one up, ladies choice!"

His announcement is met with giggles as ladies of all ages seek out the men of all ages to dance with them. Katniss hears a throat clearing beside her and she can't stop her small smile. Peeta is still beside her when she meets his eyes, and he has that same eyebrow raised. She isn't sure if he is daring her or asking her to accept him, she sighs, "Would you like to dance, Mr. Mellark?"

He grabs her hand with a chuckle. "I thought you would never ask." He leads her out onto the dance floor. She sees that Finnick somehow got Annie to dance with him, and she isn't surprised at all that Jo is dancing with Bram, or is that Rye? Peeta swirls her around, and she no longer cares who Johanna is dancing with.

"How old are you now?" Peeta asks.

"I'm sixteen."

She can't tell if he is surprised, but he does tease, "You are but a baby."

"I am not a baby," she huffs. "Now old are you?"

He grins. "I'm twenty-one."

"What is it like at West Point?"

He shrugs. "It's alright. I might transfer to Chapel Hill. I don't think the military is for me."

She's heard the rumors at the store and school. She doesn't understand everything, but she does know that there might be a war. "Yeah, I don't blame you."

The musicians end the song and he tucks her hand into his elbow, escorting her off the floor. He returns her where he found her, and catches her hand again. This time, she knows that he gives her more than a kiss because he lingers over her hand. "Thank you for allowing me to dance with you. Remember me when you are all grown up," he whispers, then chuckles as he watches her cheeks grow red.

He then rejoins his brothers and friend and she can't help but to feel that she just wants to hide him somewhere away from what might be getting ready to happen.

The next day is Christmas. Before the holiday, Katniss had been able to trade several deer and turkeys for all of the presents she needs. Prim has worked hard too, selling and trading cheese from her goat, then with Lily seeing patients again, they've had a successful fall and winter so far.

Christmas morning finds them opening both homemade and presents bought at Sae's. Each of the ladies receive a new dress, some new hair ribbons, and peppermint candy.

Lily wraps her new shawl around her slight shoulders. "You girls really went all out this year. Prim, this shawl is beautiful."

Prim smiles at her mother's words then she throws her arms around Lily's neck. "Thank you Mama. I love you."

Lily returns her hug. "I love you too." she waves Katniss over. She wraps her other arm around Katniss. "I love you."

Katniss whispers to both Prim and Mama, "I love you."

"Let's get ready for church," Lily announces. Katniss looks after her as she fairly bounces across the shack.

Kpkpkpkp

This time it's Uriah who is driving the wagon to take them to church. Prim settles down in between Lila and Leah and says, "I could get used to this. Katniss? Maybe we should have gotten a wagon and a horse for Christmas."

"And where would we keep a horse? I'm always fixing the fence from where your goat tries to eat it. That's enough," Katniss says with a scowl.

The younger girls giggle while the wagon starts moving. Katniss isn't going to say it out loud, but she could get used to this too. It only takes them a minute to arrive at the church. She glances around at the wagons and sees the ones she normally sees when she is in town. The fancy carriage at the front of the church building is an unfamiliar one. She wonders briefly if it might be the Mellark buggy, and her heart speeds up at the thought of being able to see him again so soon.

Uriah lets them all off at the front door, and they quickly file in to find their seats. She loses all ability to breathe when she sees four varying shades of blond hair and a ginger one standing in the front of the church. Annie stops besides her, freezing in her tracks too. "They are here?" Annie whispers.

Then, it's as if they hear Annie's whisper, Peeta and Finnick both turn around. The girls don't miss the grins that spread across their faces when they see them.

"Come on," Katniss hisses as she pulls Annie into the pew with her. They remain standing while more of the congregation comes in, and several people come by and greet them. Katniss and Annie watch the young men wind their way around to them.

"Ms. Cresta," Finnick asks, "may I have a word with you?"

Annie looks nervously at Katniss, and she doesn't really know what to do, so she nods and tries to look encouraging. Annie steps out of the pew so she can stand closer to Finnick. Katniss can't hear what he is murmuring to her because Peeta steps into Annie's place. He nods, and whispers, "Miss Everdeen."

She smiles nervously, "Mr. Mellark."

She isn't sure what else to say to him, so when he asks, "Did you have a good Christmas breakfast this morning?"

She nods shyly. "Did you? Have a good breakfast I mean?"

He smiles, and it feels as if her heart is doing summer saults in her chest. "I did. If I would have known I was going to see you this morning, I would have brought you something to remember me by."

She wonders why he is even talking to her, much less being so kind to her. "Do you want me to pay you back? For Sae's I mean? I took several of my kills to your cook. Was it not enough?" She blurts out, then she claps her hands over her mouth, wanting to catch the words before he hears them, afraid that somehow, she might hurt him.

He merely chuckles, and reaches for her hand. His fingers are so warm against her forever cold hand. "You don't owe me anything Katniss," he murmurs. Before either one of them could say anything else, Pastor Enloe takes his place behind the podium. He clears his throat, so he can get everyone's attention. Peeta leans over and murmurs, "Wait for me after the service?"

She nods while he steps aside so Annie can slide in beside her. She watches Peeta and Finnick walk back to the front pew and then looks back to Annie wanting to ask her something, but the big goofy grin on her face says everything. They get the song book and Katniss whispers in Annie's ear, "What happened?"

Annie replies with a sigh, "I think we might be courting."

Everyone starts singing, and Mama pokes her in the ribs before she can ask Annie anymore questions. She sits impatiently through the short Christmas service and as soon as Pastor Enloe says amen, she jumps up and grabs Annie, who still has that stupid grin on her face. She pulls to the wall with her, to get out of the way of everyone leaving. "How can you be courting? He's going back to WestPoint after New Year's."

She feels guilty for reminding Annie of reality when she sees her grin fade away. She really is Katniss' dearest friend, except for Jo, and she doesn't mean to hurt her. "Finnick said that we could write, and he might transfer with Peeta to another school in North Carolina. Especially since there might be a war." Annie tries to reason with her.

Katniss huffs instead of pinching her like she really wants to, "I am already tired of hearing about a war that probably isn't even going to happen." she looks around and sees Peeta and Finnick watching them from across the church. "Let's go outside."

They weave in and out of the parishioners still talking. They reach the door, and somehow Katniss is not surprised when she sees the young men arriving at the same time. Without a word, but only with a smile, Finnick grabs Annie's hand and practically drags her outside. Peeta just nods at her and they walk out together.

Katniss watches Finnick bring Annie's hand up to his lips, and then linger there for several moment past what would be considered proper. The look on Annie's face says that she doesn't mind at all. "Only father was going to come this morning, but when Finnick learned that Annie would be here, he made us all come with him," Peeta whispers in her ear.

She takes a nervous step back, and almost runs into old Mrs. Johnson who is coming out at the same time. The widow who often buys rabbits from her eyes light up in recognition at the young people standing and braving the Christmas morning cold. "Merry Christmas," she wishes them and hurries to make her way back home.

Katniss isn't sure what to think, but is saved when her mother and Prim exit the church behind the widow. Lily looks from her to Peeta, confusion clear on her face. Mr. Mellark steps out behind her mother and grins when he sees her and Peeta. Lily looks from her to Peeta and says, "Don't stand in front of the door."

They all walk out to the parking area, getting closer to Annie and Finnick. She isn't sure why, but Katniss wants to protect them all of a sudden. So she goes to Annie, and slides her hand into the crook of her elbow. "Your parents are coming," she whispers.

Annie nods and starts to step away from Finnick who also heard the whisper. He looks at the people who are filing out of the church. "Where are your parents? I would like to talk to them."

Annie's mouth forms a perfect O, before the dreamy grin reappears. "You want to meet my parents?" Annie asks.

Finnick returns his gaze and mirrors Annie's grin. "I wish to call upon you before I have to go back. Can I? Call on you I mean?"

Even Katniss has to smile at the way he is fumbling over his words. Peeta has joined them by now, and he has a smile too. Annie nods and she waves at her parents who are coming down the church steps. Katniss looks around for her mother who she left to go over to Annie. She spies her talking with Mr. Mellark. The look on both of their faces-

Peeta interrupts her thoughts, "I wonder where Father is, and oh there he is talking to your mother. I think something is wrong with him."

Katniss says, "Oh no. what do you think it is?"

He shrugs. "I'm not sure. Bram said that she has been coming to the house almost every day but he seems fine."

She studies Mr. Mellark, looking for anything that might be wrong. She can't tell if he is sick or not. Her mother and Prim are the healers, not her. But there is something… is it the way he is looking… Uriah pulling up in the Cresta's wagon interrupts her thoughts. Peeta says, "Is that your ride?"

She nods, and her family and neighbors all start to gather at the wagon. "I've got to go." she murmurs, not sure what or how to say what she wants.

He offers her his hand, helping her up. She doesn't miss the looks at Clinton and Gale both give Peeta. She thinks that he doesn't notice since he is still smiling his easy smile at her. Finnick comes up beside him, helping Annie in. Johanna comes up behind them, and with her hands on her hips, says, "Who is going to help me up?"

Peeta and Finnick both turn and grab one of her arms. She is the shortest of the three girls and they basically throw her up onto the platform. Katniss and Annie both giggle at surprised shock on Jo's face. She turns around and drops into a deep curtsy and says, "Thank you, gentlemen." Then with a strut that the queen of England would be proud of, she joins Annie and Katniss. The girls giggle watching them having to help everyone up into the wagon from Annie's twin sisters who look at them with awe, to Hazelle and Lily. Even little Jessie hops impatiently wanting them to pick her up.

Katniss watches Peeta the entire time. He isn't mad that he is helping, but is kind to everyone he is helping, even the little girls. She might only be sixteen, but she knows that kind people have a way of getting into her heart. She just wonders if he knows that he already has hers.

Katniss walks along the dirt road to town with her game bag on her hip. She's lucky that those rabbits jumped across her path today if they hadn't, well even she doesn't want to admit that she is thinking about Peeta Mellark instead of hunting. It's not like she is going to end up marrying him. Not that she will. Get married that is.

"Katniss!" she hears someone calling her as she passes the Cresta house. She pauses for a moment and smiles when she sees Annie running towards her. "There you are."

"What's wrong?" she asks.

"Oh nothing, I just thought you would be by when Finnick came calling," Annie says with a grin.

Katniss mirrors her smile. "What happened?"

Annie sighs, "Well Daddy said that we can't really court, because he is so far away. He did say that we could start writing letters." Katniss almost laughs when her friend sighs again, "It's so romantic and heart breaking all at the same time."

"Why is it heartbreaking?"

Annie pauses, and Katniss can almost swear she can see her thinking. She finally shrugs. "I guess it's heartbreaking because I will have to wait so long in between letters."

They chuckle together. "Do you want to walk to Sae's with me? Blight wanted some squirrels for supper."

Annie nods. "Let me tell Mama and I'll walk with you."

Annie turns, and Katniss has an idea. "Why don't we take the wagon?"

"You just want me for my buggy, don't you Katniss Everdeen?"

"Who me? Couldn't be." She replies, then smirks when Uriah comes around the corner of the house with the wagon ready to go.

Graham reaches for Lily and she lands in his lap. She is reading the newspaper over his shoulder. He kisses her on the nose. "You know, I love you, but when you read the paper over my shoulder-"

She interrupts him with a kiss surprising him. He is the one who always kisses first, hugs first, and drags her upstairs first. She pulls away with a loud smack. "Do you still want to marry me?" She whispers.

He has known Lily Watts Everdeen ever since they were small and played on the river bank together. This is the first time she has rendered him speechless. She fiddles with his top button. "I know this is being very forward-"

He grabs her sides, and claims her lips. They part with a sigh. "Are you sure?" he asks, unable to keep the tremor of excitement out of his voice.

She nods and looks at the headline of the paper again. "Louisiana makes the sixth state to leave the union" the headline screams. She doesn't miss the date, January 26, 1861. She asks, "You know that I love you." he nods. She smiles and says, "Then let's go get married. The girls are staying at the Masons tonight."

"You mean, we can go and get married right now?" He asks and she smiles to hear his eagerness.

She nods and he kisses her again before he pushes her off of his lap. She stands with a giggle. "Why did you do that?"

He stands up beside her and drags out her out into the foyer. He gets his coat, and gives her shawl. Then he is dragging her out to the barn.

"Where are we going?" she asks with a giggle.

"To find Pastor Enloe before you change your mind," Graham says with a grin.

They have to go to Rutherford County to find Pastor Enloe. He goes to visit his dear mother and the sick on every Tuesday. Graham doesn't want to wait another day, so they go to find him.

The ceremony is short compared to both of their first ones. Neither one minds, Lily is happy that she will be able to move the girls into a safer house since there might be a war like the reporters from Atlanta seem to think, while Graham is thrilled to finally be able to call Lily his.

There is a small bed and breakfast in Rutherfordton, and while Graham wishes they can have their wedding night somewhere better, he is quickly convinced when Lily pulls him into the room with the biggest smile on her face that this humble room will be just fine.
They both leave the room the next morning wearing the same clothes they wore in, but no one says anything. The inn keeper and his wife remember fondly when they eloped, and wish them well and to come back on anniversaries.

They are on the way so Lily can go and tell the girls, and Graham can write letters to the boys when a herd of deer run out in front of them. This startles the horse who rears back, falling on his side, tipping the buggy over and sending it down a steep bank.

"Where's Mama?" Prim asks coming back out of the cold shack.

"Is she not in there?" Katniss asks, stepping up on the porch behind Prim. They both look in the house again, expecting to see her. "I don't think she's been here since yesterday."

Johanna had brought them back in the wagon and come up on the porch to investigate. "I wonder where she is?" Jo asks. "Let me help you build a fire."

Katniss leaves them in there and goes to gather some kindling. Soon they have a fire going, and Jo says, "Do you want me to stay until she gets back?"

Katniss rolls her eyes. "We are fine. Thanks for letting us stay the night."

Jo sees the worried look on Prim's face. "Ya'll can come back if you want. Even if she is out delivering a baby, she could be there for days."

Katniss nods. "We might. Can you give us a ride to Sae's? They would know if anyone is in labor."

Jo shrugs. "Alright. Make sure you turn down the stove."

Prim chuckles, "yeah, if the house burned down, that would be bad."

Jo nods. "Well let's go."

It only takes them a moment before they are there, and the girls rush in. "Do you know if anyone is having their baby? We spent the night at the Masons' and can't find Mama." Prim asks.

Sae shakes her head. "We haven't heard of anyone." She looks on behind the counter where Katniss knows Blight likes to read the paper alone. "Have you heard anything about Lily Everdeen? The girls are here and can't find her."

It just takes a moment before he appears from behind the curtain. He nods a greeting at them, then turns his attention to his wife. "I haven't heard anything. Did you try up at the Mellark plantation?"

Prim looks confused, while Katniss asks, "Why would Mama be up there?"

Sae scowls at her husband. She says to the young ladies standing in front of her, "She might be up there is all. Do you want me to send Blight up there?"

Jo whispers, "I can take you."

Katniss says out loud, "Jo can take us."

It's a couple of miles to the plantation, and while Katniss has walked it several times, this is the first time she has traveled it in a wagon. Prim sits in between her and Jo, so they can huddle together for warmth. "You know, I've said it before, but I'm going to have to get one of these."

"What are you talking about? You want to get a horse?" Prim asks.

Katniss nods. "We could go anywhere if we had one of these."

"You know Daddy will let you use this one anytime you want." Jo adds.

They pull up at the mansion, but Katniss says, "Go that way Jo, the kitchens are over there."

Jo watches the front door pass by and says, "Why are we going to the kitchens?"

"Because that's where Seeder will answer." before she has a chance to jump down, Thresh is there, helping her down. "Thank you," she says shyly. Even she, who is usually oblivious, notices the worry on the servant's face. Seeder comes running out the kitchens about then, not giving Katniss a chance to say anything.

"Miss Katniss, I'm glad you are here." Seeder says a little breathless.

Prim has climbed down, followed by Jo. Seeder notices them and waves them in. "Let's get you warmed up. Come on dears."

They follow her in, and gratefully accept the cups of hot tea. Katniss sips, lets the heat move through her before she asks, "Have you seen Mama? We spent the night at the Masons and haven't seen her today. There wasn't a fire at home, so we know that she hasn't been home all night."

Seeder takes a deep breath but Katniss can still hear how nervous she is, "I haven't seen them either. I wonder if I should send Chaff to look for them-"

Katniss interrupts, "Why would Chaff go looking for them? What happened?"

"They went yesterday to find Pastor Enloe." Seeder answers.

"But why would they do that?" Prim asks.

Jo's eyes grow big. "Did they elope? Is that why they went to go find the pastor?"

Katniss says, "No, Mama wouldn't-" her voice trails off when she sees the look on Seeder's face. No one has to tell her that Jo has figured out the secret. All she can say is, "oh-"

Prim asks, "Did they really go and get married? Why wouldn't they have told us?" Prim's voice sounds so pitiful that Katniss wraps her arms around her.

"When were they supposed to be back?" Jo asks.

Seeder shakes her head. "I thought they would be back by now. Let's call Chaff. He and Thresh can go looking for them.

They decide to wait. Jo sent word to her parents, and they return to wait with them along with Annie.

A flurry of movement announces the men's arrival several hours later. First they carry in Mr. Mellark and immediately take him upstairs. Chaff comes in carrying Mama. All Katniss has to do is see her grey face, and she knows. She knows… Prim runs to Mama's lifeless body, fussing the whole time about not telling them what she was doing and how she must have been so in love... Katniss doesn't reach her sister in time, before Prim starts screaming. Katniss catches her, and then Johanna and Annie catch them. They all sob together on the floor.