joey and caroline [rosemary oneshot, 91st]

[kap]

Shortly after the conclusion of the 91st Hunger Games was Caroline's birthday. She was turning six this year, and even if it wasn't one of those 'milestone' numbers, I was still determined to make it special for her. She hadn't really gotten a very special birthday celebration since Camilla left, since I haven't been able to afford it. Now, with a bit of spare money, maybe I could do something a little extra for her.

It wouldn't be anything too extravagant, but it had to stand out for her: something to show her that I really do care.

After having moved into the mayoral house, things had changed a bit. Many nights, Caroline cried about how much she missed our old home, and I had to explain to her why we had moved, yet she still didn't quite understand what I was telling her. She just wanted to be in the place she had always known. That was understandable, but it just wasn't possible right now.

That's part of why I wanted to do something special for my daughter. She didn't understand why everything was changing so quickly, and I wanted to show her that some of these changes were good. I wanted to treat her to an extra nice birthday this year.

What I had planned for her wasn't anything too extravagant, but it was still special. I invited her friends from school over to the house for a birthday party. At the party, we'd play games and have cake. The most special part of it all that I'd planned for her, though, was her gift. I'd gotten her something I hoped would bring her a smile not only today, but for years to come: a kitten.

He was a small, gray kitten with soft green eyes. His mew was a cute, quiet one that he used to greet Caroline when he saw her. She picked him up, and he seemed quite happy about it. I let her name him, not expecting anything too creative from a six-year-old. Eventually, she decided to call him Joey, which I thought was quite cute.

The party went pretty smoothly. The kids all took turns playing with the kitten, and were more enthralled by him than they were by the ring toss and other games I'd set up. I suppose that was to be expected.

After the party was over, I found myself enveloped in a tight hug from Caroline.

Oh, how I'd missed her happiness like this.

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407 words