Midwinter // [Cato/Kay/Arrows/Rade/Dee/Ems]

[Baby Wessex d9b [earthling]]

NAVYA SACHDEVA

In the warm and well-appointed kitchen of Katelyn Persimmon, a Midwinter Feast was being prepared. The sun had just begun to fall towards twilight, although its descent was difficult to mark. Outside, a blizzard raged, piling snowflake upon snowflake, so that the only indication of the approaching night was a slow change from white to grey to slate. None of the guests of Katelyn Persimmon noticed. In every room, a fire burned merrily. In the kitchen, the stove flickered with blue flames. Two pots simmered, competing for most delicious aroma: a hearty chicken stock in one and a fragrant mulled wine in the other.

Navya Sachdeva dragged a box packed with ice from the pantry. “I think it’s time to open this gift from my family, before all of the snow melts all over your lovely kitchen.” She glanced up at Katelyn Persimmon and offered a tentative smile. It had been months since Harbinger had returned home, months of visiting with her best friend and her heart, and often Katelyn Persimmon as well. But she still always found a way to say the wrong thing. At least she had stopped fawning over the victor, the way she had over the slow autumn.

She pried off the lid and sorted through the top layer of snow. Beneath, she found a dozen jars of their finest apricot jam and one slender bottle, the length of her forearm. It was peach colored and just this side of frozen, sloshing inside of the glass.

Navya furrowed her brow and then with a gasp, spun to the stove. “It’s apricot brandy! Perfect for mulled wine. Did you know – I’ve never had wine? I feel so – ” She nearly said Capitolite before she stopped. Watch your tongue, she admonished herself in her mother’s voice. She worked out the cork, poured a few spoonfuls into the pot, and then set it aside. She ran her hands – sticky with honey and sugar – over her apron and then looked to her host.

Like her house, nothing about Katelyn Persimmon was amiss. She had worked all day, cooking and hosting and preparing, and yet she was clean, head to toe. Navya knew she had flour smeared across her own forehead but hadn’t yet found a moment to scrub it away. She had been too busy assisting the victor however she could. “So, what are you making now?” She asked, setting aside her measurement of the other woman. Navya came to stand at her side, peering over the baking pans and utensils. She did her best to follow the recipes, to listen carefully to the instructions. But her heart was in the other room, and she could not help but listen.

All at once, everyone else in the house burst into laughter. Navya’s head snapped up, and then cocked to the side. She felt the distance between her and Harbinger – less than a sunset but more than she could bear – fill her heart and then her throat. Tears suddenly sprang to her waterline and she turned her head away from Katelyn Persimmon.

“I’m sorry. It’s just all so – so miraculous? And I know I have you to thank and I just – ” She lost control of her voice then, as she threw her arms around the other girl. “Thank you,” she whispered.

She blotted her eyes with sticky fingers and then scooped up a set of mugs. “Who wants mulled wine!” She hollered for the rest of the house to hear.

table coding (c) ghosty

[charade]

KATELYN PERSIMMON

Winter had come to the district, and with it, the occasional flashback for Katelyn. She supposed she would never look at winter the same way again, would not be able to appreciate the snowflakes whistling down without scanning the sky for the Anthem, would not be able to watch young children make snow angels without seeing Velocity lying spread eagled on the ground; the magic of the season would never be the same when it came to the snow, but there were other things that she could still enjoy. The people. And making sure they were fed for one. The chicken stock would make a good gravy when it was done, and the mulled wine, well, she had never attempted to make that before, but someone had put in a request for it so she had obliged.

Harbinger’s girlfriend was there to help her, bustling back and forth like an energetic child; hand full of hope and head full of dreams. Katelyn was no stranger to people being antsy around her. Things were simple in district eleven. Simple lives. Family. The harvest. Swimming holes and sunny days, eking out an existence in the orchards and the fields. She supposed the merriment might have died down after her victory had been forgotten, but it couldn’t be forgotten now. What had the Izar boy claimed people were calling her? Kate the great. The first victor. She had brought the district hope. Kirito had cemented it. Harbinger, harbinger had taken it to new heights. The atmosphere in eleven was so different from the one she had grown up with. There was energy, a fire that invigorated everyone from the youngest child to the oldest elder.

That the better tomorrow everyone had talked about for decades had come. There was a season for everything; district eleven knew that better than anyone. She knew the three of them were responsible for it, and it made her happy, even if Navya was intent on bouncing around her like a puppy. At least she had dialed it back a notch since the autumn, talking like she was unsure of herself as she retrieved a gift from the freezer. The sachdeva’s had sent over jam and brandy, all made from the apricots that they grew, and Katelyn grinned, bustling the jars away and setting them by the cherry jam her mother had made, and the new blackberry jam she was trying out.

Over the course of the previous night and the morning, Katelyn had cleaned and cooked, and with a little help from her mother, had gotten everything done before the guests had arrived. The turkey sat majestically in the corner by some dishes, ready to be stripped to the bone by a handful of hungry boys, and the other trays were sure to suffer similar fates. Mashed potatoes, warm biscuits with honey, yams coated in brown sugar, greens, stuffing, and a few dishes the others had brought, and there was still room for treats. It was a wonderful bounty, made possible by the sheer amount of winnings that had poured into the district’s coffers. But there were still some things to make.

“Well,” she said with a grin in response as she asked Navya to hand her the whisk. “Now, we’re mixing heavy cream, sugar and vanilla to make whipped cream for the pies in the oven.” Navya was a good assistant, a little distracted perhaps, but Katelyn could hardly blame her for that. Every time snatches of conversation floated through, her head turned, and with the sound of laughter, she gave up trying to pay attention.“I’m sorry. It’s just all so – so miraculous? And I know I have you to thank and I just – Thank you.” The other girl clung to her like a drowning man clutching at a broken reed, and Katelyn returned the embrace, trying not to cry herself.

“Wasn’t just me. Kirito found sponsors and gave him advice too. And Harbinger, well. How couldn’t he fight tooth and nail to survive when he had you to come back to?” The victories belonged to the victors, no matter how much the media shouted about the people that had trained them. The ordeal of the seventy-first hunger games was Harbinger’s story. Katelyn was just glad to have been a part of it. Navya dried her eyes and went to see who wanted mulled wine, leaving Kate a moment to think. She leaned in the doorway, resting her shoulder on the frame and watched her boys with their brothers, empty plates ready for the banquet that was in the kitchen; Mrs. Miristioma and Mr.Rhodes sitting on stools by the bar counter and beaming as they chatted with her parents.

There was a sense of peace in her house, the bad dreams and the dark thoughts chased away by the good company and the love that permeated the area. This, this was her family now. People she never would have expected to care for now at the center of her world. When she was young, three years and a lifetime ago, being dragged to the stage, a pastry dropped forgotten in the dust, she never would have known that this would be her life. That her job as a mentor, and their own skill, their will to survive would lead them all down this road together. She wiped a tear away from the corner of her eye and smiled.

Arbor Halt’s words floated back to her. “Is Harbinger Rhodes worth it?”

Looking at the other two victors, surrounded by their loved ones, Katelyn knew he was. They both were. Even if Arbor was right (which she didn’t think he was), and his victory was the harbinger of dark days for the district’s chances in the games, it was worth it. Katelyn knew better than anyone that when the world around you was a cold and unforgiving wasteland, sometimes, the only thing that could keep you going was the warmth of a good memory.

And this?

This would be one of them.

"When you’ve lost your way, when you have no words,
we are your strength, when you don’t have anymore. "

table coding (c) ghosty

[Arrows]

Frost nipped at Kirito's nose as his footsteps echoed with the sound of crunching snow. In the air Kirito watched as his breaths swirled and mixed as the mist jumbled with the falling flakes of winter. Inside of his warm grey sweater and long grey scarf Kirito still felt himself shuddering just from the kisses of ice landing on the lashes of his eyes. Several thoughts bubbled into Kirito's mind as he thought back to the days where Katelyn had spent unparalleled time freezing within her own icy hell. Sorrow pinched Kirito's heart as he couldn't even begin to bear the struggles she had to face all while being completely uncertain if the ice would encase her entirely. In fact Kirito even wondered if Katelyn left her house during the season since he was certain it was riddled with forsaken memories that all victors shared when it came to their kingdoms. Hell ever time Kirito looked at a clock he nearly teared up at the thought of Key watching from behind its ticking numbers. 

Across the long arching fields of District Eleven silence actually met Kirito's ears as his hands burrowed deeper into his coat's pockets. Although Kirito felt sorry for the burden of this season that Katelyn carried he still couldn't help but love what it did to their home. It wasn't just the snow that coated the lands in white chilled blanket. It wasn't just the frozen flakes of water that danced from the grey clouds in the sky. It wasn't even the excitement that coursed through the children as they let snow balls go barreling from their hands. It was the fact that not a single field worker was suffering beyond compare. The silence that greeted Kirito's ear created a sort of a peace that he couldn't help but enjoy. For so many months worker after worker work themselves to death all while the Capitol turned their eyes blindly towards it all. Kirito couldn't help but remember this was his favorite time of year since it meant he got to spend time with his Father.

A thought began to creep into Kirito's mind just as he entered the Victor's Village with his back pack still rattling with its occupants. Even as he spotted the smoke rising from Katelyn's chimney and the scrumptious smell of food wafted from her door, he continued onward to his own home. Ever since the thought of Kirito's Father had rippled across his thoughts he couldn't help but think of Mace. Kirito was certain that Mace was the closest thing to a Father he would ever get and during this time of year he couldn't imagine the struggles Mace faced with Julian now long ripped away from his side. If there was one thing Kirito was determined to do it was to wish Mace the best and at least let him know someone, besides Saffron, was thinking about him during this time.

As Kirito let his door shut behind him he couldn't help but feel the emptiness of his house send shivers down his spine. Normally the sound of Valentina's feet would sound off from which ever room she was in mixed with the gentle call of Ma's voice from either the Kitchen or her room. Yet Kirito quickly let his needless thoughts swim away as he simply reminded himself that he would be joining them shortly just a house away. With his typical nerves settled Kirito wasted no time heading to the telephone that he kept in the office which he had now converted to a clinic for those he treated. 

Kirito felt his heart filling with new kinds of nerves as the phone rang several times more than he was expecting. Luckily though the sound of Mace's voice soon ran through the phone. 

"Hey Mace its Kirito, I just wanted to give you a call to say I hope you are having a good winter. I know this time of year is very family oriented and I know things have been rough for you lately. I just wanted you to know I was thinking of ya and really appreciate having a person like you in my life. I wish I could stay and chat longer but I am suppose to head over to Katelyn's for a big feast she has prepared... No I'm sorry I don't think I will be able to save you a pie this time but maybe next time we see you we can make her bake you one... Yeah works for me too. Alright Mace I have to run but tell Saffron I send my greetings and feel free to call anytime."

As Kirito hung up the phone he couldn't help the smile that was now clearly etched into his face. Just knowing that he had someone besides Katelyn and Harbinger made him feel so much more at ease. Just knowing that if he ever needed some man to man advice that Mace was just a call away made life seem a little less hard. Especially lately with Snow clearly aggravated not only with the famed trio but the whole district it seemed. Still Kirito was more than pleased to have more people than he realized just within his finger tips. Hell Kirito was actually beginning to realize there were a lot more people he cared about than he realized. Then again he was well aware that this time of year had that effect on nearly everyone, including himself.

With another slam of his front door Kirito stepped out into the chilling embrace of winter as his back pack once again jingled with its supplies. Thankfully Katelyn's house was literally next door so he was once again within the love of warmth in less than a minute's time. 

As Kirito shut Katelyn's door gently behind him he felt his smile growing larger has he spotted nearly every person he cared about milling around and having what appeared to be a wonderful time. Just as Kirito was walking into the main room identical to his own house's, besides decorations, he heard Navya calling out for anyone interested in wine. Quickly Kirito raised his hand and called out to her as he made his way in her direction through the swarm of family members all across the room. "I will gladly take some of that." 

The moment Kirito reached Navya he pulled her in for a brief hug before turning towards Harbinger jokingly. "Don't worry I promise she is all yours." Although Kirito had clearly noticed how withdrawn Harbinger had been over the last couple of months he was ever going to stop reaching out to him. Kirito was well aware of the betrayl Harbinger felt towards them considering Annora's death. Yet Kirito knew one day if he continued to show he cared that Harbinger would one day come around as well. Until that day comes though, try and try and try he would. 

Just as Kirito was about to ask Navya where Katelyn was he noticed her standing against the door frame to the kitchen with a look he hoped wasn't one of sadness. Bidding a brief nod as farewell to Navya for the moment he made his way over to Katelyn's side just as he always seemed to be these days.  

"Thank you for hosting this. Everything looks amazing as usual when it comes to your cooking." Kirito said light heartily as he removed and opened his back pack just enough to grab something from within. "As a sort of thank you. even though I got a gift for everyone, your's is a  bit special considering its a thank you for so much more than just tonight."

As his voice trailed off Kirito pulled a small lavender wrapped gift with a silver bow out of the bag and handed it to her. "I hope you like it."

OOC: Katelyn's gift is a golden rose locket with pictures of Katelyn, Kirito, and Harbinger inside <333

Kirito Miristioma
Victor Of The Seventieth Hunger Games

[ᕙʕ•ᴥ•ʔᕗ]

Tamron Rhodes

I knew I shouldn’t have but it was hard to not revert to my old self, back when Crusader was still at home and I was allowed to be a dreamer. Even knowing that we had lost a brother and nearly lost another, the mix of having Harbinger back home and the holidays made me bounce with every step and nearly trip over my own feet. I was always the little brother, the one who would follow my brothers like a little puppy who just wanted to be included. Even as I grew in age, being shadowed by Crusader and Harbinger and Elidor for so long had kept the little brother mentality in my head and it was hard for me to not feel like the little boy from my childhood.

But now a part of me was aware, aware of the effects of the Games because we had lost one and I didn’t know how damaged the other one was. Still, the holidays were right around the corner and we would be celebrating in Katelyn Persimmon's with Harbinger, Kirito, and Katelyn. It was hard for me not to jump around, but finally I was able to compose myself and the next thing I knew, I was in the living room. Old Tamron with his head in the clouds would have spent the whole night thinking of what it would be like to interact with the Victors, but I felt like I was now a part of the atmosphere and being a part of the atmosphere, the only thing I wanted to do was try to help out.

It was hard to figure out where I could help—Harbinger and Crusader were always so good with that—but I heard Navya shouting and the next thing I knew, I ran towards the kitchen and caught my breath before the next stream of words flowed from my mouth. “CanIhelpinanywayplease?” Katelyn had been standing there and Kirito as well, and red flooded my cheeks as I realized I was talking to two Victors. While they didn’t look like killers—Harbinger had looked more like one and almost everyone who knew him knew that he had a kind heart—I felt an inkling of intimidation run through my mind as I tried to think of my next words.

“I’m…sorry. I heard Navya’s voice and—didn’t meant to interrupt. Just, um, if there’s any way I can help, uh…” I felt like an idiot uttering those words, like all of my brain cells had shut down the minute I ran into the two. “I’m just…gonna go find Harbinger before Navya takes him for her own.”

[Knuckles]

Elidor Rhodes Eighteen | Male | District Eleven

Part of me wondered why I was asked to attend the feast; I hadn’t done anything special. Sure, it’s nice to celebrate what has been given to us, but at the same time, why celebrate? It seems pointless, and in the back of my mind, I can only think about the events that got us all here. First Crusader dying in the games, and after that it was like life turned around completely. Katelyn won the next games followed by Kirito, and now they brought home Harbinger. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very excited he lived. I’m glad he’s back home because I missed him, and his journey pained me - I thought he was going to die, but seeing his weapon drive through the eye of the girl made me cringe. It was that moment I knew he was a fighter. Navya and Katelyn are already in the kitchen cooking getting everything ready. All of the food smells so delicious. It makes me wish that I could dig in and devour it all right there. They’re both working hard, and I wish I could help them, but honestly, I’m not sure how. I’m not a cook. Heck, I’m not good at doing much except at becoming a wallflower. Perhaps it’s come with experience. I was always left out of everything growing up. At school when people would pick groups for projects, I was always chosen last. Soon the door opens, and Kirito walks in. I was expecting Ikaia to walk in behind him, but he’s alone. Sighing softly, I turn away retreating to a corner of the house. I’ve never been good at talking, and this is a social event. Chuckling, I listen as Tamron runs into the kitchen asking if he can help. He’s always been so helpful, and I admire him for that. I feel he has this sense of innocence to him, and I want him to have something worth living for. Lowering my head, I just listen as the chattering continues before making my way over towards a window. I watch as the white stuff falls heavily from the sky. Winter has always been one of my favorite seasons because I can take a break from working. I can make time for myself, but even then I’m not sure what to do anymore. At least everyone seems happy, and knowing that makes me feel somewhat relaxed. But when Navya offers wine, I feel my heart drop into the pits of my stomach. I’ve always been against drinking. But it is the holidays. Raising my gaze slightly, I allow it all to blow over. It’s not my place to ruin the day for everyone because everyone has worked so hard to make this happen, and I owe everything to Katelyn and Kirito for bringing my brother home alive.

OOC notes go here

[googlefont="Nothing You Could Do:400"]

[Cato]

Harbinger Rhodes Eighteen | Male | District Eleven

Life hasn't changed since I left the arena. Every second of every single day I see them, all of them, glaring at me. What can I do? Knowing what I did in order to survive kills me. Killing in order to live such a sick joke. But I can't change what happened. I have to live my life knowing that I survived hell. Yet I don't see it getting any better. Every single year for the rest of my life, I'll watch tributes go into the arena. I'll watch knowing that at least one will die. Maybe it's not that bad, though. Maybe with Katelyn and Kirito at my side, we can accomplish a lot. But I don't need their help. I won on my own. Without them. Navya and Katelyn are in the kitchen cooking dinner. A huge celebration for the winter months. Personally, I don't want to celebrate anything anymore. Life is so much more important than anything in the world, and I killed four times. Four people died because of me, and one of them was a close friend. I chuckle softly as Tamron runs into the kitchen wanting to help. He always wants to help, and sometimes he ends up in awkward situations. The moment the door opens, I notice that Kirito is alone. Normally Ikaia would follow around him. It's weird, but I don't get a chance to say anything because Kirito wraps his arms around Navya. Every emotion is wiped from my face as I stare at them. Jealousy is such a powerful emotion, and I've never felt it this bad before in my life. Kirito has Katelyn. I have Navya, and I won't let him take her from me. But Kirito has a gift. He hands it to Katelyn, and my heart drops. I have nothing for her right now, but what I have, I give to her. I will give Navya the rest of my life if she'll allow it. Walking out of the kitchen, I see Elidor standing in the background. Socializing isn't his strong point, and it dropped drastically after he died. But maybe I've brought some hope to him. Maybe I proved that the Rhodes family can accomplish anything. "Brother, do you know where Ikaia is?" I keep my voice quiet because I don't want anyone else to hear me. "No. Haven't seen him." His reply kind of worried me, but I shrugged it away as I made my way back into the kitchen. Wrapping my arms around Navya, I promise to never let her go. It's a silent promise, but it's one I will keep for my entire life.

Victor Of The 71st Hunger Games

[googlefont="Rock Salt:400"]

[Baby Wessex d9b [earthling]]

NAVYA SACHDEVA

"How couldn’t he fight tooth and nail to survive when he had you to come back to?" Katelyn's words were a warm winter coat Navya wrapped around her icy insecurities. She smiled quietly to herself as she arranged the mugs on the serving tray. Some were filled with apple cider, some with coffee, and some with the mulled wine. She hauled the whole clattering arrangement into the living room. Very carefully she slid into the coffee table, pointed out the drinks to those gathered, and then retreated to a doorway.

Kirito bounded over, his enthusiasm apparent in every step. For a moment, he looked like the boy she had chased through the apricot orchards. Navya turned her smile to him just in time to swept up in a bruising hug. "Don't worry I promise she is all yours."

The laugh that escaped her bubbled up from her belly. She was instantaneously scarlet. "Kirito," she admonished, swatting at him. She couldn't find her tongue quickly enough to properly reprimand him for being an imp. By the time she did, he had found Katelyn Persimmon and their heads had bent close together. She wondered if maybe - then Tamron joined them and Navya swallowed a giggle.

She heard him, felt him. Her gaze flickered to Elidor, so quiet, so reserved. Her cheeks were still stained pink from Kirito's teasing, but perhaps she could find something else to talk to Elidor about. Apricots? The long snow? The strange and exciting way her heart skipped when his half-brother was close -

Her heart skipped. His arms engulfed her. It wasn't until right then that she'd realized she'd started to hunch her shoulders. To wonder. After all, she'd been able to hear his voice day in and day out for those thirty sunsets. Hearing his voice was not the same thing as having him home.

But she trusted his arms enough to sigh and lean into him. "I missed you," she whispered, which was silly since they had been in Katelyn's house together all day long. She still felt every moment she wasn't at his side acutely.

Her dark hair settled against his chest. She lifted her chin to look up at him, looking down at her. "Are you hungry? Thirsty?" She paused, the last of the blush fading from her cheeks. "Do you think Elidor wants anything?"

If she couldn't think of anything to talk to Elidor about, at least she could appeal to his stomach.

table coding (c) ghosty

[charade]

KATELYN PERSIMMON

It was strange to feel so old. In the past three years Katelyn felt like she had aged a decade or two, and yet she was barely a year or two older than most of the other people in her house. But she wasn’t a child, and had been through more than most adults had in a lifetime. So what did that make her? What did that make any of the victors at this stage? Navya started taking people their drinks and Katelyn watched her move around the room and then the door clicked. A half-smile wormed its way onto her face as Kirito came into the house and started greeting people.

Better late than never, and he hadn’t missed the food. He thanked her for hosting the get together and pulled a small gift out of his pack for her. “Aw hell,” she said with a light blush of embarrassment. “I’ve been so busy with the party prep I forgot to buy any presents. Thanks Kiri.” She pulled him into a hug and turned the package over in her hands behind him.

“CanIhelpinanywayplease?”

Katelyn turned to see one of Harbinger’s brothers looking all at sea. Before she even had a chance to reply he was hastily apologizing over nothing, stammering like a toddler caught with his hand in the cookie jar. People stumbling over their words like that; the reason was usually an attempt to reconcile the person standing in front of them with the person they had seen on screen. Tamlon was just one of many that had seen them as larger than life figures half a world away. The media treated victors as being almost more than human, but nothing could have been further from the truth. She hoped that all of the victor relatives would get more comfortable around them in time. Katelyn placed the gift on the mantle to open later and turned to the boy.

“It’s fine Tamron.” She said with a grin. “Why don’t you grab one of the platters and help me bring the food to the table?” Katelyn grabbed the turkey and started laying the meal out; enough for everyone to have their fill and then some, a banquet of the sort once thought unfathomable in district eleven; for the lack of reasons to celebrate as much as the lack of food. Once everything was in its place, she poured herself some apple cider and went over to her chair but didn’t sit down. She stood in front of it and raised her mug up, clearing her throat as eyes turned towards her. “Thank you all for coming. It does my heart good to see all your faces. Hear your voices. That’s what this season is about. Family. Giving. Togetherness.” Her face dropped for a few seconds but she pressed on.

“But three of us paid a heavy price to be standing here. A moment of silence for the families, for the ones who paid more dearly than us. And a toast to the future.” She continued after a moment, reflecting on six lives that had left their mark on her. “We’ve got each other, and that’s more than a lot can say.”  They had been brought together by fucked up circumstances sure, but brought together all the same, she added in her head. The bonds you chose could be ten times stronger than the ones you were born with. “Love you guys. Now let’s eat!” she finished with vigor as she grabbed the carving knife and cut into the roast bird.

"When you’ve lost your way, when you have no words,
we are your strength, when you don’t have anymore. "

table coding (c) ghosty