Clove's eyes widened as the idea began to form. A vinyl? A limited edition of one of those obscure bands he likes?
Clove had barely registered the sound of the door creaking open before Haelyn and Kallias both jumped onto her bed, bouncing with enthusiasm. She groaned and rubbed her temples, already exhausted from the constant pressure of finding the perfect gift.
"Not now," she muttered, her voice flat as she flopped back onto the bed, arms spread wide. "I'm literally drowning in stress over here."
Kallias grinned widely, unbothered by her tone, as he landed next to her with a loud thud. "That's exactly why you need to listen to us."
Haelyn gave Clove a sideways glance, a mischievous spark in her eyes. "We've got ideas. And believe me, they're golden."
Clove sat up quickly, her heart skipping a beat. She hadn't expected her younger siblings to come to the rescue, but she was desperate. She propped herself up on her elbows, instantly intrigued. "Okay, I'm listening. But this better not be some dumb idea you guys cooked up just to mess with me."
Haelyn threw her hands up in mock surrender. "I promise it's legit." She sat cross-legged on the bed, her tone serious for once. "We know you're stressing about Cato's gift, right?"
Clove nodded, feeling the tension build up again. "It's four days until Christmas, and I have no clue what to get him. So, yeah, I'm stressing."
Kallias leaned forward, his grin now replaced with a more thoughtful expression. "We figured as much, and, well... I think we've got something that'll make it a whole lot easier."
Clove raised an eyebrow, curious despite herself. "Okay, now I'm really listening."
Haelyn exchanged a knowing look with Kallias before leaning in slightly. "You've got to get him something that's... him. Something only he would get. And I think we know what that is."
Clove's pulse quickened, her brain working overtime. "What do you mean?"
Kallias chuckled. "We've been paying attention, okay? You've been going through the motions of 'Oh, I need a gift for Cato,' but you're overthinking it."
"Exactly," Haelyn chimed in, her tone more confident now. "What does Cato always wear? What's he always carrying around, or mentioning?"
Clove blinked, trying to piece together their vague hints. "He... likes certain obscure things, I know. He's always got that stupid jacket or his headphones in, but what does that have to do with a gift?"
Kallias and Haelyn exchanged another look before Kallias leaned in, speaking slowly as if revealing some great secret. "What if you got him something that really fits that whole vibe of his-something personal but not too obvious?
Clove blinked in surprise as Kallias and Haelyn sat there, their excited energy still buzzing around her room. She had expected a wild suggestion or something totally off the wall, but instead, they had managed to give her something... unexpected, yet perfect.
"Wait, hold on," she said slowly, her voice catching up with the idea that was just beginning to form in her mind. "What about... a custom-made sword necklace?"
Kallias shrugged nonchalantly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I mean, yeah. Why not? You know how Cato is-he loves anything that makes him look tough, but also has a bit of meaning behind it. A sword is a pretty perfect symbol for him. Plus, it's something he could actually wear."
Haelyn added, her voice bright with enthusiasm, "Exactly! It's personal, but not over the top. The sword represents strength, and it's something he'd actually wear every day-especially if it's something custom, something that no one else has. Plus it's his favorite weapon and something he trains with."
Clove sat up straighter, the idea clicking into place. A custom sword necklace. Cato was always so protective of his image, always putting on that bravado like he was untouchable. But the sword... it was such a perfect representation of his personality-sharp, powerful, and a little dangerous. Plus, it wasn't something too obvious or too sentimental. It would be meaningful without being overwhelming.
She could almost picture it now: a sleek, well-crafted sword pendant, maybe with some intricate detailing on the handle. The kind of thing Cato would wear without making a fuss about it.
Her heart started to race a little faster. This was it. This was the gift.
"I... actually love that," Clove admitted, her voice full of surprise. "It's perfect."
Kallias grinned, clearly pleased that his random suggestion had turned out to be the right one. "Told you. All you have to do now is find a jeweler who can make it. Or a custom shop online. I'm sure there's something like that out there."
Haelyn nodded, clearly proud of herself. "It'll be a little more personal than just buying something off the shelf. And knowing Cato, he'll totally appreciate the effort you put into it."
Clove's fingers hovered over her phone, already thinking ahead. Find a jeweler. Custom sword necklace. Get it before it's too late.
"I'm getting on it," Clove said with determination, already typing in the search bar for custom jewelry makers. "I'm actually relieved. I was freaking out over what to get him, but this... this is exactly what I needed."
"Glad we could help," Kallias said with a grin. "Now, don't get too mushy on us."
Clove shot him a playful glare. "Not a chance."
Haelyn laughed, rolling onto her back. "We've got your back, Cloverfield. You're welcome."
Clove couldn't help but smile as she got to work on finding the perfect design. As much as she hated the stress of figuring out the perfect gift, now that she had a solid plan, everything felt a little lighter. Maybe, just maybe, this Christmas would go off without a hitch.
---
Clove's heart raced in time with her footsteps as she bolted down the stairs. Her breath hitched in her chest, and she barely managed to catch herself on the railing as she nearly tripped on the last few steps. The adrenaline coursing through her veins made every moment feel like a blur. She had been waiting for this moment for days, her nerves buzzing with anticipation.
As she rounded the corner toward the front door, she caught sight of Cassander, who was running toward her with a grin that could rival the sun.
"It's here!" he yelled, holding up the small, neatly packaged box in his hands. His voice echoed with excitement, making Clove's pulse spike even higher.
Clove didn't waste a second. She pushed herself harder, bounding toward him, her eyes locked on the box as though it were the most precious thing she'd ever seen. The necklace was finally here. The one she had ordered for Cato. The custom sword pendant.
Cassander chuckled as Clove reached him, practically snatching the box from his hands. She tore at the packaging, hardly able to contain herself as she peeled back the paper and cardboard. When she finally saw the velvet pouch, her breath caught in her throat.
Carefully, she opened the pouch and pulled out the necklace. Clove held the necklace in her hands, her fingers brushing over the smooth surface of the sword-shaped pendant. As the light caught the fine engravings, she felt her heart skip. The sword was designed with intricate detail, the handle beautifully shaped and the blade gleaming in a way that made it look both elegant and strong. But it was the inscription along the sword's blade that truly made the gift perfect.
Etched into the cool metal were four simple but meaningful words:
𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐨 - 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐞; 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐞; 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧
Her breath caught in her throat as she ran her thumb over the engraving. It felt so... fitting. Cato had always been the one to think before acting, even if his emotions sometimes got in the way. The word "wise" felt like a quiet nod to everything she had come to admire about him: his intelligence, his quiet strength, and the way he always seemed to know exactly what to say-or not say-at just the right time.
Cassander raised an eyebrow, noticing the way Clove was staring at the inscription. "Wow. They really went all out with this one," he remarked, his voice filled with admiration.
Clove nodded, her gaze still fixed on the necklace. "It's... perfect," she whispered. "It's not just the sword that makes it special. His name. Wise. I mean, it's exactly who he is."
Cassander crossed his arms and smirked. "Yeah, I think you just nailed it. He's gonna love it."
Clove carefully slid the necklace back into the velvet pouch, her fingers lingering on the smooth fabric. It felt like more than just a gift-it was a tribute to Cato himself. She imagined him wearing it, the sword resting just above his chest, a reminder of his strength, his wisdom, and how much she had come to care for him over the years.
"Thanks, Cass," Clove said softly, a smile tugging at her lips.
He gave her a teasing grin, poking her side. "No problem. Just don't go overboard when you give it to him. I don't need to see you two getting all emotional, okay?"
Clove rolled her eyes, but she couldn't suppress the smile on her face. "I think I can handle it."
But as she carefully tucked the pouch into her bag, a small part of her couldn't help but feel excited. This Christmas, she was giving Cato something that truly captured who he was-a gift that spoke to the quiet strength and wisdom he never fully realized he had. And it felt right.
---
The soft hum of Christmas Eve filled the Kentwell household as Clove stood in front of her mirror, mentally preparing for the evening ahead. It was 6 PM, and while the rest of her family had already dressed up, she was still in the process of getting ready. The scent of fresh pine from the Christmas tree downstairs and the faint crackling of the fire in the living room made the atmosphere feel cozy and festive.
She was already wearing her matching black lace undergarments and had her makeup supplies laid out in front of her. She glanced at the clock once more. Almost there.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock on the door.
"Clove, it's me," Haelyn called through the wood, her voice muffled but full of cheer.
"Come in," Clove replied, her fingers still hovering over her makeup brushes.
The door creaked open, and Haelyn stepped in, holding a sleek garment bag in her hands. "Here you go," she said with a teasing smile, handing over the dress with a flourish.
Clove took the dress with a mix of excitement and apprehension. It was stunning-her mother had picked it out for her. The dress was a navy blue satin one-shoulder gown, with subtle shimmer to the fabric. The cut was elegant and simple but still striking, paired with white Jimmy Choo heels, a white clutch and a white fur stole. It was exactly the kind of dress Clove liked-understated but with enough elegance to feel special.
"Thanks, Hae," Clove said, a smile forming on her face as she hung the dress up in front of her mirror. "I swear, you always pick the best dresses for me."
Haelyn gave her a knowing grin, flicking her hand as if it were no big deal. "Well, someone has to help you out with fashion. Besides, you're going to look amazing in this one. It's perfect for tonight."
Clove gave her a quick look, feeling the weight of the evening settle in. Tonight. Cato would be there. She tried not to let the thought of him overwhelm her, but she couldn't help but wonder if he'd notice the necklace she had so carefully picked out for him.
Haelyn noticed the thoughtful look on her face and raised an eyebrow. "You good?"
Clove blinked, snapping out of her reverie. "Yeah, just... thinking."
"Thinking about him?" Haelyn teased, her tone light but with a knowing smirk.
Clove shot her a playful glare. "Maybe."
"Well, whatever you're thinking, stop it. You're already stunning, and Cato will notice that first," Haelyn said, stepping over to Clove and unzipping the back of her dress.
Clove chuckled softly. "I'm sure I'll trip over my heels or spill something on myself before I get there, but thanks, Hae."
"You won't," Haelyn said confidently. "Now, hold still. I'm helping with your makeup, remember?"
Clove nodded, settling into the chair in front of her vanity. Haelyn was quick and efficient, blending shades of soft gold and bronze into her eyelids, adding a touch of blush to her cheeks, and finishing off with a subtle, glossy lipstick. It was a natural look that enhanced her features, giving her a polished, effortless elegance.
"There. Perfect," Haelyn said with satisfaction as she stepped back, admiring her work. "Now, let's get this dress on."
Clove slipped into the satin dress and turned around so Haelyn could zip it up for her. As the zipper slid up, Clove's heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nerves. She was ready. The dress fit like a glove, hugging her curves just enough to make her feel confident without being over the top.
"You look amazing," Haelyn said softly, a warm smile on her face as she stepped back.
"Thanks," Clove whispered, feeling a quiet surge of confidence. She gave herself one last look in the mirror before turning to Haelyn. "Let's go. Everyone's probably waiting for me."
As they walked out of the room, Clove felt a soft excitement settle in her chest. Tonight wasn't just about the gift for Cato. It was about being with her family, enjoying the holiday, and-maybe, just maybe-seeing how Cato might react when he saw the gift she had put so much thought into.
Tonight felt like the start of something new, something special.
---
The Kentwell family arrived at Glimmer's extravagant three-story house, pulling up to the grand entrance with its towering columns and glowing Christmas lights draping across the front. The house was warm and welcoming, the large windows sparkling with festive decorations. A giant wreath adorned the front door, while the trees lining the driveway were twinkling with lights, casting a cozy glow on the snow-covered lawn.
Clove leaned forward in the car, gazing at the house as it came into view. Glimmer's family always goes all out, she thought with a raised eyebrow. The sound of Christmas music could be heard faintly through the windows, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Her dad, Arazel, glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Excited for tonight?" he asked, his tone casual, though the way his eyes sparkled suggested he was in a good mood.
Clove nodded, smoothing the hem of her dress. "Yeah, just hoping I don't embarrass myself. It's always a little too fancy for my liking."
Mindy, Clove's mom, chuckled from the front seat. "It's just a party, Clove. Relax. You look great." She turned to smile at her daughter in the rearview mirror before unbuckling her seatbelt. "Let's get inside before Kieran decides to start a snowball fight."
At the mention of his name, Kieran, their younger brother, bounced in the back seat with enthusiasm. "Can we go in now? I wanna see the Christmas tree!"
Cassander, sitting next to Clove, leaned over and nudged her. "You're already stressing out about what to say to Cato, aren't you?" he teased, an amused grin on his face.
Clove rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the small blush that crept up on her cheeks. "I'm not stressing out. I'm just... ready for the night to start."
Arazel chuckled softly and put the car in park. "Well, the night's about to start whether you're ready or not." He got out of the car, followed by Mindy, and the rest of the Kentwell family spilled out into the crisp winter air.
Kieran was already hopping up and down, excited to get inside. Clove smoothed her dress once more, then stepped out of the car, adjusting the strap of her purse. As they approached the front door, she couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness creeping in. The house was far more elegant than what she was used to, but she pushed those feelings aside as they rang the doorbell.
The door opened almost immediately, revealing Glimmer's parents, Loralie and Arian, both dressed in stylish evening wear. Their smiles were warm and welcoming, and they greeted the Kentwells with open arms.
"Welcome! We're so glad you could make it," Loralie said, her tone cheerful as she hugged Clove's mom. Arian shook hands with Arazel, smiling widely.
"Come on in, it's nice and warm inside," Arian added, ushering the family into the lavish foyer.
Clove exchanged glances with her siblings, a mix of excitement and anticipation swirling inside her. As they stepped into the living room, she was struck by the beauty of the space-an enormous Christmas tree stood in the corner, sparkling with ornaments and lights, and a roaring fire crackled in the hearth, casting a golden glow over the room. She couldn't help but admire how effortlessly elegant everything looked.
Glimmer was waiting for them inside, her golden curls falling in soft waves around her face, her dress shimmering as she smiled brightly. "Clove! You look amazing," she said, rushing over to give her best friend a hug.
"You too, Glim," Clove replied, squeezing her in return before taking a step back to take in her friend's look. "This place is incredible. You're really outdoing yourself."
Glimmer laughed, waving a hand nonchalantly. "It's nothing, really. It's just my parents doing their usual thing." Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Now, come on, I need to show you where everyone is."
As the Kentwell family followed Glimmer into the heart of the party, Clove couldn't help but feel the sense of anticipation that always filled the air during these holiday gatherings. With her friends and family all around her, she was ready to enjoy the night-though there was that nagging feeling in the back of her mind about her secret Santa gift for Cato.
Clove, Cassander, Haelyn, and Kallias followed Glimmer upstairs, where she eagerly led them to the top floor. The large glass room came into view, and Clove couldn't help but pause for a moment to take it all in. The walls of the room were made entirely of glass, giving an unobstructed view of the neighborhood and the snowy streets below. Christmas lights twinkled outside, adding to the festive mood that filled the air.
Inside, the room was cozy and inviting, with soft string lights casting a warm glow across the walls. Plush seating was scattered throughout, along with colorful throw pillows that gave the space a comfortable, laid-back feel. A fire pit crackled softly in the center of the room, filling the space with warmth. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind away from the hustle of the party downstairs.
"Look who finally showed up!" Marvel called out, flashing a wide grin as he waved them over.
Cato, who was sitting on one of the armchairs, raised an eyebrow and gave Clove a brief nod of acknowledgment, his usual smirk softening into a more genuine smile as he saw her. There was something about the way he looked at her that made Clove's stomach flutter, but she quickly shook it off.
"You guys took forever," Finnick teased, his arm casually draped around Annie as she laughed beside him.
Clove smiled, shaking her head. "We got distracted on the way up," she said, settling into one of the empty seats near Katniss.
"Yeah, Glimmer's tour guide skills are unmatched," Cassander added with a grin, plopping down next to Clove.
Haelyn sat on the floor beside them, stretching her legs out with a content sigh. "I love this place," she said, looking around. "It's like a Christmas movie in here."
"Exactly," Glimmer
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