The hallways of the Academy buzzed with the frenetic energy that always preceded winter recess. Festive decorations lined the walls-red and green garlands draped over lockers, golden snowflakes dangling from the ceiling, and fake mistletoe in suspiciously strategic places. The sharp scent of peppermint hung faintly in the air, courtesy of candy canes exchanged between students who were already in holiday mode.

Clove Kentwell tugged the strap of her bag higher on her shoulder, her boots clicking lightly against the polished floors as she walked beside her cousin Marvel. She was half-listening to him ramble, her eyes scanning the crowded hall for any sign of their friends-or a distraction.

"Clove. Clove." Marvel snapped his fingers in front of her face, breaking her focus.

"What?" She blinked, brushing a strand of dark hair out of her eyes.

"You're doing that thing where you zone out and pretend not to hear me."

"Maybe because you're talking my ear off," Clove shot back, though there was no real bite in her voice. She smirked at him. "What is it now? Another debate about whether Die Hard counts as a Christmas movie?"

"No." Marvel groaned, exasperated. "And it is a Christmas movie, but that's not the point."

"Then what's the crisis this time?"

"The crisis," Marvel said dramatically, waving his hands, "is that you're seriously considering skipping Glimmer's Christmas party."

Clove rolled her eyes. She had been expecting this. Ever since Glimmer announced her annual Christmas bash-a highlight of the school's winter break gossip-Marvel had been harassing Clove about showing up. And now, with only a couple of days left before recess, his begging had hit new levels of desperation.

"It's not that big of a deal." Clove shrugged.

"Not that big of a-Clove!" Marvel stopped walking, grabbing her arm to force her to face him. "This is Glimmer's Christmas party. Her legendary Christmas party. The same party she spends weeks planning down to the last sparkling snowflake decoration. Do you really think she won't be devastated if her best friend decides to bail?"

Clove winced. The worst part was that he was probably right.

"It's not like I don't want to go..."

Marvel's eyes lit up. "Ha! I knew it!"

"Don't get excited," Clove warned. "I'm just saying-I mean, yeah, it could be fun. Everyone's going. But-"

"But what?"

Clove sighed, adjusting her bag again as they resumed walking. "I don't know, okay? Sometimes it's just-exhausting."

Marvel raised an eyebrow. "You? Exhausted by parties? The same girl who once beat me in a dance-off in front of half the school?"

Clove smirked at the memory but quickly shook her head. "That was different. This isn't just any party. It's Glimmer's party, which means it's going to be huge. Everyone will be there, and she'll want everything to be perfect, and I don't know if I feel like-"

"Like dealing with it?" Marvel finished.

"Yeah."

Marvel gave her a pointed look. "Then don't think about it like that. Think about how Glimmer's going to lose her mind if you're not there. She's been talking about this for weeks. Planning out seating charts and picking themes and agonizing over the playlist-oh, and don't even get me started on the matching pajama idea."

Clove groaned. "Don't remind me."

"I'm reminding you because it's important to her. And you know how much she's done for you this year."

Clove's footsteps slowed. She did know. Glimmer had been her rock ever since she transferred to Heirloom Hall. From helping her navigate the maze of classrooms to introducing her to new people, Glimmer had gone out of her way to make Clove feel at home. Saying no to her now felt... wrong.

Marvel must have noticed her hesitation because his voice softened. "Look, I get it. Parties can be a lot, especially when it's Glimmer throwing them. But it won't be the same without you there."

Clove glanced sideways at him. "You're just saying that because you don't want to get stuck talking to Finnick all night."

"Hey!" Marvel protested, but his grin gave him away. "Okay, maybe. But it's not just that. You know you'll have fun once you're there. And besides..." He smirked. "You wouldn't leave me alone with Finnick, would you?"

Clove rolled her eyes, but she couldn't fight the smile tugging at her lips. "You're pathetic."

"And you're predictable." Marvel grinned, nudging her shoulder. "So, does this mean you're coming?"

Clove hesitated for another beat, then sighed. "Fine. I'll go. But if Glimmer pulls out those matching pajamas, I'm leaving early."

Marvel laughed. "Deal."

They reached their classroom just as the bell rang, and Marvel opened the door for her with a triumphant grin.

"Oh, and one more thing," he added as she stepped inside.

"What now?"

"You're helping me pick out her Christmas gift. Because if you think disappointing her with a no-show is bad, imagine how bad it'll be if I get her the wrong present."

Clove groaned. "You're unbelievable."

"And you love me for it."

"Debatable."

Marvel just laughed as they slid into their seats, but Clove couldn't help the small smile lingering on her face. Maybe the party wouldn't be so bad after all.

---

The main hall was a chaotic swirl of students pouring out of classrooms and into the cafeteria, their voices rising in a jumbled mix of chatter, laughter, and the occasional shout across the crowd. Clove leaned against one of the marble columns near the staircase, arms crossed as she waited for Marvel to catch up. She spotted him weaving through the crowd, talking animatedly with Gale, who looked halfway between amused and exasperated.

"There you are," Clove said as they approached. "What took you so long? Did Marvel stop to practice his Oscar acceptance speech again?"

"Funny." Marvel shot her a look before turning to Gale. "You see how she treats me? And I'm supposed to be the favorite cousin."

"You're my only cousin," Clove retorted, smirking. "Doesn't make you the favorite."

Gale snorted, shoving his hands into his pockets. "You two really are something else."

"And you're not off the hook," Clove said, pivoting to him as they started toward the cafeteria. "Marvel told me all about your little crush."

Gale's head snapped toward Marvel. "You told her?"

"Of course I told her." Marvel grinned unapologetically. "She's my cousin. I have to share the drama."

"It's not drama," Gale muttered, his ears turning red. "And it's not a crush."

"Right." Clove's voice dripped with sarcasm. "You only turn into a flustered mess every time Madge walks into the room."

"I do not-"

"You totally do," Marvel cut in. "Yesterday in Chem, she asked to borrow a pen, and you nearly dropped your entire notebook trying to find one."

"That's because-"

"You're in love with her," Clove finished, grinning. "Don't worry, Gale. We're very supportive."

Gale groaned, rubbing the back of his neck as they pushed through the double doors leading to the cafeteria. "Why do I even hang out with you two?"

"Because we're the only ones who'll put up with your brooding," Clove teased. "Now, come on. I need food before I collapse."

They joined the lunch line, Clove grabbing a tray and scanning the options with mild disinterest. Marvel immediately reached for two sandwiches, piling them onto his tray like he hadn't eaten in days.

"Pace yourself, Marvel," Clove said dryly. "The apocalypse isn't coming just yet."

"You never know," he said through a mouthful of chips.

Clove ignored him, turning back to Gale. "So, have you actually talked to Madge outside of borrowing pens and stammering through lab experiments?"

"Once or twice," Gale muttered, glaring at his tray as if it might spare him from the conversation.

"Once or twice?" Marvel repeated. "Dude, you've been into her since the start of the semester. What are you waiting for? Christmas?"

"I'm not into her," Gale insisted, but the redness creeping up his neck said otherwise.

Clove smirked. "You're lucky Glimmer isn't here right now, or she'd already have a plan to set you two up by the end of lunch."

"Speaking of Glimmer," Marvel said, shifting the subject before Gale could protest again. "You're officially coming to the party, right, Clove? No last-minute changes of heart?"

"Yeah, yeah." Clove waved a hand dismissively. "I said I'd go, didn't I?"

"Good, because if you bailed, I'd have to spend the whole night third-wheeling with Finnick and Annie while they make goo-goo eyes at each other."

"Ugh, spare me." Clove rolled her eyes as they found an empty table and sat down. "Those two are like, one missed step away from eloping."

"Honestly," Gale muttered, stabbing at his salad with his fork. "It's ridiculous. They're worse than Peeta and Katniss."

Clove raised an eyebrow. "Please. Peeta's too scared to even look at Katniss most of the time."

"Not when she's in the art room," Marvel pointed out. "I caught him staring at her like a lovesick puppy while she was sketching last week."

Clove snorted. "He's hopeless."

"You're all hopeless," Gale grumbled, but the corners of his mouth twitched like he was trying not to smile.

The conversation drifted from there-Marvel mocking Gale's nonexistent flirting skills, Clove critiquing Glimmer's taste in Christmas decorations (even though she secretly admired how much effort Glimmer put into the party), and Gale rolling his eyes through it all while occasionally shooting Clove an exasperated look that said, Why am I friends with you people? But as they laughed and joked, Clove found herself relaxing. Even with the chaos of finals, holiday pressure, and the looming party she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to attend.

The cafeteria buzzed with noise as Clove pushed her tray aside, leaning back in her seat while the rest of their group settled in. Glimmer immediately claimed the spot next to her, setting down her lunch with a dramatic sigh.

"I swear, I almost had to fight someone for the last sandwich," Glimmer said, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Some freshman tried to snatch it right out from under me."

"And I'm sure you handled it with grace," Clove teased, smirking.

"Obviously." Glimmer grinned. "I scared him off with just a look. He'll probably avoid me for the rest of the year."

"Sounds about right." Cato dropped his tray down across from Clove, sitting next to Johanna, who was already biting into an apple. "I think freshmen are terrified of you now."

"Good." Glimmer beamed. "Keeps them out of my way."

"You're awful," Madge said with a laugh, taking the seat beside Gale.

Clove raised an eyebrow at the placement and immediately glanced at Marvel, who smirked knowingly. Gale, meanwhile, looked like he wanted to sink into the floor.

"So, Gale," Johanna said, clearly picking up on the situation. "Have you asked Madge to the party yet, or are we still pretending you're not completely obsessed with her?"

Gale froze mid-bite, choking on his sandwich while Madge turned bright red.

"I am not obsessed with her!" Gale spluttered, glaring at Johanna.

"Could've fooled me." Johanna leaned back in her chair, looking way too smug.

"Why are we still talking about this?" Gale groaned, covering his face with one hand.

"Because it's funny," Marvel said.

"And because we care about your love life," Glimmer added sweetly.

"It's not funny, and I don't have a-"

"Oh, come on," Clove cut in, smirking. "Even I noticed, and I don't pay attention to anyone's love life."

"Except mine," Marvel pointed out.

"You force me to pay attention to yours," Clove retorted, earning laughs from around the table.

"Speaking of love lives," Finnick said, throwing an arm around Annie, who rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. "Who's betting Gale actually mans up and asks Madge to the party?"

"Not happening," Thresh muttered, stabbing at his salad with his fork.

"Oh, I'll make sure it happens," Glimmer said confidently.

Madge, still blushing, tried to change the subject. "So, Clove, are you really coming to the party?"

"Unfortunately," Clove muttered, but there was a slight smile on her face.

"Don't act like it's a tragedy," Glimmer said. "It's going to be amazing. I have the whole place decorated already-lights, garlands, snowflakes, everything. It's basically a winter wonderland."

"Sounds like a lot of effort for one night," Clove teased.

"Don't start," Glimmer warned. "This is important. I've been planning it for weeks."

"Months," Marvel corrected.

"Same thing."

"Better not mess it up, then," Johanna said, grinning. "Or Clove might leave early to go sharpen her knives."

Clove rolled her eyes. "You know what? Maybe I will bring one of my knives to the party. Just for you, Johanna."

"See? Terrifying," Thresh muttered again, earning more laughs.

"Speaking of terrifying," Peeta cut in, looking at Katniss. "Are you actually going to try and socialize at this party, or are you planning to hide in the corner?"

Katniss glared at him. "I don't hide at parties."

"You definitely hide," Finnick said, and Katniss threw a piece of bread at him, hitting him square in the chest.

The table erupted into laughter again, and Clove found herself smiling despite the chaos.

The conversation drifted from there-Finnick bragging about how his outfit was going to steal the spotlight, Annie rolling her eyes but clearly amused, and Johanna suggesting ways to prank the guests with mistletoe.

The cafeteria bustled with noise as trays clattered and conversations overlapped, but all of it dimmed when Annie suddenly reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a bright red Santa hat like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Clove, halfway through peeling apart her sandwich, froze and stared. "Where the hell did that come from?"

Annie shrugged, completely unfazed. "My pocket."

"Who just carries a Santa hat in their pocket?"

"Annie does," Finnick said dryly, already resting his chin on his hand like he knew this was about to be a whole thing.

"Why?" Katniss asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Secret Santa," Annie said simply, like it was obvious.

Finnick groaned. "Seriously? Now?"

"Why not?" Annie said, pulling the hat open. "We're all here, so we might as well get it over with."

"Can't we not?" Johanna drawled, leaning back in her seat.

"Nope." Annie grinned and held the hat out to her. "You're first."

Johanna stared at the hat like it might explode. "Fine," she muttered, reaching in and grabbing a folded slip of paper. She opened it, gave a sharp nod to herself, and tucked it away without another word.

"Done," Annie said, and then turned to Gale. "You're up."

"What? Why me?" Gale asked.

"Because you're next," Annie said with a smile that brooked no argument.

Gale groaned but reached into the hat anyway. When he unfolded his slip, his ears went red almost instantly.

"Oh my god," Marvel said, catching it immediately. "You got Madge, didn't you?"

"I did not," Gale said quickly, shoving the paper into his pocket.

"Sure you didn't."

"Keep it moving!" Annie interrupted, shoving the hat toward Madge before Gale could argue back.

Madge picked hers without hesitation, unfolded it, and gave a small smile before sliding it into her pocket.

Finch went next, eyeing the hat like it might bite, but she picked a slip and opened it without a fuss. Thresh followed, his movements careful and deliberate, and he didn't react at all to whatever name he saw before tucking it away.

And then it was Clove's turn.

Annie didn't even pretend to shuffle the slips this time. Instead, she reached into the hat and handed Clove one directly.

Clove raised an eyebrow but said nothing. She unfolded the paper under the table, read the name, and managed to keep her face completely blank.

Her heart, however, dropped. Cato.

Of course it was him.

She slid the paper into her pocket without looking up and crossed her arms, hoping no one noticed how tense her shoulders felt.

Glimmer went next, practically bouncing as she reached into the hat. She peeked at her slip and immediately bit her lip, like she was already holding back a laugh.

Marvel followed, grabbing his slip and shoving it into his pocket before anyone could peek, though his grin said he probably got Glimmer.

And then the hat got to Cato.

Annie didn't let him pick. She handed him a slip straight from the bottom of the hat.

Cato opened it and froze for half a second before a slow, easy grin spread across his face. He folded the paper neatly, tucked it away, and leaned back in his chair without a word.

Clove narrowed her eyes but didn't say anything.

Finnick took his turn last, grumbling under his breath the whole time, but Annie didn't seem to care.

When it was done, Annie shoved the hat back into her pocket like it had never existed.

"Done," she said. "No trades, no complaints, and no telling who you got."

"Wait," Johanna cut in, pointing at Cato. "What the hell was that smile about?"

"Nothing," Cato said easily.

"Bullshit."

"Nope. Rules are rules." He grinned at Annie. "Right?"

"Right," Annie confirmed.

"You all suck," Johanna muttered, slouching back in her seat.

Meanwhile, Clove couldn't stop glancing at Cato, who still looked way too smug for her liking.

"Don't even think about it," he said suddenly, catching her staring.

"Think about what?"

"Trying to figure it out."

"I'm not."

"Sure you aren't."

Clove rolled her eyes and went back to her sandwich, pretending she wasn't already panicking about what to get him.

The others had already fallen into speculation, with Marvel insisting Gale had Madge, Katniss refusing to say a word, and Johanna outright threatening to bribe someone for answers.

Cato leaned in slightly. "Hope you're ready for this," he said quietly, his grin still infuriatingly confident.

Clove shot him a glare. "You better be."

But even as she said it, her mind was already spinning with ideas-and not a single one felt good enough yet.

The final bell rang, echoing through the hallways as students flooded out of classrooms, chattering and shoving their way toward the exits. Clove pushed her way through the crowd, her bag slung over one shoulder and her thoughts completely occupied by the dilemma burning a hole in her pocket.

She spotted her twin brother, Cassander, leaning against the lockers with his arms crossed, chatting with one of his teammates. As soon as he saw her approaching, he straightened.

"Hey, there you are," he called, waving her over. "I was just about to-"

Before he could finish, Clove marched straight up to him, slumped against the wall next to his locker, and slid down it dramatically until she was sitting on the floor with her head buried in her arms.

Cassander blinked. "What the hell?" He crouched down in front of her, poking her shoulder. "Are you good?"

"No," Clove mumbled into her sleeves.

Cassander rolled his eyes. "God, you're so dramatic." He grabbed her by the arm and hauled her up like she weighed nothing, earning a squawk of protest.

"Cass!" she snapped, trying to shove him off.

"Don't 'Cass' me." He smirked, holding her steady even as she tried to squirm away. "Why are you acting like a total baby right now?"

Clove