The Fire Inside

Kova

"Kova, sweetheart, time to wake up."

She opened her bleary eyes to be met with the smiling face of her mother. "What is it, ma'am?"

"I have a big surprise for you."

She rubbed her eyes and looked up at her. "Really?"

"Really. I'm going to lay out some clothes for you then we're going to meet our family downstairs."

"Okay." She went to the bathroom and brushed her hair and teeth while Camille went into her closet. The clothes laid out when Kova went back into her room suggested that they were going outside. "Where are we going?"

Camille placed the sunrise orange scarf and hat next to the light blue sweater, black leggings, and gray coat with matching boots. "It's a surprise." She smiled and kissed her daughter's forehead. "I'll be right back, how about you get dressed and I'll pick you up when I'm done changing."

She nodded and her mother left, allowing her to get dressed in warm clothes. Kova tugged the hat over her ears and tied her boots. She still didn't know how to put the scarf on.

The knock on the door had her opening it with the scarf in her hand. Camille smiled, also bundled in winter clothes, and helped her finish getting ready. "There we are. Let's get going for your surprise."

"What about breakfast?" As much as she adored the idea of something new, she was concerned about the lack of mention of eating. Breakfast was important, after all.

"We'll get it on the way, don't worry," Camille rubbed her daughter's arm. "Let's get going now, we're going to have so much fun."

When they walked into the foyer the rest of their family, aunts and cousins included were waiting for them. Everyone was dressed in warm winter clothes and chatting animatedly with one another as the cars were being turned on outside the open front door. "Good morning, Kova," Aunt Elizabeth smiled at her niece. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, ma'am." She nodded her head.

She came closer then stopped. "Is it alright if I hug you?" Kova nodded once and didn't flinch when her aunt put her arms around her. "Oh, it's so good to finally hug you." She kissed the top of her head and pulled away. "How has your week been?"

"Great, ma'am. I read almost a whole book by myself, learned how to ride a horse, and I got to color." Kova bounced on the balls of her feet. "Do you know where we're going?"

Elizabeth laughed. "It's a surprise, honey. Your mom said that if I spoil it she'll drop kick me into next week."

Despite herself, Kova laughed. They all started making their way towards the cars and everyone piled in. "How far away are we going?"

"Well, this is going to be a little bit of the boring part, we'll be there in about an hour and a half." Camille slid into the car with her daughter and her sisters and sister-in-law. Finnick and the boys were in another car with Justin and Hardin. The rest of the uncles and cousins were piled in different cars with the grandparents, everyone coming along for a surprise, only one girl wasn't told where they would be going.

Kova bounced up and down in her seat. "I really wanna know where we're going, ma'am."

Camille chuckled. "You're not getting it out of me that easy, sweetheart."

The group of women continued to ask Kova questions about things she liked, or how she was adjusting to palace life. "So, Kove," Saraphine started, "what are you most looking forward to with your new living situation?"

"Uhm..." Kova thought for a moment. "I'm excited about riding horses and learning."

"That's great, those are great things to be excited for."