Memories of the Mockingjay

Chapter 3: 16

I grabbed my denim jacket and pulled on my boots, hurrying down the stairs just as Chaol began to knock on the door. Although I practically sprinted over, my dad beat me there, opening the door as I grounded to a halt in the kitchen, Haymitch staring at me as if I were mad.
"Ah Chaol, nice to see you." My dad smiled at Chaol, opening the door so he could step in.
"You too Mr Mellark, I was just wondering if Cinder was home."
"I'm here," I smiled, walking into the hall.
Chaol must have just finished at work, his arms were filthy and his face was covered in dust. He was 16, and had left school to go work in the Mines as his mothers job wasn't enough to support the family. We had been friends since we were kids, I think his dad knew my parents somehow.
"I just stopped by to give you this," he told me as he held out a package. I took it from his hands and turned it over in mine, examining it. "Don't open it until tomorrow though." He warned me, "thanks Chaol." I replied, giving him a hug. "Well I need to get home, but have a nice night Cinder, and you Peeta." He said, as my father patted his back.
After Chaol left, I decided to go to sleep. I hadn't gotten a lot done today, but it's more than what I would have done in school. I lay in bed staring up to the ceiling until my eyes drooped closed and I slipped into sleep.

I woke to the smell of baking. I dragged myself out of bed and over to my calendar, it was Wednesday the 16th of July. I looked into the mirror and brushed my hair, I had fallen asleep in braids so it was now sufficiently wavy. I went into the bathroom and brushed my teeth and washed my face before heading downstairs, where Rye, dad and Haymitch waited for me, crowded around a large cake. "Happy Birthday!" They yelled in chorus. "Thank you all!" I smiled, giving them hugs. "Carrot cake?" I asked, eyeing the cake that read "Happy 16th Birthday Cinder" in blue icing. "Only your favourite." Dad grinned, cutting me a slice. I scoffed it down and opened my gifts from Rye and Haymitch. Rye had given me a necklace of shells that he said a woman in the Hob claimed to be from District 4. Haymitch had given me a potted plant, I think it was a primrose.
"I'm saving your gift for later." Dad told me, as I went to get ready for school.
I pulled on a white blouse and some black denim and black shoes before grabbing my denim jacket and turning to leave. As I did, I saw the package Chaol had given me. He told me to open it today, so I did. Inside the little package I found a silver ring with a small black gem inside of it. It glittered in the sunlight and it was beautiful. "Cin! There's a package here for you!" Rye yelled from downstairs. I went down and opened the box. Inside I found a beautiful pastel blue dress and shoes, and a floating white gown. I stared at them in awe as I lifted them out. At the bottom of the box was a card that read:
"My darling Cinder,
I simply can't believe that you're 16 years old!
I know I only see you once a year but I want you to know that you are my favourite niece, and I hope you enjoy the clothes and have an amazing day,
Love from your aunt Effie."
I reminded myself to write her a letter later and say thank you, as I left for school, closing the heavy door behind me.