Katria

I feel the gentle swaying of wind brushing my face. I open one eye, but everything is blurry. I try the other eye. I open both and find a window open with curtains blowing gently. I sit up and give myself slight vertigo. Grabbing my head, I moan and rub my eyes. The softness of a wrap is met by my fingers. The memories of last night come back, or maybe they are a dream. The wolf, my wolf. He saved me again. I saw him for the first time in ten years.

He's still here, I think, After all this time. He must have been waiting for me.

I look around at my surroundings. This isn't my dad's house. I don't know where I am. Fear starts to peak in my stomach. I hear what sounds like a timer beeping. I gently place my feet on the ground and stand. Leaving the room with the grace I have in the woods, looking at my surroundings. Pictures line the hall walls, a very nice family it seems.

I push the ice pack off my head and wander down the long, empty halls. The lights are dim and the rooms to my left and right are empty, but I continue down the main hallway despite the fear bubbling in my stomach. Eventually, the hall ends and I find myself in a larger, cozy looking room, warmed by the heat of a large oven towards the end of the stretching walls. A wooden table, laden with various baking ingredients, bowls, whisks, and pans sits towards the center of the room. For a minute, it appears to be empty, until-

"You're finally up."

I whip around to face the figure from before holding a bowl of batter in one arm and a pan in the other.

"Took you long enough," he adds, pouring the batter into the prepared pan, then shutting it in the oven. "I was beginning to think you were dead."

"Wh-what are you- how did I-"

"All questions will be answered in due time," he interrupts, flashing me a smile. "For now though, take it easy. How do you like your eggs?"

"I'm not eating anything until you tell me who you are and where I am," I say, drawing myself up and attempting to strike an intimidating pose.

"What did I just say?" he asked, turning around to pull out a carton of eggs from the nearby, and quite large, refrigerator. "How do you like your eggs?" he repeated.

"I don't-"

"It's almost noon, you know. You haven't eaten anything in hours."

"I'm not-"

"Do you want bread or bagels?"

"I really-"

"Hmm," he says, sizing me up. "You look like a bagel type of girl. Fried eggs and bagels it is, then." He gestures towards a stool next to the nearby counter and says politely, "Please, sit down."

Unsure of what to make of this strange man, I oblige and take a seat. He continues to make whatever meal he is doing. I look around at my surroundings, my hands resting firmly on my thighs. I see every sort of bakeware I can imagine. The aromas are overwhelmingly amazing. Despite not knowing where I am, I feel an unusual amount of security. Safely, if you will. He returns to me with a smile on his face and a plate of food. I look down at the plate skeptically. I know it's irrational to think he could have done something to it, but then again I woke up in a place i don't know.

"If you think I poisoned it, I can assure you the only extra things I added was cheese to the eggs and a hint of pepper to the bacon." he says, reading my face.

I scoff and scowl at him. I take the fork and start eating, not letting my scowl give up. I hear him laugh and he goes to do the dishes he used. In all my life, I've never experienced having my taste buds assaulted with such flavor.

"Is it good?" I hear.

I pull up short at the question. My face stuffed with the most exquisite food I've ever tasted. I swallow and wipe my face hastily. Hiding my face with my hand, I notice a fresh rack of bread.

"You can have some more. Don't be shy. I made plenty. Go on, have more. You must be starving," He says and takes a roll for himself.

He pulls up a stool at the bar next to me. A good distance for my comfort, I'm sure.

"You're new around here, aren't you?" he asks.

"How did you know that?" I ask.

He laughs. I give him a confused look. "Is that funny somehow?" I ask.

"No, no. It's just, if you haven't noticed, were a small town. Everyone knows everyone here. You're a pretty face no one has seen. Either your new, or visiting." He says.

"Oh, right.." I say stupidly. Embarrassment rushes to my face and i brush my hair out of my face nervously.

'What the hell is wrong with you, Kat? God, be cool. Don't give yourself away. He could be a murder for all you know.' I think.

"But, I know you. But haven't seen you around in what, ten years?" He says.

"You.. know me? I don't remember you," I say, defensively.

"Oh, right. Your dad is Howard Everdeen, right? He's my closet neighbor. Also, the town fixer upper. Had to get some help from him a couple of times in return for bread. We keep each other company since we live so out of town. Then again, this town is just forest and small homes. But anyways, um. After that fire, my family helped him build a new house and kept him in since he was the only one from your family here. We keep each other company since its us up here. Most everyone lives in town, which is relatively few. So, that's how I remember or know you," He explains.

"Oh, I guess that's how then," I say.

"You're name is.. Katie? Katlyn? Your dad's told me. Katar-"

"Katria," I answer.

"Right, Katria. That's what is was. Well, I'm Rey."

"Well.. nice to meet you, Rey." I say and offer my hand.

"Nice to meet you too, Katria. You're dad always talks fondly of you," He says.

"He better have!" I snap.

"All good things, all good things. Though, it has been some time since you were last here. Can I ask what brought you back to this quaint old town in the middle of Oregon?" He asks, a small smile on his face.

"Um.. I just.. Wanted to see my dad again," I say nervously and look away from his gaze.

"Oh, you don't have to tell me if its personal. You're dad must be happy to have you back. Hasn't been the same since the fire," Rey says.

"Yeah, I can imagine. Me and my sister are here to stay so he'll never be lonely again. Speaking of, I should probably get back. He doesn't know where I am. And, how did I get here anyways? Creeper," I say.

"Oh, right. I was making late deliveries. I found you passed out in the woods. Cleaned you up. Have a nasty few cuts and bruises. Do you remember what happened?" He asks.

"No.. I don't..." I say quietly

"Must have sleep walked or something?" He says with a chuckle.

I scowl and scoff at him once more. "I don't sleep walk. Nostalgia must have been calling to me." I say defensively.

"Obviously," He teases.

He gets up from his stool and gets his keys of a rack on the wall. "Come on, I'll drive." he says.

I get up carefully, still sore. Rey notices and wraps his arm around me for support. "Thanks, but I got this," I say and step out of his arm.

I stumble as I put my shoes on and he catches me. "Yeah, sure you do," he says with a smirk.

I scoff and accept his offer of help. He opens his garage and we go into it. He has an old orange Ford F-250.

"Nice truck," I say and get into the passenger side.

"Thanks, your dad helped me fix it up," He says and puts the key in the ignition. The engine turns over and he backs out.

We drive down his long dirt driveway and out to the old gravel road. The trees pass by and it feels like being home again. I can't help but feel as though... something is oddly familiar about Rey. His kindness. His caring nature. It's oddly familiar. He notices me staring and I hurriedly look away but cant help the blush that grows on my cheeks. I catch a glimpse of his eyes. They are like Charlotte's but.. softer.

'Where have I seen those eyes?' I ask myself.

"Well, Casa-da-Everdeen. Here we are," He says and puts the car in park next to mine.

"Oh, yeah, home." I say and get out.

Rey comes to my side and helps me in. He walks me to the porch and I open the door. I find a new strange man. He's talking with my dad and Prim about something. Rey slams the door which makes everyone jump. I suddenly feel the room tense for some reason.

"Kat! There you are! What happened! And who is this?" Prim exclaims and hugs around my waist.

"I'm fine, Char. Don't worry. This is Rey, he took care of me," I say and get out out of her surprisingly strong grip.

"Oh, well, hi! I'm Charlotte! I'm 8! Nice to meet you Rey! Do you wanna meet my cat? Mr. Denton was nice and found him! He ran away and he found him and brought him home!" Char rambles.

"Char, stop harassing the best baker in town," Dad scolds. "Are you alright honey? That's a pretty nasty goose egg on your head? What happened to you? We woke up and your were missing. Almost thought to call the sheriff."

"Dad, I'm fine, really. Stop. Rey took care of me," I say.

"Found her out and about in the woods. Somehow wandered out in the middle of the night," Rey says and wraps his arm around me again.

I step out of his embrace and go to see the other stranger I've met.

"So, you found BB, did you?" I ask and sit on the couch.

"Yeah, he was by the main road. He had a tag that said, Everdeen. I didn't know your father got a cat, but he must have. So, as a good civilian, returned him home to his owner," He says coolly. "And who might you be? I've only met little Charlotte,"

"Katria, Charlotte is my sister. We just came to move in." I respond, keeping my walls up.

"Figures. A pretty face like yours hasn't been seen around her in a while," He says with a grin.

"Oh, that must be a lie," I say.

Charlotte comes to sit next to me with Butter Bean held tight in her grasp.

"Why did you run off, silly cat? Mr. Denton had to go all this way to bring you home." I say and ruffle his fur. He hisses and jumps off of Char's lap.

"Katria! You know he doesn't like that! BB come back!" She gets up and chases him around to his hiding place.

"That cat sure can get around. Found him near my shed making a racket of an awful sorts," Denton explains standing from the chair.

"Oh, hello Rey. Haven't seen you around of late. Miss that delicious bread of yours." He says to Rey.

I notice their stand off, tense nature.

'Must have bad beef or something...'  I pounder.

"Oh, you must have slipped my delivery yesterday. Was out late and all. Had to take care of Kat. Place an order again and I'll fill it for you," Rey returns coldly.

"I'll have to," he says giving him an odd smirk. "Well, i best be on my way. Now that ol' BB is safe in Little Charlottes care again."

"I better as well. But, I'll be back Howard. We have our car to get finished before the snow sets in." Rey says.

"Oh, of course. I forgot. Monday at 5, right?" Dad says.

"Monday at 5." Rey says.

"Oh, Howard. Do your girls know their way around Vramont? I can take them into town and show them around a bit. I'm off work. Wouldn't be a bother at all." Denton says.

"Oh, right. It's been a crazy weekend. Um, sure? Katria, Charlotte that would be okay right?" Dad asks us.

"Yeah! I wanna see what the town is like!!" Charlotte exclaims. "Don't you Kat?"

I look Denton over. I don't know how I feel about him. But for Charlotte's sake, I give in.

"Yeah, why not? I have nothing better to do." I say and shrug.

"Great, I'll see you guys at 9 on Monday then." He says and heads to the door.

"Bye Mr. Denton! Bye Mr. Rey! Thank you for bringing BB home!" Charlotte goes and gives Denton a hug.

"And thanks for finding my sister. She likes to be a loner sometimes," Charlotte says to Rey

"CHARLOTTE!" I exclaim.

"No problem, Charlotte. I'll have to bring you some cupcakes sometime." He says.

"See you around, you guys," Dad says and closes the door. "Come on girls, lets get something to eat."

~

The soft breeze wakes me up that night. I open my eyes and see the screen door open again. The moon shines bright and the stars twinkle. I rub my eyes of sleep and get up to close the door. As I go to close it something catches my eye. There's a flash of gold. I feel my heart lift and i smile. I grab my sweater and put on my boots. I close the door and run out to the woods. I feel my heart pump adrenaline and I yell in excitement. I hear the familiar call of the wild. I feel a weight push me down and I can't help but laugh. My head is attacked by a wet tongue and wet nose. I laugh and try to get up. I get pinned by his paws and and his face is nuzzling me and licking me all over.

"Hi, boy. I missed you too," I say and laugh

He nuzzles my face and pants. His long tongue dropping spit onto my face. His weight is crushing me but I don't mind.

"I have to get up, love. You'll crush me to death." I say and scratch behind his big ears.

He whines and stands up. He sits back on his haunches and looks at me waiting for me to act.

I sit up and pet him gently. He uses his head to hug me close to him. I rub his soft fur and fall into that safety. That is oh so familiar.

"Thanks for saving me. I don't know what I'd do without you. You always look out for me, huh boy?" He says.

I hear him rumble deep in his chest. That must be a yes. I cant help but smile into his fur. His big paw moves to my back and he lays back, taking me with him. I yelp in surprise as he starts to lick me.

"Your just a big goof aren't you?" I ask with a laugh.

I sit up on his belly and rub his tummy. His large tail thumps on the forest floor.

"My big old teddy bear." I say in a baby voice.

He yips his hind leg kicks in the air.

I laugh and get off of him. He rolls to his side and sits and looks at me.

"I dunno how you kept being my protector, but... I'm glad of it." I say and plant a kiss on his big nose.

The distant call of his kin makes him pull away from my hold. A low rumble comes from him and then he returns the call.

I see his ears moving and listening. Another call comes and he returns it, standing at attention. Keeping me close to him. He uses his nose and nudges me up. He ushers me to go back the way I came.

"What's wrong, boy?" I ask and rub his head.

He moves away from my hand and nudges me roughly again. He gives me a sharp yip with a low growl.

"Oh.. okay. I'll go on home then." I say.

I turn to leave and start to walk.

"I'll come ba-" I find myself all alone in the forest. The moon shining down on the footprints left in the soft ground.

((Leave me some feedback! Let me know how I'm doing!)) -Zeffie