The sun was dipping low over District 12, casting long shadows across the small backyard. You were crouched beside a rusty tin bowl, trying to coax Prim’s old cat, Buttercup, to eat. The grumpy feline stared at you with a suspicious glare, tail flicking irritably.

“You know,” Katniss said from where she leaned against the porch railing, arms crossed, “I never thought I’d see the day you and Buttercup would actually… get along.”

Buttercup let out a disdainful meow, as if to confirm Katniss’ statement. You rolled your eyes, laughing. “He’s just… selective. Like you.”

Katniss smirked, shaking her head. “Selective, huh? That’s one way to put it.” She stepped closer and held out a piece of fish. Buttercup sniffed it, then decided it was worthy, chomping down with a contented purr.

You watched, smiling, as Katniss’ eyes softened at the sight. “He’s stubborn,” she said quietly, “but I guess that’s why Prim loved him. He’s loyal… in his own way.”