The last week of December  There were birthday wishes all around
and Hinata was completely surrounded by her comrades and close
friends. A smile was ever present on her face as everyone took
part in laughter and conversations over a delicious meal. Her
sister Hanabi, who was now sixteen years old, was kind enough to
throw her the party in the Hyuuga compound. It was nice that
everyone was in town for her birthday  "Thank you, everyone,"
Hinata said and closed her eyes to make a wish.  She blew out
her candles in one breath and the whole table clapped and
cheered. A few of the girls prodded her, asking what it was that
she wished for. Hinata playfully declined, stating the well
known fact that if she told, it wouldn't come true. Looking
around at the table, she noticed that even Temari's brothers,
Kankuro and Gaara, were present. There was only one person
missing and thinking about him, Hinata instinctively touched the
fan under her belt. He still hadn't returned, perhaps he was
having trouble. What if he was