The cold wind sent the light flakes of snow into a flurry, where they spun and danced, somehow finding their way to my exposed cheeks. They lingered there, on my warm skin for but a moment giving me light, chilling kisses, before they vanished. I shivered, the snow had been falling steady, it had lightened lately, but having grown up in the seam, I know it means the worst has yet to come. My chilled fingers found their way to my cap and I pulled the sides down over my ears. Although I now lived in the Victors village, the winters in district 12 have always been the same. Cold and lonely. The only changes made since I lived in the seam, was the housing and the company. Haymitch continually stopped by, to make sure I was eating and what not, each time his breath was laced with the scent of whiskey. I also have Greasy Sae and her granddaughter, they only come by once a month, but I enjoy their presence.

Then of course, there is Peeta. Peeta, whose memories where so viciously devoured, whose thoughts where mutilated, whose very sanity has been shaken. The one who has stood without a second thought by my side, who would follow me to whatever end. Peeta, the boy with the bread. Now, as I sit on my porch the images flood back to my mind. Digging, embedding themselves into my brain until I put everything else on hold to look at them. When I met Peeta, I didn't feel anything for him, no. That's a lie. I did feel something for him, but I was confused to what that feeling was, what it meant. Now I see. As the scent of fresh cheese buns lingers from my neighbour's house, a smile creeps onto my lips. The boy with the bread will be here soon, coming at the same time he always does, bringing me fresh cheese buns. Still providing for me. Perhaps I would do best to save these strong emotions for when he arrives, I'm sure he would like that.

I stood quickly, bringing my coat around me to keep the warmth in. My eyes narrowed against the snow, beginning to fall in clumps. Sure enough, across the street the light in the kitchen was still on. Peeta is still making the cheese buns. My smile grew and I dashed inside, thinking of what someone with my emotional intelligence could possibly do.

'Now Katniss, you don't want to scare the boy.' I lectured myself as I striped off my coat and winter attire. Despite the cheese buns, Peeta and I have never been the same. Sure, a hug here and there, the kiss on New Year's, but nothing has ever felt right since the Seventy fifth hunger games, the third Quarter Quell. No matter how much time has passed weeks, months, or the three years. It hasn't been enough. Surely Peeta hasn't been waiting all this time for me to make a move? Or has he?

My braid whipped back and forth as I shook my head quickly. Enough of the past, think about the future. I hung up my coat and hat, then kicked off my boots and ran up the stairs.

'What could I possibly do for Peeta?' I pondered aloud as I walked into my room. When I first moved into the victors village I had kept the smallest room, allowing the larger ones to my mother and sister, my room was still a huge, an undreamt of luxury. After all, Prim and I had shared a bed in the seam; I don't even know if you would call what we had in our house walls.

The carpet was warm and comforting under my socked feet. I now resided in the largest room, a full 'king' sized bed, a lovely oak dresser, a silver mirror, a bathroom that was attached to the far side of the room, three large, draped windows. Everything about this room made me feel like a princess. I believe it's good to self-indulge every once in a while. Although I remember the first thought that came to mind when I saw the dresser. My hand brushed over its surface gently.

'How many bows could I have made with you?'

A giggle escaped me and I stole a glance up at the mirror framed above it. The shock from my giggle, and my appearance registered on my face. This is what I've looked like for the last three years? I know I had let myself go, and just started to regain my mental sanity last year, but Cinna would beat me like a dog if he could see this. Split ends, dark bags, and chapped lips – I've been kissing Peeta with those lips? A yelp almost escaped me and I tore open a drawer in the dresser. I don't like makeup; I never have and never will, the only exception was when Cinna did my makeup. I don't really think it becomes me much, however tonight will be special. Tonight I am rekindling my relationship with Peeta. Dress to impress, isn't that what Madge said to me once?

'Meds, meds, meds.' I groaned in frustration and shut the drawer harshly. It had only been full of medications, numerous and far beyond my count. I know I have makeup somewhere. Haymitch made sure I kept it, and Greasy Sae made me wear some on New Year's. I bit my lip as I thought, then gasped and shook my head again.

'Don't bite your lip Katniss.' I mimicked Cinna's voice. Pain pierced me as I remembered my stylist, beautiful, graceful, insane Cinna. He could do anything with a needle and thread, make anything beautiful and unique. Cinna who had been beaten so harshly and cruelly before me at the start of the Quarter Quell.

'I don't hurt anyone but myself.' The nostalgia made the tears that had already been pooling spill, and the tears streamed hungrily down my cheeks. I wiped away the tears and looked at my reflection in the mirror. Alright Cinna. I won't hurt anyone but myself with my actions, starting now, and I'll reward Peeta for putting up with me all this time. It's the right thing to do.

'Makeup!' I uttered loudly, as if this action would make the beautiful satin box appear before me. However, the magic didn't work. With a huff I stalked off to my large walk-in closet, wiping away the last of the tears. Forget about Cinna, Prim, and mother. Now is for Peeta, no one else. Peeta has been through just as much if not more, he has no family, no one but me. I have to do this for Peeta. Peeta deserves this, and so much more.

I observed the still closet for a moment, my mother olds gowns still hanging in it. The top shelves were full of boxes and shoes, none of which looked like the black satin box that contained my makeup. I moved forward, through the closet and started to look at the dresses. Would it be too showy to wear the dresses?

'Oh I don't know.' I sighed as my fingers ran over the graceful surface of the fabrics, as I made my way around the closet. I felt a pang of guilt. Dressing up in my mother's clothes while she's gone? Isn't that something little children do? I could feel my facial expressions harden. No. When I was a child I never had the chance to do something like that. I could never dream of doing something like that. I was the provider. As the thoughts raced through my mind, my fingers were brushing over the soft fabric of a beautiful green dress. Its bodice, tanned brown leather. A rather simple thing, I could picture my mother wearing it as she ran around tending to patience.

Not satisfied, I let the dress fall back on its hanger, making a loud clink. I continued to skim through the dresses, until I felt silk. This immediately caught my attention. My head turned sharply to look at the dress. Silk, has always excited me. It's expensive, delicate, and smooth. The colour of the dress made my heart soar. It was an orange, not extremely bright, but very warm.

'Like the sunset.' I mused as a grin spread across my lips. Guilt pulled at me for a moment, thinking of my mother. Once more my expression hardened, whether it was out of spite for my mother, or the fact that this was Peeta's favourite colour, I pulled the dress from its hangar and shut the closet door behind me.

In a quick motion I tossed the dress onto the bed, then proceeded into the bathroom. Like everything in this house, it's luxurious. A large white porcelain bath that could probably fit five people, a wonderful mirror with humming birds carved into its ivory, sinks, cabinets, everything done in fine detail. Even the towels which were set aside on the rack were lovely. I opened a drawer to take out the oils and what not. Usually I'd use the shower in the guest room, which is less exquisite, but far from shabby. However, today I am well prepared to use the bath. The taps were a little stiff from not being used often, but warm water still flowed smoothly, mixing in with the scented oils. I watched the suds and swirls for a moment, then undressed.

When I stepped from the bath, I was sparkling clean. All the grime and dirt, dead skin, flakes, all obvious faults were gone. I'm sure my prep team would have done much better, but they aren't at my disposal. I dried my body and walked out in my towel, drying my hair with another in the process. The orange was greatly emphasised on the pale blue bed sheets, and for once I got a good look at it.

A simple gown really, much like the yellow one Cinna had me wear after the seventy fourth hunger games. Except, obviously it was orange, and it had intrakit little designs around the short sleeves and the low collar. The dress also had padding, which I found in farther inspection. Its fabric was so beautiful and smooth, I found myself rushing to dry off, the want for the fabric to be against my skin growing.

My towels lay in a heap while I stepped into the dress. A shiver of pleasure ran down my spine to the feeling of the fabric. I straightened out the dress and pulled it into place. It was a lovely fit, if anything my mother had left me it was her body, at least her body as a young adult. I wouldn't call myself alluring, but despite Haymitch's snarky comments I have caught the gardeners looking at me. A smile crept to my face as I stood before the mirror. The way the dress flowed, slanted, curved, tugged, squeezed, and ended just above my knees made me tingle with excitement.

'In your face Haymitch.' I said coolly and regarded myself for a moment longer, then rushed off to the bathroom once more to start with the fixings and tweaks. Eyebrows, I know I have tweezers somewhere, hair, I definitely need to brush it. Smell, well I do smell lovely from the oils, but you never know. A thought struck me that sent panic through my being. What time does Peeta normally make his appearance? Six? Five? Has there ever been a time, or does he just come by when the cheese buns are ready? Oh Katniss, you should know this by now.

Sure enough, just as I finished plucking my brows there was the sound of the door opening. Ringing the door bell was a luxury none of us bothered to offer each other. I looked over myself once more and bit my lip gently. Tonight is for Peeta, he deserves my undying attention, I promised myself silently, then swept out of the room.

My heart was beating in my chest, everything seemed drowned out expect for my frantic heartbeat. Calm down, its only Peeta. You're Peeta. You can't do anything wrong, he's seen it all. I tried to persuade myself as I walked down the stairs. A smile was firmly planted on my lips when I reached the end of the stair case, my fear had been replaced by excitement. This is not something that is forced, it's something I want to do. I'm sure Peeta will like it, whatever it is.

I walked into the kitchen with light, silent steps, trying hard not to bite my lip. I turned around the corner and burst into a quick sprint, making the gown flow. My entire being brightened as I saw a figure, standing with his back to me in front of the fridge. Heart soaring, I rushed over to him.

'Peeta!' I stopped short. The figure who turned to me was not Peeta. He was not a stranger, but not Peeta. Anger swelled inside of me when a smirk found its way onto Haymitch's lips.

'You excited to see me Sweetheart?' He asked, then chuckled and set his bottle of liquor down on the counter. A growl found its way into my throat. He shrugged off the sound and circled me.

'You know Katniss, you clean up nicely.' He muttered, then returned to the counter with a raised brow.

'What's the occasion? I never thought you were one for parties, and there are only three of us so I doubt that's the case.' I glared at him venomously and scrunched my nose. This made him sigh, an act which made his entire body move. I could tell he was waiting for an answer, and I don't like his guesses much.

'Don't flatter yourself it's for Peeta.' My tone was quite dull. Haymitch raised his other brow.

'Why?'

'Because I feel like I owe Peeta.' I said begrudgingly. Oh how I hate being in debt. Haymitch's face became stern.

'Katniss your nineteen.' He said shortly.

'Yeah, and so is Peeta.' I replied just as stout.

'Katniss that's not my point-'

'Then what is?' I cut in sharply. It's not like Haymitch to beat around the bush. Haymitch frowned, then shook his head.

'What do you mean you owe him?'

'He's been putting up with me for the past how long? I've never really returned the favour, the boy brings me bread every day for pittysake! I might as well return the favour, if I can.' Haymitch looked somewhat relieved, and he visibly relaxed. What did he think I was going to do? I'm not that horrible am I?

Haymitch cleared his throat to make some big speech about how I will, and never will be good enough for Peeta, how I don't deserve him, he's too good for me, I'm below him, or whatever moral shaking thing he could muster up, when the door opened once more. My ears perked and I backed away from Haymitch, then strode on silent feet to the door.

There, stood the most breath taking boy I ever did lay eyes on. Tall, strong, beautiful blond hair with snow caught up in it. Blue eyes brighter and more piercing then the sky, cheeks rosy from the cold, all mine. Including the cheese buns in the basket clutched in his right hand.

I could see the surprise in his eyes to my appearance, but I didn't miss a beat as I burrowed my way into his chest. Hesitation made his body go rigid for a moment, but he smoothly recovered and wrapped his free arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. I breathed in his wonderful scent, inhaling deeply and not exhaling until I thought I might suffocate. With a light, content sigh, I reached up on my toes to kiss him gently on the lips. I could see he was still confused, the depths of his eyes unsettled. He stared at me in a perplexed manor for a moment, then tilted his head ever so slightly as a smile pulled at his lips.

'What's the occasion?' He asked smoothly, his arm staying wrapped around my waist as he led me to the kitchen. I couldn't help but frown at the suspicion in his voice.

'There is no occasion, I just thought it would be nice for a bit of a change.' I answered quietly, leaning against him as we walked. He chuckled lightly,

'This is a change alright.' My frown stayed in place and I felt very self-conscious.

'Is there something wrong with me?' I pulled back to look at myself, making sure I didn't miss anything obvious. I thought he would have liked the dress, this isn't the reaction I was expecting. It hurt a little.

'Of course not!' His eyes widened and he pulled me back gently, then planted a kiss on top of my head.

'Katniss you look beautiful, it's just not like you. You caught me off guard is all.' He promised as we walked into the Kitchen. Remembering Haymitch pulled me from my start struck daze and I cut Peeta off sharply, standing in front of him.

'Why don't we go into the living room this time?' This suggestion made his suspicion return.

'We always go into the kitchen.' He said and tried to scoot around me. I stretched out my arms so they were again the door frame that led into the kitchen, making it impossible to get passed without going through me.

'We're supposed to be making a change.' I urged.

'Then let me set the basket down in the kitchen, then we can go into the living room.' He assured and tried to slip passed me, but I blocked him once more.

'Let's just go straight to the living room.' I was getting desperate, Haymitch would ruin everything. Peeta became agitated.

'Let me into the kitchen Katniss.'

'No.' I stood firmly in his way, returning his glare with a small, yet determined pout. With a sigh Peeta shook his head.

'Fine.' Just when I thought I had won, I lost. In a quick, fluent movement, Peeta had me slung over his left shoulder. I yelped in surprise and hit him on the back.

'Put me down Peeta!' I cried and kicked my legs. He laughed, an action that made his entire body vibrate.

'Oh calm down Katniss, really. It isn't like I'm going to do anything to you.' He strode into the kitchen with me slung over his shoulder, looking like a hunted animal. I let my body relax in defeat, it's over. Haymitch and his unwanted entrance has won, if there was ever a mood it was now dead. Dead, lying on the cold marble floors, where come Friday, they will be swept up by Greasy Sae and scooted out the door into the snow.

'That's lovely.' Haymitch's tone was not appreciative, but he laughed. I couldn't see him, but I know he was talking about the whole, me-slung-over-Peeta's-shoulder thing. I went limp and closed my eyes. Even if there like family, I can still be embarrassed, I have the pride of a lion.

A small, dull thump let me know Peeta put his basket down. I didn't bother to move, I just hung there, my hair draping over my face as Peeta went about the kitchen.

'It's good to see you Haymitch.' Peeta said politely. Haymitch grunted and I could hear ice cubes clinking, letting me know he was downing a drink. This made my spirits rise. Surely he would get straight to being drunk! He'd be on the couch in no time, passed out and drunk. I almost smiled, but then I felt myself slipping and I gripped Peeta's shirt with effort. He laughed.

'Come on Katniss, you don't want to stay up there the whole time, it's not much of a view for Haymitch.' I realized Peeta was pulling me off his shoulder, and into his arms. This would have been enjoyable if it wasn't for the comment. My cheeks reddened as I slipped from Peeta's shoulder and brushed the hair out of my eyes. I chanced a glance at Haymitch, but he seemed to be quite content with staring at his drink. Another laugh left Peeta.

'Katniss you're as red as a tomato.' His teeth came out from hiding when he smiled at me. Have they always been so perfect, I wonder. I found myself smiling back at him, then I looked away and quickly fixed my dress.

'I brought you cheese buns.' He said in a quiet voice. I looked up at him again, then glanced at the basket on the table.

'Thank you.' I bit my lip and fixed my gaze on the floor. Obviously Peeta wanted to say something, he never acts awkward. At one point I thought it was impossible for him to be awkward, unless it would somehow swoon his viewers. Once more I cursed Haymitch silently for being here, why was he here? I mean, of course he stops into make sure I'm not doing something stupid, but there was never really a schedule to it. Of all days why did he have to stop by today?

As if Haymitch could sense his presence was unwanted, he downed the last of his liquor and stood with a hiccup. Both Peeta and I turned to him with vacant expressions. He blinked at us dully and picked up his bottle, then walked out of the kitchen and into the dining room without a word.

We watched him leave the room in silence, until he rounded the corner and went out of site. Almost immediately Peeta moved closer to me, and wrapped his arms around me. I shivered and pressed myself against his chest.

'Either you've completely lost it or you're feeling much, much better.' His voice was quiet and soft as he held me to him. I closed my eyes in a content daze.

'I'm feeling much better, and I sort of felt like,' I paused, wondering how to word this. Would it offend Peeta if I told him I felt like I owed him? I'm pretty sure he already knows I feel that way.

'Felt like what?' He asked as he ran his fingers through my hair.

'I felt like, I feel like I owe you.' His body went stiff to my response, and his hand stopped brushing back my hair. I wrapped my arms around him so he couldn't pull away until I finished.

'After all I put you through I figured you deserved better than how I have been treating you lately. So I'm trying to make up for it.' This made him relax a little and his hand returned to the top of my head.

'This is forced, real or not real?' He asked with a light bit of humour. I smiled at the grim remembrance of the memory game. I shook my head and looked up at him.

'Not real.' I responded and studied his face. How his lips curved in a small yet dazzling smile, the way his eyes searched mine to try to tell if I was hiding something from him, the angle is hair fell perfectly in place above his beautiful eyes.

'Why didn't you want me in the kitchen?' The blue depths of his eyes became unsettled with curiosity. I smiled and shook my head lightly.

'I didn't want to be in here with Haymitch, I thought it would spoil the mood.'

'There wasn't a mood to begin with.' He informed me with a smirk.

'Though he's like buzz kill when it comes to moments like this.' I nodded and tilted my head slightly, not finding this entirely fair. I'm sure Haymitch didn't try to be buzz kill.

'But we need him don't we? To make sure us kids don't get too carried away.' By saying this, I lightly implied that I disagreed to what he said. He frowned a little then let his arms drop until he was holding one of my hands and led me up the stairs.