Peeta's POV

As soon as we finished clearing off the breakfast table, Katniss muttered something about fetching her purse and hastily ran up the stairs. I stayed behind to wash the dishes and stash away any leftovers from our meal. When I was done, I put my shoes on and threw on my coat. I lingered at the door, shuffling my keys in my hand, waiting for Katniss to come join me.

I heard her muted footsteps padding down the hall behind me. I turned halfway and was surprised to find Katniss standing beside me, looking somewhat different from how I'd seen her only moments ago. She was dressed in what seemed like a new set of clothes, a clean set of trousers and a burgundy sweater. She had even managed to pull back her tousled hair into a neat braid that fell down her back. The burgundy complemented her olive skin tone and brought warmth to her eyes. She looked amazing. But then again, there's not much she can do to be less beautiful in my eyes.

"What's with the change of clothes?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

"For the cameras," she said as if it were the most obvious explanation.

"The Katniss I used to know didn't like being pampered up for the cameras," I joked as we walked out the door. "I think the Capitol is rubbing off on you."

She shot a look at me that said she clearly didn't appreciate my taunts.

"Cinna left a bunch of clothes in my closet," she reasoned. "It would be a waste if I didn't wear it."

"I'd be careful about wearing his designs," I said. "You might burst into flames in any minute."

Katniss gave a small grin. "I'll take my chances."

We continued in silence as we made our way down the hill and towards the gate surrounding Victor's Village. The past few weeks have gone by in silences like these. Even for someone as talkative as me, it's hard to strike up a conversation when there are cameras peeking at you from every corner of your home, your town, even your mother's home. And it makes it even more challenging that your wife hates you. I know it's not a real marriage, but it hurts when every sign of affection you show is automatically shot down with an icy glare. So I've learned to withhold on the loving gestures and compliments. At the start of the Victory Tour I promised her we'd be friends, so that's what I'll give her. Nothing more. Maybe after that's accomplished I can start aiming for her heart.