Katniss practically had to push Peeta back into bed but he fell asleep rather quickly, curled up on his uninjured side. She lay beside him, her eyes flicking back to him every now and again to make sure he was still beside her, still living and breathing. She couldn't explain her sudden rush of affection toward him. By all accounts (at least in her mind) they still looked at this like a contract. She knew he loved her… and she was fairly certain that she loved him, or the very least, that she was falling in love with him. She'd as good as told him so, hadn't she?

But what really bothered her was the amount of time that had passed. How had she gone from marrying a practical stranger to feeling like she couldn't let this man out of her sight in such a short amount of days? Had it been this easy for her parents? Her mother had said she'd fallen in love as soon as she heard her father sing. Katniss had always scoffed at the thought. After all, she had vowed never to marry, never to have children, never to change herself for someone else.

But as she watched him sleep, she knew he was a part of her now and she wouldn't be able to walk away from him in five years. She didn't know what was going to happen but she had been right in telling him she fights for those she loves. And she vowed to protect him, whatever way she could.

Peeta shifted in his sleep and reached out his hand. She captured it in midair and brought it to her lips; his mouth curved upwards and he sighed in his sleep. She could hear her mother and sister talking loudly right outside the door but she wanted to let him sleep as long as possible. She carefully slid out of the bed and slipped out the door.

"Hey," she whispered. "You're going to wake Peeta if you keep talking that loudly."

"Sorry Katniss but we should probably get him up anyway," Prim said regretfully.

"Why?"

"Darius was trying to communicate with us earlier and we discovered whoever attacked him did something else." Katniss waited, a frown crossing her face.

"Both of his hands are broken," Prim said softly.

"What?!"

"Obviously whoever did this, knew they could be identified if Darius survived. This is just way too calculated to be a coincidence."

"Why didn't you-" she clamped her jaw when the door behind them opened and Peeta appeared, shrugging on his shirt.

"I'm sorry if we woke you, Peeta."

"That's alright, Violet, I noticed Katniss missing and couldn't really sleep anymore. Is everything alright?"

"Darius's hands are broken," Katniss said impatiently. Peeta's face darkened immediately.

"What?"

"We think that the attack was planned," Violet said quietly. "And that the attacker wanted to keep Darius from identifying him, if he survived. But they left him there to bleed to death so I doubt they believed he would make it."

"How are you just figuring this out, though," Katniss asked. Prim scowled, which actually made Peeta take a step back. The sunshine of a girl rarely scowled and it didn't suit her.

"We were busy keeping him from bleeding to death," she snapped. "Forgive us if we didn't have time to catalogue his injuries!"

"Katniss didn't mean anything by it, Prim," Peeta said gently. "This is obviously a surprise to all of us. And really bad news. I had hoped he would be able to give us some kind of sign as to who has done this."

"I had to give him some sleep syrup," Violet shook her head. "He's in too much pain right now and keeps getting frustrated that he can't speak. Rosalie actually asked about his hand when she held it but we brushed it off. I hope the doctors in the Capitol can perform the surgery he needs. Broken hands can be fixed. Other things...can't be."

"This cannot be good for Rosalie and the baby," Peeta sighed. "Can you give her some sleep syrup too?"

"It would harm the baby but I have some ingredients at home that I can mix to make something that would be alright for them. I need to go home and get more gauze anyway."

"I'll escort you," he said quickly. "You don't need to walk through the district alone right now." Violet nodded and Peeta tucked a baton into his jeans.

"Katniss, you and Prim stay here and keep an eye on Rosalie and Darius. Don't open the door to anyone, until I return home. Understood?"

"Yes sir," Prim gave a mock salute and her mother shot her a deadly look.

"We understand," Katniss nodded. Peeta nodded and locked the door behind Violet and him.

"What was that," Katniss asked irritatedly as soon as they were gone.

"I was just going to ask you the same thing! Since when are you so timid and meek around your big peacekeeper husband?"

"Prim, this is the second peacekeeper attack in a matter of days! We have to be careful and Peeta is trying to keep us safe. I'm surprised at you."

"And I'm surprised at you. You're the Huntress of District 12, Kat. You greet challenges with your head held high. You don't take orders from anyone and you've never let a man tell you what to do. I thought you said this was only a contract to you."

"I don't need to explain myself or my feelings to you," Katniss said heatedly. "Peeta is First Lieutenant. Show him a little respect." Prim gaped at her as she stormed toward the kitchen and followed her a moment later.

"Spill it, sis!"

"Spill what," Katniss refused to turn to face her.

"You're so wishy-washy about Peeta right now! What is going through your head?"

"I don't want to lose him!" Prim stared at her sister, shocked by the outburst. Katniss hung her head and sighed.

"Prim I… you and Madge are right. I lo-... I'm falling… ugh damn it, I can't even say the damn words! But I keep having nightmares about losing him. And I can't. I kept saying I won't be like Mom but it's too late. I can't lose him. And he was already attacked once… he's weakened and I just… I'm scared. I'm scared to go to the Capitol because I'm sure there are people there who will want to hurt us. With everything going on around here, I just… I'm scared." She shrugged and Prim crossed the room in two steps, pulling her big sister into her arms.

"You and Peeta are both strong. You've always been so fearless, I didn't think anything scared you."

"The thought of losing you does," she said, rubbing Prim's fair cheek. "And now, losing him."

"Well, I'm glad you finally admitted it to yourself. Have you told him?"

"Not those exact words, but kind of."

"That's not confusing at all."

"Shut up."

"How does he put up with you?"

"I don't know but he seems to want to. And I don't think it's just a contract anymore. I think in five years, when the contract expires… things may just...stay the same."

"You're ridiculous sometimes, Katty," Prim snickered. "You make a big deal out of the little things. Like how much he means to you. Just tell him already!"

"I'm going to. When everything calms down around here."

"I'm starving. Does your baker keep any food in his fridge?"

"It's fully stocked, Prim. Want me to fix you something?"

"Whoa," Prim's eyes widened as she opened the fridge and Katniss smiled. "I want to eat it all."

"Let's start with sandwiches and some soup, and then if you're still hungry, you can find something else."

Prim brought Rosalie into the kitchen to have some food and the three women talked softly as they ate their turkey and cheese sandwiches and sipped at their cups of soup. When Peeta and Violet returned, Rosalie had passed out on the table, her face hidden in her arm.

"Guess she didn't need sleep syrup after all," Katniss whispered.

"I'll go ahead and mix some of this just in case," Violet reached for a bowl. Katniss handed Peeta a bowl of soup, which he took with a grateful nod.

"I'm going to check on Darius," Prim set her bowl on the counter. "Don't wash it, I want some more." Peeta smiled as she passed and exited the kitchen. The phone rang and his brow furrowed as he moved to pick it up.

"Mellark," his tone was authoritative but his brow raised in surprise. "Yes sir. Yes, I understand. Alright, I will make sure we are ready. Thank you, General. Good day to you." Peeta hung up and Katniss cocked her head.

"What was that about?"

"We're leaving for the Capitol a bit earlier than planned."

"OK. When?" He swallowed as he turned back to her.

"Tonight."


"Please take care of yourself," her mother murmured in her ear as they embraced.

"I'll be fine. I won't leave his side."

"Take care of my sister," Prim made him promise as she hugged him around the middle.

"With my life, Prim."

"Are you sure you don't want us to walk with you to the station," Rye asked anxiously, his hands shoved in his pockets. "Purnia and the others have already gotten Darius and Rosalie settled on the train, and they will have left by now. I really don't like the thought of you two walking there by yourselves."

"Since when did my big brother become such a worry-wart," Peeta winked.

"Since my little brother developed a knack for getting into trouble!"

"I'll be fine, Rye. We both will. You'll take care of things while I'm gone?"

"Of course, Peet. Just...come back safe, alright?" They hugged quickly and clapped each other's shoulders.

"Rye… I need you to promise me...if anything happens… you'll take care of them?" Ryen's eyes flicked to the Everdeen women and back to his brother and he nodded.

"You know I will. But you'd better come back. The little one scares me." Peeta snorted.

"She's like her sister. Strong. Fierce. A force to be reckoned with," he dropped his voice and leaned in. "If you hear anything strange, you take them out of here. Don't stop running. She says she will welcome us if things go bad for 12."

"That's great but where has she been all this time?"

"Don't ask questions like that. Just promise me you and Madge will get the family and the Everdeens and whoever else you can out of here."

"We will. Peet, I want to tell Madge what's going on." Peeta glanced over at Madge, who was in conversation with his wife and he sighed.

"Rye-"

"I know you're going to say it's dangerous but I trust her. And I want her to know everything. I mean, I'm going to tell her everything. About...our training. And everything that has been going on around here. All of it." Peeta looked surprised.

"I'm proud of you, Rye. She's a good one. She's bound to keep you in line."

"We can only hope," he grinned. "Safe travels, baby bro." Peeta shoved his brother away and they crossed over to their wives.

"You ready, Katniss?" She nodded and he took her suitcase in hand.

"Be careful," Prim said, her eyes wide.

"We will see you all next week," Peeta said firmly. "Prim, remember, eat all my food before it spoils." He winked at the girl and she grinned.

"You can count on me, Peeta." He grasped Katniss's hand and they made their way down the path and towards the other side of town, where the train station was. Katniss stayed close to his side, feeling anxious as they walked into the night. She wanted to ask why they were leaving in the middle of the night but she was sure she would sound paranoid. Peeta seemed to have no problem with his General's orders and they were silent as they walked.

"It's so nice of you to let them stay in your house while we're away," she said, eager to break the silence.

"It's your house too, Katniss," he said softly. "And they're your family. Which makes them important to me. I want them to be comfortable and well-fed. I made Ryen promise to keep an eye on them too." Katniss nodded gratefully and squeezed his hand.


Peeta was relieved to see several peacekeepers along the way, all who nodded to him silently and he nodded back. Darius was well-liked in the district and they all knew the train would take him to care and healing. Peeta still couldn't fathom who had done that to the peacekeeper. Ryen was convinced that it had been a peacekeeper but according to Katniss, Violet said the job had been messy and the attacker had no idea what they were doing. Not that Peeta was an expert at removing tongues but he knew there was a certain way to do it and hacking at the tongue just wasn't the way to go. So if it wasn't a peacekeeper, who was it?

Peeta had been trained in torture in District 2, and it still haunted him to this day. Though he had never turned anyone into an avox before Jacobson, he had been forced to do some truly horrible things and the way that the Capitol praised him for his "accomplishments" truly disgusted him. And of course coming from 12, he was a victim of those tortures first. He had to prove himself before anyone actually believed he was worth anything. The Capitol's ability to polish away scars and marks was the one way Peeta could hide his past. He was grateful that the Capitol had taken the initiative before he had married; he couldn't bear the thought of what Katniss would say if she had seen those marks on him. He still hadn't shared all of the details with her and wasn't sure if he ever could. He was shocked that

Rye was telling Madge everything but he was also proud of his brother for opening up.

Katniss's gentle nudge snapped him out of his less than pleasant thoughts and he realized they were at the train station. The conductor nodded and offered to take their bags.

"Good evening, Lieutenant."

"Good evening. I'll hold onto this one, if you don't mind." He clutched the strap of his bag and the conductor nodded.

"Of course, sir. Ma'am," he held out his hand to help Katniss up onto the platform.

"Go ahead and choose a compartment, Katniss. I'll be right behind you." She nodded and stepped onto the train, her eyes widening at the luxury around here. She had never been on a train and didn't know anyone, other than her husband, who had. She supposed Madge had been, when she had gone to the Capitol when she was younger. She bent to study the pattern on the tablecloth when she felt someone come up behind her. The hairs stood on the back of her neck and told her immediately that it wasn't Peeta.

"Good evening, Mrs. Mellark." She shivered at the cold voice and she straightened up to face him.

"Good evening, Commander Thread."

"Commander," Peeta said in surprise, joining her immediately and grasping her hand at their side. "I wasn't aware you were joining us on this trip."

"I haven't seen dear Aurelia Snow in quite some time. I of course want to wish her a happy birthday in person."

"Of course," Peeta nodded. "Well it will be a pleasure to travel alongside you. Although I daresay the trip will be a short one. What was it the conductor said? 200 miles per hour?"

"And you can barely feel a thing," Thread nodded. "It's my favorite way to travel, besides hovercraft. Your wife has never been on a train, I presume?"

"No Commander, but I'm looking forward to it. I also look forward to seeing the Capitol for the first time."

"Ah you're in for a real treat."

"Commander, which compartment are Darius and Rosalie in?"

"Peackeeper Murphy is across from mine so I can keep an eye on him. I told his wife to take her own so she will be more comfortable. They both fell asleep as soon as they boarded the train." Peeta frowned but Thread was helping himself to a plate of pastries and poured himself a glass of scotch. "Drink, Mellark?"

"Ah, no thank you sir. I'm not a huge drinker myself."

"You can pour that glass for me, then," a voice said behind them. Thread's face darkened slightly.

"Abernathy. I wasn't aware you were joining us on this trip."

"Oh President Snow was kind enough to extend the birthday invitation to Victors as well. Figured I would catch the same train as my Commander and Lieutenant, for safety reasons. You understand, of course."

"Of course. Excuse me." Thread slipped out of the compartment and Peeta turned to face the newcomer.

"Katniss, this is Haymitch Abernathy, Victor of the 50th Hunger Games."

"Pleasure, sweetheart. So you're the new Mrs. Mellark?"

"You were at our wedding so should know that's true. Except I think you were passed out drunk in a chair somewhere." Haymitch released a bark which could have been a laugh.

"I like this one. She's got spunk." Peeta grinned but Katniss scowled.

"So you've been invited to the Capitol too."

"No sweetheart, I'm just here for the refreshments," Haymitch winked as he helped himself to a glass of scotch. "Sure you don't want a glass, Lieutenant? Her scowl is already giving me a headache." Katniss rolled her eyes and stomped out of the entryway. Peeta sighed and shook his head.

"What did I say about trying not to irritate her?"

"It's too easy," the Victor shrugged. "So the Commander is on board as well."

"Yes. General Duartyr said Commander Thread was going to wait a few days to travel but I suppose he decided to arrive in the Capitol earlier than planned."

"Interesting that this train was his choice then," Haymitch sipped at his glass and Peeta gripped his bag. "We have several Victors on board as well." Peeta nodded in understanding.

"I should find Katniss. Sleep well, Haymitch."

"You do the same, Lieutenant. See you in the morning."


Peeta glanced around, trying to find some idea of where Darius and Rosalie were sleeping but all of the compartments were sealed tightly. In fact, he had no idea which one his wife had chosen. He swallowed, his eyes flying down the hall, wondering if he was going to have to find an empty compartment until he saw her at breakfast.

"If you're looking for your wife, I directed her to Compartment 11," a meek female voice said behind him. He spun around, his wide eyes moving up and down the woman's tiny frame.

"I'm assuming you are First Lieutenant Peeta Mellark?"

"Yes, that's correct. And you are?"

"Arcadia Longstorm." His eyes widened.

"The Victor Arcadia Longstorm?"

"That's correct, sir," she said softly, her eyes darting to the floor. "And this is Porter," she motioned to the compartment on her right, and a thin man stood from his bed.

"Porter Longfellow, at your service Lieutenant." Peeta shook the man's hand and was stunned at how weak his grasp was. He'd expected Victors to be more hulking and intimidating but Arcadia and Porter both looked like a strong gust of wind would knock them over.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Peeta nodded. "Miss Longstorm, did you say you spoke to my wife?"

"Dark hair, slender build? I directed her to Compartment 11. The others are full."

"I thank you for your assistance. Um, could you direct me there as well?"

"It's across from my mine," she gestured for him to follow her and he glanced back at the male Victor.

"It was nice to meet you, Mr. Longfellow."

"Porter, please. And likewise, Lieutenant Mellark. I'm sure I will see you soon." Peeta nodded and Porter returned to his compartment, sliding it closed. Arcadia lead him down the hall and around the corner, stopping in front of a larger compartment.

"Some of them are singles and some are doubles. I thought you both would be more comfortable in a double."

"You're very kind, Miss Longstorm, I thank you."

"Arcadia, please, Lieutenant. We seem to have a mutual acquaintance."

"Oh?"

"Haymitch told us you would be on this train as well." He stopped and Arcadia glanced back at him.

"Oh?"

"Well Haymitch Abernathy is an old friend. We Victors communicate amongst each other. About events such as this."

"Such as what," he asked with a frown.

"A special invitation to the Capitol, of course," her brown eyes widened. "Haymitch speaks highly of you, Lieutenant. He wants some of the Victors to meet you. He says you are very just."

"I just do my job, Miss Longstorm, and try to keep people out of harm's way," Peeta hoisted his bag higher onto his shoulder. Arcadia's lips tightened.

"This way, Lieutenant," she gestured to the compartment adjacent to them and around the corner, Peeta saw Katniss's slender frame leaning against the threshold. She was speaking to another woman, their voices soft. The other woman trailed off, her eyes catching Peeta's over Katniss's shoulder. Katniss turned and sighed.

"There you are!"

"I'm sorry, Katniss, I was conversing with the Victors from District 6."

"Yes, Arcadia helped me find an empty compartment. And this is Miss Sanchez, from District 8."

"Cecilia Sanchez," Cecilia nodded to Peeta. "And you must be the First Lieutenant of District 12."

"Peeta Mellark, ma'am." Cecilia's handshake was firmer than the previous Victors' had been. Cecilia's smile was warm but there was something hidden in her eyes. Peeta had seen it in a lot of young mothers' eyes in 2. She glanced at Katniss and back at Arcadia.

"Well, we should all probably get some rest. I expect I will see you in the Capitol, Lieutenant."

"It was an honor to meet you both," Peeta nodded to both women as they slipped into their compartments. Katniss sat on the bed as Peeta closed the door tightly.

"Did you find Darius and Rosalie?"

"No, Commander Thread said they fell asleep as soon as they got on board. I'll try to speak to Rosalie in the morning. I hope the medicine your mother gave her will help her sleep tonight." Peeta set his bag down and pulled out some clothes.

"Here, I packed you a pair of pajamas so you'll be more comfortable."

"Thank you," she said with surprise, taking them from her. They changed quickly, Katniss facing the wall. She didn't know why but she felt more exposed on this luxurious train than she did in their bedroom. She climbed into bed and waited for Peeta to scoot in beside her. She curled onto her side and his arm draped over her waist. She closed her eyes as she felt him kiss her hair.

"How is your side?"

"Sore but I can tell it's getting better. Your mother is a miracle worker."

"Are you sure you don't want me to put anything on it?"

"I'm fine love," his warm breath on her neck made her shiver. "Get some rest. I know you haven't gotten a lot in the past few days."

"No less than you."

"We should be at the Capitol sometime tomorrow mid-day. Do you need anything?"

"Would you stop fussing over me and go to sleep," she scolded him. But he merely chuckled and kissed her temple.

"Sleep well, Katniss."


Peeta's side was throbbing when he woke up but he didn't want Katniss to know he was in pain. She was wrapped completely around him, their arms entangled and her leg underneath his. He wondered how they had slept this way; now that he was awake, it was quite uncomfortable and the compartment was rather stuffy.

He gently kissed her forehead as he struggled to free himself without waking her. She moaned and twisted onto her side, tucking her fist under her chin. He smiled as he quickly dressed, his eyes never leaving her sleeping form. He sat in the chair to pull on his boots and bent low to double knot the laces.

Katniss's eyes shot open as she sat straight in bed. Peeta didn't need to ask her if she'd had a nightmare; her pale face and her fearful expression told him everything.

"Easy," he rushed to her side and sat on the edge of the bed. "You're ok. You're safe." She clung to his arm for a moment, allowing his warmth to surround her. She'd been dreaming of her father but she struggled to grasp the images that were swimming in her mind. Now she couldn't even remember what he had told her right before she'd woken up.

"Do you want to talk about it," he asked as he smoothed her hair. She shook her head and threw the blankets off.

"Let's go get some breakfast." He watched her with a concerned frown as she pulled her clothes and shoes on. She quickly braided her hair and turned to look at him. "What?"

"Nothing," he shook his head and slid the compartment door open. "Our dining room is toward the back of the train."

"Our dining room?"

"I mean...the one we are meant to use. Reserved for Peacekeepers and people of… particular statures." Katniss rolled her eyes in disgust but lead the way down the hall.

Haymitch, Cecilia, Arcadia and a man they hadn't met were sitting at the table already.

"Ah. Lieutenant Mellark. Why don't you and your lovely wife join us?"

"Thank you," Peeta nodded as he held a chair out for Katniss to sit.

"I believe you've already met?" He gestured toward the women and Peeta nodded.

"We met last night. I don't believe I've had the pleasure, though," he indicated the man to Haymitch's right. The man had dark skin and dark eyes, with deep crinkles that told them he liked to laugh. He stood and bent to shake Peeta's hand. His sleeve rode up and Peeta's eyes widened as he realized what he was about to take hold of. The man roared with laughter at Peeta's expression and Haymitch snorted, shaking his head.

"Chaff likes to remind everyone that he lost his hand in his Games."

"The look on peoples' faces amuses me," he held out his good hand for Peeta to shake. "Nice to meet you, Lieutenant."

"Likewise."

"And who have we here?" He looked directly at Katniss and smiled.

"This is Lieutenant Mellark's wife, Katniss."

"Katniss. As lovely as her name." Katniss yanked her hand out of Chaff's and tucked her hands in her lap. Chaff laughed and sat back down.

"I was just telling Haymitch how eager I am to see your district again, Lieutenant Mellark."

"Peeta, please ma'am," he nodded to Cecilia. "And we would be delighted to have you visit whenever you wish."

"Are you traveling there soon," Arcadia asked with wide eyes. Katniss noticed that the Victor had a permanent look of surprise about her. Whereas the other Victor from 6, Porter, looked wary and defeated. Katniss had heard the Victors turned to different methods to deal with their grief and trauma. She supposed it made sense, then, that Haymitch was always drunk. She guessed it was as good as any way to deal with what he had been through.

"No no, not immediately. I was just referring to the upcoming 80th celebration Victory Tour."

"What's that," Katniss asked with a frown.

"All of the living Victors will travel around Panem for the 80th celebration of the Hunger Games," Cecilia said softly, her eyes darting to Katniss. "Most of us haven't visited other districts since our own Victory Tours."

"Do we know who else is expected to Miss Snow's birthday celebration," Haymitch asked as he took a swig from his flask. Chaff nudged him and Haymitch rolled his eyes as he handed his flask over.

"Johanna and Finnick are joining us later in the week. They both had prior engagements to attend first. Cashmere, Gloss, Brutus, Enobaria, and Lyme are all already there. Mags is coming later on as well."

"They're making Mags attend," Haymitch's eyes flashed. Cecilia cleared her throat and gave him a pointed look.

"She was delighted to receive the invitation. She is just having a little bit of trouble getting around these days." Haymitch sucked in a breath and took another deep drink from his flask. Cecilia gave him a reproachful look before turning back to Peeta and Katniss.

"Katniss says she has never been to the Capitol, Peeta, but I understand you have?"

"Once before I was promoted to First Lieutenant," he nodded. "It's quite a place."

"Isn't it though," Chaff snorted.

"There's Seeder and Porter. I was wondering what was keeping them," Haymitch waved to the two people who had just entered the room. Katniss had met Porter last night but she did not recognize the dark-skinned woman at his side.

"Hey, join us," Haymitch moved two chairs around. "Seeder, have you met Lieutenant Peeta Mellark or his wife yet?"

"I haven't had the pleasure," Seeder nodded to them. "Welcome aboard."

"Thank you, ma'am," Peeta said graciously. "I'm delighted to meet so many Victors. I only met two when I was in the Capitol."

"Let me guess," Cecilia said, a hint of irritation in her mild tone. "Johanna Mason was one of them?"

"And Finnick Odair," he nodded. "They were both very gracious and welcoming." Haymitch snorted loudly.

"I would never use those words to describe Johanna Mason."

"She was quite friendly to me," Peeta said somewhat defensively.

"Indeed?" Haymitch's eyes darted to Katniss and he looked amused. "I imagine she tried to befriend you right into the bedroom." Peeta's cheeks reddened and Cecilia rolled her eyes.

"Really Haymitch, grow up." Haymitch held his flask up as if toasting her and winked. Katniss frowned, glancing sideways at Peeta. He had never mentioned meeting Victors before. And she knew from past interviews and Holo specials that Johanna was quite attractive, quickly becoming a favorite in the Capitol.

Her usual doubts came flooding back, invading her mind with images of Peeta with someone else. She clenched her fists in her lap and stared at the table. She hoped her face wasn't as red as it felt.

"Well, you will certainly meet more Victors this week. Everyone has been invited to the Presidential Mansion for Miss Snow's party. I hope you both have gotten plenty of rest. Capitol parties are known to be a little wild." Peeta's brow raised at Chaff.

"I thought his granddaughter was only turning 16?" Chaff raised his brow right back, as if to say what's your point.

"Do we know if she will be presented with… the usual gift," Arcadia asked, her eyes on the floor.

"It seems likely," Haymitch nodded. "Though I don't know for certain. She is 16, though. And President Snow is nothing if not traditional." Everyone's faces darkened and Peeta felt completely lost.

"I'm afraid I didn't have time to purchase a gift for Miss Snow," he mumbled. "I wonder if I might be able to visit a Capitol store when we arrive?"

"Oh the President won't mind that," Seeder shook her head. "Peacekeepers rarely bring gifts. Miss Snow does not expect it."

"Speaking of Peacekeepers," Katniss suddenly stood, surprising everyone. "I would like to find Rosalie and Darius. I'm sure Rosalie would like some company." Haymitch's brow quirked and he leaned toward Peeta.

"Yes, you might should find them and check on them, Lieutenant. I imagine Darius is still in a lot of pain."

"Ah, yes of course. Katniss, I'll escort you to the-"

"I can find the compartments myself, thank you." He looked taken aback by her abruptness but she nodded to the table, muttered that it was nice to meet everyone, and stomped flat-footed out of the dining room. Peeta rubbed the back of his neck, frowning after her.

"You should go after her, Peeta," Arcadia said in a dazed voice. "Women can get jealous so very easily and it only takes a moment for that jealousy to boil over into something else entirely." Cecilia and Seeder nodded in understanding.

"Jealous? I don't underst…" Peeta's eyes widened in realization and he shook his head. "Won't you all excuse me?" Haymitch nodded and Peeta rushed after Katniss.

Once she was out of the dining room, she exhaled and wrapped her arms around herself. The rage continued to boil inside her and she squeezed her eyes shut. She hadn't heard anything else the Victors were talking about after Haymitch's little joke. She didn't think Peeta had actually done anything with Johanna Mason. But why hadn't he mentioned meeting her, or Finnick Odair, before no?

He'd said he would tell her everything. But he still refused to talk about his training and whatever else had happened in 2. So it was possible that Johanna had tried to seduce Peeta into her bed when he had visited the Capitol.

She clenched and unclenched her fists, trying to hold onto her sanity.

Peeta loves me. He's said so over and over.

That doesn't mean he hasn't been with others before you, that nasty voice taunted her inside her head.

No. He's told me that he's a virgin too.

So what? You know that he's done things before. Maybe she's shown him things that you're just too pure to understand.

She scowled and whirled around at the sound of his panicked voice.

"Katniss, there you are!" He grabbed her arm but she shrugged him off. His brow furrowed as he stood in front of her.

"What are you doing?"

"I told you, I'm going to find Darius and Rosalie."

"Katniss, look, I know what you're thinking-"

"Oh you do? Well then tell me, Peeta. Since you're so smart, tell me what I'm thinking."

"Katniss, I promise you, there is no reason for you to be jealous. I never did anything-"

"Who said I was jealous," her voice was high-pitched and her scowl deepened, causing him to take a step back. "What would I be jealous about?"

"I don't know but I just want you to know that Haymitch is just trying to get a rise out of you. I haven't… I never did anything with Johanna Mason. I don't even know her!" Katniss was about to respond when a compartment door opened at the end of the hall. Peeta straightened up and Katniss saw the transformation occur before her eyes.

"Commander Thread," he nodded, his voice back to his respectful but emotionless tone.

"Good morning Lieutenant. Mrs. Mellark."

"Commander," she forced her face into an expression of respect.

"The conductor just informed me we are barely an hour from the Capitol. Will you inform the Victors for me?"

"Of course sir." Thread nodded and made to return to his compartment. "Ah Commander Thread, sir. Katniss was hoping to check on Rosalie. In her delicate condition, you can understand that we are very worried about her."

"Mrs. Murphy was still sleeping when I checked on her husband. Let's let her sleep until we arrive in the Capitol. I have arranged lodging for her while her husband is to be taken straight to the nearest medical facility."

"I would like to accompany him, if I may, Commander."

"I'm afraid that's not possible, Lieutenant. Minister Antonius has asked to speak to you as soon as we arrive. I'm to escort your wife to your rooms and you are to report to the Defense Center." Peeta swallowed and reached for Katniss's hand. She was so anxious that she forgot she was mad at him.

"Sir, as it is my wife's first time to the Capitol, I'm sure you'll understand that we are both uneasy with the idea of separating. Given what all has been happening in our home district lately, we would both feel better if we could stay together."

"I understand your hesitation, Mellark, but this order comes from General Duartyr and Minister Antonius. You don't want to start disobeying orders from the higher ups."

"Of course not, Commander," Peeta stammered. "It's just…"

"Your wife is in excellent hands, Lieutenant," Thread's eyes went past Peeta and rested on Katniss. Her heart hammered in her chest. Peeta inhaled deeply.

"Of course, Commander Thread. We understand."

"Inform the Victors, then, Lieutenant. We will arrive within the hour." He disappeared in his compartment and Katniss clutched her husband's hand.

"Peeta-"

"I'll take care of it, Katniss. I promise." He pulled her back toward the dining room.

"You can't disobey your orders," she hissed, shaking her head.

"Haymitch, a word," he called, ignoring Katniss's protest. Haymitch nodded and motioned for Peeta to follow him to the back of the train. Katniss had no idea what they were talking about but they returned moments later and Peeta looked pale. He forced a smile, however, and suggested they finish their breakfast. Katniss had no appetite whatsoever but she picked at the muffin Cecilia had passed to her until they heard the conductor's voice announcing they were approaching the Capitol. She glanced out the window and her eyes widened at the sheer size of it all.

"It's huge," she muttered. The Victors all had different reactions to the sight. Porter and Arcadia both seemed to withdraw into themselves, looking resigned. Cecilia's eyes flashed and her lips tightened. Chaff and Haymitch looked bored and Seeder looked irritated. Katniss glanced at Peeta and saw he was staring out the window with his jaw locked. He tore his eyes away, meeting Katniss's and softening immediately.

"Let's go." She took his hand and followed him back to the compartment. He grabbed his bag, made sure they hadn't left anything, and gripped her hand as they stepped out onto the platform.