Peeta

Katniss stares out the window, her face full of thought. She looks lost in a wistful memory, her fingers dancing across the window sill. Suddenly her eyes light up and she leans forward.

"What is it?" I ask. Katniss smiles and points.

"The cherry trees," She says softly. "Oh Peeta, they're so beautiful. They look like elegant pink dandelion puffs." I laugh as I look out the window past her.

"A good description, Sweetheart," I say. "We can go walking in the orchard after we arrive, if you like."

"I would very much, Your Majesty," Katniss says. "I did so love the countryside here over our last trip. Perhaps we could ride our mount through the pastures and orchard."

"After a day's long coach ride I'd of expected you to want to strech your legs rather than ride your horse," I say.

"Well my horse can't be ridden actually," Katniss says. "Apparently, according to my groom, Excalibur figured out the lock to his stall and was loose in the mares' pasture. With any luck, this event has lead to Gale believing we will have a spry young colt joining our stock next spring." We both chuckle and I sigh.

"So I guess the lucky stud will have the burden of us both for taking Scottie out of your service, Your Grace," I say and she nods.

"Yes, I supose he will," Katniss says. "I just thought we'd enjoy a short ride, get away from the others a while."

"We've been away from others for hours, Your Grace," I say and she shrugs.

"Yes, but I would like to speak to you briefly in the fields before we part ways tonight," Katniss says softly. I smile and reach for her hand, which she allows, squeezing gently.

"It feels like I've waited a million years to marry you," I say. "Now, when the sun rises on the morrow, the day will finally be here." Katniss nods, smiling slightly at our joined hands.

"Yes, I know my love," She says softly. "And I am happy to become your wife. But I am a little afraid. After all, we are not only to be married, but joined as one."

"I know darling," I say. "I will admit, the pressures that are to be put on us tomorrow night do weigh on my mind." The coach stops at the steps of the York house, putting our conversation on hold thoroughly. I exit the coach and hold out my hand to help my promised lady down from the coach. She smiles, her golden dress dropping into the dust as she steps down.

"His Majesty and I are going to go out to the orchard to enjoy the fine weather," Katniss says gently to her ladies. "Go to my quarters and prepare my things for tomorrow it will be a long day and I would like to see everything made ready today. I will join you shortly." They bow and go to enter the house. I dismiss my men to follow them.  Katniss begins walking towards the orchard and I follow her as she picks her way across the grass. She stops at the foot of a tree and traces the rough bark with her fingers softly. She sighs and turns to me.

"I have never seen you this frightened," I say and she shrugs.

"I don't believe I've ever been as frightened as I am, Peeta," she says quietly. "I know what my duties are expected. That I will fast be expected to bare a son for you, Your Majesty. I am aware that they will all be there to asure that we consumate our marriage. The most intimate, most loving part of my life is to be shared with the world. I resent it. I resent the idea of being witnessed in our intimacy the way I resent the moment you leave me each night. This is not how this was supposed to be, Peeta." I reach for her and she allows me to pull her close despite the malace in her voice. I kiss her temple and tip her chin up to look at me.

"I know, Darling," I say softly. "I resent it as well. I wish so much that we would be alone, but you know this how it must be for us. You knew that going into this Katniss."

"Of course I knew that," Katniss snaps. "That does not mean I'm the least bit comfortable with it. What woman would be? I've ignored it for so long, but its to happen tomorrow. Tomorrow, they will relish in the fact that I'm a maid from my cries."

"Katniss, I haven't the faintest idea how to help you," I say. She turns to me sadly and I see a tear run down her cheek.

"Please, My Lord," She says. "When the time comes, have them sent away. Let them know there be no reason to watch us. And I pray they may leave us in peace at their prince's word." I look at my poor lady and gently kiss her cheek.

"I shall try," I say gently. "But my love, know we shall not want for privacy besides this night should I be unsuccessful."

"I pray you be right," She says. I smile at her and pull my knife from my pocket, carving our initials into the cherry tree.

"Rest now, Dear Lady," I say. "Worry no longer on the matter. In the morning, I shall see you with bells on and finally respected as I would want you to be viewed." Katniss nods and leads forward to kiss me.

"Until we wed, Your Majesty," She says turning and walking away, Her skirt dancing in the breeze and her head still a little down.

"I will fight for your freedom, my darling," I whisper as I watch her go.