The Rebel Queen

21

I finish braiding the mane of my black stallion, carefully grooming his hair so it is neat for the ride. I hate to admit that I have been neglecting him as of late, preferring the quicker, smaller Kelpie and letting the large framed horse carry Peeta around. The horse glances at me and I brush my cold hand down his neck, smiling at him.

"I've missed you too, friend," I say and he nudges me, knickering softly and leaning forward to groom Kelipe as she grazes on the grain scattered on the ground in front of them. 

"I don't think he minds you not twisting up his hair constantly," Peeta says as he walks up. I look over at him and shake my head. "Nor the company you leave him with in return." Kelpie glances at us and lifts her head, chewing on the grass in her muzzle calmly. She turns and nips at Duke's cheek, clearly teasing him. 

"I think I might let them produce a colt in a little over a year," I say, "They are both such fine horses." Peeta glances at me and runs his hand down the vicious mare's nose, smiling at her.

"New life is a grand idea," He says, glancing at me. I feel my cheeks grow red as I realize he might not just be talking about a spring foal from my horses.

"I'm in no rush for that," I say and Peeta just chuckles. 

"When are we leaving?" He asks and I look over at the orange stained sky, slowly starting to darken into a night sky.

"As soon as the others join us," I say. "Haymitch will stay and hold the night. The others should be getting their horses ready and coming here soon." Peeta glances at Kelpie and then to the readily tacked Duke.

"Are you not coming?" He ask and I shake my head.

"We'll both ride Duke," I say. "He'll carry us easy enough and a dark colored horse is less conspicuous." Peeta walks around me and rests his hand on my middle. 

"Do you want me to help you up?" He asks and I look over my shoulder at him and sigh.

"Is this an excuse to touch my ass?" I ask and he chuckles.

"Of course not," He says. "I just think that this horse is a little tall to swing onto like you do with Kelpie." I roll my eyes and jump up onto the horse's back. I sit up and look down at Peeta listening as Boggs, Gale, Finnick, and Johanna walk their horses up.  Gale tilts his head a little and I look straight through him.

"Are you all ready?" I aska nd Johanna shrugs. 

"I'd rather be in bed with a fifth to be honest, but I suppose so," Johanna says and Finnick just chuckles. 

"Is the snowflake staying behind? Gale taunts but Peeta just grips onto my leg and pulls himself up onto the horse behind me. 

"No," He says. "I go where the Lady goes." I can feel Gale glaring at me but I just look at Boggs. 

"Let's get going then, so we can get there by night fall and scout out supplies," I say and he nods, turning his horse towards the entrance. The others follow, Peeta and I bringing up the back. Tigris stands outside her tent and waves to us as we pass.

"Be not afraid of the scars that remain, Lord and Lady!" She calls after us and Peeta and I glance at one another as Duke steps forward, following the other horses out of camp. 

We are silent for a while, just walking through the faintly lit trees. The snow crunches beneath the horses' feet and I can feel Peeta gripping onto my waist as we ride. I look up at the sky seeing the bright colors painted across it. He follows my gaze, resting his chin on my shoulder. 

"WHat is your favorite color?" He asks and I look at him, chuckling.

"What?" I ask and he looks at me, pulling my hair from my cheek.