He nods, taking superficial heart in what she's reassuring him of. But the way she links arms with him and the briskness of their pace is consistent with the warning she's already given him.

It occurs to him that he might not see Phillip again, or Karkat. It takes him a little longer to think of Temple and Bailey, simply because they are fixtures and he's come to take their presence for granted in his life. A numb chill spreads through his stomach as Peggy goes on in her calm, cheerful way.

"That does seem... to be the way of it," he says, clearing the hoarseness from his voice mid-sentence. "It's definitely not the first time I've been the subject of their ridiculous speculation."

But it's never been this bad. The word "traitor" is a loaded one in Panem.

"So... I need new clothes," he says softly. "I agree. That's been true for awhile. But... you, too?"

Are the Peacekeepers coming for me, or both of us?