A practical deluge of fawning compliments had threatened to engulf her at the party and in the days that followed. Wanda tolerated all of them, even managed to fake a show of appreciation, while inwardly cringing at their patent falseness. But Loki's words stirred something that felt dangerously close to pleasure and an answering smile hovered on her lips. Perhaps it should have given her pause--that someone that fit in so easily with the corrupt Capitol should find her a natural at adapting. But Wanda was relieved to hear it and didn't doubt his sincerity. She wasn't going to get anywhere if she couldn't learn to assimilate at least a bit to life in the Capitol. Eventually, people would tired of her tragic tale of woe. She had no delusions that the current fevered interest in her had much of a shelf life. There'd be a new set of hapless Tributes soon enough.
She sat for a minute, watching him where he now stood. Go or stay? Press the point or take advantage of the easy out he offered her? The idea of Natasha worrying about her whereabouts was laughable, but it would be a relief to go for a long walk alone, to strategize how she could turn this detente to her best advantage. And, while she refused to dwell on the sentiment, something about becoming 'more comfortable' with Loki made her oddly self-conscious, uncomfortably aware of his proximity, of the lateness of the hour.
"Oh I couldn't eat another bite," she replied easily, as if the silence following his question hadn't lasted a beat longer than it should have. "And I really should be off-- you're right, Natasha hasn't quite left her mentoring ways behind her. She'll be wondering where I am."
She took a quick breath and stood then, striving for blithe confidence. "But another time? Sometime soon? I know we have a lot of ground to cover."