Chapter 7:
Peeta nods and smiles a very weak smile. "Thank you Katniss, but I understand..." I touch his arm and shake my head. "Stop. Please," I say. "You don't understand how much I need you. Gale said I'd pick who I couldn't survive without, and he was right. I've been living here in District 12 only half alive. And this morning, when I saw you planting the primroses," I stop and put a hand to my heart. "I realized what I needed was you." Peeta nods and bites his lip, as of maybe the information is too much for him. I'm afraid he'll go back into highjack mode when he suddenly kisses my cheek and stands to leave. "I better go," he whispers hoarsely. I nod stiffly and watch him leave my room the same way he entered. I fall back onto the bed and glance over at the clock. 4:00am. I didn't realize how close to morning the night was drawing. I only realized how much I had hoped Peeta would stay the rest of the night with me, just like he used to.
