(takes place after chapter 16, when Katniss speaks with Peeta for the first time after he is hijacked)
The next day, I wake up reliving the conversation.
"You're a piece of work, aren't you?"
And for a moment instead of feeling the pain of his rejection, I can see what he is looking for in his questions. He remembered the bread. He said, "I don't know what to think..." As usual, I was only thinking of myself, of defending myself, but I realize that Peeta was really looking for answers, which I didn't give him. He probably will still hate me whatever I say, but I owe it to him to give him an answer after all he has been through. After all, there is no doubt that that is what he would do for me.
I head straight for his room and demand to speak to him. There is some shuffling around and I have to wait for at least an hour, impatiently kicking the walls in the hallway outside. I keep reminding myself of all of the times that Peeta has made himself vulnerable to me, openly loved me when I rarely showed love back without being forced.
Finally, they show me into the same room where I spoke to him before. He is still eyeing me distrustfully, and I know he wrote me off last night, but I can see a little curiosity in his face too, underneath all of the suspicion.
"I'm sorry." I say.
He just watches me. I try to ignore the doctors watching us.
"I'm sorry that I was so defensive yesterday. You are right. I am a piece of work, and I don't know how to talk about feelings. I know I have never deserved your love. But I want you to know that I did love you. I really loved you." I know that if I keep talking, I will start sobbing or choking or something. He isn't saying anything to me. But I have to add one more thing, and as I say it I feel so fierce, that the sobbing doesn't take over my voice.
"I would do anything to get you back."
