"I just want to spend every possible minute of the rest of my life with you."

My breath catches in my throat. He has said exactly what I wanted to hear. Well, no, technically, he could have told me he wanted to make love to me until neither of us could move … but perhaps this was Peeta's way of saying that? Or maybe I was just hoping.

Regardless, the fire inside met was doing nothing but growing. I needed to feel him against me or I would burst.

I clasp his fingers tighter and pull him into my room. When he shuts the door, I reach past him and lock it. I see his eyebrows rise in confusion and – dare I think it? – hope? The look is instantly masked, and I can tell Peeta doesn't want to let his thoughts drift in that direction. Won't even allow himself to hope. The thought breaks my heart. So I explain.

"I just don't want anyone … interrupting us," I finish lamely. And this time I am sure he sees my blush. I wouldn't be surprised if he could feel the heat radiating from me, or at the very least hear my thundering heart. I have to close my eyes for a moment, willing myself to stay in control. It's a battle I lose.

I feel his breath catch when I move in to him, arms circling his waist, cheek resting against his strong chest. There is a pause – less than a second but a year long – where he is frozen. And then he lowers his cheek to the top of my head, resting there, his arms wrapping around me securely, solidly. Protectively. Because in this moment, I am safe. I am his. And before tonight – hell, before an hour ago – this would have been enough for me. I would have been content to be safe in Peeta's arms all night. But not any longer. I need more.

"You once said," I begin, frowning at the memory, at the fear that it will bring Gale back up between us. "You once said you would stay with me. Always."

"I meant it" His voice is gruff and hoarse, not his usual sweet timbre.

Do it.

I raise my head to look at him, pulling back a bit. His arms drop to my lower back, but stay closed around me. I feel how tense his muscles are around me and I realize he is shaking and trying to control it.

Do it.

I force myself to look into his eyes, grey into blue.

"Would you tonight?"