Author's note: Same conversation in chapter 6, but in Peeta's POV.
~Peeta~
The meadow is beautiful. I could tell Katniss was uncertain about taking me, but I am glad she did. It's so open, green, and surprisingly free of coal dust unlike the inside of District 12. I love it simply for the fact that it's very special to Katniss. We find a nice boulder to lean against, still silent. I think of things to say, but nothing seems right. Finally I hear myself speak, "Katniss?"
"Yeah?" Her face is stern, emotionless, and incredibly difficult to decipher.
"I don't want to do this."
"Do what?"
"This," I can tell she's nervous. She's twisting grass around in her fingers and looking like she's going to throw up. "This awkwardness. We should at least be comfortable around each other. After all... You've seen me naked." She has a contagious laugh- one that isn't often heard and I'm happy that she seems calmer.
"Peeta, I'm sorry. I don't know how I feel. I can't know right now, but it wasn't all an act. I promise."
I don't know if I can believe her or not. Even if she's lying how can I really be mad at her? She was just doing what it would take to survive. I think of telling her this, but only nod. Then I remember her gift. A perfect way to break the silence. "I have a gift for you." She holds it like a bomb about to detonate. "Open it," I urge her.
When she finally sees the whole, unwrapped painting I can see a tidal wave of emotions come across her. First she looks horrified, and I start to regret giving it to her. In the next instant she's smiling wistfully, tears are starting to slowly escape her eyes. Suddenly she breaks down and sobs, leaning into me. I do the only thing I can think of- put my arms around her and hold her while she cries. I can feel hot tears forming in my own eyes, but choke them back. Now I get Haymitch's advice about both of us understanding each other.
I don't know how long we sat there, but I know it was at least a few hours because we both fell asleep. I wake up still holding Katniss. She's still curled against me sleeping. It must be noon by now. Her eyes blink open and she quickly sits up so we're no longer touching.
