Letters, Chapter XXI

Dear Haymitch,

You've been gone three days and I already miss you. The pain of missing you is unbearable, so unbearable that I woke up crying last night! I don't know what you do to me, but whatever it is, I'm glad that you do it. The bed is cold again, and this house in not familiar. Victor's Nest is much different than Victor's Village - the houses are much bigger and much more elegant, I don't know how Johanna could take it. Of course, I keep busy with unpacking, but it's still too quiet. I've found things in my boxes that I thought I'd lost, and some of the things you owned looked like they would go to a small child. Are they your brother's things? If so, what would you prefer I do with them?

It's not too lonely, however. Even though everyone has returned to their home, sans Peeta, I only feel the pang of loneliness at night. The people here in Seven are extremely nice to me - I got invited to tea with some of the elders here, and they've been giving me tips on how to adjust to the District 7 lifestyle. A few women my age - who are already married - talk to me about the married life. They always ask when I'm going to settle down with you. I always change the subject. No one has mentioned our age difference. Actually, some of the wives are married to men much older than them. Apparently, the women here look for maturity in their men, and the men here look for fertility in their women. It's wild.

The only thing that keeps me warm at night, are the memories of those nights spend with you. Although, a heat rises in my cheeks to think about them, I'm glad I have those memories. I believe those nights sealed our relationship and our bond. I have never been more in love with you, Haymitch Abernathy.

Hurry home again. Missing you is painful.

Signed with Love,
Katniss

Sweetheart,

I'm glad the residents of the District are helping you adjust. If you need any assistance or have questions, I've asked the mayor to give you advice and take care of you. It seems as if you've made some friends of your own though, so you may not need the mayor. What are their names? What are they like? I hope they are nice. Also you're right, the marriage situations there are wild. Maybe District 7 is where we do belong, maybe we could be happy there. It's somewhat of a fresh start, don't you think? Also, I don't think we'll be getting married anytime soon - maybe we can discuss it when I return home. I'm tired of traveling, it should be soon. Only three more Districts, which means six more weeks. A month and two weeks.

I'm sorry that you're lonely at night. I told you that you didn't have to move away, but I suppose you'd be lonely either way. But as least you would have had familiar surroundings. Have the geese arrived yet? I asked for Johanna so send them to District 7, so that you could stay busy with something besides unpacking. Yes, those are my brother's toys. Please store them in a room for away from the one we would share, some memories are too painful to be around. When I return, we will sell the toys. Does that sound good?

Those memories are pleasant for me too. I'm sorry, but that was some of the best sex I've ever had. I look forward to returning so we could spend all of our nights that way. My feelings for you are reciprocated tenfold.

I will be as quick as possible this time. Everytime I see a couple in the streets of a rebuilding District, it makes me upset and I think of you.

Madly in Love,
Haymitch