For most of her life, Katniss struggled to express her emotions. After her father died, she didn't have time to be emotional. There were more important things for her to do, like feed her family, take care of Prim, complete her school work, and check on her mother. She barely paid attention to how she felt or what was going on in her mind, the most important thing was surviving. But now, it seems that the most important thing is how she's feeling.

Peeta, Dr. Aurelius, Haymitch, even Greasy Sae, are all worried about Katniss's head health. Constant questions about how many nightmares she's getting, if she's feeling okay, if she is handling her grief healthily, does she still think about dying, etc. Katniss hates it. She feels uncomfortable facing her feelings, talking about them. It feels weird, almost like being naked in front of someone.

Peeta talks about his feelings all the time, and Katniss doesn't mind this one bit. She is used to comforting people, she is good at it— but she knows what Peeta really wants is for Katniss to talk to him.

It was roughly noon when Katniss returned from the woods, she didn't end up hunting, instead she sat up against a tree and let her mind roam. The past few days were rough for her, she woke each morning after nightmares of Rue, then Finnick, then Prim dying over and over again. The dreams were so vivid it was like she was really watching it all once more. Her depression left her irritable and on edge, she felt numb and was awfully quiet all day.

She walked across the grass, past the primroses in the front lawn, and wiped her boots on the mat before entering the house.

The house was warm and smelled of freshly baked bread, Peeta was in the kitchen kneading dough. Katniss, who was not in a talkative mood, did not want him to ask her about her trip into the forest, she wanted to be alone. She didn't feel like pretending she was fine— but of course Peeta asked.

"Hey, how was hunting?" he asked, covering a bowl of rising dough with a rag.

"Fine," Katniss replied plainly, trying to keep the conversation short.

"Did you get anything?"

"No, I didn't." she said.

She felt bad that she was annoyed at Peeta, he didn't do anything wrong, but she didn't want him to keep asking questions and she felt it was obvious that she didn't catch anything considering her hands are empty.

Peeta watched as Katniss put her bow in the closet and took off her hunting jacket. She could feel his concerned gaze and it made her want to leave again but she'd already kicked off her boots and couldn't think of any good excuses.

"Are you okay?" he finally asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just don't really want to talk,"

He shakes his head "Katniss, you always say that,"

"Because I am usually fine and don't want to talk," she says firmly.

"I don't believe that,"

"Well, it's true,"

They tensely stare at each other for a moment, arms crossed.

"I know something has been bothering you. You've barely talked to me the past few days, you keep going to hunt but you come back with nothing, you keep saying you aren't having nightmares but I know you are. Something is off. I know you better than you think," Peeta continued.

Katniss felt angry that Peeta wouldn't just leave it alone. Why did he care so much?

"Clearly you don't know enough, because I am fine. I don't always want to talk." she retorted.

"Just tell me the truth for once in your life!"

There was an uncomfortable silence, Katniss was shocked by Peeta's frustration.

He sighed, "I'm sorry. You don't tell me how you are feeling and it worries me. I feel like there's this wall you've put between us. You won't let me in. I get scared that you're gonna hurt yourself or something," Peeta said softly, staring at the floor.

Katniss's eyes welled with tears, she didn't know he felt this strongly about this, about her even. Which was absolutely ridiculous, Peeta loved her so much. How could she not know? She stepped forward and enclasped Peeta, wrapping her arms around his neck. He hugged back, giving her a firm squeeze.

To Katniss's surprise, she began to cry. This was the first time she'd initiated physical touch with Peeta in days. She was ignoring Dr. Aurelius's calls again too. She'd been distant and struggling, not wanting anyone to be concerned for her in fear she'd have to talk about her feelings. Peeta's warm touch and strong embrace was exactly what she needed, although she didn't realize until now.

"Please tell me what is going on," he muttered into her hair.

And, reluctantly, she said, "Okay…"