Flight is essential, but I can't let my fear show.

I miss him so badly it hurts.

When I wake, I have a brief, delicious feeling of happiness that is somehow connected with Peeta. Happiness, of course, is a complete absurdity at this point, since at the rate things are going, I'll be dead in a day. And that's the best-case scenario, if I'm able to eliminate the rest of the field, including myself, and get Peeta crowned as the winner of the Quarter Quell. Still, the sensation's so unexpected and sweet I cling to it, if only for a few moments. Before the gritty sand, the hot sun, and my itching skin demand a return to reality.

Katniss?" Peeta says. I meet his eyes, knowing my face must be some shade of green. He mouths the words. "How about that kiss?

So I learned to hold my tongue and to turn my features into an indifferent mask so that no one could ever read my thoughts.

Stay with me. Always.

Remember, we're madly in love, so it's all right to kiss me anytime you feel like it.