¨Thatˇs exactly the kind of topic Haymitch told me to steer clear of;〃 I say evasively; although Haymitch never said anything of the kind。 In fact; heˇs probably cursing me out right now for dropping the ball during such an emotionally charged moment。 But Peeta somehow catches it。

¨Then Iˇll just have to fill in the blanks myself;〃 he says; and moves in to me。

This is the first kiss that weˇre both fully aware of。 Neither of us hobbled by sickness or pain or simply unconscious。 Our lips neither burning with fever or icy cold。 This is the first kiss where I actually feel stirring inside my chest。 Warm and curious。 This is the first kiss that makes me want another。

But I donˇt get it。 Well; I do get a second kiss; but itˇs just a light one on the tip of my nose because Peetaˇs been distracted。 ¨I think your wound is bleeding again。 e on; lie down; itˇs bedtime anyway;〃 he says。

My socks are dry enough to wear now。 I make Peeta put his jacket back on。 The damp cold seems to cut right down to my bones; so he must be half frozen。 I insist on taking the first watch; too; although neither of us think itˇs likely anyone will e in this weather。 But he wonˇt agree unless Iˇm in the bag; too; and Iˇm shivering so hard that itˇs pointless to object。 In stark contrast to two nights ago; when I felt Peeta was a million miles away; Iˇm struck by his immediacy now。 As we settle in; he pulls my head down to use his arm as a pillow; the other rests protectively