"You abandoned me." The accusatory words slice into me, though Peeta is unarmed. He is also restrained.

"I didn't mean to. It happened so fast."

"Why didn't you come for me? They said you would."

"Who did?"

"Snow."

"I would have come if I was allowed to." I realize that the Capitol's original plan was to drive Peeta mad with worry for me. Then they worked in the false betrayal and started drugging him.

"That doesn't sound like you."

"I've changed, Peeta." I stepped closer, within arm's reach of him. "We've all changed."

"Including me?" A look of confusion passes over his face.

"Yes." I nod. "The old Peeta wouldn't have..." I realize that I've crossed into dangerous territory. I hope Peeta misses the mistake. Of course, he doesn't.

"What did I do?" Color drains from his face. I remain silent. "Please tell me what I did."

"When I came to see you last...you tried to strangle me."

Tears come to Peeta's eyes and he lets them fall, not trying to fight the restraints in order to wipe them away. His frail shoulders shake with uncontrollable sobs.

"Katniss..." he whispers, brokenly.

I lean in over him, and kiss him. His lips respond to the kiss, and we are lost together in a perfect moment, surrounded by the harsh realities determined to destroy.

"I forgive you." I manage, as I melt into him. The moment of truth comes quietly as I reach for a restraint.

"No." The word comes from Peeta with a desperate shake of his head. "Don't let me hurt you."

I know that enough of the Peeta I once knew has returned. I release one restraint, then the other. His hands, now free to obey his command, remain by his side.

"Peeta..." I whisper, knowing in this moment that no matter what happens to me, I need his arms around me, whether in comfort or in rage.

"Peeta slowly sits up from the bed, and wraps his arms around me. He is kissing me, trying to recapture a fire once extinguished.

"I can't make it without you." he whispers, and I nod.

"I won't make it without you." I reply, and his kisses are more welcome than rain after the longest drought imaginable.