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Katniss was pushing this conversation forward as long as she could. She was never good at expressing her feelings, but she needed to do it for Peeta. Katniss is indebted to him, not because he helped her, but because they are a team, he deserves to know how she feels before wanting to live alongside her.
Months after Peeta came back to District 12, Katniss and him were moving in together. Not in Victors' Village, neither Katniss, nor Buttercup tolerated that place. Mainly after Prim’s death. That’s why they moving on to a new house constructions in Seam, in a place near to Katniss’ old house, with Haymitch as their neighbor again. Those horrible mansions were all demolished, it’s a reminder of the horrors of the games and what the Capital was capable of doing that no one from 12 wanted there.
They were in the kitchen-living room, sitting on the sofa near the fireplace. Peeta is hugging her, his arm around her shoulder, bringing her closer. “Why did you decide to stay?” Katniss asks.
“Because I wanted. Because I love you.”
“I love you too, but not the same way that you love me.”
“That doesn’t matter, We don’t need more to performer nothing in front of the cameras,” Peeta’s calmness clam her down. Has Peeta by her side certainly prevented Katniss from competing with Haymitch to see which of them would kill themself first from drinking so much.
Katniss turned so she could look at Peeta, “That whole time, I was very confused. The Capitol used me in every way, including my feelings,” Katniss paused a little before continuing, “Both sides, Rebels and Capital, used what they wanted from me, without me understanding what I felt myself. I thought I felt something, when in fact I didn't.” This also cost her friendship with Gale, in the end she had no romantic feelings for him, nor for Peeta.
“What I wanted to say is, I don’t know why I don’t feel any attraction for anybody. But I know that I want you as my partner for life.”
“So do I.” Peeta kisses her forehead, and both cuddle, looking at the fireplace as the snow falls outside.
