"It's not because we won."

Her voice is strong.

"I know," he answers.

"And it's not because it's all over now."

He sees her tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear (loves the delicate flow of her fingers and wrist). He nods, leaning further against the tree trunk.

She's standing over him, crossing her arms in a way that reminds him of the girl from his childhood (the one who wore a scowl more often than not).

"And...and it's not because everyone expects it."

"I believe you, Katniss."

Her arms fall from her chest. "Then, why?"

He waits.

She moves to him, crouching in front of him, meeting his eyes. "Why won't you be with me?"

Her voice loses strength.

"Isn't it obvious?"

(What he wants to say is, why can't you say it?)

She searches his eyes, closes hers for a second. She takes a breath.

"I don't have nightmares anymore," she starts. "As long as I look at the stars before I go to sleep."

(What she wants to say is, isn't it obvious now?)

"The stars - they remind me of your eyes. They remind me that I'm safe at night."

His fingers twitch. But he waits.

She knows.

"I love you."

He has her in his arms before she finishes her sentence.