Chapter 23

           Everycellinmybodywantsmetodigintothestewandcramit,handfulbyhandfulintomymouth.ButPeeta’svoicestopsme."Webettertakeitslowonthatstew.Rememberthefirstnightonthetrain?TherichfoodmademesickandIwasn’tevenstarvingthen."

           "You’reright.AndIcouldjustinhalethewholething!"Isayregretfully.ButIdon’t.Wearequitesensible.Weeachhavearoll,halfanapple,andanegg-sizeservingofstewandrice.Imakemyselfeatthestewintinyspoonfuls-theyevensentussilverwareandplates-savoringeachbite.Whenwefinish,Istarelonginglyatthedish."Iwantmore."

           "Me,too.Tellyouwhat.Wewaitanhour,ifitstaysdown,thenwegetanotherserving,"Peetasays.

           "Agreed,"Isay."It’sgoingtobealonghour."

           "Maybenotthatlong,"saysPeeta."Whatwasthatyouweresayingjustbeforethefoodarrived?Somethingaboutme.nocompetition.bestthingthateverhappenedtoyou."

           "Idon’trememberthatlastpart,"Isay,hopingit’stoodiminhereforthecamerastopickupmyblush.

           "Oh,that’sright.That’swhatIwasthinking,"hesays."Scootover,I’mfreezing."

           Imakeroomforhiminthesleepingbag.Weleanbackagainstthecavewall,myheadonhisshoulder,hisarmswrappedaroundme.IcanfeelHaymitchnudgingmetokeepuptheact."So,sincewewerefive,youneverevennoticedanyothergirls?"Iaskhim.

           "No,Inoticedjustabouteverygirl,butnoneofthemmadealastingimpressionbutyou,"hesays.