That patience might not be special to Derek but it is special to her. Very few people in her life have paid her such patience. Peeta - up until his hijacking - and Prim had accomplished it in a way that few else could. Somehow Derek seems to match that despite not knowing her nearly as well. He knows when to push and he knows when to hold back. A lot of that might have to do with the similarities in their experiences but she thinks a lot of it also just has to do with who he is. Whatever the reason, it's something Katniss has quickly grown grateful for.

He's right when he says that there's something there. It's the first time that she's let herself realize that much and it's scary. It was easier to ignore the feeling all together. Katniss also isn't the kind of person who easily lets someone in, or lets these kind of sparks develop. Caring is just too risky.

But when his hand cups her cheek, she nuzzles it gently. She never puts herself out there like this - mostly because the one opportunity Katniss really had to do so had been in the middle of a war. This is new. Very new. But she likes the feel of his hand on her cheek and, well, the feel of Derek period. She turns her head a little to press a small kiss on the lower part of his palm and then gives a slight nod. Quietly, "I can try."

Cause losing him isn't an option. Nor is hurting Derek any more than she already has.