"And you know I didn't do any of it because I wanted something in return," he said softly. He'd done it because he loved her, and he wanted her to be happy. Those were the only reasons. He hadn't wanted repayment, or even a 'thank you.' He'd only wanted her day to be just a little brighter because he'd been in it.
"I'll always protect you," he said, his voice soft but the tone adamant. "I'd die for you."
As overdramatic as that might have sounded to someone who hadn't been through what they had, Peeta had proven more than once that those weren't just words.