The Hunger Games

Katniss lashes out at Peeta, knocking him to the ground and bloodying his hands in the process for making her look foolish with his confession of love, but Haymitch explains that he helped her:

He made you look desirable! And let’s face it, you can use all the help you can get in that department. You were about as romantic as dirt until he said he wanted you. Now they all do. You’re all they’re talking about. The star-crossed lovers from District Twelve! (135).

Peeta gruffly remarks that she is only concerned about her “boyfriend”—Gale—finding out and reminds her that she did not confess her love for him, so she has nothing to be upset about. Katniss is torn between irritation and appreciation. Ultimately, she realizes that Peeta improved her odds of sponsorship and feels guilty for shoving him: “he has done me a favor and I have answered with an injury. Will I never stop owing him?” (137).

The night before the games, neither tribute can sleep. Katniss finds Peeta on the roof, and they exchange words. Peeta expresses that his remaining priority is to retain his identity, but Katniss argues that it doesn’t matter. Peeta’s condescending remark, calling her “sweetheart” like Haymitch, sets her off.