He chuckles a little at that. "I dated Delly Cartwright for a couple of weeks long before the Games." To make Katniss jealous. He doesn't think she ever noticed. He'd broken up with Delly once he realized that his plan wasn't going to work. They'd remained friends. No, he hasn't ever seriously considered anyone else, and he doesn't want to. He never has.

He knows that, to a degree, but there's not much he can do about it. He's not willing to lie to her or make up other relationships, crushes or love interests. He is willing to wait until it's not so overwhelming, until she makes a decision, and if it's not him, he loves her enough to hope that she's happy, which might seem very mature, but he's watched his dad do the same thing his entire life with Katniss' mother.

He will always be thankful for the Games because of that. They made Katniss notice him. They forged a bond that no one else can understand, and while he's aware that sometimes that's a curse, right now it feels like a blessing.

"Okay, I'm gonna get out, put some pants on and set up your surprise." He takes a few steps backwards, until the water is at his waist before turning his back to Katniss to get out of the water.