There's a weight in my chest for some reason, one that makes each dragging breath harder, but I keep his gaze for the moment. One hand reaches up to touch his cheek, on instinct and I'm not sure why. But it's only seconds after that I pull away and nod slowly, understanding Peeta's need to move on here. Since he's the only one of us that can. "No, you're right. You should live and..." I feel my eyes flutter closed and everything is torn between letting him go and fighting to keep him close.

I should let him go. It's for his own good, and he...he doesn't need me, not anymore. Not like I admit to needing him.

"Live and be happy," it hurts and I blink quickly, but I'm not going to cry. Not here, not in front of him. I've lost so many people so far, but this is less permanent than death and it's better than anything I can give. The Quell had been about keeping him alive. That, I could do. Happiness, I couldn't.