The look on her face pained him. He had done this. The words that he prided himself on having a way with had done this to her. Peeta had wanted many things, had asked for so little and so much that he cannot help hating himself a little for doing this to her.

He had to. He couldn't have stayed in that place where he didn't know what answers were coming next. What parts of his life might be upended. It was better this way. He just wished it didn't have to come at this cost.

"Katniss," he said softly, reaching out to touch her shoulder. "You deserve to be happy too. You need to live."

Taking a step forward, he planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Do that for me."

Letting his hand fall back to his side, he turned and walked slowly from the room. He had done enough damage for today. It was better if he just left now.