If Katniss had been honest with him all this time, he pitied her. He felt guilty that this had to happen to both of them, especially someone as... nice as her who gave him odd, warm feelings inside no matter how angry he was. She didn't deserve to hang on to someone who was so clearly broken. It would probably be better for everyone if he was dead. Even he knew he couldn't handle this forever.

After listening to her, he closed his eyes, mind looking for something he could ask. There was one memory that had been popping up ever since the wedding, when he couldn't help but think about her the whole night.

"I keep thinking of... something like... a pearl. I keep seeing me giving it to you. Is that real?"