"She pulled out her bow and arrow." He shook his head and wiped his damp cheek with his dyed red fingers. "It was pure reflex. I'll never regret anything more."
Caesar patted his knee comfortingly, the turned the crowd's attention to the screen in front.
Peeta waited absently, focusing intently whenever Katniss was on screen, and then turning blank whenever she disappeared.
He could feel hot eyes burning him, and turned to see President Snow, with his ever present rose pinned to his lapel. His mouth moved, saying one word soundlessly.
Watch.
Peeta turned back to the screen, repulsed as he saw kids being slaughtered in front of him, some for the second time. As the games neared the end, he turned back to the president with begging eyes. He couldn't see It again.
Snow glared at him.
Smile.
Peeta watched as the scene played out; saw himself reach for his sword and Katniss draw her bow and arrow. He lunged at her, taking her by surprise and shoving her into the river. Peeta shuddered and plastered a longing smile as he saw himself slam Katniss' head into a rock underwater, as he nodded off from blood loss near her body.
The screen went black.
"That was astounding. Okay everybody, we're going to send Mr. Mellark back to District 12 to see his home and family, then we'll see him again at his Victory Tour!"
The crowd cheered and Peeta stood gratefully, shaking Caesar's hand and stepping off the stage, stumbling a bit on his artificial leg, and slumping into a seat on the train next to Haymitch.
"Can't believe ya did it." Haymitch slurred, drunk. "Whe pro'ly woulda, but can't believer you did." He took another swig. "Thouhtya loved her."
"I do love her."
"She dead, boy. Ya're gonna havta get over that."