It shouldn't trouble him. Everybody knew what happens in the arenas by now. The smallest, weakest, often youngest tributes get picked off first, and the strong continue on as long as they can. Really, he was doing the boy a favour by ending him this early on - better now to get it over and done with, that someone else another day who could be more brutal and ruthless.

Not that the Batter wasn't either of those things, even towards children, but he prefers not to think about it.

Surprising himself again, once the boy crumples to the ground, the Batter holds him by the arm and slowly lowers him down onto his back on the ground. He's wasting time with just one tribute, he should be hurrying along, but he spares a few more seconds for him, just this once. Blood is everywhere, already staining his hands and sleeves, but it's of little concern. He waits, just another moment while the boy expires below him, and then he moves on. Best to continue the hunt and not think about this one too much.