"They wouldn't kill me like this, it's too boring. If I die I'll just wake up back in the Capitol," he assured her, more for his reassurance than hers, since she didn't look like she needed it. There was always the possibility that the Gamemakers had decided to get rid of a few people permanently, but that was something he was trying not to think about.

"It doesn't hurt as much now." Somehow the pain had gone away and he stopped shaking to go limp instead. He mustered up the strength to take hold of her hand before he slumped over and stopped breathing.