[ hello, ears. peeta thinks he may have seen modifications like that at the capitol, but somehow asking if they're natural feels a bit rude. ]

No, you're right — they were punished. I just don't understand why it let them go when killing them would have sent a stronger message.

[ there's a slight delay while he considers her question. it's not that he hasn't already thought about it; more that he's not sure how honest he should be about his opinion, and there's a trace of hesitation in his voice. ] I'm not so sure that distinction matters. The ship's the only thing we have access to until someone decides to take the credit.