Peeta takes a deep breath. "Well, you're here now," he says firmly. "We'll enjoy it while it lasts." However much it hurts to think of losing Nilakshi when he wakes up, he doesn't want to spend what time they may have together moping about that prospect. He suspects Daine would agree, so he tries to lighten the mood.

"I understand how Coromotto matches you, but how does an elephant match me?" he asks Daine, a crooked smile on his face. Nilakshi nudges him playfully with her trunk and pushes her back, not at all surprised when she doesn't even sway. "I didn't even know elephants existed until a few minutes ago. What do you know about them? Have you known elephants before? In Tortall?"