"...Well," he says, and glances down at his menu, pulling himself back from the intensity of the previous question. "Unfortunately, it has never been easy to make exceptions for Victors, regardless of their circumstances or their dedication to the service of the Capitol." He doesn't need to know her reasons. He can guess at them, with more or less accuracy. The only thing that matters to him is that Emily want the bidding to stop-- want it enough to offer something in exchange for it.

His eyes flick up to her, and he says (his voice light and calm and cutting into the silence like a dart thrown):

"Of course-- Victors' rights are... rather limited, as all District rights must be." The emphasis on District is light, but unmistakable. "Relief, I suppose, is a benefit of citizenship."