"It does matter." James had to make this work, and for that to happen, he had to come clean to the woman he's grown to love. "I killed Mary. I couldn't see her suffering so much pain, and she was already dying...the Capitol might spin the tale another way but..." If there is any doubt that James Sunderland ever loved someone as deeply as he did for Mary, then that one selfish act could be seen both ways.

"I can't focus on our future if I can't be honest with you." Because who would love a wife-murdering monster like him? James knew that even if Mary had progressed in her illness and stuck in a machine...even at her request, he'd still be seen like that: a murderer.