Why did Cole feel a sense of guilt when it was Peter's turn to speak in the Hearing Circle? Chapter Four

Cole noted that Peter had trouble with his speech, which left him feeling a brief pang of guilt. He excuses himself, none-the-less, by thinking that he wouldn't have beaten Peter up if Peter hadn't told on him. Once again, Cole is passing the blame for his actions.

Peter hadn’t sounded like this before. Cole wiped his sweaty hands on his pants. It wasn’t like he had meant to hurt anyone. Besides, this wouldn’t have happened if Peter had kept his mouth shut.