How does Ralph react the his betrayal of piggy?

Ralph spills the beans about Piggy's nickname despite Piggy's earlier plea not to say anything. Of course the boys find the name "Piggy" hysterical and Piggy feels betrayed. Piggy confronts Ralph and Ralph "hovers between apology and further insult". Ralph is new at navigating his role as chief. To apologize could show weakness and to insult further would be unusually cruel. Ralph choses a mid point. He says, "Better Piggy than fatty." Ralph is navigating those perilous waters between friendship, politics and the optics of a leader.