k

kPARTkIk"THEkSPARK"k Ikclaspkthekflas kbetweenkmykhandskevenkthoughkthekwarmthkfromkthekteakhasklongk sincekleachedkintokthekfrozenk air.kMykmuscleskarekclenchedktightkagainstkthekcold.kIfkakpac kofkwildkdogskwere ktokappearkatkthiskmoment,kthek oddskofkscalingkaktreekbeforektheykattac edkareknotkinkmykfavor.kIkshouldkgetkup ,kmovekaround,kandkwor kthek stiffnesskfromkmyklimbs.kButkinsteadkIksit,kaskmotionlesskaskthekroc kbeneathkme ,kwhilekthekdawnkbeginsktok lightenkthekwoods.kIkcan'tkfightktheksun.kIkcankonlykwatchkhelplesslykaskitkdrag skmekintokakdaykthatkI'vekbeenk dreadingkforkmonths.kByknoonktheykwillkallkbekatkmyknewkhousekinkthekVictor'skVi llage.kThekreporters,kthek camerakcrews,kevenkEffiekTrin et,kmykoldkescort,kwillkhavekmadektheirkwayktokDis trictk12kfromkthekCapitol.kIk wonderkifkEffiekwillkstillkbekwearingkthatksillykpin kwig,korkifkshe'llkbeksport ingksomekotherkunnaturalkcolork especiallykforkthekVictorykTour.kTherekwillkbekotherskwaiting,ktoo.kAkstaffktokc aterktokmykeverykneedkonktheklongk trainktrip.kAkprepkteamktokbeautifykmekforkpublickappearances.kMykstylistkandkfr iend,kCinna,kwhokdesignedkthek gorgeouskoutfitskthatkfirstkmadekthekaudiencekta eknoticekofkmekinkthekHungerkGa mes.kIfkitkwerekupktokme,kIk wouldktryktokforgetkthekHungerkGameskentirely.kNeverkspea kofkthem.kPretendkthey kwereknothingkbutkakbadk dream.kButkthekVictorykTourkma eskthatkimpossible.kStrategicallykplacedkalmostkm idwaykbetweenkthekannualk Games,kitkiskthekCapitol'skwaykofk eepingkthekhorrorkfreshkandkimmediate.kNotkon lykarekwekinkthekdistrictsk forcedktokrememberkthekironkgripkofkthekCapitol'skpowerkeachkyear,kwekarekforced ktokcelebratekit.kAndkthiskyear,k Ikamkonekofkthekstarskofkthekshow.kIkwillkhavektoktravelkfromkdistrictktokdistri ct,ktokstandkbeforekthekcheeringk crowdskwhoksecretlykloathekme,ktokloo kdownkintokthekfaceskofkthekfamilieskwhose kchildrenkIkhavek illed...kThek sunkpersistskinkrising,ksokIkma ekmyselfkstand.kAllkmykjointskcomplainkandkmykle ftklegkhaskbeenkasleepkforksok longkthatkitkta eskseveralkminuteskofkpacingktokbringkthekfeelingkbac kintokit.k I'vekbeenkinkthekwoodskthreekhours,k butkaskI'vekmadeknokrealkattemptkatkhunting,kIkhaveknothingktokshowkforkit.kItkd oesn'tkmatterkforkmykmotherkandk littleksister,kPrim,kanymore.kTheykcankaffordktokbuykbutcherkmeatkinktown,kaltho ughknonekofkuskli eskitkanyk betterkthankfreshkgame.kButkmykbestkfriend,kGalekHawthorne,kandkhiskfamilykwillk bekdependingkonktoday'skhaulk andkIkcan'tkletkthemkdown.kIkstartkthekhour-and-a-halfktre kitkwillkta ektokcove rkourksnarekline.kBac kwhenkwek werekinkschool,kwekhadktimekinkthekafternoonsktokchec ktheklinekandkhuntkandkgat herkandkstillkgetkbac ktoktradek inktown.kButknowkthatkGalekhaskgonektokwor kinkthekcoalkminesk--kandkIkhaveknoth ingktokdokallkday--I'vekta enk overkthekjob.kBykthisktimekGalekwillkhavekcloc edkinkatkthekmines,kta enktheksto mach-churningkelevatorkridek intokthekdepthskofkthekearth,kandkbekpoundingkawaykatkakcoalkseam.kIk nowkwhatki t'skli ekdownkthere.kEverykyeark inkschool,kaskpartkofkourktraining,kmykclasskhadktoktourkthekmines.kWhenkIkwaskl ittle,kitkwaskjustkunpleasant.kThek claustrophobicktunnels,kfoulkair,ksuffocatingkdar nesskonkallksides.kButkafterkm ykfatherkandkseveralkotherkminersk werek illedkinkankexplosion,kIkcouldkbarelykforcekmyselfkontokthekelevator.kThek

annualktripkbecamekank enormousksourcekofkanxiety.kTwicekIkmadekmyselfksoksic kinkanticipationkofkitkth atkmykmotherk eptkmekhomek becausekshekthoughtkIkhadkcontractedkthekflu.kIkthin kofkGale,kwhokiskonlykreall ykalivekinkthekwoods,kwithkitsk freshkairkandksunlightkandkclean,kflowingkwater.kIkdon'tk nowkhowkhekstandskit.k Wellk...kYes,kIkdo.kHekstandskitk becausekit'skthekwayktokfeedkhiskmotherkandktwokyoungerkbrotherskandksister.kAnd kherekIkamkwithkbuc etskofk money,kfarkmorekthankenoughktokfeedkbothkourkfamiliesknow,kandkhekwon'tkta ekaks inglekcoin.kIt'skevenkhardkfork himktokletkmekbringkinkmeat,kalthoughkhe'dksurelykhavek eptkmykmotherkandkPrimks uppliedkifkI'dkbeenk illedkink thekGames.kIktellkhimkhe'skdoingkmekakfavor,kthatkitkdriveskmeknutsktoksitkaroun dkallkday.kEvenkso,kIkneverkdropk offkthekgamekwhilekhe'skatkhome.kWhichkiskeasyksincekhekwor sktwelvekhourskakday .kThekonlyktimekIkreallykgetk tokseekGaleknowkiskonkSundays,kwhenkwekmeetkupkinkthekwoodsktokhuntktogether.kIt 'skstillkthekbestkdaykofkthek wee ,kbutkit'sknotkli ekitkusedktokbekbefore,kwhenkwekcouldktellkeachkotherkanyt hing.kThekGameskhavekspoiledk evenkthat.kIk eepkhopingkthatkasktimekpasseskwe'llkregainkthekeasekbetweenkus,kb utkpartkofkmek nowskit'skfutile.k There'sknokgoingkbac .kIkgetkakgoodkhaulkfromkthektrapsk--keightkrabbits,ktwoksq uirrels,kandkakbeaverkthatkswamk intokakwirekcontraptionkGalekdesignedkhimself.kHe'sksomethingkofkakwhizkwithksna res,kriggingkthemktokbentk saplingsksoktheykpullkthek illkoutkofkthekreachkofkpredators,kbalancingklogskonk delicatekstic ktriggers,kweavingk inescapablekbas etsktokcapturekfish.kAskIkgokalong,kcarefullykresettingkeachksna re,kIk nowkIkcankneverkquitek replicatekhiskeyekforkbalance,khiskinstinctkforkwherekthekpreykwillkcrosskthekpa th.kIt'skmorekthankexperience.kIt'skak naturalkgift.kLi ekthekwaykIkcankshootkatkankanimalkinkalmostkcompletekdar nessk andkstillkta ekitkdownkwithkonek arrow.kBykthektimekIkma ekitkbac ktokthekfencekthatksurroundskDistrictk12,ktheks unkiskwellkup.kAskalways,kIklistenk akmoment,kbutkthere'sknoktelltalekhumkofkelectricalkcurrentkrunningkthroughkthek chainklin .kTherekhardlykeverkis,k evenkthoughkthekthingkisksupposedktokbekchargedkfull-time.kIkwrigglekthroughkthe kopeningkatkthekbottomkofkthek fencekandkcomekupkinkthekMeadow,kjustkakstone'skthrowkfromkmykhome.kMykoldkhome. kWekstillkgetktok eepkitk

sincekofficiallykit'skthekdesignatedkdwellingkofkmykmotherkandksister.kIfkIkshou ldkdropkdeadkrightknow,ktheyk wouldkhavektokreturnktokit.kButkatkpresent,kthey'rekbothkhappilykinstalledkinkth eknewkhousekinkthekVictor'sk Village,kandkI'mkthekonlykonekwhokusesktheksquatklittlekplacekwherekIkwaskraised .kTokme,kit'skmykrealkhome.kIkgok thereknowktokswitchkmykclothes.kExchangekmykfather'skoldkleatherkjac etkforkakfi nekwoolkcoatkthatkalwayskseemsk tooktightkinkthekshoulders.kLeavekmyksoft,kwornkhuntingkbootskforkakpairkofkexpe nsivekmachine-madekshoeskthatk mykmotherkthin skarekmorekappropriatekforksomeonekofkmykstatus.kI'vekalreadyksto wedkmykbowkandkarrowskinkak hollowklogkinkthekwoods.kAlthoughktimekisktic ingkaway,kIkallowkmyselfkakfewkmin utesktoksitkinkthek itchen.kItk haskankabandonedkqualitykwithknokfirekonkthekhearth,knokclothkonkthektable.kIkmo urnkmykoldklifekhere.kWekbarelyk scrapedkby,kbutkIk newkwherekIkfitkin,kIk newkwhatkmykplacekwaskinkthektightlyki nterwovenkfabrickthatkwaskourk life.kIkwishkIkcouldkgokbac ktokitkbecause,kinkretrospect,kitkseemsksoksecurekco mparedkwithknow,kwhenkIkamksok richkandksokfamouskandksokhatedkbykthekauthoritieskinkthekCapitol.kAkwailingkatk thekbac kdoorkdemandskmyk attention.kIkopenkitktokfindkButtercup,kPrim'skscruffykoldktomcat.kHekdisli eskt heknewkhousekalmostkaskmuchkaskIk dokandkalwayskleaveskitkwhenkmyksister'skatkschool.kWe'vekneverkbeenkparticularl ykfondkofkeachkother,kbutknowk wekhavekthisknewkbond.kIkletkhimkin,kfeedkhimkakchun kofkbeaverkfat,kandkevenkru bkhimkbetweenkthekearskforkak bit.k"You'rekhideous,kyouk nowkthat,kright?"kIkas khim.kButtercupknudgeskmykhand kforkmorekpetting,kbutkwek havektokgo.k"Comekon,kyou.k"kIkscoopkhimkupkwithkonekhand,kgrabkmykgamekbagkwith kthekother,kandkhaulkthemk bothkoutkontokthekstreet.kThekcatkspringskfreekandkdisappearskunderkakbush.kThek shoeskpinchkmyktoeskaskIkcrunchk alongkthekcinderkstreet.kCuttingkdownkalleyskandkthroughkbac yardskgetskmektokGa le'skhousekinkminutes.kHisk mother,kHazelle,kseeskmekthroughkthekwindow,kwherekshe'skbentkoverkthek itchenks in .kShekdrieskherkhandskonk herkapronkandkdisappearsktokmeetkmekatkthekdoor.kIkli ekHazelle.kRespectkher.kTh ekexplosionkthatk illedkmyk fatherktoo koutkherkhusbandkaskwell,kleavingkherkwithkthreekboyskandkakbabykduek anykday.kLesskthankakwee k afterkshekgavekbirth,kshekwaskoutkhuntingkthekstreetskforkwor .kThekmineskweren' tkankoption,kwhatkwithkakbabyktok loo kafter,kbutkshekmanagedktokgetklaundrykfromksomekofkthekmerchantskinktown.kA tkfourteen,kGale,kthekeldestk ofkthek ids,kbecamekthekmainksupporterkofkthekfamily.kHekwaskalreadyksignedkupkf orktesserae,kwhichkentitledk themktokakmeagerksupplykofkgrainkandkoilkinkexchangekforkhiskenteringkhisknameke xtraktimeskinkthekdrawingktok becomekaktribute.kOnktopkofkthat,kevenkbac kthen,khekwaskaks illedktrapper.kButk itkwasn'tkenoughktok eepkak familykofkfivekwithoutkHazellekwor ingkherkfingersktokthekbonekonkthatkwashboard .kInkwinterkherkhandskgotksok redkandkcrac ed,ktheykbledkatkthekslightestkprovocation.kStillkwouldkifkitkwasn' tkforkaksalvekmykmotherk concocted.kButktheykarekdetermined,kHazellekandkGale,kthatkthekotherkboys,ktwelv e-k

year-oldkRorykandk ten-year-oldkVic ,kandkthekbaby,kfour-year-oldkPosy,kwillkneverkhavektoksignkupk forktesserae.kHazelleksmilesk whenkshekseeskthekgame.kShekta eskthekbeaverkbykthektail,kfeelingkitskweight.k"H e'skgoingktokma ekaknicekstew.k"k Unli ekGale,kshekhasknokproblemkwithkourkhuntingkarrangement.k"Goodkpelt,ktoo,k" kIkanswer.kIt'skcomfortingk herekwithkHazelle.kWeighingkthekmeritskofkthekgame,kjustkaskwekalwayskhave.kShek pourskmekakmugkofkherbktea,k whichkIkwrapkmykchilledkfingerskaroundkgratefully.k"Youk now,kwhenkIkgetkbac kfr omkthektour,kIkwaskthin ingkIk mightkta ekRorykoutkwithkmeksometimes.kAfterkschool.kTeachkhimktokshoot.k"kHazel leknods.k"That'dkbekgood.k Galekmeanskto,kbutkhe'skonlykgotkhiskSundays,kandkIkthin khekli esksavingkthosek forkyou.k"kIkcan'tkstopkthek rednesskthatkfloodskmykchee s.kIt'skstupid,kofkcourse.kHardlykanybodyk nowskmekb etterkthankHazelle.kKnowsk thekbondkIksharekwithkGale.kI'mksurekplentykofkpeoplekassumedkthatkwe'dkeventual lykgetkmarriedkevenkifkIkneverk gavekitkanykthought.kButkthatkwaskbeforekthekGames.kBeforekmykfellowktribute,kPe etakMellar ,kannouncedkhek waskmadlykinklovekwithkme.kOurkromancekbecamekak eykstrategykforkourksurvivalkin kthekarena.kOnlykitkwasn'tk justkakstrategykforkPeeta.kI'mknotksurekwhatkitkwaskforkme.kButkIk nowknowkitkwa sknothingkbutkpainfulkforkGale.k MykchestktightenskaskIkthin kaboutkhow,konkthekVictorykTour,kPeetakandkIkwillkha vektokpresentkourselveskask loverskagain.kIkgulpkmykteakevenkthoughkit'sktookhotkandkpushkbac kfromkthektabl e.k"Ikbetterkgetkgoing.kMa ek myselfkpresentablekforkthekcameras.k"kHazellekhugskme.k"Enjoykthekfood.k"k"Absol utely,k"kIksay.kMyknextkstopkisk thekHob,kwherekI'vektraditionallykdonekthekbul kofkmyktrading.kYearskagokitkwask akwarehousektokstorekcoal,kbutk whenkitkfellkintokdisuse,kitkbecamekakmeetingkplacekforkillegalktradeskandkthenk blossomedkintokakfull-timekblac k mar et.kIfkitkattractskaksomewhatkcriminalkelement,kthenkIkbelongkhere,kIkguess. kHuntingkinkthekwoodsk surroundingkDistrictk12kviolateskatkleastkakdozenklawskandkiskpunishablekbykdeat h.kAlthoughktheykneverkmentionk it,kIkowekthekpeoplekwhokfrequentkthekHob.kGalektoldkmekthatkGreasykSae,kthekold kwomankwhokserveskupksoup,k startedkakcollectionktoksponsorkPeetakandkmekduringkthekGames.kItkwasksupposedkt okbekjustkakHobkthing,kbutkak lotkofkotherkpeoplekheardkaboutkitkandkchippedkin.kIkdon'tk nowkexactlykhowkmuch kitkwas,kandkthekpricekofkanyk giftkinkthekarenakwaskexorbitant.kButkforkallkIk now,kitkmadekthekdifferencekbet weenkmyklifekandkdeath.kIt'skstillk oddktokdragkopenkthekfrontkdoorkwithkankemptykgamekbag,kwithknothingktoktrade,ka ndkinsteadkfeelkthekheavyk

poc etkofkcoinskagainstkmykhip.kIktryktokhitkaskmanykstallskaskpossible,kspreadi ngkoutkmykpurchaseskofkcoffee,k buns,keggs,kyarn,kandkoil.kAskankafterthought,kIkbuykthreekbottleskofkwhitekliqu orkfromkakone-armedkwomank namedkRipper,kakvictimkofkakminekaccidentkwhokwasksmartkenoughktokfindkakwayktok staykalive.kThekliquorkisn'tk forkmykfamily.kIt'skforkHaymitch,kwhokactedkaskmentorkforkPeetakandkmekinkthekGa mes.kHe'sksurly,kviolent,kandk drun kmostkofkthektime.kButkhekdidkhiskjobk--kmorekthankhiskjob--becausekforkthe kfirstktimekinkhistory,ktwok tributeskwerekallowedktokwin.kSoknokmatterkwhokHaymitchkis,kIkowekhim,ktoo.kAndk that'skforkalways.kI'mkgettingk thekwhitekliquorkbecausekakfewkwee skagokhekrankoutkandktherekwasknonekforksalek andkhekhadkakwithdrawal,k sha ingkandkscreamingkatkterrifyingkthingskonlykhekcouldksee.kHekscaredkPrimktok deathkand,kfran ly,kitkwasn'tk muchkfunkforkmektokseekhimkli ekthat,keither.kEverksincekthenkI'vekbeenksortkofk stoc pilingkthekstuffkjustkinkcasek there'skakshortagekagain.kCray,kourkHeadkPeace eeper,kfrownskwhenkhekseeskmekwit hkthekbottles.kHe'skankolderk mankwithkakfewkstrandskofksilverkhairkcombedksidewayskabovekhiskbrightkredkface. k"Thatkstuff'sktookstrongkfork you,kgirl.k"kHekshouldk now.kNextktokHaymitch,kCraykdrin skmorekthankanyonekI've keverkmet.k"Aw,kmykmotherk useskitkinkmedicines,k"kIksaykindifferently.k"Well,kit'dk illkjustkaboutkanythin g,k"kheksays,kandkslapskdownkakcoink forkakbottle.kWhenkIkreachkGreasykSae'skstall,kIkboostkmyselfkupktoksitkonkthekc ounterkandkorderksomeksoup,k whichkloo sktokbeksomek indkofkgourdkandkbeankmixture.kAkPeace eeperknamedkDariu skcomeskupkandkbuyskak bowlkwhilekI'mkeating.kAsklawkenforcerskgo,khe'skonekofkmykfavorites.kNeverkreal lykthrowingkhiskweightkaround,k usuallykgoodkforkakjo e.kHe'skprobablykinkhisktwenties,kbutkhekdoesn'tkseemkmuch kolderkthankIkdo.kSomethingk aboutkhisksmile,khiskredkhairkthatkstic skoutkeverykwhichkway,kgiveskhimkakboyis hkquality.k"Aren'tkyouksupposedk tokbekonkaktrain?"khekas skme.k"They'rekcollectingkmekatknoon,k"kIkanswer.k"Shou ldn'tkyoukloo kbetter?"khekas sk inkakloudkwhisper.kIkcan'tkhelpksmilingkatkhiskteasing,kinkspitekofkmykmood.k"Ma ybekakribbonkinkyourkhairkork something?"kHekflic skmykbraidkwithkhiskhandkandkIkbrushkhimkaway.k"Don'tkworry. kBykthektimektheykgetk throughkwithkmekI'llkbekunrecognizable,k"kIksay.k"Good,k"kheksays.k"Let'skshowka klittlekdistrictkpridekforkak change,kMisskEverdeen.kHm?"kHeksha eskhiskheadkatkGreasykSaekinkmoc kdisapproval kandkwal skoffktokjoinkhisk friends.k"I'llkwantkthatkbowlkbac ,k"kGreasykSaekcallskafterkhim,kbutksincekshe' sklaughing,kshekdoesn'tksoundk particularlykstern.k"Galekgoingktokseekyoukoff?"kshekas skme.k"No,khekwasn'tkonk theklist,k"kIksay.k"Iksawkhimk Sunday,kthough.k"k"Thin khe'dkhavekmadektheklist.kHimkbeingkyourkcousinkandkall, k"ksheksayskwryly.kIt'skjustkonek morekpartkofkthekliekthekCapitolkhaskconcocted.kWhenkPeetakandkIkmadekitkintokth ekfinalkeightkinkthekHungerk Games,ktheyksentkreportersktokdokpersonalkstorieskaboutkus.kWhenktheykas edkabou tkmykfriends,keveryonek directedkthemktokGale.kButkitkwouldn'tkdo,kwhatkwithkthekromancekIkwaskplayingko utkinkthekarena,ktokhavekmyk bestkfriendkbekGale.kHekwasktookhandsome,ktookmale,kandknotkthekleastkbitkwillin

gktoksmilekandkplayknicekforkthek cameras.kWekdokresemblekeachkother,kthough,kquitekakbit.kWekhavekthatkSeamkloo . kDar kstraightkhair,kolivek s in,kgraykeyes.kSoksomekgeniuskmadekhimkmykcousin.kIkdidn'tk nowkaboutkitkuntil kwekwerekalreadykhome,konk thekplatformkatkthektrainkstation,kandkmykmotherksaid,k"Yourkcousinskcankhardlyk waitktokseekyou!"kThenkIkturnedk andksawkGalekandkHazellekandkallkthek idskwaitingkforkme,ksokwhatkcouldkIkdokbut kgokalong?kGreasykSaek nowsk we'reknotkrelated,kbutkevenksomekofkthekpeoplekwhokhavek nownkuskforkyearskseemk tokhavekforgotten.k"Ikjustk can'tkwaitkforkthekwholekthingktokbekover,k"kIkwhisper.k"Ik now,k"ksayskGreasykS ae.k"Butkyou'vekgotktokgok throughkitktokgetktokthekendkofkit.kBetterknotkbeklate.k"kAklightksnowkstartskto kfallkaskIkma ekmykwayktokthek Victor'skVillage.kIt'skaboutkakhalf-milekwal kfromktheksquarekinkthekcenterkofkt own,kbutkitkseemskli ekanotherk worldkentirely.kIt'skakseparatekcommunitykbuiltkaroundkakbeautifulkgreen,kdotted kwithkfloweringkbushes.kTherek arektwelvekhouses,keachklargekenoughktokholdktenkofkthekonekIkwaskraisedkin.kNin ekstandkempty,kasktheykalwaysk have.kThekthreekinkusekbelongktokHaymitch,kPeeta,kandkme.kThekhouseskinhabitedkb ykmykfamilykandkPeetakgivek offkakwarmkglowkofklife.kLitkwindows,ksmo ekfromkthekchimneys,kbuncheskofkbright lykcoloredkcornkaffixedktok thekfrontkdoorskaskdecorationkforkthekupcomingkHarvestkFestival.kHowever,kHaymit ch'skhouse,kdespitekthekcarek ta enkbykthekgrounds- eeper,kexudeskankairkofkabandonmentkandkneglect.kIkbracekm yselfkatkhiskfrontkdoor,k nowingkitkwillkbekfoul,kthenkpushkinside.k

kMyknosekimmediatelykwrin leskinkdisgust.kHaymitchkrefusesktokletk anyonekinktokcleankandkdoeskakpoorkjobkhimself.kOverkthekyearskthekodorskofkliqu orkandkvomit,kboiledkcabbagek andkburnedkmeat,kunwashedkclotheskandkmousekdroppingskhavekintermingledkintokaks tenchkthatkbringsktearsktok mykeyes.kIkwadekthroughkaklitterkofkdiscardedkwrappings,kbro enkglass,kandkbones ktokwherekIk nowkIkwillkfindk Haymitch.kHeksitskatkthek itchenktable,khiskarmsksprawledkacrosskthekwood,khiskf acekinkakpuddlekofkliquor,k snoringkhiskheadkoff.kIknudgekhiskshoulder.k"Getkup!"kIksaykloudly,kbecausekI've klearnedkthere'sknoksubtlekwayktok wa ekhim.kHisksnoringkstopskforkakmoment,kquestioningly,kandkthenkresumes.kIkpus hkhimkharder.k"Getkup,k Haymitch.kIt'sktourkday!"kIkforcekthekwindowkup,kinhalingkdeepkbreathskofkthekcl eankairkoutside.kMykfeetkshiftk throughkthekgarbagekonkthekfloor,kandkIkunearthkaktinkcoffeepotkandkfillkitkatkt heksin .kThekstovekisn'tkcompletelyk

outkandkIkmanagektokcoaxkthekfewklivekcoalskintokakflame.kIkpourksomekgroundkcof feekintokthekpot,kenoughktok ma eksurekthekresultingkbrewkwillkbekgoodkandkstrong,kandksetkitkonkthekstovekto kboil.kHaymitchkiskstillkdeadktok thekworld.kSinceknothingkelsekhaskwor ed,kIkfillkakbasinkwithkicykcoldkwater,kdu mpkitkonkhiskhead,kandkspringkoutk ofkthekway.kAkgutturalkanimalksoundkcomeskfromkhiskthroat.kHekjumpskup,k ic ingk hiskchairktenkfeetkbehindkhimk andkwieldingkak nife.kIkforgotkhekalwaysksleepskwithkonekclutchedkinkhiskhand.kI kshouldkhavekpriedkitkfromkhisk fingers,kbutkI'vekhadkaklotkonkmykmind.kSpewingkprofanity,khekslasheskthekairkak fewkmomentskbeforekcomingktok hisksenses.kHekwipeskhiskfacekonkhiskshirtsleevekandkturnsktokthekwindowsillkwhe rekIkperch,kjustkinkcasekIkneedktok ma ekakquic kexit.k"Whatkarekyoukdoing?"kheksputters.k"Youktoldkmektokwa ekyouka nkhourkbeforekthekcamerask come,k"kIksay.k"What?"kheksays.k"Yourkidea,k"kIkinsist.kHekseemsktokremember.k"W hykamkIkallkwet?"k"Ikcouldn'tk sha ekyoukawa e,k"kIksay.k"Loo ,kifkyoukwantedktokbekbabied,kyoukshouldkhavekas edkPeeta.k"k"As edkmek what?"kJustktheksoundkofkhiskvoicektwistskmykstomachkintokak notkofkunpleasantke motionskli ekguilt,ksadness,k andkfear.kAndklonging.kIkmightkaskwellkadmitkthere'sksomekofkthat,ktoo.kOnlykitk hasktookmuchkcompetitionktok everkwinkout.kIkwatchkaskPeetakcrossesktokthektable,ktheksunlightkfromkthekwindo wkpic ingkupkthekglintkofkfreshk snowkinkhiskblondkhair.kHekloo skstrongkandkhealthy,ksokdifferentkfromktheksic , kstarvingkboykIk newkinkthek arena,kandkyoukcankbarelykevenknoticekhisklimpknow.kHeksetskakloafkofkfresh-ba e dkbreadkonkthektablekandkholdsk outkhiskhandktokHaymitch.k"As edkyouktokwa ekmekwithoutkgivingkmekpneumonia,k"ks ayskHaymitch,kpassingk overkhisk nife.kHekpullskoffkhiskfilthykshirt,krevealingkankequallyksoiledkunder shirt,kandkrubskhimselfkdownkwithk thekdrykpart.kPeetaksmileskandkdouseskHaymitch'sk nifekinkwhitekliquorkfromkakbo ttlekonkthekfloor.kHekwipeskthek bladekcleankonkhiskshirttailkandksliceskthekbread.kPeetak eepskallkofkuskinkfres hkba edkgoods.kIkhunt.kHekba es.k Haymitchkdrin s.kWekhavekourkownkwaysktokstaykbusy,ktok eepkthoughtskofkourktime kaskcontestantskinkthek HungerkGameskatkbay.kIt'sknotkuntilkhe'skhandedkHaymitchkthekheelkthatkhekevenkl oo skatkmekforkthekfirstktime.k "Wouldkyoukli ekakpiece?"k"No,kIkatekatkthekHob,k"kIksay.k"Butkthan kyou.k"kMykv oicekdoesn'tksoundkli ekmyk own,kit'sksokformal.kJustkaskit'skbeenkeveryktimekI'vekspo enktokPeetaksincekthe kcameraskfinishedkfilmingkourk happykhomecomingkandkwekreturnedktokourkrealklives.k"You'rekwelcome,k"kheksayskb ac kstiffly.kHaymitchk tosseskhiskshirtksomewherekintokthekmess.k"Brrr.kYouktwokhavekgotkaklotkofkwarmi ngkupktokdokbeforekshowtime.k "kHe'skright,kofkcourse.kThekaudiencekwillkbekexpectingkthekpairkofklovebirdskwh okwonkthekHungerkGames.kNotk twokpeoplekwhokcankbarelykloo keachkotherkinkthekeye.kButkallkIksaykis,k"Ta ekak bath,kHaymitch.k"kThenkIkswingk outkthekwindow,kdropktokthekground,kandkheadkacrosskthekgreenktokmykhouse.kTheks nowkhaskbegunktokstic kandkIk leavekaktrailkofkfootprintskbehindkme.kAtkthekfrontkdoor,kIkpausektok noc kthekw etkstuffkfromkmykshoeskbeforekIk gokin.kMykmother'skbeenkwor ingkdaykandknightktokma ekeverythingkperfectkforkthe

kcameras,ksokit'sknoktimektok bektrac ingkupkherkshinykfloors.kI'vekbarelyksteppedkinsidekwhenkshe'skthere,kho ldingkmykarmkaskifktokstopkme.k "Don'tkworry,kI'mkta ingkthemkoffkhere,k"kIksay,kleavingkmykshoeskonkthekmat.kMy kmotherkgiveskankodd,kbreathyk laughkandkremoveskthekgamekbagkloadedkwithksupplieskfromkmykshoulder.k"It'skjust ksnow.kDidkyoukhavekaknicek wal ?"k"Wal ?"kShek nowskI'vekbeenkinkthekwoodskhalfktheknight.kThenkIkseekthekm ankstandingkbehindkherkink thek itchenkdoorway.kOnekloo katkhisktailoredksuitkandksurgicallykperfectedkfeat ureskandkIk nowkhe'skfromkthek Capitol.kSomethingkiskwrong.k"Itkwaskmorekli eks ating.kIt'skreallykgettingkslip perykoutkthere.k"k"Someone'skherek tokseekyou,k"ksayskmykmother.kHerkfacekisktookpalekandkIkcankhearkthekanxietyksh e'sktryingktokhide.k"Ikthoughtk theykweren'tkduekuntilknoon.k"kIkpretendknotktoknoticekherkstate.k"DidkCinnakcom ekearlyktokhelpkmekgetkready?"k "No,kKatniss,kit'sk--"kmykmotherkbegins.k"Thiskway,kplease,kMisskEverdeen,k"ksay skthekman.kHekgestureskdownk thekhallway.kIt'skweirdktokbekusheredkaroundkyourkownkhome,kbutkIk nowkbetterkth anktokcommentkonkit.kAskIkgo,k Ikgivekmykmotherkakreassuringksmilekoverkmykshoulder.k"Probablykmorekinstruction skforkthektour.k"kThey'vek beenksendingkmekallk indskofkstuffkaboutkmykitinerarykandkwhatkprotocolkwillkbek observedkinkeachkdistrict.kButk askIkwal ktowardkthekdoorkofkthekstudy,kakdoorkIkhavekneverkevenkseenkclosedkunt ilkthiskmoment,kIkcankfeelkmyk mindkbeginktokrace.kWhokiskhere?kWhatkdoktheykwant?kWhykiskmykmotherksokpale?k"G okrightkin,k"ksayskthek Capitolkman,kwhokhaskfollowedkmekdownkthekhallway.kIktwistkthekpolishedkbrassk n obkandkstepkinside.kMyknosek registerskthekconflictingkscentskofkroseskandkblood.kAksmall,kwhite-hairedkmankw hokseemskvaguelykfamiliarkisk readingkakboo .kHekholdskupkakfingerkaskifktoksay,k"Givekmekakmoment.k"kThenkhek turnskandkmykheartks ipskak beat.kI'mkstaringkintoktheksna eli ekeyeskofkPresidentkSnow.k

kInkmykmind,kPresidentkSnowkshouldkbekviewedkink frontkofkmarblekpillarskhungkwithkoversizedkflags.kIt'skjarringktokseekhimksurro undedkbykthekordinarykobjectskink thekroom.kLi ekta ingktheklidkoffkakpotkandkfindingkakfangedkviperkinsteadkofkst ew.kWhatkcouldkhekbekdoingk here?kMykmindkrusheskbac ktokthekopeningkdayskofkotherkVictorykTours.kIkremember kseeingkthekwinningk tributeskwithktheirkmentorskandkstylists.kEvenksomekhighkgovernmentkofficialskha vekmadekappearancesk occasionally.kButkIkhavekneverkseenkPresidentkSnow.kHekattendskcelebrationskinkt hekCapitol.kPeriod.kIfkhe'sk

madekthekjourneykallkthekwaykfromkhiskcity,kitkcankonlykmeankonekthing.kI'mkinks eriousktrouble.kAndkifkIkam,ksok iskmykfamily.kAkshiverkgoeskthroughkmekwhenkIkthin kofkthekproximitykofkmykmothe rkandksisterktokthiskmankwhok despiseskme.kWillkalwayskdespisekme.kBecausekIkoutsmartedkhisksadistickHungerkGa mes,kmadekthekCapitolkloo k foolish,kandkconsequentlykunderminedkhiskcontrol.kAllkIkwaskdoingkwasktryingktok eepkPeetakandkmyselfkalive.k Anykactkofkrebellionkwaskpurelykcoincidental.kButkwhenkthekCapitolkdecreeskthatk onlykonektributekcanklivekandk youkhavekthekaudacityktokchallengekit,kIkguesskthat'skakrebellionkinkitself.kMyk onlykdefensekwaskpretendingkthatkIk waskdrivenkinsanekbykakpassionateklovekforkPeeta.kSokwekwerekbothkallowedktokliv e.kTokbekcrownedkvictors.kTok gokhomekandkcelebratekandkwavekgood-byektokthekcameraskandkbekleftkalone.kUntilk now.kPerhapskitkiskthek newnesskofkthekhousekorkthekshoc kofkseeingkhimkorkthekmutualkunderstandingkthat khekcouldkhavekmek illedkinkak secondkthatkma eskmekfeelkli ekthekintruder.kAskifkthiskiskhiskhomekandkI'mkthek uninvitedkparty.kSokIkdon'tk welcomekhimkorkofferkhimkakchair.kIkdon'tksaykanything.kInkfact,kIktreatkhimkask ifkhe'skakrealksna e,kthekvenomousk ind.kIkstandkmotionless,kmykeyeskloc edkonkhim,kconsideringkplanskofkretreat.k" Ikthin kwe'llkma ekthiskwholek situationkaklotksimplerkbykagreeingknotktokliektokeachkother,k"kheksays.k"Whatkd okyoukthin ?"kIkthin kmyktonguek haskfrozenkandkspeechkwillkbekimpossible,ksokIksurprisekmyselfkbykansweringkbac kinkaksteadykvoice,k"Yes,kIk thin kthatkwouldksavektime.k"kPresidentkSnowksmileskandkIknoticekhisklipskforkth ekfirstktime.kI'mkexpectingksna ek lips,kwhichkisktoksayknone.kButkhiskarekoverlykfull,ktheks inkstretchedktooktigh t.kIkhavektokwonderkifkhiskmouthk haskbeenkalteredktokma ekhimkmorekappealing.kIfkso,kitkwaskakwastekofktimekandkm oney,kbecausekhe'sknotk appealingkatkall.k"Mykadvisorskwerekconcernedkyoukwouldkbekdifficult,kbutkyou're knotkplanningkonkbeingk difficult,karekyou?"khekas s.k"No,k"kIkanswer.k"That'skwhatkIktoldkthem.kIksaidk anykgirlkwhokgoesktoksuchklengthsk tokpreservekherklifekisn'tkgoingktokbekinterestedkinkthrowingkitkawaykwithkbothk hands.kAndkthenkthere'skherkfamilyk tokthin kof.kHerkmother,kherksister,kandkallkthosek...kCousins.k"kBykthekwaykhek lingerskonkthekwordk"cousins,k"kIk canktellkhek nowskthatkGalekandkIkdon'tksharekakfamilyktree.kWell,kit'skallkonkt hektableknow.kMaybekthat'skbetter.kIk don'tkdokwellkwithkambiguouskthreats.kI'dkmuchkratherk nowkthekscore.k"Let'sksit .k"kPresidentkSnowkta eskakseatk atktheklargekdes kofkpolishedkwoodkwherekPrimkdoeskherkhomewor kandkmykmotherkhe rkbudgets.kLi ekourk home,kthiskiskakplacekthatkhekhasknokright,kbutkultimatelykeverykright,ktokoccup y.kIksitkinkfrontkofkthekdes konkonek ofkthekcarved,kstraight-bac edkchairs.kIt'skmadekforksomeonektallerkthankIkam,ks okonlykmyktoeskrestkonkthek ground.k"Ikhavekakproblem,kMisskEverdeen,k"ksayskPresidentkSnow.k"Akproblemkthat kbegankthekmomentkyouk pulledkoutkthosekpoisonouskberrieskinkthekarena.k"kThatkwaskthekmomentkwhenkIkgu essedkthatkifkthekGamema ersk hadktokchoosekbetweenkwatchingkPeetakandkmekcommitksuicide--whichkwouldkmeankhav ingknokvictor--kandk lettingkuskbothklive,ktheykwouldkta ektheklatter.k"IfkthekHeadkGamema er,kSeneca

kCrane,khadkhadkanykbrains,k he'dkhavekblownkyouktokdustkrightkthen.kButkhekhadkankunfortunateksentimentalkst rea .kSokherekyoukare.kCankyouk guesskwherekhekis?"khekas s.kIknodkbecause,kbykthekwaykheksayskit,kit'skclearkth atkSenecakCranekhaskbeenk executed.kTheksmellkofkroseskandkbloodkhaskgrownkstrongerknowkthatkonlykakdes ks eparateskus.kThere'skakrosekink PresidentkSnow'sklapel,kwhichkatkleastksuggestskaksourcekofkthekflowerkperfume,k butkitkmustkbekgeneticallyk enhanced,kbecauseknokrealkrosekree skli ekthat.kAskforkthekbloodk...kIkdon'tk no w.k"Afterkthat,ktherekwasknothingk tokdokbutkletkyoukplaykoutkyourklittlekscenario.kAndkyoukwerekprettykgood,ktoo,k withktheklove-crazedkschoolgirlk bit.kThekpeoplekinkthekCapitolkwerekquitekconvinced.kUnfortunately,knotkeveryone kinkthekdistrictskfellkforkyourk act,k"kheksays.kMykfacekmustkregisterkatkleastkakflic erkofkbewilderment,kbecaus ekhekaddresseskit.k"This,kofk course,kyoukdon'tk now.kYoukhaveknokaccessktokinformationkaboutkthekmoodkinkothe rkdistricts.kInkseveralkofk them,khowever,kpeoplekviewedkyourklittlektric kwithkthekberrieskaskankactkofkdef iance,knotkankactkofklove.kAndkifk akgirlkfromkDistrictkTwelvekofkallkplaceskcankdefykthekCapitolkandkwal kawaykunh armed,kwhatkisktokstopkthemk fromkdoingktheksame?"kheksays.k"Whatkisktokprevent,ksay,kankuprising?"kItkta esk akmomentkforkhisklastksentencek toksin kin.kThenkthekfullkweightkofkitkhitskme.k"Therekhavekbeenkuprisings?"kIka s ,kbothkchilledkandksomewhatk elatedkbykthekpossibility.k"Notkyet.kButkthey'llkfollowkifkthekcoursekofkthingsk doesn'tkchange.kAndkuprisingskhavek beenk nownktokleadktokrevolution.k"kPresidentkSnowkrubskakspotkoverkhiskleftkeye brow,kthekverykspotkwherekIk myselfkgetkheadaches.k"Dokyoukhavekanykideakwhatkthatkwouldkmean?kHowkmanykpeopl ekwouldkdie?kWhatk conditionskthosekleftkwouldkhavektokface?kWhateverkproblemskanyonekmaykhavekwith kthekCapitol,kbelievekmek whenkIksaykthatkifkitkreleasedkitskgripkonkthekdistrictskforkevenkakshortktime,k thekentireksystemkwouldkcollapse.k"k I'mkta enkabac kbykthekdirectnesskandkevenktheksinceritykofkthiskspeech.kAskifkh iskprimarykconcernkiskthekwelfarek ofkthekcitizenskofkPanem,kwhenknothingkcouldkbekfurtherkfromkthektruth.kIkdon'tk nowkhowkIkdarektoksayktheknextk words,kbutkIkdo.k"Itkmustkbekverykfragile,kifkakhandfulkofkberrieskcankbringkitk down.k"kThere'skaklongkpausekwhilek hekexamineskme.kThenkheksimplyksays,k"Itkiskfragile,kbutknotkinkthekwaykthatkyou ksuppose.k"kThere'skak noc katk thekdoor,kandkthekCapitolkmankstic skhiskheadkin.k"Herkmotherkwantsktok nowkifky oukwantktea.k"k"Ikwould.kIk

wouldkli ektea,k"ksayskthekpresident.kThekdoorkopenskwider,kandktherekstandskmyk mother,kholdingkaktraykwithkak chinakteaksetkshekbroughtktokthekSeamkwhenkshekmarried.k"Setkitkhere,kplease.k"k Hekplaceskhiskboo konkthek cornerkofkthekdes kandkpatskthekcenter.kMykmotherksetskthektraykonkthekdes .kItk holdskakchinakteapotkandkcups,k creamkandksugar,kandkakplatekofkcoo ies.kTheykarekbeautifullykicedkwithksoftlykc oloredkflowers.kThekfrostingk wor kcankonlykbekPeeta's.k"Whatkakwelcomeksight.kYouk now,kit'skfunnykhowkoftenk peoplekforgetkthatk presidentskneedktokeat,ktoo,k"kPresidentkSnowksayskcharmingly.kWell,kitkseemskto krelaxkmykmotherkakbit,k anyway.k

k"CankIkgetkyoukanythingkelse?kIkcankcoo ksomethingkmoreksubstantialkifkyou'rekh ungry,k"kshekoffers.k "No,kthiskcouldknotkbekmorekperfect.kThan kyou,k"kheksays,kclearlykdismissingkhe r.kMykmotherknods,kshootskmek akglance,kandkgoes.kPresidentkSnowkpourskteakforkbothkofkuskandkfillskhiskwithkc reamkandksugar,kthenkta eskak longktimekstirring.kIksensekhekhaskhadkhisksaykandkiskwaitingkforkmektokrespond. k"Ikdidn'tkmeanktokstartkanyk uprisings,k"kIktellkhim.k"Ikbelievekyou.kItkdoesn'tkmatter.kYourkstylistkturnedk outktokbekprophetickinkhiskwardrobek choice.kKatnisskEverdeen,kthekgirlkwhokwaskonkfire,kyoukhavekprovidedkakspar kth at,kleftkunattended,kmaykgrowk tokankinfernokthatkdestroyskPanem,k"kheksays.k"Whykdon'tkyoukjustk illkmeknow?"k Ikblurtkout.k"Publicly?"khek as s.k"Thatkwouldkonlykaddkfuelktokthekflames.k"k"Arrangekankaccident,kthen,k"kI ksay.k"Whokwouldkbuykit?"khek as s.k"Notkyou,kifkyoukwerekwatching.k"k"Thenkjustktellkmekwhatkyoukwantkmektokd o.kI'llkdokit,k"kIksay.k"Ifkonlykitk werekthatksimple.k"kHekpic skupkonekofkthekfloweredkcoo ieskandkexamineskit.k"Lo vely.kYourkmotherkmadek these?"k"Peeta.k"kAndkforkthekfirstktime,kIkfindkIkcan'tkholdkhiskgaze.kIkreachk forkmykteakbutksetkitkbac kdownk whenkIkhearkthekcupkrattlingkagainstktheksaucer.kTokcoverkIkquic lykta ekakcoo i e.k"Peeta.kHowkisktheklovekofk yourklife?"khekas s.k"Good,k"kIksay.k"Atkwhatkpointkdidkhekrealizekthekexactkdeg reekofkyourkindifference?"khek as s,kdippingkhiskcoo iekinkhisktea.k"I'mknotkindifferent,k"kIksay.k"Butkperhaps knotkaskta enkwithkthekyoungkmank askyoukwouldkhavekthekcountrykbelieve,k"kheksays.k"WhoksayskI'mknot?"kIksay.k"Ik do,k"ksayskthekpresident.k"AndkIk wouldn'tkbekherekifkIkwerekthekonlykpersonkwhokhadkdoubts.kHow'skthekhandsomekco usin?"k"Ikdon'tk nowk...kIk don'tk...k"kMykrevulsionkatkthiskconversation,katkdiscussingkmykfeelingskforktwo kofkthekpeoplekIkcarekmostkaboutk withkPresidentkSnow,kcho eskmekoff.k"Spea ,kMisskEverdeen.kHimkIkcankeasilyk ill koffkifkwekdon'tkcomektokak happykresolution,k"kheksays.k"Youkaren'tkdoingkhimkakfavorkbykdisappearingkintok thekwoodskwithkhimkeachk Sunday.k"kIfkhek nowskthis,kwhatkelsekdoeskhek now?kAndkhowkdoeskhek nowkit?kMan ykpeoplekcouldktellkhimk thatkGalekandkIkspendkourkSundayskhunting.kDon'tkwekshowkupkatkthekendkofkeachko nekloadedkdownkwithkgame?k Haven'tkwekforkyears?kThekrealkquestionkiskwhatkhekthin skgoeskonkinkthekwoodskb eyondkDistrictk12.kSurelyktheyk haven'tkbeenktrac ingkuskinkthere.kOrkhavekthey?kCouldkwekhavekbeenkfollowed?kTh atkseemskimpossible.kAtk leastkbykakperson.kCameras?kThatkneverkcrossedkmykmindkuntilkthiskmoment.kThekwo odskhavekalwayskbeenkourk placekofksafety,kourkplacekbeyondkthekreachkofkthekCapitol,kwherekwe'rekfreektok saykwhatkwekfeel,kbekwhokwek are.kAtkleastkbeforekthekGames.kIfkwe'vekbeenkwatchedksince,kwhatkhavektheykseen ?kTwokpeoplekhunting,ksayingk treasonouskthingskagainstkthekCapitol,kyes.kButknotktwokpeoplekinklove,kwhichkse emsktokbekPresidentkSnow'sk implication.kWekareksafekonkthatkcharge.kUnlessk...kUnlessk...kItkonlykhappenedk once.kItkwaskfastkandkunexpected,k butkitkdidkhappen.kAfterkPeetakandkIkgotkhomekfromkthekGames,kitkwaskseveralkwee skbeforekIksawkGalekalone.k Firstktherekwerekthekobligatorykcelebrations.kAkbanquetkforkthekvictorskthatkonl ykthekmostkhigh-ran ingkpeoplek

werekinvitedkto.kAkholidaykforkthekwholekdistrictkwithkfreekfoodkandkentertainer skbroughtkinkfromkthekCapitol.k ParcelkDay,kthekfirstkofktwelve,kinkwhichkfoodkpac ageskwerekdeliveredktokeveryk personkinkthekdistrict.kThatkwask mykfavorite.kTokseekallkthosekhungryk idskinkthekSeamkrunningkaround,kwavingkcan skofkapplesauce,ktinskofk meat,kevenkcandy.kBac khome,ktookbigktokcarry,kwouldkbekbagskofkgrain,kcanskofko il.kTok nowkthatkoncekak monthkforkakyearktheykwouldkallkreceivekanotherkparcel.kThatkwaskonekofkthekfewk timeskIkactuallykfeltkgoodk aboutkwinningkthekGames.kSokbetweenkthekceremonieskandkeventskandkthekreportersk documentingkmykeveryk movekaskIkpresidedkandkthan edkandk issedkPeetakforkthekaudience,kIkhadknokpriva cykatkall.kAfterkakfewkwee s,k thingskfinallykdiedkdown.kThekcamerakcrewskandkreporterskpac edkupkandkwentkhome .kPeetakandkIkassumedkthek coolkrelationshipkwe'vekhadkeverksince.kMykfamilyksettledkintokourkhousekinkthek Victor'skVillage.kThekeverydayk lifekofkDistrictk12--wor ersktokthekmines,k idsktokschoolk--kresumedkitskusualkp ace.kIkwaitedkuntilkIkthoughtkthek coastkwaskreallykclear,kandkthenkonekSunday,kwithoutktellingkanyone,kIkgotkupkho urskbeforekdawnkandktoo koffk forkthekwoods.kThekweatherkwaskstillkwarmkenoughkthatkIkdidn'tkneedkakjac et.kIk pac edkalongkakbagkfilledkwithk specialkfoods,kcoldkchic enkandkcheesekandkba erykbreadkandkoranges.kDownkatkmyk oldkhouse,kIkputkonkmyk huntingkboots.kAskusual,kthekfencekwasknotkchargedkandkitkwasksimplektokslipkint okthekwoodskandkretrievekmyk bowkandkarrows.kIkwentktokourkplace,kGale'skandkmine,kwherekwekhadksharedkbrea f astkthekmorningkofkthek reapingkthatksentkmekintokthekGames.kIkwaitedkatkleastktwokhours.kI'dkbegunktokt hin kthatkhe'dkgivenkupkonkmekink thekwee skthatkhadkpassed.kOrkthatkheknoklongerkcaredkaboutkme.kHatedkmekeven.kA ndkthekideakofklosingkhimk

forever,kmykbestkfriend,kthekonlykpersonkI'dkeverktrustedkwithkmyksecrets,kwasks okpainfulkIkcouldn'tkstandkit.kNotk onktopkofkeverythingkelsekthatkhadkhappened.kIkcouldkfeelkmykeyesktearingkupkand kmykthroatkstartingktokclosekthek waykitkdoeskwhenkIkgetkupset.kThenkIkloo edkupkandktherekhekwas,ktenkfeetkaway,k justkwatchingkme.kWithoutk evenkthin ing,kIkjumpedkupkandkthrewkmykarmskaroundkhim,kma ingksomekweirdksound kthatkcombinedk laughing,kcho ing,kandkcrying.kHekwaskholdingkmeksoktightlykthatkIkcouldn'tkseek hiskface,kbutkitkwaskakreallyk longktimekbeforekhekletkmekgokandkthenkhekdidn'tkhavekmuchkchoice,kbecausekI'dkg ottenkthiskunbelievablykloudk casekofkthekhiccupskandkhadktokgetkakdrin .kWekdidkwhatkwekalwayskdidkthatkday.k Atekbrea fast.kHuntedkandk fishedkandkgathered.kTal edkaboutkpeoplekinktown.kButknotkaboutkus,khisknewklife kinkthekmines,kmyktimekinkthek arena.kJustkaboutkotherkthings.kBykthektimekwekwerekatkthekholekinkthekfencektha t'sknearestkthekHob,kIkthin kIk reallykbelievedkthatkthingskcouldkbektheksame.kThatkwekcouldkgokonkaskwekalwaysk had.kI'dkgivenkallkthekgamektok Galektoktradeksincekwekhadksokmuchkfoodknow.kIktoldkhimkI'dks ipkthekHob,kevenkt houghkIkwaskloo ingkforwardk tokgoingkthere,kbecausekmykmotherkandksisterkdidn'tkevenk nowkI'dkgonekhuntingka ndkthey'dkbekwonderingk wherekIkwas.kThenksuddenly,kaskIkwasksuggestingkIkta ekoverkthekdailyksnarekrun, khektoo kmykfacekinkhiskhandsk andk issedkme.kIkwaskcompletelykunprepared.kYoukwouldkthin kthatkafterkallkthekh ourskI'dkspentkwithk Gale--watchingkhimktal kandklaughkandkfrownk--kthatkIkwouldk nowkallktherekwaskt ok nowkaboutkhisklips.kButkIk hadn'tkimaginedkhowkwarmktheykwouldkfeelkpressedkagainstkmykown.kOrkhowkthosekha nds,kwhichkcouldksetkthek mostkintricatekofksnares,kcouldkaskeasilykentrapkme.kIkthin kIkmadeksomeksortkof knoisekinkthekbac kofkmykthroat,k andkIkvaguelykrememberkmykfingers,kcurledktightlykclosed,krestingkonkhiskchest.k Thenkhekletkgokandksaid,k"Ikhadk tokdokthat.kAtkleastkonce.k"kAndkhekwaskgone.kDespitekthekfactkthatktheksunkwask settingkandkmykfamilykwouldkbek worried,kIksatkbykaktreeknextktokthekfence.kIktriedktokdecidekhowkIkfeltkaboutkt hek iss,kifkIkhadkli edkitkorkresentedk it,kbutkallkIkreallykrememberedkwaskthekpressurekofkGale'sklipskandkthekscentkof kthekorangeskthatkstillklingeredkonk hisks in.kItkwaskpointlesskcomparingkitkwithkthekmanyk isseskI'dkexchangedkwithk Peeta.kIkstillkhadn'tkfiguredkoutk ifkanykofkthosekcounted.kFinallykIkwentkhome.kThatkwee kIkmanagedktheksnareskand kdroppedkoffkthekmeatkwithk Hazelle.kButkIkdidn'tkseekGalekuntilkSunday.kIkhadkthiskwholekspeechkwor edkout, kaboutkhowkIkdidn'tkwantkak boyfriendkandkneverkplannedkonkmarrying,kbutkIkdidn'tkendkupkusingkit.kGalekacte dkaskifkthek isskhadkneverk happened.kMaybekhekwaskwaitingkforkmektoksayksomething.kOrk isskhimkbac .kInstea dkIkjustkpretendedkitkhadk neverkhappened,keither.kButkitkhad.kGalekhadkshatteredksomekinvisiblekbarrierkbe tweenkuskand,kwithkit,kanykhopek Ikhadkofkresumingkourkold,kuncomplicatedkfriendship.kWhateverkIkpretended,kIkcou ldkneverkloo katkhisklipskink quitektheksamekway.kThiskallkflasheskthroughkmykheadkinkankinstantkaskPresidentk Snow'skeyeskborekintokmekonk thekheelskofkhiskthreatktok illkGale.kHowkstupidkI'vekbeenktokthin kthekCapitolk

wouldkjustkignorekmekoncekI'dk returnedkhome!kMaybekIkdidn'tk nowkaboutkthekpotentialkuprisings.kButkIk newkthe ykwerekangrykwithkme.k Insteadkofkactingkwithkthek

extremekcautionktheksituationkcalledkfor,kwhatkhavekIkdone?kFromkthekpresident's k pointkofkview,kI'vekignoredkPeetakandkflauntedkmykpreferencekforkGale'skcompanyk beforekthekwholekdistrict.k AndkbykdoingksokmadekitkclearkIkwas,kinkfact,kmoc ingkthekCapitol.kNowkI'vekenda ngeredkGalekandkhiskfamilyk andkmykfamilykandkPeeta,ktoo,kbykmykcarelessness.k"Pleasekdon'tkhurtkGale,k"kIkw hisper.k"He'skjustkmykfriend.k He'skbeenkmykfriendkforkyears.kThat'skallkthat'skbetweenkus.kBesides,keveryonekt hin skwe'rekcousinsknow.k"k"I'mk onlykinterestedkinkhowkitkaffectskyourkdynamickwithkPeeta,ktherebykaffectingkthe kmoodkinkthekdistricts,k"kheksays.k "Itkwillkbektheksamekonkthektour.kI'llkbekinklovekwithkhimkjustkaskIkwas,k"kIksa y.k"Justkaskyoukare,k"kcorrectsk PresidentkSnow.k"JustkaskIkam,k"kIkconfirm.k"Onlykyou'llkhavektokdokevenkbetterk ifkthekuprisingskarektokbek averted,k"kheksays.k"Thisktourkwillkbekyourkonlykchancektokturnkthingskaround.k" k"Ik now.kIkwill.kI'llkconvincek everyonekinkthekdistrictskthatkIkwasn'tkdefyingkthekCapitol,kthatkIkwaskcrazykwi thklove,k"kIksay.kPresidentkSnowk riseskandkdabskhiskpuffyklipskwithkaknap in.k"Aimkhigherkinkcasekyoukfallkshort. k"k"Whatkdokyoukmean?kHowkcank Ikaimkhigher?"kIkas .k"Convincekme"kheksays.kHekdropsktheknap inkandkretrieveskh iskboo .kIkdon'tkwatchkhimkask hekheadskforkthekdoor,ksokIkflinchkwhenkhekwhisperskinkmykear.k"Bykthekway,kIk n owkaboutkthek iss.k"kThenkthek doorkclic skshutkbehindkhim.k

kTheksmellkofkbloodk...kItkwaskonkhiskbreath.kWhatkdoeskhekdo?kIkthin .kDrin kit ?kIk imaginekhimksippingkitkfromkakteacup.kDippingkakcoo iekintokthekstuffkandkpullin gkitkoutkdrippingkred.kOutsidek thekwindow,kakcarkcomesktoklife,ksoftkandkquietkli ekthekpurrkofkakcat,kthenkfad eskawaykintokthekdistance.kItkslipsk offkaskitkarrived,kunnoticed.kThekroomkseemsktokbekspinningkinkslow,klopsidedkci rcles,kandkIkwonderkifkIkmightk blac kout.kIkleankforwardkandkclutchkthekdes kwithkonekhand.kThekotherkstillkhol dskPeeta'skbeautifulkcoo ie.kIk thin kitkhadkaktigerklilykonkit,kbutknowkit'skbeenkreducedktokcrumbskinkmykfist. kIkdidn'tkevenk nowkIkwaskcrushingk it,kbutkIkguesskIkhadktokholdkonktoksomethingkwhilekmykworldkveeredkoutkofkcontr ol.kAkvisitkfromkPresidentk Snow.kDistrictskonkthekvergekofkuprisings.kAkdirectkdeathkthreatktokGale,kwithko thersktokfollow.kEveryonekIklovek doomed.kAndkwhok nowskwhokelsekwillkpaykforkmykactions?kUnlesskIkturnkthingskaro undkonkthisktour.kQuietkthek

discontentkandkputkthekpresident'skmindkatkrest.kAndkhow?kBykprovingktokthekcoun trykbeyondkanykshadowkofkak doubtkthatkIklovekPeetakMellar .kIkcan'tkdokit,kIkthin .kI'mknotkthatkgood.kPeet a'skthekgoodkone,kthekli ablekone.k Hekcankma ekpeoplekbelievekanything.kI'mkthekonekwhokshutskupkandksitskbac kandk letskhimkdokaskmuchkofkthek tal ingkaskpossible.kButkitkisn'tkPeetakwhokhasktokprovekhiskdevotion.kIt'skme.k Ikhearkmykmother'sklight,kquic k treadkinkthekhall.kShekcan'tk now,kIkthin .kNotkaboutkanykofkthis.kIkreachkmykha ndskoverkthektraykandkquic lyk brushkthekbitskofkcoo iekfromkmykpalmkandkfingers.kIkta ekaksha yksipkofkmyktea. k"Iskeverythingkallkright,k Katniss?"kshekas s.k"It'skfine.kWekneverkseekitkonktelevision,kbutkthekpresident kalwayskvisitskthekvictorskbeforek thektourktokwishkthemkluc ,k"kIksaykbrightly.kMykmother'skfacekfloodskwithkrelie f.k"Oh.kIkthoughtktherekwasksomek indkofktrouble.k"k"No,knotkatkall,k"kIksay.k"Thektroublekwillkstartkwhenkmykpre pkteamkseeskhowkI'vekletkmyk eyebrowskgrowkbac kin.k"kMykmotherklaughs,kandkIkthin kaboutkhowktherekwasknokgo ingkbac kafterkIktoo koverk caringkforkthekfamilykwhenkIkwaskeleven.kHowkIkwillkalwayskhavektokprotectkher.k "Whykdon'tkIkstartkyourkbath?"k shekas s.k"Great,k"kIksay,kandkIkcankseekhowkpleasedkshekiskbykmykresponse.kSinc ekI'vekbeenkhomekI'vekbeenk tryingkhardktokmendkmykrelationshipkwithkmykmother.kAs ingkherktokdokthingskfork mekinsteadkofkbrushingkasidek anykofferkofkhelp,kaskIkdidkforkyearskoutkofkanger.kLettingkherkhandlekallkthekm oneykIkwon.kReturningkherkhugsk insteadkofktoleratingkthem.kMyktimekinkthekarenakmadekmekrealizekhowkIkneededkto kstopkpunishingkherkfork somethingkshekcouldn'tkhelp,kspecificallykthekcrushingkdepressionkshekfellkintok afterkmykfather'skdeath.kBecausek sometimeskthingskhappenktokpeoplekandkthey'reknotkequippedktokdealkwithkthem.kLi ekme,kforkinstance.kRightk now.kBesides,kthere'skonekwonderfulkthingkshekdidkwhenkIkarrivedkbac kinkthekdis trict.kAfterkourkfamilieskandk friendskhadkgreetedkPeetakandkmekatkthektrainkstation,ktherekwerekakfewkquestion skallowedkfromkreporters.k Someonekas edkmykmotherkwhatkshekthoughtkofkmyknewkboyfriend,kandkshekrepliedkth at,kwhilekPeetakwaskthek verykmodelkofkwhatkakyoungkmankshouldkbe,kIkwasn'tkoldkenoughktokhavekanykboyfri endkatkall.kShekfollowedkthisk withkakpointedkloo katkPeeta.kTherekwaskaklotkofklaughterkandkcommentskli ek"Som ebody'skinktrouble"kfromkthek press,kandkPeetakdroppedkmykhandkandksidesteppedkawaykfromkme.kThatkdidn'tklastk long--therekwasktookmuchk pressurektokactkotherwise--butkitkgavekuskankexcusektokbekaklittlekmorekreserved kthankwe'dkbeenkinkthekCapitol.k AndkmaybekitkcankhelpkaccountkforkhowklittlekI'vekbeenkseenkinkPeeta'skcompanyks incekthekcameraskleft.kIkgok upstairsktokthekbathroom,kwherekaksteamingktubkawaits.kMykmotherkhaskaddedkaksma llkbagkofkdriedkflowerskthatk perfumeskthekair.kNonekofkuskarekusedktokthekluxurykofkturningkonkaktapkandkhavi ngkaklimitlessksupplykofkhotk waterkatkourkfingertips.kWekhadkonlykcoldkatkourkhomekinkthekSeam,kandkakbathkme antkboilingkthekrestkoverkthek fire.kIkundresskandklowerkmyselfkintoktheksil ykwater--mykmotherkhaskpouredkinks omek indkofkoilkaskwellk--kandk tryktokgetkakgripkonkthings.kThekfirstkquestionkiskwhoktoktell,kifkanyone.kNotkm

ykmotherkorkPrim,kobviously;k they'dkonlykbecomeksic kwithkworry.kNotkGale.kEvenkifkIkcouldkgetkwordktokhim.kW hatkwouldkhekdokwithkthek information,kanyway?kIfkhekwerekalone,kIkmightktryktokpersuadekhimktokrunkaway.k Certainlykhekcouldksurvivekink thekwoods.kButkhe'sknotkalonekandkhe'dkneverkleavekhiskfamily.kOrkme.kWhenkIkget khomekI'llkhavektoktellkhimk somethingkaboutkwhykourkSundayskarekakthingkofkthekpast,kbutkIkcan'tkthin kabout kthatknow.kOnlykaboutkmyknextk move.kBesides,kGale'skalreadyksokangrykandkfrustratedkwithkthekCapitolkthatkIkso metimeskthin khe'skgoingktok arrangekhiskownkuprising.kTheklastkthingkhekneedskiskankincentive.kNo,kIkcan'tkt ellkanyonekI'mkleavingkbehindkink Districtk12.kTherekarekstillkthreekpeoplekIkmightkconfidekin,kstartingkwithkCinn a,kmykstylist.kButkmykguesskisk Cinnakmightkalreadykbekatkris ,kandkIkdon'tkwantktokpullkhimkintokanykmorektroub lekbykcloserkassociationkwithk me.kThenkthere'skPeeta,kwhokwillkbekmykpartnerkinkthiskdeception,kbutkhowkdokIkb eginkthatkconversation?kHey,k Peeta,krememberkhowkIktoldkyoukIkwask indkofkfa ingkbeingkinklovekwithkyou?kWell ,kIkreallykneedkyouktokforgetk aboutkthatknowkandkactkextrakinklovekwithkmekorkthekpresidentkmightk illkGale.kI kcan'tkdokit.kBesides,kPeetakwillk performkwellkwhetherkhek nowskwhat'skatksta ekorknot.kThatkleaveskHaymitch.kDrun en,kcran y,k confrontationalkHaymitch,kwhokIkjustkpouredkakbasinkofkicekwaterkon.kAskmykmento rkinkthekGameskitkwaskhisk dutyktok eepkmekalive.kIkonlykhopekhe'skstillkupkforkthekjob.kIkslidekdownkintok thekwater,klettingkitkbloc koutkthek soundskaroundkme.kIkwishkthektubkwouldkexpandksokIkcouldkgokswimming,kli ekIkuse dktokonkhotksummerk Sundayskinkthekwoodskwithkmykfather.kThosekdayskwerekakspecialktreat.kWekwouldkl eavekearlykinkthekmorningk andkhi ekfartherkintokthekwoodskthankusualktokaksmallkla ekhe'dkfoundkwhilekhunt ing.kIkdon'tkevenkrememberk learningktokswim,kIkwasksokyoungkwhenkhektaughtkme.kIkjustkrememberkdiving,kturn ingksomersaults,kandk paddlingkaround.kThekmuddykbottomkofkthekla ekbeneathkmyktoes.kTheksmellkofkblos somskandkgreenery.k Floatingkonkmykbac ,kaskIkamknow,kstaringkatkthekblueks ykwhilekthekchatterkofkt hekwoodskwaskmutedkbykthek water.kHe'dkbagkthekwaterfowlkthatknestedkaroundkthekshore,kI'dkhuntkforkeggskin kthekgrasses,kandkwe'dkbothkdigk fork atnisskroots,kthekplantkforkwhichkheknamedkme,kinkthekshallows.kAtknight,kw henkwekgotkhome,kmykmotherk wouldkpretendknotktokrecognizekmekbecausekIkwasksokclean.kThenkshe'dkcoo kupkank amazingkdinnerkofkroastedk

duc kandkba edk atnissktuberskwithkgravy.kIkneverktoo kGalektokthekla e.kIkcould khave.kIt'sktime-consumingktok getkthere,kbutkthekwaterfowlkareksuchkeasykpic ingskyoukcankma ekupkforklostkhun tingktime.kIt'skakplacekI'vek neverkreallykwantedktoksharekwithkanyone,kthough,kakplacekthatkbelongedkonlyktok mykfatherkandkme.kSincekthek Games,kwhenkI'vekhadklittlektokoccupykmykdays,kI'vekgonektherekakcouplekofktimes .kThekswimmingkwaskstillk nice,kbutkmostlykthekvisitskdepressedkme.kOverkthekcoursekofktheklastkfivekyears ,kthekla e'skremar ablyk unchangedkandkI'mkalmostkunrecognizable.kEvenkunderwaterkIkcankhearktheksoundsko fkcommotion.kHon ingkcark horns,kshoutskofkgreeting,kdoorskbangingkshut.kItkcankonlykmeankmykentouragekhas karrived.kIkjustkhavektimektok towelkoffkandkslipkintokakrobekbeforekmykprepkteamkburstskintokthekbathroom.kThe re'sknokquestionkofkprivacy.k Whenkitkcomesktokmykbody,kwekhaveknoksecrets,kthesekthreekpeoplekandkme.k"Katnis s,kyourkeyebrows!"kVeniak shrie skrightkoff,kandkevenkwithkthekblac kcloudkhangingkoverkme,kIkhavektokstif lekaklaugh.kHerkaquakhairkhask beenkstyledksokitkstic skoutkinksharpkpointskallkoverkherkhead,kandkthekgoldktat tooskthatkusedktokbekconfinedk abovekherkbrowskhavekcurledkaroundkunderkherkeyes,kallkcontributingktokthek

impressionkthatkI'vekliterallyk shoc edkher.kOctaviakcomeskupkandkpatskVenia'skbac ksoothingly,kherkcurvykbodykl oo ingkplumperkthankusualk nextktokVenia'skthin,kangularkone.k"There,kthere.kYoukcankfixkthosekinknoktime.k ButkwhatkamkIkgoingktokdokwithk theseknails?"kShekgrabskmykhandkandkpinskitkflatkbetweenkherktwokpeakgreenkones. kNo,kherks inkisn'tkexactlykpeak greenknow.kIt'skmorekofkaklightkevergreen.kThekshiftkinkshadekisknokdoubtkankatt emptktokstaykabreastkofkthek capriciouskfashionktrendskofkthekCapitol.k"Really,kKatniss,kyoukcouldkhavekleftk meksomethingktokwor kwith!"k shekwails.kIt'sktrue.kI'vekbittenkmyknailsktokstubskinkthekpastkcouplekofkmonths .kIkthoughtkaboutktryingktokbrea k thekhabitkbutkcouldn'tkthin kofkakgoodkreasonkIkshould.k"Sorry,k"kIkmutter.kIkha dn'tkreallykbeenkspendingkmuchk timekworryingkaboutkhowkitkmightkaffectkmykprepkteam.kFlaviuskliftskakfewkstrand skofkmykwet,ktangledkhair.kHek giveskhiskheadkakdisapprovingksha e,kcausingkhiskorangekcor screwkcurlsktokbounc ekaround.k"Haskanyonek touchedkthisksincekyouklastksawkus?"khekas sksternly.k"Remember,kwekspecifically kas edkyouktokleavekyourkhairk alone.k"k"Yes!"kIksay,kgratefulkthatkIkcankshowkIkhaven'tktotallykta enkthemkfor kgranted.k"Ikmean,kno,knokone'skcutk it.kIkdidkrememberkthat.k"kNo,kIkdidn't.kIt'skmorekli ekthekissuekneverkcamekup. kSincekI'vekbeenkhome,kallkI'vek donekiskstic kitkinkitskusualkoldkbraidkdownkmykbac .kThiskseemsktokmollifykthem ,kandktheykallk isskme,ksetkmek onkakchairkinkmykbedroom,kand,kaskusual,kstartktal ingknonstopkwithoutkbothering ktoknoticekifkI'mklistening.k WhilekVeniakreinventskmykeyebrowskandkOctaviakgiveskmekfa eknailskandkFlaviuskma ssageskgookintokmykhair,kIk hearkallkaboutkthekCapitol.kWhatkakhitkthekGameskwere,khowkdullkthingskhavekbeen ksince,khowknokonekcankwaitk untilkPeetakandkIkvisitkagainkatkthekendkofkthekVictorykTour.kAfterkthat,kitkwon 'tkbeklongkbeforekthekCapitolk beginskgearingkupkforkthekQuarterkQuell.k"Isn'tkitkthrilling?"k"Don'tkyoukfeelks okluc y?"k"Inkyourkverykfirstkyeark ofkbeingkakvictor,kyoukgetktokbekakmentorkinkakQuarterkQuell!"kTheirkwordskoverl apkinkakblurkofkexcitement.k"Oh,k yes,k"kIksaykneutrally.kIt'skthekbestkIkcankdo.kInkaknormalkyear,kbeingkakmentor ktokthektributeskiskthekstuffkofk nightmares.kIkcan'tkwal kbykthekschoolknowkwithoutkwonderingkwhatk idkI'llkhavek tokcoach.kButktokma ekthingsk evenkworse,kthiskiskthekyearkofkthekSeventy-fifthkHungerkGames,kandkthatkmeanski t'skalsokakQuarterkQuell.kTheyk occurkeveryktwenty-fivekyears,kmar ingkthekanniversarykofkthekdistricts'kdefeatk withkover-the-topkcelebrationsk and,kforkextrakfun,ksomekmiserablektwistkforkthektributes.kI'vekneverkbeenkalive kforkone,kofkcourse.kButkinkschoolk IkrememberkhearingkthatkforktheksecondkQuarterkQuell,kthekCapitolkdemandedkthatk twicektheknumberkofktributesk bekprovidedkforkthekarena.kThekteacherskdidn'tkgokintokmuchkmorekdetail,kwhichki sksurprising,kbecausekthatkwask thekyearkDistrictk12'skverykownkHaymitchkAbernathykwonkthekcrown.k"Haymitchkbett erkbekpreparingkhimselfk forkaklotkofkattention!"ksquealskOctavia.kHaymitchkhaskneverkmentionedkhiskperso nalkexperiencekinkthekarenaktok me.kIkwouldkneverkas .kAndkifkIkeverksawkhiskGamesktelevisedkinkreruns,kIkmust'v ekbeenktookyoungktokrememberk it.kButkthekCapitolkwon'tkletkhimkforgetkitkthiskyear.kInkakway,kit'skakgoodkthi

ngkPeetakandkIkwillkbothkbekavailablek askmentorskduringkthekQuell,kbecausekit'skaksurekbetkthatkHaymitchkwillkbekwaste d.kAfterkthey'vekexhaustedkthek topickofkthekQuarterkQuell,kmykprepkteam,klauncheskintokakwholeklotkofkstuffkabo utktheirkincomprehensiblyksillyk lives.kWhoksaidkwhatkaboutksomeonekI'vekneverkheardkofkandkwhatksortkofkshoeskth eykjustkboughtkandkaklongk storykfromkOctaviakaboutkwhatkakmista ekitkwasktokhavekeveryonekwearkfeatherskto kherkbirthdaykparty.kSoonkmyk browskarekstinging,kmykhair'sksmoothkandksil y,kandkmyknailskarekreadyktokbekpai nted.kApparentlykthey'vekbeenk givenkinstructionktokpreparekonlykmykhandskandkface,kprobablykbecausekeverything kelsekwillkbekcoveredkinkthek coldkweather.kFlaviuskbadlykwantsktokusekhiskownktrademar kpurpleklipstic konkme kbutkresignskhimselfktokakpin k asktheykbeginktokcolorkmykfacekandknails.kIkcankseekbykthekpalettekCinnakhaskass ignedkthatkwe'rekgoingkfork girlish,knotksexy.kGood.kI'llkneverkconvincekanyonekofkanythingkifkI'mktryingkto kbekprovocative.kHaymitchkmadek thatkverykclearkwhenkhekwaskcoachingkmekforkmykinterviewkforkthekGames.kMykmothe rkcomeskin,ksomewhatk shyly,kandksayskthatkCinnakhaskas edkherktokshowkthekprepskhowkshekdidkmykhairkt hekdaykofkthekreaping.kTheyk

respondkwithkenthusiasmkandkthenkwatch,kthoroughlykengrossed,kaskshekbrea skdown kthekprocesskofkthek elaboratekbraidedkhairdo.kInkthekmirror,kIkcankseektheirkearnestkfaceskfollowing kherkeverykmove,ktheirkeagernessk whenkitkisktheirkturnktoktrykakstep.kInkfact,kallkthreekareksokreadilykrespectfu lkandknicektokmykmotherkthatkIkfeelk badkaboutkhowkIkgokaroundkfeelingksoksuperiorktokthem.kWhok nowskwhokIkwouldkbek orkwhatkIkwouldktal kaboutk ifkI'dkbeenkraisedkinkthekCapitol?kMaybekmykbiggestkregretkwouldkbekhavingkfeath eredkcostumeskatkmykbirthdayk party,ktoo.kWhenkmykhairkiskdone,kIkfindkCinnakdownstairskinktheklivingkroom,kan dkjustktheksightkofkhimkma esk mekfeelkmorekhopeful.kHekloo sktheksamekaskalways,ksimplekclothes,kshortkbrownkh air,kjustkakhintkofkgoldk eyeliner.kWekembrace,kandkIkcankbarelyk eepkfromkspillingkoutkthekentirekepisode kwithkPresidentkSnow.kButkno,k I'vekdecidedktoktellkHaymitchkfirst.kHe'llk nowkbestkwhoktokburdenkwithkit.kIt's ksokeasyktoktal ktokCinna,kthough.k Latelykwe'vekbeenkspea ingkaklotkonkthektelephonekthatkcamekwithkthekhouse.kIt's ksortkofkakjo e,kbecausekalmostk nokonekelsekwek nowkownskone.kThere'skPeeta,kbutkobviouslykIkdon'tkcallkhim.kHay mitchktorekhiskoutkofkthekwallk yearskago.kMykfriendkMadge,kthekmayor'skdaughter,khaskaktelephonekinkherkhouse,k butkifkwekwantktoktal ,kwekdok itkinkperson.kAtkfirst,kthekthingkbarelykeverkgotkused.kThenkCinnakstartedktokca llktokwor konkmyktalent.kEveryk victorkisksupposedktokhavekone.kYourktalentkiskthekactivitykyoukta ekupksincekyo ukdon'tkhavektokwor keitherkink schoolkorkyourkdistrict'skindustry.kItkcankbekanything,kreally,kanythingkthatkth eykcankinterviewkyoukabout.kPeeta,k itkturnskout,kactuallykhaskaktalent,kwhichkiskpainting.kHe'skbeenkfrostingkthose kca eskandkcoo ieskforkyearskinkhisk family'skba ery.kButknowkthatkhe'skrich,khekcankaffordktoksmearkrealkpaintkonkca nvases.kIkdon'tkhavekaktalent,k unlesskyoukcountkhuntingkillegally,kwhichktheykdon't.kOrkmaybeksinging,kwhichkIk wouldn'tkdokforkthekCapitolkink akmillionkyears.kMykmotherktriedktokinterestkmekinkakvarietykofksuitablekalterna tiveskfromkaklistkEffiekTrin etk sentkher.kCoo ing,kflowerkarranging,kplayingkthekflute.kNonekofkthemktoo ,kaltho ughkPrimkhadkak nac kforkallk three.kFinallykCinnaksteppedkinkandkofferedktokhelpkmekdevelopkmykpassionkforkde signingkclothes,kwhichkreallyk requiredkdevelopmentksincekitkwasknonexistent.kButkIksaidkyeskbecausekitkmeantkg ettingktoktal ktokCinna,kandkhek promisedkhe'dkdokallkthekwor .kNowkhe'skarrangingkthingskaroundkmyklivingkroom:k clothing,kfabrics,kandk s etchboo skwithkdesignskhe'skdrawn.kIkpic kupkonekofktheks etchboo skandkexamin ekakdresskIksupposedlyk created.k"Youk now,kIkthin kIkshowkaklotkofkpromise,k"kIksay.k"Getkdressed,kyouk worthlesskthing,k"kheksays,k tossingkakbundlekofkclotheskatkme.kIkmaykhaveknokinterestkinkdesigningkclotheskb utkIkdoklovekthekoneskCinnak ma eskforkme.kLi ekthese.kFlowingkblac kpantskmadekofkakthic ,kwarmkmaterial.kAk comfortablekwhitekshirt.kAk sweaterkwovenkfromkgreenkandkbluekandkgraykstrandskofk itten-softkwool.kLacedkle atherkbootskthatkdon'tkpinchk myktoes.k"DidkIkdesignkmykoutfit?"kIkas .k"No,kyoukaspirektokdesignkyourkoutfitk andkbekli ekme,kyourkfashionk hero,k"ksayskCinna.kHekhandskmekaksmallkstac kofkcards.k"You'llkreadkthesekoffkc

amerakwhilekthey'rekfilmingkthek clothes.kTryktoksoundkli ekyoukcare.k"kJustkthen,kEffiekTrin etkarriveskinkakpum p inkorangekwigktokremindk everyone,k"We'rekonkakschedule!"kShek isseskmekonkbothkchee skwhilekwavingkinkth ekcamerakcrew,kthenkordersk mekintokposition.kEffie'skthekonlykreasonkwekgotkanywherekonktimekinkthekCapitol ,ksokIktryktokaccommodatekher.k Ikstartkbobbingkaroundkli ekakpuppet,kholdingkupkoutfitskandksayingkmeaninglessk thingskli ek"Don'tkyouklovekit?"k Theksoundkteamkrecordskmekreadingkfromkmykcardskinkakchirpykvoiceksoktheykcankin sertkitklater,kthenkI'mk

tossedk outkofkthekroomksoktheykcankfilmkmy/Cinna'skdesignskinkpeace.kPrimkgotkoutkearly kfromkschoolkforkthekevent.k Nowkshekstandskinkthek itchen,kbeingkinterviewedkbykanotherkcrew.kShekloo sklove lykinkaks ykbluekfroc kthatk bringskoutkherkeyes,kherkblondkhairkpulledkbac kinkakmatchingkribbon.kShe'sklean ingkakbitkforwardkonkthektoeskofk herkshinykwhitekbootskli ekshe'skaboutktokta ekflight,kli e--kBam!kIt'skli eksom eonekactuallykhitskmekinkthekchest.k Nokonekhas,kofkcourse,kbutkthekpainkisksokrealkIkta ekakstepkbac .kIksqueezekmyk eyeskshutkandkIkdon'tkseekPrim--kIk seekRue,kthektwelve-year-oldkgirlkfromkDistrictk11kwhokwaskmykallykinkthekarena. kShekcouldkfly,kbirdli e,kfromk treektoktree,kcatchingkonktokthekslenderestkbranches.kRue,kwhokIkdidn'tksave.kWh okIkletkdie.kIkpicturekherklyingkonk thekgroundkwithkthekspearkstillkwedgedkinkherkstomach...k.kWhokelsekwillkIkfailk toksavekfromkthekCapitol'sk vengeance?kWhokelsekwillkbekdeadkifkIkdon'tksatisfykPresidentkSnow?kIkrealizekCi nna'sktryingktokputkakcoatkonk me,ksokIkraisekmykarms.kIkfeelkfur,kinsidekandkout,kencasingkme.kIt'skfromknokan imalkI'vekeverkseen.k"Ermine,k"khek tellskmekaskIkstro ekthekwhiteksleeve.kLeatherkgloves.kAkbrightkredkscarf.kSomet hingkfurrykcoverskmykears.k "You'rekbringingkearmuffskbac kinkstyle.k"kIkhatekearmuffs,kIkthin .kTheykma eki tkhardktokhear,kandksincekIkwask blastedkdeafkinkonekearkinkthekarena,kIkdisli ekthemkevenkmore.kAfterkIkwon,kthe kCapitolkrepairedkmykear,kbutkIk stillkfindkmyselfktestingkit.kMykmotherkhurrieskupkwithksomethingkcuppedkinkherk hand.k"Forkgoodkluc ,k"kshek says.kIt'skthekpinkMadgekgavekmekbeforekIkleftkforkthekGames.kAkmoc ingjaykflyin gkinkakcirclekofkgold.kIktriedktok givekitktokRuekbutkshekwouldn'tkta ekit.kSheksaidkthekpinkwaskthekreasonkshe'dkd ecidedktoktrustkme.kCinnakfixeskitk onkthek notkinkthekscarf.kEffiekTrin et'sknearby,kclappingkherkhands.k"Attention ,keveryone!kWe'rekaboutktokdok thekfirstkoutdoorkshot,kwherekthekvictorskgreetkeachkotherkatkthekbeginningkofkt heirkmarvelousktrip.kAllkright,k

Katniss,kbigksmile,kyou'rekverykexcited,kright?"kIkdon'tkexaggeratekwhenkIksayks hekshoveskmekoutkthekdoor.kForkak momentkIkcan'tkquitekseekrightkbecausekofktheksnow,kwhichkisknowkcomingkdownkink earnest.kThenkIkma ekoutk Peetakcomingkthroughkhiskfrontkdoor.kInkmykheadkIkhearkPresidentkSnow'skdirectiv e,k"Convincekme.k"kAndkIk nowkIkmust.kMykfacekbrea skintokakhugeksmilekandkIkstartkwal ingkinkPeeta'skdir ection.kThen,kaskifkIkcan'tkstandk itkanotherksecond,kIkstartkrunning.kHekcatcheskmekandkspinskmekaroundkandkthenkh ekslipsk--khekstillkisn'tkentirelyk inkcommandkofkhiskartificialkleg--andkwekfallkintoktheksnow,kmekonktopkofkhim,ka ndkthat'skwherekwekhavekourk firstk isskinkmonths.kIt'skfullkofkfurkandksnowfla eskandklipstic ,kbutkundernea thkallkthat,kIkcankfeelktheksteadinessk thatkPeetakbringsktokeverything.kAndkIk nowkI'mknotkalone.kAskbadlykaskIkhavekhu rtkhim,khekwon'tkexposekmekink frontkofkthekcameras.kWon'tkcondemnkmekwithkakhalfheartedk iss.kHe'skstillkloo i ngkoutkforkme.kJustkaskhekdidkink thekarena.kSomehowkthekthoughtkma eskmekwantktokcry.kInsteadkIkpullkhimktokhiskf eet,ktuc kmykglovekthroughk thekcroo kofkhiskarm,kandkmerrilykpullkhimkonkourkway.kThekrestkofkthekdaykiskak blurkofkgettingktokthekstation,k biddingkeveryonekgood-bye,kthektrainkpullingkout,kthekoldkteamk--kPeetakandkme,k EffiekandkHaymitch,kCinnakandk Portia,kPeeta'skstylist--diningkonkankindescribablykdeliciouskmealkIkdon'tkremem ber.kAndkthenkI'mkswathedkink pajamaskandkakvoluminouskrobe,ksittingkinkmykplushkcompartment,kwaitingkforkthek othersktokgoktoksleep.kIk nowk Haymitchkwillkbekupkforkhours.kHekdoesn'tkli ektoksleepkwhenkit'skdar kout.kWhen kthektrainkseemskquiet,kIkputkonk mykslipperskandkpadkdownktokhiskdoor.kIkhavektok noc kseveralktimeskbeforekhekan swers,kscowling,kaskifkhe'sk certainkI'vekbroughtkbadknews.k"Whatkdokyoukwant?"kheksays,knearlyk noc ingkmeko utkwithkakcloudkofkwinek fumes.k"Ikhavektoktal ktokyou,k"kIkwhisper.k"Now?"kheksays.kIknod.k"Thiskbetterk bekgood.k"kHekwaits,kbutkIkfeelk certainkeverykwordkwekutterkonkakCapitolktrainkiskbeingkrecorded.k"Well?"khekbar s.kThektrainkstartsktokbra ekandk forkaksecondkIkthin kPresidentkSnowkiskwatchingkmekandkdoesn'tkapprovekofkmykcon fidingkinkHaymitchkandkhask decidedktokgokaheadkandk illkmeknow.kButkwe'rekjustkstoppingkforkfuel.k"Thektrai n'sksokstuffy,k"kIksay.kIt'skak harmlesskphrase,kbutkIkseekHaymitch'skeyesknarrowkinkunderstanding.k"Ik nowkwhat kyoukneed.k"kHekpusheskpastk mekandklurcheskdownkthekhallktokakdoor.kWhenkhekwrestleskitkopen,kakblastkofksno wkhitskus.kHektripskoutkontokthek ground.kAkCapitolkattendantkrushesktokhelp,kbutkHaymitchkwaveskherkawaykgood-nat uredlykaskhekstaggerskoff.k "Justkwantksomekfreshkair.kOnlykbekakminute.k"k"Sorry.kHe'skdrun ,k"kIksaykapolo getically.k"I'llkgetkhim.k"kIkhopk downkandkstumblekalongkthektrac kbehindkhim,ksoa ingkmykslipperskwithksnow,kaskh ekleadskmekbeyondkthekendk ofkthektrainksokwekwillknotkbekoverheard.kThenkhekturnskonkme.k"What?"kIktellkhi mkeverything.kAboutkthek president'skvisit,kaboutkGale,kaboutkhowkwe'rekallkgoingktokdiekifkIkfail.kHiskf aceksobers,kgrowskolderkinkthekglowk ofkthekredktail-lights.k"Thenkyoukcan'tkfail.k"k"Ifkyoukcouldkjustkhelpkmekgetkt hroughkthisktrip--"kIkbegin.k"No,k Katniss,kit'sknotkjustkthisktrip,k"kheksays.k"Whatkdokyoukmean?"kIksay.k"Evenkif

kyoukpullkitkoff,kthey'llkbekbac kink anotherkfewkmonthsktokta ekuskallktokthekGames.kYoukandkPeeta,kyou'llkbekmentors know,keverykyearkfromkherek onkout.kAndkeverykyearkthey'llkrevisitkthekromancekandkbroadcastkthekdetailskofk yourkprivateklife,kandkyou'llk never,keverkbekablektokdokanythingkbutklivekhappilykeverkafterkwithkthatkboy.k"k Thekfullkimpactkofkwhatkhe'sk sayingkhitskme.kIkwillkneverkhavekaklifekwithkGale,kevenkifkIkwantkto.kIkwillkne verkbekallowedktoklivekalone.kIkwillk havektokbekforeverkinklovekwithkPeeta.kThekCapitolkwillkinsistkonkit.kI'llkhavek akfewkyearskmaybe,kbecausekI'mk stillkonlyksixteen,ktokstaykwithkmykmotherkandkPrim.kAndkthenk...kAndkthenk...k" DokyoukunderstandkwhatkIk mean?"khekpresseskme.kIknod.kHekmeanskthere'skonlykonekfuture,kifkIkwantktok eep kthosekIklovekalivekandkstayk alivekmyself.kI'llkhavektokmarrykPeeta.k

kWekslogkbac ktokthektrainkinksilence.kInkthekhallwaykoutsidekmykdoor,k Haymitchkgiveskmykshoulderkakpatkandksays,k"Youkcouldkdokaklotkworse,kyouk now.k "kHekheadskoffktokhisk compartment,kta ingktheksmellkofkwinekwithkhim.kInkmykroom,kIkremovekmyksoddenks lippers,kmykwetkrobekandk pajamas.kTherekarekmorekinkthekdrawerskbutkIkjustkcrawlkbetweenkthekcoverskofkmy kbedkinkmykunderclothes.kIk starekintokthekdar ness,kthin ingkaboutkmykconversationkwithkHaymitch.kEverythin gkheksaidkwasktruekaboutkthek Capitol'skexpectations,kmykfuturekwithkPeeta,kevenkhisklastkcomment.kOfkcourse,k Ikcouldkdokaklotkworsekthank Peeta.kThatkisn'tkreallykthekpoint,kthough,kiskit?kOnekofkthekfewkfreedomskwekha vekinkDistrictk12kiskthekrightktok marrykwhokwekwantkorknotkmarrykatkall.kAndknowkevenkthatkhaskbeenkta enkawaykfro mkme.kIkwonderkifk PresidentkSnowkwillkinsistkwekhavekchildren.kIfkwekdo,kthey'llkhavektokfacekthek reapingkeachkyear.kAndkwouldn'tk itkbeksomethingktokseekthekchildkofknotkonekbutktwokvictorskchosenkforkthekarena ?kVictors'kchildrenkhavekbeenkink thekringkbefore.kItkalwayskcauseskaklotkofkexcitementkandkgeneratesktal kaboutkh owkthekoddskareknotkinkthatk family'skfavor.kButkitkhappensktookfrequentlyktokjustkbekaboutkodds.kGale'skconv incedkthekCapitolkdoeskitkonk purpose,krigskthekdrawingsktokaddkextrakdrama.kGivenkallkthektroublekI'vekcaused ,kI'vekprobablykguaranteedkanyk childkofkminekakspotkinkthekGames.kIkthin kofkHaymitch,kunmarried,knokfamily,kbl ottingkoutkthekworldkwithk drin .kHekcouldkhavekhadkhiskchoicekofkanykwomankinkthekdistrict.kAndkhekchoseks olitude.kNotksolitude--kthatk soundsktookpeaceful.kMorekli eksolitarykconfinement.kWaskitkbecause,khavingkbeen kinkthekarena,khek newkitkwask

betterkthankris ingkthekalternative?kIkhadkaktastekofkthatkalternativekwhenkthey kcalledkPrim'sknamekonkreapingk daykandkIkwatchedkherkwal ktokthekstagektokherkdeath.kButkaskherksisterkIkcouldk ta ekherkplace,kankoptionk forbiddenktokourkmother.kMykmindksearcheskfranticallykforkakwaykout.kIkcan'tklet kPresidentkSnowkcondemnkmek tokthis.kEvenkifkitkmeanskta ingkmykownklife.kBeforekthat,kthough,kI'dktryktokru nkaway.kWhatkwouldktheykdokifkIk simplykvanished?kDisappearedkintokthekwoodskandkneverkcamekout?kCouldkIkevenkman agektokta ekeveryonekIk lovekwithkme,kstartkaknewklifekdeepkinkthekwild?kHighlykunli elykbutknotkimpossi ble.kIksha ekmykheadktokclearkit.k Thiskisknotkthektimektokbekma ingkwildkescapekplans.kIkmustkfocuskonkthekVictory kTour.kTookmanykpeople'skfatesk dependkonkmykgivingkakgoodkshow.kDawnkcomeskbeforeksleepkdoes,kandkthere'skEffie krappingkonkmykdoor.kIk pullkonkwhateverkclotheskarekatkthektopkofkthekdrawerkandkdragkmyselfkdownktokth ekdiningkcar.kIkdon'tkseekwhatk differencekitkma eskwhenkIkgetkup,ksincekthiskiskaktravelkday,kbutkthenkitkturns koutkthatkyesterday'skma eoverkwask justktokgetkmektokthektrainkstation.kTodaykI'llkgetkthekwor skfromkmykprepkteam. k"Why?kIt'sktookcoldkforkanythingk tokshow,k"kIkgrumble.k"NotkinkDistrictkEleven,k"ksayskEffie.kDistrictk11.kOurkfi rstkstop.kI'dkratherkstartkinkanyk otherkdistrict,ksincekthiskwaskRue'skhome.kButkthat'sknotkhowkthekVictorykTourkw or s.kUsuallykitk ic skoffkink12k andkthenkgoeskinkdescendingkdistrictkorderktok1,kfollowedkbykthekCapitol.kThekvi ctor'skdistrictkisks ippedkandk savedkforkveryklast.kSincek12kputskonkthekleastkfabulouskcelebrationk--kusuallyk justkakdinnerkforkthektributeskandkak victorykrallykinktheksquare,kwhereknobodykloo skli ekthey'rekhavingkanykfunk--ki t'skprobablykbestktokgetkuskoutkofk thekwaykasksoonkaskpossible.kThiskyear,kforkthekfirstktimeksincekHaymitchkwon,kt hekfinalkstopkonkthektourkwillkbek 12,kandkthekCapitolkwillkspringkforkthekfestivities.kIktryktokenjoykthekfoodkli ekHazelleksaid.kThek itchenkstaffk clearlykwantsktokpleasekme.kThey'vekpreparedkmykfavorite,klambkstewkwithkdriedkp lums,kamongkotherk delicacies.kOrangekjuicekandkakpotkofksteamingkhotkchocolatekwaitkatkmykplacekat kthektable.kSokIkeatkaklot,kandk thekmealkiskbeyondkreproach,kbutkIkcan'tksaykI'mkenjoyingkit.kI'mkalsokannoyedkt hatknokonekbutkEffiekandkIkhask shownkup.k"Where'skeverybodykelse?"kIkas .k"Oh,kwhok nowskwherekHaymitchkis,k"ks ayskEffie.kIkdidn'tkreallyk expectkHaymitch,kbecausekhe'skprobablykjustkgettingktokbed.k"Cinnakwaskupklatekw or ingkonkorganizingkyourk garmentkcar.kHekmustkhavekoverkakhundredkoutfitskforkyou.kYourkeveningkclotheska rekexquisite.kAndkPeeta'sk teamkiskprobablykstillkasleep.k"k"Doesn'tkhekneedkprepping?"kIkas .k"Notkthekway kyoukdo,k"kEffiekreplies.kWhatk doeskthiskmean?kItkmeanskIkgetktokspendkthekmorningkhavingkthekhairkrippedkoffkm ykbodykwhilekPeetaksleepskin.k Ikhadn'tkthoughtkaboutkitkmuch,kbutkinkthekarenakatkleastksomekofkthekboyskgotkt ok eepktheirkbodykhairkwhereask nonekofkthekgirlskdid.kIkcankrememberkPeeta'sknow,kaskIkbathedkhimkbykthekstream .kVerykblondkinktheksunlight,k oncekthekmudkandkbloodkhadkbeenkwashedkaway.kOnlykhiskfacekremainedkcompletelyks mooth.kNotkonekofkthek boyskgrewkakbeard,kandkmanykwerekoldkenoughkto.kIkwonderkwhatktheykdidktokthem.k

IfkIkfeelkragged,kmykprepk teamkseemskinkworsekcondition,k noc ingkbac kcoffeekandksharingkbrightlykcolored klittlekpills.kAskfarkaskIkcank tell,ktheykneverkgetkupkbeforeknoonkunlesskthere'sksomeksortkofknationalkemergen cy,kli ekmyklegkhair.kIkwasksok happykwhenkitkgrewkbac kin,ktoo.kAskifkitkwerekaksignkthatkthingskmightkbekretur ningktoknormal.kIkrunkmykfingersk alongktheksoft,kcurlykdownkonkmyklegskandkgivekmyselfkoverktokthekteam.kNonekofk themkarekupktoktheirkusualk chatter,ksokIkcankhearkeverykstrandkbeingkyan edkfromkitskfollicle.kIkhavektokso a kinkaktubkfullkofkakthic ,k unpleasant-smellingksolution,kwhilekmykfacekandkhairkarekplasteredkwithkcreams.k Twokmorekbathskfollowkink other,klesskoffensive,kconcoctions.kI'mkpluc edkandkscouredkandkmassagedkandkano intedkuntilkI'mkraw.kFlaviusk tiltskupkmykchinkandksighs.k"It'skakshamekCinnaksaidknokalterationskonkyou.k"k"Y es,kwekcouldkreallykma ekyouk somethingkspecial,k"ksayskOctavia.k"Whenkshe'skolder,k"ksayskVeniakalmostkgrimly .k"Thenkhe'llkhavektokletkus.k"k Dokwhat?kBlowkmyklipskupkli ekPresidentkSnow's?kTattookmykbreasts?kDyekmyks inkm agentakandkimplantkgemsk inkit?kCutkdecorativekpatternskinkmykface?kGivekmekcurvedktalons?kOrkcat'skwhis ers?kIksawkallkthesekthingskandk morekonkthekpeoplekinkthekCapitol.kDoktheykreallykhaveknokideakhowkfrea ishkthey kloo ktokthekrestkofkus?kThek thoughtkofkbeingkleftktokmykprepkteam'skfashionkwhimskonlykaddsktokthekmiseriesk competingkforkmykattention-myk abusedkbody,kmyklac kofksleep,kmykmandatorykmarriage,kandkthekterrorkofkbeingkun ablektoksatisfykPresidentk Snow'skdemands.kBykthektimekIkreachklunch,kwherekEffie,kCinna,kPortia,kHaymitch, kandkPeetakhavekstartedk withoutkme,kI'mktookweighedkdownktoktal .kThey'rekravingkaboutkthekfoodkandkhowk wellktheyksleepkonktrains.k Everyone'skallkfullkofkexcitementkaboutkthektour.kWell,keveryonekbutkHaymitch.kH e'sknursingkakhangoverkandk pic ingkatkakmuffin.kI'mknotkreallykhungry,keither,kmaybekbecausekIkloadedkupkon ktookmuchkrichkstuffkthisk morningkorkmaybekbecausekI'mksokunhappy.kIkplaykaroundkwithkakbowlkofkbroth,keat ingkonlykakspoonfulkorktwo.k Ikcan'tkevenkloo katkPeeta--mykdesignatedkfuturekhusband--kalthoughkIk nowknonek ofkthiskiskhiskfault.kPeoplek notice,ktryktokbringkmekintokthekconversation,kbutkIkjustkbrushkthemkoff.kAtksom ekpoint,kthektrainkstops.kOurk serverkreportskitkwillknotkjustkbekforkakfuelkstopk--ksomekpartkhaskmalfunctione dkandkmustkbekreplaced.kItkwillk requirekatkleastkankhour.kThisksendskEffiekintokakstate.kShekpullskoutkherksched ulekandkbeginsktokwor koutkhowk

thekdelaykwillkimpactkeverykeventkforkthekrestkofkourklives.kFinallykIkjustkcan' tkstandktoklistenktokherkanymore.k "Nokonekcares,kEffie!"kIksnap.kEveryonekatkthektablekstareskatkme,kevenkHaymitch ,kwhokyou'dkthin kwouldkbekonk myksidekinkthiskmatterksincekEffiekdriveskhimknuts.kI'mk

immediatelykputkonkthekdefensive.k"Well,knokonekdoes!"k Iksay,kandkgetkupkandkleavekthekdiningkcar.kThektrainksuddenlykseemskstiflingkan dkI'mkdefinitelykqueasyknow.kIk findkthekexitkdoor,kforcekitkopenk--ktriggeringksomeksortkofkalarm,kwhichkIkigno rek--kandkjumpktokthekground,k expectingktoklandkinksnow.kButkthekair'skwarmkandkbalmykagainstkmyks in.kThektre eskstillkwearkgreenkleaves.k Howkfarksouthkhavekwekcomekinkakday?kIkwal kalongkthektrac ,ksquintingkagainstkt hekbrightksunlight,kalreadyk regrettingkmykwordsktokEffie.kShe'skhardlyktokblamekforkmykcurrentkpredicament.k Ikshouldkgokbac kandk apologize.kMykoutburstkwaskthekheightkofkbadkmanners,kandkmannerskmatterkdeeplyk tokher.kButkmykfeetk continuekonkalongkthektrac ,kpastkthekendkofkthektrain,kleavingkitkbehind.kAnkho ur'skdelay.kIkcankwal katkleastk twentykminuteskinkonekdirectionkandkma ekitkbac kwithkplentykofktimektokspare.kI nstead,kafterkakcouplekhundredk yards,kIksin ktokthekgroundkandksitkthere,kloo ingkintokthekdistance.kIfkIkhadka kbowkandkarrows,kwouldkIkjustk eepk going?kAfterkakwhilekIkhearkfootstepskbehindkme.kIt'llkbekHaymitch,kcomingktokch ewkmekout.kIt'sknotkli ekIkdon'tk deservekit,kbutkIkstillkdon'tkwantktokhearkit.k"I'mknotkinkthekmoodkforkaklectur e,k"kIkwarnkthekclumpkofkweedskbyk mykshoes.k"I'llktryktok eepkitkbrief.k"kPeetakta eskakseatkbesidekme.k"Ikthought kyoukwerekHaymitch,k"kIksay.k"No,k he'skstillkwor ingkonkthatkmuffin.k"kIkwatchkaskPeetakpositionskhiskartificialkl eg.k"Badkday,khuh?"k"It'sknothing,k"k Iksay.kHekta eskakdeepkbreath.k"Loo ,kKatniss,kI'vekbeenkwantingktoktal ktokyouk aboutkthekwaykIkactedkonkthek train.kIkmean,ktheklastktrain.kThekonekthatkbroughtkuskhome.kIk newkyoukhadksome thingkwithkGale.kIkwaskjealousk ofkhimkbeforekIkevenkofficiallykmetkyou.kAndkitkwasn'tkfairktokholdkyouktokanyth ingkthatkhappenedkinkthekGames.k I'mksorry.k"kHiskapologykta eskmekbyksurprise.kIt'sktruekthatkPeetakfrozekmekout kafterkIkconfessedkthatkmyklovek forkhimkduringkthekGameskwasksomethingkofkankact.kButkIkdon'tkholdkthatkagainstk him.kInkthekarena,kI'dkplayedk thatkromancekanglekforkallkitkwaskworth.kTherekhadkbeenktimeskwhenkIkdidn'tkhone stlyk nowkhowkIkfeltkaboutk him.kIkstillkdon't,kreally.k"I'mksorry,ktoo,k"kIksay.kI'mknotksurekforkwhatkexac tly.kMaybekbecausekthere'skakrealk chancekI'mkaboutktokdestroykhim.k"There'sknothingkforkyouktokbeksorrykabout.kYou kwerekjustk eepingkuskalive.k ButkIkdon'tkwantkusktokgokonkli ekthis,kignoringkeachkotherkinkrealklifekandkfal lingkintoktheksnowkeveryktimek there'skakcamerakaround.kSokIkthoughtkifkIkstoppedkbeingkso,kyouk now,kwounded,k wekcouldkta ekakshotkatkjustk beingkfriends,k"kheksays.kAllkmykfriendskarekprobablykgoingktokendkupkdead,kbutk refusingkPeetakwouldn'tk eepk himksafe.k"O ay,k"kIksay.kHiskofferkdoeskma ekmekfeelkbetter.kLesskduplicitousks omehow.kItkwouldkbeknicekifk he'dkcomektokmekwithkthiskearlier,kbeforekIk newkthatkPresidentkSnowkhadkotherkp lanskandkjustkbeingkfriendsk wasknotkankoptionkforkuskanymore.kButkeitherkway,kI'mkgladkwe'rekspea ingkagain. k"Sokwhat'skwrong?"khekas s.k Ikcan'tktellkhim.kIkpic katkthekclumpkofkweeds.k"Let'skstartkwithksomethingkmore kbasic.kIsn'tkitkstrangekthatkIk nowk you'dkris kyourklifektoksavekminek...kButkIkdon'tk nowkwhatkyourkfavoritekcolork is?"kheksays.kAksmilekcreepskontok myklips.k"Green.kWhat'skyours?"k"Orange,k"kheksays.k"Orange?kLi ekEffie'skhair?"

kIksay.k"Akbitkmorekmuted,k"k heksays.k"Morekli ek...kSunset.k"kSunset.kIkcankseekitkimmediately,kthekrimkofkt hekdescendingksun,ktheks yk strea edkwithksoftkshadeskofkorange.kBeautiful.kIkrememberkthektigerklilykcoo ie kand,knowkthatkPeetakisktal ingk tokmekagain,kit'skallkIkcankdoknotktokrecountkthekwholekstorykaboutkPresidentkSn ow.kButkIk nowkHaymitchk wouldn'tkwantkmekto.kI'dkbetterkstic ktoksmallktal .k"Youk now,keveryone'skalway skravingkaboutkyourkpaintings.k IkfeelkbadkIkhaven'tkseenkthem,k"kIksay.k"Well,kI'vekgotkakwholektrainkcarkfull. k"kHekriseskandkofferskmekhiskhand.k "Comekon.k"kIt'skgoodktokfeelkhiskfingerskentwinedkwithkminekagain,knotkforkshow kbutkinkactualkfriendship.kWek wal kbac ktokthektrainkhandkinkhand.kAtkthekdoor,kIkremember.k"I'vekgotktokapolo gizektokEffiekfirst.k"k"Don'tkbek afraidktoklaykitkonkthic ,k"kPeetaktellskme.kSokwhenkwekgokbac ktokthekdiningkca r,kwherekthekotherskarekstillkatk lunch,kIkgivekEffiekankapologykthatkIkthin kiskover illkbutkinkherkmindkprobably kjustkmanagesktokcompensatekfork mykbreachkofketiquette.kTokherkcredit,kEffiekacceptskgraciously.kSheksayskit'skc learkI'mkunderkaklotkofkpressure.k Andkherkcommentskaboutktheknecessitykofksomeonekattendingktokthekschedulekonlykl astkaboutkfivekminutes.k Really,kI'vekgottenkoffkeasily.kWhenkEffiekfinishes,kPeetakleadskmekdownkakfewkc arsktokseekhiskpaintings.kIkdon'tk nowkwhatkIkexpected.kLargerkversionskofkthekflowerkcoo ieskmaybe.kButkthiskisks omethingkentirelykdifferent.k PeetakhaskpaintedkthekGames.kSomekyoukwouldn'tkgetkrightkaway,kifkyoukhadn'tkbee nkwithkhimkinkthekarenak yourself.kWaterkdrippingkthroughkthekcrac skinkourkcave.kThekdrykpondkbed.kAkpai rkofkhands,khiskown,kdiggingk forkroots.kOtherskanykviewerkwouldkrecognize.kThekgoldenkhornkcalledkthekCornuco pia.kClovekarrangingkthek niveskinsidekherkjac et.kOnekofkthekmutts,kunmista ablykthekblond,kgreen-eyedko nekmeantktokbekGlimmer,k snarlingkaskitkma eskitskwayktowardkus.kAndkme.kIkamkeverywhere.kHighkupkinkaktr ee.kBeatingkakshirtkagainstkthek stoneskinkthekstream.kLyingkunconsciouskinkakpoolkofkblood.kAndkonekIkcan'tkplac ek--kperhapskthiskiskhowkIk loo edkwhenkhiskfeverkwaskhigh--emergingkfromkaksilverkgraykmistkthatkmatcheskmy keyeskexactly.k"Whatkdok

youkthin ?"khekas s.k"Ikhatekthem,k"kIksay.kIkcankalmostksmellkthekblood,kthekdi rt,kthekunnaturalkbreathkofkthek mutt.k"AllkIkdokiskgokaroundktryingktokforgetkthekarenakandkyou'vekbroughtkit,kb ac ktoklife.kHowkdokyouk rememberkthesekthingsksokexactly?"k"Ikseekthemkeveryknight,k"kheksays.kIk nowkwh atkhekmeans.kNightmaresk-whichk IkwasknokstrangerktokbeforekthekGamesk--knowkplaguekmekwheneverkIksleep.kButkthe koldkstandby,kthekonek ofkmykfatherkbeingkblownktokbitskinkthekmines,kiskrare.kInsteadkIkrelivekversion skofkwhatkhappenedkinkthekarena.k MykworthlesskattemptktoksavekRue.kPeetakbleedingktokdeath.kGlimmer'skbloatedkbod ykdisintegratingkinkmyk hands.kCato'skhorrifickendkwithkthekmuttations.kThesekarekthekmostkfrequentkvisi tors.k"Me,ktoo.kDoeskitkhelp?kTok paintkthemkout?"k"Ikdon'tk now.kIkthin kI'mkaklittleklesskafraidkofkgoingktoksle epkatknight,korkIktellkmyselfkIkam,k"k heksays.k"Butktheykhaven'tkgonekanywhere.k"k"Maybektheykwon't.kHaymitch'skhaven' t.k"kHaymitchkdoesn'tksayk so,kbutkI'mksurekthiskiskwhykhekdoesn'tkli ektoksleepkinkthekdar .k"No.kButkfork me,kit'skbetterktokwa ekupkwithkak paintbrushkthankak nifekinkmykhand,k"kheksays.k"Sokyoukreallykhatekthem?"k"Yes.k Butkthey'rekextraordinary.k Really,k"kIksay.kAndktheykare.kButkIkdon'tkwantktokloo katkthemkanymore.k"Wantkt okseekmyktalent?kCinnakdidkak greatkjobkonkit.k"kPeetaklaughs.k"Later.k"kThektrainklurcheskforward,kandkIkcank seektheklandkmovingkpastkusk throughkthekwindow.k"Comekon,kwe'rekalmostktokDistrictkEleven.kLet'skgokta ekakl oo katkit.k"kWekgokdownktokthek lastkcarkonkthektrain.kTherekarekchairskandkcouchesktoksitkon,kbutkwhat'skwonder fulkiskthatkthekbac kwindowsk retractkintokthekceilingksokyou'rekridingk

outside,kinkthekfreshkair,kandkyoukcankseekakwideksweepkofkthek landscape.kHugekopenkfieldskwithkherdskofkdairykcattlekgrazingkinkthem.kSokunli ekourkownkheavilykwoodedk home.kWekslowkslightlykandkIkthin kwekmightkbekcomingkinkforkanotherkstop,kwhenk akfencekriseskupkbeforekus.k Toweringkatkleastkthirty-fivekfeetkinkthekairkandktoppedkwithkwic edkcoilskofkba rbedkwire,kitkma eskourskbac kink Districtk12kloo kchildish.kMykeyeskquic lykinspectkthekbase,kwhichkisklinedkwith kenormouskmetalkplates.kTherek wouldkbeknokburrowingkunderkthose,knokescapingktokhunt.kThenkIkseekthekwatchtowe rs,kplacedkevenlykapart,k mannedkwithkarmedkguards,ksokoutkofkplacekamongkthekfieldskofkwildflowerskaround kthem.k"That'sksomethingk different,k"ksayskPeeta.kRuekdidkgivekmekthekimpressionkthatkthekruleskinkDistri ctk11kwerekmorekharshlyk enforced.kButkIkneverkimaginedksomethingkli ekthis.kNowkthekcropskbegin,kstretch edkoutkaskfarkaskthekeyekcank see.kMen,kwomen,kandkchildrenkwearingkstrawkhatsktok eepkoffktheksunkstraightenk up,kturnkourkway,kta ekak momentktokstretchktheirkbac skasktheykwatchkourktrainkgokby.kIkcankseekorchardsk inkthekdistance,kandkIkwonderkifk that'skwherekRuekwouldkhavekwor ed,kcollectingkthekfruitkfromkthekslimmestkbranc heskatkthektopskofkthektrees.k Smallkcommunitieskofkshac sk--kbykcomparisonkthekhouseskinkthekSeamkarekupscalek --kspringkupkherekandkthere,k butkthey'rekallkdeserted.kEverykhandkmustkbekneededkforkthekharvest.kOnkandkonki tkgoes.kIkcan'tkbelievektheksizek ofkDistrictk11.k"Howkmanykpeoplekdokyoukthin klivekhere?"kPeetakas s.kIksha ekmy khead.kInkschoolktheykreferktok itkaskaklargekdistrict,kthat'skall.kNokactualkfigureskonkthekpopulation.kButktho sek idskwekseekonkcamerakwaitingkfork thekreapingkeachkyear,ktheykcan'tkbekbutkaksamplingkofkthekoneskwhokactuallykliv ekhere.kWhatkdoktheykdo?kHavek preliminarykdrawings?kPic kthekwinnerskaheadkofktimekandkma eksurekthey'rekinkth ekcrowd?kHowkexactlykdidk Ruekendkupkonkthatkstagekwithknothingkbutkthekwindkofferingktokta ekherkplace?kI kbeginktokwearykofkthekvastness,k thekendlessnesskofkthiskplace.kWhenkEffiekcomesktoktellkusktokdress,kIkdon'tkobj ect.kIkgoktokmykcompartmentkandk letkthekprepkteamkdokmykhairkandkma eup.kCinnakcomeskinkwithkakprettykorangekfro c kpatternedkwithkautumnk leaves.kIkthin khowkmuchkPeetakwillkli ekthekcolor.kEffiekgetskPeetakandkmektoge therkandkgoeskthroughkthekday'sk programkoneklastktime.kInksomekdistrictskthekvictorskridekthroughkthekcitykwhile kthekresidentskcheer.kButkink11k-maybek becausekthere'sknotkmuchkofkakcityktokbeginkwith,kthingskbeingksokspreadkout,kor kmaybekbecausektheyk don'tkwantktokwasteksokmanykpeoplekwhilekthekharvestkiskonk--kthekpublickappeara ncekiskconfinedktoktheksquare.k Itkta eskplacekbeforektheirkJusticekBuilding,kakhugekmarblekstructure.kOnce,kitk mustkhavekbeenkakthingkofkbeauty,k butktimekhaskta enkitsktoll.kEvenkonktelevisionkyoukcankseekivykoverta ingkthekc rumblingkfacade,ktheksagkofkthek roof.kTheksquarekitselfkiskringedkwithkrun-downkstorefronts,kmostkofkwhichkareka bandoned.kWhereverkthek well-to-doklivekinkDistrictk11,kit'sknotkhere.kOurkentirekpublickperformancekwil lkbekstagedkoutsidekonkwhatkEffiek refersktokaskthekverandah,kthektiledkexpansekbetweenkthekfrontkdoorskandktheksta irskthat'skshadedkbykakroofk supportedkbykcolumns.kPeetakandkIkwillkbekintroduced,kthekmayorkofk11kwillkreadk

akspeechkinkourkhonor,kandk we'llkrespondkwithkakscriptedkthan -youkprovidedkbykthekCapitol.kIfkakvictorkhad kanykspecialkallieskamongkthek deadktributes,kitkiskconsideredkgoodkformktokaddkakfewkpersonalkcommentskaskwell .kIkshouldksayksomethingk aboutkRue,kandkThresh,ktoo,kreally,kbutkeveryktimekIktriedktokwritekitkatkhome,k Ikendedkupkwithkakblan kpaperk staringkmekinkthekface:kIt'skhardkforkmektoktal kaboutkthemkwithoutkgettingkemot ional.kFortunately,kPeetakhaskak littleksomethingkwor edkup,kandkwithksomekslightkalterations,kitkcankcountkforkb othkofkus.kAtkthekendkofkthek ceremony,kwe'llkbekpresentedkwithksomeksortkofkplaque,kandkthenkwekcankwithdrawk tokthekJusticekBuilding,k wherekakspecialkdinnerkwillkbekserved.kAskthektrainkiskpullingkintokthekDistrict k11kstation,kCinnakputskthek

finishingktoucheskonkmykoutfit,kswitchingkmykorangekhairbandkforkonekofkmetallic kgoldkandksecuringkthek moc ingjaykpinkIkworekinkthekarenaktokmykdress.kThere'sknokwelcoming,kcommitteek onkthekplatform,kjustkak squadkofkeightkPeace eeperskwhokdirectkuskintokthekbac kofkankarmoredktruc .kEff ieksniffskaskthekdoorkclan sk closedkbehindkus.k"Really,kyou'dkthin kwekwerekallkcriminals,k"ksheksays.kNotkal lkofkus,kEffie.kJustkme,kIkthin .k Thektruc kletskuskoutkatkthekbac kofkthekJusticekBuilding.kWe'rekhurriedkinside. kIkcanksmellkankexcellentkmealk beingkprepared,kbutkitkdoesn'tkbloc koutkthekodorskofkmildewkandkrot.kThey'vekle ftkusknoktimektokloo karound.k As.kWekma ekakbeelinekforkthekfrontkentrance,kIkcankhearkthekanthemkbeginningkou tsidekinktheksquare.kSomeonek clipskakmicrophonekonkme.kPeetakta eskmykleftkhand.kThekmayor'skintroducingkuska skthekmassivekdoorskopenk withkakgroan.k"Bigksmiles!"kEffieksays,kandkgiveskuskaknudge.kOurkfeetkstartkmov ingkforward.kThiskiskit.kThiskisk wherekIkhavektokconvincekeverybodykhowkinklovekIkamkwithkPeeta,kIkthin .kTheksol emnkceremonykiskprettyk tightlykmappedkout,ksokI'mknotksurekhowktokdokit.kIt'sknotkaktimekfork issing,kb utkmaybekIkcankwor konekin.k There'skloudkapplause,kbutknonekofkthekotherkresponseskwekgotkinkthekCapitol,kth ekcheerskandkwhoopskandk whistles.kWekwal kacrosskthekshadedkverandahkuntilkthekroofkrunskoutkandkwe'reks tandingkatkthektopkofkakbigk flightkofkmarblekstairskinkthekglaringksun.kAskmykeyeskadjust,kIkseekthekbuildin gskonktheksquarekhavekbeenkhungk withkbannerskthatkhelpkcoverkupktheirkneglectedkstate.kIt'skpac edkwithkpeople,k butkagain,kjustkakfractionkofkthek numberkwhoklivekhere.kAskusual,kakspecialkplatformkhaskbeenkconstructedkatkthekb ottomkofkthekstagekforkthek familieskofkthekdeadktributes.kOnkThresh'skside,kthere'skonlykankoldkwomankwithk akhunchedkbac kandkaktall,k muscularkgirlkI'mkguessingkiskhisksister.kOnkRue'sk...kI'mknotkpreparedkforkRue' skfamily.kHerkparents,kwhosek faceskarekstillkfreshkwithksorrow.kHerkfivekyoungerksiblings,kwhokresemblekherks okclosely.kThekslightkbuilds,kthek luminouskbrownkeyes.kTheykformkakfloc kofksmallkdar kbirds.kThekapplausekdieskou tkandkthekmayorkgiveskthek speechkinkourkhonor.kTwoklittlekgirlskcomekupkwithktremendouskbouquetskofkflower s.kPeetakdoeskhiskpartkofkthek scriptedkreplykandkthenkIkfindkmyklipskmovingktokconcludekit.kFortunatelykmykmot herkandkPrimkhavekdrilledkmek sokIkcankdokitkinkmyksleep.kPeetakhadkhiskpersonalkcommentskwrittenkonkakcard,kb utkhekdoesn'tkpullkitkout.kInsteadk hekspea skinkhisksimple,kwinningkstylekaboutkThreshkandkRuekma ingkitktokthekfin alkeight,kaboutkhowktheykbothk eptkmekalive--therebyk eepingkhimkalive--andkaboutkhowkthiskiskakdebtkwekcankne verkrepay.kAndkthenkhek hesitateskbeforekaddingksomethingkthatkwasn'tkwrittenkonkthekcard.kMaybekbecause khekthoughtkEffiekmightkma ek himkremovekit.k"Itkcankinknokwaykreplacekyourklosses,kbutkaskakto enkofkourkthan skwe'dkli ekforkeachkofkthek tributes'kfamilieskfromkDistrictkElevenktokreceivekonekmonthkofkourkwinningskeve rykyearkforkthekdurationkofkourk lives.k"kThekcrowdkcan'tkhelpkbutkrespondkwithkgaspskandkmurmurs.kTherekisknokpr ecedentkforkwhatkPeetakhask done.kIkdon'tkevenk nowkifkit'sklegal.kHekprobablykdoesn'tk now,keither,ksokhekd

idn'tkas kinkcasekitkisn't.kAskfork thekfamilies,ktheykjustkstarekatkuskinkshoc .kTheirkliveskwerekchangedkforeverkw henkThreshkandkRuekwereklost,k butkthiskgiftkwillkchangekthemkagain.kAkmonthkofktributekwinningskcankeasilykpro videkforkakfamilykforkakyear.kAsk longkaskweklive,ktheykwillknotkhunger.kIkloo katkPeetakandkhekgiveskmekaksadksmi le.kIkhearkHaymitch'skvoice.k "Youkcouldkdokaklotkworse.k"kAtkthiskmoment,kit'skimpossiblektokimaginekhowkIkco uldkdokanykbetter.kThekgiftk...k Itkiskperfect.kSokwhenkIkrisekupkonktiptoektok isskhim,kitkdoesn'tkseemkforcedka tkall.kThekmayorkstepskforwardkandk presentskuskeachkwithkakplaquekthat'sksoklargekIkhavektokputkdownkmykbouquetktok holdkit.kThekceremony'skaboutk tokendkwhenkIknoticekonekofkRue'sksisterskstaringkatkme.kShekmustkbekaboutkninek andkiskalmostkankexactkreplicak ofkRue,kdownktokthekwaykshekstandskwithkherkarmskslightlykextended.kDespitekthek goodknewskaboutkthek winnings,kshe'sknotkhappy.kInkfact,kherkloo kiskreproachful.kIskitkbecausekIkdid n'tksavekRue?kNo.kIt'skbecausekIk stillkhaven'tkthan edkher,kIkthin .kAkwavekofkshamekrusheskthroughkme.kThekgirlk iskright.kHowkcankIkstandkhere,k passivekandkmute,kleavingkallkthekwordsktokPeeta?kIfkshekhadkwon,kRuekwouldkneve rkhavekletkmykdeathkgok unsung.kIkrememberkhowkIktoo kcarekinkthekarenaktokcoverkherkwithkflowers,ktokma eksurekherklosskdidknotkgok unnoticed.kButkthatkgesturekwillkmeanknothingkifkIkdon'tksupportkitknow.k"Wait!" kIkstumblekforward,kpressingkthek plaquektokmykchest.kMykallottedktimekforkspea ingkhaskcomekandkgone,kbutkIkmustk sayksomething.kIkowektook much.kAndkevenkifkIkhadkpledgedkallkmykwinningsktokthekfamilies,kitkwouldknotkex cusekmyksilencektoday.k"Wait,k please.k"kIkdon'tk nowkhowktokstart,kbutkoncekIkdo,kthekwordskrushkfromkmyk

lipskaskifkthey'vekbeenkformingkink thekbac kofkmykmindkforkaklongktime.k"Ikwantktokgivekmykthan sktokthektributesko fkDistrictkEleven,k"kIksay.kIkloo k atkthekpairkofkwomenkonkThresh'skside.k"Ikonlykeverkspo ektokThreshkonektime.kJu stklongkenoughkforkhimktok sparekmyklife.kIkdidn'tk nowkhim,kbutkIkalwayskrespectedkhim.kForkhiskpower.kFor khiskrefusalktokplaykthekGamesk onkanyone'sktermskbutkhiskown.kThekCareerskwantedkhimktokteamkupkwithkthemkfromk thekbeginning,kbutkhek wouldn'tkdokit.kIkrespectedkhimkforkthat.k"kForkthekfirstktimekthekoldkhunchedkw omank--kiskshekThresh'sk grandmother?k--kraiseskherkheadkandkthektracekofkaksmilekplayskonkherklips.kThek crowdkhaskfallenksilentknow,ksok silentkthatkIkwonderkhowktheykmanagekit.kTheykmustkallkbekholdingktheirkbreath.k IkturnktokRue'skfamily.k"ButkIk

feelkaskifkIkdidk nowkRue,kandkshe'llkalwayskbekwithkme.kEverythingkbeautifulkbr ingskherktokmind.kIkseekherkink thekyellowkflowerskthatkgrowkinkthekMeadowkbykmykhouse.kIkseekherkinkthekmoc ing jayskthatksingkinkthektrees.k Butkmostkofkall,kIkseekherkinkmyksister,kPrim.k"kMykvoicekiskundependable,kbutkI kamkalmostkfinished.k"Than kyouk forkyourkchildren.k"kIkraisekmykchinktokaddresskthekcrowd.k"Andkthan kyoukallkfo rkthekbread.k"kIkstandkthere,k feelingkbro enkandksmall,kthousandskofkeyesktrainedkonkme.kThere'skaklongkpause. kThen,kfromksomewherekinkthek crowd,ksomeonekwhistleskRue'skfour-knotekmoc ing-jayktune.kThekonekthatksignaled kthekendkofkthekwor daykink thekorchards.kThekonekthatkmeantksafetykinkthekarena.kBykthekendkofkthektune,kIk havekfoundkthekwhistler,kak wizenedkoldkmankinkakfadedkredkshirtkandkoveralls.kHiskeyeskmeetkmine.kWhatkhapp ensknextkisknotkankaccident.k Itkisktookwellkexecutedktokbekspontaneous,kbecausekitkhappenskinkcompletekunison .kEverykpersonkinkthekcrowdk presseskthekthreekmiddlekfingerskofktheirkleftkhandkagainstktheirklipskandkexten dskthemktokme.kIt'skourksignkfromk Districtk12,ktheklastkgood-byekIkgavekRuekinkthekarena.kIfkIkhadn'tkspo enktokPr esidentkSnow,kthiskgesturekmightk movekmektoktears.kButkwithkhiskrecentkordersktokcalmkthekdistrictskfreshkinkmyke ars,kitkfillskmekwithkdread.kWhatk willkhekthin kofkthiskverykpublicksalutektokthekgirlkwhokdefiedkthekCapitol?kThe kfullkimpactkofkwhatkI'vekdonek hitskme.kItkwasknotkintentional--Ikonlykmeantktokexpresskmykthan sk--kbutkIkhave kelicitedksomethingkdangerous.k AnkactkofkdissentkfromkthekpeoplekofkDistrictk11.kThiskiskexactlykthek indkofkth ingkIkamksupposedktokbek defusing!kIktryktokthin kofksomethingktoksayktokunderminekwhatkhaskjustkhappened ,ktoknegatekit,kbutkIkcankheark thekslightkburstkofkstatickindicatingkmykmicrophonekhaskbeenkcutkoffkandkthekmay orkhaskta enkover.kPeetakandkIk ac nowledgekakfinalkroundkofkapplause.kHekleadskmekbac ktowardkthekdoors,kunawar ekthatkanythingkhaskgonek wrong.kIkfeelkfunnykandkhavektokstopkforkakmoment.kLittlekbitskofkbrightksunshin ekdancekbeforekmykeyes.k"Arek youkallkright?"kPeetakas s.k"Justkdizzy.kTheksunkwasksokbright,k"kIksay.kIkseekh iskbouquet.k"Ikforgotkmykflowers,k"k Ikmumble.k"I'llkgetkthem,k"kheksays.k"Ikcan,k"kIkanswer.kWekwouldkbeksafekinside kthekJusticekBuildingkbyknow,kifk Ikhadn'tkstopped,kifkIkhadn'tkleftkmykflowers.kInstead,kfromkthekdeepkshadekofkt hekverandah,kwekseekthekwholek thing.kAkpairkofkPeace eeperskdraggingkthekoldkmankwhokwhistledktokthektopkofkth eksteps.kForcingkhimktokhisk neeskbeforekthekcrowd.kAndkputtingkakbulletkthroughkhiskhead.k

kThekmankhaskonlykjustkcrumpledktokthekgroundk whenkakwallkofkwhitekPeace eeperkuniformskbloc skourkview.kSeveralkofktheksoldie rskhavekautomatickweaponsk heldklengthwisekasktheykpushkuskbac ktowardkthekdoor.k"We'rekgoing!"ksayskPeeta, kshovingkthekPeace eeperk who'skpressingkonkme.k"Wekgetkit,kallkright?kComekon,kKatniss.k"kHiskarmkencircl eskmekandkguideskmekbac kintok thekJusticekBuilding.kThekPeace eeperskfollowkakpacekorktwokbehindkus.kThekmomen tkwe'rekinside,kthekdoorsk slamkshutkandkwekhearkthekPeace eepers'kbootskmovingkbac ktowardkthekcrowd.kHaym itch,kEffie,kPortia,kandk Cinnakwaitkunderkakstatic-filledkscreenkthat'skmountedkonkthekwall,ktheirkfacesk tightkwithkanxiety.k"Whatk happened?"kEffiekhurrieskover.k"WeklostkthekfeedkjustkafterkKatniss'skbeautifulk speech,kandkthenkHaymitchksaidk hekthoughtkhekheardkakgunkfire,kandkIksaidkitkwaskridiculous,kbutkwhok nows?kThe rekareklunaticskeverywhere!"k "Nothingkhappened,kEffie.kAnkoldktruc kbac fired,k"ksayskPeetakevenly.kTwokmorek shots.kThekdoorkdoesn'tk mufflektheirksoundkmuch.kWhokwaskthat?kThresh'skgrandmother?kOnekofkRue'sklittle ksisters?k"Bothkofkyou.kWithk me,k"ksayskHaymitch.kPeetakandkIkfollowkhim,kleavingkthekotherskbehind.kThekPeac e eeperskwhokarekstationedk aroundkthekJusticekBuildingkta eklittlekinterestkinkourkmovementsknowkthatkwekar eksafelykinside.kWekascendkak magnificentkcurvedkmarblekstaircase.kAtkthektop,kthere'skaklongkhallkwithkwornkc arpetkonkthekfloor.kDoublekdoorsk standkopen,kwelcomingkuskintokthekfirstkroomkwekencounter.kThekceilingkmustkbekt wentykfeetkhigh.kDesignskofk fruitkandkflowerskarekcarvedkintokthekmoldingkandksmall,kfatkchildrenkwithkwings kloo kdownkatkuskfromkeveryk angle.kVaseskofkblossomskgivekoffkakcloyingkscentkthatkma eskmykeyeskitch.kOurke veningkclotheskhangkonkrac sk againstkthekwall.kThiskroomkhaskbeenkpreparedkforkourkuse,kbutkwe'rekbarelykther eklongkenoughktokdropkoffkourk gifts.kThenkHaymitchkyan skthekmicrophoneskfromkourkchests,kstuffskthemkbeneathk akcouchkcushion,kandkwavesk uskon.kAskfarkaskIk now,kHaymitchkhaskonlykbeenkherekonce,kwhenkhekwaskonkhiskVi ctorykTourkdecadeskago.k Butkhekmustkhavekakremar ablekmemorykorkreliablekinstincts,kbecausekhekleadskusk upkthroughkakmazekofk twistingkstaircaseskandkincreasinglyknarrowkhalls.kAtktimeskhekhasktokstopkandkf orcekakdoor.kBykthekprotestingk squea kofkthekhingeskyoukcanktellkit'skbeenkaklongktimeksincekitkwaskopened.kEve ntuallykwekclimbkakladderktokak trapdoor.kWhenkHaymitchkpusheskitkaside,kwekfindkourselveskinkthekdomekofkthekJu sticekBuilding.kIt'skakhugek placekfilledkwithkbro enkfurniture,kpileskofkboo skandkledgers,kandkrustykweapon s.kThekcoatkofkdustkblan etingk everythingkisksokthic kit'skclearkitkhasn'tkbeenkdisturbedkforkyears.kLightkstru gglesktokfilterkinkthroughkfourkgrimyk squarekwindowsksetkinktheksideskofkthekdome.kHaymitchk ic skthektrapdoorkshutkan dkturnskonkus.k"Whatk happened?"khekas s.kPeetakrelateskallkthatkoccurredkinktheksquare.kThekwhistle,k theksalute,kourkhesitationkonkthek verandah,kthekmurderkofkthekoldkman.k"What'skgoingkon,kHaymitch?"k"Itkwillkbekbe tterkcomingkfromkyou,k"k Haymitchksaysktokme.kIkdon'tkagree.kIkthin kitkwillkbekakhundredktimeskworsekcom ingkfromkme.kButkIktellkPeetak

everythingkaskcalmlykaskIkcan.kAboutkPresidentkSnow,kthekunrestkinkthekdistricts .kIkdon'tkevenkomitkthek isskwithk Gale.kIklaykoutkhowkwekarekallkinkjeopardy,khowkthekwholekcountrykiskinkjeopardy kbecausekofkmyktric kwithkthek berries.k"Ikwasksupposedktokfixkthingskonkthisktour.kMa ekeveryonekwhokhadkdoubt edkbelievekIkactedkoutkofklove.k Calmkthingskdown.kButkobviously,kallkI'vekdonektodaykis.kGetkthreekpeoplek illed ,kandknowkeveryonekinkthek squarekwillkbekpunished.k"kIkfeelksoksic kthatkIkhavektoksitkdownkonkakcouch,kde spitekthekexposedkspringskandk stuffing.k"ThenkIkmadekthingskworse,ktoo.kBykgivingkthekmoney,k"ksayskPeeta.kSud denlykhekstri eskoutkatkaklampk thatksitskprecariouslykonkakcratekandk noc skitkacrosskthekroom,kwherekitkshatte rskagainstkthekfloor.k"Thiskhasktok stop.kRightknow.kThisk--kthis--gamekyouktwokplay,kwherekyouktellkeachkotherksecr etskbutk eepkthemkfromkmek li ekI'mktookinconsequentialkorkstupidkorkwea ktokhandlekthem.k"k"It'sknotkli ek that,kPeeta--"kIkbegin.k"It'skexactlyk li ekthat!"khekyellskatkme.k"IkhavekpeoplekIkcarekabout,ktoo,kKatniss!kFamilykan dkfriendskbac kinkDistrictkTwelvek whokwillkbekjustkaskdeadkaskyourskifkwekdon'tkpullkthiskthingkoff.kSo,kafterkall kwekwentkthroughkinkthekarena,kdon'tk Ikevenkratekthektruthkfromkyou?"k"You'rekalwaysksokreliablykgood,kPeeta,k"ksaysk Haymitch.k"Soksmartkaboutkhowk youkpresentkyourselfkbeforekthekcameras.kIkdidn'tkwantktokdisruptkthat.k"k"Well, kyoukoverestimatedkme.kBecausek Ikreallykscrewedkupktoday.kWhatkdokyoukthin kiskgoingktokhappenktokRue'skandkThr esh'skfamilies?kDokyoukthin k they'llkgetktheirksharekofkourkwinnings?kDokyoukthin kIkgavekthemkakbrightkfutur e?kBecausekIkthin kthey'llkbek luc ykifktheyksurvivekthekday!"kPeetaksendsksomethingkelsekflying,kakstatue.kI'v ekneverkseenkhimkli ekthis.k"He'sk right,kHaymitch,k"kIksay.k"Wekwerekwrongknotktoktellkhim.kEvenkbac kinkthekCapit ol.k"k"Evenkinkthekarena,kyouk twokhadksomeksortkofksystemkwor edkout,kdidn'tkyou?"kas skPeeta.kHiskvoicekiskqu ieterknow.k"SomethingkIk wasn'tkpartkof.k"k"No.kNotkofficially.kIkjustkcouldktellkwhatkHaymitchkwantedkme ktokdokbykwhatkheksent,korkdidn'tk send,k"kIksay.k"Well,kIkneverkhadkthatkopportunity.kBecausekhekneverksentkmekany thingkuntilkyoukshowedkup,k"k sayskPeeta.kIkhaven'tkthoughtkmuchkaboutkthis.kHowkitkmustkhavekloo edkfromkPeet a'skperspectivekwhenkIk appearedkinkthekarenakhavingkreceivedkburnkmedicinekandkbreadkwhenkhe,kwhokwaska tkdeath'skdoor,khadkgottenk nothing.kLi ekHaymitchkwask eepingkmekalivekatkhiskexpense.k"Loo ,kboy--"kHaymit chkbegins.k"Don'tkbother,k Haymitch.kIk nowkyoukhadktokchoosekonekofkus.kAndkI'dkhavekwantedkitktokbekher.k Butkthiskisksomethingk different.kPeoplekarekdeadkoutkthere.kMorekwillkfollowkunlesskwe'rekverykgood.kW ekallk nowkI'mkbetterkthank Katnisskinkfrontkofkthekcameras.kNokonekneedsktokcoachkmekonkwhatktoksay.kButkIk havektok nowkwhatkI'mk wal ingkinto,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Fromknowkon,kyou'llkbekfullykinformed,k"kHaymitchkp romises.k"Ikbetterkbe,k"ksaysk Peeta.kHekdoesn'tkevenkbotherktokloo katkmekbeforekhekleaves.kThekdustkhekdisrup tedkbillowskupkandkloo skfork newkplacesktokland.kMykhair,kmykeyes,kmykshinykgoldkpin.k"Didkyoukchoosekme,kHay mitch?"kIkas .k"Yeah,k"khek says.k"Why?kYoukli ekhimkbetter,k"kIksay.k"That'sktrue.kButkremember,kuntilkthey

kchangedkthekrules,kIkcouldkonlyk hopektokgetkonekofkyoukoutkofktherekalive,k"kheksays.k"Ikthoughtksincekhekwaskde terminedktokprotectkyou,kwell,k betweenkthekthreekofkus,kwekmightkbekablektokbringkyoukhome.k"k

k"Oh"kiskallkIkcankthin ktoksay.k"You'llksee,kthek choiceskyou'llkhavektokma e.kIfkweksurvivekthis,k"ksayskHaymitch.k"You'llklearn. k"kWell,kI'veklearnedkonekthingk today.kThiskplacekisknotkaklargerkversionkofkDistrictk12.kOurkfencekiskunguarded kandkrarelykcharged.kOurk Peace eeperskarekunwelcomekbutklesskbrutal.kOurkhardshipskevo ekmorekfatiguektha nkfury.kHerekink11,ktheyk sufferkmorekacutelykandkfeelkmorekdesperation.kPresidentkSnowkiskright.kAkspar k couldkbekenoughktoksetkthemk ablaze.kEverythingkiskhappeningktookfastkforkmektokprocesskit.kThekwarning,kthek shootings,kthekrecognitionkthatkIk maykhaveksetksomethingkofkgreatkconsequencekinkmotion.kThekwholekthingkisksokimp robable.kAndkitkwouldkbek onekthingkifkIkhadkplannedktokstirkthingskup,kbutkgivenkthekcircumstancesk...kHo wkonkearthkdidkIkcauseksokmuchk trouble?k"Comekon.kWe'vekgotkakdinnerktokattend,k"ksayskHaymitch.kIkstandkinkthe kshowerkasklongkasktheykletkmek beforekIkhavektokcomekoutktokbekreadied.kThekprepkteamkseemskobliviousktokthekev entskofkthekday.kThey'rekallk excitedkaboutkthekdinner.kInkthekdistrictskthey'rekimportantkenoughktokattend,kw hereaskbac kinkthekCapitolktheyk almostkneverkscorekinvitationsktokprestigiouskparties.kWhilektheyktryktokpredict kwhatkdisheskwillkbekserved,kIk eepkseeingkthekoldkman'skheadkbeingkblownkoff.kIkdon'tkevenkpaykattentionktokwh atkanyonekiskdoingktokmekuntilk I'mkaboutktokleavekandkIkseekmyselfkinkthekmirror.kAkpalekpin kstraplesskdresskb rusheskmykshoes.kMykhairkisk pinnedkbac kfromkmykfacekandkfallingkdownkmykbac kinkakshowerkofkringlets.kCinna kcomeskupkbehindkmekandk arrangeskakshimmeringksilverkwrapkaroundkmykshoulders.kHekcatcheskmykeyekinkthek mirror.k"Li ekit?"k"It'sk beautiful.kAskalways,k"kIksay.k"Let'skseekhowkitkloo skwithkaksmile,k"kheksayskg ently.kIt'skhiskreminderkthatkinkak minute,ktherekwillkbekcameraskagain.kIkmanagektokraisekthekcornerskofkmyklips.k" Therekwekgo.k"kWhenkwekallk assemblektokgokdownktokthekdinner,kIkcankseekEffiekiskoutkofksorts.kSurely,kHaym itchkhasn'tktoldkherkaboutkwhatk happenedkinktheksquare.kIkwouldn'tkbeksurprisedkifkCinnakandkPortiak now,kbutkth erekseemsktokbekankunspo enk agreementktokleavekEffiekoutkofkthekbad-newskloop.kItkdoesn'tkta eklongktokheark aboutkthekproblem,kthough.kEffiek runskthroughkthekevening'skschedule,kthenktosseskitkaside.k"Andkthen,kthan kgood ness,kwekcankallkgetkonkthatk

trainkandkgetkoutkofkhere,k"ksheksays.k"Isksomethingkwrong,kEffie?"kas skCinna.k "Ikdon'tkli ekthekwaykwe'vekbeenk treated.kBeingkstuffedkintoktruc skandkbarredkfromkthekplatform.kAndkthen,kabout kankhourkago,kIkdecidedktokloo k aroundkthekJusticekBuilding.kI'mksomethingkofkankexpertkinkarchitecturalkdesign, kyouk now,k"ksheksays.k"Oh,k yes,kI'vekheardkthat,k"ksayskPortiakbeforekthekpausekgetsktooklong.k"So,kIkwaskj ustkhavingkakpee karoundkbecausek districtkruinskarekgoingktokbekallkthekragekthiskyear,kwhenktwokPeacema erskshow edkupkandkorderedkmekbac ktok ourkquarters.kOnekofkthemkactuallykpo edkmekwithkherkgun!"ksayskEffie.kIkcan'tkh elpkthin ingkthiskiskthekdirectk resultkofkHaymitch,kPeeta,kandkmekdisappearingkearlierkinkthekday.kIt'skaklittle kreassuring,kactually,ktokthin kthatk Haymitchkmightkhavekbeenkright.kThatknokonekwouldkhavekbeenkmonitoringkthekdusty kdomekwherekwektal ed.k AlthoughkIkbetktheykareknow.kEffiekloo sksokdistressedkthatkIkspontaneouslykgive kherkakhug.k"That'skawful,kEffie.k Maybekwekshouldn'tkgoktokthekdinnerkatkall.kAtkleastkuntilkthey'vekapologized.k" kIk nowkshe'llkneverkagreektokthis,k butkshekbrightenskconsiderablykatktheksuggestion,katkthekvalidationkofkherkcompl aint.k"No,kI'llkmanage.kIt'skpartk ofkmykjobktokweatherkthekupskandkdowns.kAndkwekcan'tkletkyouktwokmisskyourkdinne r,k"ksheksays.k"Butkthan k youkforkthekoffer,kKatniss.k"kEffiekarrangeskuskinkformationkforkourkentrance.kF irstkthekprepkteams,kthenkher,kthek stylists,kHaymitch.kPeetakandkI,kofkcourse,kbringkupkthekrear.kSomewherekbelow,k musicianskbeginktokplay.kAsk thekfirstkwavekofkourklittlekprocessionkbeginskdownktheksteps,kPeetakandkIkjoink hands.k"HaymitchksayskIkwask wrongktokyellkatkyou.kYoukwerekonlykoperatingkunderkhiskinstructions,k"ksayskPee ta.k"Andkitkisn'tkaskifkIkhaven'tk eptkthingskfromkyoukinkthekpast.k"kIkrememberkthekshoc kofkhearingkPeetakconfes skhisklovekforkmekinkfrontkofkallk ofkPanem.kHaymitchkhadk nownkaboutkthatkandknotktoldkme.k"Ikthin kIkbro ekakfewk thingskmyselfkafterkthatk interview.k"k"Justkankurn,k"kheksays.k"Andkyourkhands.kThere'sknokpointktokitkan ymore,kthough,kiskthere?kNotk beingkstraightkwithkeachkother?"kIksay.k"Nokpoint,k"ksayskPeeta.kWekstandkatkthe ktopkofkthekstairs,kgivingk Haymitchkakfifteen-stepkleadkaskEffiekdirected.k"Waskthatkreallykthekonlyktimeky ouk issedkGale?"kI'mksokstartledk Ikanswer.k"Yes.k"kWithkallkthatkhaskhappenedktoday,khaskthatkquestionkactuallykb eenkpreyingkonkhim?k"That'sk fifteen.kLet'skdokit,k"kheksays.kAklightkhitskus,kandkIkputkonkthekmostkdazzling ksmilekIkcan.kWekdescendkthekstepsk andkareksuc edkintokwhatkbecomeskankindistinguishablekroundkofkdinners,kceremoni es,kandktrainkrides.kEachkdayk it'sktheksame.kWa ekup.kGetkdressed.kRidekthroughkcheeringkcrowds.kListenktokaks peechkinkourkhonor.kGivekak than -youkspeechkinkreturn,kbutkonlykthekonekthekCapitolkgavekus,kneverkanykpers onalkadditionsknow.k Sometimeskakbriefktour:kakglimpsekofkthekseakinkonekdistrict,ktoweringkforestski nkanother,kuglykfactories,kfieldskofk wheat,kstin ingkrefineries.kDresskinkeveningkclothes.kAttendkdinner.kTrain.kDuri ngkceremonies,kwekareksolemnk andkrespectfulkbutkalwaysklin edktogether,kbykourkhands,kourkarms.kAtkdinners,kw ekarekborderlinekdeliriouskink ourklovekforkeachkother.kWek iss,kwekdance,kwekgetkcaughtktryingktoksnea kawaykt

okbekalone.kOnkthektrain,kwek arekquietlykmiserablekaskwektryktokassesskwhatkeffectkwekmightkbekhaving.kEvenkw ithoutkourkpersonalkspeechesk toktriggerkdissent--kneedlessktoksaykthekoneskwekgavekinkDistrictk11kwerekedited koutkbeforekthekeventkwask broadcast--youkcankfeelksomethingkinkthekair,kthekrollingkboilkofkakpotkaboutkto krunkover.kNotkeverywhere.kSomek crowdskhavekthekweary-cattlekfeelkthatkIk nowkDistrictk12kusuallykprojectskatkth ekvictors'kceremonies.kButkink othersk--kparticularlyk8,k4,kandk3k--ktherekiskgenuinekelationkinkthekfaceskofkt hekpeoplekatktheksightkofkus,kandk underkthekelation,kfury.kWhenktheykchantkmykname,kitkiskmorekofkakcrykforkvengea ncekthankakcheer.kWhenkthek Peace eeperskmovekinktokquietkankunrulykcrowd,kitkpresseskbac kinsteadkofkretrea ting.kAndkIk nowkthatkthere'sk nothingkIkcouldkeverkdoktokchangekthis.kNokshowkofklove,khoweverkbelievable,kwil lkturnkthisktide.kIfkmykholdingk outkthosekberrieskwaskankactkofktemporarykinsanity,kthenkthesekpeoplekwillkembra cekinsanity,ktoo.kCinnakbeginsk tokta ekinkmykclotheskaroundkthekwaist.kThekprepkteamkfretskoverkthekcircleskund erkmykeyes.kEffiekstartskgivingk mekpillsktoksleep,kbutktheykdon'tkwor .kNotkwellkenough.kIkdriftkoffkonlyktokbek rousedkbyknightmareskthatkhavek increasedkinknumberkandkintensity.kPeeta,kwhokspendskmuchkofktheknightkroamingkt hektrain,khearskmekscreamingk askIkstrugglektokbrea koutkofkthekhazekofkdrugskthatkmerelykprolongkthekhorrible kdreams.kHekmanagesktokwa ek mekandkcalmkmekdown.kThenkhekclimbskintokbedktokholdkmekuntilkIkfallkbac ktoksle ep.kAfterkthat,kIkrefusekthek pills.kButkeveryknightkIkletkhimkintokmykbed.kWekmanagekthekdar nesskaskwekdidki nkthekarena,kwrappedkinkeachk other'skarms,kguardingkagainstkdangerskthatkcankdescendkatkanykmoment.kNothingke lsekhappens,kbutkourk arrangementkquic lykbecomeskaksubjectkofkgossipkonkthektrain.kWhenkEffiekbringsk itkupktokme,kIkthin ,kGood.k Maybekitkwillkgetkbac ktokPresidentkSnow.kIktellkherkwe'llkma ekankeffortktokbek morekdiscreet,kbutkwekdon't.kThek bac -to-bac kappearanceskink2kandk1karektheirkownkspecialk indkofkawful.kCatokan dkClove,kthektributeskfromk Districtk2,kmightkhavekbothkmadekitkhomekifkPeetak

andkIkhadn't.kIkpersonallyk illedkthekgirl,kGlimmer,kandkthek boykfromkDistrictk1.kAskIktryktokavoidkloo ingkatkhiskfamily,kIklearnkthatkhiskn amekwaskMarvel.kHowkdidkIkneverk nowkthat?kIksupposekthatkbeforekthekGameskIkdidn'tkpaykattention,kandkafterward kIkdidn'tkwantktok now.kBykthek timekwekreachkthekCapitol,kwekarekdesperate.kWekma ekendlesskappearancesktokador ingkcrowds.kTherekisknok

dangerkofkankuprisingkherekamongkthekprivileged,kamongkthosekwhoseknameskareknev erkplacedkinkthekreapingk balls,kwhosekchildrenkneverkdiekforktheksupposedkcrimeskcommittedkgenerationskag o.kWekdon'tkneedktokconvincek anybodykinkthekCapitolkofkourklovekbutkholdktokthekslimkhopekthatkwekcankstillkr eachksomekofkthosekwekfailedktok convincekinkthekdistricts.kWhateverkwekdokseemsktooklittle,ktooklate.kBac kinkou rkoldkquarterskinkthekTrainingk Center,kI'mkthekonekwhoksuggestskthekpublickmarriagekproposal.kPeetakagreesktokd okitkbutkthenkdisappearsktokhisk roomkforkaklongktime.kHaymitchktellskmektokleavekhimkalone.k"Ikthoughtkhekwanted kit,kanyway,k"kIksay.k"Notkli ek this,k"kHaymitchksays.k"Hekwantedkitktokbekreal.k"kIkgokbac ktokmykroomkandkliek underkthekcovers,ktryingknotktok thin kofkGalekandkthin ingkofknothingkelse.kThatknight,konkthekstagekbeforekthek TrainingkCenter,kwekbubblekourk waykthroughkaklistkofkquestions.kCaesarkFlic erman,kinkhisktwin lingkmidnightkbl ueksuit,khiskhair,keyelids,kandk lipskstillkdyedkpowderkblue,kflawlesslykguideskuskthroughkthekinterview.kWhenkhe kas skuskaboutkthekfuture,k Peetakgetskdownkonkonek nee,kpourskoutkhiskheart,kandkbegskmektokmarrykhim.kI,ko fkcourse,kaccept.kCaesarkisk besidekhimself,kthekCapitolkaudiencekiskhysterical,kshotskofkcrowdskaroundkPanem kshowkakcountrykbesottedkwithk happiness.kPresidentkSnowkhimselfkma eskaksurprisekvisitktokcongratulatekus.kHek claspskPeeta'skhandkandkgivesk himkankapprovingkslapkonkthekshoulder.kHekembraceskme,kenfoldingkmekinktheksmell kofkbloodkandkroses,kandk plantskakpuffyk isskonkmykchee .kWhenkhekpullskbac ,khiskfingerskdiggingkintokmy karms,khiskfaceksmilingkintok mine,kIkdarektokraisekmykeyebrows.kTheykas kwhatkmyklipskcan't.kDidkIkdokit?kWas kitkenough?kWaskgivingk everythingkoverktokyou,k eepingkupkthekgame,kpromisingktokmarrykPeetakenough?kIn kanswer,khekgiveskankalmostk imperceptibleksha ekofkhiskhead.k

kInkthatkonekslightkmotion,kIkseekthekendkofkhope,kthekbeginningkofkthek destructionkofkeverythingkIkholdkdearkinkthekworld.kIkcan'tkguesskwhatkformkmykp unishmentkwillkta e,khowkwidek theknetkwillkbekcast,kbutkwhenkitkiskfinished,ktherekwillkmostkli elykbeknothing kleft.kSokyoukwouldkthin kthatkatk thiskmoment,kIkwouldkbekinkutterkdespair.kHere'skwhat'skstrange.kThekmainkthingk Ikfeelkiskaksensekofkrelief.kThatkIk cankgivekupkthiskgame.kThatkthekquestionkofkwhetherkIkcanksucceedkinkthiskventur ekhaskbeenkanswered,kevenkifk thatkanswerkiskakresoundingkno.kThatkifkdesperatektimeskcallkforkdesperatekmeasu res,kthenkIkamkfreektokactkask desperatelykaskIkwish.kOnlyknotkhere,knotkquitekyet.kIt'skessentialktokgetkbac k tokDistrictk12,kbecausekthekmaink partkofkanykplankwillkincludekmykmotherkandksister,kGalekandkhiskfamily.kAndkPee ta,kifkIkcankgetkhimktokcomek withkus.kIkaddkHaymitchktoktheklist.kThesekarekthekpeoplekIkmustkta ekwithkmekwh enkIkescapekintokthekwild.kHowk Ikwillkconvincekthem,kwherekwekwillkgokinkthekdeadkofkwinter,kwhatkitkwillkta ek tokevadekcapturekarek unansweredkquestions.kButkatkleastknowkIk nowkwhatkIkmustkdo.kSokinsteadkofkcrum plingktokthekgroundkandk weeping,kIkfindkmyselfkstandingkupkstraighterkandkwithkmorekconfidencekthankIkha vekinkwee s.kMyksmile,kwhilek somewhatkinsane,kisknotkforced.kAndkwhenkPresidentkSnowksilenceskthekaudiencekan dksays,k"Whatkdokyoukthin k aboutkuskthrowingkthemkakweddingkrightkherekinkthekCapitol?"kIkpullkoffkgirl-alm ost-catatonic-with-joykwithoutk akhitch.kCaesarkFlic ermankas skifkthekpresidentkhaskakdatekinkmind.k"Oh,kbefore kweksetkakdate,kwekbetterkclearkitk withkKatniss'skmother,k"ksayskthekpresident.kThekaudiencekgiveskakbigklaughkandk thekpresidentkputskhiskarmk aroundkme.k"Maybekifkthekwholekcountrykputskitskmindktokit,kwekcankgetkyoukmarri edkbeforekyou'rekthirty.k"k "You'llkprobablykhavektokpasskaknewklaw,k"kIksaykwithkakgiggle.k"Ifkthat'skwhatk itkta es,k"ksayskthekpresidentkwithk conspiratorialkgoodkhumor.kOh,kthekfunkwektwokhavektogether.kThekparty,kheldkink thekbanquetkroomkofkPresidentk Snow'skmansion,khasknokequal.kThekforty-footkceilingkhaskbeenktransformedkintokt heknightks y,kandkthekstarsk loo kexactlykasktheykdokatkhome.kIksupposektheykloo ktheksamekfromkthekCapitol,k butkwhokwouldk now?kThere'sk alwaysktookmuchklightkfromkthekcityktokseekthekstarskhere.kAboutkhalfwaykbetween kthekfloorkandkthekceiling,k musicianskfloatkonkwhatkloo kli ekfluffykwhitekclouds,kbutkIkcan'tkseekwhatkhold skthemkaloft.kTraditionalkdiningk tableskhavekbeenkreplacedkbykinnumerablekstuffedksofaskandkchairs,ksomeksurround ingkfireplaces,kotherskbesidek fragrantkflowerkgardenskorkpondskfilledkwithkexotickfish,ksokthatkpeoplekcankeat kandkdrin kandkdokwhateverktheyk pleasekinkthekutmostkcomfort.kThere'skaklargektiledkareakinkthekcenterkofkthekro omkthatkserveskaskeverythingkfromk akdancekfloor,ktokakstagekforkthekperformerskwhokcomekandkgo,ktokanotherkspotkto kminglekwithkthekflamboyantlyk dressedkguests.kButkthekrealkstarkofkthekeveningkiskthekfood.kTableskladenkwithk delicaciesklinekthekwalls.k Everythingkyoukcankthin kof,kandkthingskyoukhavekneverkdreamedkof,kliekinkwait.k Wholekroastedkcowskandkpigsk andkgoatskstillkturningkonkspits.kHugekplatterskofkfowlkstuffedkwithksavorykfrui tskandknuts.kOceankcreaturesk drizzledkinksauceskorkbeggingktokbekdippedkinkspicykconcoctions.kCountlesskchees

es,kbreads,kvegetables,ksweets,k waterfallskofkwine,kandkstreamskofkspiritskthatkflic erkwithkflames.kMykappetite khaskreturnedkwithkmy'kdesirektok fightkbac .kAfterkwee skofkfeelingktookworriedktokeat,kI'mkfamished.k"Ikwantktok tastekeverythingkinkthekroom,k"kIk tellkPeeta.kIkcankseekhimktryingktokreadkmykexpression,ktokfigurekoutkmyktransfo rmation.kSincekhekdoesn'tk nowk thatkPresidentkSnowkthin skIkhavekfailed,khekcankonlykassumekthatkIkthin kwekhav eksucceeded.kPerhapskevenkthatk Ikhaveksomekgenuinekhappinesskatkourkengagement.kHiskeyeskreflectkhiskpuzzlement kbutkonlykbriefly,kbecausek

we'rekonkcamera.k"Thenkyou'dkbetterkpacekyourself,k"kheksays.k"O ay,knokmorektha nkonekbitekofkeachkdish,k"kIk say.kMykresolvekiskalmostkimmediatelykbro enkatkthekfirstktable,kwhichkhasktwent ykorksoksoups,kwhenkIk encounterkakcreamykpump inkbrewksprin ledkwithksliveredknutskandktinykblac kseed s.k"Ikcouldkjustkeatkthiskallk night!"kIkexclaim.kButkIkdon't.kIkwea enkagainkatkakclearkgreenkbrothkthatkIkcan konlykdescribekasktastingkli ek springtime,kandkagainkwhenkIktrykakfrothykpin ksoupkdottedkwithkraspberries.kFac eskappear,knameskarek exchanged,kpictureskta en,k isseskbrushedkonkchee s.kApparentlykmykmoc ingjaykpi nkhaskspawnedkaknewk fashionksensation,kbecausekseveralkpeoplekcomekupktokshowkmektheirkaccessories.k Mykbirdkhaskbeenkreplicatedk onkbeltkbuc les,kembroideredkintoksil klapels,kevenktattooedkinkintimatekplaces. kEveryonekwantsktokwearkthek winner'skto en.kIkcankonlykimaginekhowknutskthatkma eskPresidentkSnow.kButkwhatk cankhekdo?kThekGamesk wereksuchkakhitkhere,kwherekthekberrieskwerekonlykaksymbolkofkakdesperatekgirlkt ryingktoksavekherklover.kPeetak andkIkma eknokeffortktokfindkcompanykbutkarekconstantlyksoughtkout.kWekarekwhatk nokonekwantsktokmisskatkthek party.kIkactkdelighted,kbutkIkhavekzerokinterestkinkthesekCapitolkpeople.kTheyka rekonlykdistractionskfromkthekfood.k Everyktablekpresentsknewktemptations,kandkevenkonkmykrestrictedkone-taste-per-di shkregimen,kIkbeginkfillingkupk quic ly.kIkpic kupkaksmallkroastedkbird,kbitekintokit,kandkmyktonguekfloodskwith korangeksauce.kDelicious.kButkIk ma ekPeetakeatkthekremainderkbecausekIkwantktok eepktastingkthings,kandkthekidea kofkthrowingkawaykfood,kaskIk seeksokmanykpeoplekdoingksokcasually,kiskabhorrentktokme.kAfterkaboutktenktables kI'mkstuffed,kandkwe'vekonlyk sampledkaksmallknumberkofkthekdisheskavailable.kJustkthenkmykprepkteamkdescendsk onkus.kThey'reknearlyk incoherentkbetweenkthekalcoholkthey'vekconsumedkandktheirkecstasykatkbeingkatksu chkakgrandkaffair.k"Whykaren'tk youkeating?"kas skOctavia.k"Ikhavekbeen,kbutkIkcan'tkholdkanotherkbite,k"kIksay. kTheykallklaughkaskifkthat'skthek silliestkthingkthey'vekeverkheard.k"Nokonekletskthatkstopkthem!"ksayskFlavius.kT heykleadkuskoverktokaktablekthatk holdsktinykstemmedkwineglasseskfilledkwithkclearkliquid.k"Drin kthis!"kPeetakpic skonekupktokta ekaksipkandktheyk losekit.k"Notkhere!"kshrie skOctavia.k"Youkhavektokdokitkinkthere,k"ksayskVenia, kpointingktokdoorskthatkleadktokthek toilets.k"Orkyou'llkgetkitkallkoverkthekfloor!"kPeetakloo skatkthekglasskagainka ndkputskitktogether.k"Youkmeankthisk willkma ekmekpu e?"kMykprepkteamklaughskhysterically.k"Ofkcourse,ksokyoukcank ee pkeating,k"ksayskOctavia.k "I'vekbeenkinktherektwicekalready.kEveryonekdoeskit,korkelsekhowkwouldkyoukhavek anykfunkatkakfeast?"kI'mk speechless,kstaringkatkthekprettyklittlekglasseskandkallktheykimply.kPeetaksetsk hiskbac konkthektablekwithksuchk precisionkyou'dkthin kitkmightkdetonate.k"Comekon,kKatniss,klet'skdance.k"kMusic kfilterskdownkfromkthekcloudsk askhekleadskmekawaykfromkthekteam,kthektable,kandkoutkontokthekfloor.kWek nowkon lykakfewkdanceskatkhome,kthek indkthatkgokwithkfiddlekandkflutekmusickandkrequirekakgoodkdealkofkspace.kButkE ffiekhaskshownkusksomekthatkarek popularkinkthekCapitol.kThekmusic'skslowkandkdreamli e,ksokPeetakpullskmekintokh

iskarmskandkwekmovekinkak circlekwithkpracticallyknokstepskatkall.kYoukcouldkdokthiskdancekonkakpiekplate. kWe'rekquietkforkakwhile.kThenk Peetakspea skinkakstrainedkvoice.k

k"Youkgokalong,kthin ingkyoukcankdealkwithkit,kthin ingkmaybekthey'reknotksok bad,kandkthenkyou--"kHekcutskhimselfkoff.kAllkIkcankthin kofkiskthekemaciatedkbo dieskofkthekchildrenkonkourk itchenktablekaskmykmotherkprescribeskwhatkthekparentskcan'tkgive.kMorekfood.kNo wkthatkwe'rekrich,kshe'llksendk somekhomekwithkthem.kButkoftenkinkthekoldkdays,ktherekwasknothingktokgivekandkth ekchildkwaskpastksaving,k anyway.kAndkherekinkthekCapitolkthey'rekvomitingkforkthekpleasurekofkfillingkthe irkbellieskagainkandkagain.kNotk fromksomekillnesskofkbodykorkmind,knotkfromkspoiledkfood.kIt'skwhatkeveryonekdoe skatkakparty.kExpected.kPartkofk thekfun.kOnekdaykwhenkIkdroppedkbyktokgivekHazellekthekgame,kVic kwaskhomeksic k withkakbadkcough.kBeingk partkofkGale'skfamily,kthek idkhasktokeatkbetterkthankninetykpercentkofkthekrest kofkDistrictk12.kButkhekstillkspentk aboutkfifteenkminutesktal ingkaboutkhowkthey'dkopenedkakcankofkcornksyrupkfromkP arcelkDaykandkeachkhadkak spoonfulkonkbreadkandkwerekgoingktokmaybekhavekmoreklaterkinkthekwee .kHowkHazel lekhadksaidkhekcouldkhavek akbitkinkakcupkofkteaktoksoothekhiskcough,kbutkhekwouldn'tkfeelkrightkunlesskthe kotherskhadksome,ktoo.kIfkit'skli ek thatkatkGale's,kwhat'skitkli ekinkthekotherkhouses?k"Peeta,ktheykbringkuskherekt okfightktokthekdeathkforktheirk entertainment,k"kIksay.k"Really,kthiskisknothingkbykcomparison.k"k"Ik now.kIk no wkthat.kIt'skjustksometimeskIk can'tkstandkitkanymore.kTokthekpointkwherek...kI'mknotksurekwhatkI'llkdo.k"kHekp auses,kthenkwhispers,k"Maybekwek werekwrong,kKatniss.k"k"Aboutkwhat?"kIkas .k"Aboutktryingktoksubduekthingskinkth ekdistricts,k"kheksays.kMykheadk turnskswiftlykfromksidektokside,kbutknokonekseemsktokhavekheard.kThekcamerakcrew kgotksidetrac edkatkaktablekofk shellfish,kandkthekcoupleskdancingkaroundkuskarekeitherktookdrun korktookself-in volvedktoknotice.k"Sorry,k"khek says.kHekshouldkbe.kThiskisknokplacektokbekvoicingksuchkthoughts.k"Savekitkforkh ome,k"kIktellkhim.kJustkthenk Portiakappearskwithkaklargekmankwhokloo skvaguelykfamiliar.kShekintroduceskhimka skPlutarchkHeavensbee,kthek newkHeadkGamema er.kPlutarchkas skPeetakifkhekcankstealkmekforkakdance.kPeeta'sk recoveredkhiskcamerakfacek andkgood-naturedlykpasseskmekover,kwarningkthekmanknotktokgetktookattached.kIkdo n'tkwantktokdancekwithk PlutarchkHeavensbee.kIkdon'tkwantktokfeelkhiskhands,konekrestingkagainstkmine,ko nekonkmykhip.kI'mknotkusedktok

beingktouched,kexceptkbykPeetakorkmykfamily,kandkIkran kGamema ersksomewherekbel owkmaggotskinktermskofk creatureskIkwantkinkcontactkwithkmyks in.kButkhekseemsktoksensekthiskandkholdskm ekalmostkatkarm'sklengthkaskwek turnkonkthekfloor.kWekchitchatkaboutkthekparty,kaboutkthekentertainment,kaboutkt hekfood,kandkthenkhekma eskak jo ekaboutkavoidingkpunchksincektraining.kIkdon'tkgetkit,kandkthenkIkrealizekhe' skthekmankwhoktrippedkbac wardk intokthekpunchkbowlkwhenkIkshotkankarrowkatkthekGamema erskduringkthektrainingks ession.kWell,knotkreally.kIk waskshootingkankapplekoutkofktheirkroastkpig'skmouth.kButkIkmadekthemkjump.k"Oh, kyou'rekonekwho--"kIklaugh,k rememberingkhimksplashingkbac kintokthekpunchkbowl.k"Yes.kAndkyou'llkbekpleasedk tok nowkI'vekneverk recovered,k"ksayskPlutarch.kIkwantktokpointkoutkthatktwenty-twokdeadktributeskwi llkneverkrecoverkfromkthek Gameskhekhelpedkcreate,keither.kButkIkonlyksay,k"Good.kSo,kyou'rekthekHeadkGamem a erkthiskyear?kThatkmustk bekakbigkhonor.k"k"Betweenkyoukandkme,ktherekweren'tkmanykta erskforkthekjob,k"k heksays.k"Sokmuchk responsibilitykasktokhowkthekGameskturnkout.k"kYeah,ktheklastkguy'skdead,kIkthin .kHekmustk nowkaboutkSenecak Crane,kbutkhekdoesn'tkloo kthekleastkbitkconcerned.k"ArekyoukplanningkthekQuarte rkQuellkGameskalready?"kIksay.k "Oh,kyes.kWell,kthey'vekbeenkinkthekwor skforkyears,kofkcourse.kArenaskaren'tkbu iltkinkakday.kButkthe,kshallkwek say,kflavorkofkthekGameskiskbeingkdeterminedknow.kBelievekitkorknot,kI'vekgotkak strategykmeetingktonight,k"khek says.kPlutarchkstepskbac kandkpullskoutkakgoldkwatchkonkakchainkfromkakvestkpoc et.kHekflipskopenktheklid,kseesk thektime,kandkfrowns.k"I'llkhavektokbekgoingksoon.k"kHekturnskthekwatchksokIkcan kseekthekface.k"Itkstartskatk midnight.k"k"Thatkseemsklatekfor--"kIksay,kbutkthenksomethingkdistractskme.kPlut archkhaskrunkhiskthumbkacrossk thekcrystalkfacekofkthekwatchkandkforkjustkakmomentkankimagekappears,kglowingkas kifklitkbykcandlelight.kIt'sk anotherkmoc ingjay.kExactlykli ekthekpinkonkmykdress.kOnlykthiskonekdisappears.k Heksnapskthekwatchkclosed.k "That'skverykpretty,k"kIksay.k"Oh,kit'skmorekthankpretty.kIt'skonekofkak ind,k"k heksays.k"Ifkanyonekas skaboutkme,k saykI'vekgonekhomektokbed.kThekmeetingskareksupposedktokbek eptksecret.kButkIkth oughtkit'dkbeksafektoktellkyou.k"k "Yes.kYourksecret'sksafekwithkme,k"kIksay.kAskweksha ekhands,khekgiveskaksmallkb ow,kakcommonkgesturekherekink thekCapitol.k"Well,kI'llkseekyouknextksummerkatkthekGames,kKatniss.kBestkwishesk onkyourkengagement,kandkgoodk luc kwithkyourkmother.k"k"I'llkneedkit,k"kIksay.kPlutarchkdisappearskandkIkwande rkthroughkthekcrowd,kloo ingkfork Peeta,kaskstrangerskcongratulatekme.kOnkmykengagement,konkmykvictorykatkthekGame s,konkmykchoicekofklipstic .k Ikrespond,kbutkreallykI'mkthin ingkaboutkPlutarchkshowingkoffkhiskpretty,kone-of -a- indkwatchktokme.kTherekwask somethingkstrangekaboutkit.kAlmostkclandestine.kButkwhy?kMaybekhekthin sksomeone kelsekwillkstealkhiskideakofk puttingkakdisappearingkmoc ingjaykonkakwatchkface.kYes,khekprobablykpaidkakfortu nekforkitkandknowkhekcan'tk showkitktokanyonekbecausekhe'skafraidksomeonekwillkma ekakcheap,k noc offkversio n.kOnlykinkthekCapitol.kIkfindk Peetakadmiringkaktablekofkelaboratelykdecoratedkca es.kBa erskhavekcomekinkfromk

thek itchenkespeciallyktoktal k frostingkwithkhim,kandkyoukcankseekthemktrippingkoverkonekanotherktokanswerkhisk questions.kAtkhiskrequest,ktheyk assemblekankassortmentkofklittlekca eskforkhimktokta ekbac ktokDistrictk12,kwher ekhekcankexaminektheirkwor kink quiet.k"Effieksaidkwekhavektokbekonkthektrainkatkone.kIkwonderkwhatktimekitkis,k "kheksays,kglancingkaround.k "Almostkmidnight,k"kIkreply.kIkpluc kakchocolatekflowerkfromkakca ekwithkmykfing erskandknibblekonkit,ksok beyondkworryingkaboutkmanners.k"Timektoksaykthan kyoukandkfarewell!"ktrillskEffi ekatkmykelbow.kIt'skonekofk thosekmomentskwhenkIkjustklovekherkcompulsivekpunctuality.kWekcollectkCinnakandk Portia,kandkshekescortskusk aroundktoksaykgood-byektokimportantkpeople,kthenkherdskusktokthekdoor.k"Shouldn' tkwekthan kPresidentkSnow?"k as skPeeta.k"It'skhiskhouse.k"k"Oh,khe'sknotkakbigkonekforkparties.kTookbusy,k"k sayskEffie.k"I'vekalreadykarrangedk forktheknecessaryknoteskandkgiftsktokbeksentktokhimktomorrow.kTherekyoukare!"kEf fiekgiveskaklittlekwavektoktwok CapitolkattendantskwhokhavekankinebriatedkHaymitchkproppedkupkbetweenkthem.kWekt ravelkthroughkthekstreetsk ofkthekCapitolkinkakcarkwithkdar enedkwindows.kBehindkus,kanotherkcarkbringskthe kprepkteams.kThekthrongskofk peoplekcelebratingkareksokthic kit'skslowkgoing.kButkEffiekhaskthiskallkdownktok akscience,kandkatkexactlykonek o'cloc kwekarekbac konkthektrainkandkit'skpullingkoutkofkthekstation.k

kHaymitchkiskdepositedkinkhiskroom.kCinnak orderskteakandkwekallkta ekseatskaroundkthektablekwhilekEffiekrattleskherkschedu lekpaperskandkremindskuskwe'rek stillkonktour.k"There'skthekHarvestkFestivalkinkDistrictkTwelvektokthin kabout.k SokIksuggestkwekdrin kourkteakandk headkstraightktokbed.k"kNokonekargues.kWhenkIkopenkmykeyes,kit'skearlykafternoon .kMykheadkrestskonkPeeta'skarm.k Ikdon'tkrememberkhimkcomingkinklastknight.kIkturn,kbeingkcarefulknotktokdisturbk him,kbutkhe'skalreadykawa e.k"Nok nightmares,k"kheksays.k"What?"kIkas .k"Youkdidn'tkhavekanyknightmaresklastknight ,k"kheksays.kHe'skright.kForkthek firstktimekinkageskI'veksleptkthroughktheknight.k"Ikhadkakdream,kthough,k"kIksay ,kthin ingkbac .k"Ikwaskfollowingkak moc ingjaykthroughkthekwoods.kForkaklongktime.kItkwaskRue,kreally.kIkmean,kwhenk itksang,kitkhadkherkvoice.k"k "Wherekdidkshekta ekyou?"kheksays,kbrushingkmykhairkoffkmykforehead.k"Ikdon'tk n ow.kWekneverkarrived,k"kIk say.k"ButkIkfeltkhappy.k"k"Well,kyouksleptkli ekyoukwerekhappy,k"kheksays.k"Peet a,khowkcomekIkneverk nowkwhenk you'rekhavingkaknightmare?"kIksay.k"Ikdon'tk now.kIkdon'tkthin kIkcrykoutkorkthr ashkaroundkorkanything.kIkjustk

comekto,kparalyzedkwithkterror,k"kheksays.k"Youkshouldkwa ekme,k"kIksay,kthin in gkaboutkhowkIkcankinterruptkhisk sleepktwokorkthreektimeskonkakbadknight.kAboutkhowklongkitkcankta ektokcalmkmekd own.k"It'sknotknecessary.kMyk nightmareskarekusuallykaboutklosingkyou,k"kheksays.k"I'mko aykoncekIkrealizekyou 'rekhere.k"kUgh.kPeetakma esk commentskli ekthiskinksuchkankoffhandkway,kandkit'skli ekbeingkhitkinkthekgut.kH e'skonlykansweringkmykquestionk honestly.kHe'sknotkpressingkmektokreplykink ind,ktokma ekanykdeclarationkofklove .kButkIkstillkfeelkawful,kaskifkI'vek beenkusingkhimkinksomekterriblekway.kHavekI?kIkdon'tk now.kIkonlyk nowkthatkfork thekfirstktime,kIkfeelkimmoralk aboutkhimkbeingkherekinkmykbed.kWhichkiskironicksincekwe'rekofficiallykengagedkn ow.k"Bekworsekwhenkwe'rek homekandkI'mksleepingkalonekagain,k"kheksays.kThat'skright,kwe'rekalmostkhome.kT hekagendakforkDistrictk12k includeskakdinnerkatkMayorkUndersee'skhousektonightkandkakvictorykrallykinktheks quarekduringkthekHarvestk Festivalktomorrow.kWekalwayskcelebratekthekHarvestkFestivalkonkthekfinalkdaykofk thekVictorykTour,kbutkusuallyk itkmeanskakmealkatkhomekorkwithkakfewkfriendskifkyoukcankaffordkit.kThiskyearkit kwillkbekakpublickaffair,kandksincek thekCapitolkwillkbekthrowingkit,keveryonekinkthekwholekdistrictkwillkhavekfullkb ellies.kMostkofkourkpreppingkwillk ta ekplacekatkthekmayor'skhouse,ksincekwe'rekbac ktokbeingkcoveredkinkfurskforko utdoorkappearances.kWe'rekonlyk atkthektrainkstationkbriefly,ktoksmilekandkwavekaskwekpilekintokourkcar.kWekdon' tkevenkgetktokseekourkfamilieskuntilk thekdinnerktonight.kI'mkgladkitkwillkbekatkthekmayor'skhousekinsteadkofkatkthekJ usticekBuilding,kwherekthek memorialkforkmykfatherkwaskheld,kwherektheyktoo kmekafterkthekreapingkforkthosek wrenchingkgoodbyesktokmyk family.kThekJusticekBuildingkisktookfullkofksadness.kButkIkli ekMayorkUndersee's khouse,kespeciallyknowkthatkhisk daughter,kMadge,kandkIkarekfriends.kWekalwayskwere,kinkakway.kItkbecamekofficial kwhenkshekcamektoksayk good-byektokmekbeforekIkleftkforkthekGames.kWhenkshekgavekmekthekmoc ingjaykpink forkluc .kAfterkIkgotkhome,k wekstartedkspendingktimektogether.kItkturnskoutkMadgekhaskplentykofkemptykhoursk tokfill,ktoo.kItkwaskaklittlek aw wardkatkfirstkbecausekwekdidn'tk nowkwhatktokdo.kOtherkgirlskourkage,kI'vekhe ardkthemktal ingkaboutkboys,k orkotherkgirls,korkclothes.kMadgekandkIkaren'tkgossipykandkclotheskborekmektokte ars.kButkafterkakfewkfalsekstarts,kIk realizedkshekwaskdyingktokgokintokthekwoods,ksokI'vekta enkherkakcouplekofktimes kandkshowedkherkhowktokshoot.k She'sktryingktokteachkmekthekpiano,kbutkmostlykIkli ektoklistenktokherkplay.kSom etimeskwekeatkatkeachkother'sk houses.kMadgekli eskminekbetter.kHerkparentskseemknicekbutkIkdon'tkthin ksheksee skakwholeklotkofkthem.kHerk fatherkhaskDistrictk12ktokrunkandkherkmotherkgetskfiercekheadacheskthatkforcekhe rktokstaykinkbedkforkdays.k "Maybekyoukshouldkta ekherktokthekCapitol,k"kIksaidkduringkonekofkthem.kWekweren 'tkplayingkthekpianokthatkday,k becausekevenktwokfloorskawayktheksoundkcausedkherkmotherkpain.k"Theykcankfixkher kup,kIkbet.k"k"Yes.kButkyouk don'tkgoktokthekCapitolkunlessktheykinvitekyou,k"ksaidkMadgekunhappily.kEvenkthe kmayor'skprivilegeskareklimited.k Whenkwekreachkthekmayor'skhouse,kIkonlykhavektimektokgivekMadgekakquic khugkbefo

rekEffiekhustleskmekoffktok thekthirdkfloorktokgetkready.kAfterkI'mkpreppedkandkdressedkinkakfull-lengthksil verkgown,kI'vekstillkgotkankhourktok illkbeforekthekdinner,ksokIkslipkoffktokfindkher.kMadge'skbedroomkiskonktheksec ondkfloorkalongkwithkseveralkguestk roomskandkherkfather'skstudy.kIkstic kmykheadkinkthekstudyktoksaykhelloktokthekm ayorkbutkit'skempty.kThek television'skdroningkon,kandkIkstopktokwatchkshotskofkPeetakandkmekatkthekCapito lkpartyklastknight.kDancing,k eating,k issing.kThiskwillkbekplayingkinkeverykhouseholdkinkPanemkrightknow.kThe kaudiencekmustkbeksic ktok deathkofkthekstar-crossedkloverskfromkDistrictk12.kIk nowkIkam.kI'mkleavingkthek roomkwhenkakbeepingknoisek catcheskmykattention.kIkturnkbac ktokseekthekscreenkofkthektelevisionkgokblac .k Thenkthekwordsk"UPDATEkONk DISTRICTk8"kstartkflashing.kInstinctivelykIk nowkthiskisknotkforkmykeyeskbutksom ethingkintendedkonlykforkthek mayor.kIkshouldkgo.kQuic ly.kInsteadkIkfindkmyselfksteppingkcloserktokthektelevi sion.kAnkannouncerkI'vekneverk seenkbeforekappears.kIt'skakwomankwithkgrayingkhairkandkakhoarse,kauthoritativek voice.kShekwarnskthatk conditionskarekworseningkandkakLevelk3kalertkhaskbeenkcalled.kAdditionalkforcesk arekbeingksentkintokDistrictk8,k andkallktextilekproductionkhaskceased.kTheykcutkawaykfromkthekwomanktokthekmaink squarekinkDistrictk8.kIk recognizekitkbecausekIkwasktherekonlyklastkwee .kTherekarekstillkbannerskwithkmy kfacekwavingkfromkthekrooftops.k Belowkthem,kthere'skakmobkscene.kTheksquare'skpac edkwithkscreamingkpeople,kthei rkfaceskhiddenkwithkragskandk homemadekmas s,kthrowingkbric s.kBuildingskburn.kPeace eeperskshootkintokthekcro wd,k illingkatkrandom.kI'vek neverkseenkanythingkli ekit,kbutkIkcankonlykbekwitnessingkonekthing.kThiskiskwha tkPresidentkSnowkcallskank uprising.k

kAkleatherkbagkfilledkwithkfoodkandkakflas kofkhotktea.kAkpairkofkfur-linedkglov eskthatkCinnakleftk behind.kThreektwigs,kbro enkfromkthekna edktrees,klyingkinktheksnow,kpointingkin kthekdirectionkIkwillktravel.k ThiskiskwhatkIkleavekforkGalekatkourkusualkmeetingkplacekonkthekfirstkSundaykaft erkthekHarvestkFestival.kIkhavek continuedkonkthroughkthekcold,kmistykwoods,kbrea ingkakpathkthatkwillkbekunfamil iarktokGalekbutkisksimplekfork mykfeetktokfind.kItkleadsktokthekla e.kIknoklongerktrustkthatkourkregularkrendez vouskspotkofferskprivacy,kandkI'llk needkthatkandkmorektokspillkmykgutsktokGalektoday.kButkwillkhekevenkcome?kIfkhek doesn't,kI'llkhaveknokchoicekbutk tokris kgoingktokhiskhousekinkthekdeadkofknight.kTherekarekthingskhekhasktok now ...kThingskIkneedkhimktokhelpkmek

figurekout...kOncekthekimplicationskofkwhatkIkwaskseeingkonkMayorkUndersee'sktel evisionkhitkme,kIkmadekforkthek doorkandkstartedkdownkthekhall.kJustkinktime,ktoo,kbecausekthekmayorkcamekupkthe kstepskmomentsklater.kIkgavek himkakwave.k"Loo ingkforkMadge?"kheksaidkinkakfriendlyktone.k"Yes.kIkwantktoksho wkherkmykdress,k"kIksaid.k "Well,kyouk nowkwherektokfindkher.k"kJustkthen,kanotherkroundkofkbeepingkcamekfr omkhiskstudy.kHiskfacekturnedk grave.k"Excusekme,k"kheksaid.kHekwentkintokhiskstudykandkclosedkthekdoorktightly .kIkwaitedkinkthekhallkuntilkIkhadk composedkmyself.kRemindedkmyselfkIkmustkactknaturally.kThenkIkfoundkMadgekinkher kroom,ksittingkatkherk dressingktable,kbrushingkoutkherkwavykblondkhairkbeforekakmirror.kShekwaskinkthe ksamekprettykwhitekdresskshe'dk wornkonkreapingkday.kSheksawkmykreflectionkbehindkherkandksmiled.k"Loo katkyou.k Li ekyoukcamekrightkoffkthek streetskofkthekCapitol.k"kIksteppedkinkcloser.kMykfingersktouchedkthekmoc ingjay .k"Evenkmykpinknow.k Moc ingjayskarekallkthekragekinkthekCapitol,kthan sktokyou.kArekyouksurekyoukdon 'tkwantkitkbac ?"kIkas ed.k "Don'tkbeksilly,kitkwaskakgift,k"ksaidkMadge.kShektiedkbac kherkhairkinkakfestiv ekgoldkribbon.k"Wherekdidkyoukgetk it,kanyway?"kIkas ed.k"Itkwaskmykaunt's,k"ksheksaid.k"ButkIkthin kit'skbeenkinkt hekfamilykaklongktime.k"k"It'skak funnykchoice,kakmoc ingjay,k"kIksaid.k"Ikmean,kbecausekofkwhatkhappenedkinkthekr ebellion.kWithkthekjabber-jaysk bac firingkonkthekCapitolkandkall.k"kThekjabberjayskwerekmuttations,kgenetically kenhancedkmalekbirdskcreatedk bykthekCapitolkaskweaponsktokspykonkrebelskinkthekdistricts.kTheykcouldkremember kandkrepeatklongkpassageskofk humankspeech,ksoktheykwereksentkintokrebelkareasktokcapturekourkwordskandkreturn kthemktokthekCapitol.kThek rebelskcaughtkonkandkturnedkthemkagainstkthekCapitolkbyksendingkthemkhomekloaded kwithklies.kWhenkthiskwask discovered,kthekjabberjayskwerekleftktokdie.kInkakfewkyears,ktheykbecamekextinct kinkthekwild,kbutknotkbeforektheyk hadkmatedkwithkfemalekmoc ingbirds,kcreatingkankentirelyknewkspecies.k"Butkmoc i ngjayskwerekneverkak weapon,k"ksaidkMadge.k"They'rekjustksongbirds.kRight?"k"Yeah,kIkguesskso,k"kIksa id.kButkit'sknotktrue.kAk moc ingbirdkiskjustkaksongbird.kAkmoc ingjaykiskakcreaturekthekCapitolkneverkint endedktokexist.kTheykhadn'tk countedkonkthekhighlykcontrolledkjabberjaykhavingkthekbrainsktokadaptktokthekwil d,ktokpasskonkitskgenetickcode,ktok thrivekinkaknewkform.kTheykhadn'tkanticipatedkitskwillktoklive.kNow,kaskIktrudge kthroughktheksnow,kIkseekthek moc ingjayskhoppingkaboutkonkbrancheskasktheykpic kupkonkotherkbirds'kmelodies,k replicatekthem,kandkthenk transformkthemkintoksomethingknew.kAskalways,ktheykremindkmekofkRue.kIkthin kofk thekdreamkIkhadktheklastk nightkonkthektrain,kwherekIkfollowedkherkinkmoc ingjaykform.kIkwishkIkcouldkhave kstayedkasleepkjustkakbitklongerk andkfoundkoutkwherekshekwasktryingktokta ekme.kIt'skakhi ektokthekla e,knokquest ion.kIfkhekdecidesktokfollowkmek atkall,kGale'skgoingktokbekputkoutkbykthiskexcessivekusekofkenergykthatkcouldkbe kbetterkspentkinkhunting.kHekwask conspicuouslykabsentkfromkthekdinnerkatkthekmayor'skhouse,kalthoughkthekrestkofk hiskfamilykcame.kHazelleksaidk hekwaskhomeksic ,kwhichkwaskankobviousklie.kIkcouldn'tkfindkhimkatkthekHarvestkF

estival,keither.kVic ktoldkmek hekwaskoutkhunting.kThatkwaskprobablyktrue.kAfterkakcouplekofkhours,kIkreachkank oldkhouseknearkthekedgekofkthek la e.kMaybek"house"kisktookbigkakwordkforkit.kIt'skonlykonekroom,kaboutktwelvekf eetksquare.kMykfatherkthoughtk thatkaklongktimekagoktherekwerekaklotkofkbuildingsk--kyoukcankstillkseeksomekofk thekfoundationsk--kandkpeoplek camektokthemktokplaykandkfishkinkthekla e.kThiskhousekoutlastedkthekotherskbecau sekit'skmadekofkconcrete.kFloor,k roof,kceiling.kOnlykonekofkfourkglasskwindowskremains,kwavykandkyellowedkbyktime .kThere'sknokplumbingkandk nokelectricity,kbutkthekfireplacekstillkwor skandkthere'skakwoodpilekinkthekcorn erkthatkmykfatherkandkIkcollectedk yearskago.kIkstartkaksmallkfire,kcountingkonkthekmistktokobscurekanyktelltaleksm o e.kWhilekthekfirekcatches,kIk sweepkoutktheksnowkthatkhaskaccumulatedkunderkthekemptykwindows,kusingkaktwigkbr oomkmykfatherkmadekmek whenkIkwaskaboutkeightkandkIkplayedkhousekhere.kThenkIksitkonkthektinykconcretek hearth,kthawingkoutkbykthekfirek andkwaitingkforkGale.kIt'skaksurprisinglykshortktimekbeforekhekappears.kAkbowksl ungkoverkhiskshoulder,kakdeadk wildktur eykhekmustkhavekencounteredkalongkthekwaykhangingkfromkhiskbelt.kHeksta ndskinkthekdoorwaykaskifk consideringkwhetherkorknotktokenter.kHekholdskthekunopenedkleatherkbagkofkfood,k thekflas ,kCinna'skgloves.kGiftsk hekwillknotkacceptkbecausekofkhiskangerkatkme.kIk nowkexactlykhowkhekfeels.kDidn 'tkIkdoktheksamekthingktokmyk mother?kIkloo kinkhiskeyes.kHisktemperkcan'tkquitekmas kthekhurt,ktheksensekofkb etrayalkhekfeelskatkmyk engagementktokPeeta.kThiskwillkbekmyklastkchance,kthiskmeetingktoday,ktoknotklos ekGalekforever.kIkcouldkta ek hoursktryingktokexplain,kandkevenkthenkhavekhimkrefusekme.kInsteadkIkgokstraight ktokthekheartkofkmykdefense.k "PresidentkSnowkpersonallykthreatenedktokhavekyouk illed,k"kIksay.kGalekraiseskh iskeyebrowskslightly,kbutkthere'sk nokrealkshowkofkfearkorkastonishment.k"Anyonekelse?"k"Well,khekdidn'tkactuallykg ivekmekakcopykofktheklist.kButk it'skakgoodkguesskitkincludeskbothkourkfamilies,k"kIksay.kIt'skenoughktokbringkh imktokthekfire.kHekcroucheskbeforek thekhearthkandkwarmskhimself.k"Unlesskwhat?"k"Unlessknothing,know,k"kIksay.kObvi ouslykthiskrequireskmorekofk ankexplanation,kbutkIkhaveknokideakwherektokstart,ksokIkjustksitktherekstaringkg loomilykintokthekfire.kAfterkaboutkak minutekofkthis,kGalekbrea sktheksilence.k"Well,kthan skforkthekheads-up.k"kIktur nktokhim,kreadyktoksnap,kbutkIk catchkthekglintkinkhiskeye.kIkhatekmyselfkforksmiling.kThiskisknotkakfunnykmomen t,kbutkIkguesskit'skaklotktokdropkonk

someone.kWe'rekallkgoingktokbekobliteratedknokmatterkwhat.k"Ikdokhavekakplan,kyo uk now.k"k"Yeah,kIkbetkit'skak stunner,k"kheksays.kHektosseskthekgloveskonkmyklap.k"Here.kIkdon'tkwantkyourkfia nc'skoldkgloves.k"k"He'sknotkmyk fianc.kThat'skjustkpartkofkthekact.kAndkthesekaren'tkhiskgloves.kTheykwerekCinna 's,k"kIksay.k"Givekthemkbac ,kthen,k "kheksays.kHekpullskonkthekgloves,kflexeskhiskfingers,kandknodskinkapproval.k"At kleastkI'llkdiekinkcomfort.k"k"That'sk optimistic.kOfkcourse,kyoukdon'tk nowkwhat'skhappened,k"kIksay.k

k"Let'skhavekit,k"kheksays.kIkdecidektokbegink withktheknightkPeetakandkIkwerekcrownedkvictorskofkthekHungerkGames,kandkHaymitc hkwarnedkmekofkthek Capitol'skfury.kIktellkhimkaboutkthekuneasinesskthatkdoggedkmekevenkoncekIkwaskb ac khome,kPresidentkSnow'sk visitktokmykhouse,kthekmurderskinkDistrictk11,kthektensionkinkthekcrowds,kthekla st-ditchkeffortkofkthekengagement,k thekpresident'skindicationkthatkitkhadn'tkbeenkenough,kmykcertaintykthatkI'llkha vektokpay.kGalekneverkinterrupts.k WhilekIktal ,khektuc skthekgloveskinkhiskpoc etkandkoccupieskhimselfkwithkturnin gkthekfoodkinkthekleatherkbagk intokakmealkforkus.kToastingkbreadkandkcheese,kcoringkapples,kplacingkchestnutsk inkthekfirektokroast.kIkwatchkhisk hands,khiskbeautiful,kcapablekfingers.kScarred,kaskminekwerekbeforekthekCapitolk erasedkallkmar skfromkmyks in,k butkstrongkandkdeft.kHandskthatkhavekthekpowerktokminekcoalkbutkthekprecisionkto ksetkakdelicateksnare.kHandskIk trust.kIkpausektokta ekakdrin kofkteakfromkthekflas kbeforekIktellkhimkaboutkmyk homecoming.k"Well,kyoukreallyk madekakmesskofkthings,k"kheksays.k"I'mknotkevenkdone,k"kIktellkhim.k"I'vekheardk enoughkforkthekmoment.kLet'sk s ipkaheadktokthiskplankofkyours,k"kheksays.kIkta ekakdeepkbreath.k"Wekrunkaway. k"k"What?"khekas s.kThiskhask actuallykcaughtkhimkoffkguard.k"Wekta ektokthekwoodskandkma ekakrunkforkit,k"kIk say.kHiskfacekiskimpossiblektok read.kWillkheklaughkatkme,kdismisskthiskaskfoolishness?kIkrisekinkagitation,kpre paringkforkankargument.k"Youksaidk yourselfkyoukthoughtkthatkwekcouldkdokit!kThatkmorningkofkthekreaping.kYouksaid-"kHekstepskinkandkIkfeelk myselfkliftedkoffkthekground.kThekroomkspins,kandkIkhavektokloc kmykarmskaroundk Gale'sknec ktokbracekmyself.k He'sklaughing,khappy.k"Hey!"kIkprotest,kbutkI'mklaughing,ktoo.kGaleksetskmekdown kbutkdoesn'tkreleasekhiskholdk onkme.k"O ay,klet'skrunkaway,k"kheksays.k"Really?kYoukdon'tkthin kI'mkmad?kYou'l lkgokwithkme?"kSomekofkthek crushingkweightkbeginsktokliftkaskitktransfersktokGale'skshoulders.k"Ikdokthin k you'rekmadkandkI'llkstillkgokwithk you,k"kheksays.kHekmeanskit.kNotkonlykmeanskitkbutkwelcomeskit.k"Wekcankdokit.kI k nowkwekcan.kLet'skgetkoutkofk herekandkneverkcomekbac !"k"You'reksure?"kIksay.k"Becausekit'skgoingktokbekhard, kwithkthek idskandkall.kIkdon'tk wantktokgetkfivekmileskintokthekwoodskandkhavekyou--"k"I'mksure.kI'mkcompletely, kentirely,konekhundredkpercentk sure.k"kHektiltskhiskforeheadkdownktokrestkagainstkminekandkpullskmekcloser.kHis ks in,khiskwholekbeing,kradiatesk heatkfromkbeingksoknearkthekfire,kandkIkclosekmykeyes,ksoa ingkinkhiskwarmth.kIk breathekinktheksmellkofk snow-dampenedkleatherkandksmo ekandkapples,ktheksmellkofkallkthosekwintrykdayskw eksharedkbeforekthekGames.k Ikdon'tktryktokmovekaway.kWhykshouldkI,kanyway?kHiskvoicekdropsktokakwhisper.k"I klovekyou.k"kThat'skwhy.kIk neverkseekthesekthingskcoming.kTheykhappenktookfast.kOneksecondkyou'rekproposing kankescapekplankandkthek next...kYou'rekexpectedktokdealkwithksomethingkli ekthis.kIkcomekupkwithkwhatkmu stkbekthekworstkpossiblek response.k"Ik now.k"kItksoundskterrible.kLi ekIkassumekhekcouldn'tkhelpklovingkm ekbutkthatkIkdon'tkfeelkanythingk inkreturn.kGalekstartsktokdrawkaway,kbutkIkgrabkholdkofkhim.k"Ik now!kAndkyou... kYouk nowkwhatkyoukarektokme.k "kIt'sknotkenough.kHekbrea skmykgrip.k"Gale,kIkcan'tkthin kaboutkanyonekthatkway

know.kAllkIkcankthin kabout,k everykday,keverykwa ingkminuteksincektheykdrewkPrim'sknamekatkthekreaping,kiskho wkafraidkIkam.kAndktherek doesn'tkseemktokbekroomkforkanythingkelse.kIfkwekcouldkgetksomewhereksafe,kmaybe kIkcouldkbekdifferent.kIkdon'tk now.k"kIkcankseekhimkswallowingkhiskdisappointment.k"So,kwe'llkgo.kWe'llkfindko ut.k"kHekturnskbac ktokthekfire,k wherekthekchestnutskarekbeginningktokburn.kHekflipskthemkoutkontokthekhearth.k"M ykmother'skgoingktokta eksomek convincing.k"kIkguesskhe'skstillkgoing,kanyway.kButkthekhappinesskhaskfled,kleav ingkankall-too-familiarkstrainkink itskplace.k"Mine,ktoo.kI'llkjustkhavektokma ekherkseekreason.kTa ekherkforkaklon gkwal .kMa eksurekshek understandskwekwon'tksurvivekthekalternative.k"k"She'llkunderstand.kIkwatchedkak lotkofkthekGameskwithkherkandk Prim.kShekwon'tksayknoktokyou,k"ksayskGale.k"Ikhopeknot.k"kThektemperaturekinkth ekhousekseemsktokhavekdroppedk twentykdegreeskinkakmatterkofkseconds.k"Haymitchkwillkbekthekrealkchallenge.k"k" Haymitch?"kGalekabandonskthek chestnuts.k"You'reknotkas ingkhimktokcomekwithkus?"k"Ikhavekto,kGale.kIkcan'tkle avekhimkandkPeetakbecausek they'd--"kHiskscowlkcutskmekoff.k"What?"k"I'mksorry.kIkdidn'tkrealizekhowklargek ourkpartykwas,k"kheksnapskatkme.k "They'dktorturekthemktokdeath,ktryingktokfindkoutkwherekIkwas,k"kIksay.k"Whatkab outkPeeta'skfamily?kThey'llk neverkcome.kInkfact,ktheykprobablykcouldn'tkwaitktokinformkonkus.kWhichkI'mksure khe'sksmartkenoughktokrealize.k Whatkifkhekdecidesktokstay?"khekas s.kIktryktoksoundkindifferent,kbutkmykvoicekc rac s.k"Thenkhekstays.k"k"You'dk leavekhimkbehind?"kGalekas s.k"ToksavekPrimkandkmykmother,kyes,k"kIkanswer.k"Ikm ean,kno!kI'llkgetkhimktok come.k"k"Andkme,kwouldkyoukleavekme?"kGale'skexpressionkiskroc khardknow.k"Justk if,kforkinstance,kIkcan'tk convincekmykmotherktokdragkthreekyoungk idskintokthekwildernesskinkwinter.k"k"Ha zellekwon'tkrefuse.kShe'llkseek sense,k"kIksay.k"Supposekshekdoesn't,kKatniss.kWhatkthen?"khekdemands.k"Thenkyou khavektokforcekher,kGale.kDok

youkthin kI'mkma ingkthiskstuffkup?"kMykvoicekiskrisingkinkangerkaskwell.k"No.kI kdon'tk now.kMaybekthek president'skjustkmanipulatingkyou.kIkmean,khe'skthrowingkyourkwedding.kYouksawkh owkthekCapitolkcrowdk reacted.kIkdon'tkthin khekcankaffordktok illkyou.kOrkPeeta.kHow'skhekgoingktokge tkoutkofkthatkone?"ksayskGale.k "Well,kwithkankuprisingkinkDistrictkEight,kIkdoubtkhe'skspendingkmuchktimekchoos ingkmykweddingkca e!"kIk shout.kThekinstantkthekwordskarekoutkofkmykmouthkIkwantktokreclaimkthem.kTheirke ffectkonkGalekisk immediate--thekflushkonkhiskchee s,kthekbrightnesskofkhiskgraykeyes.k"There'skan kuprisingkinkEight?"kheksayskinkak hushedkvoice.kIktryktokbac pedal.kTokdefusekhim,kaskIktriedktokdefusekthekdistri cts.k"Ikdon'tk nowkifkit'skreallykank uprising.kThere'skunrest.kPeoplekinkthekstreetsk--"kIksay.kGalekgrabskmykshoulde rs.k"Whatkdidkyouksee?"k "Nothing!kInkperson.kIkjustkheardksomething.k"kAskusual,kit'sktooklittle,ktookla te.kIkgivekupkandktellkhim.k"Iksawk somethingkonkthekmayor'sktelevision.kIkwasn'tksupposedkto.k

Therekwaskakcrowd,kandkfires,kandkthekPeace eepersk werekgunningkpeoplekdownkbutktheykwerekfightingkbac .k...k"kIkbitekmyklipkandkst rugglektokcontinuekdescribingk thekscene.kInsteadkIksaykaloudkthekwordskthatkhavekbeenkeatingkmekupkinside.k"An dkit'skmykfault,kGale.kBecausek ofkwhatkIkdidkinkthekarena.kIfkIkhadkjustk illedkmyselfkwithkthosekberries,knone kofkthiskwould'vekhappened.kPeetak couldkhavekcomekhomekandklived,kandkeveryonekelsekwouldkhavekbeenksafe,ktoo.k"k" Safektokdokwhat?"kheksayskink akgentlerktone.k"Starve?kWor kli ekslaves?kSendktheirk idsktokthekreaping?kYoukh aven'tkhurtkpeople--you'vek givenkthemkankopportunity.kTheykjustkhavektokbekbravekenoughktokta ekit.kThere's kalreadykbeenktal kinkthek mines.kPeoplekwhokwantktokfight.kDon'tkyouksee?kIt'skhappening!kIt'skfinallykhap pening!kIfkthere'skankuprisingkink DistrictkEight,kwhyknotkhere?kWhyknotkeverywhere?kThiskcouldkbekit,kthekthingkwe 'vekbeen--"k"Stopkit!kYouk don'tk nowkwhatkyou'reksaying.kThekPeace eeperskoutsidekofkTwelve,kthey'reknotkl i ekDarius,korkevenkCray!k Thekliveskofkdistrictkpeoplek--ktheykmeanklesskthanknothingktokthem!"kIksay.k"Th at'skwhykwekhavektokjoinkthek fight!"khekanswerskharshly.k"No!kWekhavektokleavekherekbeforektheyk illkuskandka klotkofkotherkpeople,ktoo!"kI'mk yellingkagain,kbutkIkcan'tkunderstandkwhykhe'skdoingkthis.kWhykdoesn'tkhekseekwh at'sksokundeniable?kGalek pusheskmekroughlykawaykfromkhim.k"Youkleave,kthen.kI'dkneverkgokinkakmillionkyea rs.k"k"Youkwerekhappyk enoughktokgokbefore.kIkdon'tkseekhowkankuprisingkinkDistrictkEightkdoeskanything kbutkma ekitkmorekimportantk thatkwekleave.kYou'rekjustkmadkabout--"kNo,kIkcan'tkthrowkPeetakinkhiskface.k"Wh atkaboutkyourkfamily?"k"Whatk aboutkthekotherkfamilies,kKatniss?kThekoneskwhokcan'tkrunkaway?kDon'tkyouksee?kI tkcan'tkbekaboutkjustksavingkusk anymore.kNotkifkthekrebellion'skbegun!"kGaleksha eskhiskhead,knotkhidingkhiskdis gustkwithkme.k"Youkcouldkdoksok much.k"kHekthrowskCinna'skgloveskatkmykfeet.k"Ikchangedkmykmind.kIkdon'tkwantkan ythingktheykmadekinkthek Capitol.k"kAndkhe'skgone.kIkloo kdownkatkthekgloves.kAnythingktheykmadekinkthekC apitol?kWaskthatkdirectedkatk me?kDoeskhekthin kIkamknowkjustkanotherkproductkofkthekCapitolkandkthereforeksom ethingkuntouchable?kThek unfairnesskofkitkallkfillskmekwithkrage.kButkit'skmixedkupkwithkfearkoverkwhatk indkofkcrazykthingkhekmightkdok next.kIksin kdownknextktokthekfire,kdesperatekforkcomfort,ktokwor koutkmyknextkm ove.kIkcalmkmyselfkbykthin ingk thatkrebellionskdon'tkhappenkinkakday.kGalekcan'tktal ktokthekminerskuntilktomor row.kIfkIkcankgetktokHazellek beforekthen,kshekmightkstraightenkhimkout.kButkIkcan'tkgoknow.kIfkhe'skthere,khe 'llkloc kmekout.kMaybektonight,k afterkeveryonekelsekiskasleepk...kHazellekoftenkwor sklatekintoktheknightkfinish ingkupklaundry.kIkcouldkgokthen,ktapk atkthekwindow,ktellkherktheksituationksokshe'llk eepkGalekfromkdoingkanythingkfo olish.kMykconversationkwithk PresidentkSnowkinkthekstudykcomeskbac ktokme.k"Mykadvisorskwerekconcernedkyoukwo uldkbekdifficult,kbutk you'reknotkplanningkonkbeingkdifficultkatkall,karekyou?"k"No.k"k"That'skwhatkIkt oldkthem.kIksaidkanykgirlkwhokgoesk toksuchklengthsktokpreservekherklifekisn'tkgoingktokbekinterestedkinkthrowingkit kawaykwithkbothkhands.k"kIkthin kofk howkhardkHazellekhaskwor edktok eepkthatkfamilykalive.kSurelykshe'llkbekonkmyksi

dekinkthiskmatter.kOrkwon'tk she?kItkmustkbekgettingkonktowardknoonknowkandkthekdayskareksokshort.kNokpointki nkbeingkinkthekwoodskafterk dar kifkyoukdon'tkhavekto.kIkstampkoutkthekremainskofkmyklittlekfire,kclearkupkt hekscrapskofkfood,kandktuc kCinna'sk gloveskinkmykbelt.kIkguesskI'llkhangkonktokthemkforkakwhile.kInkcasekGalekhaskak changekofkheart.kIkthin kofkthek loo konkhiskfacekwhenkhekflungkthemktokthekground.kHowkrepelledkhekwaskbykthem,k bykmek...kIktrudgekthroughk thekwoodskandkreachkmykoldkhousekwhilekthere'skstillklight.kMykconversationkwith kGalekwaskankobviousksetbac ,k butkI'mkstillkdeterminedktokcarrykonkwithkmykplanktokescapekDistrictk12.kIkdecid ektokfindkPeetaknext.kInkakstrangek way,ksincekhe'skseenksomekofkwhatkI'vekseenkonkthektour,khekmaykbekankeasierksel lkthankGalekwas.kIkrunkintokhimk askhe'skleavingkthekVictor'skVillage.k"Beenkhunting?"khekas s.kYoukcankseekhekdo esn'tkthin kit'skakgoodkidea.k "Notkreally.kGoingktoktown?"kIkas .k"Yes.kI'mksupposedktokeatkdinnerkwithkmykfam ily,k"kheksays.k"Well,kIkcankatk leastkwal kyoukin.k"kThekroadkfromkthekVictor'skVillagektoktheksquarekgetsklittl ekuse.kIt'skaksafekenoughkplacektok tal .kButkIkcan'tkseemktokgetkthekwordskout.kProposingkitktokGalekwasksuchkakdis aster.kIkgnawkonkmykchappedk lips.kTheksquarekgetskcloserkwithkeverykstep.kIkmayknotkhavekankopportunitykagai nksoon.kIkta ekakdeepkbreathkandk letkthekwordskrushkout.k"Peeta,kifkIkas edkyouktokrunkawaykfromkthekdistrictkwit hkme,kwouldkyou?"kPeetakta esk

mykarm,kbringingkmektokakstop.kHekdoesn'tkneedktokchec kmykfacektokseekifkI'mkse rious.k"Dependskonkwhykyou'rek as ing.k"k"PresidentkSnowkwasn'tkconvincedkbykme.kThere'skankuprisingkinkDistric tkEight.kWekhavektokgetkout,k"k Iksay.k"Byk'we'kdokyoukmeankjustkyoukandkme?kNo.kWhokelsekwouldkbekgoing?"khekas s.k"Mykfamily.kYours,kifk theykwantktokcome.kHaymitch,kmaybe,k"kIksay.k"WhatkaboutkGale?"kheksays.k"Ikdon' tk now.kHekmightkhavekotherk plans,k"kIksay.kPeetaksha eskhiskheadkandkgiveskmekakruefulksmile.k"Ikbetkhekdoe s.kSure,kKatniss,kI'llkgo.k"kIkfeelkak slightktwingekofkhope.k"Youkwill?"k"Yeah.kButkIkdon'tkthin kforkakminutekyoukwil l,k"kheksays.kIkjer kmykarmk away.k"Thenkyoukdon'tk nowkme.kBekready.kItkcouldkbekanyktime.k"kIkta ekoffkwal ingkandkhekfollowskakpacekork twokbehind.k"Katniss,k"kPeetaksays.kIkdon'tkslowkdown.kIfkhekthin skit'skakbadki dea,kIkdon'tkwantktok now,k becausekit'skthekonlykonekIkhave.k"Katniss,kholdkup.k"kIk ic kakdirty,kfrozenkch un kofksnowkoffkthekpathkandkletk himkcatchkup.kThekcoalkdustkma eskeverythingkloo kespeciallykugly.k"Ikreallykwil lkgo,kifkyoukwantkmekto.kIkjustk thin kwekbetterktal kitkthroughkwithkHaymitch.kMa eksurekwekwon'tkbekma ingkthin gskworsekforkeveryone.k"kHek raiseskhiskhead.k"What'skthat?"kIkliftkmykchin.kI'vekbeenksokconsumedkwithkmykow nkworries,kIkhaven'tknoticedk thekstrangeknoisekcomingkfromktheksquare.kAkwhistling,ktheksoundkofkankimpact,kt hekinta ekofkbreathkfromkak crowd.k"Comekon,k"kPeetaksays,khiskfaceksuddenlykhard.kIkdon'tk nowkwhy.kIkcan't kplacektheksound,kevenkguessk atktheksituation.kButkitkmeansksomethingkbadktokhim.kWhenkwekreachktheksquare,ki t'skclearksomething'sk happening,kbutkthekcrowd'sktookthic ktoksee.kPeetakstepskupkonkakcratekagainstkt hekwallkofktheksweetshopkandk offerskmekakhandkwhilekhekscansktheksquare.kI'mkhalfwaykupkwhenkheksuddenlykbloc skmykway.k"Getkdown.kGetk outkofkhere!"kHe'skwhispering,kbutkhiskvoicekiskharshkwithkinsistence.k"What?"kI ksay,ktryingktokforcekmykwayk bac kup.k"Gokhome,kKatniss!kI'llkbektherekinkakminute,kIkswear!"kheksays.k

kWhateverkitkis,kit'skterrible.kIkyan k awaykfromkhiskhandkandkbeginktokpushkmykwaykthroughkthekcrowd.kPeoplekseekme,kre cognizekmykface,kandkthenk loo kpanic ed.kHandskshovekmekbac .kVoiceskhiss.k"Getkoutkofkhere,kgirl.k"k"Only kma ekitkworse.k"k"Whatkdok youkwantktokdo?kGetkhimk illed?"kButkatkthiskpoint,kmykheartkiskbeatingksokfastk andkfiercekIkhardlykhearkthem.kIk onlyk nowkthatkwhateverkwaitskinkthekmiddlekofktheksquarekiskmeantkforkme.kWhenk Ikfinallykbrea kthroughktokthek clearedkspace,kIkseekIkamkright.kAndkPeetakwaskright.kAndkthosekvoiceskwerekrigh t,ktoo.kGale'skwristskarekboundk tokakwoodenkpost.kThekwildktur eykhekshotkearlierkhangskabovekhim,ktheknailkdriv enkthroughkitsknec .kHisk jac et'skbeenkcastkasidekonkthekground,khiskshirtktornkaway.kHekslumpskunconscio uskonkhisk nees,kheldkupkonlyk bykthekropeskatkhiskwrists.kWhatkusedktokbekhiskbac kiskakraw,kbloodykslabkofkme at.kStandingkbehindkhimkiskak mankI'vekneverkseen,kbutkIkrecognizekhiskuniform.kIt'skthekonekdesignatedkforkou rkHeadkPeace eeper.kThiskisn'tk oldkCray,kthough.kThiskiskaktall,kmuscularkmankwithksharpkcreaseskinkhiskpants.k Thekpieceskofkthekpicturekdoknotk quitekcomektogetherkuntilkIkseekhiskarmkraisekthekwhip.k

k"No!"kIkcry,kandkspringkforward.kIt'sktooklatektokstopkthek armkfromkdescending,kandkIkinstinctivelyk nowkIkwon'tkhavekthekpowerktokbloc kit .kInsteadkIkthrowkmyselfk directlykbetweenkthekwhipkandkGale.kI'vekflungkoutkmykarmsktokprotectkaskmuchkof khiskbro enkbodykaskpossible,k sokthere'sknothingktokdeflectktheklash.kIkta ekthekfullkforcekofkitkacrosskthekl eftksidekofkmykface.kThekpainkisk blindingkandkinstantaneous.kJaggedkflasheskofklightkcrosskmykvisionkandkIkfallkt okmyk nees.kOnekhandkcupskmyk chee kwhilekthekotherk eepskmekfromktippingkover.kIkcankalreadykfeelkthekweltkri singkup,kthekswellingkclosingk mykeye.kThekstoneskbeneathkmekarekwetkwithkGale'skblood,kthekairkheavykwithkitsk scent.k"Stopkit!kYou'llk illk him!"kIkshrie .kIkgetkakglimpsekofkmykassailant'skface.kHard,kwithkdeepklines,ka kcruelkmouth.kGraykhairkshavedk almostktoknonexistence,keyesksokblac ktheykseemkallkpupils,kaklong,kstraightknos ekreddenedkbykthekfreezingkair.k Thekpowerfulkarmkliftskagain,khisksightsksetkonkme.kMykhandkfliesktokmykshoulder ,khungrykforkankarrow,kbut,kofk course,kmykweaponskarekstashedkinkthekwoods.kIkgritkmykteethkinkanticipationkofk theknextklash.k"Holdkit!"kakvoicek bar s.kHaymitchkappearskandktripskoverkakPeace eeperklyingkonkthekground.kIt'skD arius.kAkhugekpurpleklumpk pusheskthroughkthekredkhairkonkhiskforehead.kHe'sk noc edkoutkbutkstillkbreathin g.kWhatkhappened?kDidkhektryk tokcomektokGale'skaidkbeforekIkgotkhere?kHaymitchkignoreskhimkandkpullskmektokmy kfeetkroughly.k"Oh,k excellent.k"kHiskhandkloc skunderkmykchin,kliftingkit.k"She'skgotkakphotokshootk nextkwee kmodelingkweddingk dresses.kWhatkamkIksupposedktoktellkherkstylist?"kIkseekakflic erkofkrecognition kinkthekeyeskofkthekmankwithkthek whip.kBundledkagainstkthekcold,kmykfacekfreekofkma eup,kmykbraidktuc edkcareless lykunderkmykcoat,kitkwouldn'tk bekeasyktokidentifykmekaskthekvictorkofktheklastkHungerkGames.kEspeciallykwithkh alfkmykfacekswellingkup.kButk Haymitchkhaskbeenkshowingkupkonktelevisionkforkyears,kandkhe'dkbekdifficultktokf orget.kThekmankrestskthekwhipk onkhiskhip.k"Shekinterruptedkthekpunishmentkofkakconfessedkcriminal.k"kEverythin gkaboutkthiskman,khisk commandingkvoice,khiskoddkaccent,kwarnskofkankun nownkandkdangerouskthreat.kWher ekhaskhekcomekfrom?k Districtk11?k3?kFromkthekCapitolkitself?k"Ikdon'tkcarekifkshekblewkupkthekblaste dkJusticekBuilding!kLoo katkherk chee !kThin kthatkwillkbekcamerakreadykinkakwee ?"kHaymitchksnarls.kThekman'skvo icekiskstillkcold,kbutkIkcank detectkakslightkedgekofkdoubt.k"That'sknotkmykproblem.k"k"No?kWell,kit'skaboutkt okbe,kmykfriend.kThekfirstkcallkIk

ma ekwhenkIkgetkhomekisktokthekCapitol,k"ksayskHaymitch.k"Findkoutkwhokauthorize dkyouktokmesskupkmyk victor'skprettyklittlekface!"k"Hekwaskpoaching.kWhatkbusinesskiskitkofkhers,kany way?"ksayskthekman.k"He'skherk cousin.k"kPeeta'skgotkmykotherkarmknow,kbutkgently.k"Andkshe'skmykfianc.kSokifky oukwantktokgetktokhim,kexpectk tokgokthroughkbothkofkus.k"kMaybekwe'rekit.kThekonlykthreekpeoplekinkthekdistric tkwhokcouldkma ekakstandkli ek this.kAlthoughkit'sksurektokbektemporary.kTherekwillkbekrepercussions.kButkatkth ekmoment,kallkIkcarekaboutkisk eepingkGalekalive.kTheknewkHeadkPeace eeperkglanceskoverkatkhiskbac upksquad.kW ithkrelief,kIkseekthey'rek familiarkfaces,koldkfriendskfromkthekHob.kYoukcanktellkbyktheirkexpressionskthat kthey'reknotkenjoyingkthekshow.k One,kakwomanknamedkPurniakwhokeatskregularlykatkGreasykSae's,kstepskforwardkstif fly.k"Ikbelieve,kforkakfirstk offense,kthekrequiredknumberkofklasheskhaskbeenkdispensed,ksir.kUnlesskyourksent encekiskdeath,kwhichkwekwouldk carrykoutkbykfiringksquad.k"k"Iskthatkthekstandardkprotocolkhere?"kas skthekHead kPeace eeper.k"Yes,ksir,k"kPurniak says,kandkseveralkothersknodkinkagreement.kI'mksureknonekofkthemkactuallyk nowkb ecause,kinkthekHob,kthek standardkprotocolkforksomeonekshowingkupkwithkakwildktur eykiskforkeverybodyktok bidkonkthekdrumstic s.k"Veryk well.kGetkyourkcousinkoutkofkhere,kthen,kgirl.kAndkifkhekcomeskto,kremindkhimkth atktheknextktimekhekpoacheskoffk thekCapitol'skland,kI'llkassemblekthatkfiringksquadkpersonally.k"kThekHeadkPeace eeperkwipeskhiskhandkalongkthek lengthkofkthekwhip,ksplatteringkuskwithkblood.kThenkhekcoilskitkintokquic ,kneat kloopskandkwal skoff.kMostkofkthek otherkPeace eeperskfallkinkankaw wardkformationkbehindkhim.kAksmallkgroupkstaysk behindkandkhoistskDarius'sk bodykupkbykthekarmskandklegs.kIkcatchkPurnia'skeyekandkmouthkthekwordk"Than s"kb eforekshekgoes.kShekdoesn'tk respond,kbutkI'mksurekshekunderstood.k"Gale.k"kIkturn,kmykhandskfumblingkatkthek notskbindingkhiskwrists.k Someonekpasseskforwardkak nifekandkPeetakcutskthekropes.kGalekcollapsesktokthekg round.k"Betterkgetkhimktok yourkmother,k"ksayskHaymitch.kThere'sknokstretcher,kbutkthekoldkwomankatkthekclo thingkstallksellskuskthekboardk thatkserveskaskherkcountertop.k"Justkdon'tktellkwherekyoukgotkit,k"ksheksays,kpa c ingkupkthekrestkofkherkgoodsk quic ly.kMostkofktheksquarekhaskemptied,kfearkgettingkthekbetterkofkcompassion.k Butkafterkwhatkjustkhappened,kIk can'tkblamekanyone.kBykthektimekwe'veklaidkGalekfacedownkonkthekboard,kthere'sko nlykakhandfulkofkpeoplekleftktok carrykhim.kHaymitch,kPeeta,kandkakcouplekofkminerskwhokwor konktheksamekcrewkask Galekliftkhimkup.kLeevy,kak girlkwhokliveskakfewkhouseskdownkfromkminekinkthekSeam,kta eskmykarm.kMykmotherk eptkherklittlekbrotherk aliveklastkyearkwhenkhekcaughtkthekmeasles.k"Needkhelpkgettingkbac ?"kHerkgrayke yeskarekscaredkbutk determined.k"No,kbutkcankyoukgetkHazelle?kSendkherkover?"kIkas .k"Yeah,k"ksayskL eevy,kturningkonkherkheel.k "Leevy!"kIksay.k"Don'tkletkherkbringkthek ids.k"k"No.kI'llkstaykwithkthemkmyself ,k"ksheksays.k"Than s.k"kIkgrabk Gale'skjac etkandkhurrykafterkthekothers.k"Getksomeksnowkonkthat,k"kHaymitchkord erskoverkhiskshoulder.kIkscoopk upkakhandfulkofksnowkandkpresskitkagainstkmykchee ,knumbingkakbitkofkthekpain.kM

ykleftkeye'sktearingkheavilyk now,kandkinkthekdimmingklightkit'skallkIkcankdoktokfollowkthekbootskinkfrontkofk me.kAskwekwal kIkhearkBristelkandk Thorn,kGale'skcrewmates,kpiecektogetherkthekstorykofkwhatkhappened.kGalekmust've kgonektokCray'skhouse,kask he'skdonekakhundredktimes,k nowingkCraykalwayskpayskwellkforkakwildktur ey.kInst eadkhekfoundktheknewkHeadk Peace eeper,kakmanktheykheardksomeonekcallkRomuluskThread.kNokonek nowskwhatkhap penedktokCray.kHekwask buyingkwhitekliquorkinkthekHobkjustkthiskmorning,kapparentlykstillkinkcommandkof kthekdistrict,kbutknowkhe'sk nowherektokbekfound.kThreadkputkGalekunderkimmediatekarrestkand,kofkcourse,ksinc ekhekwaskstandingktherek holdingkakdeadktur ey,ktherekwasklittlekGalekcouldksaykinkhiskownkdefense.kWordk ofkhiskpredicamentkspreadk quic ly.kHekwaskbroughtktoktheksquare,kforcedktokpleadkguiltyktokhiskcrime,kandk sentencedktokakwhippingktokbek carriedkoutkimmediately.kBykthektimekIkshowedkup,khe'dkbeenklashedkatkleastkfort yktimes.kHekpassedkoutkaroundk thirty.k"Luc ykhekonlykhadkthektur eykonkhim,k"ksayskBristel.k"Ifkhe'dkhadkhisku sualkhaul,kwould'vekbeenkmuchk worse.k"k

k"HektoldkThreadkhekfoundkitkwanderingkaroundkthekSeam.kSaidkitkgotkoverkthekfen cekandkhe'dkstabbedk itkwithkakstic .kStillkakcrime.kButkifkthey'dk nownkhe'dkbeenkinkthekwoodskwithk weapons,kthey'dkhavek illedkhimk forksure,k"ksayskThom.k"WhatkaboutkDarius?"kPeetakas s.k"Afterkaboutktwentyklash es,kheksteppedkin,ksayingkthatk waskenough.kOnlykhekdidn'tkdokitksmartkandkofficial,kli ekPurniakdid.kHekgrabbed kThread'skarmkandkThreadkhitk himkinkthekheadkwithkthekbuttkofkthekwhip.kNothingkgoodkwaitingkforkhim,k"ksaysk Bristel.k"Doesn'tksoundkli ek muchkgoodkforkanykofkus,k"ksayskHaymitch.kSnowkbegins,kthic kandkwet,kma ingkvis ibilitykevenkmorekdifficult.k Ikstumblekupkthekwal ktokmykhousekbehindkthekothers,kusingkmykearskmorekthankmyk eyesktokguidekme.kAkgoldenk lightkcolorsktheksnowkaskthekdoorkopens.kMykmother,kwhokwasknokdoubtkwaitingkfor kmekafterkaklongkdaykofk unexplainedkabsence,kta eskinkthekscene.k"NewkHead,k"kHaymitchksays,kandkshekgiv eskhimkakcurtknodkaskifknok otherkexplanationkiskneeded.kI'mkfilledkwithkawe,kaskIkalwayskam,kaskIkwatchkher ktransformkfromkakwomankwhok callskmektok illkakspiderktokakwomankimmunektokfear.kWhenkaksic korkdyingkperson kiskbroughtktokherk...kThiskisk thekonlyktimekIkthin kmykmotherk nowskwhokshekis.kInkmoments,ktheklongk itchenkt ablekhaskbeenkcleared,kak sterilekwhitekclothkspreadkacrosskit,kandkGalekhoistedkontokit.kMykmotherkpoursk waterkfromkak ettlekintokakbasink

whilekorderingkPrimktokpullkakserieskofkherkremedieskfromkthekmedicinekcabinet.k Driedkherbskandktinctureskandk store-boughtkbottles.kIkwatchkherkhands,ktheklong,ktaperedkfingerskcrumblingkthi s,kaddingkdropskofkthat,kintokthek basin.kSoa ingkakclothkinkthekhotkliquidkaskshekgiveskPrimkinstructionsktokprepa rekaksecondkbrew.kMykmotherk glanceskmykway.k"Didkitkcutkyourkeye?"k"No,kit'skjustkswelledkshut,k"kIksay.k"Ge tkmoreksnowkonkit,k"kshek instructs.kButkIkamkclearlyknotkakpriority.k"Cankyouksavekhim?"kIkas kmykmother. kSheksaysknothingkaskshek wringskoutkthekclothkandkholdskitkinkthekairktokcoolksomewhat.k"Don'tkworry,k"ks ayskHaymitch.k"Usedktokbekaklotk ofkwhippingkbeforekCray.kShe'skthekonekwektoo kthemkto.k"kIkcan'tkrememberkaktim ekbeforekCray,kaktimekwhenk therekwaskakHeadkPeace eeperkwhokusedkthekwhipkfreely.kButkmykmotherkmustkhavekb eenkaroundkmykagekandk stillkwor ingkatkthekapothecarykshopkwithkherkparents.kEvenkbac kthen,kshekmustk havekhadkhealer'skhands.kEverk sokgently,kshekbeginsktokcleankthekmutilatedkfleshkonkGale'skbac .kIkfeelksic kt okmykstomach,kuseless,kthek remainingksnowkdrippingkfromkmykglovekintokakpuddlekonkthekfloor.kPeetakputskmek inkakchairkandkholdskakclothk filledkwithkfreshksnowktokmykchee .kHaymitchktellskBristelkandkThornktokgetkhome ,kandkIkseekhimkpresskcoinsk intoktheirkhandskbeforektheykleave.k"Don'tk nowkwhatkwillkhappenkwithkyourkcrew, k"kheksays.kTheyknodkandk acceptkthekmoney.kHazellekarrives,kbreathlesskandkflushed,kfreshksnowkinkherkhai r.kWordlessly,ksheksitskonkak stoolknextktokthektable,kta eskGale'skhand,kandkholdskitkagainstkherklips.kMykmo therkdoesn'tkac nowledgekevenk her.kShe'skgonekintokthatkspecialkzonekthatkincludeskonlykherselfkandkthekpatien tkandkoccasionallykPrim.kThekrestk ofkuskcankwait.kEvenkinkherkexpertkhands,kitkta eskaklongktimektokcleankthekwoun ds,karrangekwhatkshreddedks ink cankbeksaved,kapplykaksalvekandkaklightkbandage.kAskthekbloodkclears,kIkcankseek wherekeverykstro ekofktheklashk landedkandkfeelkitkresonatekinktheksinglekcutkonkmykface.kIkmultiplykmykownkpain konce,ktwice,kfortyktimeskandk cankonlykhopekthatkGalekremainskunconscious.kOfkcourse,kthat'sktookmuchktokas kf or.kAskthekfinalkbandageskarek beingkplaced,kakmoankescapeskhisklips.kHazellekstro eskhiskhairkandkwhispersksom ethingkwhilekmykmotherkandk Primkgokthroughktheirkmeagerkstorekofkpain illers,kthek indkusuallykaccessibleko nlyktokdoctors.kTheykarekhardktok comekby,kexpensive,kandkalwayskinkdemand.kMykmotherkhasktoksavekthekstrongestkfo rkthekworstkpain,kbutkwhatk iskthekworstkpain?kTokme,kit'skalwayskthekpainkthatkiskpresent.kIfkIkwerekinkcha rge,kthosekpain illerskwouldkbek gonekinkakdaykbecausekIkhaveksoklittlekabilityktokwatchksuffering.kMykmotherktri esktoksavekthemkforkthosekwhok arekactuallykinkthekprocesskofkdying,ktokeasekthemkoutkofkthekworld.kSincekGalek iskregainingkconsciousness,ktheyk decidekonkankherbalkconcoctionkhekcankta ekbykmouth.k"Thatkwon'tkbekenough,k"kIk say.kTheykstarekatkme.k"Thatk won'tkbekenough,kIk nowkhowkitkfeels.kThatkwillkbarelyk noc koutkakheadache.k"k" We'llkcombinekitkwithksleepk syrup,kKatniss,kandkhe'llkmanagekit.kThekherbskarekmorekforkthekinflammation--"k mykmotherkbeginskcalmly.k "Justkgivekhimkthekmedicine!"kIkscreamkatkher.k"Givekitktokhim!kWhokarekyou,kany

way,ktokdecidekhowkmuchk painkhekcankstand!"kGalekbeginskstirringkatkmykvoice,ktryingktokreachkme.kThekmo vementkcauseskfreshkbloodktok stainkhiskbandageskandkankagonizedksoundktokcomekfromkhiskmouth.k"Ta ekherkout,k "ksayskmykmother.k HaymitchkandkPeetakliterallykcarrykmekfromkthekroomkwhilekIkshoutkobscenitieskat kher.kTheykpinkmekdownkonkak bedkinkonekofkthekextrakbedroomskuntilkIkstopkfighting.kWhilekIkliekthere,ksobbi ng,ktearsktryingktoksqueezekoutkofk thekslitkofkmykeye,kIkhearkPeetakwhisperktokHaymitchkaboutkPresidentkSnow,kabout kthekuprisingkinkDistrictk8.k "Shekwantskuskallktokrun,k"kheksays,kbutkifkHaymitchkhaskankopinionkonkthis,khek doesn'tkofferkit.kAfterkakwhile,k mykmotherkcomeskinkandktreatskmykface.kThenkshekholdskmykhand,kstro ingkmykarm,k whilekHaymitchkfillskherk inkonkwhatkhappenedkwithkGale.k"Sokit'skstartingkagain?"ksheksays.k"Li ekbefore? "k"Bykthekloo skofkit,k"khek answers.k"Who'dkhavekthoughtkwe'dkeverkbeksorryktokseekoldkCraykgo?"kCraykwouldk havekbeenkdisli ed,k anyway,kbecausekofkthekuniformkhekwore,kbutkitkwaskhiskhabitkofkluringkstarvingk youngkwomenkintokhiskbedkfork moneykthatkmadekhimkankobjectkofkloathingkinkthekdistrict.kInkreallykbadktimes,k thekhungriestkwouldkgatherkatkhisk doorkatknightfall,kvyingkforkthekchancektokearnkakfewkcoinsktokfeedktheirkfamili eskbyksellingktheirkbodies.kHadkIk beenkolderkwhenkmykfatherkdied,kIkmightkhavekbeenkamongkthem.kInsteadkIklearnedk tokhunt.kIkdon'tk nowk exactlykwhatkmykmotherkmeanskbykthingskstartingkagain,kbutkI'mktookangrykandkhur tingktokas .kIt'skregistered,k though,kthekideakofkworsektimeskreturning,kbecausekwhenkthekdoorbellkrings,kIksh ootkstraightkoutkofkbed.kWhok couldkitkbekatkthiskhourkofktheknight?kThere'skonlykonekanswer.kPeace eepers.k"T heykcan'tkhavekhim,k"kIksay.k "Mightkbekyoukthey'rekafter,k"kHaymitchkremindskme.k"Orkyou,k"kIksay.k"Notkmykho use,k"kHaymitchkpointskout.k "ButkI'llkgetkthekdoor.k"k"No,kI'llkgetkit,k"ksayskmykmotherkquietly.kWekallkgo, kthough,kfollowingkherkdownkthek hallwayktokthekinsistentkringkofkthekbell.kWhenkshekopenskit,kthere'sknotkaksqua dkofkPeace eeperskbutkaksingle,k snow-ca edkfigure.kMadge.kShekholdskoutkaksmall,kdampkcardboardkboxktokme.k"Usek thesekforkyourkfriend,k"kshek says.kIkta ekoffktheklidkofkthekbox,krevealingkhalfkakdozenkvialskofkclearkliqui d.k"They'rekmykmother's.kSheksaidkIk couldkta ekthem.kUsekthem,kplease.k"kShekrunskbac kintokthekstormkbeforekwekcank stopkher.k"Crazykgirl,k"k Haymitchkmutterskaskwekfollow,kmykmotherkintokthek itchen.kWhateverkmykmotherkha dkgivenkGale,kIkwaskright,k

itkisn'tkenough.kHiskteethkarekgrittedkandkhiskfleshkshineskwithksweat.kMykmothe rkfillskaksyringekwithkthekcleark liquidk

fromkonekofkthekvialskandkshootskitkintokhiskarm.kAlmostkimmediately,khiskfacekb eginsktokrelax.k"Whatkisk thatkstuff?"kas skPeeta.k"It'skfromkthekCapitol.kIt'skcalledkmorphling,k"kmykmot herkanswers.k"Ikdidn'tkevenk nowk Madgek newkGale,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Wekusedktoksellkherkstrawberries,k"kIksaykalmost kangrily.kWhatkamkIkangryk about,kthough?kNotkthatkshekhaskbroughtkthekmedicine,ksurely.k"Shekmustkhavekqui tekaktastekforkthem,k"ksaysk Haymitch.kThat'skwhatknettleskme.kIt'skthekimplicationkthatkthere'sksomethingkgo ingkonkbetweenkGalekandk Madge.kAndkIkdon'tkli ekit.k"She'skmykfriend"kiskallkIksay.kNowkthatkGalekhaskdr iftedkawaykonkthekpain iller,k everyonekseemsktokdeflate.kPrimkma eskuskeachkeatksomekstewkandkbread.kAkroomkis kofferedktokHazelle,kbutkshek hasktokgokhomektokthekotherk ids.kHaymitchkandkPeetakarekbothkwillingktokstay,kb utkmykmotherksendskthemk homektokbedkaskwell.kShek nowskit'skpointlessktoktrykthiskwithkmekandkleaveskmek toktendkGalekwhilekshekandk Primkrest.kAlonekinkthek itchenkwithkGale,kIksitkonkHazelle'skstool,kholdingkhis khand.kAfterkakwhile,kmykfingersk findkhiskface.kIktouchkpartskofkhimkIkhavekneverkhadkcausektoktouchkbefore.kHisk heavy,kdar keyebrows,kthekcurvek ofkhiskchee ,ktheklinekofkhisknose,kthekhollowkatkthekbasekofkhisknec .kIktracek thekoutlinekofkstubblekonkhiskjawk andkfinallykwor kmykwayktokhisklips.kSoftkandkfull,kslightlykchapped.kHiskbreath kwarmskmykchilledks in.kDoesk everyonekloo kyoungerkasleep?kBecausekrightknowkhekcouldkbekthekboykIkrankintoki nkthekwoodskyearskago,kthek onekwhokaccusedkmekofkstealingkfromkhisktraps.kWhatkakpairkwekwere--fatherless,k frightened,kbutkfiercelyk committed,ktoo,ktok eepingkourkfamilieskalive.kDesperate,kyetknoklongerkalonekaf terkthatkday,kbecausekwe'dk foundkeachkother.kIkthin kofkakhundredkmomentskinkthekwoods,klazykafternoonskfis hing,kthekdaykIktaughtkhimktok swim,kthatktimekIktwistedkmyk neekandkhekcarriedkmekhome.kMutuallykcountingkonke achkother,kwatchingkeachk other'skbac s,kforcingkeachkotherktokbekbrave.kForkthekfirstktime,kIkreversekour kpositionskinkmykhead.kIkimaginek watchingkGalekvolunteeringktoksavekRorykinkthekreaping,khavingkhimktornkfromkmyk life,kbecomingksomekstrangek girl'skloverktokstaykalive,kandkthenkcomingkhomekwithkher.kLivingknextktokher.kP romisingktokmarrykher.kThek hatredkIkfeelkforkhim,kforkthekphantomkgirl,kforkeverything,kisksokrealkandkimme diatekthatkitkcho eskme.kGalekisk mine.kIkamkhis.kAnythingkelsekiskunthin able.kWhykdidkitkta ekhimkbeingkwhippedk withinkankinchkofkhisklifektok seekit?kBecausekI'mkselfish.kI'mkakcoward.kI'mkthek indkofkgirlkwho,kwhenkshekmi ghtkactuallykbekofkuse,kwouldk runktokstaykalivekandkleavekthosekwhokcouldn'tkfollowktoksufferkandkdie.kThiskis kthekgirlkGalekmetkinkthekwoodsk today.kNokwonderkIkwonkthekGames.kNokdecentkpersonkeverkdoes.kYouksavedkPeeta,kI kthin kwea ly.kButknowkIk questionkevenkthat.kIk newkgoodkandkwellkthatkmyklifekbac kinkDistrictk12kwouldk bekunlivablekifkIkletkthatkboyk die.kIkrestkmykheadkforwardkonkthekedgekofkthektable,kovercomekwithkloathingkfor kmyself.kWishingkIkhadkdiedkink thekarena.kWishingkSenecakCranekhadkblownkmektokbitskthekwaykPresidentkSnowksaid khekshouldkhavekwhenkIk heldkoutkthekberries.kThekberries.kIkrealizekthekanswerktokwhokIkamklieskinkthat khandfulkofkpoisonouskfruit.kIfkIk

heldkthemkoutktoksavekPeetakbecausekIk newkIkwouldkbekshunnedkifkIkcamekbac kwit houtkhim,kthenkIkamk despicable.kIfkIkheldkthemkoutkbecausekIklovedkhim,kIkamkstillkself-centered,kal thoughkforgivable.kButkifkIkheldk themkoutktokdefykthekCapitol,kIkamksomeonekofkworth.kThektroublekis,kIkdon'tk no wkexactlykwhatkwaskgoingkonk insidekmekatkthatkmoment.kCouldkitkbekthekpeoplekinkthekdistrictskarekright?kTha tkitkwaskankactkofkrebellion,kevenk ifkitkwaskankunconsciouskone?kBecause,kdeepkdown,kIkmustk nowkitkisn'tkenoughkto k eepkmyself,korkmykfamily,k orkmykfriendskalivekbykrunningkaway.kEvenkifkIkcould.kItkwouldn'tkfixkanything.k Itkwouldn'tkstopkpeoplekfromk beingkhurtkthekwaykGalekwasktoday.kLifekinkDistrictk12kisn'tkreallyksokdifferent kfromklifekinkthekarena.kAtksomek point,kyoukhavektokstopkrunningkandkturnkaroundkandkfacekwhoeverkwantskyoukdead. kThekhardkthingkiskfindingk thekcouragektokdokit.kWell,kit'sknotkhardkforkGale.kHekwaskbornkakrebel.kI'mkthe konekma ingkankescapekplan.k"I'mk soksorry,k"kIkwhisper.kIkleankforwardkandk isskhim.kHiskeyelasheskflutterkandkhe kloo skatkmekthroughkakhazekofk opiates.k"Hey,kCatnip.k"k"Hey,kGale,k"kIksay.k"Thoughtkyou'dkbekgonekbyknow,k"kh eksays.kMykchoiceskarek simple.kIkcankdiekli ekquarrykinkthekwoodskorkIkcankdiekherekbesidekGale.k"I'mkn otkgoingkanywhere.kI'mkgoingktok staykrightkherekandkcausekallk indskofktrouble.k"k"Me,ktoo,k"kGaleksays.kHekjust kmanageskaksmilekbeforekthekdrugsk pullkhimkbac kunder.k

kSomeonekgiveskmykshoulderkaksha ekandkIksitkup.kI'vekfallenkasleepkwithkmykface konkthek table.kThekwhitekclothkhaskleftkcreaseskonkmykgoodkchee .kThekother,kthekonektha tktoo ktheklashkfromkThread,k throbskpainfully.kGale'skdeadktokthekworld,kbutkhiskfingerskarekloc edkaroundkmi ne.kIksmellkfreshkbreadkandkturnk mykstiffknec ktokfindkPeetakloo ingkdownkatkmekwithksuchkaksadkexpression.kIkget ktheksensekthatkhe'skbeenk watchingkuskawhile.k"Gokonkupktokbed,kKatniss.kI'llkloo kafterkhimknow,k"kheksay s.k"Peeta.kAboutkwhatkIksaidk yesterday,kaboutkrunning--"kIkbegin.k"Ik now,k"kheksays.k"There'sknothingktokexp lain.k"kIkseekthekloaveskofkbreadk onkthekcounterkinkthekpale,ksnowykmorningklight.kThekbluekshadowskunderkhiskeyes .kIkwonderkifkheksleptkatkall.k Couldn'tkhavekbeenklong.kIkthin kofkhiskagreeingktokgokwithkmekyesterday,khiskst eppingkupkbesidekmektokprotectk Gale,khiskwillingnessktokthrowkhisklotkinkwithkminekentirelykwhenkIkgivekhimksok littlekinkreturn.kNokmatterkwhatkIk

do,kI'mkhurtingksomeone.k"Peeta--"k"Justkgoktokbed,ko ay?"kheksays.kIkfeelkmykwa ykupkthekstairs,kcrawlkunderkthek covers,kandkfallkasleepkatkonce.kAtksomekpoint,kClove,kthekgirlkfromkDistrictk2, kenterskmykdreams.kShekchasesk me,kpinskmektokthekground,kandkpullskoutkak nifektokcutkmykface.kItkdigskdeeplyk intokmykchee ,kopeningkakwidek gash.kThenkClovekbeginsktoktransform,kherkfacekelongatingkintokaksnout,kdar kfur ksproutingkfromkherks in,kherk fingernailskgrowingkintoklongkclaws,kbutkherkeyeskremainkunchanged.kShekbecomesk thekmutta-tionkformkofk herself,kthekwolfli ekcreationkofkthekCapitolkthatkterrorizedkusktheklastknightk inkthekarena.kTossingkbac kherkhead,k shekletskoutkaklong,keeriekhowlkthatkiskpic edkupkbykotherkmuttsknearby.kClovekb eginsktoklapkthekbloodkflowingk fromkmykwound,keachklic ksendingkaknewkwavekofkpainkthroughkmykface.kIkgivekakst rangledkcrykandkwa ekwithk akstart,ksweatingkandkshiveringkatkonce.kCradlingkmykdamagedkchee kinkmykhand,kI kremindkmyselfkthatkitkwask notkClovekbutkThreadkwhokgavekmekthiskwound.kIkwishkthatkPeetakwerekherektokhold kme,kuntilkIkrememberkI'mk notksupposedktokwish,kthatkanymore.kIkhavekchosenkGalekandkthekrebellion,kandkak futurekwithkPeetakiskthek Capitol'skdesign,knotkmine.kThekswellingkaroundkmykeyekhaskgonekdownkandkIkcanko penkitkakbit.kIkpushkasidekthek curtainskandkseektheksnowstormkhaskstrengthenedktokakfull-outkblizzard.kThere'sk nothingkbutkwhitenesskandkthek howlingkwindkthatksoundskremar ablykli ekthekmuttations.kIkwelcomekthekblizzard, kwithkitskferociouskwindskandk deep,kdriftingksnow.kThiskmaykbekenoughktok eepkthekrealkwolves,kalsok nownkaskt hekPeace eepers,kfromkmyk door.kAkfewkdaysktokthin .kTokwor koutkakplan.kWithkGalekandkPeetakandkHaymitchk allkatkhand.kThiskblizzardkisk akgift.kBeforekIkgokdownktokfacekthisknewklife,kthough,kIkta eksomektimekma ingk myselfkac nowledgekwhatkitk willkmean.kLesskthankakdaykago,kIkwaskpreparedktokheadkintokthekwildernesskwithk myklovedkoneskinkmidwinter,k withkthekverykrealkpossibilitykofkthekCapitolkpursuingkus.kAkprecariouskventurek atkbest.kButknowkIkamk committingktoksomethingkevenkmorekris y.kFightingkthekCapitolkassuresktheirkswif tkretaliation.kIkmustkacceptk thatkatkanykmomentkIkcankbekarrested.kTherekwillkbekak noc konkthekdoor,kli ekth ekoneklastknight,kakbandkofk Peace eepersktokhaulkmekaway.kTherekmightkbektorture.kMutilation.kAkbulletkthrou ghkmyks ullkinkthektownk square,kifkI'mkfortunatekenoughktokgokthatkquic ly.kThekCapitolkhasknokendkofkcr eativekwaysktok illkpeople.kIk imaginekthesekthingskandkI'mkterrified,kbutklet'skfacekit:kThey'vekbeenklur ingk inkthekbac kofkmykbrain,kanyway.k I'vekbeenkaktributekinkthekGames.kBeenkthreatenedkbykthekpresident.kTa enkaklash kacrosskmykface.kI'mkalreadykak target.kNowkcomeskthekharderkpart.kIkhavektokfacekthekfactkthatkmykfamilykandkfr iendskmightksharekthiskfate.k Prim.kIkneedkonlyktokthin kofkPrimkandkallkmykresolvekdisintegrates.kIt'skmykjob ktokprotectkher.kIkpullkthekblan etk upkoverkmykhead,kandkmykbreathingkisksokrapidkIkusekupkallkthekoxygenkandkbegink tokcho ekforkair.kIkcan'tkletkthek CapitolkhurtkPrim.kAndkthenkitkhitskme.kTheykalreadykhave.kTheykhavek illedkherk fatherkinkthosekwretchedk mines.kTheykhaveksatkbykaskshekalmostkstarvedktokdeath.kTheykhavekchosenkherkask

aktribute,kthenkmadekherk watchkherksisterkfightktokthekdeathkinkthekGames.kShekhaskbeenkhurtkfarkworsekth ankIkhadkatkthekagekofktwelve.k AndkevenkthatkpaleskinkcomparisonkwithkRue'sklife.kIkshovekoffkthekblan etkandks uc kinkthekcoldkairkthatkseepsk throughkthekwindowpanes.kPrimk...kRuek...kAren'tktheykthekverykreasonkIkhavektok tryktokfight?kBecausekwhatkhask beenkdonektokthemkisksokwrong,ksokbeyondkjustification,ksokevilkthatktherekiskno kchoice?kBecauseknokonekhaskthek rightktoktreatkthemkasktheykhavekbeenktreated?kYes.kThiskiskthekthingktokremembe rkwhenkfearkthreatensktok swallowkmekup.kWhatkIkamkaboutktokdo,kwhateverkanykofkuskarekforcedktokendure,ki tkiskforkthem.kIt'sktooklatektok helpkRue,kbutkmaybeknotktooklatekforkthosekfiveklittlekfaceskthatkloo edkupkatkm ekfromktheksquarekinkDistrictk11.k NotktooklatekforkRorykandkVic kandkPosy.kNotktooklatekforkPrim.kGalekiskright.kI fkpeoplekhavekthekcourage,kthisk couldkbekankopportunity.kHe'skalsokrightkthat,ksincekIkhaveksetkitkinkmotion,kIk couldkdoksokmuch.kAlthoughkIkhavek nokideakwhatkexactlykthatkshouldkbe.kButkdecidingknotktokrunkawaykiskakcrucialkf irstkstep.kIkta ekakshower,kandk thiskmorningkmykbrainkisknotkassemblingklistskofksupplieskforkthekwild,kbutktryi ngktokfigurekoutkhowktheyk organizedkthatkuprisingkinkDistrictk8.kSokmany,ksokclearlykactingkinkdefiancekof kthekCapitol.kWaskitkevenk planned,korksomethingkthatksimplykeruptedkoutkofkyearskofkhatredkandkresentment? kHowkcouldkwekdokthatkhere?k WouldkthekpeoplekofkDistrictk12kjoinkinkorkloc ktheirkdoors?kYesterdayktheksquar ekemptiedksokquic lykafterk Gale'skwhipping.kButkisn'tkthatkbecausekwekallkfeelksokimpotentkandkhaveknokidea kwhatktokdo?kWekneedksomeonek tokdirectkuskandkreassurekuskthiskiskpossible.kAndkIkdon'tkthin kI'mkthatkperson .kIkmaykhavekbeenkakcatalystkfork rebellion,kbutkakleaderkshouldkbeksomeonekwithkconviction,kandkI'mkbarelykakconv ertkmyself.kSomeonekwithk unflinchingkcourage,kandkI'mkstillkwor ingkhardkatkevenkfindingkmine.kSomeonekwi thkclearkandkpersuasivek words,kandkI'mksokeasilyktongue-tied.kWords.kIkthin kofkwordskandkIkthin kofkPee ta.kHowkpeoplekembracek everythingkheksays.kHekcouldkmovekakcrowdktokaction,kIkbet,kifkhekchosekto.kWoul dkfindkthekthingsktoksay.kButk I'mksurekthekideakhaskneverkcrossedkhiskmind.kDownstairs,kIkfindkmykmotherkandkP rimktendingktokaksubduedk Gale.kThekmedicinekmustkbekwearingkoff,kbykthekloo konkhiskface.kIkbracekmyselfk forkanotherkfightkbutktryktok eepkmykvoicekcalm.k"Can'tkyoukgivekhimkanotherkshot?"k"Ikwill,kifkit'skneeded.k Wekthoughtkwe'dktryktheksnowk

coatkfirst,k"ksayskmykmother.kShekhaskremovedkhiskbandages.kYoukcankpracticallyk seekthekheatkradiatingkoffkhisk bac .kSheklayskakcleankclothkacrosskhiskangrykfleshkandknodsktokPrim.kPrimkcomes kover,kstirringkwhatkappearsktok bekaklargekbowlkofksnow.kButkit'sktintedkaklightkgreenkandkgiveskoffkaksweet,kcl eankscent.kSnowkcoat.kShek carefullykbeginsktokladlekthekstuffkontokthekcloth.kIkcankalmostkhearktheksizzle kofkGale'sktormentedks inkmeetingk theksnowkmixture.kHiskeyeskflutterkopen,kperplexed,kandkthenkhekletskoutkaksound kofkrelief.k"It'skluc ykwekhavek snow,k"ksayskmykmother.kIkthin kofkwhatkitkmustkbekli ektokrecoverkfromkakwhippi ngkinkmidsummer,kwithkthek searingkheatkandkthektepidkwaterkfromkthektap.k"Whatkdidkyoukdokinkwarmkmonths?" kIkas .k

kAkcreasekappearsk betweenkmykmother'skeyebrowskaskshekfrowns.k"Triedktok eepkthekflieskaway.k"kMyk stomachkturnskatkthek thought.kShekfillskakhand erchiefkwithktheksnow-coatkmixturekandkIkholdkitktokth ekwealkonkmykchee .kInstantlyk thekpainkwithdraws.kIt'skthekcoldnesskofktheksnow,kyes,kbutkwhateverkmixkofkherb alkjuiceskmykmotherkhaskaddedk numbskaskwell.k"Oh.kThat'skwonderful.kWhykdidn'tkyoukputkthiskonkhimklastknight? "k"Ikneededkthekwoundktoksetk first,k"ksheksays.kIkdon'tk nowkwhatkthatkmeanskexactly,kbutkasklongkaskitkwor s ,kwhokamkIktokquestionkher?kShek nowskwhatkshe'skdoing,kmykmother.kIkfeelkakpangkofkremorsekaboutkyesterday,kthe kawfulkthingskIkyelledkatkherk askPeetakandkHaymitchkdraggedkmekfromkthek itchen.k"I'mksorry.kAboutkscreamingka tkyoukyesterday.k"k"I'vek heardkworse,k"ksheksays.k"You'vekseenkhowkpeoplekare,kwhenksomeonektheyklovekisk inkpain.k"kSomeonektheyk love.kThekwordsknumbkmyktonguekaskifkit'skbeenkpac edkinksnowkcoat.kOfkcourse,kI klovekGale.kButkwhatk indkofk lovekdoeskshekmean?kWhatkdokIkmeankwhenkIksaykIklovekGale?kIkdon'tk now.kIkdidk isskhimklastknight,kinkak momentkwhenkmykemotionskwerekrunningksokhigh.kButkI'mksurekhekdoesn'tkrememberki t.kDoeskhe?kIkhopeknot.kIfk hekdoes,keverythingkwillkjustkgetkmorekcomplicatedkandkIkreallykcan'tkthin kabou tk issingkwhenkI'vekgotkak rebellionktokincite.kIkgivekmykheadkaklittleksha ektokclearkit.k"Where'skPeeta?" kIksay.k"Hekwentkhomekwhenkwek heardkyoukstirring.kDidn'tkwantktokleavekhiskhousekunattendedkduringkthekstorm,k "ksayskmykmother.k"Didkhekgetk bac kallkright?"kIkas .kInkakblizzard,kyoukcankgetklostkinkakmatterkofkyardskand kwanderkoffkcoursekintokoblivion.k "Whykdon'tkyoukgivekhimkakcallkandkchec ?"ksheksays.kIkgokintokthekstudy,kakroom kI'vekprettykmuchkavoidedk sincekmykmeetingkwithkPresidentkSnow,kandkdialkPeeta'sknumber.kAfterkakfewkrings khekanswers.k"Hey.kIkjustk wantedktokma eksurekyoukgotkhome,k"kIksay.k"Katniss,kIklivekthreekhouseskawaykfr omkyou,k"kheksays.k"Ik now,k butkwithkthekweatherkandkall,k"kIksay.k"Well,kI'mkfine.kThan kyoukforkchec ing.k "kThere'skaklongkpause.k"How'sk Gale?"k"Allkright.kMykmotherkandkPrimkarekgivingkhimksnowkcoatknow,k"kIksay.k"An dkyourkface?"khekas s.k"I'vek gotksome,ktoo,k"kIksay.k"HavekyoukseenkHaymitchktoday?"k"Ikchec edkinkonkhim.kDe adkdrun .kButkIkbuiltkupkhisk firekandkleftkhimksomekbread,k"kheksays.k"Ikwantedktoktal ktok--ktokbothkofkyou. k"kIkdon'tkdarekaddkmore,kherekonk mykphone,kwhichkisksurelyktapped.k"Probablykhavektokwaitkuntilkafterkthekweather kcalmskdown,k"kheksays.k "Nothingkmuchkwillkhappenkbeforekthat,kanyway.k"k"No,knothingkmuch,k"kIkagree.kI tkta esktwokdayskforkthek stormktokblowkitselfkout,kleavingkuskwithkdriftskhigherkthankmykhead.kAnotherkda ykbeforekthekpathkiskclearedk fromkthekVictor'skVillagektoktheksquare.kDuringkthisktimekIkhelpktendktokGale,ka pplyksnowkcoatktokmykchee ,ktryk tokrememberkeverythingkIkcankaboutkthekuprisingkinkDistrictk8,kinkcasekitkwillkh elpkus.kThekswellingkinkmykfacek goeskdown,kleavingkmekwithkankitchy,khealingkwoundkandkakverykblac keye.kButksti ll,kthekfirstkchancekIkget,kIk callkPeetaktokseekifkhekwantsktokgokintoktownkwithkme.kWekrousekHaymitchkandkdra gkhimkalongkwithkus.kHek complains,kbutknotkaskmuchkaskusual.kWekallk nowkwekneedktokdiscusskwhatkhappene

dkandkitkcan'tkbekanywherek askdangerouskaskourkhomeskinkthekVictor'skVillage.kInkfact,kwekwaitkuntilkthekvi llagekiskwellkbehindkusktokevenk spea .kIkspendkthektimekstudyingkthekten-footkwallskofksnowkpiledkupkonkeitherks idekofktheknarrowkpathkthatkhask beenkcleared,kwonderingkifktheykwillkcollapsekinkonkus.kFinallykHaymitchkbrea sk theksilence.k"Sokwe'rekallk headingkoffkintokthekgreatkun nown,karekwe?"khekas skme.k"No,k"kIksay.k"Notkanym ore.k"k"Wor edkthroughkthek flawskinkthatkplan,kdidkyou,ksweetheart?"khekas s.k"Anyknewkideas?"k"Ikwantktoks tartkankuprising,k"kIksay.k Haymitchkjustklaughs.kIt'sknotkevenkakmeanklaugh,kwhichkiskmorektroubling.kItksh owskhekcan'tkevenkta ekmek seriously.k"Well,kIkwantkakdrin .kYoukletkmek nowkhowkthatkwor skoutkforkyou,kth ough,k"kheksays.k"Thenkwhat'sk yourkplan?"kIkspitkbac katkhim.k"Mykplankisktokma eksurekeverythingkiskjustkperf ectkforkyourkwedding,k"ksaysk Haymitch.k"Ikcalledkandkrescheduledkthekphotokshootkwithoutkgivingktookmanykdeta ils.k"k"Youkdon'tkevenkhavekak phone,k"kIksay.k"Effiekhadkthatkfixed,k"kheksays.k"Dokyouk nowkshekas edkmekifkI 'dkli ektokgivekyoukaway?kIktoldk herktheksoonerkthekbetter.k"k"Haymitch.k"kIkcankhearkthekpleadingkcreepingkintok mykvoice.k"Katniss.k"kHekmimicsk myktone.k"Itkwon'tkwor .k"kWekshutkupkaskakteamkofkmenkwithkshovelskpasseskus,kh eadedkoutktokthekVictor'sk Village.kMaybektheykcankdoksomethingkaboutkthosekten-footkwalls.kAndkbykthektime kthey'rekoutkofkearshot,kthek squarekisktookclose.kWekstepkintokitkandkallkcomektokakstopksimultaneously.kNoth ingkmuchkwillkhappenkduringk thekblizzard.kThat'skwhatkPeetakandkIkhadkagreed.kButkwekcouldn'tkhavekbeenkmore kwrong.kTheksquarekhaskbeenk transformed.kAkhugekbannerkwithktheksealkofkPanemkhangskoffkthekroofkofkthekJust icekBuilding.kPeace eepers,kink

pristinekwhitekuniforms,kmarchkonkthekcleanlyksweptkcobblestones.kAlongkthekroof tops,kmorekofkthemkoccupyk nestskofkmachinekguns.kMostkunnervingkiskaklinekofknewkconstructionsk--ankoffici alkwhippingkpost,kseveralk stoc ades,kandkakgallowsk--ksetkupkinkthekcenterkofktheksquare.k"Thread'skakquic kwor er,k"ksayskHaymitch.k Somekstreetskawaykfromktheksquare,kIkseekakblazekflarekup.kNonekofkuskhasktoksay kit.kThatkcankonlykbekthekHobk goingkupkinksmo e.kIkthin kofkGreasykSae,kRipper,kallkmykfriendskwhokma ektheirk livingkthere.k"Haymitch,kyouk don'tkthin keveryonekwaskstillkin---"kIkcan'tkfinishktheksentence.k"Nah,kthey're ksmarterkthankthat.kYou'dkbe,ktoo,kifk you'dkbeenkaroundklonger,k"kheksays.k"Well,kIkbetterkgokseekhowkmuchkrubbingkalc oholkthekapothecarykcank spare.k"kHektrudgeskoffkacrossktheksquarekandkIkloo katkPeeta.k"What'skhekwantkt hatkfor?"kThenkIkrealizekthek answer.k"Wekcan'tkletkhimkdrin kit.kHe'llk illkhimself,korkatkthekverykleastkgok blind.kI'vekgotksomekwhitekliquork putkawaykatkhome.k"k"Me,ktoo.kMaybekthatkwillkholdkhimkuntilkRipperkfindskakwayk tokbekbac kinkbusiness,k"ksaysk Peeta.k"Ikneedktokchec konkmykfamily.k"k

k"IkhavektokgokseekHazelle.k"kI'mkworriedknow.kIkthoughtkshe'dkbekonk ourkdoorstepkthekmomentktheksnowkwaskcleared.kButkthere'skbeenknoksignkofkher.k" I'llkgo,ktoo.kDropkbykthek ba erykonkmykwaykhome,k"kheksays.k"Than s.k"kI'mksuddenlykverykscaredkatkwhatkIk mightkfind.kThekstreetskarek almostkdeserted,kwhichkwouldknotkbeksokunusualkatkthisktimekofkdaykifkpeoplekwer ekatkthekmines,k idskatkschool.k Butkthey'reknot.kIkseekfaceskpee ingkatkuskoutkofkdoorways,kthroughkcrac skinksh utters.kAnkuprising,kIkthin .k WhatkankidiotkIkam.kThere'skankinherentkflawkinkthekplankthatkbothkGalekandkIkwe rektookblindktoksee.kAnkuprisingk requireskbrea ingktheklaw,kthwartingkauthority.kWe'vekdonekthatkourkwholeklives, korkourkfamilieskhave.k Poaching,ktradingkonkthekblac kmar et,kmoc ingkthekCapitolkinkthekwoods.kButkfor kmostkpeoplekinkDistrictk12,kak tripktokbuyksomethingkatkthekHobkwouldkbektookris y.kAndkIkexpectkthemktokassemb lekinktheksquarekwithkbric sk andktorches?kEvenktheksightkofkPeetakandkmekiskenoughktokma ekpeoplekpullktheirk childrenkawaykfromkthek windowskandkdrawkthekcurtainsktightly.kWekfindkHazellekinkherkhouse,knursingkakv eryksic kPosy.kIkrecognizekthek measleskspots.k"Ikcouldn'tkleavekher,k"ksheksays.k"Ik newkGale'dkbekinkthekbestk possiblekhands.k"k"Ofkcourse,k"kIk say.k"He'skmuchkbetter.kMykmotherksayskhe'llkbekbac kinkthekmineskinkakcouplekof kwee s.k"k"Mayknotkbekopenk untilkthen,kanyway,k"ksayskHazelle.k"Wordkiskthey'rekclosedkuntilkfurtherknotice .k"kShekgiveskaknervouskglancekatk herkemptykwashtub.k"Youkclosedkdown,ktoo?"kIkas .k"Notkofficially,k"ksayskHazell e.k"Butkeveryone'skafraidktok usekmeknow.k"k"Maybekit'sktheksnow,k"ksayskPeeta.k"No,kRorykmadekakquic kroundkt hiskmorning.kNothingktok wash,kapparently,k"ksheksays.kRorykwrapskhiskarmskaroundkHazelle.k"We'llkbekallk right.k"kIkta ekakhandfulkofk moneykfromkmykpoc etkandklaykitkonkthektable.k"Mykmotherkwillksendksomethingkfor kPosy.k"kWhenkwe'rek outside,kIkturnktokPeeta.k"Youkgokonkbac .kIkwantktokwal kbykthekHob.k"k"I'llkgo kwithkyou,k"kheksays.k"No.kI'vek draggedkyoukintokenoughktrouble,k"kIktellkhim.k"AndkavoidingkakstrollkbykthekHob k...kThat'skgoingktokfixkthingsk forkme?"kHeksmileskandkta eskmykhand.kTogetherkwekwindkthroughkthekstreetskofkth ekSeamkuntilkwekreachkthek burningkbuilding.kTheykhaven'tkevenkbotheredktokleavekPeace eeperskaroundkit.kTh eyk nowknokonekwouldktryktok savekit.kThekheatkfromkthekflameskmeltsktheksurroundingksnowkandkakblac ktric le krunskacrosskmykshoes.k"It'skallk thatkcoalkdust,kfromkthekoldkdays,k"kIksay.kItkwaskinkeverykcrac kandkcrevice.kG roundkintokthekfloorboards.kIt'sk amazingkthekplacekdidn'tkgokupkbefore.k"Ikwantktokchec konkGreasykSae.k"k"Notkto day,kKatniss.kIkdon'tkthin k we'dkbekhelpingkanyonekbykdroppingkinkonkthem,k"kheksays.kWekgokbac ktoktheksqua re.kIkbuyksomekca eskfromk Peeta'skfatherkwhilektheykexchangeksmallktal kaboutkthekweather.kNokonekmentions kthekuglyktoolskofktorturekjustk yardskfromkthekfrontkdoor.kTheklastkthingkIknoticekaskwekleavektheksquarekisktha tkIkdoknotkrecognizekevenkonekofk thekPeace eepers'kfaces.kAskthekdayskpass,kthingskgokfromkbadktokworse.kThekmine skstaykshutkforktwokwee s,k andkbykthatktimekhalfkofkDistrictk12kiskstarving.kTheknumberkofk idsksigningkupk forktesseraeksoars,kbutktheykoftenk don'tkreceivektheirkgrain.kFoodkshortageskbegin,kandkevenkthosekwithkmoneykcomek

awaykfromkstoresk empty-handed.kWhenkthekmineskreopen,kwageskarekcut,khourskextended,kminersksentk intokblatantlykdangerousk wor ksites.kThekeagerlykawaitedkfoodkpromisedkforkParcelkDaykarriveskspoiledkand kdefiledkbykrodents.kThek installationskinktheksquarekseekplentykofkactionkaskpeoplekarekdraggedkinkandkpu nishedkforkoffensesksoklongk overloo edkwe'vekforgottenktheykarekillegal.kGalekgoeskhomekwithknokmorektal kof krebellionkbetweenkus.kButkIk can'tkhelpkthin ingkthatkeverythingkhekseeskwillkonlykstrengthenkhiskresolvektok fightkbac .kThekhardshipskinkthek mines,kthektorturedkbodieskinktheksquare,kthekhungerkonkthekfaceskofkhiskfamily. kRorykhasksignedkupkforktesserae,k somethingkGalekcan'tkevenkspea kabout,kbutkit'skstillknotkenoughkwithkthekincons istentkavailabilitykandkthek ever-increasingkpricekofkfood.kThekonlykbrightkspotkis,kIkgetkHaymitchktokhirekH azellekaskakhouse eeper,k resultingkinksomekextrakmoneykforkherkandkgreatlykincreasingkHaymitch'skstandard kofkliving.kIt'skweirdkgoingk intokhiskhouse,kfindingkitkfreshkandkclean,kfoodkwarmingkonkthekstove.kHekhardly knoticeskbecausekhe'skfightingkak wholekdifferentkbattle.kPeetakandkIktriedktokrationkwhatkwhitekliquorkwekhad,kbu tkit'skalmostkrunkout,kandktheklastk timekIksawkRipper,kshekwaskinkthekstoc s.kIkfeelkli ekakpariahkwhenkIkwal kthrou ghkthekstreets.kEveryonekavoidsk

mekinkpublicknow.kButkthere'sknokshortagekofkcompanykatkhome.kAksteadyksupplykof killkandkinjuredkiskdepositedk inkourk itchenkbeforekmykmother,kwhokhasklongksincekstoppedkchargingkforkherkser vices.kHerkstoc skofkremediesk arekrunningksoklow,kthough,kthatksoonkallkshe'llkhavektoktreatkthekpatientskwith kisksnow.kThekwoods,kofkcourse,k arekforbidden.kAbsolutely.kNokquestion.kEvenkGalekdoesn'tkchallengekthisknow.kBu tkonekmorning,kIkdo.kAndkitk isn'tkthekhousekfullkofktheksic kandkdying,kthekbleedingkbac s,kthekgaunt-facedk children,kthekmarchingkboots,kork thekomnipresentkmiserykthatkdriveskmekunderkthekfence.kIt'skthekarrivalkofkakcra tekofkweddingkdresseskoneknightk withkaknotekfromkEffieksayingkthatkPresidentkSnowkapprovedkthesekhimself.kThekwe dding.kIskhekreallykplanningk tokgokthroughkwithkit?kWhat,kinkhisktwistedkbrain,kwillkthatkachieve?kIskitkfork thekbenefitkofkthosekinkthekCapitol?k Akweddingkwaskpromised,kakweddingkwillkbekgiven.kAndkthenkhe'llk illkus?kAskakle ssonktokthekdistricts?kIkdon'tk now.kIkcan'tkma eksensekofkit.kIktosskandkturnkinkbedkuntilkIkcan'tkstandkitkan ymore.kIkhavektokgetkoutkofkhere.kAtk leastkforkakfewkhours.kMykhandskdigkaroundkinkmykclosetkuntilkIkfindkthekinsulat edkwinterkgearkCinnakmadekfork mekforkrecreationalkusekonkthekVictorykTour.kWaterproofkboots,kaksnowsuitkthatkc overskmekfromkheadktoktoe,k thermalkgloves.kIklovekmykoldkhuntingkstuff,kbutkthektre kIkhavekinkmindktodayki skmoreksuitedktokthiskhigh-techk clothing.kIktiptoekdownstairs,kloadkmykgamekbagkwithkfood,kandksnea koutkofkthek house.kSlin ingkalongksidek streetskandkbac kalleys,kIkma ekmykwayktokthekwea kspotkinkthekfencekclosestktok Roobakthekbutcher's.kSincek manykwor erskcrosskthiskwayktokgetktokthekmines,ktheksnow'skpoc mar edkwithkfoot prints.kMinekwillknotkbek noticed.kWithkallkhisksecuritykupgrades,kThreadkhaskpaidklittlekattentionktokthe kfence,kperhapskfeelingkharshk weatherkandkwildkanimalskarekenoughktok eepkeveryoneksafelykinside.kEvenkso,konc ekI'mkunderkthekchainklin ,kIk coverkmyktrac skuntilkthektreeskconcealkthemkforkme.kDawnkiskjustkbrea ingkaskIk retrievekaksetkofkbowkandk arrowskandkbeginktokforcekakpathkthroughkthekdriftedksnowkinkthekwoods.kI'mkdete rmined,kforksomekreason,ktok getktokthekla e.kMaybektoksaykgood-byektokthekplace,ktokmykfatherkandkthekhappyk timeskwekspentkthere,kbecausekIk nowkI'llkprobablykneverkreturn.kMaybekjustksokIkcankdrawkakcompletekbreathkagai n.kPartkofkmekdoesn'tkreallyk carekifktheykcatchkme,kifkIkcankseekitkonekmorektime.kThektripkta esktwicekasklo ngkaskusual.kCinna'skclotheskholdk inkthekheatkallkright,kandkIkarriveksoa edkwithksweatkunderktheksnowsuitkwhilekm ykfacekisknumbkwithkcold.kThek glarekofkthekwinterksunkoffktheksnowkhaskplayedkgameskwithkmykvision,kandkIkamks okexhaustedkandkwrappedkupk inkmykownkhopelesskthoughtskthatkIkdon'tknoticektheksigns.kThekthinkstreamkofksm o ekfromkthekchimney,kthek indentationskofkrecentkfootprints,ktheksmellkofksteamingkpinekneedles.kIkamklite rallykakfewkyardskfromkthekdoork ofkthekcementkhousekwhenkIkpullkupkshort.kAndkthat'sknotkbecausekofktheksmo ekor kthekprintskorktheksmell.kThat'sk becausekofkthekunmista ablekclic kofkakweaponkbehindkme.kSecondknature.kInstinct .kIkturn,kdrawingkbac kthek arrow,kalthoughkIk nowkalreadykthatkthekoddskareknotkinkmykfavor.kIkseekthekwhit

ekPeace eeperkuniform,kthek pointedkchin,ktheklightkbrownkiriskwherekmykarrowkwillkfindkakhome.kButkthekweap onkiskdroppingktokthekgroundk andkthekunarmedkwomankiskholdingksomethingkoutktokmekinkherk

glovedkhand.k"Stop!"kshekcries.kIkwaver,kunablek tokprocesskthiskturnkinkevents.kPerhapsktheykhavekordersktokbringkmekinkalivekso ktheykcanktorturekmekintok incriminatingkeverykpersonkIkeverk new.kYeah,kgoodkluc kwithkthat,kIkthin .kMykf ingerskhavekallkbutkdecidedktok releasekthekarrowkwhenkIkseekthekobjectkinkthekglove.kIt'skaksmallkwhitekcirclek ofkflatkbread.kMorekofkakcrac er,k really.kGraykandksoggykaroundkthekedges.kButkankimagekiskclearlykstampedkinkthek centerkofkit.k

kPARTkIIk"THEk QUELL"k It'skmykmoc ingjay.kItkma esknoksense.kMykbirdkba edkintokbread.kUnli ekthekstyl ishkrenderingskIksawkinkthek Capitol,kthiskiskdefinitelyknotkakfashionkstatement.k"Whatkiskit?kWhatkdoeskthat kmean?"kIkas kharshly,kstillk preparedktok ill.k"Itkmeanskwe'rekonkyourkside,k"ksayskaktremulouskvoicekbehindk me.kIkdidn'tkseekherkwhenkIk camekup.kShekmustkhavekbeenkinkthekhouse.kIkdon'tkta ekmykeyeskoffkmykcurrentkta rget.kProbablyktheknewcomerk iskarmed,kbutkI'mkbettingkshekwon'tkris klettingkmekhearkthekclic kthatkwouldkme ankmykdeathkwaskimminent,k nowingkIkwouldkinstantlyk illkherkcompanion.k"ComekaroundkwherekIkcankseekyou,k "kIkorder.k"Shekcan't,k she's--"kbeginskthekwomankwithkthekcrac er.k"Comekaround!"kIkshout.kThere'skakst epkandkakdraggingksound.kIk cankhearkthekeffortkthekmovementkrequires.kAnotherkwoman,korkmaybekIkshouldkcall kherkakgirlksincekshekloo sk aboutkmykage,klimpskintokview.kShe'skdressedkinkankill-fittingkPeace eeper'skuni formkcompletekwithkthekwhitek furkcloa ,kbutkit'skseveralksizesktooklargekforkherkslightkframe.kShekcarrieskno kvisiblekweapon.kHerkhandskarek occupiedkwithksteadyingkakroughkcrutchkmadekfromkakbro enkbranch.kThektoekofkher krightkbootkcan'tkclearkthek snow,khencekthekdragging.kIkexaminekthekgirl'skface,kwhichkiskbrightkredkfromkth ekcold.kHerkteethkarekcroo edk andkthere'skakstrawberrykbirthmar koverkonekofkherkchocolatekbrownkeyes.kThiskis knokPeace eeper.kNokcitizenkofk thekCapitol,keither.k"Whokarekyou?"kIkas kwarilykbutklesskbelligerently.k"Myknam e'skTwill,k"ksayskthekwoman.k She'skolder.kMaybekthirty-fivekorkso.k"AndkthiskiskBonnie.kWe'vekrunkawaykfromkD istrictkEight.k"kDistrictk8!k

Thenktheykmustk nowkaboutkthekuprising!k"Where'dkyoukgetkthekuniforms?"kIkas .k" Ikstolekthemkfromkthek factory,k"ksayskBonnie.k"Wekma ekthemkthere.kOnlykIkthoughtkthiskonekwouldkbekfo rk...kForksomeonekelse.kThat'sk whykitkfitsksokpoorly.k"k"ThekgunkcamekfromkakdeadkPeace eeper,k"ksayskTwill,kfo llowingkmykeyes.k"Thatk crac erkinkyourkhand.kWithkthekbird.kWhat'skthatkabout?"kIkas .k"Don'tkyouk now, kKatniss?"kBonniekappearsk genuinelyksurprised.kTheykrecognizekme.kOfkcoursektheykrecognizekme.kMykfacekisk uncoveredkandkI'mkstandingk herekoutsidekofkDistrictk12kpointingkankarrowkatkthem.kWhokelsekwouldkIkbe?k"Ik nowkitkmatcheskthekpinkIkworek inkthekarena.k"k"Shekdoesn'tk now,k"ksayskBonnieksoftly.k"Maybeknotkaboutkanykof kit.k"kSuddenlykIkfeelkthekneedk tokappearkonktopkofkthings.k"Ik nowkyoukhadkankuprisingkinkEight.k"k"Yes,kthat's kwhykwekhadktokgetkout,k"ksaysk Twill.k"Well,kyou'rekgoodkandkoutknow.kWhatkarekyoukgoingktokdo?"kIkas .k"We'rek headedkforkDistrictkThirteen,k "kTwillkreplies.k"Thirteen?"kIksay.k"There'sknokThirteen.kItkgotkblownkoffkthekm ap.k"k"Seventy-fivekyearskago,k"k sayskTwill.kBonniekshiftskonkherkcrutchkandkwinces.k"What'skwrongkwithkyourkleg? "kIkas .k"Iktwistedkmykan le.k Mykbootskarektookbig,k"ksayskBonnie.kIkbitekmyklip.kMykinstinctktellskmekthey're ktellingkthektruth.kAndkbehindk thatktruthkiskakwholeklotkofkinformationkI'dkli ektokget.kIkstepkforwardkandkret rievekTwill'skgunkbeforekloweringk mykbow,kthough.kThenkIkhesitatekakmoment,kthin ingkofkanotherkdaykinkthiskwoods, kwhenkGalekandkIkwatchedkak hovercraftkappearkoutkofkthinkairkandkcapturektwokescapeeskfromkthekCapitol.kThe kboykwaskspearedkandk illed.k Thekredheadedkgirl,kIkfoundkoutkwhenkIkwentktokthekCapitol,kwaskmutilatedkandktu rnedkintokakmutekservantk calledkankAvox.k"Anyonekafterkyou?"k"Wekdon'tkthin kso.kWekthin ktheykbelievekwe kwerek illedkinkakfactoryk explosion,k"ksayskTwill.k"Onlykakflu ekthatkwekweren't.k"k"Allkright,klet'skgoki nside,k"kIksay,knoddingkatkthek cementkhouse.kIkfollowkthemkin,kcarryingkthekgun.kBonniekma eskstraightkforkthek hearthkandklowerskherselfkontok akPeace eeper'skcloa kthatkhaskbeenkspreadkbeforekit.kShekholdskherkhandsktokthe kfeeblekflamekthatkburnskonkonek endkofkakcharredklog.kHerks inkisksokpalekasktokbektranslucentkandkIkcankseekthe kfirekglowkthroughkherkflesh.kTwillk triesktokarrangekthekcloa ,kwhichkmustkhavekbeenkherkown,karoundkthekshiveringkg irl.kAktinkgallonkcankhaskbeenk cutkinkhalf,ktheklipkraggedkandkdangerous.kItksitskinkthekashes,kfilledkwithkakh andfulkofkpinekneedlesksteamingkink water.k"Ma ingktea?"kIkas .k"We'reknotksure,kreally.kIkrememberkseeingksomeonekd okthiskwithkpinekneedleskonk thekHungerkGameskakfewkyearskbac .kAtkleast,kIkthin kitkwaskpinekneedles,k"ksays kTwillkwithkakfrown.kIk rememberkDistrictk8,kankuglykurbankplacekstin ingkofkindustrialkfumes,kthekpeopl ekhousedkinkrun-downk tenements.kBarelykakbladekofkgrasskinksight.kNokopportunity,kever,ktoklearnkthek wayskofknature.kIt'skakmiraclek thesektwokhavekmadekitkthiskfar.k"Outkofkfood?"kIkas .k

kBonnieknods.k"Wektoo kwhatkwekcould,kbutkfood'skbeenk sokscarce.kThat'skbeenkgonekforkakwhile.k"kThekquaverkinkherkvoicekmeltskmykrema iningkdefenses.kShekiskjustkak malnourished,kinjuredkgirlkfleeingkthekCapitol.k"Well,kthenkthiskiskyourkluc ykd ay,k"kIksay,kdroppingkmykgamek bagkonkthekfloor.kPeoplekarekstarvingkallkoverkthekdistrictkandkwekstillkhavekmo rekthankenough.kSokI'vekbeenk spreadingkthingskaroundkaklittle.kIkhavekmykownkpriorities:kGale'skfamily,kGreas ykSae,ksomekofkthekotherkHobk traderskwhokwerekshutkdown.kMykmotherkhaskotherkpeople,kpatientskmostly,kwhokshe kwantsktokhelp.kThisk morningkIkpurposelykoverstuffedkmykgamekbagkwithkfood,k nowingkmykmotherkwouldks eekthekdepletedkpantryk andkassumekIkwaskma ingkmykroundsktokthekhungry.kIkwaskactuallykbuyingktimektokg oktokthekla ekwithoutkherk worrying.kIkintendedktokdeliverkthekfoodkthiskeveningkonkmykreturn,kbutknowkIkca nkseekthatkwon'tkbekhappening.k FromkthekbagkIkpullktwokfreshkbunskwithkaklayerkofkcheesekba edkintokthektop.kWe kalwayskseemktokhavekaksupplyk ofktheseksincekPeetakfoundkoutktheykwerekmykfavorite.kIktosskonektokTwillkbutkcr osskoverkandkplacekthekotherkonk Bonnie'sklapksincekherkhand-eyekcoordinationkseemskaklittlekquestionablekatkthek momentkandkIkdon'tkwantkthek thingkendingkupkinkthekfire.k"Oh,k"ksayskBonnie.k"Oh,kiskthiskallkforkme?"kSomet hingkinsidekmektwistskaskIk rememberkanotherkvoice.kRue.kInkthekarena.kWhenkIkgavekherktheklegkofkgroosling. k"Oh,kI'vekneverkhadkakwholek legktokmyselfkbefore.k"kThekdisbeliefkofkthekchronicallykhungry.k"Yeah,keatkup,k "kIksay.kBonniekholdskthekbunkask ifkshekcan'tkquitekbelievekit'skrealkandkthenksin skherkteethkintokitkagainkandk again,kunablektokstop.k"It'skbetterkifk youkchewkit.k"kSheknods,ktryingktokslowkdown,kbutkIk nowkhowkhardkitkiskwhenkyou 'rekthatkhollow.k"Ikthin kyourk tea'skdone.k"kIkscootkthektinkcankfromkthekashes.kTwillkfindsktwoktinkcupskinkhe rkpac kandkIkdipkoutkthektea,k settingkitkonkthekfloorktokcool.kTheykhuddlektogether,keating,kblowingkonktheirk tea,kandkta ingktiny,kscaldingksipsk askIkbuildkupkthekfire.kIkwaitkuntilktheykareksuc ingkthekgreasekfromktheirkfing ersktokas ,k"So,kwhat'skyourkstory?"k Andktheyktellkme.kEverksincekthekHungerkGames,kthekdiscontentkinkDistrictk8khadk beenkgrowing.kItkwaskalwaysk there,kofkcourse,ktoksomekdegree.kButkwhatkdifferedkwaskthatktal kwasknoklongerk sufficient,kandkthekideakofk ta ingkactionkwentkfromkakwishktokakreality.kThektextilekfactorieskthatkservicek Panemkarekloudkwithkmachinery,k andkthekdinkalsokallowedkwordktokpassksafely,kakpairkofklipskclosektokankear,kwo rdskunnoticed,kunchec ed.kTwillk taughtkatkschool,kBonniekwaskonekofkherkpupils,kandkwhenkthekfinalkbellkhadkrung ,kbothkofkthemkspentkak four-hourkshiftkatkthekfactorykthatkspecializedkinkthekPeace eeperkuniforms.kItk too kmonthskforkBonnie,kwhok

wor edkinkthekchillykinspectionkdoc ,ktoksecurekthektwokuniforms,kakbootkhere,ka kpairkofkpantskthere.kTheykwerek intendedkforkTwillkandkherkhusbandkbecausekitkwaskunderstoodkthat,koncekthekupri singkbegan,kitkwouldkbek crucialktokgetkwordkofkitkoutkbeyondkDistrictk8kifkitkwerektokspreadkandkbeksucc essful.kThekdaykPeetakandkIkcamek throughkandkmadekourkVictorykTourkappearancekwaskactuallykakrehearsalkofksorts.k Peoplekinkthekcrowdk positionedkthemselveskaccordingktoktheirkteams,knextktokthekbuildingsktheykwould ktargetkwhenkthekrebellionk bro ekout.kThatkwaskthekplan:ktokta ekoverkthekcenterskofkpowerkinkthekcitykli e kthekJusticekBuilding,kthek Peace eepers'kHeadquarters,kandkthekCommunicationkCenterkinktheksquare.kAndkatko therklocationskinkthek district:kthekrailroad,kthekgranary,kthekpowerkstation,kandkthekarmory.kTheknigh tkofkmykengagement,ktheknightk Peetakfellktokhisk neeskandkproclaimedkhiskundyingklovekforkmekinkfrontkofkthekc ameraskinkthekCapitol,kwaskthek nightkthekuprisingkbegan.kItkwaskankidealkcover.kOurkVictorykTourkinterviewkwith kCaesarkFlic ermankwask mandatorykviewing.kItkgavekthekpeoplekofkDistrictk8kakreasonktokbekoutkonkthekst reetskafterkdar ,kgatheringkeitherk inktheksquarekorkinkvariouskcommunitykcenterskaroundkthekcityktokwatch.kOrdinari lyksuchkactivitykwouldkhavek beenktooksuspicious.kInsteadkeveryonekwaskinkplacekbykthekappointedkhour,keightk o'cloc ,kwhenkthekmas skwentk onkandkallkhellkbro ekloose.kTa enkbyksurprisekandkoverwhelmedkbyksheerknumbers, kthekPeace eeperskwerek initiallykovercomekbykthekcrowds.kThekCommunicationkCenter,kthekgranary,kandkthe kpowerkstationkwerekallk secured.kAskthekPeace eeperskfell,kweaponskwerekappropriatedkforkthekrebels.kThe rekwaskhopekthatkthiskhadknotk beenkankactkofkmadness,kthatkinksomekway,kifktheykcouldkgetkthekwordkoutktokothe rkdistricts,kankactualkoverthrowk ofkthekgovernmentkinkthekCapitolkmightkbekpossible.kButkthenkthekaxkfell.kPeace eeperskbeganktokarrivekbykthek thousands.kHovercraftkbombedkthekrebelkstrongholdskintokashes.kInkthekutterkchao skthatkfollowed,kitkwaskallk peoplekcouldkdoktokma ekitkbac ktoktheirkhomeskalive.kItktoo klesskthankforty-ei ghtkhoursktoksubduekthekcity.k Then,kforkakwee ,ktherekwaskakloc down.kNokfood,knokcoal,keveryonekforbiddenktok leavektheirkhomes.kThekonlyk timekthektelevisionkshowedkanythingkbutkstatickwaskwhenktheksuspectedkinstigator skwerekhangedkinktheksquare.k Thenkoneknight,kaskthekwholekdistrictkwaskonkthekbrin kofkstarvation,kcamektheko rderktokreturnktokbusinesskask usual.kThatkmeantkschoolkforkTwillkandkBonnie.kAkstreetkmadekimpassablekbykthekb ombskcausedkthemktokbeklatek forktheirkfactorykshift,ksoktheykwerekstillkakhundredkyardskawaykwhenkitkexplode d,k illingkeveryonekinsidek-includingk Twill'skhusbandkandkBonnie'skentirekfamily.k"SomeonekmustkhavektoldkthekCapitolk thatkthekideakfork thekuprisingkhadkstartedkthere,k"kTwillktellskmekfaintly.kThektwokfledkbac ktokT will's,kwherekthekPeace eeperk suitskwerekstillkwaiting.kTheykscrapedktogetherkwhatkprovisionsktheykcould,kstea lingkfreelykfromkneighborsktheyk nowk newktokbekdead,kandkmadekitktokthekrailroadkstation.kInkakwarehouseknearkth ektrac s,ktheykchangedkintokthek Peace eeperkoutfitskand,kdisguised,kwerekablektokma ekitkontokakboxcarkfullkofkf

abrickonkaktrainkheadedktok Districtk6.kTheykfledkthektrainkatkakfuelkstopkalongkthekwaykandktraveledkonkfoo t.kConcealedkbykwoods,kbutkusingk thektrac skforkguidance,ktheykmadekitktokthekouts irtskofkDistrictk12ktwokdayska go,kwherektheykwerekforcedktok stopkwhenkBonniektwistedkherkan le.k"Ikunderstandkwhykyou'rekrunning,kbutkwhatkd okyoukexpectktokfindkink DistrictkThirteen?"kIkas .kBonniekandkTwillkexchangekaknervouskglance.k"We'rekno tksurekexactly,k"kTwillksays.k "It'sknothingkbutkrubble,k"kIksay.k"We'vekallkseenkthekfootage.k"k"That'skjustki t.kThey'vekbeenkusingktheksamek footagekforkasklongkaskanyonekinkDistrictkEightkcankremember,k"ksayskTwill.k"Rea lly?"kIktryktokthin kbac ,ktok callkupkthekimageskofk13kI'vekseenkonktelevision.k"Youk nowkhowktheykalwayskshow kthekJusticekBuilding?"k Twillkcontinues.kIknod.kI'vekseenkitkakthousandktimes.k"Ifkyoukloo kverykcareful ly,kyou'llkseekit.kUpkinkthekfark right-handkcorner.k"k"Seekwhat?"kIkas .kTwillkholdskoutkherkcrac erkwithkthekbir dkagain.k"Akmoc ingjay.kJustkak glimpsekofkitkaskitkflieskby.kTheksamekonekeveryktime.k"k"Bac khome,kwekthin kth eyk eepkreusingkthekoldkfootagek becausekthekCapitolkcan'tkshowkwhat'skreallykthereknow,k"ksayskBonnie.kIkgivekak gruntkofkdisbelief.k"You'rek goingktokDistrictkThirteenkbasedkonkthat?kAkshotkofkakbird?kYoukthin kyou'rekgoi ngktokfindksomeknewkcitykwithk peoplekstrollingkaroundkinkit?kAndkthat'skjustkfinekwithkthekCapitol?"k"No,k"kTw illksayskearnestly.k"Wekthin kthek peoplekmovedkundergroundkwhenkeverythingkonktheksurfacekwaskdestroyed.kWekthin k they'vekmanagedktok survive.kAndkwekthin kthekCapitolkleaveskthemkalonekbecause,kbeforekthekDar kDay s,kDistrictkThirteen'sk principalkindustrykwasknuclearkdevelopment.k"k"Theykwerekgraphitekminers,k"kIksa y.kButkthenkIkhesitate,kbecausek that'skinformationkIkgotkfromkthekCapitol.k"Theykhadkakfewksmallkmines,kyes.kBut knotkenoughktokjustifykak populationkofkthatksize.kThat,kIkguess,kiskthekonlykthingkwek nowkforksure,k"ksa yskTwill.kMykheart'skbeatingktook quic ly.kWhatkifkthey'rekright?kCouldkitkbektrue?kCouldktherekbeksomewherektokru nkbesideskthekwilderness?k Somewhereksafe?kIfkakcommunitykexistskinkDistrictk13,kwouldkitkbekbetterktokgokt here,kwherekIkmightkbekablektok accomplishksomething,kinsteadkofkwaitingkherekforkmykdeath?kButkthenk...kIfkther ekarekpeoplekinkDistrictk13,k withkpowerfulkweaponsk...k

k"Whykhaven'tktheykhelpedkus?"kIksaykangrily.k"Ifkit'sktrue,kwhykdoktheykleaveku sktok livekli ekthis?kWithkthekhungerkandkthek illingskandkthekGames?"kAndksuddenlykIk hatekthiskimaginaryk

undergroundkcitykofkDistrictk13kandkthosekwhoksitkby,kwatchingkuskdie.kThey'rekn okbetterkthankthekCapitol.k"Wek don'tk now,k"kBonniekwhispers.k"Rightknow,kwe'rekjustkholdingkonktokthekhopektha tktheykexist.k"kThatksnapskmek tokmyksenses.kThesekarekdelusions.kDistrictk13kdoesn'tkexistkbecausekthekCapitol kwouldkneverkletkitkexist.k They'rekprobablykmista enkaboutkthekfootage.kMoc ingjayskarekaboutkaskrarekaskro c s.kAndkaboutkasktough.kIfk theykcouldksurvivekthekinitialkbombingkofk13,kthey'rekprobablykdoingkbetterkthan keverknow.kBonniekhasknok home.kHerkfamilykiskdead.kReturningktokDistrictk8korkassimilatingkintokanotherkd istrictkwouldkbekimpossible.kOfk coursekthekideakofkankindependent,kthrivingkDistrictk13kdrawskher.kIkcan'tkbring kmyselfktoktellkherkshe'skchasingkak dreamkaskinsubstantialkaskakwispkofksmo e.kPerhapskshekandkTwillkcankcarvekoutka klifeksomehowkinkthekwoods.kIk doubtkit,kbutkthey'reksokpitifulkIkhavektoktryktokhelp.kFirstkIkgivekthemkallkth ekfoodkinkmykpac ,kgrainkandkdriedk beanskmostly,kbutkthere'skenoughktokholdkthemkforkakwhilekifkthey'rekcareful.kTh enkIkta ekTwillkoutkinkthekwoodsk andktryktokexplainkthekbasicskofkhunting.kShe'skgotkakweaponkthatkifknecessarykc ankconvertksolarkenergykintok deadlykrayskofkpower,ksokthatkcouldklastkindefinitely.kWhenkshekmanagesktok illk herkfirstksquirrel,kthekpoorkthingk iskmostlykakcharredkmesskbecausekitktoo kakdirectkhitktokthekbody.kButkIkshowkhe rkhowktoks inkandkcleankit.kWithk somekpractice,kshe'llkfigurekitkout.kIkcutkaknewkcrutchkforkBonnie.kBac katkthek house,kIkpeelkoffkankextraklayerkofk soc skforkthekgirl,ktellingkherktokstuffkthemkinkthektoeskofkherkbootsktokwal ,k thenkwearkthemkonkherkfeetkatknight.k FinallykIkteachkthemkhowktokbuildkakproperkfire.kTheykbegkmekforkdetailskofkthek situationkinkDistrictk12kandkIktellk themkaboutklifekunderkThread.kIkcankseektheykthin kthiskiskimportantkinformation kthatkthey'llkbekbringingktokthosek whokrunkDistrictk13,kandkIkplaykalongksokasknotktokdestroyktheirkhopes.kButkwhen ktheklightksignalsklatekafternoon,k I'mkoutkofktimektokhumorkthem.k"Ikhavektokgoknow,k"kIksay.kTheykpourkoutkthan sk andkembracekme.kTearskspillk fromkBonnie'skeyes.k"Ikcan'tkbelievekwekactuallykgotktokmeetkyou.kYou'rekpractic allykallkanyone'sktal edkaboutk since--"k"Ik now.kIk now.kSincekIkpulledkoutkthosekberries,k"kIksayktiredly.kIkh ardlyknoticekthekwal khomekevenk thoughkakwetksnowkbeginsktokfall.kMykmindkiskspinningkwithknewkinformationkabout kthekuprisingkinkDistrictk8k andkthekunli elykbutktantalizingkpossibilitykofkDistrictk13.kListeningktokBonnie kandkTwillkconfirmedkonekthing:k PresidentkSnowkhaskbeenkplayingkmekforkakfool.kAllkthek isseskandkendearmentskin kthekworldkcouldn'tkhavek derailedkthekmomentumkbuildingkupkinkDistrictk8.kYes,kmykholdingkoutkthekberries khadkbeenkthekspar ,kbutkIkhadk nokwayktokcontrolkthekfire.kHekmustkhavek nownkthat.kSokwhykvisitkmykhome,kwhyko rderkmektokpersuadekthek crowdkofkmyklovekforkPeeta?kItkwaskobviouslykakployktokdistractkmekandk eepkmekf romkdoingkanythingkelsek inflammatorykinkthekdistricts.kAndktokentertainkthekpeoplekinkthekCapitol,kofkco urse.kIksupposekthekweddingkisk justkaknecessarykextensionkofkthat.kI'mknearingkthekfencekwhenkakmoc ingjaykligh tskonkakbranchkandktrillskatkme.k AtktheksightkofkitkIkrealizekIkneverkgotkakfullkexplanationkofkthekbirdkonkthekc

rac erkandkwhatkitksignifies.k"Itk meanskwe'rekonkyourkside.k"kThat'skwhatkBonnieksaid.kIkhavekpeoplekonkmykside?kW hatkside?kAmkIkunwittinglyk thekfacekofkthekhoped-forkrebellion?kHaskthekmoc ingjaykonkmykpinkbecomekaksymbo lkofkresistance?kIfkso,kmyk side'sknotkdoingktookwell.kYoukonlykhavektokloo katkwhatkhappenedkink8ktok nowkt hat.kIkstashkmykweaponskinkthek hollowklogknearestkmykoldkhomekinkthekSeamkandkheadkforkthekfence.kI'mkcrouchedk onkonek nee,kpreparingktok enterkthekMeadow,kbutkI'mkstillksokpreoccupiedkwithkthekday'skeventskthatkitkta eskaksuddenkscreechkofkankowlktok bringkmektokmyksenses.kInkthekfadingklight,kthekchainklin skloo kaskinnocuouskas kusual.kButkwhatkma eskmekjer k bac kmykhandkisktheksound,kli ekthekbuzzkofkaktreekfullkofktrac erkjac erknests, kindicatingkthekfencekiskalivekwithk electricity.k

kMykfeetkbac kupkautomaticallykandkIkblendkintokthektrees.kIkcoverkmykmouthkwith kmykglovektok dispersekthekwhitekofkmykbreathkinkthekicykair.kAdrenalinekcourseskthroughkme,kw ipingkallkthekconcernskofkthek daykfromkmykmindkaskIkfocuskonkthekimmediatekthreatkbeforekme.kWhatkiskgoingkon? kHaskThreadkturnedkonkthek fencekaskankadditionalksecuritykprecaution?kOrkdoeskheksomehowk nowkI'vekescaped khisknetktoday?kIskhek determinedktokstrandkmekoutsidekDistrictk12kuntilkhekcankapprehendkandkarrestkme ?kDragkmektoktheksquarektokbek loc edkinkthekstoc adekorkwhippedkorkhanged?kCalmkdown,kIkorderkmyself.kIt'sknot kaskifkthiskiskthekfirstktimekI'vek beenkcaughtkoutsidekofkthekdistrictkbykankelectrifiedkfence.kIt'skhappenedkakfew ktimeskoverkthekyears,kbutkGalek waskalwayskwithkme.kThektwokofkuskwouldkjustkpic kakcomfortablektreektokhangkout kinkuntilkthekpowerkshutkoff,k whichkitkalwayskdidkeventually.kIfkIkwaskrunningklate,kPrimkevenkgotkinkthekhabi tkofkgoingktokthekMeadowktok chec kifkthekfencekwaskcharged,ktoksparekmykmotherkworry.kButktodaykmykfamilykwo uldkneverkimaginekI'dkbekink thekwoods.kI'vekevenkta enkstepsktokmisleadkthem.kSokifkIkdon'tkshowkup,kworrykt heykwill.kAndkthere'skakpartkofk mekthat'skworried,ktoo,kbecausekI'mknotksurekit'skjustkakcoincidence,kthekpowerk comingkonkthekverykdaykIkreturnk tokthekwoods.kIkthoughtknokoneksawkmeksnea kunderkthekfence,kbutkwhok nows?kTher ekarekalwayskeyeskforkhire.k SomeonekreportedkGalek issingkmekinkthatkverykspot.kStill,kthatkwaskinkdaylightk andkbeforekIkwaskmorekcarefulk aboutkmykbehavior.kCouldktherekbeksurveillancekcameras?kI'vekwonderedkaboutkthis kbefore.kIskthiskthekwayk PresidentkSnowk nowskaboutkthek iss?kItkwaskdar kwhenkIkwentkunderkandkmykfacekw askbundledkinkakscarf.kButk

theklistkofksuspectskli elyktokbektrespassingkintokthekwoodskiskprobablykveryksh ort.kMykeyeskpeerkthroughkthek trees,kpastkthekfence,kintokthekMeadow.kAllkIkcankseekiskthekwetksnowkilluminate dkherekandktherekbyktheklightk fromkthekwindowskonkthekedgekofkthekSeam.kNokPeace eeperskinksight,knoksignskIka mkbeingkhunted.kWhetherk Threadk nowskIkleftkthekdistrictktodaykorknot,kIkrealizekmykcoursekofkactionkmus tkbektheksame:ktokgetkbac kinsidek thekfencekunseenkandkpretendkIkneverkleft.kAnykcontactkwithkthekchainklin korkth ekcoilskofkbarbedkwirekthatkguardk thektopkwouldkmeankinstantkelectrocution.kIkdon'tkthin kIkcankburrowkunderkthekf encekwithoutkris ingkdetection,k andkthekground'skfrozenkhard,kanyway.kThatkleaveskonlykonekchoice.kSomehowkI'mkg oingktokhavektokgokoverkit.kIk beginktoks irtkalongkthektreekline,ksearchingkforkaktreekwithkakbranchkhighkandk longkenoughktokfitkmykneeds.kAfterk aboutkakmile,kIkcomekuponkankoldkmaplekthatkmightkdo.kThektrun kisktookwidekandk icyktokshinnykup,kthough,kandk therekareknoklowkbranches.kIkclimbkakneighboringktreekandkleapkprecariouslykinto kthekmaple,kalmostklosingkmyk holdkonkthekslic kbar .kButkIkmanagektokgetkakgripkandkslowlykinchkmykwaykoutkon kaklimbkthatkhangskabovekthek barbedkwire.kAskIkloo kdown,kIkrememberkwhykGalekandkIkalwayskwaitedkinkthekwood skratherkthanktryktoktac lek thekfence.kBeingkhighkenoughktokavoidkgettingkfriedkmeanskyou'vekgotktokbekatkle astktwentykfeetkinkthekair.kIk guesskmykbranchkmustkbektwenty-five.kThat'skakdangerouslyklongkdrop,kevenkforkso meonekwho'skhadkyearskofk practicekinktrees.kButkwhatkchoicekdokIkhave?kIkcouldkloo kforkanotherkbranch,kb utkit'skalmostkdar know.kThek fallingksnowkwillkobscurekanykmoonlight.kHere,katkleast,kIkcankseekI'vekgotkaksn owban ktokcushionkmyklanding.k EvenkifkIkcouldkfindkanother,kwhichkiskdoubtful,kwhok nowskwhatkI'dkbekjumpingki nto?kIkthrowkmykemptykgamek bagkaroundkmyknec kandkslowlyklowerkmyselfkuntilkI'mkhangingkbykmykhands.kForkak moment,kIkgatherkmyk courage.kThenkIkreleasekmykfingers.kThere'sktheksensationkofkfalling,kthenkIkhit kthekgroundkwithkakjoltkthatkgoesk rightkupkmykspine.kAksecondklater,kmykrearkendkslamskthekground.kIkliekinktheksn ow,ktryingktokassesskthekdamage.k Withoutkstanding,kIkcanktellkbykthekpainkinkmykleftkheelkandkmyktailbonekthatkI' mkinjured.kThekonlykquestionkisk howkbadly.kI'mkhopingkforkbruises,kbutkwhenkIkforcekmyselfkontokmykfeet,kIksuspe ctkI'vekbro enksomethingkask well.kIkcankwal ,kthough,ksokIkgetkmoving,ktryingktokhidekmyklimpkaskbestkIkcan. kMykmotherkandkPrimkcan'tk nowkIkwaskinkthekwoods.kIkneedktokwor kupksomeksortkofkalibi,knokmatterkhowkthi n.kSomekofkthekshopskinkthek squarekarekstillkopen,ksokIkgokinkonekandkpurchasekwhitekclothkforkbandages.kWe' rekrunningklow,kanyway.kInk another,kIkbuykakbagkofksweetskforkPrim.kIkstic konekofkthekcandieskinkmykmouth, kfeelingkthekpeppermintkmeltkonk myktongue,kandkrealizekit'skthekfirstkthingkI'vekeatenkallkday.kIkmeantktokma ek akmealkatkthekla e,kbutkoncekIksawk TwillkandkBonnie'skcondition,kitkseemedkwrongktokta ekaksinglekmouthfulkfromkthe m.kBykthektimekIkreachkmyk house,kmykleftkheelkwillkbearknokweightkatkall.kIkdecidektoktellkmykmotherkIkwas ktryingktokmendkaklea kinkthekroofk ofkourkoldkhousekandkslidkoff.kAskforkthekmissingkfood,kI'llkjustkbekvaguekabout

kwhokIkhandedkitkoutkto.kIkdragk myselfkinkthekdoor,kallkreadyktokcollapsekinkfrontkofkthekfire.kButkinsteadkIkge tkanotherkshoc .kTwokPeace eepers,k akmankandkakwoman,karekstandingkinkthekdoorwayktokourk itchen.kThekwomankremains kimpassive,kbutkIkcatchk thekflic erkofksurprisekonkthekman'skface.kIkamkunanticipated.kTheyk nowkIkwaski nkthekwoodskandkshouldkbek trappedkthereknow.k"Hello,k"kIksaykinkakneutralkvoice.kMykmotherkappearskbehindk them,kbutk eepskherkdistance.k "Herekshekis,kjustkinktimekforkdinner,k"ksheksayskaklittlektookbrightly.kI'mkver yklatekforkdinner.kIkconsiderk removingkmykbootskaskIknormallykwouldkbutkdoubtkIkcankmanagekitkwithoutkrevealin gkmykinjuries.kInsteadkIkjustk pullkoffkmykwetkhoodkandksha ektheksnowkfromkmykhair.k"CankIkhelpkyoukwithksomet hing?"kIkas kthek Peace eepers.k"HeadkPeace eeperkThreadksentkuskwithkakmessagekforkyou,k"ksayskth ekwoman.k"They'vekbeenk waitingkforkhours,k"kmykmotherkadds.kThey'vekbeenkwaitingkforkmektokfailktokretu rn.kTokconfirmkIkgotk electrocutedkbykthekfencekorktrappedkinkthekwoodsksoktheykcouldkta ekmykfamilyki nkforkquestioning.k"Mustkbekank importantkmessage,k"kIksay.k"Maykwekas kwherekyou'vekbeen,kMisskEverdeen?"kthekw omankas s.k"Easierktokas k wherekIkhaven'tkbeen,k"kIksaykwithkaksoundkofkexasperation.kIkcrosskintokthek it chen,kforcingkmyselfktokusekmyk footknormallykevenkthoughkeverykstepkiskexcruciating.kIkpasskbetweenkthekPeace e eperskandkma ekitktokthektablek allkright.kIkflingkmykbagkdownkandkturnktokPrim,kwho'skstandingkstifflykbykthekh earth.kHaymitchkandkPeetakarek therekaskwell,ksittingkinkakpairkofkmatchingkroc ers,kplayingkakgamekofkchess.kW erektheykherekbykchancekork "invited"kbykthekPeace eepers?kEitherkway,kI'mkgladktokseekthem.k"Sokwherekhaven 'tkyoukbeen?"ksayskHaymitchk inkakboredkvoice.k"Well,kIkhaven'tkbeenktal ingktokthekGoatkMankaboutkgettingkPr im'skgoatkpregnant,kbecausek someonekgavekmekcompletelykinaccuratekinformationkasktokwherekheklives,k"kIksayk tokPrimkemphatically.k"No,kIk didn't,k"ksayskPrim.k"Iktoldkyoukexactly.k"k"Youksaidkhekliveskbesidekthekwestke ntrancektokthekmine,k"kIksay.k"Thek eastkentrance,k"kPrimkcorrectskme.k"Youkdistinctlyksaidkthekwest,kbecausekthenkI ksaid,k'Nextktokthekslagkheap?'k andkyouksaid,k'Yeah,k'"kIksay.k

k"Thekslagkheapknextktokthekeastkentrance,k"ksayskPrimkpatiently.k"No.kWhenkdidk youksaykthat?"kIkdemand.k"Lastknight,k"kHaymitchkchimeskin.k"Itkwaskdefinitelykt hekeast,k"kaddskPeeta.kHekloo sk atkHaymitchkandktheyklaugh.kIkglarekatkPeetakandkhektriesktokloo kcontrite.k"I'm ksorry,kbutkit'skwhatkI'vekbeenk

saying.kYoukdon'tklistenkwhenkpeoplektal ktokyou.k"k"Betkpeoplektoldkyoukhekdidn 'tklivektherektodaykandkyouk didn'tklistenkagain,k"ksayskHaymitch.k"Shutkup,kHaymitch,k"kIksay,kclearlykindic atingkhe'skright.kHaymitchkandk Peetakcrac kupkandkPrimkallowskherselfkaksmile.k"Fine.kSomebodykelsekcankarrange ktokgetkthekstupidkgoatk noc edkup,k"kIksay,kwhichkma eskthemklaughkmore.kAndkIkthin ,kThiskiskwhykthey' vekmadekitkthiskfar,k HaymitchkandkPeeta.kNothingkthrowskthem.kIkloo katkthekPeace eepers.kThekman'sks milingkbutkthekwomankisk unconvinced.k"What'skinkthekbag?"kshekas sksharply.kIk nowkshe'skhopingkforkgame korkwildkplants.kSomethingk thatkclearlykcondemnskme.kIkdumpkthekcontentskonkthektable.k"Seekforkyourself.k" k"Oh,kgood,k"ksayskmykmother,k examiningkthekcloth.k"We'rekrunningklowkonkbandages.k"kPeetakcomesktokthektablek andkopenskthekcandykbag.k "Ooh,kpeppermints,k"kheksays,kpoppingkonekinkhiskmouth.k"They'rekmine.k"kIkta ek akswipekforkthekbag.kHektossesk itktokHaymitch,kwhokstuffskakfistfulkofksweetskinkhiskmouthkbeforekpassingkthekb agktokakgigglingkPrim.k"Nonekofk youkdeserveskcandy!"kIksay.k"What,kbecausekwe'rekright?"kPeetakwrapskhiskarmskar oundkme.kIkgivekaksmallkyelpk ofkpainkaskmyktailbonekobjects.kIktryktokturnkitkintokaksoundkofkindignation,kbu tkIkcankseekinkhiskeyeskthatkhek nowskI'mkhurt.k"O ay,kPrimksaidkwest.kIkdistinctlykheardkwest.kAndkwe'rekallkid iots.kHow'skthat?"k"Better,k"kIk say,kandkacceptkhisk iss.kThenkIkloo katkthekPeace eeperskaskifkI'mksuddenlykrem emberingkthey'rekthere.k"Youk havekakmessagekforkme?"k"FromkHeadkPeace eeperkThread,k"ksayskthekwoman.k"Hekwan tedkyouktok nowkthatk thekfenceksurroundingkDistrictkTwelvekwillknowkhavekelectricityktwenty-fourkhour skakday.k"k"Didn'tkitkalready?"k Ikas ,kaklittlektookinnocently.k"Hekthoughtkyoukmightkbekinterestedkinkpassingkt hiskinformationkonktokyourkcousin,k "ksayskthekwoman.k"Than kyou.kI'llktellkhim.kI'mksurekwe'llkallksleepkaklittlekm oreksoundlyknowkthatksecuritykhask addressedkthatklapse.k"kI'mkpushingkthings,kIk nowkit,kbutkthekcommentkgiveskmek aksensekofksatisfaction.kThek woman'skjawktightens.kNonekofkthiskhaskgonekaskplanned,kbutkshekhasknokfurtherko rders.kShekgiveskmekakcurtknodk andkleaves,kthekmanktrailingkinkherkwa e.kWhenkmykmotherkhaskloc edkthekdoorkbeh indkthem,kIkslumpkagainstk thektable.k"Whatkiskit?"ksayskPeeta,kholdingkmeksteadily.k"Oh,kIkbangedkupkmykle ftkfoot.kThekheel.kAndkmyk tail-bone'skhadkakbadkday,ktoo.k"kHekhelpskmekoverktokonekofkthekroc erskandkIkl owerkmyselfkontokthekpaddedk cushion.kMykmotherkeaseskoffkmykboots.k"Whatkhappened?"k"Ikslippedkandkfell,k"kI ksay.kFourkpairskofkeyeskloo k atkmekwithkdisbelief.k"Onksomekice.k"kButkwekallk nowkthekhousekmustkbekbuggedka ndkit'sknotksafektoktal k openly.kNotkhere,knotknow.kHavingkstrippedkoffkmyksoc ,kmykmother'skfingerskprob ekthekboneskinkmykleftkheelk andkIkwince.k"Therekmightkbekakbrea ,k"ksheksays.kShekchec skthekotherkfoot.k"Th iskonekseemskallkright.k"kShek judgeskmyktailbonektokbekbadlykbruised.kPrim'skdispatchedktokgetkmykpajamaskandk robe.kWhenkI'mkchanged,kmyk motherkma eskaksnowkpac kforkmykleftkheelkandkpropskitkupkonkakhassoc .kIkeatkth reekbowlskofkstewkandkhalfkak loafkofkbreadkwhilekthekotherskdinekatkthektable.kIkstarekatkthekfire,kthin ingk

ofkBonniekandkTwill,khopingkthatkthek heavy,kwetksnowkhaskerasedkmyktrac s.kPrimkcomeskandksitskonkthekfloorknextktokm e,kleaningkherkheadkagainstk myk nee.kWeksuc konkpeppermintskaskIkbrushkherksoftkblondkhairkbac kbehindkherke ar.k"Howkwaskschool?"kIk as .k"Allkright.kWeklearnedkaboutkcoalkby-products,k"ksheksays.kWekstarekatkthek firekforkakwhile.k"Arekyoukgoingk toktrykonkyourkweddingkdresses?"k"Notktonight.kTomorrowkprobably,k"kIksay.k"Wait kuntilkIkgetkhome,ko ay?"kshek says.k"Sure.k"kIfktheykdon'tkarrestkmekfirst.kMykmotherkgiveskmekakcupkofkchamom ilekteakwithkakdosekofksleepk syrup,kandkmykeyelidskbeginktokdroopkimmediately.kShekwrapskmykbadkfoot,kandkPee takvolunteersktokgetkmektok bed.kIkstartkoutkbykleaningkonkhiskshoulder,kbutkI'mksokwobblykhekjustkscoopskme kupkandkcarrieskmekupstairs.kHek tuc skmekinkandksayskgoodknightkbutkIkcatchkhiskhandkandkholdkhimkthere.kAksidek effectkofktheksleepksyrupkiskthatk itkma eskpeopleklesskinhibited,kli ekwhitekliquor,kandkIk nowkIkhavektokcontrolk myktongue.kButkIkdon'tkwantkhimk tokgo.kInkfact,kIkwantkhimktokclimbkinkwithkme,ktokbektherekwhenktheknightmaresk hitktonight.kForksomekreasonk thatkIkcan'tkquitekform,kIk nowkI'mknotkallowedktokas kthat.k"Don'tkgokyet.kNotk untilkIkfallkasleep,k"kIksay.kPeetak sitskonktheksidekofkthekbed,kwarmingkmykhandkinkbothkofkhis.k"Almostkthoughtkyou 'dkchangedkyourkmindktoday.k Whenkyoukwereklatekforkdinner.k"kI'mkfoggykbutkIkcankguesskwhatkhekmeans.kWithkt hekfencekgoingkonkandkmek showingkupklatekandkthekPeace eeperskwaiting,khekthoughtkI'dkmadekakrunkforkit,k maybekwithkGale.k"No,kI'dk havektoldkyou,k"kIksay.kIkpullkhiskhandkupkandkleankmykchee kagainstkthekbac kof kit,kta ingkinkthekfaintkscentkofk cinnamonkandkdillkfromkthekbreadskhekmustkhavekba edktoday.kIkwantktoktellkhimka boutkTwillkandkBonniekandk thekuprisingkandkthekfantasykofkDistrictk13,kbutkit'sknotksafektokandkIkcankfeel kmyselfkslippingkaway,ksokIkjustkgetk outkonekmoreksentence.k"Staykwithkme.k"kAskthektendrilskofksleepksyrupkpullkmekd own,kIkhearkhimkwhisperkak wordkbac ,kbutkIkdon'tkquitekcatchkit.kMykmotherkletskmeksleepkuntilknoon,kthenk rouseskmektokexaminekmykheel.k I'mkorderedktokakwee kofkbedkrestkandkIkdon'tkobjectkbecausekIkfeelksoklousy.kNo tkjustkmykheelkandkmyktailbone.k Mykwholekbodykacheskwithkexhaustion.kSokIkletkmykmotherkdoctorkmekandkfeedkmekbr ea fastkinkbedkandktuc k anotherkquiltkaroundkme.kThenkIkjustkliekthere,kstaringkoutkmykwindowkatkthekwin terks y,kponderingkhowkonk earthkthiskwillkallkturnkout.kIkthin kaklotkaboutkBonniekandkTwill,kandkthekpile kofkwhitekweddingkdressesk

downstairs,kandkifkThreadkwillkfigurekoutkhowkIkgotkbac kinkandkarrestkme.kIt'sk funny,kbecausekhekcouldkjustk arrestkme,kanyway,kbasedkonkpastkcrimes,kbutkmaybekhekhasktokhaveksomethingkreal lykirrefutablektokdokit,knowk thatkI'mkakvictor.kAndkIkwonderkifkPresidentkSnow'skinkcontactkwithkThread.kIkth in kit'skunli elykhekeverk ac nowledgedkthatkoldkCraykexisted,kbutknowkthatkI'mksuchkaknationwidekproblem,k iskhekcarefullykinstructingk Threadkwhatktokdo?kOrkiskThreadkactingkonkhiskown?kAtkanyk

rate,kI'mksurekthey'dkbothkagreekonk eepingkmek loc edkupkherekinsidekthekdistrictkwithkthatkfence.kEvenkifkIkcouldkfigurekoutks omekwayktokescape--maybekgetkak ropekupktokthatkmaplektreekbranchkandkclimbkout--there'dkbeknokescapingkwithkmyk familykandkfriendsknow.kIktoldk GalekIkwouldkstaykandkfight,kanyway.kForktheknextkfewkdays,kIkjumpkeveryktimekth ere'skak noc konkthekdoor.kNok Peace eeperskshowkupktokarrestkme,kthough,ksokeventuallykIkbeginktokrelax.kI'mkf urtherkreassuredkwhenkPeetak casuallyktellskmekthekpowerkiskoffkinksectionskofkthekfencekbecausekcrewskarekou tksecuringkthekbasekofkthekchaink lin ktokthekground.kThreadkmustkbelievekIksomehowkgotkunderkthekthing,kevenkwith kthatkdeadlykcurrentkrunningk throughkit.kIt'skakbrea kforkthekdistrict,khavingkthekPeace eeperskbusykdoingkso methingkbesideskabusingkpeople.k Peetakcomeskbykeverykdayktokbringkmekcheesekbunskandkbeginsktokhelpkmekwor konkt hekfamilykboo .kIt'skankoldk thing,kmadekofkparchmentkandkleather.kSomekherbalistkonkmykmother'sksidekofkthek familykstartedkitkageskago.k Thekboo 'skcomposedkofkpagekafterkpagekofkin kdrawingskofkplantskwithkdescriptio nskofktheirkmedicalkuses.kMyk fatherkaddedkaksectionkonkediblekplantskthatkwaskmykguideboo ktok eepingkuskaliv ekafterkhiskdeath.kForkaklongk time,kI'vekwantedktokrecordkmykownk nowledgekinkit.kThingskIklearnedkfromkexperi encekorkfromkGale,kandkthenk thekinformationkIkpic edkupkwhenkIkwasktrainingkforkthekGames.kIkdidn'tkbecausek I'mknokartistkandkit'sksokcrucialk thatkthekpictureskarekdrawnkinkexactkdetail.kThat'skwherekPeetakcomeskin.kSomeko fkthekplantskhek nowskalready,k otherskwekhavekdriedksampleskof,kandkotherskIkhavektokdescribe.kHekma esks etche skonkscrapkpaperkuntilkI'mk satisfiedkthey'rekright,kthenkIkletkhimkdrawkthemkinkthekboo .kAfterkthat,kIkcar efullykprintkallkIk nowkaboutkthek plant.kIt'skquiet,kabsorbingkwor kthatkhelpskta ekmykmindkoffkmyktroubles.kIkli ektokwatchkhiskhandskaskhek wor s,kma ingkakblan kpagekbloomkwithkstro eskofkin ,kaddingktoucheskofkcolorkto kourkpreviouslykblac kandk yellowishkboo .kHiskfacekta eskonkakspecialkloo kwhenkhekconcentrates.kHiskusual keasykexpressionkiskreplacedk byksomethingkmorekintensekandkremovedkthatksuggestskankentirekworldkloc edkawayk insidekhim.kI'vekseenk flasheskofkthiskbefore:kinkthekarena,korkwhenkhekspea sktokakcrowd,korkthatktime khekshovedkthekPeace eepers'k gunskawaykfromkmekinkDistrictk11.kIkdon'tk nowkquitekwhatktokma ekofkit.kIkalsok becomekaklittlekfixatedkonkhisk eyelashes,kwhichkordinarilykyoukdon'tknoticekmuchkbecausekthey'reksokblond.kButk upkclose,kinktheksunlightk slantingkinkfromkthekwindow,kthey'rekaklightkgoldenkcolorkandksoklongkIkdon'tkse ekhowktheyk eepkfromkgettingkallk tangledkupkwhenkhekblin s.kOnekafternoonkPeetakstopskshadingkakblossomkandkloo s kupksoksuddenlykthatkIkstart,k askthoughkIkwerekcaughtkspyingkonkhim,kwhichkinkakstrangekwaykmaybekIkwas.kButkh ekonlyksays,k"Youk now,kIk thin kthiskiskthekfirstktimekwe'vekeverkdonekanythingknormalktogether.k"k"Yeah,k "kIkagree.kOurkwholekrelationshipk haskbeenktaintedkbykthekGames.kNormalkwaskneverkakpartkofkit.k"Nicekforkakchange .k"kEachkafternoonkhekcarriesk mekdownstairskforkakchangekofkscenerykandkIkunnervekeveryonekbykturningkonkthekt elevision.kUsuallykwekonlyk watchkwhenkit'skmandatory,kbecausekthekmixturekofkpropagandakandkdisplayskofkthe

kCapitol'skpower--includingk clipskfromkseventy-fourkyearskofkHungerkGamesk--kisksokodious.kButknowkI'mkloo i ngkforksomethingkspecial.k Thekmoc ingjaykthatkBonniekandkTwillkarekbasingkallktheirkhopeskon.kIk nowkit'sk probablykfoolishness,kbutkifkitk is,kIkwantktokrulekitkout.kAndkerasekthekideakofkakthrivingkDistrictk13kfromkmyk mindkforkgood.kMykfirstksightingkisk inkaknewskstorykreferencingkthekDar kDays.kIkseektheksmolderingkremainskofkthekJ usticekBuildingkinkDistrictk13k andkjustkcatchkthekblac -and-whitekundersidekofkakmoc ingjay'skwingkaskitkfliesk acrosskthekupperkright-handk corner.kThatkdoesn'tkprovekanything,kreally.kIt'skjustkankoldkshotkthatkgoeskwit hkankoldktale.kHowever,kseveralk daysklater,ksomethingkelsekgrabskmykattention.kThekmainknewscasterkiskreadingkak piecekaboutkakshortagekofk graphitekaffectingkthekmanufacturingkofkitemskinkDistrictk3.kTheykcutktokwhatkis ksupposedktokbeklivekfootagekofkak femalekreporter,kencasedkinkakprotectiveksuit,kstandingkinkfrontkofkthekruinskof kthekJusticekBuildingkink13.k Throughkherkmas ,kshekreportskthatkunfortunatelykakstudykhaskjustktodaykdetermin edkthatkthekmineskofkDistrictk 13karekstillktooktoxicktokapproach.kEndkofkstory.kButkjustkbeforektheykcutkbac k tokthekmainknewscaster,kIkseekthek unmista ablekflashkofkthatksamekmoc ingjayskwing.kThekreporterkhasksimplykbeenki ncorporatedkintokthekoldk footage.kShe'sknotkinkDistrictk13katkall.kWhichkbegskthekquestion,kWhatkis?k

kStayingkquietlykinkbedkiskharderk afterkthat.kIkwantktokbekdoingksomething,kfindingkoutkmorekaboutkDistrictk13kork helpingkinkthekcausektokbringk downkthekCapitol.kInsteadkIksitkaroundkstuffingkmyselfkwithkcheesekbunskandkwatc hingkPeetaks etch.kHaymitchk stopskbykoccasionallyktokbringkmeknewskfromktown,kwhichkiskalwayskbad.kMorekpeop lekbeingkpunishedkork droppingkfromkstarvation.kWinterkhaskbegunktokwithdrawkbykthektimekmykfootkiskde emedkusable.kMykmotherk giveskmekexercisesktokdokandkletskmekwal konkmykownkakbit.kIkgoktoksleepkoneknig ht,kdeterminedktokgokintoktownk

theknextkmorning,kbutkIkawa ektokfindkVenia,kOctavia,kandkFlaviuskgrinningkdownk atkme.k"Surprise!"ktheyk squeal.k"We'rekherekearly!"kAfterkIktoo kthatklashkinkthekface,kHaymitchkgotkthe irkvisitkpushedkbac kseveralk monthsksokIkcouldkhealkup.kIkwasn'tkexpectingkthemkforkanotherkthreekwee s.kButk Iktryktokactkdelightedkthatkmyk bridalkphotokshootkiskherekatklast.kMykmotherkhungkupkallkthekdresses,ksokthey'r ekreadyktokgo,kbutktokbekhonest,kIk haven'tkevenktriedkonekon.kAfterkthekusualkhistrionicskaboutkthekdeterioratedkst atekofkmykbeauty,ktheykgetkrightk downktokbusiness.kTheirkbiggestkconcernkiskmykface,kalthoughkIkthin kmykmotherkd idkakprettykremar ablekjobk healingkit.kThere'skjustkakpalekpin kstripkacrosskmykchee bone.kThekwhipping'skn otkcommonk nowledge,ksokIktellk themkIkslippedkonkthekicekandkcutkit.kAndkthenkIkrealizekthat'skmyksamekexcusekf orkhurtingkmykfoot,kwhichkisk goingktokma ekwal ingkinkhighkheelskakproblem.kButkFlavius,kOctavia,kandkVeniaka ren'tktheksuspiciousktypes,ksok I'mksafekthere.kSincekIkonlykhavektokloo khairlesskforkakfewkhourskinsteadkofkse veralkwee s,kIkgetktokbekshavedk insteadkofkwaxed.kIkstillkhavektoksoa kinkaktubkofksomething,kbutkitkisn'tkvile, kandkwe'rekonktokmykhairkandk ma eupkbeforekIk nowkit.kThekteam,kaskusual,kiskfullkofknews,kwhichkIkusuallykdo kmykbestktoktunekout.kButkthenk Octaviakma eskakcommentkthatkcatcheskmykattention.kIt'skakpassingkremar ,kreally ,kaboutkhowkshekcouldn'tkgetk shrimpkforkakparty,kbutkitktugskatkme.k"Whykcouldn'tkyoukgetkshrimp?kIskitkoutko fkseason?"kIkas .k"Oh,kKatniss,k wekhaven'tkbeenkablektokgetkanykseafoodkforkwee s!"ksayskOctavia.k"Youk now,kbec ausekthekweather'skbeenksok badkinkDistrictkFour.k"kMykmindkstartskbuzzing.kNokseafood.kForkwee s.kFromkDist rictk4.kThekbarelykconcealedk ragekinkthekcrowdkduringkthekVictorykTour.kAndksuddenlykIkamkabsolutelyksurektha tkDistrictk4khaskrevolted.kIk beginktokquestionkthemkcasuallykaboutkwhatkotherkhardshipskthiskwinterkhaskbroug htkthem.kTheykareknotkusedktok want,ksokanyklittlekdisruptionkinksupplykma eskankimpactkonkthem.kBykthektimekI' mkreadyktokbekdressed,ktheirk complaintskaboutkthekdifficultykofkgettingkdifferentkproductsk--kfromkcrabmeatkt okmusickchipsktokribbonsk--khask givenkmekaksensekofkwhichkdistrictskmightkactuallykbekrebelling.kSeafoodkfromkDi strictk4.kElectronickgadgetsk fromkDistrictk3.kAnd,kofkcourse,kfabricskfromkDistrictk8.kThekthoughtkofksuchkwi despreadkrebellionkhaskmek quiveringkwithkfearkandkexcitement.kIkwantktokas kthemkmore,kbutkCinnakappearskt okgivekmekakhugkandkchec k mykma eup.kHiskattentionkgoeskrightktokthekscarkonkmykchee .kSomehowkIkdon'tkthi n khekbelieveskthek slipping-on-the-icekstory,kbutkhekdoesn'tkquestionkit.kHeksimplykadjustskthekpow derkonkmykface,kandkwhatklittlek youkcankseekofktheklashkmar kvanishes.kDownstairs,ktheklivingkroomkhaskbeenkclea redkandklitkforkthekphotok shoot.kEffie'skhavingkakfinektimekorderingkeverybodykaround,k eepingkuskallkonks chedule.kIt'skprobablykakgoodk thing,kbecausektherekareksixkgownskandkeachkonekrequireskitskownkheadpiece,kshoe s,kjewelry,khair,kma eup,k setting,kandklighting.kCreamyklacekandkpin kroseskandkringlets.kIvoryksatinkandk goldktattooskandkgreenery.kAk sheathkofkdiamondskandkjeweledkveilkandkmoonlight.kHeavykwhiteksil kandksleevesk

thatkfallkfromkmykwristktok thekfloor,kandkpearls.kThekmomentkonekshotkhaskbeenkapproved,kwekmovekrightkinto kpreparingkforktheknext.kIk feelkli ekdough,kbeingk neadedkandkreshapedkagainkandkagain.kMykmotherkmanageskt okfeedkmekbitskofkfoodkandk sipskofkteakwhilektheykwor konkme,kbutkbykthektimekthekshootkiskover,kI'mkstarvi ngkandkexhausted.kI'mkhopingktok spendksomektimekwithkCinnaknow,kbutkEffiekwhis skeverybodykoutkthekdoorkandkIkha vektokma ekdokwithkthek promisekofkakphonekcall.kEveningkhaskfallenkandkmykfootkhurtskfromkallkthekcrazy kshoes,ksokIkabandonkanyk thoughtskofkgoingkintoktown.kInsteadkIkgokupstairskandkwashkawayktheklayerskofkm a eupkandkconditionerskandk dyeskandkthenkgokdownktokdrykmykhairkbykthekfire.kPrim,kwhokcamekhomekfromkschoo lkinktimektokseektheklastk twokdresses,kchatterskonkaboutkthemkwithkmykmother.kTheykbothkseemkoverlykhappyk aboutkthekphotokshoot.k WhenkIkfallkintokbed,kIkrealizekit'skbecausektheykthin kitkmeanskI'mksafe.kThatk thekCapitolkhaskoverloo edkmyk interferencekwithkthekwhippingksinceknokonekiskgoingktokgoktoksuchktroublekandke xpensekforksomeonektheykplank onk illing,kanyway.kRight.kInkmyknightmare,kI'mkdressedkinktheksil kbridalkgown, kbutkit'sktornkandkmuddy.kThek longksleevesk eepkgettingkcaughtkonkthornskandkbrancheskaskIkrunkthroughkthekwoo ds.kThekpac kofkmuttationk tributeskdrawskcloserkandkcloserkuntilkitkovercomeskmekwithkhotkbreathkandkdripp ingkfangskandkIkscreamkmyselfk awa e.kIt'sktookclosektokdawnktokbotherktryingktokgetkbac ktoksleep.kBesides,kto daykIkreallykhavektokgetkoutkandk tal ktoksomeone.kGalekwillkbekunreachablekinkthekmines.kButkIkneedkHaymitchkorkP eetakorksomebodyktoksharek thekburdenkofkallkthatkhaskhappenedktokmeksincekIkwentktokthekla e.kFleeingkoutl aws,kelectrifiedkfences,kank independentkDistrictk13,kshortageskinkthekCapitol.kEverything.kIkeatkbrea fastkw ithkmykmotherkandkPrimkandk headkoutkinksearchkofkakconfidant.kThekair'skwarmkwithkhopefulkhintskofkspringki nkit.kSpringkwouldkbekakgoodk timekforkankuprising,kIkthin .kEveryonekfeelsklesskvulnerablekoncekwinterkpasses .kPeeta'sknotkhome.kIkguesskhe'sk alreadykgonekintoktown.kI'mksurprisedktokseekHaymitchkmovingkaroundkhisk itchenk sokearly,kthough.kIkwal kintok hiskhousekwithoutk noc ing.kIkcankhearkHazellekupstairs,ksweepingkthekfloorskofk theknow-spotlesskhouse.k Haymitchkisn'tkflat-outkdrun ,kbutkhekdoesn'tkloo ktooksteady,keither.kIkguesskt hekrumorskaboutkRipperkbeingk bac kinkbusinesskarektrue.kI'mkthin ingkmaybekIkbetterkletkhimkjustkgoktokbed,kw henkheksuggestskakwal ktoktown.k

HaymitchkandkIkcankspea kinkak indkofkshorthandknow.kInkakfewkminuteskI'vekupdat edkhimkandkhe'sktoldkmek aboutkrumorskofkuprisingskinkDistrictsk7kandk11kaskwell.kIfkmykhuncheskarekright ,kthiskwouldkmeankalmostkhalfk thekdistrictskhavekatkleastkattemptedktokrebel.k"Dokyoukstillkthin kitkwon'tkwor khere?"kIkas .k"Notkyet.kThosek otherkdistricts,kthey'rekmuchklarger.kEvenkifkhalfkthekpeoplekcowerkinktheirkhom es,kthekrebelskstandkakchance.k HerekinkTwelve,kit'skgotktokbekallkofkuskorknothing,k"kheksays.kIkhadn'tkthought kofkthat.kHowkweklac kstrengthkofk numbers.k"Butkmaybekatksomekpoint?"kIkinsist.k"Maybe.kButkwe'reksmall,kwe'rekwea ,kandkwekdon'tkdevelopk nuclearkweapons,k"ksayskHaymitchkwithkaktouchkofksarcasm.kHekdidn'tkgetktookexci tedkoverkmykDistrictk13kstory.k "Whatkdokyoukthin kthey'llkdo,kHaymitch?kTokthekdistrictskthatkarekrebelling?"kI kas .k"Well,kyou'vekheardkwhatk theykdidkinkEight.kYou'vekseenkwhatktheykdidkhere,kandkthatkwaskwithoutkprovocat ion,k"ksayskHaymitch.k"Ifk thingskreallykdokgetkoutkofkhand,kIkthin kthey'dkhaveknokproblemk illingkoffkano therkdistrict,ksamekasktheykdidk Thirteen.kMa ekankexamplekofkit,kyouk now?"k"Sokyoukthin kThirteenkwaskreallykde stroyed?kIkmean,kBonniek andkTwillkwerekrightkaboutkthekfootagekofkthekmoc ing-jay,k"kIksay.k"O ay,kbutkw hatkdoeskthatkprove?kNothing,k really.kTherekarekplentykofkreasonsktheykcouldkbekusingkoldkfootage.kProbablykit kloo skmorekimpressive.kAndkit'sk aklotksimpler,kisn'tkit?kTokjustkpresskakfewkbuttonskinkthekeditingkroomkthankto kflykallkthekwaykoutktherekandkfilmk it?"kheksays.k"ThekideakthatkThirteenkhasksomehowkreboundedk

andkthekCapitolkiskignoringkit?kThatksoundskli ek thek indkofkrumorkdesperatekpeoplekclingkto.k"k"Ik now.kIkwaskjustkhoping,k"kIks ay.k"Exactly.kBecausekyou'rek desperate,k"ksayskHaymitch.kIkdon'tkarguekbecause,kofkcourse,khe'skright.kPrimkc omeskhomekfromkschoolk bubblingkoverkwithkexcitement.kThekteacherskannouncedktherekwaskmandatorykprogra mmingktonight.k"Ikthin k it'skgoingktokbekyourkphotokshoot!"k"Itkcan'tkbe,kPrim.kTheykonlykdidkthekpictur eskyesterday,k"kIktellkher.k"Well,k that'skwhatksomebodykheard,k"ksheksays.kI'mkhopingkshe'skwrong.kIkhaven'tkhadkti mektokpreparekGalekforkanykofk this.kSincekthekwhipping,kIkonlykseekhimkwhenkhekcomesktokthekhousekforkmykmothe rktokchec khowkhe'skhealing.k He'skoftenkscheduledksevenkdayskakwee kinkthekmine.kInkthekfewkminuteskofkprivac ykwe'vekhad,kwithkmek wal ingkhimkbac ktoktown,kIkgatherkthatkthekrumblingskofkankuprisingkink12khavek beenksubduedkbykThread'sk crac down.kHek nowskI'mknotkgoingktokrun.kButkhekmustkalsok nowkthatkifkwekdon't krevoltkink12,kI'mkdestinedktok bekPeeta'skbride.kSeeingkmekloungingkaroundkinkgorgeouskgownskonkhisktelevisionk ...kWhatkcankhekdokwithkthat?k Whenkwekgatherkaroundkthektelevisionkatkseven-thirty,kIkdiscoverkthatkPrimkiskri ght.kSurekenough,kthere'skCaesark Flic erman,kspea ingkbeforekakstanding-room-onlykcrowdkinkfrontkofkthekTrainingk Center,ktal ingktokank appreciativekcrowdkaboutkmykupcomingknuptials.kHekintroduceskCinna,kwhokbecameka nkovernightkstarkwithkhisk costumeskforkmekinkthekGames,kandkafterkakminutekofkgood-naturedkchitchat,kwe're kdirectedktokturnkourkattentionk tokakgiantkscreen.kIkseeknowkhowktheykcouldkphotographkmekyesterdaykandkpresentk thekspecialktonight.kInitially,k Cinnakdesignedktwokdozenkweddingkgowns.kSincekthen,kthere'skbeenkthekprocesskofk narrowingkdownkthek designs,kcreatingkthekdresses,kandkchoosingkthekaccessories.kApparently,kinkthek Capitol,ktherekwerek opportunitiesktokvotekforkyourkfavoriteskatkeachkstage.kThiskiskallkculminatingk withkshotskofkmekinkthekfinalksixk dresses,kwhichkI'mksurektoo knoktimekatkallktokinsertkinkthekshow.kEachkshotkisk metkwithkakhugekreactionkfromkthek crowd.kPeoplekscreamingkandkcheeringkforktheirkfavorites,kbooingkthekonesktheykd on'tkli e.kHavingkvoted,kandk probablykbetkonkthekwinner,kpeoplekarekverykinvestedkinkmykweddingkgown.kIt'skbi zarrektokwatchkwhenkIkthin k howkIkneverkevenkbotheredktoktrykonekonkbeforekthekcameraskarrived.kCaesarkannou nceskthatkinterestedkpartiesk mustkcastktheirkfinalkvotekbyknoonkonkthekfollowingkday.k"Let'skgetkKatnisskEver deenktokherkweddingkinkstyle!"k hekhollersktokthekcrowd.kI'mkaboutktokshutkoffkthektelevision,kbutkthenkCaesarki sktellingkusktokstayktunedkforkthek otherkbigkeventkofkthekevening.k"That'skright,kthiskyearkwillkbekthekseventy-fif thkanniversarykofkthekHungerk Games,kandkthatkmeanskit'sktimekforkourkthirdkQuarterkQuell!"k"Whatkwillktheykdo ?"kas skPrim.k"Itkisn'tkfork monthskyet.kWekturnktokourkmother,kwhosekexpressionkisksolemnkandkdistant,kaskif kshe'skrememberingk something.k"Itkmustkbekthekreadingkofkthekcard.k"kThekanthemkplays,kandkmykthroa tktightenskwithkrevulsionkask PresidentkSnowkta eskthekstage.kHe'skfollowedkbykakyoungkboykdressedkinkakwhitek suit,kholdingkaksimplek woodenkbox.kThekanthemkends,kandkPresidentkSnowkbeginsktokspea ,ktokremindkuskal

lkofkthekDar kDayskfromk whichkthekHungerkGameskwerekborn.kWhenktheklawskforkthekGameskwereklaidkout,kthe ykdictatedkthatkeveryk twenty-fivekyearskthekanniversarykwouldkbekmar edkbykakQuarterkQuell.kItkwouldkc allkforkakglorifiedkversionkofk thekGamesktokma ekfreshkthekmemorykofkthosek illedkbykthekdistricts'krebellion.k Thesekwordskcouldknotkbekmorek pointed,ksincekIksuspectkseveralkdistrictskarekrebellingkrightknow.kPresidentkSn owkgoeskonktoktellkuskwhatk happenedkinkthekpreviouskQuarterkQuells.k"Onkthektwenty-fifthkanniversary,kaskak reminderktokthekrebelskthatk theirkchildrenkwerekdyingkbecausekofktheirkchoicektokinitiatekviolence,keverykdi strictkwaskmadektokholdkank electionkandkvotekonkthektributeskwhokwouldkrepresentkit.k"kIkwonderkhowkthatkwo uldkhavekfelt.kPic ingkthek idsk whokhadktokgo.kItkiskworse,kIkthin ,ktokbekturnedkoverkbykyourkownkneighborsktha nkhavekyourknamekdrawnkfromk

thekreapingkball.k"Onkthekfiftiethkanniversary,k"kthekpresidentkcontinues,k"aska kreminderkthatktwokrebelskdiedkfork eachkCapitolkcitizen,keverykdistrictkwaskrequiredktoksendktwicekaskmanyktributes .k"kIkimaginekfacingkakfieldkofk forty-sevenkinsteadkofktwenty-three.kWorsekodds,klesskhope,kandkultimatelykmorek deadk ids.kThatkwaskthekyeark Haymitchkwon...k.k"Ikhadkakfriendkwhokwentkthatkyear,k"ksayskmykmotherkquietly.k "MaysileekDonner.kHerk parentskownedktheksweetshop.kTheykgavekmekherksongbirdkafter.kAkcanary.k"kPrimka ndkIkexchangekakloo .kIt'sk thekfirstkwe'vekeverkheardkofkMaysileekDonner.kMaybekbecausekmykmotherk newkwekw ouldkwantktok nowkhowk shekdied.k"AndknowkwekhonorkourkthirdkQuarterkQuell,k"ksayskthekpresident.kThekl ittlekboykinkwhitekstepsk forward,kholdingkoutkthekboxkaskhekopensktheklid.kWekcankseekthektidy,kuprightkr owskofkyellowedkenvelopes.k WhoeverkdevisedkthekQuarterkQuellksystemkhadkpreparedkforkcenturieskofkHungerkGa mes.kThekpresidentk removeskankenvelopekclearlykmar edkwithkak75.kHekrunskhiskfingerkunderkthekflapk andkpullskoutkaksmallksquarek ofkpaper.kWithoutkhesitation,khekreads,k"Onkthekseventy-fifthkanniversary,kaskak reminderktokthekrebelskthatkevenk thekstrongestkamongkthemkcannotkovercomekthekpowerkofkthekCapitol,kthekmalekandk femalektributeskwillkbek reapedkfromktheirkexistingkpoolkofkvictors.k"kMykmotherkgiveskakfaintkshrie kand kPrimkburieskherkfacekinkherk hands,kbutkIkfeelkmorekli ekthekpeoplekIkseekinkthekcrowdkonktelevision.kSlightl ykbaffled.kWhatkdoeskitkmean?k Existingkpoolkofkvictors?kThenkIkgetkit,kwhatkitkmeans.kAtkleast,kforkme.kDistri ctk12konlykhaskthreekexistingk victorsktokchoosekfrom.kTwokmale.kOnekfemalek...kIkamkgoingkbac kintokthekarena. k

kMykbodykreactskbeforekmyk mindkdoeskandkI'mkrunningkoutkthekdoor,kacrossktheklawnskofkthekVictor'skVillage ,kintokthekdar kbeyond.k Moisturekfromktheksoddenkgroundksoa skmyksoc skandkI'mkawarekofktheksharpkbiteko fkthekwind,kbutkIkdon'tkstop.k Where?kWherektokgo?kThekwoods,kofkcourse.kI'mkatkthekfencekbeforekthekhumkma esk mekrememberkhowkveryk trappedkIkam.kIkbac kaway,kpanting,kturnkonkmykheel,kandkta ekoffkagain.kTheknex tkthingkIk nowkI'mkonkmyk handskandk neeskinkthekcellarkofkonekofkthekemptykhouseskinkthekVictor'skVillage .kFaintkshaftskofkmoonlightk comekinkthroughkthekwindowkwellskabovekmykhead.kI'mkcoldkandkwetkandkwinded,kbut kmykescapekattemptkhask doneknothingktoksubduekthekhysteriakrisingkupkinsidekme.kItkwillkdrownkmekunless kit'skreleased.kIkballkupkthek frontkofkmykshirt,kstuffkitkintokmykmouth,kandkbeginktokscream.kHowklongkthiskco ntinues,kIkdon'tk now.kButk whenkIkstop,kmykvoicekiskalmostkgone.kIkcurlkupkonkmyksidekandkstarekatkthekpatc heskofkmoonlightkonkthekcementk floor.kBac kinkthekarena.kBac kinkthekplacekofknightmares.kThat'skwherekIkamkgoi ng.kIkhavektokadmitkIkdidn'tkseek itkcoming.kIksawkakmultitudekofkotherkthings.kBeingkpubliclykhumiliated,ktorture d,kandkexecuted.kFleeingk throughkthekwilderness,kpursuedkbykPeace eeperskandkhovercraft.kMarriagektokPeet akwithkourkchildrenkforcedk intokthekarena.kButkneverkthatkIkmyselfkwouldkhavektokbekakplayerkinkthekGameska gain.kWhy?kBecausekthere'sknok precedentkforkit.kVictorskarekoutkofkthekreapingkforklife.kThat'skthekdealkifkyo ukwin.kUntilknow.kThere'sksomek indk ofksheeting,kthek indktheykputkdownkwhenktheykpaint.kIkpullkitkoverkmekli ekakbl an et.kInkthekdistance,ksomeonek iskcallingkmykname.kButkatkthekmoment,kIkexcusekmyselfkfromkthin ingkaboutkevenk thosekIklovekmost.kIkthin k onlykofkme.kAndkwhatklieskahead.kTheksheeting'skstiffkbutkholdskwarmth.kMykmuscl eskrelax,kmykheartkratek slows.kIkseekthekwoodenkboxkinktheklittlekboy'skhands,kPresidentkSnowkdrawingkou tkthekyellowedkenvelope.kIskitk possiblekthatkthiskwaskreallykthekQuarterkQuellkwrittenkdownkseventy-fivekyearsk ago?kItkseemskunli ely.kIt'skjustk tookperfectkankanswerkforkthektroubleskthatkfacekthekCapitolktoday.kGettingkridk ofkmekandksubduingkthekdistrictsk allkinkonekneatklittlekpac age.kIkhearkPresidentkSnow'skvoicekinkmykhead.k"Onkth ekseventy-fifthkanniversary,kaskak reminderktokthekrebelskthatkevenkthekstrongestkamongkthemkcannotkovercomekthekpo werkofkthekCapitol,kthekmalek andkfemalektributeskwillkbekreapedkfromktheirkexistingkpoolkofkvictors.k"kYes,kv ictorskarekourkstrongest.kThey'rek thekoneskwhoksurvivedkthekarenakandkslippedktheknoosekofkpovertykthatkstranglesk thekrestkofkus.kThey,korkshouldk Iksaykwe,karekthekverykembodimentkofkhopekwherektherekisknokhope.kAndknowktwenty -threekofkuskwillkbek illedk tokshowkhowkevenkthatkhopekwaskankillusion.kI'mkgladkIkwonkonlyklastkyear.kOther wisekI'dk nowkallkthekotherk victors,knotkjustkbecausekIkseekthemkonktelevisionkbutkbecausekthey'rekguestskat keverykGames.kEvenkifkthey'reknotk mentoringkli ekHaymitchkalwayskhaskto,kmostkreturnktokthekCapitolkeachkyearkfork thekevent.kIkthin kaklotkofkthemk arekfriends.kWhereaskthekonlykfriendkI'llkhavektokworrykaboutk illingkwillkbekei therkPeetakorkHaymitch.kPeetakork Haymitch!kIksitkstraightkup,kthrowingkoffktheksheeting.kWhatkjustkwentkthroughkm

ykmind?kThere'sknoksituationk inkwhichkIkwouldkeverk illkPeetakorkHaymitch.kButkonekofkthemkwillkbekinkthekare nakwithkme,kandkthat'skakfact.k Theykmaykhavekevenkdecidedkbetweenkthemkwhokitkwillkbe.kWhoeverkiskpic edkfirst, kthekotherkwillkhavekthek optionkofkvolunteeringktokta ekhiskplace.kIkalreadyk nowkwhatkwillkhappen.kPeeta kwillkas kHaymitchktokletkhimk gokintokthekarenakwithkmeknokmatterkwhat.kForkmyksa e.kTokprotectkme.kIkstumblek aroundkthekcellar,kloo ingkfork ankexit.kHowkdidkIkevenkgetkintokthiskplace?kIkfeelkmykwaykupkthekstepsktokthek itchenkandkseekthekglasskwindowk inkthekdoorkhaskbeenkshattered.kMustkbekwhykmykhandkseemsktokbekbleeding.kIkhurr ykbac kintoktheknightkandk headkstraightktokHaymitch'skhouse.kHe'sksittingkalonekatkthek itchenktable,kakha lf-emptiedkbottlekofkwhitekliquork

inkonekfist,khisk nifekinkthekother.kDrun kaskaks un .k"Ah,ktherekshekis.kAllktu c eredkout.kFinallykdidkthekmath,k didkyou,ksweetheart?kWor edkoutkyoukwon'tkbekgoingkinkalone?kAndknowkyou'rekhere ktokas kmek...kWhat?"khek says.kIkdon'tkanswer.kThekwindow'skwidekopenkandkthekwindkcutskthroughkmekjustka skifkIkwerekoutside.k"I'llk admit,kitkwaskeasierkforkthekboy.kHekwaskherekbeforekIkcouldksnapktheksealkonkak bottle.kBeggingkmekforkanotherk chancektokgokin.kButkwhatkcankyouksay?"kHekmimicskmykvoice.k'"Ta ekhiskplace,kHa ymitch,kbecausekallkthingsk beingkequal,kI'dkratherkPeetakhadkakcrac katkthekrestkofkhisklifekthankyou?kIkbi tekmyklipkbecausekoncekhe'sksaidkit,k I'mkafraidkthat'skwhatkIkdokwant.kForkPeetaktoklive,kevenkifkitkmeanskHaymitch's kdeath.kNo,kIkdon't.kHe'skdreadful,k ofkcourse,kbutkHaymitchkiskmykfamilyknow.kWhatkdidkIkcomekfor?kIkthin .kWhatkcou ldkIkpossiblykwantkhere?k"Ik camekforkakdrin ,k"kIksay.kHaymitchkburstskoutklaughingkandkslamskthekbottlekonk thektablekbeforekme.kIkrunkmyk sleevekacrosskthektopkandkta ekakcouplekgulpskbeforekIkcomekupkcho ing.kItkta es kakfewkminutesktokcomposek myself,kandkevenkthenkmykeyeskandknosekarekstillkstreaming.kButkinsidekme,kthekl iquorkfeelskli ekfirekandkIkli ek it.k"Maybekitkshouldkbekyou,k"kIksaykmatter-of-factlykaskIkpullkupkakchair.k"You khateklife,kanyway.k"k"Veryktrue,k"k sayskHaymitch.k"AndksinceklastktimekIktriedktok eepkyoukalive...kSeemskli ekI'mk obligatedktoksavekthekboykthisk time.k"k"That'skanotherkgoodkpoint,k"kIksay,kwipingkmyknosekandktippingkupkthekb ottlekagain.k"Peeta'skargumentk iskthatksincekIkchosekyou,kIknowkowekhim.kAnythingkhekwants.kAndkwhatkhekwantski skthekchancektokgokinkagaink tokprotectkyou,k"ksayskHaymitch.kIk newkit.kInkthiskway,kPeeta'sknotkhardktokpre dict.kWhilekIkwaskwallowingk aroundkonkthekfloorkofkthatkcellar,kthin ingkonlykofkmyself,khekwaskhere,kthin i ngkonlykofkme.kShamekisn'tkak strongkenoughkwordkforkwhatkIkfeel.k"Youkcouldklivekakhundredklifetimeskandknotk deservekhim,kyouk now,k"k Haymitchksays.k"Yeah,kyeah,k"kIksaykbrusquely.k"Nokquestion,khe'sktheksuperiorko nekinkthisktrio.kSo,kwhatkarek youkgoingktokdo?"k"Ikdon'tk now.k"kHaymitchksighs.k"Gokbac kinkwithkyoukmaybe,ki fkIkcan.kIfkmykname'skdrawnk atkthekreaping,kitkwon'tkmatter.kHe'llkjustkvolunteerktokta ekmykplace.k"kWeksit kforkakwhilekinksilence.k"It'dkbekbadk forkyoukinkthekarena,kwouldn'tkit?kKnowingkallkthekothers?"kIkas .k"Oh,kIkthin k wekcankcountkonkitkbeingk unbearablekwhereverkIkam.k"kHeknodskatkthekbottle.k"CankIkhavekthatkbac know?"k" No,k"kIksay,kwrappingkmyk armskaroundkit.kHaymitchkpullskanotherkbottlekoutkfromkunderkthektablekandkgives kthektopkaktwist.kButkIkrealizekIk amknotkjustkherekforkakdrin .kThere'sksomethingkelsekIkwantkfromkHaymitch.k"O ay ,kIkfiguredkoutkwhatkI'mk as ing,k"kIksay.k"IfkitkiskPeetakandkmekinkthekGames,kthisktimekwektryktok eepkh imkalive.k"kSomethingkflic ersk acrosskhiskbloodshotkeyes.kPain.k"Li ekyouksaid,kit'skgoingktokbekbadknokmatterk howkyoukslicekit.kAndkwhateverk Peetakwants,kit'skhiskturnktokbeksaved.kWekbothkowekhimkthat.k"kMykvoicekta esko nkakpleadingktone.k"Besides,kthek Capitolkhateskmeksokmuch,kI'mkaskgoodkaskdeadknow.kHekstillkmightkhavekakchance. kPlease,kHaymitch.kSayk you'llkhelpkme.k"k

kHekfrownskatkhiskbottle,kweighingkmykwords.k"Allkright,k"kheksayskfinally.k"Tha n s,k"kIksay.kIk shouldkgokseekPeetaknow,kbutkIkdon'tkwantkto.kMykhead'skspinningkfromkthekdrin , kandkI'mksokwipedkout,kwhok nowskwhatkhekcouldkgetkmektokagreekto?kNo,knowkIkhavektokgokhomektokfacekmykmot herkandkPrim.kAskIkstaggerk upkthekstepsktokmykhouse,kthekfrontkdoorkopenskandkGalekpullskmekintokhiskarms.k "Ikwaskwrong.kWekshouldkhavek gonekwhenkyouksaid,k"khekwhispers.k"No,k"kIksay.kI'mkhavingktroublekfocusing,kan dkliquork eepsksloshingkoutkofk mykbottlekandkdownkthekbac kofkGale'skjac et,kbutkhekdoesn'tkseemktokcare.k"It's knotktooklate,k"kheksays.kOverkhisk shoulder,kIkseekmykmotherkandkPrimkclutchingkeachkotherkinkthekdoorway.kWekrun.k Theykdie.kAndknowkI'vekgotk Peetaktokprotect.kEndkofkdiscussion.k"Yeah,kitkis.k"kMyk neeskgivekwaykandkhe'sk holdingkmekup.kAskthekalcoholk overcomeskmykmind,kIkhearkthekglasskbottlekshatterkonkthekfloor.kThiskseemskappr opriateksincekIkhavekobviouslyk lostkmykgripkonkeverything.kWhenkIkwa ekup,kIkbarelykgetktokthektoiletkbeforekth ekwhitekliquorkma eskitsk reappearance.kItkburnskjustkaskmuchkcomingkupkaskitkdidkgoingkdown,kandktasteskt wicekaskbad.kI'mktremblingkandk sweatykwhenkIkfinishkvomiting,kbutkatkleastkmostkofkthekstuffkiskoutkofkmyksyste m.kEnoughkmadekitkintokmyk bloodstream,kthough,ktokresultkinkakpoundingkheadache,kparchedkmouth,kandkboilin gkstomach.kIkturnkonkthek showerkandkstandkunderkthekwarmkrainkforkakminutekbeforekIkrealizekI'mkstillkink mykunderclothes.kMykmotherk mustkhavekjustkstrippedkoffkmykfilthykouterkoneskandktuc edkmekinkbed.kIkthrowkt hekwetkundergarmentskintokthek sin kandkpourkshampookonkmykhead.kMykhandsksting,kandkthat'skwhenkIknoticektheks titches,ksmallkandkeven,k acrosskonekpalmkandkupktheksidekofkthekotherkhand.kVaguelykIkrememberkbrea ingkt hatkglasskwindowklastknight.k Ikscrubkmyselfkfromkheadktoktoe,konlykstoppingktokthrowkupkagainkrightkinktheksh ower.kIt'skmostlykjustkbilekandk goeskdownkthekdrainkwithktheksweet-smellingkbubbles.kFinallykclean,kIkpullkonkmy krobekandkheadkbac ktokbed,k ignoringkmykdrippingkhair.kIkclimbkunderkthekblan ets,ksurekthiskiskwhatkitkmust kfeelkli ektokbekpoisoned.kThek footstepskonkthekstairskrenewkmykpanickfromklastknight.kI'mknotkreadyktokseekmyk motherkandkPrim.kIkhavektokpullk myselfktogetherktokbekcalmkandkreassuring,kthekwaykIkwaskwhenkweksaidkourkgood-b yeskthekdaykofktheklastk reaping.kIkhavektokbekstrong.kIkstrugglekintokankuprightkposition,kpushkmykwetkh airkoffkmykthrobbingktemples,k andkbracekmyselfkforkthiskmeeting.kTheykappearkinkthekdoorway,kholdingkteakandkt oast,ktheirkfaceskfilledkwithk

concern.kIkopenkmykmouth,kplanningktokstartkoffkwithksomek indkofkjo e,kandkburs tkintoktears.kSokmuchkfork beingkstrong.kMykmotherksitskonktheksidekofkthekbedkandkPrimkcrawlskrightkupknex tktokmekandktheykholdkme,k ma ingkquietksoothingksounds,kuntilkIkamkmostlykcriedkout.kThenkPrimkgetskaktowe lkandkdrieskmykhair,kcombingk outkthek nots,kwhilekmykmotherkcoaxeskteakandktoastkintokme.kTheykdresskmekinkwa rmkpajamaskandklayerkmorek blan etskonkmekandkIkdriftkoffkagain.kIkcanktellkbyktheklightkit'sklatekafternoo nkwhenkIkcomekroundkagain.kThere'sk akglasskofkwaterkonkmykbedsidektablekandkIkgulpkitkdownkthirstily.kMykstomachkan dkheadkstillkfeelkroc y,kbutk muchkbetterkthanktheykdidkearlier.kIkrise,kdress,kandkbraidkbac kmykhair.kBefore kIkgokdown,kIkpausekatkthektopkofk thekstairs,kfeelingkslightlykembarrassedkaboutkthekwaykI'vekhandledktheknewskofk thekQuarterkQuell.kMykerratick flight,kdrin ingkwithkHaymitch,kweeping.kGivenkthekcircumstances,kIkguesskIkdese rvekonekdaykofkindulgence.k I'mkgladkthekcameraskweren'tkherekforkit,kthough.kDownstairs,kmykmotherkandkPrim kembracekmekagain,kbutk they'reknotkoverlykemotional.kIk nowkthey'rekholdingkthingskinktokma ekitkeasier konkme.kLoo ingkatkPrim'skface,k it'skhardktokimaginekshe'sktheksamekfrailklittlekgirlkIkleftkbehindkonkreapingkd aykninekmonthskago.kThek combinationkofkthatkordealkandkallkthatkhaskfollowed--thekcrueltykinkthekdistric t,kthekparadekofksic kandkwoundedk thatkshekoftenktreatskbykherselfknowkifkmykmother'skhandskarektookfullk--kthesek thingskhavekagedkherkyears.kShe'sk grownkquitekakbit,ktoo;kwe'rekpracticallyktheksamekheightknow,kbutkthatkisn'tkwh atkma eskherkseemksokmuchk older.kMykmotherkladleskoutkakmugkofkbrothkforkme,kandkIkas kforkaksecondkmugkto kta ektokHaymitch.kThenkIk wal kacrossktheklawnktokhiskhouse.kHe'skonlykjustkwa ingkupkandkacceptskthekmugk withoutkcomment.kWeksitk there,kalmostkpeacefully,ksippingkourkbrothkandkwatchingktheksunksetkthroughkhis klivingkroomkwindow.kIkheark someonekwal ingkaroundkupstairskandkIkassumekit'skHazelle,kbutkakfewkminutesklat erkPeetakcomeskdownkandk tosseskakcardboardkboxkofkemptykliquorkbottleskonkthektablekwithkfinality.k"Ther e,kit'skdone,k"kheksays.kIt'skta ingk allkofkHaymitch'skresourcesktokfocuskhiskeyeskonkthekbottles,ksokIkspea kup.k"Wh at'skdone?"k"I'vekpouredkallkthek liquorkdownkthekdrain,k"ksayskPeeta.kThiskseemsktokjoltkHaymitchkoutkofkhiskstup or,kandkhekpawskthroughkthek boxkinkdisbelief.k"Youkwhat?"k"Iktossedktheklot,k"ksayskPeeta.k"He'llkjustkbuykm ore,k"kIksay.k"No,khekwon't,k"ksaysk Peeta.k"Iktrac edkdownkRipperkthiskmorningkandktoldkherkI'dkturnkherkinkthekseco ndksheksoldktokeitherkofkyou.kIk paidkherkoff,ktoo,kjustkforkgoodkmeasure,kbutkIkdon'tkthin kshe'skeagerktokbekba c kinkthekPeace eepers'kcustody.k"k Haymitchkta eskakswipekwithkhisk nifekbutkPeetakdeflectskitksokeasilykit'skpathe tic.kAngerkriseskupkinkme.k"Whatk businesskiskitkofkyourskwhatkhekdoes?"k"It'skcompletelykmykbusiness.kHoweverkitk fallskout,ktwokofkuskarekgoingktok bekinkthekarenakagainkwithkthekotherkaskmentor.kWekcan'tkaffordkanykdrun ardskon kthiskteam.kEspeciallyknotkyou,k Katniss,k"ksayskPeetaktokme.k"What?"kIksputterkindignantly.kItkwouldkbekmorekcon vincingkifkIkweren'tkstillksok hungover.k"Lastknight'skthekonlyktimekI'vekeverkevenkbeenkdrun .k"k"Yeah,kandklo

o katkthekshapekyou'rekin,k"k sayskPeeta.kIkdon'tk nowkwhatkIkexpectedkfromkmykfirstkmeetingkwithkPeetakafterk thekannouncement.kAkfewk hugskandk isses.kAklittlekcomfortkmaybe.kNotkthis.kIkturnktokHaymitch.k"Don'tkwo rry,kI'llkgetkyoukmorekliquor.k"k "ThenkI'llkturnkyoukbothkin.kLetkyouksoberkupkinkthekstoc s,k"ksayskPeeta.k"What 'skthekpointktokthis?"kas sk Haymitch.k"ThekpointkiskthatktwokofkuskarekcomingkhomekfromkthekCapitol.kOnekmen torkandkonekvictor,k"ksaysk Peeta.k"Effie'sksendingkmekrecordingskofkallktheklivingkvictors.kWe'rekgoingktok watchktheirkGameskandklearnk everythingkwekcankaboutkhowktheykfight.kWe'rekgoingktokputkonkweightkandkgetkstr ong.kWe'rekgoingktokstartk actingkli ekCareers.kAndkonekofkuskiskgoingktokbekvictorkagainkwhetherkyouktwokl i ekitkorknot!"kHeksweepskoutkofk thekroom,kslammingkthekfrontkdoor.kHaymitchkandkIkwincekatkthekbang.k"Ikdon'tkli ekself-righteouskpeople,k"kIk say.k"What'sktokli e?"ksayskHaymitch,kwhokbeginsksuc ingkthekdregskoutkofkthekem ptykbottles.k"Youkandkme.k That'skwhokhekplanskonkcomingkhome,k"kIksay.k"Well,kthenkthekjo e'skonkhim,k"ksa yskHaymitch.kButkafterkakfewk days,kwekagreektokactkli ekCareers,kbecausekthiskiskthekbestkwayktokgetkPeetakre adykaskwell.kEveryknightkwek watchkthekoldkrecapskofkthekGameskthatk

thekremainingkvictorskwon.kIkrealizekwekneverkmetkanykofkthemkonkthek VictorykTour,kwhichkseemskoddkinkretrospect.kWhenkIkbringkitkup,kHaymitchksayskt heklastkthingkPresidentkSnowk would'vekwantedkwasktokshowkPeetakandkme--especiallykmek--kbondingkwithkotherkvi ctorskinkpotentiallyk rebelliouskdistricts.kVictorskhavekakspecialkstatus,kandkifktheykappearedktokbek supportingkmykdefiancekofkthek Capitol,kitkwould'vekbeenkdangerouskpolitically.kAdjustingkforkage,kIkrealizekso mekofkourkopponentskmaykbek elderly,kwhichkiskbothksadkandkreassuring.kPeetakta eskcopiousknotes,kHaymitchkv olunteerskinformationkaboutk thekvictors'kpersonalities,kandkslowlykwekbeginktok nowkourkcompetition.kEverykm orningkwekdokexercisesktok strengthenkourkbodies.kWekrunkandkliftkthingskandkstretchkourkmuscles.kEverykaft ernoonkwekwor konkcombatk s ills,kthrowingk nives,kfightingkhandktokhand;kIkevenkteachkthemktokclimbktrees .kOfficially,ktributeskaren'tk supposedktoktrain,kbutknokonektriesktokstopkus.kEvenkinkregularkyears,kthektribu teskfromkDistrictsk1,k2,kandk4kshowk upkablektokwieldkspearskandkswords.kThiskisknothingkbykcomparison.kAfterkallkthe kyearskofkabuse,kHaymitch'sk bodykresistskimprovement.kHe'skstillkremar ablykstrong,kbutkthekshortestkrunkwin dskhim.kAndkyou'dkthin kakguyk

whoksleepskeveryknightkwithkak nifekmightkactuallykbekablektokhitktheksidekofkak housekwithkone,kbutkhiskhandsk sha eksokbadlykitkta eskwee skforkhimktokachievekevenkthat.kPeetakandkIkexcelkun derktheknewkregimen,kthough.kItk giveskmeksomethingktokdo.kItkgiveskuskallksomethingktokdokbesideskacceptkdefeat. kMykmotherkputskuskonkak specialkdietktokgainkweight.kPrimktreatskourksorekmuscles.kMadgeksnea skuskherkf ather'skCapitolknewspapers.k Predictionskonkwhokwillkbekvictorkofkthekvictorskshowkuskamongkthekfavorites.kEv enkGalekstepskintokthekpicturek onkSundays,kalthoughkhe'skgotknoklovekforkPeetakorkHaymitch,kandkteacheskuskallk hek nowskaboutksnares.kIt'sk weirdkforkme,kbeingkinkconversationskwithkbothkPeetakandkGale,kbutktheykseemktok haveksetkasidekwhateverkissuesk theykhavekaboutkme.kOneknight,kaskI'mkwal ingkGalekbac kintoktown,khekevenkadmit s,k"It'dkbekbetterkifkhekwerek easierktokhate.k"k"Tellkmekaboutkit,k"kIksay.k"IfkIkcould'vekjustkhatedkhimkinkt hekarena,kwekallkwouldn'tkbekinkthisk messknow.kHe'dkbekdead,kandkI'dkbekakhappyklittlekvictorkallkbykmyself.k"k"Andkw herekwouldkwekbe,kKatniss?"k as skGale.kIkpause,knotk nowingkwhatktoksay.kWherekwouldkIkbekwithkmykpretendkco usinkwhokwouldn'tkbekmyk cousinkifkitkweren'tkforkPeeta?kWouldkhekhavekstillk issedkmekandkwouldkIkhavek issedkhimkbac khadkIkbeenkfreek tokdokso?kWouldkIkhavekletkmyselfkopenkupktokhim,klulledkbyktheksecuritykofkmone ykandkfoodkandkthekillusionkofk safetykbeingkakvictorkcouldkbringkunderkdifferentkcircumstances?kButktherekwould kstillkalwayskbekthekreapingk loomingkoverkus,koverkourkchildren.kNokmatterkwhatkIkwantedk...k"Hunting.kLi eke verykSunday,k"kIksay.kIk nowk hekdidn'tkmeankthekquestionkliterally,kbutkthiskiskaskmuchkaskIkcankhonestlykgiv e.kGalek nowskIkchosekhimkoverk PeetakwhenkIkdidn'tkma ekakrunkforkit.kTokme,kthere'sknokpointkinktal ingkaboutk thingskthatkmightkhavekbeen.k EvenkifkIkhadk illedkPeetakinkthekarena,kIkstillkwouldn'tkhavekwantedktokmarryka nyone.kIkonlykgotkengagedktok savekpeople'sklives,kandkthatkcompletelykbac fired.kI'mkafraid,kanyway,kthatkany k indkofkemotionalkscenekwithk Galekmightkcausekhimktokdoksomethingkdrastic.kLi ekstartkthatkuprisingkinkthekmi nes.kAndkaskHaymitchksays,k Districtk12kisn'tkreadykforkthat.kIfkanything,kthey'reklesskreadykthankbeforekth ekQuarterkQuellkannouncement,k becausekthekfollowingkmorningkanotherkhundredkPeace eeperskarrivedkonkthektrain. kSincekIkdon'tkplankonk ma ingkitkbac kalivekaksecondktime,ktheksoonerkGalekletskmekgo,kthekbetter.kIkdo kplankonksayingkonekorktwok thingsktokhimkafterkthekreaping,kwhenkwe'rekallowedkankhourkforkgood-byes.kTokle tkGalek nowkhowkessentialk he'skbeenktokmekallkthesekyears.kHowkmuchkbetterkmyklifekhaskbeenkfork nowingkhi m.kForklovingkhim,kevenkifk it'skonlykinktheklimitedkwaykthatkIkcankmanage.kButkIkneverkgetkthekchance.kThek daykofkthekreaping'skhotkandk sultry.kThekpopulationkofkDistrictk12kwaits,ksweatingkandksilent,kinktheksquarek withkmachinekgunsktrainedkonk them.kIkstandkalonekinkaksmallkroped-offkareakwithkPeetakandkHaymitchkinkaksimil arkpenktokthekrightkofkme.kThek reapingkta eskonlykakminute.kEffie,kshiningkinkakwigkofkmetallickgold,klac skher kusualkverve.kShekhasktokclawk aroundkthekgirls'kreapingkballkforkquitekakwhilektoksnagkthekonekpiecekofkpaperk

thatkeveryonekalreadyk nowskhask myknamekonkit.kThenkshekcatcheskHaymitch'skname.kHekbarelykhasktimektokshootkmek ankunhappykloo kbeforek Peetakhaskvolunteeredktokta ekhiskplace.kWekarekimmediatelykmarchedkintokthekJus ticekBuildingktokfindkHeadk Peace eeperkThreadkwaitingkforkus.k"Newkprocedure,k"kheksayskwithkaksmile.kWe're kusheredkoutkthekbac kdoor,k intokakcar,kandkta enktokthektrainkstation.kTherekareknokcameraskonkthekplatform ,knokcrowdktoksendkuskonkourk way.kHaymitchkandkEffiekappear,kescortedkbykguards.kPeace eeperskhurrykuskallkon tokthektrainkandkslamkthek door.kThekwheelskbeginktokturn.kAndkI'mkleftkstaringkoutkthekwindow,kwatchingkDi strictk12kdisappear,kwithkallk mykgood-byeskstillkhangingkonkmyklips.k

kIkremainkatkthekwindowklongkafterkthekwoodskhavekswallowedkupkthek lastkglimpsekofkmykhome.kThisktimekIkdon'tkhavekevenkthekslightestkhopekofkretur n.kBeforekmykfirstkGames,kIk promisedkPrimkIkwouldkdokeverythingkIkcouldktokwin,kandknowkI'vekswornktokmyself ktokdokallkIkcanktok eepk Peetakalive.kIkwillkneverkreversekthiskjourneykagain.kI'dkactuallykfiguredkoutkw hatkIkwantedkmyklastkwordsktokmyk lovedkonesktokbe.kHowkbestktokclosekandkloc kthekdoorskandkleavekthemksadkbutksa felykbehind.kAndknowkthek Capitolkhaskstolenkthatkaskwell.k"We'llkwritekletters,kKatniss,k"ksayskPeetakfro mkbehindkme.k"Itkwillkbekbetter,k anyway.kGivekthemkakpiecekofkusktokholdkonkto.kHaymitchkwillkdeliverkthemkforkus kifk...kTheykneedktokbek delivered.k"kIknodkandkgokstraightktokmykroom.kIksitkonkthekbed,k nowingkIkwillk neverkwritekthosekletters.kTheyk willkbekli ekthekspeechkIktriedktokwritektokhonorkRuekandkThreshkinkDistrictk11. kThingskseemedkclearkinkmykheadk andkevenkwhenkIktal edkbeforekthekcrowd,kbutkthekwordskneverkcamekoutkofkthekpen kright.kBesides,ktheykwerek meantktokgokwithkembraceskandk isseskandkakstro ekofkPrim'skhair,kakcaresskofkGa le'skface,kaksqueezekofkMadge'sk hand.kTheykcannotkbekdeliveredkwithkakwoodenkboxkcontainingkmykcold,kstiffkbody. kTookheartsic ktokcry,kallkIk wantkisktokcurlkupkonkthekbedkandksleepkuntilkwekarrivekinkthekCapitolktomorrowk morning.kButkIkhavekakmission.k No,kit'skmorekthankakmission.kIt'skmykdyingkwish.kKeepkPeetakalive.kAndkaskunli elykaskitkseemskthatkIkcank achievekitkinkthekfacekofkthekCapitol'skanger,kit'skimportantkthatkIkbekatkthekt opkofkmykgame.kThiskwon'tkhappenkifk I'mkmourningkforkeveryonekIklovekbac khome.kLetkthemkgo,kIktellkmyself.kSaykgood -byekandkforgetkthem.kIkdok mykbest,kthin ingkofkthemkonekbykone,kreleasingkthemkli ekbirdskfromkthekprotect ivekcageskinsidekme,kloc ingk

thekdoorskagainstktheirkreturn.kBykthektimekEffiek noc skonkmykdoorktokcallkmekt okdinner,kI'mkempty.kButkthek lightnesskisn'tkentirelykunwelcome.kThekmeal'sksubdued.kSoksubdued,kinkfact,ktha tktherekareklongkperiodskofk silencekrelievedkonlykbykthekremovalkofkoldkdisheskandkpresentationkofknewkones. kAkcoldksoupkofkpureedk vegetables.kFishkca eskwithkcreamyklimekpaste.kThoseklittlekbirdskfilledkwithkor angeksauce,kwithkwildkricekandk watercress.kChocolatekcustardkdottedkwithkcherries.kPeetakandkEffiekma ekoccasio nalkattemptskatkconversationk thatkquic lykdiekout.k"Iklovekyourknewkhair,kEffie,k"kPeetaksays.k"Than kyou.kIk hadkitkespeciallykdonektokmatchk Katniss'skpin.kIkwaskthin ingkwekmightkgetkyoukakgoldenkan lekbandkandkmaybekfin dkHaymitchkakgoldkbraceletk orksomethingksokwekcouldkallkloo kli ekakteam,k"ksayskEffie.kEvidently,kEffiekdo esn'tk nowkthatkmykmoc ingjayk pinkisknowkaksymbolkusedkbykthekrebels.kAtkleastkinkDistrictk8.kInkthekCapitol,k thekmoc ingjaykiskstillkakfunk reminderkofkankespeciallykexcitingkHungerkGames.kWhatkelsekcouldkitkbe?kRealkreb elskdon'tkputkaksecretksymbolk onksomethingkaskdurablekaskjewelry.kTheykputkitkonkakwaferkofkbreadkthatkcankbek eatenkinkaksecondkifknecessary.k "Ikthin kthat'skakgreatkidea,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Howkaboutkit,kHaymitch?"k"Yeah,kwha tever,k"ksayskHaymitch.kHe'sk notkdrin ingkbutkIkcanktellkhe'dkli ektokbe.kEffiekhadkthemkta ekherkownkwinekaw aykwhenksheksawkthekeffortkhek waskma ing,kbutkhe'skinkakmiserablekstate.kIfkhekwerekthektribute,khekwouldkhave kowedkPeetaknothingkandkcouldk bekaskdrun kaskhekli ed.kNowkit'skgoingktokta ekallkhe'skgotktok eepkPeetakalive kinkankarenakfullkofkhiskoldkfriends,k andkhe'llkprobablykfail.k"Maybekwekcouldkgetkyoukakwig,ktoo,k"kIksaykinkankattem ptkatklightness.kHekjustkshootsk mekakloo kthatksaysktokleavekhimkalone,kandkwekallkeatkourkcustardkinksilence.k" Shallkwekwatchkthekrecapkofkthek reapings?"ksayskEffie,kdabbingkatkthekcornerskofkherkmouthkwithkakwhiteklinenkna p in.kPeetakgoeskoffktokretrievek hisknoteboo konkthekremainingklivingkvictors,kandkwekgatherkinkthekcompartmentkw ithkthektelevisionktokseekwhok ourkcompetitionkwillkbekinkthekarena.kWekarekallkinkplacekaskthekanthemkbeginskt okplaykandkthekannualkrecapkofk thekreapingkceremonieskinkthektwelvekdistrictskbegins.kInkthekhistorykofkthekGam es,ktherekhavekbeenkseventy-fivek victors.kFifty-ninekarekstillkalive.kIkrecognizekmanykofktheirkfaces,keitherkfro mkseeingkthemkasktributeskork mentorskatkpreviouskGameskorkfromkourkrecentkviewingkofkthekvictors'ktapes.kSome kareksokoldkorkwastedkbyk illness,kdrugs,korkdrin kthatkIkcan'tkplacekthem.kAskonekwouldkexpect,kthekpools kofkCareerktributeskfromkDistrictsk 1,k2,kandk4karektheklargest.kButkeverykdistrictkhaskmanagedktokscrapekupkatkleas tkonekfemalekandkonekmalekvictor.k Thekreapingskgokbykquic ly.kPeetakstudiouslykputskstarskbyktheknameskofkthekchos enktributeskinkhisknoteboo .k Haymitchkwatches,khiskfacekdevoidkofkemotion,kaskfriendskofkhiskstepkupktokta ek thekstage.kEffiekma eskhushed,k distressedkcommentskli ek"Oh,knotkCecelia"kork"Well,kChaffkneverkcouldkstaykoutk ofkakfight,k"kandksighsk frequently.kForkmykpart,kIktryktokma eksomekmentalkrecordkofkthekotherktributes, kbutkli eklastkyear,konlykakfewk reallykstic kinkmykhead.kThere'skthekclassicallykbeautifulkbrotherkandksisterkfr

omkDistrictk1kwhokwerekvictorskink consecutivekyearskwhenkIkwasklittle.kBrutus,kakvolunteerkfromkDistrictk2,kwhokmu stkbekatkleastkfortykandk apparentlykcan'tkwaitktokgetkbac kinkthekarena.kFinnic ,kthekhandsomekbronze-hai redkguykfromkDistrictk4kwhok waskcrownedktenkyearskagokatkthekagekofkfourteen.kAkhystericalkyoungkwomankwithk flowingkbrownkhairkiskalsok calledkfromk4,kbutkshe'skquic lykreplacedkbykakvolunteer,kankeighty-year-oldkwom ankwhokneedskakcanektokwal k tokthekstage.kThenkthere'skJohannakMason,kthekonlyklivingkfemalekvictorkfromk7,k whokwonkakfewkyearskbac kbyk pretendingkshekwaskakwea ling.kThekwomankfromk8kwhokEffiekcallskCecelia,kwhokloo skaboutkthirty,khasktok detachkherselfkfromkthekthreek idskwhokrunkupktokclingktokher.kChaff,kakmankfrom k11kwhokIk nowktokbekonekofk Haymitch'skparticularkfriends,kiskalsokin.kI'mkcalled.kThenkHaymitch.kAndkPeetak volunteers.kOnekofkthek announcerskactuallykgetsktearykbecausekitkseemskthekoddskwillkneverkbekinkourkfa vor,kwekstar-crossedkloverskofk Districtk12.kThenkshekpullskherselfktogetherktoksaykshekbetskthatk"thesekwillkbe kthekbestkGameskever!"kHaymitchk leaveskthekcompartmentkwithoutkakword,kandkEffie,kafterkma ingkakfewkunconnected kcommentskaboutkthisk tributekorkthat,kbidskuskgoodknight.kIkjustksitktherekwatchingkPeetakripkoutkthe kpageskofkthekvictorskwhokwereknotk pic ed.k"Whykdon'tkyoukgetksomeksleep?"kheksays.kBecausekIkcan'tkhandlektheknigh tmares.kNotkwithoutkyou,kIk thin .kTheykareksurektokbekdreadfulktonight.kButkIkcankhardlykas kPeetaktokcomek sleepkwithkme.kWe'vekbarelyk touchedksincekthatknightkGalekwaskwhipped.k"Whatkarekyoukgoingktokdo?"kIkas .k"J ustkreviewkmyknoteskawhile.k Getkakclearkpicturekofkwhatkwe'rekupkagainst.kButkI'llkgokoverkitkwithkyoukinkth ekmorning.kGoktokbed,kKatniss,k"k heksays.kSokIkgoktokbedkand,ksurekenough,kwithinkakfewkhourskIkawa ekfromkaknigh tmarekwherekthatkoldkwomank fromkDistrictk4ktransformskintokaklargekrodentkandkgnawskonkmykface.kIk nowkIkwa skscreaming,kbutknokonek comes.kNotkPeeta,knotkevenkonekofkthekCapitolkattendants.kIkpullkonkakrobektoktr yktokcalmkthekgoosefleshk crawlingkoverkmykbody.kStayingkinkmykcompartmentkiskimpossible,ksokIkdecidektokg okfindksomeonektokma ekmek teakorkhotkchocolatekorkanything.kMaybekHaymitchkiskstillkup.kSurelykhekisn'tkas leep.kIkorderkwarmkmil ,kthek mostkcalmingkthingkIkcankthin kof,kfromkankattendant.kHearingkvoiceskfromkthekte levisionkroom,kIkgokinkandkfindk Peeta.kBesidekhimkonkthekcouchk

iskthekboxkEffieksentkofktapeskofkthekoldkHungerkGames.kIkrecognizekthek

episodekinkwhichkBrutuskbecamekvictor.kPeetakriseskandkflipskoffkthektapekwhenkh ekseeskme.k"Couldn'tksleep?"k "Notkforklong,k"kIksay.kIkpullkthekrobekmoreksecurelykaroundkmekaskIkrememberkth ekoldkwomanktransformingkintok thekrodent.k"Wantktoktal kaboutkit?"khekas s.kSometimeskthatkcankhelp,kbutkIkjus tksha ekmykhead,kfeelingkwea k thatkpeoplekIkhaven'tkevenkfoughtkyetkalreadykhauntkme.kWhenkPeetakholdskoutkhis karms,kIkwal kstraightkintok them.kIt'skthekfirstktimeksincektheykannouncedkthekQuarterkQuellkthatkhe'skoffer edkmekanyksortkofkaffection.kHe'sk beenkmorekli ekakverykdemandingktrainer,kalwayskpushing,kalwayskinsistingkHaymit chkandkIkrunkfaster,keatk more,k nowkourkenemykbetter.kLover?kForgetkaboutkthat.kHekabandonedkanykpretense kofkevenkbeingkmykfriend.k Ikwrapkmykarmsktightlykaroundkhisknec kbeforekhekcankorderkmektokdokpush-upskork something.kInsteadkhekpullsk mekinkclosekandkburieskhiskfacekinkmykhair.kWarmthkradiateskfromkthekspotkwherek hisklipskjustktouchkmyknec ,k slowlykspreadingkthroughkthekrestkofkme.kItkfeelsksokgood,ksokimpossiblykgood,kt hatkIk nowkIkwillknotkbekthekfirstk tokletkgo.kAndkwhykshouldkI?kIkhaveksaidkgood-byektokGale.kI'llkneverkseekhimkag ain,kthat'skforkcertain.kNothingkIk doknowkcankhurtkhim.kHekwon'tkseekitkorkhe'llkthin kIkamkactingkforkthekcameras. kThat,katkleast,kiskonekweightkoffk mykshoulders.kThekarrivalkofkthekCapitolkattendantkwithkthekwarmkmil kiskwhatkbr ea skuskapart.kHeksetskaktrayk withkaksteamingkceramickjugkandktwokmugskonkaktable.k"Ikbroughtkankextrakcup,k"k heksays.k"Than s,k"kIksay.k "AndkIkaddedkaktouchkofkhoneyktokthekmil .kForksweetness.kAndkjustkakpinchkofksp ice,k"khekadds.kHekloo skatkusk li ekhekwantsktoksaykmore,kthenkgiveskhiskheadkakslightksha ekandkbac skoutkofkt hekroom.k"What'skwithkhim?"kIk say.k"Ikthin khekfeelskbadkforkus,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Right,k"kIksay,kpouringkthekmi l .k"Ikmeankit.kIkdon'tkthin kthek peoplekinkthekCapitolkarekgoingktokbekallkthatkhappykaboutkourkgoingkbac kin,k"k sayskPeeta.k"Orkthekotherkvictors.k Theykgetkattachedktoktheirkchampions.k"k"I'mkguessingkthey'llkgetkoverkitkoncekt hekbloodkstartskflowing,k"kIksayk flatly.kReally,kifkthere'skonekthingkIkdon'tkhavektimekfor,kit'skworryingkaboutk howkthekQuarterkQuellkwillkaffectk thekmoodkinkthekCapitol.k"So,kyou'rekwatchingkallkthektapeskagain?"k"Notkreally. kJustksortkofks ippingkaroundktok seekpeople'skdifferentkfightingktechniques,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Who'sknext?"kIkas .k" Youkpic ,k"ksayskPeeta,kholdingk outkthekbox.kThektapeskarekmar edkwithkthekyearkofkthekGameskandktheknamekofkthe kvictor.kIkdigkaroundkandk suddenlykfindkonekinkmykhandkthatkwekhaveknotkwatched.kThekyearkofkthekGameskisk fifty.kThatkwouldkma ekitk theksecondkQuarterkQuell.kAndktheknamekofkthekvictorkiskHaymitchkAbernathy.k"Wek neverkwatchedkthiskone,k"kIk say.kPeetaksha eskhiskhead.k"No.kIk newkHaymitchkdidn'tkwantkto.kTheksamekwaykwe kdidn'tkwantktokrelivekourk ownkGames.kAndksincekwe'rekallkonktheksamekteam,kIkdidn'tkthin kitkmatteredkmuch .k"k"Iskthekpersonkwhokwonk inktwenty-fivekinkhere?"kIkas .k"Ikdon'tkthin kso.kWhoeverkitkwaskmustkbekdeadkb yknow,kandkEffiekonlyksentkmek victorskwekmightkhavektokface.k"kPeetakweighskHaymitch'sktapekinkhiskhand.k"Why? kYoukthin kwekoughtktok watchkit?"k"It'skthekonlykQuellkwekhave.kWekmightkpic kupksomethingkvaluablekabo

utkhowktheykwor ,k"kIksay.k ButkIkfeelkweird.kItkseemskli eksomekmajorkinvasionkofkHaymitch'skprivacy.kIkdon 'tk nowkwhykitkshould,ksincek thekwholekthingkwaskpublic.kButkitkdoes.kIkhavektokadmitkI'mkalsokextremelykcuri ous.k"Wekdon'tkhavektoktellk Haymitchkweksawkit.k"k"O ay,k"kPeetakagrees.kHekputskinkthektapekandkIkcurlkupkn extktokhimkonkthekcouchkwithk mykmil ,kwhichkiskreallykdeliciouskwithkthekhoneykandkspices,kandklosekmyselfkin kthekFiftiethkHungerkGames.k Afterkthekanthem,ktheykshowkPresidentkSnowkdrawingkthekenvelopekforktheksecondkQ uarterkQuell.kHekloo sk youngerkbutkjustkaskrepellent.kHekreadskfromktheksquarekofkpaperkinktheksamekone rouskvoicekhekusedkforkours,k informingkPanemkthatkinkhonorkofkthekQuarterkQuell,ktherekwillkbektwicektheknumb erkofktributes.kThekeditorsk smashkcutkrightkintokthekreapings,kwhereknamekafterknamekafterknamekiskcalled.kB ykthektimekwekgetktokDistrictk 12,kI'mkcompletelykoverwhelmedkbyktheksheerknumberkofk idskgoingktokcertainkdeat h.kThere'skakwoman,knotk Effie,kcallingktheknameskink12,kbutkshekstillkbeginskwithk"Ladieskfirst!"kShekca llskoutktheknamekofkakgirlkwho'sk fromkthekSeam,kyoukcanktellkbykthekloo kofkher,kandkthenkIkhearktheknamek"Maysil eekDonner.k"k"Oh!"kIksay.k "Shekwaskmykmother'skfriend.k"kThekcamerakfindskherkinkthekcrowd,kclingingktoktw okotherkgirls.kAllkblond.kAllk definitelykmerchants'k ids.k"Ikthin kthat'skyourkmotherkhuggingkher,k"ksayskPeet akquietly.kAndkhe'skright.kAsk MaysileekDonnerkbravelykdisengageskherselfkandkheadskforkthekstage,kIkcatchkakgl impsekofkmykmotherkatkmyk age,kandknokonekhaskexaggeratedkherkbeauty.kHoldingkherkhandkandkweepingkiskanot herkgirlkwhokloo skjustkli ek Maysilee.kButkaklotkli eksomeonekelsekIk now,ktoo.k"Madge,k"kIksay.k"That'skherk mother.kShekandkMaysileekwerek twinskorksomething,k"kPeetaksays.k"Mykdadkmentionedkitkonce.k"kIkthin kofkMadge' skmother.kMayorkUndersee'sk wife.kWhokspendskhalfkherklifekinkbedkimmobilizedkwithkterriblekpain,kshuttingko utkthekworld.kIkthin kofkhowkIk neverkrealizedkthatkshekandkmykmotherksharedkthiskconnection.kOfkMadgekshowingku pkinkthatksnowstormktok bringkthekpain illerkforkGale.kOfkmykmoc ingjaykpinkandkhowkitkmeansksomethingkc ompletelykdifferentknowk thatkIk nowkthatkitskformerkownerkwaskMadge'skaunt,kMaysileekDonner,kaktributekw hokwaskmurderedkinkthek arena.kHaymitch'sknamekiskcalledklastkofkall.kIt'skmorekofkakshoc ktokseekhimkth ankmykmother.kYoung.kStrong.k Hardktokadmit,kbutkhekwasksomethingkofkakloo er.kHiskhairkdar kandkcurly,kthosek graykSeamkeyeskbrightkand,k

evenkthen,kdangerous.k"Oh.kPeeta,kyoukdon'tkthin khek illedkMaysilee,kdokyou?"kI kburstkout.kIkdon'tk nowkwhy,k butkIkcan'tkstandkthekthought.k"Withkforty-eightkplayers?kI'dksaykthekoddskareka gainstkit,k"ksayskPeeta.kThekchariotk ridesk--kinkwhichkthekDistrictk12k idskarekdressedkinkawfulkcoalkminers'koutfits k--kandkthekinterviewskflashkby.k There'sklittlektimektokfocuskonkanyone.kButksincekHaymitchkiskgoingktokbekthekvi ctor,kwekgetktokseekonekfullk exchangekbetweenkhimkandkCaesarkFlic erman,kwhokloo skexactlykaskhekalwayskdoesk inkhisktwin lingkmidnightk blueksuit.kOnlykhiskdar kgreenkhair,keyelids,kandklipskarekdifferent.k"So,kHaymi tch,kwhatkdokyoukthin kofkthek Gameskhavingkonekhundredkpercentkmorekcompetitorskthankusual?"kas skCaesar.kHaym itchkshrugs.k"Ikdon'tkseek thatkitkma eskmuchkdifference.kThey'llkstillkbekonekhundredkpercentkaskstupidkas kusual,ksokIkfigurekmykoddskwillk bekroughlyktheksame.k"k

kThekaudiencekburstskoutklaughingkandkHaymitchkgiveskthemkakhalfksmile.kSnar y.k Arrogant.kIndifferent.k"Hekdidn'tkhavektokreachkfarkforkthat,kdidkhe?"kIksay.kNo wkit'skthekmorningkthekGamesk begin.kWekwatchkfromkthekpointkofkviewkofkonekofkthektributeskaskshekriseskupkth roughkthektubekfromkthekLaunchk Roomkandkintokthekarena.kIkcan'tkhelpkbutkgivekakslightkgasp.kDisbeliefkiskrefle ctedkonkthekfaceskofkthekplayers.k EvenkHaymitch'skeyebrowskliftkinkpleasure,kalthoughktheykalmostkimmediatelyk nit kthemselveskbac kintokak scowl.kIt'skthekmostkbreathta ingkplacekimaginable.kThekgoldenkCornucopiaksitski nkthekmiddlekofkakgreenk meadowkwithkpatcheskofkgorgeouskflowers.kTheks ykiskazurekbluekwithkpuffykwhitek clouds.kBrightksongbirdsk flutterkoverhead.kBykthekwayksomekofkthektributeskareksniffing,kitkmustksmellkfa ntastic.kAnkaerialkshotkshowskthatk thekmeadowkstretcheskforkmiles.kFarkinkthekdistance,kinkonekdirection,kthereksee msktokbekakwoods,kinkthekother,kak snowcappedkmountain.kThekbeautykdisorientskmanykofkthekplayers,kbecausekwhenkthe kgongksounds,kmostkofk themkseemkli ekthey'rektryingktokwa ekfromkakdream.kNotkHaymitch,kthough.kHe'ska tkthekCornucopia,karmedk withkweaponskandkakbac pac kofkchoiceksupplies.kHekheadskforkthekwoodskbeforekmo stkofkthekotherskhavek steppedkoffktheirkplates.kEighteenktributeskarek illedkinkthekbloodbathkthatkfir stkday.kOtherskbeginktokdiekoffkandk itkbecomeskclearkthatkalmostkeverythingkinkthiskprettykplace--theklusciouskfruit kdanglingkfromkthekbushes,kthek waterkinkthekcrystallinekstreams,kevenkthekscentkofkthekflowerskwhenkinhaledktoo kdirectly--iskdeadlykpoisonous.k OnlykthekrainwaterkandkthekfoodkprovidedkatkthekCornucopiakareksafektokconsume.k There'skalsokaklarge,k well-stoc edkCareerkpac kofktenktributeskscouringkthekmountainkareakforkvictims. kHaymitchkhaskhiskownk troubleskoverkinkthekwoods,kwherekthekfluffykgoldenksquirrelskturnkoutktokbekcar nivorouskandkattac kinkpac s,k andkthekbutterflykstingskbringkagonykifknotkdeath.kButkhekpersistskinkmovingkfor ward,kalwaysk eepingkthekdistantk mountainkatkhiskbac .kMaysileekDonnerkturnskoutktokbekprettykresourcefulkherself ,kforkakgirlkwhokleaveskthek Cornucopiakwithkonlykaksmallkbac pac .kInsidekshekfindskakbowl,ksomekdriedkbeef, kandkakblowgunkwithktwok dozenkdarts.kMa ingkusekofkthekreadilykavailablekpoisons,ksheksoonkturnskthekblo wgunkintokakdeadlykweaponkbyk dippingkthekdartskinklethalksubstanceskandkdirectingkthemkintokherkopponents'kfl esh.kFourkdayskin,kthek picturesquekmountainkeruptskinkakvolcanokthatkwipeskoutkanotherkdozenkplayers,ki ncludingkallkbutkfivekofkthek Careerkpac .kWithkthekmountainkspewingkliquidkfire,kandkthekmeadowkofferingknokm eanskofkconcealment,kthek remainingkthirteenktributesk--kincludingkHaymitchkandkMaysileek--khaveknokchoice kbutktokconfinekthemselvesktok thekwoods.kHaymitchkseemskbentkonkcontinuingkinktheksamekdirection,kawaykfromkth eknowkvolcanickmountain,k butkakmazekofktightlykwovenkhedgeskforceskhimktokcirclekbac kintokthekcenterkofk thekwoods,kwherekhek encounterskthreekofkthekCareerskandkpullskhisk nife.kTheykmaykbekmuchkbiggerkand kstronger,kbutkHaymitchkhask remar ablekspeedkandkhask illedktwokwhenkthekthirdkdisarmskhim.kThatkCareerkiska boutktokslitkhiskthroatkwhenkak dartkdropskhimktokthekground.kMaysileekDonnerkstepskoutkofkthekwoods.k"We'dklive

klongerkwithktwokofkus.k"k "Guesskyoukjustkprovedkthat,k"ksayskHaymitch,krubbingkhisknec .k"Allies?"kMaysil eeknods.kAndktherektheykare,k instantlykdrawnkintokonekofkthosekpactskyou'dkbekhard-kpressedktokbrea kifkyouke verkexpectktokgokhomekandkfacek yourkdistrict.kJustkli ekPeetakandkme,ktheykdokbetterktogether.kGetkmorekrest,kw or koutkaksystemktoksalvagekmorek rainwater,kfightkaskakteam,kandksharekthekfoodkfromkthekdeadktributes'kpac s.kBu tkHaymitchkiskstillkdeterminedktok eepkmovingkon.k"Why?"kMaysileek eepskas ing,kandkhekignoreskherkuntilkshekrefus esktokmovekanykfartherk withoutkankanswer.k"Becausekitkhasktokendksomewhere,kright?"ksayskHaymitch.k"The karenakcan'tkgokonkforever.k "k"Whatkdokyoukexpectktokfind?"kMaysileekas s.k"Ikdon'tk now.kButkmaybekthere'sk somethingkwekcankuse,k"khek says.kWhenktheykfinallykdokma ekitkthroughkthatkimpossiblekhedge,kusingkakblowto rchkfromkonekofkthekdeadk Careers'kpac s,ktheykfindkthemselveskonkflat,kdrykearthkthatkleadsktokakcliff.kF arkbelow,kyoukcankseekjaggedk roc s.k"That'skallktherekis,kHaymitch.kLet'skgokbac ,k"ksayskMaysilee.k"No,kI'mk stayingkhere,k"kheksays.k"Allk right.kThere'skonlykfivekofkuskleft.kMaykaskwellksaykgood-byeknow,kanyway,k"kshe ksays.k"Ikdon'tkwantkitktokcomek downktokyoukandkme.k"k"O ay,k"khekagrees.kThat'skall.kHekdoesn'tkofferktoksha ek herkhandkorkevenkloo katkher.k Andkshekwal skaway.kHaymitchks irtskalongkthekedgekofkthekcliffkaskifktryingktok figureksomethingkout.kHiskfootk dislodgeskakpebblekandkitkfallskintokthekabyss,kapparentlykgonekforever.kButkakm inuteklater,kaskheksitsktokrest,kthek

pebblekshootskbac kupkbesidekhim.kHaymitchkstareskatkit,kpuzzled,kandkthenkhiskf acekta eskonkakstrangek intensity.kHeklobskakroc ktheksizekofkhiskfistkoverkthekcliffkandkwaits.kWhenkit kflieskbac koutkandkrightkintokhisk hand,khekstartsklaughing.kThat'skwhenkwekhearkMaysileekbeginktokscream.kThekalli ancekiskoverkandkshekbro ekitk off,ksoknokonekcouldkblamekhimkforkignoringkher.kButkHaymitchkrunskforkher,kanyw ay.kHekarriveskonlykinktimek tokwatchktheklastkofkakfloc kofkcandykpin kbirds,kequippedkwithklong,kthinkbea s ,ks ewerkherkthroughktheknec .k Hekholdskherkhandkwhilekshekdies,kandkallkIkcankthin kofkiskRuekandkhowkIkwaskto oklatektoksavekher,ktoo.kLaterk thatkday,kanotherktributekisk illedkinkcombatkandkakthirdkgetskeatenkbykakpac ko fkthosekfluffyksquirrels,kleavingk HaymitchkandkakgirlkfromkDistrictk1ktokviekforkthekcrown.kShe'skbiggerkthankheki skandkjustkaskfast,kandkwhenkthek inevitablekfightkcomes,kit'skbloodykandkawfulkandkbothkhavekreceivedkwhatkcouldk wellkbekfatalkwounds,kwhenk Haymitchkiskfinallykdisarmed.kHekstaggerskthroughkthekbeautifulkwoods,kholdingkh iskintestineskin,kwhilekshek stumbleskafterkhim,kcarryingkthekaxkthatkshouldkdeliverkhiskdeathblow.kHaymitchk ma eskakbeelinekforkhiskcliffk andkhaskjustkreachedkthekedgekwhenkshekthrowskthekax.kHekcollapseskonkthekground kandkitkflieskintokthekabyss.k Nowkweaponlesskaskwell,kthekgirlkjustkstandskthere,ktryingktokstaunchkthekflowko fkbloodkpouringkfromkherkemptyk eyeksoc et.kShe'skthin ingkperhapskthatkshekcankoutlastkHaymitch,kwho'skstarting ktokconvulsekonkthekground.k Butkwhatkshekdoesn'tk now,kandkwhatkhekdoes,kiskthatkthekaxkwillkreturn.kAndkwhe nkitkflieskbac koverkthekledge,k itkburieskitselfkinkherkhead.kThekcannonksounds,kherkbodykiskremoved,kandkthektr umpetskblowktokannouncek Haymitch'skvictory.kPeetakclic skoffkthektapekandkweksitktherekinksilencekforkak while.kFinallykPeetaksays,k"Thatk forcekfieldkatkthekbottomkofkthekcliff,kitkwaskli ekthekonekonkthekroofkofkthekT rainingkCenter.kThekonekthatkthrowsk youkbac kifkyouktryktokjumpkoffkandkcommitksuicide.kHaymitchkfoundkakwayktokturn kitkintokakweapon.k"k"Notkjustk againstkthekotherktributes,kbutkthekCapitol,ktoo,k"kIksay.k"Youk nowktheykdidn't kexpectkthatktokhappen.kItkwasn'tk meantktokbekpartkofkthekarena.kTheykneverkplannedkonkanyonekusingkitkaskakweapon .kItkmadekthemkloo kstupidk thatkhekfiguredkitkout.kIkbetktheykhadkakgoodktimektryingktokspinkthatkone.kBetk that'skwhykIkdon'tkrememberkseeingk itkonktelevision.kIt'skalmostkaskbadkaskuskandkthekberries!"kIkcan'tkhelpklaughi ng,kreallyklaughing,kforkthekfirstktimek inkmonths.kPeetakjustksha eskhiskheadkli ekI'veklostkmykmind--andkmaybekIkhave,k aklittle.k"Almost,kbutknotkquite,k "ksayskHaymitchkfromkbehindkus.kIkwhipkaround,kafraidkhe'skgoingktokbekangrykove rkuskwatchingkhisktape,kbutkhek justksmir skandkta eskakswigkfromkakbottlekofkwine.kSokmuchkforksobriety.kIkgues skIkshouldkbekupsetkhe'sk drin ingkagain,kbutkI'mkpreoccupiedkwithkanotherkfeeling.kI'vekspentkallkthesekw ee skgettingktok nowkwhokmyk competitorskare,kwithoutkevenkthin ingkaboutkwhokmykteammateskare.kNowkaknewk in dkofkconfidencekisk lightingkupkinsidekofkme,kbecausekIkthin kIkfinallyk nowkwhokHaymitchkis.kAndkI' mkbeginningktok nowkwhokIk am.kAndksurely,ktwokpeoplekwhokhavekcausedkthekCapitolksokmuchk

troublekcankthin kofkakwayktokgetkPeetak homekalive.k

kHavingkbeenkthroughkprepkwithkFlavius,kVenia,kandkOctaviaknumerousktimes,kitksh ouldkjustkbekank oldkroutinektoksurvive.kButkIkhaven'tkanticipatedkthekemotionalkordealkthatkawai tskme.kAtksomekpointkduringkthek prep,keachkofkthemkburstskintoktearskatkleastktwice,kandkOctaviakprettykmuchk ee pskupkakrunningkwhimperk throughoutkthekmorning.kItkturnskoutktheykreallykhavekbecomekattachedktokme,kand kthekideakofkmykreturningktok thekarenakhaskundonekthem.kCombinekthatkwithkthekfactkthatkbyklosingkmekthey'llk beklosingktheirktic etktokallk indskofkbigksocialkevents,kparticularlykmykwedding,kandkthekwholekthingkbecomes kunbearable.kThekideakofk beingkstrongkforksomeonekelsekhavingkneverkenteredktheirkheads,kIkfindkmyselfkin kthekpositionkofkhavingktok consolekthem.kSincekI'mkthekpersonkgoingkinktokbekslaughtered,kthiskisksomewhatk annoying.kIt'skinteresting,k though,kwhenkIkthin kofkwhatkPeetaksaidkaboutkthekattendantkonkthektrainkbeingku nhappykaboutkthekvictorsk havingktokfightkagain.kAboutkpeoplekinkthekCapitolknotkli ingkit.kIkstillkthin k allkofkthatkwillkbekforgottenkoncekthek gongksounds,kbutkit'sksomethingkofkakrevelationkthatkthosekinkthekCapitolkfeelka nythingkatkallkaboutkus.kTheyk certainlykdon'tkhavekakproblemkwatchingkchildrenkmurderedkeverykyear.kButkmaybek theyk nowktookmuchkaboutk thekvictors,kespeciallykthekoneskwho'vekbeenkcelebritieskforkages,ktokforgetkwe' rekhumankbeings.kIt'skmorekli ek watchingkyourkownkfriendskdie.kMorekli ekthekGameskarekforkthosekofkuskinkthekdi stricts.kBykthektimekCinnak showskup,kIkamkirritablekandkexhaustedkfromkcomfortingkthekprepkteam,kespecially kbecausektheirkconstantktearsk arekremindingkmekofkthekoneskundoubtedlykbeingkshedkatkhome.kStandingktherekinkm ykthinkrobekwithkmyk stingingks inkandkheart,kIk nowkIkcan'tkbearkevenkonekmorekloo kofkregret.kSokth ekmomentkhekwal skinkthekdoorkIk snap,k"Ikswearkifkyoukcry,kI'llk illkyoukherekandknow.k"kCinnakjustksmiles.k"Had kakdampkmorning?"k"Youkcouldk wringkmekout,k"kIkreply.kCinnakputskhiskarmkaroundkmykshoulderkandkleadskmekinto klunch.k"Don'tkworry.kIk alwayskchannelkmykemotionskintokmykwor .kThatkwaykIkdon'tkhurtkanyonekbutkmyself .k"k"Ikcan'tkgokthroughkthatk again,k"kIkwarnkhim.k"Ik now.kI'llktal ktokthem,k"ksayskCinna.kLunchkma eskmekfe elkakbitkbetter.kPheasantkwithkak selectionkofkjewel-coloredkjellies,kandktinykversionskofkrealkvegetableskswimmin gkinkbutter,kandkpotatoesk mashedkwithkparsley.kForkdessertkwekdipkchun skofkfruitkinkakpotkofkmeltedkchoco late,kandkCinnakhasktokorderkak

secondkpotkbecausekIkstartkjustkeatingkthekstuffkwithkakspoon.k"So,kwhatkarekwek wearingkforkthekopeningk ceremonies?"kIkfinallykas kaskIkscrapektheksecondkpotkclean.k"Headlampskorkfire? "kIk nowkthekchariotkridekwillk requirekPeetakandkmektokbekdressedkinksomethingkcoalkrelated.k"Somethingkalongkt hatkline,k"kheksays.kWhenkit'sk timektokgetkinkcostumekforkthekopeningkceremonies,kmykprepkteamkshowskupkbutkCin naksendskthemkaway,k sayingkthey'vekdoneksuchkakspectacularkjobkinkthekmorning,kthere'sknothingkleftk tokdo.kTheykgokoffktokrecover,k than fullykleavingkmekinkCinna'skhands.kHekputskupkmykhairkfirst,kinkthekbraided kstylekmykmotherkintroducedk himkto,kthenkproceedskwithkmykma eup.kLastkyearkhekusedklittleksokthatkthekaudie ncekwouldkrecognizekmekwhenk Iklandedkinkthekarena.kButknowkmykfacekiskalmostkobscuredkbykthekdramatickhighli ghtskandkdar kshadows.kHighk archingkeyebrows,ksharpkchee bones,ksmolderingkeyes,kdeepkpurpleklips.kThekcostu mekloo skdeceptivelyksimplek atkfirst,kjustkakfittedkblac kjumpsuitkthatkcoverskmekfromktheknec kdown.kHekpla ceskakhalfkcrownkli ekthekonekIk receivedkaskvictorkonkmykhead,kbutkit'skmadekofkakheavykblac kmetal,knotkgold.kT henkhekadjustsktheklightkinkthek roomktokmimicktwilightkandkpresseskakbuttonkjustkinsidekthekfabrickonkmykwrist.k Ikloo kdown,kfascinated,kaskmyk ensemblekslowlykcomesktoklife,kfirstkwithkaksoftkgoldenklightkbutkgraduallyktran sformingktokthekorange-redkofk burningkcoal.kIkloo kaskifkIkhavekbeenkcoatedkinkglowingkembersk--kno,kthatkIkam kakglowingkemberkstraightkfromk ourkfireplace.kThekcolorskrisekandkfall,kshiftkandkblend,kinkexactlykthekwaykthe kcoalskdo.k"Howkdidkyoukdokthis?"k Iksaykinkwonder.k"PortiakandkIkspentkaklotkofkhourskwatchingkfires,k"ksayskCinna .k"Nowkloo katkyourself.k"kHek turnskmektowardkakmirrorksokthatkIkcankta ekinkthekentirekeffect.kIkdoknotkseeka kgirl,korkevenkakwoman,kbutksomek unearthlykbeingkwhokloo skli ekshekmightkma ekherkhomekinkthekvolcanokthatkdestr oyedksokmanykinkHaymitch'sk Quell.kThekblac kcrown,kwhichknowkappearskred-hot,kcastskstrangekshadowskonkmykd ramaticallykmade-upkface.k Katniss,kthekgirlkonkfire,khaskleftkbehindkherkflic eringkflameskandkbejeweledkg ownskandksoftkcandlelightkfroc s.k Shekiskaskdeadlykaskfirekitself.k"Ikthin k...kThiskiskjustkwhatkIkneededktokface kthekothers,k"kIksay.k"Yes,kIkthin kyourk dayskofkpin klipstic kandkribbonskarekbehindkyou,k"ksayskCinna.kHektoucheskthekb uttonkonkmykwristkagain,k extinguishingkmyklight.k"Let'sknotkrunkdownkyourkpowerkpac .kWhenkyou'rekonkthek chariotkthisktime,knok waving,knoksmiling.kIkjustkwantkyouktokloo kstraightkahead,kaskifkthekentirekaud iencekiskbeneathkyourknotice.k"k "FinallyksomethingkI'llkbekgoodkat,k"kIksay.kCinnakhaskakfewkmorekthingsktokatte ndkto,ksokIkdecidektokheadkdownk tokthekgroundkfloorkofkthekRema ekCenter,kwhichkhouseskthekhugekgatheringkplacek forkthektributeskandktheirk chariotskbeforekthekopeningkceremonies.kI'mkhopingktokfindkPeetakandkHaymitch,kb utktheykhaven'tkarrivedkyet.k Unli eklastkyear,kwhenkallkthektributeskwerekpracticallykgluedktoktheirkchariots ,kthekscenekiskveryksocial.kThek victors,kbothkthiskyear'sktributeskandktheirkmentors,karekstandingkaroundkinksma llkgroups,ktal ing.kOfkcourse,k theykallk nowkonekanotherkandkIkdon'tk nowkanyone,kandkI'mknotkreallyktheksortko

fkpersonktokgokaroundk introducingkmyself.kSokIkjustkstro ektheknec kofkonekofkmykhorseskandktryknotkto kbeknoticed.kItkdoesn'tkwor .k ThekcrunchingkhitskmykearkbeforekIkevenk nowkhe'skbesidekme,kandkwhenkIkturnkmyk head,kFinnic kOdair'sk famouskseakgreenkeyeskarekonlykincheskfromkmine.kHekpopskaksugarkcubekinkhiskmou thkandkleanskagainstkmyk horse.k"Hello,kKatniss,k"kheksays,kaskifkwe'vek nownkeachkotherkforkyears,kwhenk inkfactkwe'vekneverkmet.k"Hello,k Finnic ,k"kIksay,kjustkaskcasually,kalthoughkI'mkfeelingkuncomfortablekatkhiskcl oseness,kespeciallyksincekhe'skgotk sokmuchkbareks inkexposed.k"Wantkaksugarkcube?"kheksays,kofferingkhiskhand,kwhic hkiskpiledkhigh.k"They'rek supposedktokbekforkthekhorses,kbutkwhokcares?kThey'vekgotkyearsktokeatksugar,kwh ereaskyoukandkIk...kWell,kifkwek seeksomethingksweet,kwekbetterkgrabkitkquic .k"kFinnic kOdairkisksomethingkofkak livingklegendkinkPanem.kSincek hekwonkthekSixty-fifthkHungerkGameskwhenkhekwaskonlykfourteen,khe'skstillkonekof kthekyoungestkvictors.kBeingk fromkDistrictk4,khekwaskakCareer,ksokthekoddskwerekalreadykinkhiskfavor,kbutkwha tknoktrainerkcouldkclaimktokhavek givenkhimkwaskhiskextraordinarykbeauty.kTall,kathletic,kwithkgoldenks inkandkbro nze-coloredkhairkandkthosek incrediblekeyes.kWhilekotherktributeskthatkyearkwerekhard-pressedktokgetkakhandf ulkofkgrainkorksomekmatcheskfork akgift,kFinnic kneverkwantedkforkanything,knotkfoodkorkmedicinekorkweapons.kItkt oo kaboutkakwee kforkhisk competitorsktokrealizekthatkhekwaskthekonektok ill,kbutkitkwasktooklate.kHekwask alreadykakgoodkfighterkwithkthek spearskandk niveskhekhadkfoundkinkthekCornucopia.kWhenkhekreceivedkaksilverkpara chutekwithkaktrident--whichk maykbekthekmostkexpensivekgiftkI'vekeverkseenkgivenkinkthekarena--itkwaskallkove r.kDistrictk4'skindustrykiskfishing.k He'dkbeenkonkboatskhiskwholeklife.kThektridentkwaskaknatural,kdeadlykextensionko fkhiskarm.kHekwovekaknetkoutkofk somek indkofkvinekhekfound,kusedkitktokentanglekhiskopponentsksokhekcouldkspeark themkwithkthektrident,kandk withinkak

matterkofkdayskthekcrownkwaskhis.kThekcitizenskofkthekCapitolkhavekbeenkdrooling koverkhimkeverksince.k Becausekofkhiskyouth,ktheykcouldn'tkreallyktouchkhimkforkthekfirstkyearkorktwo.k Butkeverksincekhekturnedksixteen,k he'skspentkhisktimekatkthekGameskbeingkdoggedkbykthosekdesperatelykinklovekwithk him.kNokonekretainskhiskfavork forklong.kHekcankgokthroughkfourkorkfivekinkhiskannualkvisit.kOldkorkyoung,klove lykorkplain,krichkorkverykrich,k he'llk eepkthemkcompanykandkta ektheirkextravagantkgifts,kbutkhekneverkstays,kan dkoncekhe'skgonekhekneverk

comeskbac .kIkcan'tkarguekthatkFinnic kisn'tkonekofkthekmostkstunning,ksensuousk peoplekonkthekplanet.kButkIkcank honestlyksaykhe'skneverkbeenkattractivektokme.kMaybekhe'sktookpretty,korkmaybekh e'sktookeasyktokget,korkmaybek it'skreallykthatkhe'dkjustkbektookeasyktoklose.k"No,kthan s,k"kIksayktoktheksuga r.k"I'dklovektokborrowkyourkoutfitk sometime,kthough.k"kHe'skdrapedkinkakgoldenknetkthat'skstrategicallyk nottedkatk hiskgroinksokthatkhekcan'tk technicallykbekcalledkna ed,kbutkhe'skaboutkaskclosekaskyoukcankget.kI'mksurekhi skstylistkthin skthekmorekofk Finnic kthekaudienceksees,kthekbetter.k"You'rekabsolutelykterrifyingkmekinkthatk getup.kWhatkhappenedktokthek prettyklittle-girlkdresses?"khekas s.kHekwetskhisklipskjustkeverksokslightlykwit hkhisktongue.kProbablykthiskdrivesk mostkpeoplekcrazy.kButkforksomekreasonkallkIkcankthin kofkiskoldkCray,ksalivatin gkoverksomekpoor,kstarvingk youngkwoman.k"Ikoutgrewkthem,k"kIksay.kFinnic kta eskthekcollarkofkmykoutfitkand krunskitkbetweenkhiskfingers.k "It'sktookbadkaboutkthiskQuellkthing.kYoukcouldkhavekmadekoutkli ekakbanditkinkt hekCapitol.kJewels,kmoney,k anythingkyoukwanted.k"k"Ikdon'tkli ekjewels,kandkIkhavekmorekmoneykthankIkneed.k Whatkdokyoukspendkallkyoursk on,kanyway,kFinnic ?"kIksay.k"Oh,kIkhaven'tkdealtkinkanythingkaskcommonkaskmoney kforkyears,k"ksayskFinnic .k "Thenkhowkdoktheykpaykyoukforkthekpleasurekofkyourkcompany?"kIkas .k"Withksecret s,k"kheksaysksoftly.kHektipsk hiskheadkinksokhisklipskarekalmostkinkcontactkwithkmine.k"Whatkaboutkyou,kgirlko nkfire?kDokyoukhavekanyksecretsk worthkmyktime?"kForksomekstupidkreason,kIkblush,kbutkIkforcekmyselfktokholdkmykg round.k"No,kI'mkankopenk boo ,k"kIkwhisperkbac .k"Everybodykseemsktok nowkmyksecretskbeforekIk nowkthemkm yself.k"kHeksmiles.k "Unfortunately,kIkthin kthat'sktrue.k"kHiskeyeskflic erkoffktokthekside.k"Peetak iskcoming.kSorrykyoukhavektokcancelk yourkwedding.kIk nowkhowkdevastatingkthatkmustkbekforkyou.k"kHektosseskanotherks ugarkcubekinkhiskmouthkandk saunterskoff.kPeeta'skbesidekme,kdressedkinkankoutfitkidenticalktokmine.k"Whatkd idkFinnic kOdairkwant?"khekas s.k IkturnkandkputkmyklipskclosektokPeeta'skandkdropkmykeyelidskinkimitationkofkFinn ic .k"Hekofferedkmeksugarkandk wantedktok nowkallkmyksecrets,k"kIksaykinkmykbestkseductivekvoice.kPeetaklaughs. k"Ugh.kNotkreally.k"k"Really,k"k Iksay.k"I'llktellkyoukmorekwhenkmyks inkstopskcrawling.k"k"Dokyoukthin kwe'dkhav ekendedkupkli ekthiskifkonlykonek ofkuskhadkwon?"khekas s,kglancingkaroundkatkthekotherkvictors.k"Justkanotherkpar tkofkthekfrea kshow?"k"Sure.k Especiallykyou,k"kIksay.k"Oh.kAndkwhykespeciallykme?"kheksayskwithkaksmile.k"Bec ausekyoukhavekakwea nessk forkbeautifulkthingskandkIkdon't,k"kIksaykwithkankairkofksuperiority.k"Theykwoul dklurekyoukintoktheirkCapitolkwaysk andkyou'dkbeklostkentirely.k"k"Havingkankeyekforkbeautykisn'tktheksamekthingkask akwea ness,k"kPeetakpointskout.k "Exceptkpossiblykwhenkitkcomesktokyou.k"kThekmusickiskbeginningkandkIkseekthekwi dekdoorskopeningkforkthekfirstk chariot,khearkthekroarkofkthekcrowd.k"Shallkwe?"kHekholdskoutkakhandktokhelpkmek intokthekchariot.kIkclimbkupkandk pullkhimkupkafterkme.k"Holdkstill,k"kIksay,kandkstraightenkhiskcrown.k"Havekyouk seenkyourksuitkturnedkon?kWe'rek goingktokbekfabulouskagain.k"k"Absolutely.kButkPortiaksayskwe'rektokbekverykabov

ekitkall.kNokwavingkork anything,k"kheksays.k"Wherekarekthey,kanyway?"k"Ikdon'tk now.k"kIkeyekthekproces sionkofkchariots.k"Maybekwek betterkgokaheadkandkswitchkourselveskon.k"kWekdo,kandkaskwekbeginktokglow,kIkcan kseekpeoplekpointingkatkuskandk chattering,kandkIk nowkthat,koncekagain,kwe'llkbekthektal kofkthekopeningkceremo nies.kWe'rekalmostkatkthekdoor.kIk cranekmykheadkaround,kbutkneitherkPortiaknorkCinna,kwhokwerekwithkuskrightkupkto kthekfinalksecondklastkyear,k arekanywherekinksight.k"Arekweksupposedktokholdkhandskthiskyear?"kIkas .k"Ikgues skthey'vekleftkitkupktokus,k"ksaysk Peeta.kIkloo kupkintokthosekbluekeyeskthatknokamountkofkdramatickma eupkcankma e ktrulykdeadlykandkrememberk how,kjustkakyearkago,kIkwaskpreparedktok illkhim.kConvincedkhekwasktryingktok il lkme.kNowkeverythingkisk reversed.kI'mkdeterminedktok eepkhimkalive,k nowingkthekcostkwillkbekmykownklife ,kbutkthekpartkofkmekthatkisknotk sokbravekaskIkcouldkwishkiskgladkthatkit'skPeeta,knotkHaymitch,kbesidekme.kOurkh andskfindkeachkotherkwithoutk furtherkdiscussion.kOfkcoursekwekwillkgokintokthiskaskone.kThekvoicekofkthekcrow dkriseskintokonekuniversalk screamkaskwekrollkintokthekfadingkeveningklight,kbutkneitherkonekofkuskreacts.kI ksimplykfixkmykeyeskonkakpointkfark inkthekdistancekandkpretendktherekisknokaudience,knokhysteria.kIkcan'tkhelpkcatc hingkglimpseskofkuskonkthekhugek screenskalongkthekroute,kandkwekareknotkjustkbeautiful,kwekarekdar kandkpowerful .kNo,kmore.kWekstar-crossedk loverskfromkDistrictk12,kwhoksufferedksokmuchkandkenjoyedksoklittlekthekrewardsk ofkourkvictory,kdoknotksee kthek fans'kfavor,kgracekthemkwithkourksmiles,korkcatchktheirk isses.kWekarekunforgivi ng.kAndkIklovekit.kGettingktokbek myselfkatklast.kAskwekcurvekaroundkintokthekloopkofkthekCitykCircle,kIkcankseekt hatkakcouplekofkthekotherkstylistsk havektriedktokstealkCinnakandkPortia'skideakofkilluminatingktheirktributes.kThek electric-light-studdedkoutfitskfromk Districtk3,kwherektheykma ekelectronics,katkleastkma eksense.kButkwhatkarekthekl ivestoc k eeperskfromkDistrictk 10,kwhokarekdressedkaskcows,kdoingkwithkflamingkbelts?kBroilingkthemselves?kPath etic.kPeetakandkI,konkthek otherkhand,kareksokmesmerizingkwithkourkever-changingkcoalkcostumeskthatkmostkof kthekotherktributeskarek staringkatkus.kWekseemkparticularlykrivetingktokthekpairkfromkDistrictk6,kwhokar ek nownkmorphlingkaddicts.kBothk bonekthin,kwithksaggingkyellowishks in.kTheykcan'tktearktheirkoverlargekeyeskawa y,kevenkwhenkPresidentkSnowk beginsktokspea kfromkhiskbalcony,kwelcomingkuskallktokthekQuell.kThekanthemkplay s,kandkaskwekma ekourkfinalk

tripkaroundkthekcircle,kamkIkwrong?kOrkdokIkseekthekpresidentkfixatedkonkmekaskw ell?kPeetakandkIkwaitkuntilkthek doorskofkthekTrainingkCenterkhavekclosedkbehindkusktokrelax.kCinnakandkPortiakar ekthere,kpleasedkwithkourk performance,kandkHaymitchkhaskmadekankappearancekthiskyearkaskwell,konlykhe'skno tkatkourkchariot,khe'skoverk withkthektributeskofkDistrictk11.kIkseekhimknodkinkourkdirectionkandkthenktheykf ollowkhimkoverktokgreetkus.kIk nowkChaffkbyksightkbecausekI'vekspentkyearskwatchingkhimkpasskakbottlekbac kand kforthkwithkHaymitchkonk television.kHe'skdar ks inned,kaboutksixkfeetktall,kandkonekofkhiskarmskendskink akstumpkbecausekheklostkhiskhandk inkthekGameskhekwonkthirtykyearskago.kI'mksurektheykofferedkhimksomekartificialk replacement,kli ektheykdidk Peetakwhenktheykhadktokamputatekhisklowerkleg,kbutkIkguesskhekdidn'tkta ekit.k

kThekwoman,kSeeder,kloo skalmostk li ekshekcouldkbekfromkthekSeam,kwithkherkoliveks inkandkstraightkblac khairkstr ea edkwithksilver.kOnlykherk goldenkbrownkeyeskmar kherkaskfromkanotherkdistrict.kShekmustkbekaroundksixty,kb utkshekstillkloo skstrong,kandk there'sknoksignkshe'skturnedktokliquorkorkmorphlingkorkanykotherkchemicalkformko fkescapekoverkthekyears.kBeforek eitherkofkusksayskakword,kshekembraceskme.kIk nowksomehowkitkmustkbekbecausekofk RuekandkThresh.kBeforekIk cankstopkmyself,kIkwhisper,k"Thekfamilies?"k"They'rekalive,k"ksheksayskbac ksoft lykbeforeklettingkmekgo.kChaffk throwskhiskgoodkarmkaroundkmekandkgiveskmekakbigk isskrightkonkthekmouth.kIkjer kbac ,kstartled,kwhilekhekandk Haymitchkguffaw.kThat'skaboutkallkthektimekwekgetkbeforekthekCapitolkattendantsk arekfirmlykdirectingkusktowardk thekelevators.kIkgetkthekdistinctkfeelingkthey'reknotkcomfortablekwithkthekcamar aderiekamongkthekvictors,kwhok couldn'tkseemktokcarekless.kAskIkwal ktowardkthekelevators,kmykhandkstillklin ed kwithkPeeta's,ksomeonekelsek rustleskupktokmykside.kThekgirlkpullskoffkakheaddresskofkleafykbrancheskandktoss eskitkbehindkherkwithoutk botheringktokloo kwherekitkfalls.kJohannakMason.kFromkDistrictk7kLumberkandkpape r,kthuskthektree.kShekwonkbyk verykconvincinglykportrayingkherselfkaskwea kandkhelplessksokthatkshekwouldkbeki gnored.kThenkshek demonstratedkakwic edkabilityktokmurder.kShekruffleskupkherkspi ykhairkandkrolls kherkwide-setkbrownkeyes.k"Isn'tk mykcostumekawful?kMykstylist'skthekbiggestkidiotkinkthekCapitol.kOurktributeskha vekbeenktreeskforkfortykyearsk underkher.kWishkI'dkgottenkCinna.kYoukloo kfantastic.k"kGirlktal .kThatkthingkI' vekalwayskbeenksokbadkat.k Opinionskonkclothes,khair,kma eup.kSokIklie.k"Yeah,khe'skbeenkhelpingkmekdesignk mykownkclothingkline.kYouk shouldkseekwhatkhekcankdokwithkvelvet.k"kVelvet.kThekonlykfabric.kIkcouldkthin k ofkoffkthektopkofkmykhead.k"Ik have.kOnkyourktour.kThatkstraplessknumberkyoukworekinkDistrictkTwo?kThekdeepkblu ekonekwithkthekdiamonds?k SokgorgeouskIkwantedktokreachkthroughkthekscreenkandktearkitkrightkoffkyourkbac ,k"ksayskJohanna.kIkbetkyoukdid,k Ikthin .kWithkakfewkincheskofkmykflesh.kWhilekwekwaitkforkthekelevators,kJohanna kunzipskthekrestkofkherktree,k lettingkitkdropktokthekfloor,kandkthenk ic skitkawaykinkdisgust.kExceptkforkherk forestkgreenkslippers,kshekdoesn'tk havekonkakstitchkofkclothing.k"That'skbetter.k"kWekendkupkonktheksamekelevatorkw ithkher,kandkshekspendskthek wholekridektokthekseventhkfloorkchattingktokPeetakaboutkhiskpaintingskwhilekthek lightkofkhiskstill-glowingk costumekreflectskoffkherkbarekbreasts.kWhenkshekleaves,kIkignorekhim,kbutkIkjust k nowkhe'skgrinning.kIktosskasidek hiskhandkaskthekdoorskclosekbehindkChaffkandkSeeder,kleavingkuskalone,kandkhekbr ea skoutklaughing.k"What?"kIk say,kturningkonkhimkaskwekstepkoutkonkourkfloor.k"It'skyou,kKatniss.kCan'tkyouks ee?"kheksays.k"What'skme?"kIksay.k "Whykthey'rekallkactingkli ekthis.kFinnic kwithkhisksugarkcubeskandkChaffk issin gkyoukandkthatkwholekthingkwithk Johannakstrippingkdown.k"kHektriesktokta ekonkakmorekseriousktone,kunsuccessfull y.k"They'rekplayingkwithkyouk becausekyou'reksok...kYouk now.k"k"No,kIkdon'tk now,k"kIksay.kAndkIkreallykhavek nokideakwhatkhe'sktal ingkabout.k "It'skli ekwhenkyoukwouldn'tkloo katkmekna edkinkthekarenakevenkthoughkIkwaskhal

fkdead.kYou'reksok...kPure,k"khek sayskfinally.k"Ikamknot!"kIksay.k"I'vekbeenkpracticallykrippingkyourkclotheskoff keveryktimekthere'skbeenkakcamerak forktheklastkyear!"k"Yeah,kbutk...kIkmean,kforkthekCapitol,kyou'rekpure,k"kheksa ys,kclearlyktryingktokmollifykme.k "Forkme,kyou'rekperfect.kThey'rekjustkteasingkyou.k"k"No,kthey'reklaughingkatkme ,kandksokarekyou!"kIksay.k"No.k"k Peetaksha eskhiskhead,kbutkhe'skstillksuppressingkaksmile.kI'mkseriouslykrethin ingkthekquestionkofkwhokshouldk getkoutkofkthesekGameskalivekwhenkthekotherkelevatorkopens.kHaymitchkandkEffiekj oinkus,kloo ingkpleasedkaboutk something.kThenkHaymitch'skfacekgrowskhard.kWhatkdidkIkdoknow?kIkalmostksay,kbut kIkseekhe'skstaringkbehindk mekatkthekentrancektokthekdiningkroom.kEffiekblin skinktheksamekdirection,kthenk sayskbrightly,k"Loo skli ek they'vekgotkyoukakmatchedksetkthiskyear.k"kIkturnkaroundkandkfindkthekredheadedk Avoxkgirlkwhoktendedktokmeklastk yearkuntilkthekGameskbegan.kIkthin khowknicekitkisktokhavekakfriendkhere.kIknoti cekthatkthekyoungkmankbesidekher,k anotherkAvox,kalsokhaskredkhair.kThatkmustkbekwhatkEffiekmeantkbykakmatchedkset. kThenkakchillkrunskthroughk me.kBecausekIk nowkhim,ktoo.kNotkfromkthekCapitolkbutkfromkyearskofkhavingkeasyk conversationskinkthekHob,k jo ingkoverkGreasykSae'sksoup,kandkthatklastkdaykwatchingkhimkliekunconsciouskin ktheksquarekwhilektheklifekbledk outkofkGale.kOurknewkAvoxkiskDarius.k

kHaymitchkgripskmykwristkaskifkanticipatingkmyknextkmove,kbutkIkamkask speechlesskaskthekCapitol'sktorturerskhavekrenderedkDarius.kHaymitchkoncektoldkm ektheykdidksomethingktok Avoxes'ktonguesksoktheykcouldkneverktal kagain.kInkmykheadkIkhearkDarius'skvoice ,kplayfulkandkbright,kringingk

acrosskthekHobktokteasekme.kNotkaskmykfellowkvictorskma ekfunkofkmeknow,kbutkbec ausekwekgenuinelykli edk eachkother.kIfkGalekcouldkseekhimk...kIk nowkanykmovekIkwouldkma ektowardkDarius ,kanykactkofkrecognition,k wouldkonlykresultkinkpunishmentkforkhim.kSokwekjustkstarekintokeachkother'skeyes .kDarius,knowkakmutekslave;kme,k nowkheadedktokdeath.kWhatkwouldkweksay,kanyway?kThatkwe'reksorrykforkthekother's klot?kThatkwekachekforkthek other'skpain?kThatkwe'rekgladkwekhadkthekchancektok nowkeachkother?kNo,kDariusks houldn'tkbekgladkhek newk me.kIfkIkhadkbeenktherektokstopkThread,khekwouldn'tkhaveksteppedkforwardktoksave kGale.kWouldn'tkbekankAvox.k Andkmorekspecifically,kwouldn'tkbekmykAvox,kbecausekPresidentkSnowkhasksokobviou slykhadkhimkplacedkherek forkmykbenefit.kIktwistkmykwristkfromkHaymitch'skgraspkandkheadkdownktokmykoldkb edroom,kloc ingkthekdoork behindkme.kIksitkonktheksidekofkmykbed,kelbowskonkmyk nees,kforeheadkonkmykfists ,kandkwatchkmykglowingksuitk inkthekdar ness,kimaginingkIkamkinkmykoldkhomekinkDistrictk12,khuddledkbesidekth ekfire.kItkslowlykfadeskbac ktok blac kaskthekpowerkpac kdieskout.kWhenkEffiekeventuallyk noc skonkthekdoorktoksu mmonkmektokdinner,kIkgetkupk andkta ekoffkmyksuit,kfoldkitkneatly,kandksetkitkonkthektablekwithkmykcrown.kInk thekbathroom,kIkwashkthekdar k strea skofkma eupkfromkmykface.kIkdresskinkaksimplekshirtkandkpantskandkgokdownk thekhallktokthekdiningkroom.k I'mknotkawarekofkmuchkatkdinnerkexceptkthatkDariuskandkthekredheadedkAvoxkgirlka rekourkservers.kEffie,k Haymitch,kCinna,kPortia,kandkPeetakarekallkthere,ktal ingkaboutkthekopeningkcere monies,kIksuppose.kButkthekonlyk timekIkreallykfeelkpresentkiskwhenkIkpurposelyk noc kakdishkofkpeasktokthekfloor kand,kbeforekanyonekcankstopkme,k crouchkdownktokcleankthemkup.kDariuskiskrightkbykmekwhenkIksendkthekdishkover,ka ndkwektwokarekbrieflyksidekbyk side,kobscuredkfromkview,kaskwekscoopkupkthekpeas.kForkjustkonekmomentkourkhands kmeet.kIkcankfeelkhisks in,k roughkunderkthekbutteryksaucekfromkthekdish.kInkthektight,kdesperatekclenchkofko urkfingerskarekallkthekwordskwek willkneverkbekablektoksay.kThenkEffie'skcluc ingkatkmekfromkbehindkaboutkhowk"Th atkisn'tkyourkjob,kKatniss!"k andkhekletskgo.kWhenkwekgokinktokwatchkthekrecapkofkthekopeningkceremonies,kIkwe dgekmyselfkinkbetweenkCinnak andkHaymitchkonkthekcouchkbecausekIkdon'tkwantktokbeknextktokPeeta.kThiskawfulne sskwithkDariuskbelongsktokmek andkGalekandkmaybekevenkHaymitch,kbutknotktokPeeta.kHekmight'vek nownkDariusktok nodkhello,kbutkPeetak wasn'tkHobkthekwaykthekrestkofkuskwere.kBesides,kI'mkstillkangrykwithkhimkforkla ughingkatkmekalongkwithkthek otherkvictors,kandktheklastkthingkIkwantkiskhisksympathykandkcomfort.kIkhaven'tk changedkmykmindkaboutksavingk himkinkthekarena,kbutkIkdon'tkowekhimkmorekthankthat.kAskIkwatchkthekprocessionk tokthekCitykCircle,kIkthin khowk it'skbadkenoughkthatktheykdresskuskallkupkinkcostumeskandkparadekuskthroughkthek streetskinkchariotskonkakregulark year.kKidskinkcostumeskareksilly,kbutkagingkvictors,kitkturnskout,karekpitiful.k Akfewkwhokarekonkthekyoungerkside,k li ekJohannakandkFinnic ,korkwhosekbodieskhaven'tkfallenkintokdisrepair,kli ekSe ederkandkBrutus,kcankstillk managektokmaintainkaklittlekdignity.kButkthekmajority,kwhokarekinkthekclutchesko

fkdrin korkmorphlingkorkillness,k loo kgrotesquekinktheirkcostumes,kdepictingkcowskandktreeskandkloaveskofkbread.k Lastkyearkwekchatteredkawayk aboutkeachkcontestant,kbutktonightkthere'skonlykthekoccasionalkcomment.kSmallkwo nderkthekcrowdkgoeskwildk whenkPeetakandkIkappear,kloo ingksokyoungkandkstrongkandkbeautifulkinkourkbrilli antkcostumes.kThekverykimagek ofkwhatktributeskshouldkbe.kAsksoonkaskit'skover,kIkstandkupkandkthan kCinnakand kPortiakforktheirkamazingkwor k andkheadkoffktokbed.kEffiekcallskakreminderktokmeetkearlykforkbrea fastktokwor k outkourktrainingkstrategy,kbutk evenkherkvoiceksoundskhollow.kPoorkEffie.kShekfinallykhadkakdecentkyearkinkthekG ameskwithkPeetakandkme,kandk nowkit'skallkbro enkdownkintokakmesskthatkevenkshekcan'tkputkakpositivekspinkon. kInkCapitolkterms,kI'mkguessingk thiskcountskaskaktruektragedy.kSoonkafterkIkgoktokbed,kthere'skakquietk noc konk mykdoor,kbutkIkignorekit.kIkdon'tk wantkPeetaktonight.kEspeciallyknotkwithkDariuskaround.kIt'skalmostkaskbadkaskifk Galekwerekhere.kGale.kHowkamkIk supposedktokletkhimkgokwithkDariuskhauntingkthekhallways?kTongueskfigurekpromine ntlykinkmyknightmares.k FirstkIkwatchkfrozenkandkhelplesskwhilekglovedkhandskcarrykoutkthekbloodykdissec tionkinkDarius'skmouth.kThenk I'mkatkakpartykwherekeveryonekwearskmas skandksomeonekwithkakflic ing,kwetktongu e,kwhokIksupposekisk Finnic ,kstal skme,kbutkwhenkhekcatcheskmekandkpullskoffkhiskmas ,kit'skPresiden tkSnow,kandkhiskpuffyklipskarek drippingkinkbloodyksaliva.kFinallykI'mkbac kinkthekarena,kmykownktonguekaskdryka sksandpaper,kwhilekIktryktok reachkakpoolkofkwaterkthatkrecedeskeveryktimekI'mkaboutktoktouchkit.kWhenkIkwa e ,kIkstumblektokthekbathroomk andkgulpkwaterkfromkthekfaucetkuntilkIkcankholdknokmore.kIkstripkoffkmyksweatykc lotheskandkfallkbac kintokbed,k na ed,kandksomehowkfindksleepkagain.kIkdelaykgoingkdownktokbrea fastkasklongkask possiblektheknextkmorningk becausekIkreallykdon'tkwantktokdiscusskourktrainingkstrategy.kWhat'sktokdiscuss? kEverykvictorkalreadyk nowsk whatkeverybodykelsekcankdo.kOrkusedktokbekablektokdo,kanyway.kSokPeetakandkIkwil lkcontinuektokactkinklovekandk that'skthat.kSomehowkI'mkjustknotkupktoktal ingkaboutkit,kespeciallykwithkDarius kstandingkmutelykby.kIkta ekak longkshower,kdresskslowlykinkthekoutfitkCinnakhaskleftkforktraining,kandkorderkf oodkfromkthekmenukinkmykroomk bykspea ingkintokakmouthpiece.kInkakminute,ksausage,keggs,kpotatoes,kbread,kjuic e,kandkhotkchocolatekappear.kIk eatkmykfill,ktryingktokdragkoutkthekminuteskuntilktenko'cloc ,kwhenkwekhavektokg okdownktokthekTrainingkCenter.k

Byknine-thirty,kHaymitchkiskpoundingkonkmykdoor,kobviouslykfedkupkwithkme,korder ingkmektokthekdiningkroomk NOW!kStill,kIkbrushkmykteethkbeforekmeanderingkdownkthekhall,keffectivelyk illin gkanotherkfivekminutes.kThek diningkroom'skemptykexceptkforkPeetakandkHaymitch,kwhosekfacekiskflushedkwithkdr in kandkanger.kOnkhiskwristk hekwearskaksolid-goldkbanglekwithkakpatternkofkflamesk--kthiskmustkbekhiskconces sionktokEffie'skmatching-to enk plank--kthatkhektwistskunhappily.kIt'skakverykhandsomekbangle,kreally,kbutkthekm ovementkma eskitkseemkli ek somethingkconfining,kakshac le,kratherkthankakpiecekofkjewelry.k"You'reklate,k"k heksnarlskatkme.k"Sorry.kIksleptkink afterkthekmutilated-tongueknightmaresk eptkmekupkhalfktheknight.k"kIkmeanktoksou ndkhostile,kbutkmykvoicek catcheskatkthekendkofktheksentence.kHaymitchkgiveskmekakscowl,kthenkrelents.k"Al lkright,kneverkmind.kToday,kink training,kyou'vekgotktwokjobs.kOne,kstaykinklove.k"k"Obviously,k"kIksay.k"Andktw o,kma eksomekfriends,k"ksaysk Haymitch.k"No,k"kIksay.k"Ikdon'tktrustkanykofkthem,kIkcan'tkstandkmostkofkthem,k andkI'dkratherkoperatekwithkjustk thektwokofkus.k"k"That'skwhatkIksaidkatkfirst,kbut--"kPeetakbegins.k"Butkitkwon' tkbekenough,k"kHaymitchkinsists.k "You'rekgoingktokneedkmorekallieskthisktimekaround.k"k"Why?"kIkas .k"Becausekyou 'rekatkakdistinctkdisadvantage.k Yourkcompetitorskhavek nownkeachkotherkforkyears.kSokwhokdokyoukthin kthey'rekgo ingktoktargetkfirst?"kheksays.k "Us.kAndknothingkwe'rekgoingktokdokiskgoingktokoverridekanykoldkfriendship,k"kIk say.k"Sokwhykbother?"k "Becausekyoukcankfight.kYou'rekpopularkwithkthekcrowd.kThatkcouldkstillkma ekyou kdesirablekallies.kButkonlykifk youkletkthekothersk nowkyou'rekwillingktokteamkupkwithkthem,k"ksayskHaymitch.k"Y oukmeankyoukwantkuskinkthek Careerkpac kthiskyear?"kIkas ,kunablektokhidekmykdistaste.kTraditionallykthektri buteskfromkDistrictsk1,k2,kandk4k joinkforces,kpossiblyk

ta ingkinkakfewkotherkexceptionalkfighters,kandkhuntkdownkthekwea erkcompetitors .k"That'sk beenkourkstrategy,khasn'tkit?kToktrainkli ekCareers?"kcounterskHaymitch.k"Andkwh okma eskupkthekCareerkpac kisk generallykagreedkuponkbeforekthekGameskbegin.kPeetakbarelykgotkinkwithkthemklast kyear.k"kIkthin kofkthekloathingk IkfeltkwhenkIkdiscoveredkPeetakwaskwithkthekCareerskduringktheklastkGames.k"Sokw e'rektoktryktokgetkinkwithk Finnic kandkBrutusk--kiskthatkwhatkyou'reksaying?"k"Notknecessarily.kEveryone'sk akvictor.kMa ekyourkownkpac k ifkyou'dkrather.kChoosekwhokyoukli e.kI'dksuggestkChaffkandkSeeder.kAlthoughkFin nic 'sknotktokbekignored,k"k sayskHaymitch.k"Findksomeonektokteamkupkwithkwhokmightkbekofksomekusektokyou.kRe member,kyou'reknotkinkak ringkfullkofktremblingkchildrenkanymore.kThesekpeoplekarekallkexperiencedk iller s,knokmatterkwhatkshapektheyk appearktokbekin.k"kMaybekhe'skright.kOnlykwhokcouldkIktrust?kSeederkmaybe.kButkd okIkreallykwantktokma ekakpactk withkher,konlyktokpossiblykhavektok illkherklater?kNo.kStill,kIkmadekakpactkwith kRuekunderktheksamek circumstances.kIktellkHaymitchkI'llktry,kevenkthoughkIkthin kI'llkbekprettykbadk atkthekwholekthing.kEffiekshowskupk akbitkearlyktokta ekuskdownkbecauseklastkyear,kevenkthoughkwekwerekonktime,kwekw erektheklastktwoktributesktok showkup.kButkHaymitchktellskherkhekdoesn'tkwantkherkta ingkuskdownktokthekgym.kN onekofkthekotherkvictorskwillk bekshowingkupkwithkakbabysitter,kandkbeingkthekyoungest,kit'skevenkmorekimportan tkwekloo kself-reliant.kSokshek hasktoksatisfykherselfkwithkta ingkusktokthekelevator,kfussingkoverkourkhair,kan dkpushingkthekbuttonkforkus.kIt'sk suchkakshortkridekthatkthere'sknokrealktimekforkconversation,kbutkwhenkPeetakta eskmykhand,kIkdon'tkpullkitkaway.k Ikmaykhavekignoredkhimklastknightkinkprivate,kbutkinktrainingkwekmustkappearkask ankinseparablekteam.kEffiek needn'tkhavekworriedkaboutkuskbeingktheklastktokarrive.kOnlykBrutuskandkthekwoma nkfromkDistrictk2,kEnobaria,k arekpresent.kEnobariakloo sktokbekaboutkthirtykandkallkIkcankrememberkaboutkherk iskthat,kinkhand-to-handk combat,kshek illedkonektributekbykrippingkopenkhiskthroatkwithkherkteeth.kShekbe cameksokfamouskforkthiskactkthat,k afterkshekwaskakvictor,kshekhadkherkteethkcosmeticallykalteredksokeachkonekendsk inkaksharpkpointkli ekakfangkandk iskinlaidkwithkgold.kShekhasknokshortagekofkadmirerskinkthekCapitol.kByktenko'cl oc ,konlykaboutkhalfkofkthek tributeskhavekshownkup.kAtala,kthekwomankwhokrunsktraining,kbeginskherkspielkrig htkonktime,kunfazedkbykthek poorkattendance.kMaybekshekexpectedkit.kI'mksortkofkrelieved,kbecausekthatkmeans ktherekarekakdozenkpeoplekIk don'tkhavektokpretendktokma ekfriendskwith.kAtalakrunskthroughktheklistkofkstati ons,kwhichkincludekbothkcombatk andksurvivalks ills,kandkreleaseskusktoktrain.kIktellkPeetakIkthin kwe'dkdokbest ktoksplitkup,kthuskcoveringkmorek territory.kWhenkhekgoeskoffktokchuc kspearskwithkBrutuskandkChaff,kIkheadkoverkt okthek not-tyingkstation,khardlyk anyonekeverkbothersktokvisitkit.kIkli ekthektrainerkandkhekrememberskmekfondly,k maybekbecausekIkspentktimekwithk himklastkyear.kHe'skpleasedkwhenkIkshowkhimkIkcankstillksetkthektrapkthatkleaves kankenemykdanglingkbykaklegkfromk aktree.kClearlykhektoo knotekofkmyksnareskinkthekarenaklastkyearkandknowkseeskme kaskankadvancedkpupil,ksokIkas k

himktokreviewkeveryk indkofk notkthatkmightkcomekinkhandykandkakfewkthatkI'llkpr obablykneverkuse.kI'dkbek contentktokspendkthekmorningkalonekwithkhim,kbutkafterkaboutkankhourkandkakhalf, ksomeonekputskhiskarmskaroundk mekfromkbehind,khiskfingerskeasilykfinishingkthekcomplicatedk notkI'vekbeenkswea tingkover.kOfkcoursekit'sk Finnic ,kwhokseemsktokhavekspentkhiskchildhoodkdoingknothingkbutkwieldingktriden tskandkmanipulatingkropesk intokfancyk notskforknets,kIkguess.kIkwatchkforkakminutekwhilekhekpic skupkaklen gthkofkrope,kma eskaknoose,kandk thenkpretendsktokhangkhimselfkforkmykamusement.kRollingkmykeyes,kIkheadkoverktok anotherkvacantkstationkwherek

tributeskcanklearnktokbuildkfires.kIkalreadykma ekexcellentkfires,kbutkI'mkstill kprettykdependentkonkmatcheskfork startingkthem.kSokthektrainerkhaskmekwor kwithkflint,ksteel,kandksomekcharredkcl oth.kThiskiskmuchkharderkthankitk loo s,kandkevenkwor ingkaskintentlykaskIkcan,kitkta eskmekaboutkankhourktokgetka kfirekgoing.kIkloo kupkwithkak triumphantksmilekonlyktokfindkIkhavekcompany.kThektwoktributeskfromkDistrictk3ka rekbesidekme,kstrugglingktok startkakdecentkfirekwithkmatches.kIkthin kaboutkleaving,kbutkIkreallykwantktoktr ykusingkthekflintkagain,kandkifkIk havektokreportkbac ktokHaymitchkthatkIktriedktokma ekfriends,kthesektwokmightkbe kakbearablekchoice.kBothkarek smallkinkstaturekwithkashenks inkandkblac khair.kThekwoman,kWiress,kiskprobablyk aroundkmykmother'skagekandk spea skinkakquiet,kintelligentkvoice.kButkrightkawaykIknoticekshekhaskakhabitkof kdroppingkoffkherkwordskinkmidsentence,kaskifkshe'skforgottenkyou'rekthere.kBeetee,kthekman,kiskolderkandksome whatkfidgety.kHekwearskglassesk butkspendskaklotkofktimekloo ingkunderkthem.kThey'rekaklittlekstrange,kbutkI'mkp rettyksurekneitherkofkthemkisk goingktoktryktokma ekmekuncomfortablekbykstrippingkna ed.kAndkthey'rekfromkDistr ictk3.kMaybektheykcankevenk confirmkmyksuspicionskofkankuprisingkthere.kIkglancekaroundkthekTrainingkCenter. kPeetakiskatkthekcenterkofkak ribaldkcirclekofk nifekthrowers.kThekmorphlingskfromkDistrictk6karekinkthekcamou flagekstation,kpaintingkeachk other'skfaceskwithkbrightkpin kswirls.kThekmalektributekfromkDistrictk5kiskvomit ingkwinekonktheksword-fightingk floor.kFinnic kandkthekoldkwomankfromkhiskdistrictkarekusingkthekarcherykstation .kJohannakMasonkiskna edkagaink andkoilingkherks inkdownkforkakwrestlingklesson.kIkdecidektokstaykput.kWiresskan dkBeeteekma ekdecentkcompany.k Theykseemkfriendlykenoughkbutkdon'tkpry.kWektal kaboutkourktalents;ktheyktellkme ktheykbothkinventkthings,k whichkma eskmyksupposedkinterestkinkfashionkseemkprettykwea .kWiresskbringskupks omeksortkofkstitchingk devicekshe'skwor ingkon.k"Itksenseskthekdensitykofkthekfabrickandkselectskthekst rength,k"ksheksays,kandkthenk becomeskabsorbedkinkakbitkofkdrykstrawkbeforekshekcankgokon.k"Thekstrengthkofkth ekthread,k"kBeeteekfinishesk explaining.k"Automatically.kItkruleskoutkhumankerror.k"kThenkhektal skaboutkhisk recentksuccesskcreatingkak musicalkchipkthat'sktinykenoughktokbekconcealedkinkakfla ekofkglitterkbutkcankho ldkhourskofksongs.kIkrememberk Octaviaktal ingkaboutkthiskduringkthekweddingkshoot,kandkIkseekakpossiblekchance ktokalludektokthekuprising.k"Oh,k yeah.kMykprepkteamkwaskallkupsetkakfewkmonthskago,kIkthin ,kbecausektheykcouldn' tkgetkholdkofkthat,k"kIksayk casually.k"IkguesskaklotkofkorderskfromkDistrictkThreekwerekgettingkbac edkup.k" kBeeteekexamineskmekunderkhisk glasses.k"Yes.kDidkyoukhavekanyksimilarkbac upskinkcoalkproduction,kthiskyear?"k hekas s.k"No.kWell,kweklostkak couplekofkwee skwhenktheykbroughtkinkaknewkHeadkPeace eeperkandkhiskcrew,kbutkno thingkmajor,k"kIksay.k"Tok production,kIkmean.kTwokwee sksittingkaroundkyourkhousekdoingknothingkjustkmeans ktwokwee skofkbeingk hungrykforkmostkpeople.k"kIkthin ktheykunderstandkwhatkI'mktryingktoksay.kThatkw e'vekhadknokuprising.k"Oh.k That'skakshame,k"ksayskWiresskinkakslightlykdisappointedkvoice.k"Ikfoundkyourkdi

strictkveryk...k"kShektrailskoff,k distractedkbyksomethingkinkherkhead.k"Interesting,k"kfillskinkBeetee.k"Wekbothkd id.k"kIkfeelkbad,k nowingkthatk theirkdistrictkmustkhaveksufferedkmuchkworsekthankours.kIkfeelkIkhavektokdefendk mykpeople.k"Well,ktherekaren'tk verykmanykofkuskinkTwelve,k"kIksay.k"Notkthatkyou'dk nowkitknowadayskbyktheksize kofkthekPeace eepingkforce.k ButkIkguesskwe'rekinterestingkenough.k"kAskwekmovekoverktokthekshelterkstation,k Wiresskstopskandkgazeskupkatk thekstandskwherekthekGamema erskarekroamingkaround,keatingkandkdrin ing,ksometim eskta ingknoticekofkus.k "Loo ,k"ksheksays,kgivingkherkheadkakslightknodkinktheirkdirection.kIkloo kupkan dkseekPlutarchkHeavensbeekinkthek magnificentkpurplekrobekwithkthekfur-trimmedkcollarkthatkdesignateskhimkaskHeadk Gamema er.kHe'skeatingkak tur eykleg.kIkdon'tkseekwhykthiskmeritskcomment,kbutkIksay,k"Yes,khe'skbeenkprom otedktokHeadkGamema erkthisk year.k"k"No,kno.kTherekbykthekcornerkofkthektable.kYoukcankjustk...k"ksayskWires s.kBeeteeksquintskunderkhisk glasses.k"Justkma ekitkout.k"kIkstarekinkthatkdirection,kperplexed.kButkthenkIks eekit.kAkpatchkofkspacekaboutksixk inchesksquarekatkthekcornerkofkthektablekseemskalmostktokbekvibrating.kIt'skaski fkthekairkiskripplingkinktinykvisiblek waves,kdistortingktheksharpkedgeskofkthekwoodkandkakgobletkofkwineksomeonekhasks etkthere.k

k"Akforcekfield.k They'veksetkonekupkbetweenkthekGame-ma erskandkus.kIkwonderkwhatkbroughtkthatkon ,k"kBeeteeksays.k"Me,k probably,k"kIkconfess.k"LastkyearkIkshotkankarrowkatkthemkduringkmykprivatektrai ningksession.k"kBeeteekandk Wiresskloo katkmekcuriously.k"Ikwaskprovo ed.kSo,kdokallkforcekfieldskhavekakspo tkli ekthat?"k"Chin ,k"ksaysk Wiresskvaguely.k"Inkthekarmor,kaskitkwere,k"kfinisheskBeetee.k"Ideallykit'dkbeki nvisible,kwouldn'tkit?"kIkwantktok as kthemkmore,kbutklunchkiskannounced.kIkloo kforkPeeta,kbutkhe'skhangingkwithka kgroupkofkaboutktenkotherk victors,ksokIkdecidekjustktokeatkwithkDistrictk3.kMaybekIkcankgetkSeederktokjoin kus.kWhenkwekma ekourkwaykintok thekdiningkarea,kIkseeksomekofkPeeta'skgangkhavekotherkideas.kThey'rekdraggingka llktheksmallerktablesktokformkonek largektableksokthatkwekallkhavektokeatktogether.kNowkIkdon'tk nowkwhatktokdo.kEv enkatkschoolkIkusedktokavoidk eatingkatkakcrowdedktable.kFran ly,kI'dkprobablykhaveksatkalonekifkMadgekhadn'tk madekakhabitkofkjoiningkme.kIk guesskI'dkhavekeatenkwithkGalekexcept,kbeingktwokgradeskapart,kourklunchkneverkf ellkatktheksamektime.kIkta ekak traykandkstartkma ingkmykwaykaroundkthekfood-ladenkcartskthatkringkthekroom.kPee takcatcheskupkwithkmekatkthek

stew.k"How'skitkgoing?"k"Good.kFine.kIkli ekthekDistrictkThreekvictors,k"kIksay. k"WiresskandkBeetee.k"k"Really?"k hekas s.k"They'reksomethingkofkakjo ektokthekothers.k"k"Whykdoeskthatknotksurpri sekme?"kIksay.kIkthin kofkhowk Peetakwaskalwaysksurroundedkatkschoolkbykakcrowdkofkfriends.kIt'skamazing,kreall y,kthatkhekeverktoo kanyknoticek ofkmekexceptktokthin kIkwaskodd.k"Johanna'sknic namedkthemkNutskandkVolts,k"khek says.k"Ikthin kshe'skNutskandk he'skVolts.k"k"AndksokI'mkstupidkforkthin ingktheykmightkbekuseful.kBecausekofks omethingkJohannakMasonksaidk whilekshekwaskoilingkupkherkbreastskforkwrestling,k"kIkretort.k"ActuallykIkthin ktheknic name'skbeenkaroundkfork years.kAndkIkdidn'tkmeankthatkaskankinsult.kI'mkjustksharingkinformation,k"kheks ays.k"Well,kWiresskandkBeeteekarek smart.kTheykinventkthings.kTheykcouldktellkbyksightkthatkakforcekfieldkhadkbeenk putkupkbetweenkuskandkthek Gamema ers.kAndkifkwekhavektokhavekallies,kIkwantkthem.k"kIktosskthekladlekbac k inkakpotkofkstew,ksplatteringkusk bothkwithkthekgravy.k"Whatkarekyouksokangrykabout?"kPeetakas s,kwipingkthekgravy kfromkhiskshirtfront.k "BecausekIkteasedkyoukonkthekelevator?kI'mksorry.kIkthoughtkyoukwouldkjustklaugh kaboutkit.k"k"Forgetkit,k"kIksayk withkaksha ekofkmykhead.k"It'skaklotkofkthings.k"k"Darius,k"kheksays.k"Darius.kT hekGames.kHaymitchkma ingkusk teamkupkwithkthekothers,k"kIksay.k"Itkcankjustkbekyoukandkme,kyouk now,k"kheksay s.k"Ik now.kButkmaybek Haymitchkiskright,k"kIksay.k"Don'tktellkhimkIksaidkso,kbutkhekusuallykis,kwherek thekGameskarekconcerned.k"k"Well,k youkcankhavekfinalksaykaboutkourkallies.kButkrightknow,kI'mkleaningktowardkChaff kandkSeeder,k"ksayskPeeta.k"I'mk o aykwithkSeeder,knotkChaff,k"kIksay.k"Notkyet,kanyway.k"k"Comekonkandkeatkwithk him.kIkpromise,kIkwon'tkletk himk isskyoukagain,k"ksayskPeeta.kChaffkdoesn'tkseemkaskbadkatklunch.kHe'sksober ,kandkwhilekhektal sktookloudk andkma eskbadkjo eskaklot,kmostkofkthemkarekatkhiskownkexpense.kIkcankseekwhykhe kwouldkbekgoodkfork Haymitch,kwhosekthoughtskrunksokdar ly.kButkI'mkstillknotksurekI'mkreadyktokteam kupkwithkhim.kIktrykhardktokbek moreksociable,knotkjustkwithkChaffkbutkwithkthekgroupkatklarge.kAfterklunchkIkdo kthekedible-insectkstationkwithk thekDistrictk8ktributesk--kCecelia,kwho'skgotkthreek idskatkhome,kandkWoof,kakre allykoldkguykwho'skhardkofk hearingkandkdoesn'tkseemktok nowkwhat'skgoingkonksincekhek eepsktryingktokstuffk poisonouskbugskinkhiskmouth.kIk wishkIkcouldkmentionkmeetingkTwillkandkBonniekinkthekwoods,kbutkIkcan'tkfigureko utkhow.kCashmerekandkGloss,k theksisterkandkbrotherkfromkDistrictk1,kinvitekmekoverkandkwekma ekhammoc skfork akwhile.kThey'rekpolitekbutk cool,kandkIkspendkthekwholektimekthin ingkaboutkhowkIk illedkbothkthektributeskf romktheirkdistrict,kGlimmerkandk Marvel,klastkyear,kandkthatktheykprobablyk newkthemkandkmightkevenkhavekbeenkthe irkmentors.kBothkmyk hammoc kandkmykattemptktokconnectkwithkthemkarekmediocrekatkbest.kIkjoinkEnobari akatkswordktrainingkandk exchangekakfewkcomments,kbutkit'skclearkneitherkofkuskwantsktokteamkup.kFinnic k appearskagainkwhenkI'mk pic ingkupkfishingktips,kbutkmostlykjustktokintroducekmektokMags,kthekelderlykwo mankwho'skalsokfromkDistrictk4.k Betweenkherkdistrictkaccentkandkherkgarbledkspeechk--kpossiblykshe'skhadkakstro

ek--kIkcan'tkma ekoutkmorekthank onekinkfourkwords.kButkIkswearkshekcankma ekakdecentkfishhoo koutkofkanything--a kthorn,kakwishbone,kank earring.kAfterkakwhilekIktunekoutkthektrainerkandksimplyktryktokcopykwhateverkMa gskdoes.kWhenkIkma ekakprettyk goodkhoo koutkofkakbentknailkandkfastenkitktoksomekstrandskofkmykhair,kshekgives kmekaktoothlessksmilekandkank unintelligiblekcommentkIkthin kmightkbekpraise.kSuddenlykIkrememberkhowkshekvolu nteeredktokreplacekthek young,khystericalkwomankinkherkdistrict.kItkcouldn'tkbekbecausekshekthoughtkshek hadkanykchancekofkwinning.kShek didkitktoksavekthekgirl,kjustkli ekIkvolunteeredklastkyearktoksavekPrim.kAndkIkd ecidekIkwantkherkonkmykteam.kGreat.k NowkIkhavektokgokbac kandktellkHaymitchkIkwantkankeighty-year-oldkandkNutskandkV oltskforkmykallies.kHe'llk lovekthat.kSokIkgivekupktryingktokma ekfriendskandkgokoverktokthekarcherykrangek forksomeksanity.kIt'skwonderfulk there,kgettingktoktrykoutkallkthekdifferentkbowskandkarrows.kThektrainer,kTax,ks eeingkthatkthekstandingktargetsk offerknokchallengekforkme,kbeginsktoklaunchktheseksillykfa ekbirdskhighkintokthe kairkforkmektokhit.kAtkfirstkitk seemskstupid,kbutkitkturnskoutktokbek indkofkfun.kMuchkmorekli ekhuntingkakmovin gkcreature.kSincekI'mkhittingk everythingkhekthrowskup,khekstartskincreasingktheknumberkofkbirdskheksendskairbo rne.kIkforgetkthekrestkofkthek gymkandkthekvictorskandkhowkmiserablekIkamkandklosekmyselfkinkthekshooting.kWhen kIkmanagektokta ekdownk fivekbirdskinkonekround,kIkrealizekit'sksokquietkIkcankhearkeachkonekhitkthekflo or.kIkturnkandkseekthekmajoritykofkthek victorskhavekstoppedktokwatchkme.kTheirkfaceskshowkeverythingkfromkenvyktokhatre dktokadmiration.kAfterk training,kPeetakandkIkhangkout,kwaitingkforkHaymitchkandkEffiektokshowkupkforkdi nner.kWhenkwe'rekcalledktokeat,k Haymitchkpounceskonkmekimmediately.k"Sokatkleastkhalfkthekvictorskhavekinstructe dktheirkmentorsktokrequestk youkaskankally.kIk nowkitkcan'tkbekyourksunnykpersonality.k"k"Theyksawkherkshoot ,k"ksayskPeetakwithkaksmile.k "Actually,kIksawkherkshoot,kforkreal,kforkthekfirstktime.kI'mkaboutktokputkinkak formalkrequestkmyself.k"k"You'rek thatkgood?"kHaymitchkas skme.k"SokgoodkthatkBrutuskwantskyou?"kIkshrug.k"ButkIkd on'tkwantkBrutus.kIkwantk MagskandkDistrictkThree.k"k"Ofkcoursekyoukdo.k"kHaymitchksighskandkorderskakbott lekofkwine.k"I'llktellk everybodykyou'rekstillkma ingkupkyourkmind.k"kAfterkmykshootingkexhibition,kIkst illkgetkteasedksome,kbutkIknok longerkfeelkli ekI'mkbeingkmoc ed.kInkfact,kIkfeelkaskifkI'veksomehowkbeenkiniti atedkintokthekvictors'kcircle.k

Duringktheknextktwokdays,kIkspendktimekwithkalmostkeverybodykheadedkforkthekaren a.kEvenkthekmorphlings,k who,kwithkPeeta'skhelp,kpaintkmekintokakfieldkofkyellowkflowers.kEvenkFinnic ,kw hokgiveskmekankhourkofktridentk lessonskinkexchangekforkankhourkofkarcherykinstruction.kAndkthekmorekIkcomektok nowkthesekpeople,kthekworsekitk is.kBecause,konkthekwhole,kIkdon'tkhatekthem.kAndksomekIkli e.kAndkaklotkofkthem kareksokdamagedkthatkmyk naturalkinstinctkwouldkbektokprotectkthem.kButkallkofkthemkmustkdiekifkI'mktoksa vekPeeta.k

kThekfinalkdaykofk trainingkendskwithkourkprivateksessions.kWekeachkgetkfifteenkminuteskbeforekthek Gamema ersktokamazekthemk withkourks ills,kbutkIkdon'tk nowkwhatkanykofkuskmightkhavektokshowkthem.kThere' skaklotkofk iddingkaboutkitkatk lunch.kWhatkwekmightkdo.kSing,kdance,kstrip,ktellkjo es.kMags,kwhokIkcankunderst andkaklittlekbetterknow,kdecidesk she'skjustkgoingktokta ekaknap.kIkdon'tk nowkwhatkI'mkgoingktokdo.kShootksomekar rows,kIkguess.kHaymitchksaidktok surprisekthemkifkwekcould,kbutkI'mkfreshkoutkofkideas.kAskthekgirlkfromk12,kI'mk scheduledktokgoklast.kThekdiningk roomkgetskquieterkandkquieterkaskthektributeskfilekoutktokgokperform.kIt'skeasie rktok eepkupkthekirreverent,k invinciblekmannerkwe'vekallkadoptedkwhenktherekarekmorekofkus.kAskpeoplekdisappe arkthroughkthekdoor,kallkIkcank thin kiskthatktheykhavekakmatterkofkdaysktoklive.kPeetakandkIkarekfinallykleftka lone.kHekreacheskacrosskthektablektok ta ekmykhands.k"DecidedkwhatktokdokforkthekGamema erskyet?"kIksha ekmykhead.k"Ik can'tkreallykusekthemkfork targetkpracticekthiskyear,kwithkthekforcekfieldkupkandkall.kMaybekma eksomekfish hoo s.kWhatkaboutkyou?"k"Notk akclue.kIk eepkwishingkIkcouldkba ekakca ekorksomething,k"kheksays.k"Doksomekmor ekcamouflage,k"kIksuggest.k"Ifk thekmorphlingskhavekleftkmekanythingktokwor kwith,k"kheksayskwryly.k"They'vekbee nkgluedktokthatkstationksincek trainingkstarted.k"kWeksitkinksilencekawhilekandkthenkIkblurtkoutkthekthingkthat 'skonkbothkourkminds.k"Howkarekwek goingktok illkthesekpeople,kPeeta?"k"Ikdon'tk now.k"kHekleanskhiskforeheadkdownk onkourkentwinedkhands.k"Ikdon'tk wantkthemkaskallies.kWhykdidkHaymitchkwantkusktokgetktok nowkthem?"kIksay.k"It'l lkma ekitksokmuchkharderkthank lastktime.kExceptkforkRuekmaybe.kButkIkguesskIkneverkreallykcould'vek illedkher, kanyway.kShekwaskjustktookmuchk li ekPrim.k"kPeetakloo skupkatkme,khiskbrowkcreasedkinkthought.k"Herkdeathkwaskt hekmostkdespicable,kwasn'tkit?"k "Nonekofkthemkwerekverykpretty,k"kIksay,kthin ingkofkGlimmer'skandkCato'skends.k TheykcallkPeeta,ksokIkwaitkbyk myself.kFifteenkminuteskpass.kThenkhalfkankhour.kIt'skclosektokfortykminuteskbef orekI'mkcalled.kWhenkIkgokin,kIk smellktheksharpkodorkofkcleanerkandknoticekthatkonekofkthekmatskhaskbeenkdragged ktokthekcenterkofkthekroom.kThek moodkiskverykdifferentkfromklastkyear's,kwhenkthekGamema erskwerekhalfkdrun kand kdistractedlykpic ingkatk tidbitskfromkthekbanquetktable.kTheykwhisperkamongkthemselves,kloo ingksomewhatk annoyed.kWhatkdidkPeetak do?kSomethingktokupsetkthem?kIkfeelkakpangkofkworry.kThatkisn'tkgood.kIkdon'tkwa ntkPeetaksinglingkhimselfkoutk askaktargetkforkthekGamema ers'kanger.kThat'skpartkofkmykjob.kTokdrawkfirekawayk fromkPeeta.kButkhowkdidkhek upsetkthem?kBecausekI'dklovektokdokjustkthatkandkmore.kTokbrea kthroughktheksmug kveneerkofkthosekwhokusek theirkbrainsktokfindkamusingkwaysktok illkus.kTokma ekthemkrealizekthatkwhilekwe 'rekvulnerablektokthekCapitol'sk cruelties,ktheykarekaskwell.kDokyoukhavekanykideakhowkmuchkIkhatekyou?kIkthin .k You,kwhokhavekgivenkyourk talentsktokthekGames?kIktryktokcatchkPlutarchkHeavensbee'skeye,kbutkhekseemsktok bekintentionallykignoringkme,k askhekhaskthekentirektrainingkperiod.kIkrememberkhowkheksoughtkmekoutkforkakdanc e,khowkpleasedkhekwasktok showkmekthekmoc ingjaykonkhiskwatch.kHiskfriendlykmannerkhasknokplacekhere.kHowk

couldkit,kwhenkI'mkakmerek tributekandkhe'skthekHeadkGamema er?kSokpowerful,ksokremoved,ksoksafek...kSudden lykIk nowkjustkwhatkI'mk goingktokdo.kSomethingkthatkwillkblowkanythingkPeetakdidkrightkoutkofkthekwater. kIkgokoverktokthek not-tyingk stationkandkgetkaklengthkofkrope.kIkstartktokmanipulatekit,kbutkit'skhardkbecaus ekI'vekneverkmadekthiskactualk notk myself.kI'vekonlykwatchedkFinnic 'skcleverkfingers,kandktheykmovedksokfast.kAfte rkaboutktenkminutes,kI'vekcomek upkwithkakrespectableknoose.kIkdragkonekofkthektargetkdummieskoutkintokthekmiddl ekofkthekroomkand,kusingksomek chinningkbars,khangkitksokitkdangleskbyktheknec .kTyingkitskhandskbehindkitskbac kwouldkbekaknicektouch,kbutkIk thin kIkmightkbekrunningkoutkofktime.kIkhurrykoverktokthekcamouflagekstation,kwh ereksomekofkthekotherktributes,k undoubtedlykthekmorphlings,khavekmadekakcolossalkmess.kButkIkfindkakpartialkcont ainerkofkbloodredkberrykjuicek thatkwillkservekmykneeds.kThekflesh-coloredkfabrickofkthekdummy'sks inkma eskakg ood,kabsorbentkcanvas.kIk carefullykfingerkpaintkthekwordskonkitskbody,kconcealingkthemkfromkview.kThenkIk stepkawaykquic lyktokwatchk thekreactionkonkthekGamema ers'kfaceskasktheykreadktheknamekonkthekdummy.kSENECA kCRANE.k

kThekeffectk onkthekGamema erskiskimmediatekandksatisfying.kSeveralkletkoutksmallkshrie s.kOt hersklosektheirkgripskonktheirk wineglasses,kwhichkshatterkmusicallykagainstkthekground.kTwokseemktokbekconsider ingkfainting.kThekloo kofk shoc kiskunanimous.kNowkIkhavekPlutarchkHeavensbee'skattention.kHekstaresksteadi lykatkmekaskthekjuicekfromk thekpeachkhekcrushedkinkhiskhandkrunskthroughkhiskfingers.kFinallykhekclearskhis kthroatkandksays,k"Youkmaykgok now,kMisskEverdeen.k"kIkgivekakrespectfulknodkandkturnktokgo,kbutkatktheklastkmo mentkIkcan'tkresistktossingkthek containerkofkberrykjuicekoverkmykshoulder.kIkcankhearkthekcontentsksplatterkagai nstkthekdummykwhilekakcouplek morekwineglasseskbrea .kAskthekelevatorkdoorskclosekbeforekme,kIkseeknokonekhask moved.kThatksurprisedkthem,kIk

thin .kItkwaskrashkandkdangerouskandknokdoubtkIkwillkpaykforkitktenktimeskover.k Butkforkthekmoment,kIkfeelk somethingkclosektokelationkandkIkletkmyselfksavorkit.kIkwantktokfindkHaymitchkim mediatelykandktellkhimkaboutk myksession,kbutknokone'skaround.kIkguesskthey'rekgettingkreadykforkdinnerkandkIk decidektokgokta ekakshowerk myself,ksincekmykhandskarekstainedkfromkthekjuice.kAskIkstandkinkthekwater,kIkbe ginktokwonderkaboutkthekwisdomk ofkmyklatestktric .kThekquestionkthatkshouldknowkalwayskbekmykguidekisk"Willkthi skhelpkPeetakstaykalive?"k Indirectly,kthiskmightknot.kWhatkhappenskinktrainingkiskhighlyksecretive,ksokthe re'sknokpointkinkta ingkactionk againstkmekwhenknokonekwillk nowkwhatkmyktransgressionkwas.kInkfact,klastkyearkI kwaskrewardedkforkmyk brashness.kThiskiskakdifferentksortkofkcrime,kthough.kIfkthekGamema erskarekangr ykwithkmekandkdecidektokpunishk mekinkthekarena,kPeetakcouldkgetkcaughtkupkinkthekattac kaskwell.kMaybekitkwaskt ookimpulsive.kStillk...kIkcan'tksayk I'mksorrykIkdidkit.kAskwekallkgatherkforkdinner,kIknoticekPeeta'skhandskarekfain tlykstainedkwithkakvarietykofkcolors,k evenkthoughkhiskhairkiskstillkdampkfromkbathing.kHekmustkhavekdoneksomekformkofk camouflagekafterkall.kOncek theksoupkiskserved,kHaymitchkgetskrightktokthekissuekonkeveryone'skmind.k"Allkri ght,ksokhowkdidkyourkprivatek sessionskgo?"kIkexchangekakloo kwithkPeeta.kSomehowkI'mknotkthatkeagerktokputkwh atkIkdidkintokwords.kInkthek calmkofkthekdiningkroom,kitkseemskverykextreme.k"Youkfirst,k"kIksayktokhim.k"Itk mustkhavekbeenkreallykspecial.kIk hadktokwaitkforkfortykminutesktokgokin.k"kPeetakseemsktokbekstruc kwithktheksame kreluctancekI'mkexperiencing.k "Well,kIk--kIkdidkthekcamouflagekthing,kli ekyouksuggested,kKatniss.k"kHekhesita tes.k"Notkexactlykcamouflage.kIk mean,kIkusedkthekdyes.k"k"Tokdokwhat?"kas skPortia.kIkthin kofkhowkruffledkthekG amema erskwerekwhenkIk enteredkthekgymkforkmyksession.kTheksmellkofkcleaners.kThekmatkpulledkoverkthatk spotkinkthekcenterkofkthekgym.k Waskitktokconcealksomethingktheykwerekunablektokwashkaway?k"Youkpaintedksomethin g,kdidn'tkyou?kAkpicture.k"k "Didkyoukseekit?"kPeetakas s.k"No.kButkthey'dkmadekakrealkpointkofkcoveringkitku p,k"kIksay.k"Well,kthatkwouldkbek standard.kTheykcan'tkletkonektributek nowkwhatkanotherkdid,k"ksayskEffie,kunconc erned.k"Whatkdidkyoukpaint,k Peeta?"kShekloo skaklittlekmisty.k"WaskitkakpicturekofkKatniss?"k"Whykwouldkhekp aintkakpicturekofkme,kEffie?"kIk as ,ksomehowkannoyed.k"Tokshowkhe'skgoingktokdokeverythingkhekcanktokdefendkyou. kThat'skwhatkeveryonekink thekCapitol'skexpecting,kanyway.kDidn'tkhekvolunteerktokgokinkwithkyou?"kEffieks ays,kaskifkit'skthekmostkobviousk thingkinkthekworld.k"Actually,kIkpaintedkakpicturekofkRue,k"kPeetaksays.k"Howksh ekloo edkafterkKatnisskhadk coveredkherkinkflowers.k"kThere'skaklongkpausekatkthektablekwhilekeveryonekabsor bskthis.k"Andkwhatkexactlyk werekyouktryingktokaccomplish?"kHaymitchkas skinkakverykmeasuredkvoice.k"I'mknot ksure.kIkjustkwantedktokholdk themkaccountable,kifkonlykforkakmoment,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Fork illingkthatklittlekg irl.k"k"Thiskiskdreadful.k"kEffiek soundskli ekshe'skaboutktokcry.k"Thatksortkofkthin ingk...kIt'skforbidden,kPeeta .kAbsolutely.kYou'llkonlykbringk downkmorektroublekonkyourselfkandkKatniss.k"k"IkhavektokagreekwithkEffiekonkthis

kone,k"ksayskHaymitch.kPortiak andkCinnakremainksilent,kbutktheirkfaceskarekverykserious.kOfkcourse,kthey'rekri ght.kButkevenkthoughkitkworriesk me,kIkthin kwhatkhekdidkwaskamazing.k"IkguesskthiskiskakbadktimektokmentionkIkhu ngkakdummykandkpaintedk SenecakCrane'sknamekonkit,k"kIksay.kThiskhaskthekdesiredkeffect.kAfterkakmomentk ofkdisbelief,kallkthekdisapprovalk inkthekroomkhitskmekli ekaktonkofkbric s.k"Youk...kHungk...kSenecakCrane?"ksaysk Cinna.k"Yes.kIkwaskshowingkoffk myknewk not-tyingks ills,kandkheksomehowkendedkupkatkthekendkofktheknoose,k"kIks ay.k"Oh,kKatniss,k"ksayskEffiek inkakhushedkvoice.k"Howkdokyoukevenk nowkaboutkthat?"k"Iskitkaksecret?kPresident kSnowkdidn'tkactkli ekitkwas.k Inkfact,khekseemedkeagerkforkmektok now,k"kIksay.kEffiekleaveskthektablekwithkhe rknap inkpressedktokherkface.k "NowkI'vekupsetkEffie.kIkshouldkhavekliedkandksaidkIkshotksomekarrows.k"k"You'dk havekthoughtkwekplannedkit,k"k sayskPeeta,kgivingkmekjustkthekhintkofkaksmile.k"Didn'tkyou?"kas skPortia.kHerkf ingerskpresskherkeyelidskclosedkask ifkshe'skwardingkoffkakverykbrightklight.k"No,k"kIksay,kloo ingkatkPeetakwithkak newksensekofkappreciation.k "Neitherkofkuskevenk newkwhatkwekwerekgoingktokdokbeforekwekwentkin.k"k"And,kHay mitch?"ksayskPeeta.k"Wek decidedkwekdon'tkwantkanykotherkallieskinkthekarena.k"k"Good.kThenkIkwon'tkbekre sponsiblekforkyouk illingkoffk anykofkmykfriendskwithkyourkstupidity,k"kheksays.k"That'skjustkwhatkwekwerekthin ing,k"kIktellkhim.kWekfinishkthek mealkinksilence,kbutkwhenkwekrisektokgokintoktheksittingkroom,kCinnakputskhiskar mkaroundkmekandkgiveskmekak squeeze.k"Comekonkandklet'skgokgetkthosektrainingkscores.k"kWekgatherkaroundkthe ktelevisionksetkandkakred-eyedk Effiekrejoinskus.kThektributes'kfaceskcomekup,kdistrictkbykdistrict,kandktheirks coreskflashkunderktheirkpictures.kOnek throughktwelve.kPredictablykhighkscoreskforkCashmere,kGloss,kBrutus,kEnobaria,ka ndkFinnic .kLowktokmediumk forkthekrest.k"Havektheykeverkgivenkakzero?"kIkas .k"No,kbutkthere'skakfirstktim ekforkeverything,k"kCinnakanswers.k Andkitkturnskoutkhe'skright.kBecausekwhenkPeetakandkIkeachkpullkaktwelve,kwekma ekHungerkGameskhistory.kNok onekfeelskli ekcelebrating,kthough.k

k"Whykdidktheykdokthat?"kIkas .k"Sokthatkthekotherskwillkhaveknokchoicekbutk toktargetkyou,k"ksayskHaymitchkflatly.k"Goktokbed.kIkcan'tkstandktokloo katkeith erkonekofkyou.k"kPeetakwal skmek downktokmykroomkinksilence,kbutkbeforekhekcanksaykgoodknight,kIkwrapkmykarmskaro undkhimkandkrestkmykheadk againstkhiskchest.kHiskhandskslidekupkmykbac kandkhiskchee kleanskagainstkmykhai r.k"I'mksorrykifkIkmadekthingsk

worse,k"kIksay.k"NokworsekthankIkdid.kWhykdidkyoukdokit,kanyway?"kheksays.k"Ikdo n'tk now.kTokshowkthemkthatk I'mkmorekthankjustkakpiecekinktheirkGames?"kIksay.kHeklaughskaklittle,knokdoubtk rememberingktheknightkbeforek thekGamesklastkyear.kWekwerekonkthekroof,kneitherkofkuskablektoksleep.kPeetakhad ksaidksomethingkofktheksortk then,kbutkIkhadn'tkunderstoodkwhatkhekmeant.kNowkIkdo.k"Me,ktoo,k"khektellskme.k "AndkI'mknotksayingkI'mknotk goingktoktry.kTokgetkyoukhome,kIkmean.kButkifkI'mkperfectlykhonestkaboutkitk...k "k"Ifkyou'rekperfectlykhonestkaboutk it,kyoukthin kPresidentkSnowkhaskprobablykgivenkthemkdirectkordersktokma eksurek wekdiekinkthekarenakanyway,k"k Iksay.k"It'skcrossedkmykmind,k"ksayskPeeta.kIt'skcrossedkmykmind,ktoo.kRepeatedl y.kButkwhilekIk nowkI'llkneverk leavekthatkarenakalive,kI'mkstillkholdingkonktokthekhopekthatkPeetakwill.kAfterk all,khekdidn'tkpullkoutkthosekberries,k Ikdid.kNokonekhaskeverkdoubtedkthatkPeeta'skdefiancekwaskmotivatedkbyklove.kSokm aybekPresidentkSnowkwillk preferk eepingkhimkalive,kcrushedkandkheartbro en,kaskaklivingkwarningktokothers .k"Butkevenkifkthatkhappens,k everyonekwillk nowkwe'vekgonekoutkfighting,kright?"kPeetakas s.k"Everyonekwill,k "kIkreply.kAndkforkthekfirstk time,kIkdistancekmyselfkfromkthekpersonalktragedykthatkhaskconsumedkmeksincekthe ykannouncedkthekQuell.kIk rememberkthekoldkmanktheykshotkinkDistrictk11,kandkBonniekandkTwill,kandkthekrum oredkuprisings.kYes,k everyonekinkthekdistrictskwillkbekwatchingkmektokseekhowkIkhandlekthiskdeathksen tence,kthiskfinalkactkofkPresidentk Snow'skdominance.kTheykwillkbekloo ingkforksomeksignkthatktheirkbattleskhaveknot kbeenkinkvain.kIfkIkcankma ekitk clearkthatkI'mkstillkdefyingkthekCapitolkrightkupktokthekend,kthekCapitolkwillkh avek illedkmek...kButknotkmykspirit.k Whatkbetterkwayktokgivekhopektokthekrebels?kThekbeautykofkthiskideakiskthatkmykd ecisionktok eepkPeetakalivekatk thekexpensekofkmykownklifekiskitselfkankactkofkdefiance.kAkrefusalktokplaykthekH ungerkGameskbykthekCapitol'sk rules.kMykprivatekagendakdovetailskcompletelykwithkmykpublickone.kAndkifkIkreall ykcouldksavekPeetak...kInktermsk ofkakrevolution,kthiskwouldkbekideal.kBecausekIkwillkbekmorekvaluablekdead.kThey kcankturnkmekintoksomek indkofk martyrkforkthekcausekandkpaintkmykfacekonkbanners,kandkitkwillkdokmorektokrallyk peoplekthankanythingkIkcouldkdok ifkIkwaskliving.kButkPeetakwouldkbekmorekvaluablekalive,kandktragic,kbecausekhek willkbekablektokturnkhiskpainkintok wordskthatkwillktransformkpeople.kPeetakwouldklosekitkifkhek newkIkwaskthin ingk anykofkthis,ksokIkonlyksay,k"Sok whatkshouldkwekdokwithkourklastkfewkdays?"k"Ikjustkwantktokspendkeverykpossiblek minutekofkthekrestkofkmyklifek withkyou,k"kPeetakreplies.k"Comekon,kthen,k"kIksay,kpullingkhimkintokmykroom.kIt kfeelskli eksuchkakluxury,k sleepingkwithkPeetakagain.kIkdidn'tkrealizekuntilknowkhowkstarvedkI'vekbeenkfork humankcloseness.kForkthekfeelkofk himkbesidekmekinkthekdar ness.kIkwishkIkhadn'tkwastedktheklastkcouplekofknightsk shuttingkhimkout.kIksin kdownk intoksleep,kenvelopedkinkhiskwarmth,kandkwhenkIkopenkmykeyeskagain,kdaylight'sks treamingkthroughkthek windows.k"Noknightmares,k"kheksays.k"Noknightmares,k"kIkconfirm.k"You?"k"None.kI 'dkforgottenkwhatkakrealk night'sksleepkfeelskli e,k"kheksays.kWekliektherekforkakwhile,kinknokrushktokbeg

inkthekday.kTomorrowknightkwillkbek thektelevisedkinterview,ksoktodaykEffiekandkHaymitchkshouldkbekcoachingkus.kMore khighkheelskandksarcastick comments,kIkthin .kButkthenkthekredheadedkAvoxkgirlkcomeskinkwithkaknotekfromkEf fieksayingkthat,kgivenkourk recentktour,kbothkshekandkHaymitchkhavekagreedkwekcankhandlekourselveskadequatel ykinkpublic.kThekcoachingk sessionskhavekbeenkcanceled.k"Really?"ksayskPeeta,kta ingktheknotekfromkmykhandk andkexaminingkit.k"Dokyouk nowkwhatkthiskmeans?kWe'llkhavekthekwholekdayktokourselves.k"k"It'sktookbadkwek can'tkgoksomewhere,k"kIksayk wistfully.k"Whoksayskwekcan't?"khekas s.kThekroof.kWekorderkakbunchkofkfood,kgra bksomekblan ets,kandkheadkupk tokthekroofkforkakpicnic.kAkdaylongkpicnickinkthekflowerkgardenkthatktin leskwit hkwindkchimes.kWekeat.kWekliekink theksun.kIksnapkoffkhangingkvineskandkusekmyknewfoundk nowledgekfromktrainingkto kpracticek notskandkweavek nets.kPeetaks etcheskme.kWekma ekupkakgamekwithkthekforcekfieldkthatksurroundskt hekroof--onekofkuskthrowskank applekintokitkandkthekotherkpersonkhasktokcatchkit.kNokonekbotherskus.kByklateka fternoon,kIkliekwithkmykheadkonk Peeta'sklap,kma ingkakcrownkofkflowerskwhilekhekfiddleskwithkmykhair,kclaimingkh e'skpracticingkhisk nots.kAfterk akwhile,khiskhandskgokstill.k"What?"kIkas .k"IkwishkIkcouldkfreezekthiskmoment,k rightkhere,krightknow,kandklivekink itkforever,k"kheksays.kUsuallykthisksortkofkcomment,kthek indkthatkhintskofkhisk undyingklovekforkme,kma eskmek feelkguiltykandkawful.kButkIkfeelksokwarmkandkrelaxedkandkbeyondkworryingkaboutk akfuturekI'llkneverkhave,kIkjustk letkthekwordkslipkout.k"O ay.k"kIkcankhearktheksmilekinkhiskvoice.k"Thenkyou'llk allowkit?"k"I'llkallowkit,k"kIksay.k Hiskfingerskgokbac ktokmykhairkandkIkdozekoff,kbutkhekrouseskmektokseektheksunse t.kIt'skakspectacularkyellowkandk orangekblazekbehindktheks ylinekofkthekCapitol.k"Ikdidn'tkthin kyou'dkwantktokmi sskit,k"kheksays.k"Than s,k"kIksay.k BecausekIkcankcountkonkmykfingersktheknumberkofksunsetskIkhavekleft,kandkIkdon't kwantktokmisskanykofkthem.kWek don'tkgokandkjoinkthekotherskforkdinner,kandknokoneksummonskus.k"I'mkglad.kI'mkt iredkofkma ingkeveryonek aroundkmeksokmiserable,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Everybodykcrying.kOrkHaymitchk...k"kHekdo esn'tkneedktokgokon.kWekstayk onkthekroofkuntilkbedtimekandkthenkquietlykslipkdownktokmykroomkwithoutkencounte ringkanyone.kTheknextk morning,kwe'rekrousedkbykmykprepkteam.kTheksightkofkPeetakandkmeksleepingktogeth erkisktookmuchkforkOctavia,k becausekshekburstskintoktearskrightkaway.k"YoukrememberkwhatkCinnaktoldkus,k"kVe niaksayskfiercely.kOctaviak

nodskandkgoeskoutksobbing.kPeetakhasktokreturnktokhiskroomkforkprep,kandkI'mklef tkalonekwithkVeniakandkFlavius.k Thekusualkchatterkhaskbeenksuspended.kInkfact,kthere'sklittlektal katkall,kother kthanktokhavekmekraisekmykchinkork commentkonkakma eupktechnique.kIt'sknearlyklunchkwhenkIkfeelksomethingkdrippingk onkmykshoulderkandkturnktok findkFlavius,kwho'sksnippingkawaykatkmykhairkwithksilentktearskrunningkdownkhisk face.kVeniakgiveskhimkakloo ,k andkhekgentlyksetskthekscissorskonkthektablekandkleaves.kThenkit'skjustkVenia,kw hoseks inkisksokpalekherktattoosk appearktokbekleapingkoffkit.kAlmostkrigidkwithkdetermination,kshekdoeskmykhairka ndknailskandkma eup,kfingersk

flyingkswiftlyktokcompensatekforkherkabsentkteammates.kThekwholektime,kshekavoid skmykgaze.kIt'skonlykwhenk Cinnakshowskupktokapprovekmekandkdismisskherkthatkshekta eskmykhands,kloo skmeks traightkinkthekeye,kandksays,k "Wekwouldkallkli ekyouktok nowkwhatkak...kPrivilegekitkhaskbeenktokma ekyoukloo kyourkbest.k"kThenkshekhastensk fromkthekroom.kMykprepkteam.kMykfoolish,kshallow,kaffectionatekpets,kwithktheirk obsessionskwithkfeatherskandk parties,knearlykbrea kmykheartkwithktheirkgood-bye.kIt'skcertainkfromkVenia'skla stkwordskthatkwekallk nowkIkwon'tk bekreturning.kDoeskthekwholekworldk nowkit?kIkwonder.kIkloo katkCinna.kHek nows, kcertainly.kButkaskhek promised,kthere'sknokdangerkofktearskfromkhim.k"So,kwhatkamkIkwearingktonight?"k Ikas ,keyeingkthekgarmentkbagk thatkholdskmykdress.k"PresidentkSnowkputkinkthekdresskorderkhimself,k"ksayskCinn a.kHekunzipskthekbag,krevealingk onekofkthekweddingkdresseskIkworekforkthekphotokshoot.kHeavykwhiteksil kwithkakl owknec linekandktightkwaistk andksleeveskthatkfallkfromkmykwristsktokthekfloor.kAndkpearls.kEverywherekpearls .kStitchedkintokthekdresskandkink ropeskatkmykthroatkandkformingkthekcrownkforkthekveil.k"Evenkthoughktheykannounc edkthekQuarterkQuellkthek nightkofkthekphotokshoot,kpeoplekStillkvotedkforktheirkfavoritekdress,kandkthisk waskthekwinner.kThekpresidentksaysk you'rektokwearkitktonight.kOurkobjectionskwerekignored.k"kIkrubkakbitkofktheksil kbetweenkmykfingers,ktryingktok figurekoutkPresidentkSnow'skreasoning.kIksupposeksincekIkwaskthekgreatestkoffend er,kmykpainkandklosskandk humiliationkshouldkbekinkthekbrightestkspotlight.kThis,khekthin s,kwillkma ektha tkclear.kIt'sksokbarbaric,kthek presidentkturningkmykbridalkgownkintokmykshroud,kthatkthekblowkstri eskhome,klea vingkmekwithkakdullkachek inside.k"Well,kit'dkbekakshamektokwasteksuchkakprettykdress"kiskallkIksay.kCinna khelpskmekcarefullykintokthekgown.k Askitksettleskonkmykshoulders,ktheykcan'tkhelpkgivingkakshrugkofkcomplaint.k"Was kitkalwayskthiskheavy?"kIkas .kIk rememberkseveralkofkthekdresseskbeingkdense,kbutkthiskonekfeelskli ekitkweighska kton.k"Ikhadktokma eksomekslightk alterationskbecausekofktheklighting,k"ksayskCinna.kIknod,kbutkIkcan'tkseekwhatkt hatkhasktokdokwithkanything.kHek dec skmekoutkinkthekshoeskandkthekpearlkjewelrykandkthekveil.kToucheskupkmykma e up.kHaskmekwal .k"You'rek ravishing,k"kheksays.k"Now,kKatniss,kbecausekthiskbodicekisksokfitted,kIkdon'tkw antkyoukraisingkyourkarmskabovek yourkhead.kWell,knotkuntilkyouktwirl,kanyway.k"k"WillkIkbektwirlingkagain?"kIkas ,kthin ingkofkmykdressklastkyear.k "I'mksurekCaesarkwillkas kyou.kAndkifkhekdoesn't,kyouksuggestkitkyourself.kOnlyk notkrightkaway.kSavekitkforkyourk bigkfinale,k"kCinnakinstructskme.k"YoukgivekmekaksignalksokIk nowkwhen,k"kIksay. k"Allkright.kAnykplanskforkyourk interview?kIk nowkHaymitchkleftkyouktwoktokyourkownkdevices,k"kheksays.k"No,kthi skyearkI'mkjustkwingingkit.k Thekfunnykthingkis,kI'mknotknervouskatkall.k"kAndkI'mknot.kHoweverkmuchkPresiden tkSnowkmaykhatekme,kthisk Capitolkaudiencekiskmine.kWekmeetkupkwithkEffie,kHaymitch,kPortia,kandkPeetakatk thekelevator.kPeeta'skinkank elegantktuxedokandkwhitekgloves.kTheksortkofkthingkgroomskwearktokgetkmarriedkin ,kherekinkthekCapitol.kBac k homekeverythingkisksokmuchksimpler.kAkwomankusuallykrentskakwhitekdresskthat'skb eenkwornkhundredskofktimes.k

Thekmankwearsksomethingkcleankthat'sknotkminingkclothes.kTheykfillkoutksomekform skatkthekJusticekBuildingkandk arekassignedkakhouse.kFamilykandkfriendskgatherkforkakmealkorkbitkofkca e,kifkit kcankbekafforded.kEvenkifkitkcan't,k there'skalwayskaktraditionalksongkweksingkasktheknewkcouplekcrosseskthekthreshol dkofktheirkhome.kAndkwekhavek ourkownklittlekceremony,kwherektheykma ektheirkfirstkfire,ktoastkakbitkofkbread, kandksharekit.kMaybekit'sk old-fashioned,kbutknokonekreallykfeelskmarriedkinkDistrictk12kuntilkafterkthekto asting.kThekotherktributeskhavek alreadykgatheredkoffstagekandkarektal ingksoftly,kbutkwhenkPeetakandkIkarrive,kt heykfallksilent.kIkrealizek everyone'skstaringkdaggerskatkmykweddingkdress.kArektheykjealouskofkitskbeauty?k Thekpowerkitkmightkhavektok manipulatekthekcrowd?kFinallykFinnic ksays,k"Ikcan'tkbelievekCinnakputkyoukinkth atkthing.k"k"Hekdidn'tkhavekanyk choice.kPresidentkSnowkmadekhim,k"kIksay,ksomewhatkdefensively.kIkwon'tkletkanyo nekcriticizekCinna.kCashmerek tosseskherkflowingkblondkcurlskbac kandkspitskout,k"Well,kyoukloo kridiculous!"k Shekgrabskherkbrother'skhandk andkpullskhimkintokplacektokleadkourkprocessionkontokthekstage.kThekotherktribut eskbeginktoklinekupkaskwell.kI'mk confusedkbecause,kwhilektheykallkarekangry,ksomekarekgivingkusksympathetickpatsk onkthekshoulder,kandkJohannak Masonkactuallykstopsktokstraightenkmykpearlknec lace.k"Ma ekhimkpaykforkit,ko ay ?"ksheksays.kIknod,kbutkIkdon'tk nowkwhatkshekmeans.kNotkuntilkwe'rekallksittingkoutkonstagekandkCaesarkFlic erm an,khairkandkfacekhighlightedk inklavenderkthiskyear,khaskdonekhiskopeningkspielkandkthektributeskbeginktheirki nterviews.kThiskiskthekfirstktimekIk realizekthekdepthkofkbetrayalkfeltkamongkthekvictorskandkthekragekthatkaccompani eskit.kButktheykareksoksmart,ksok wonderfullyksmartkaboutkhowktheykplaykit,kbecausekitkallkcomeskbac ktokreflectko nkthekgovernmentkandk

PresidentkSnowkinkparticular.kNotkeveryone.kTherekarekthekoldkthrowbac s,kli ekB rutuskandkEnobaria,kwhokarek justkherekforkanotherkGames,kandkthosektookbaffledkorkdruggedkorklostktokjoinkin konkthekattac .kButktherekarek enoughkvictorskwhokstillkhavekthekwitskandktheknervektokcomekoutkfighting.kCashm erekstartskthekballkrollingkwithk akspeechkaboutkhowkshekjustkcan'tkstopkcryingkwhenkshekthin skofkhowkmuchkthekpe oplekinkthekCapitolkmustkbek sufferingkbecausektheykwillklosekus.kGlosskrecallskthek indnesskshownkherektokhi mkandkhisksister.kBeeteek questionsktheklegalitykofkthekQuellkinkhisknervous,ktwitchykway,kwonderingkifkit 'skbeenkfullykexaminedkbyk expertskofklate.kFinnic kreciteskakpoemkhekwrotektokhiskonektrueklovekinkthekCap itol,kandkaboutkakhundredkpeoplek faintkbecausekthey'reksurekhekmeanskthem.kBykthektimekJohannakMasonkgetskup,kshe 'skas ingkifksomethingkcan'tk bekdonekaboutktheksituation.kSurelykthekcreatorskofkthekQuarterkQuellkneverkanti cipatedksuchklovekformingk betweenkthekvictorskandkthekCapitol.kNokonekcouldkbeksokcruelkasktokseverksuchka kdeepkbond.kSeederkquietlyk ruminateskaboutkhow,kbac kinkDistrictk11,keveryonekassumeskPresidentkSnowkiskall -powerful.kSokifkhe'sk all-powerful,kwhykdoesn'tkhekchangekthekQuell?kAndkChaff,kwhokcomeskrightkonkher kheels,kinsistskthekpresidentk couldkchangekthekQuellkifkhekwantedkto,kbutkhekmustknotkthin kitkmatterskmuchkto kanyone.kBykthektimekI'mk introduced,kthekaudiencekiskankabsolutekwrec .kPeoplekhavekbeenkweepingkandkcoll apsingkandkevenkcallingkfork change.kTheksightkofkmekinkmykwhiteksil kbridalkgownkpracticallykcauseskakriot.k Nokmorekme,knokmorek star-crossedkloversklivingkhappilykeverkafter,knokmorekwedding.kIkcankseekevenkC aesar'skprofessionalismk showingksomekcrac skaskhektriesktokquietkthemksokIkcankspea ,kbutkmykthreekminut eskarektic ingkquic lykaway.k Finallykthere'skaklullkandkhekgetskout,k"So,kKatniss,kobviouslykthiskiskakveryke motionalknightkforkeveryone.kIsk therekanythingkyou'dkli ektoksay?"kMykvoicektrembleskaskIkspea .k"OnlykthatkI'mk soksorrykyoukwon'tkgetktokbekatk mykweddingk...kButkI'mkgladkyoukatkleastkgetktokseekmekinkmykdress.kIsn'tkitkjus tk...kThekmostkbeautifulkthing?"kIk don'tkhavektokloo katkCinnakforkaksignal.kIk nowkthiskiskthekrightktime.kIkbegin ktoktwirlkslowly,kraisingktheksleevesk ofkmykheavykgownkabovekmykhead.kWhenkIkhearkthekscreamskofkthekcrowd,kIkthin kit 'skbecausekIkmustkloo k stunning.kThenkIknoticeksomethingkiskrisingkupkaroundkme.kSmo e.kFromkfire.kNotk thekflic erykstuffkIkworeklastk yearkinkthekchariot,kbutksomethingkmuchkmorekrealkthatkdevourskmykdress.kIkbegin ktokpanickasktheksmo ek thic ens.kCharredkbitskofkblac ksil kswirlkintokthekair,kandkpearlskclatterktokt hekstage.kSomehowkI'mkafraidktok stopkbecausekmykfleshkdoesn'tkseemktokbekburningkandkIk nowkCinnakmustkbekbehind kwhateverkiskhappening.kSok Ik eepkspinningkandkspinning.kForkaksplitksecondkI'mkgasping,kcompletelykengulfe dkinkthekstrangekflames.kThenk allkatkonce,kthekfirekiskgone.kIkslowlykcomektokakstop,kwonderingkifkI'mkna edka ndkwhykCinnakhaskarrangedktok burnkawaykmykweddingkdress.kButkI'mknotkna ed.kI'mkinkakdresskofkthekexactkdesig nkofkmykweddingkdress,konlyk it'skthekcolorkofkcoalkandkmadekofktinykfeathers.kWonderingly,kIkliftkmyklong,kf

lowingksleeveskintokthekair,kandk that'skwhenkIkseekmyselfkonkthektelevisionkscreen.kClothedkinkblac kexceptkforkt hekwhitekpatcheskonkmyksleeves.k OrkshouldkIksaykmykwings.k

BecausekCinnakhaskturnedkmekintokakmoc ingjay.k

kI'mkstillksmolderingkaklittle,ksok it'skwithkaktentativekhandkthatkCaesarkreacheskoutktoktouchkmykheadpiece.kThekwh itekhaskburnedkaway,kleavingkak smooth,kfittedkveilkofkblac kthatkdrapeskintoktheknec linekofkthekdresskinkthekb ac .k"Feathers,k"ksayskCaesar.k "You'rekli ekakbird.k"k"Akmoc ingjay,kIkthin ,k"kIksay,kgivingkmykwingskaksmallk flap.k"It'skthekbirdkonkthekpinkIk wearkaskakto en.k"kAkshadowkofkrecognitionkflic erskacrosskCaesar'skface,kandkIk canktellkhek nowskthatkthek moc ingjaykisn'tkjustkmykto en.kThatkit'skcomektoksymbolizeksokmuchkmore.kThatkw hatkwillkbekseenkaskakflashyk costumekchangekinkthekCapitolkiskresonatingkinkankentirelykdifferentkwaykthrough outkthekdistricts.kButkhekma esk thekbestkofkit.k"Well,khatskoffktokyourkstylist.kIkdon'tkthin kanyonekcankarguek thatkthat'sknotkthekmostkspectaculark thingkwe'vekeverkseenkinkankinterview.kCinna,kIkthin kyoukbetterkta ekakbow!"kCa esarkgestureskforkCinnaktokrise.k Hekdoes,kandkma eskaksmall,kgraciouskbow.kAndksuddenlykIkamksokafraidkforkhim.kW hatkhaskhekdone?k Somethingkterriblykdangerous.kAnkactkofkrebellionkinkitself.kAndkhe'skdonekitkfo rkme.kIkrememberkhiskwordsk...k "Don'tkworry.kIkalwayskchannelkmykemotionskintokmykwor .kThatkwaykIkdon'tkhurtka nyonekbutkmyself.k"k...kAndk I'mkafraidkhekhaskhurtkhimselfkbeyondkrepair.kTheksignificancekofkmykfieryktrans formationkwillknotkbeklostkonk PresidentkSnow.kThekaudience,kwho'skbeenkstunnedkintoksilence,kbrea skintokwildk applause.kIkcankbarelykheark thekbuzzerkthatkindicateskthatkmykthreekminuteskarekup.kCaesarkthan skmekandkIkg okbac ktokmykseat,kmykdressk nowkfeelingklighterkthankair.kAskIkpasskPeeta,kwho'skheadedkforkhiskinterview,kh ekdoesn'tkmeetkmykeyes.kIkta ek mykseatkcarefully,kbutkasidekfromkthekpuffskofksmo ekherekandkthere,kIkseemkunha rmed,ksokIkturnkmykattentionktok him.kCaesarkandkPeetakhavekbeenkaknaturalkteamksincektheykfirstkappearedktogethe rkakyearkago.kTheirkeasyk give-and-ta e,kcomicktiming,kandkabilityktokseguekintokheart-kwrenchingkmoments, kli ekPeeta'skconfessionkofk lovekforkme,khavekmadekthemkakhugeksuccesskwithkthekaudience.kTheykeffortlesslyk openkwithkakfewkjo eskaboutk fireskandkfeatherskandkovercoo ingkpoultry.kButkanyonekcankseekthatkPeetakiskpre occupied,ksokCaesarkdirectskthek conversationkrightkintoktheksubjectkthat'skonkeveryone'skminds.k"So,kPeeta,kwhat kwaskitkli ekwhen,kafterkallk

you'vekbeenkthrough,kyoukfoundkoutkaboutkthekQuell?"kas skCaesar.k"Ikwaskinkshoc .kIkmean,konekminutekI'mk seeingkKatnisskloo ingksokbeautifulkinkallkthesekweddingkgowns,kandktheknextk... k"kPeetaktrailskoff.k"Youkrealizedk therekwaskneverkgoingktokbekakwedding?"kas skCaesarkgently.kPeetakpauseskforkakl ongkmoment,kaskifkdecidingk something.kHekloo skoutkatkthekspellboundkaudience,kthenkatktinkfloor,kthenkfina llykupkatkCaesar.k"Caesar,kdok youkthin kallkourkfriendskherekcank eepkaksecret?"kAnkuncomfortableklaughkemanat eskfromkthekaudience.kWhatk cankhekmean?kKeepkaksecretkfromkwho?kOurkwholekworldkiskwatching.k"Ikfeelkquitek certainkofkit,k"ksayskCaesar.k "We'rekalreadykmarried,k"ksayskPeetakquietly.kThekcrowdkreactskinkastonishment,k andkIkhavektokburykmykfacekink thekfoldskofkmyks irtksoktheykcan'tkseekmykconfusion.kWherekonkearthkiskhekgoing kwithkthis?k"Butk...kHowkcank thatkbe?"kas skCaesar.k"Oh,kit'sknotkankofficialkmarriage.kWekdidn'tkgoktokthekJ usticekBuildingkorkanything.kButk wekhavekthiskmarriagekritualkinkDistrictkTwelve.kIkdon'tk nowkwhatkit'skli ekink thekotherkdistricts.kButkthere'skthisk thingkwekdo,k"ksayskPeeta,kandkhekbrieflykdescribeskthektoasting.k"Werekyourkfam ilieskthere?"kas skCaesar.k"No,k wekdidn'tktellkanyone.kNotkevenkHaymitch.kAndkKatniss'skmotherkwouldkneverkhavek approved.kButkyouksee,kwek newkifkwekwerekmarriedkinkthekCapitol,ktherekwouldn'tkbekaktoasting.kAndkneithe rkofkuskreallykwantedktokwaitk anyklonger.kSokonekday,kwekjustkdidkit,k"kPeetaksays.k"Andktokus,kwe'rekmorekmar riedkthankanykpiecekofkpaperkork bigkpartykcouldkma ekus.k"k"SokthiskwaskbeforekthekQuell?"ksayskCaesar.k"Ofkcour sekbeforekthekQuell.kI'mksurek we'dkneverkhavekdonekitkafterkwek new,k"ksayskPeeta,kstartingktokgetkupset.k"But kwhokcould'vekseenkitkcoming?k Nokone.kWekwentkthroughkthekGames,kwekwerekvictors,keveryonekseemedksokthrilledk tokseekusktogether,kandk thenkoutkofknowhere--Ikmean,khowkcouldkwekanticipatekakthingkli ekthat?"k"Youkco uldn't,kPeeta.k"kCaesarkputsk ankarmkaroundkhiskshoulders.k"Askyouksay,knokonekcould've.kButkIkhavektokconfess ,kI'mkgladkyouktwokhadkatkleastk akfewkmonthskofkhappinessktogether.k"kEnormouskapplause.kAskifkencouraged,kIkloo kupkfromkmykfeatherskandk letkthekaudiencekseekmyktragicksmilekofkthan s.kThekresidualksmo ekfromkthekfeat herskhaskmadekmykeyeskteary,k whichkaddskakveryknicektouch.k"I'mknotkglad,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Ikwishkwekhadkwaited kuntilkthekwholekthingkwask donekofficially.k"kThiskta eskevenkCaesarkabac .k"Surelykevenkakbriefktimekiskbe tterkthanknoktime?"k"MaybekI'dk thin kthat,ktoo,kCaesar,k"ksayskPeetakbitterly,k"ifkitkweren'tkforkthekbaby.k"kT here.kHe'skdonekitkagain.kDroppedkak bombkthatkwipeskoutkthekeffortskofkeveryktributekwhokcamekbeforekhim.kWell,kmayb eknot.kMaybekthiskyearkhek haskonlyklitkthekfusekonkakbombkthatkthekvictorskthemselveskhavekbeenkbuilding.k Hopingksomeonekwouldkbekablek tokdetonatekit.kPerhapskthin ingkitkwouldkbekmekinkmykbridalkgown.kNotk nowingkh owkmuchkIkrelykonkCinna'sk talents,kwhereaskPeetakneedsknothingkmorekthankhiskwits.kAskthekbombkexplodes,ki tksendskaccusationskofk injusticekandkbarbarismkandkcrueltykflyingkoutkinkeverykdirection.kEvenkthekmost kCapitol-loving,k Games-hungry,kbloodthirstykpersonkoutktherekcan'tkignore,katkleastkforkakmoment,

khowkhorrifickthekwholekthingk is.kIkamkpregnant.kThekaudiencekcan'tkabsorbktheknewskrightkaway.kItkhasktokstri ekthemkandksin kinkandkbek confirmedkbykotherkvoiceskbeforektheykbeginktoksoundkli ekakherdkofkwoundedkanim als,kmoaning,kshrie ing,k callingkforkhelp.kAndkme?kIk nowkmykfacekiskprojectedkinkaktightkclose-upkonkthe kscreen,kbutkIkdon'tkma ekanyk effortktokhidekit.kBecausekforkakmoment,kevenkIkamkwor ingkthroughkwhatkPeetakha sksaid.kIsn'tkitkthekthingkIk dreadedkmostkaboutkthekwedding,kaboutkthekfuture--theklosskofkmykchildrenktokthe kGames?kAndkitkcouldkbektruek now,kcouldn'tkit?kIfkIkhadn'tkspentkmyklifekbuildingkupklayerskofkdefenseskuntil kIkrecoilkatkevenktheksuggestionkofk marriagekorkakfamily?kCaesarkcan'tkreinkinkthekcrowdkagain,knotkevenkwhenkthekbu zzerksounds.kPeetaknodskhisk good-byekandkcomeskbac ktokhiskseatkwithoutkanykmorekconversation.kIkcankseekCae sar'sklipskmoving,kbutkthek placekiskinktotalkchaoskandkIkcan'tkhearkakword.kOnlykthekblastkofkthekanthem,kc ran edkupksokloudkIkcankfeelkitk vibratingkthroughkmyk

bones,kletskusk nowkwherekwekstandkinkthekprogram.kIkautomaticallykrisekand,kask Ikdo,kIk sensekPeetakreachingkoutkforkme.kTearskrunkdownkhiskfacekaskIkta ekhiskhand.kHow krealkarekthektears?kIskthiskank ac nowledgmentkthatkhekhaskbeenkstal edkbyktheksamekfearskthatkIkhave?kThatkever ykvictorkhas?kEverykparentkink everykdistrictkinkPanem?kIkloo kbac ktokthekcrowd,kbutkthekfaceskofkRue'skmother kandkfatherkswimkbeforekmyk eyes.kTheirksorrow.kTheirkloss.kIkturnkspontaneouslyktokChaffkandkofferkmykhand. kIkfeelkmykfingerskclosekaroundk thekstumpkthatknowkcompleteskhiskarmkandkholdkfast.kAndkthenkitkhappens.kUpkandk downkthekrow,kthekvictorsk beginktokjoinkhands.kSomekrightkaway,kli ekthekmorphlings,korkWiresskandkBeetee. kOtherskunsurekbutkcaughtkupk inkthekdemandskofkthosekaroundkthem,kli ekBrutuskandkEnobaria.kBykthektimektheka nthemkplayskitskfinalkstrains,k allktwenty-fourkofkuskstandkinkonekunbro enklinekinkwhatkmustkbekthekfirstkpubli ckshowkofkunitykamongkthek districtsksincekthekDar kDays.kYoukcankseekthekrealizationkofkthiskaskthekscreen skbeginktokpopkintokblac ness.kIt'sk tooklate,kthough.kInkthekconfusionktheykdidn'tkcutkuskoffkinktime.kEveryonekhask seen.kThere'skdisorderkonkthek stageknow,ktoo,kasktheklightskgokoutkandkwe'rekleftktokstumblekbac kintokthekTra iningkCenter.kI'veklostkholdkofk Chaff,kbutkPeetakguideskmekintokankelevator.kFinnic kandkJohannaktryktokjoinkus, kbutkakharriedkPeace eeperk bloc sktheirkwaykandkwekshootkupwardkalone.kThekmomentkwekstepkoffkthekelevator, kPeetakgripskmykshoulders.k

"Therekisn'tkmuchktime,ksoktellkme.kIsktherekanythingkIkhavektokapologizekfor?"k "Nothing,k"kIksay.kItkwaskakbigk leapktokta ekwithoutkmyko ay,kbutkI'mkjustkaskgladkIkdidn'tk now,kdidn'tkhavekti mektoksecond-guesskhim,ktokletk anykguiltkoverkGalekdetractkfromkhowkIkreallykfeelkaboutkwhatkPeetakdid.kWhichki skempowered.kSomewhere,k verykfarkoff,kiskakplacekcalledkDistrictk12,kwherekmykmotherkandksisterkandkfrie ndskwillkhavektokdealkwithkthek falloutkfromkthisknight.kJustkakbriefkhovercraftkridekawaykiskankarenakwhere,kto morrow,kPeetakandkIkandkthekotherk tributeskwillkfacekourkownkformkofkpunishment.kButkevenkifkallkofkuskmeetkterrib lekends,ksomethingkhappenedkonk thatkstagektonightkthatkcan'tkbekundone.kWekvictorskstagedkourkownkuprising,kand kmaybe,kjustkmaybe,kthek Capitolkwon'tkbekablektokcontainkthiskone.kWekwaitkforkthekothersktokreturn,kbut kwhenkthekelevatorkopens,konlyk Haymitchkappears.k"It'skmadnesskoutkthere.kEveryone'skbeenksentkhomekandkthey've kcanceledkthekrecapkofkthek interviewskonktelevision.k"kPeetakandkIkhurryktokthekwindowkandktryktokma eksens ekofkthekcommotionkfarkbelowk uskonkthekstreets.k"Whatkarektheyksaying?"kPeetakas s.k"Arektheykas ingkthekpres identktokstopkthekGames?"k"Ik don'tkthin ktheyk nowkthemselveskwhatktokas .kThekwholeksituationkiskunprecedent ed.kEvenkthekideakofk opposingkthekCapitol'skagendakiskaksourcekofkconfusionkforkthekpeoplekhere,k"ksa yskHaymitch.k"Butkthere'sknok waykSnowkwouldkcancelkthekGames.kYouk nowkthat,kright?"kIkdo.kOfkcourse,khekcoul dkneverkbac kdownknow.k Thekonlykoptionkleftktokhimkisktokstri ekbac ,kandkstri ekbac khard.k"Thekothers kwentkhome?"kIkas .k"Theykwerek orderedkto.kIkdon'tk nowkhowkmuchkluc kthey'rekhavingkgettingkthroughkthekmob,k" ksayskHaymitch.k"Thenkwe'llk neverkseekEffiekagain,k"ksayskPeeta.kWekdidn'tkseekherkonkthekmorningkofkthekGam esklastkyear.k"You'llkgivekherk ourkthan s.k"k"Morekthankthat.kReallykma ekitkspecial.kIt'skEffie,kafterkall,k"k Iksay.k"Tellkherkhowkappreciativekwek arekandkhowkshekwaskthekbestkescortkeverkandktellkherk...kTellkherkweksendkourkl ove.k"kForkakwhilekwekjustkstandk therekinksilence,kdelayingkthekinevitable.kThenkHaymitchksayskit.k"Ikguesskthisk iskwherekweksaykourkgood-byeskask well.k"k"Anyklastkwordskofkadvice?"kPeetakas s.k"Staykalive,k"kHaymitchksayskgru ffly.kThat'skalmostkankoldkjo ek withkusknow.kHekgiveskuskeachkakquic kembrace,kandkIkcanktellkit'skallkhekcankst and.k"Goktokbed.kYoukneedkyourk rest.k"kIk nowkIkshouldksaykakwholekbunchkofkthingsktokHaymitch,kbutkIkcan'tkthi n kofkanythingkhekdoesn'tk alreadyk now,kreally,kandkmykthroatkisksoktightkIkdoubtkanythingkwouldkcomekout, kanyway.kSo,koncekagain,kIkletk Peetakspea kforkuskboth.k"Youkta ekcare,kHaymitch,k"kheksays.kWekcrosskthekroom, kbutkinkthekdoorway,k Haymitch'skvoicekstopskus.k"Katniss,kwhenkyou'rekinkthekarena,k"khekbegins.kThen khekpauses.kHe'skscowlingkinkak waykthatkma eskmeksurekI'vekalreadykdisappointedkhim.k"What?"kIkas kdefensively. k"Youkjustkrememberkwhok thekenemykis,k"kHaymitchktellskme.k"That'skall.kNowkgokon.kGetkoutkofkhere.k"kWe kwal kdownkthekhallway.kPeetak wantsktokstopkbykhiskroomktokshowerkoffkthekma eupkandkmeetkmekinkakfewkminutes, kbutkIkwon'tkletkhim.kI'mk certainkthatkifkakdoorkshutskbetweenkus,kitkwillkloc kandkI'llkhavektokspendkthe

knightkwithoutkhim.kBesides,kIkhavek akshowerkinkmykroom.kIkrefusektokletkgokofkhiskhand.kDokweksleep?kIkdon'tk now.k Wekspendktheknightkholdingk eachkother,kinksomekhalfwayklandkbetweenkdreamskandkwa ing.kNotktal ing.kBothkaf raidktokdisturbkthekotherkink thekhopekthatkwe'llkbekablektokstorekupkakfewkpreciouskminuteskofkrest.kCinnakan dkPortiakarrivekwithkthekdawn,k andkIk nowkPeetakwillkhavektokgo.kTributeskenterkthekarenakalone.kHekgiveskmekak lightk iss.k"Seekyouksoon,k"khek says.k"Seekyouksoon,k"kIkanswer.kCinna,kwhokwillkhelpkdresskmekforkthekGames,kac companieskmektokthekroof.k I'mkaboutktokmountkthekladderktokthekhovercraftkwhenkIkremember.k"Ikdidn'tksaykg ood-kbyektokPortia.k"k"I'llktellk her,k"ksayskCinna.kThekelectrickcurrentkfreezeskmekinkplacekonkthekladderkuntilk thekdoctorkinjectskthektrac erkintok mykleftkforearm.kNowktheykwillkalwayskbekablektoklocatekmekinkthekarena.kThekhov ercraftkta eskoff,kandkIkloo k outkthekwindowskuntilktheykblac kout.kCinnak eepskpressingkmektokeatkand,kwhenkt hatkfails,ktokdrin .kIkmanagek tok eepksippingkwater,kthin ingkofkthekdayskofkdehydrationkthatkalmostk illedkme klastkyear.kThin ingkofkhowkIk willkneedkmykstrengthktok eepkPeetakalive.kWhenkwekreachkthekLaunchkRoomkatkthek arena,kIkshower.kCinnak braidskmykhairkdownkmykbac kandkhelpskmekdresskoverksimplekundergarments.kThisky ear'sktributekoutfitkiskak fittedkbluekjumpsuit,kmadekofkveryksheerkmaterial,kthatkzipperskupkthekfront.kAk six-inch-widekpaddedkbeltk coveredkinkshinykpurplekplastic.kAkpairkofknylonkshoeskwithkrubberksoles.k"Whatk dokyoukthin ?"kIkas ,kholdingk thekfabrickoutkforkCinnaktokexamine.kHekfrownskaskhekrubskthekthinkstuffkbetween khiskfingers.k"Ikdon'tk now.kItk willkofferklittlekinkthekwaykofkprotectionkfromkcoldkorkwater.k"k"Sun?"kIkas ,kp icturingkakburningksunkoverkak barrenkdesert.k"Possibly.kIfkit'skbeenktreated,k"kheksays.k"Oh,kIkalmostkforgotk this.k"kHekta eskmykgoldk moc ingjaykpinkfromkhiskpoc etkandkfixeskitktokthekjumpsuit.k"Mykdresskwaskfanta sticklastknight,k"kIksay.k Fantastickandkrec less.kButkCinnakmustk nowkthat.k"Ikthoughtkyoukmightkli ekit,k "kheksayskwithkaktightksmile.kWek sit,kaskwekdidklastkyear,kholdingkhandskuntilkthekvoicektellskmektokpreparekfork theklaunch.kHekwal skmekoverktok thekcircularkmetalkplatekandkzipskupktheknec kofkmyk

jumpsuitksecurely.k"Remember,kgirlkonkfire,k"kheksays,k"I'mk stillkbettingkonkyou.k"kHek isseskmykforeheadkandkstepskbac kaskthekglasskcylind erkslideskdownkaroundkme.k "Than kyou,k"kIksay,kalthoughkhekprobablykcan'tkhearkme.kIkliftkmykchin,kholding kmykheadkhighkthekwaykhek

alwaysktellskmekto,kandkwaitkforkthekplatektokrise.kButkitkdoesn't.kAndkitkstill kdoesn't.kIkloo katkCinna,kraisingkmyk eyebrowskforkankexplanation.kHekjustkgiveskhiskheadkakslightksha e,kaskperplexed kaskIkam.kWhykarektheyk delayingkthis?kSuddenlykthekdoorkbehindkhimkburstskopenkandkthreekPeace eepersks pringkintokthekroom.kTwok pinkCinna'skarmskbehindkhimkandkcuffkhimkwhilekthekthirdkhitskhimkinkthektemplek withksuchkforcekhe'sk noc edk tokhisk nees.kButktheyk eepkhittingkhimkwithkmetal-studdedkgloves,kopeningkgashe skonkhiskfacekandkbody.kI'mk screamingkmykheadkoff,kbangingkonkthekunyieldingkglass,ktryingktokreachkhim.kThe kPeace eeperskignorekmek completelykasktheykdragkCinna'sklimpkbodykfromkthekroom.kAllkthat'skleftkarekthe ksmearskofkbloodkonkthekfloor.k Sic enedkandkterrified,kIkfeelkthekplatekbeginktokrise.kI'mkstillkleaningkagains tkthekglasskwhenkthekbreezekcatchesk mykhairkandkIkforcekmyselfktokstraightenkup.kJustkinktime,ktoo,kbecausekthekglas skiskretreatingkandkI'mkstandingk freekinkthekarena.kSomethingkseemsktokbekwrongkwithkmykvision.kThekgroundkisktoo kbrightkandkshinykandk eepsk undulating.kIksquintkdownkatkmykfeetkandkseekthatkmykmetalkplatekisksurroundedkb ykbluekwaveskthatklapkupkoverk mykboots.kSlowlykIkraisekmykeyeskandkta ekinkthekwaterkspreadingkoutkinkeverykdi rection.kIkcankonlykformkonek clearkthought.kThiskisknokplacekforkakgirlkonkfire.k

kPARTkIIIk"THEkENEMY"k "Ladieskandkgentlemen,kletkthekSeventy-fifthkHungerkGameskbegin!"kThekvoicekofkC laudiuskTemplesmith,kthek HungerkGameskannouncer,khammerskmykears.kIkhaveklesskthankakminutektokgetkmykbea rings.kThenkthekgongkwillk soundkandkthektributeskwillkbekfreektokmovekoffktheirkmetalkplates.kButkmovekwhe re?kIkcan'tkthin kstraight.kThek imagekofkCinna,kbeatenkandkbloody,kconsumeskme.kWherekiskheknow?kWhatkarektheykd oingktokhim?kTorturingk him?kKillingkhim?kTurningkhimkintokankAvox?kObviouslykhiskassaultkwaskstagedktok unhingekme,ktheksamekwayk Darius'skpresencekinkmykquarterskwas.kAndkitkhaskunhingedkme.kAllkIkwantktokdoki skcollapsekonkmykmetalkplate.k ButkIkcankhardlykdokthatkafterkwhatkIkjustkwitnessed.kIkmustkbekstrong.kIkowekit ktokCinna,kwhokris edkeverythingk bykunderminingkPresidentkSnowkandkturningkmykbridalksil kintokmoc ingjaykplumage .kAndkIkowekitktokthek rebelskwho,kemboldenedkbykCinna'skexample,kmightkbekfightingktokbringkdownkthekC apitolkatkthiskmoment.kMyk refusalktokplaykthekGameskonkthekCapitol'sktermskisktokbekmyklastkactkofkrebelli on.kSokIkgritkmykteethkandkwillk myselfktokbekakplayer.kWherekarekyou?kIkcankstillkma eknoksensekofkmyksurroundin gs.kWherekarekyou?!kIk demandkankanswerkfromkmyselfkandkslowlykthekworldkcomeskintokfocus.kBluekwater.k Pin ks y.kWhite-hotksunk beatingkdown.kAllkright,kthere'skthekCornucopia,kthekshiningkgoldkmetalkhorn,kab outkfortykyardskaway.kAtkfirst,kitk appearsktokbeksittingkonkakcircularkisland.kButkonkcloserkexamination,kIkseekthe kthinkstripskofklandkradiatingkfromk thekcirclekli ekthekspo eskonkakwheel.kIkthin ktherekarektenktoktwelve,kandkthey kseemkequidistantkfromkonek another.kBetweenkthekspo es,kallkiskwater.kWaterkandkakpairkofktributes.kThat'sk it,kthen.kTherekarektwelvekspo es,k eachkwithktwoktributeskbalancedkonkmetalkplateskbetweenkthem.kThekotherktributek inkmykwaterykwedgekiskoldk WoofkfromkDistrictk8.kHe'skaboutkaskfarktokmykrightkasktheklandkstripkonkmykleft .kBeyondkthekwater,kwhereverk youkloo ,kaknarrowkbeachkandkthenkdensekgreenery.kIkscankthekcirclekofktributes, kloo ingkforkPeeta,kbutkhekmustk bekbloc edkfromkmykviewkbykthekCornucopia.kIkcatchkakhandfulkofkwaterkaskitkwash eskinkandksmellkit.kThenkIk touchkthektipkofkmykwetkfingerktokmyktongue.kAskIksuspected,kit'sksaltwater.kJus tkli ekthekwaveskPeetakandkIk encounteredkonkourkbriefktourkofkthekbeachkinkDistrictk4.kButkatkleastkitkseemsk clean.kTherekareknokboats,knok ropes,knotkevenkakbitkofkdriftwoodktokclingkto.kNo,kthere'skonlykonekwayktokgetk tokthekCornucopia.kWhenkthek gongksounds,kIkdon'tkevenkhesitatekbeforekIkdivektokmykleft.kIt'skaklongerkdista ncekthankI'mkusedkto,kandk navigatingkthekwaveskta eskaklittlekmoreks illkthankswimmingkacrosskmykquietkla ekatkhome,kbutkmykbodykseemsk oddlyklightkandkIkcutkthroughkthekwaterkeffortlessly.kMaybekit'sktheksalt.kIkpul lkmyself,kdripping,kontoktheklandk stripkandksprintkdownktheksandykstretchkforkthekCornucopia.kIkcankseeknokonekels ekconvergingkfromkmykside,k althoughkthekgoldkhornkbloc skakgoodkportionkofkmykview.kIkdon'tkletkthekthought kofkadversarieskslowkmekdown,k though.kI'mkthin ingkli ekakCareerknow,kandkthekfirstkthingkIkwantkisktokgetkmyk handskonkakweapon.kLastkyear,k

theksupplieskwerekspreadkoutkquitekakdistancekaroundkthekCornucopia,kwithkthekmo stkvaluablekclosestktokthek horn.kButkthiskyear,kthekbootykseemsktokbekpiledkatkthektwenty-foot-highkmouth.k Mykeyeskinstantlykhomekinkonkak goldenkbowkjustkinkarm'skreachkandkIkyan kitkfree.kThere'sksomeonekbehindkme.kI' mkalertedkby,kIkdon'tk now,kak softkshiftkofksandkorkmaybekjustkakchangekinkthekairkcurrents.kIkpullkankarrowkf romktheksheathkthat'skstillkwedgedk inkthekpilekandkarmkmykbowkaskIkturn.kFinnic ,kglisteningkandkgorgeous,kstandska kfewkyardskaway,kwithkaktridentk poisedktokattac .kAknetkdangleskfromkhiskotherkhand.kHe'sksmilingkaklittle,kbutk thekmuscleskinkhiskupperkbodykarek rigidkinkanticipation.k"Youkcankswim,ktoo,k"kheksays.k"Wherekdidkyouklearnkthatk inkDistrictkTwelve?"k"Wekhavek akbigkbathtub,k"kIkanswer.k"Youkmust,k"kheksays.k"Youkli ekthekarena?"k"Notkpart icularly.kButkyoukshould.kTheyk mustkhavekbuiltkitkespeciallykforkyou,k"kIksaykwithkankedgekofkbitterness.kItkse emskli ekit,kanyway,kwithkallkthek water,kwhenkIkbetkonlykakhandfulkofkthekvictorskcankswim.kAndktherekwasknokpoolk inkthekTrainingkCenter,knok

chancektoklearn.kEitherkyoukcamekinkherekakswimmerkorkyou'dkbetterkbekakreallykf astklearner.kEvenkparticipationk inkthekinitialkbloodbathkdependskonkbeingkablektokcoverktwentykyardskofkwater.kT hatkgiveskDistrictk4kank enormouskadvantage.kForkakmomentkwe'rekfrozen,ksizingkeachkotherkup,kourkweapons ,kourks ill.kThenkFinnic k suddenlykgrins.k"Luc ykthingkwe'rekallies.kRight?"kSensingkaktrap,kI'mkaboutktok letkmykarrowkfly,khopingkitkfindsk hiskheartkbeforekthektridentkimpaleskme,kwhenkhekshiftskhiskhandkandksomethingko nkhiskwristkcatcheskthek sunlight.kAksolid-goldkbanglekpatternedkwithkflames.kTheksamekonekIkrememberkonk Haymitch'skwristkthek morningkIkbeganktraining.kIkbrieflykconsiderkthatkFinnic kcouldkhavekstolenkitkt oktric kme,kbutksomehowkIk nowk thiskisn'tkthekcase.kHaymitchkgavekitktokhim.kAskaksignalktokme.kAnkorder,kreall y.kToktrustkFinnic .kIkcankheark otherkfootstepskapproaching.kIkmustkdecidekatkonce.k"Right!"kIksnap,kbecausekeve nkthoughkHaymitchkiskmyk mentorkandktryingktok eepkmekalive,kthiskangerskme.kWhykdidn'tkhektellkmekhe'dkm adekthiskarrangementkbefore?k ProbablykbecausekPeetakandkIkhadkruledkoutkallies.kNowkHaymitchkhaskchosenkoneko nkhiskown.k"Duc !"kFinnic k commandskinksuchkakpowerfulkvoice,ksokdifferentkfromkhiskusualkseductivekpurr,kt hatkIkdo.kHisktridentkgoesk whizzingkoverkmykheadkandkthere'skaksic eningksoundkofkimpactkaskitkfindskitskta rget.kThekmankfromkDistrictk5,k thekdrun kwhokthrewkupkonktheksword-fightingkfloor,ksin sktokhisk neeskaskFinnic kfreeskthektridentkfromkhisk chest.k"Don'tktrustkOnekandkTwo,k"kFinnic ksays.kThere'sknoktimektokquestionkthi s.kIkwor ktheksheathkofkarrowsk free.k"Eachkta ekonekside?"kIksay.kHeknods,kandkIkdartkaroundkthekpile.kAboutkfo urkspo eskapart,kEnobariakandk Glosskarekjustkreachingkland.kEitherkthey'rekslowkswimmerskorktheykthoughtkthekw aterkmightkbeklacedkwithkotherk dangers,kwhichkitkmightkwellkbe.kSometimeskit'sknotkgoodktokconsiderktookmanyksc enarios.kButknowkthatkthey'rek onktheksand,kthey'llkbekherekinkakmatterkofkseconds.k"Anythingkuseful?"kIkhearkF innic kshout.kIkquic lykscankthek pilekonkmyksidekandkfindkmaces,kswords,kbowskandkarrows,ktridents,k nives,kspear s,kaxes,kmetallickobjectskIk haveknoknamekfork...kAndknothingkelse.k"Weapons!"kIkcallkbac .k"Nothingkbutkweap ons!"k"Samekhere,k"khek confirms.k"Grabkwhatkyoukwantkandklet'skgo!"kIkshootkankarrowkatkEnobaria,kwho's kgottenkinktookclosekfork comfort,kbutkshe'skexpectingkitkandkdiveskbac kintokthekwaterkbeforekitkcankfind kitskmar .kGlosskisn'tkquitekask swift,kandkIksin kankarrowkintokhiskcalfkaskhekplungeskintokthekwaves.kIkslingka nkextrakbowkandkaksecondksheathk ofkarrowskoverkmykbody,kslidektwoklongk niveskandkankawlkintokmykbelt,kandkmeetk upkwithkFinnic katkthekfrontk ofkthekpile.k"Doksomethingkaboutkthat,kwouldkyou?"kheksays.kIkseekBrutuskbarreli ngktowardkus.kHiskbeltkisk undonekandkhekhaskitkstretchedkbetweenkhiskhandskaskak indkofkshield.kIkshootkat khimkandkhekmanagesktokbloc k thekarrowkwithkhiskbeltkbeforekitkcanks ewerkhiskliver.kWherekitkpunctureskthekb elt,kakpurplekliquidkspewskforth,k coatingkhiskface.kAskIkreload,kBrutuskflattenskonkthekground,krollskthekfewkfeet ktokthekwater,kandksubmerges.k There'skakclangkofkmetalkfallingkbehindkme.k"Let'skclearkout,k"kIksayktokFinnic

.kThisklastkaltercationkhaskgivenk EnobariakandkGlossktimektokreachkthekCornucopia.kBrutuskiskwithinkshootingkdista ncekandksomewhere,k certainly,kCashmerekisknearby,ktoo.kThesekfourkclassickCareerskwillknokdoubtkhav ekakpriorkalliance.kIfkIkhadkonlyk mykownksafetyktokconsider,kIkmightkbekwillingktokta ekthemkonkwithkFinnic kbykmy kside.k

Butkit'skPeetakI'mk thin ingkabout.kIkspotkhimknow,kstillkstrandedkonkhiskmetalkplate.kIkta ekoffkan dkFinnic kfollowskwithoutk question,kaskifk nowingkthiskwillkbekmyknextkmove.kWhenkI'mkaskclosekaskIkcankge t,kIkstartkremovingk nivesk fromkmykbelt,kpreparingktokswimkoutktokreachkhimkandksomehowkbringkhimkin.kFinni c kdropskakhandkonkmyk shoulder.k"I'llkgetkhim.k"kSuspicionkflic erskupkinsidekme.kCouldkthiskallkjustk bekakruse?kForkFinnic ktokwinkmyk trustkandkthenkswimkoutkandkdrownkPeeta?k"Ikcan,k"kIkinsist.kButkFinnic khaskdro ppedkallkhiskweaponsktokthek ground.k"Betterknotkexertkyourself.kNotkinkyourkcondition,k"kheksays,kandkreache skdownkandkpatskmykabdomen.k Oh,kright.kI'mksupposedktokbekpregnant,kIkthin .kWhilekI'mktryingktokthin kwhatk thatkmeanskandkhowkIkshouldk act--maybekthrowkupkorksomething--Finnic khaskpositionedkhimselfkatkthekedgekofk thekwater.k"Coverkme,k"khek says.kHekdisappearskwithkakflawlesskdive.kIkraisekmykbow,kwardingkoffkanykattac erskfromkthekCornucopia,kbutk nokonekseemskinterestedkinkpursuingkus.kSurekenough,kGloss,kCashmere,kEnobaria,k andkBrutuskhavekgathered,k theirkpac kformedkalready,kpic ingkoverkthekweapons.kAkquic ksurveykofkthekrestk ofkthekarenakshowskthatkmostk ofkthektributeskarekstillktrappedkonktheirkplates.kWait,kno,kthere'sksomeoneksta ndingkonkthekspo ektokmykleft,kthek onekoppositekPeeta.kIt'skMags.kButkshekneitherkheadskforkthekCornucopiaknorktrie sktokflee.kInsteadksheksplashesk intokthekwaterkandkstartskpaddlingktowardkme,kherkgraykheadkbobbingkabovekthekwa ves.kWell,kshe'skold,kbutkIk guesskafterkeightykyearskofklivingkinkDistrictk4kshekcank eepkafloat.kFinnic kha skreachedkPeetaknowkandkisk towingkhimkbac ,konekarmkacrosskhiskchestkwhilekthekotherkpropelskthemkthroughkt hekwaterkwithkeasykstro es.k Peetakrideskalongkwithoutkresisting.kIkdon'tk nowkwhatkFinnic ksaidkorkdidkthatk convincedkhimktokputkhisklifekink hiskhandsk--kshowedkhimkthekbangle,kmaybe.kOrkjustktheksightkofkmekwaitingkmight khavekbeenkenough.kWhenk theykreachktheksand,kIkhelpkhaulkPeetakupkontokdrykland.k"Hello,kagain,k"kheksay s,kandkgiveskmekak iss.k"We'vek gotkallies.k"k"Yes.kJustkaskHaymitchkintended,k"kIkanswer.k"Remindkme,kdidkwekma ekdealskwithkanyonekelse?"k

Peetakas s.k"OnlykMags,kIkthin ,k"kIksay.kIknodktowardkthekoldkwomankdoggedlykma ingkherkwayktowardkus.k "Well,kIkcan'tkleavekMagskbehind,k"ksayskFinnic .k"She'skonekofkthekfewkpeoplekw hokactuallykli eskme.k"k"I'vek gotknokproblemkwithkMags,k"kIksay.k"EspeciallyknowkthatkIkseekthekarena.kHetkfis hhoo skarekprobablykourkbestk chancekofkgettingkakmeal.k"k"Katnisskwantedkherkonkthekfirstkday,k"ksayskPeeta.k "Katnisskhaskremar ablykgoodk judgment,k"ksayskFinnic .kWithkonekhandkhekreacheskintokthekwaterkandkscoopskout kMagskli ekshekweighsknok morekthankakpuppy.kShekma esksomekremar kthatkIkthin kincludeskthekwordk"bob,k"k thenkpatskherkbelt.k"Loo ,k she'skright.kSomeonekfiguredkitkout.k"kFinnic kpointsktokBeetee.kHe'skflailingka roundkinkthekwaveskbutkmanagingk tok eepkhiskheadkabovekwater.k"What?"kIksay.k"Thekbelts.kThey'rekflotationkdevic es,k"ksayskFinnic .k"Ikmean,k youkhavektokpropelkyourself,kbutkthey'llk eepkyoukfromkdrowning.k"kIkalmostkas k Finnic ktokwait,ktokgetkBeeteek andkWiresskandkta ekthemkwithkus,kbutkBeetee'skthreekspo eskoverkandkIkcan'tkeve nkseekWiress.kForkallkIk now,k Finnic kwouldk illkthemkaskquic lykaskhekdidkthektributekfromk5,ksokinsteadkIksu ggestkwekmovekon.kIkhandkPeetak akbow,kaksheathkofkarrows,kandkak nife,k eepingkthekrestkforkmyself.kButkMagsktu gskonkmyksleevekandkbabblesk onkuntilkI'vekgivenkthekawlktokher.kPleased,kshekclampskthekhandlekbetweenkherkg umskandkreacheskherkarmskupktok Finnic .kHektosseskhisknetkoverkhiskshoulder,khoistskMagskonktopkofkit,kgripskhi sktridentskinkhiskfreekhand,kandkwek runkawaykfromkthekCornucopia.kWherektheksandkends,kwoodskbeginktokriseksharply.k No,knotkreallykwoods.kAtk leastknotkthek indkIk now.kJungle.kThekforeign,kalmostkobsoletekwordkcomesktokmi nd.kSomethingkIkheardkfromk anotherkHungerkGameskorklearnedkfromkmykfather.kMostkofkthektreeskarekunfamiliar ,kwithksmoothktrun skandk fewkbranches.kThekearthkiskverykblac kandkspongykunderfoot,koftenkobscuredkbykta ngleskofkvineskwithkcolorfulk blossoms.kWhilektheksun'skhotkandkbright,kthekair'skwarmkandkheavykwithkmoisture ,kandkIkgetkthekfeelingkIkwillk neverkreallykbekdrykhere.kThekthinkbluekfabrickofkmykjumpsuitkletskthekseawaterk evaporatekeasily,kbutkit'skalreadyk begunktokclingktokmekwithksweat.kPeetakta esktheklead,kcuttingkthroughkthekpatch eskofkdensekvegetationkwithkhisk longk nife.kIkma ekFinnic kgoksecondkbecausekevenkthoughkhe'skthekmostkpowerful, khe'skgotkhiskhandskfullkwithk Mags.kBesides,kwhilekhe'skakwhizkwithkthatktrident,kit'skakweaponklessksuitedkto kthekjunglekthankmykarrows.kItk doesn'tkta eklong,kbetweenktheksteepkinclinekandkthekheat,ktokbecomekshortkofkbr eath.kPeetakandkIkhavekbeenk trainingkintensely,kthough,kandkFinnic 'sksuchkankamazingkphysicalkspecimenkthat kevenkwithkMagskoverkhisk shoulder,kwekclimbkrapidlykforkaboutkakmilekbeforekhekrequestskakrest.kAndkthenk Ikthin kit'skmorekforkMags'sk sa ekthankhiskown.kThekfoliagekhaskhiddenkthekwheelkfromksight,ksokIkscalekaktre ekwithkrubberyklimbsktokgetkak betterkview.kAndkthenkwishkthatkIkhadn't.kAroundkthekCornucopia,kthekgroundkappe arsktokbekbleeding;kthekwaterk haskpurplekstains.kBodieskliekonkthekgroundkandkfloatkinktheksea,kbutkatkthiskdi stance,kwithkeveryonekdressedk exactlyktheksame,kIkcan'tktellkwhokliveskorkdies.kAllkIkcanktellkiskthatksomekof

kthektinykbluekfigureskstillkbattle.k Well,kwhatkdidkIkthin ?kThatkthekvictors'kchainkofkloc edkhandsklastknightkwould kresultkinksomeksortkofkuniversalk trucekinkthekarena?kNo,kIkneverkbelievedkthat.kButkIkguesskIkhadkhopedkpeoplekmi ghtkshowksomek...kWhat?k Restraint?kReluctance,katkleast.kBeforektheykjumpedkrightkintokmassacrekmode.kAn dkyoukallk newkeachkother,kIk thin .kYoukactedkli ekfriends.kIkhavekonlykonekrealkfriendkinkhere.kAndkhekisn't kfromkDistrictk4.kIkletkthekslight,k soupykbreezekcoolkmykchee skwhilekIkcomektokakdecision.kDespitekthekbangle,kIksh ouldkjustkgetkitkoverkwithkandk shootkFinnic .kThere'skreallyknokfuturekinkthiskalliance.kAndkhe'sktookdangerous ktokletkgo.kNow,kwhenkwekhavek thisktentativektrust,kmaykbekmykonlykchancektok illkhim.kIkcouldkeasilykshootkhi mkinkthekbac kaskwekwal .kIt'sk despicable,kofkcourse,kbutkwillkitkbekanykmorekdespicablekifkIkwait?kKnowkhimkbe tter?kOwekhimkmore?kNo,kthisk iskthektime.kIkta ekoneklastkloo katkthekbattlingkfigures,kthekbloodykground,kto khardenkmykresolve,kandkthenkslidek tokthekground.kButkwhenkIkland,kIkfindkFinnic 'sk eptkpacekwithkmykthoughts.kAsk ifkhek nowskwhatkIkhavekseenk andkhowkitkwillkhavekaffectedkme.kHekhaskonekofkhisktridentskraisedkinkakcasuall ykdefensivekposition.k"What'sk goingkonkdownkthere,kKatniss?kHavektheykallkjoinedkhands?kTa enkakvowkofknonviol ence?kTossedkthekweaponsk inkthekseakinkdefiancekofkthekCapitol?"kFinnic kas s.k"No,k"kIksay.k"No,k"kFinni c krepeats.k"Becausekwhateverk happenedkinkthekpastkiskinkthekpast.kAndknokonekinkthiskarenakwaskakvictorkbykch ance.k"kHekeyeskPeetakforkak moment.k"ExceptkmaybekPeeta.k"kFinnic k nowskthenkwhatkHaymitchkandkIk now.kAbou tkPeeta.kBeingktruly,k deep-downkbetterkthankthekrestkofkus.kFinnic ktoo koutkthatktributekfromk5kwitho utkblin ingkankeye.kAndkhowk longkdidkIkta ektokturnkdeadly?kIkshotktok illkwhenkIktargetedkEnobariakandkGlos skandkBrutus.kPeetakwouldkatk leastkhavekattemptedknegotiationskfirst.kSeenkifksomekwiderkalliancekwaskpossibl e.kButktokwhatkend?kFinnic 'sk right.kI'mkright.kThekpeoplekinkthiskarenakweren'tkcrownedkforktheirkcompassion. kIkholdkhiskgaze,kweighingkhisk speedkagainstkmykown.kThektimekitkwillkta ektoksendkankarrowkthroughkhiskbrainkv ersuskthektimekhisktridentkwillk reachkmykbody.kIkcankseekhim,kwaitingkforkmektokma ekthekfirstkmove.kCalculating kifkhekshouldkbloc kfirstkorkgok directlykforkankattac .kIkcankfeelkwe'vekbothkaboutkwor edkitkoutkwhenkPeetakste pskdeliberatelykbetweenkus.k

k"Sok howkmanykarekdead?"khekas s.kMove,kyoukidiot,kIkthin .kButkhekremainskplantedkfi rmlykbetweenkus.k"Hardktok

say,k"kIkanswer.k"Atkleastksix,kIkthin .kAndkthey'rekstillkfighting.k"k"Let'sk e epkmoving.kWekneedkwater,k"khek says.kSokfarkthere'skbeenknoksignkofkakfreshwaterkstreamkorkpond,kandktheksaltwa ter'skundrin able.kAgain,kIkthin k ofktheklastkGames,kwherekIknearlykdiedkofkdehydration.k"Betterkfindksomeksoon,k" ksayskFinnic .k"Wekneedktokbek undercoverkwhenkthekotherskcomekhuntingkusktonight.k"kWe.kUs.kHunting.kAllkright ,kmaybek illingkFinnic k wouldkbekaklittlekpremature.kHe'skbeenkhelpfulksokfar.kHekdoeskhavekHaymitch'sks tampkofkapproval.kAndkwhok nowskwhatktheknightkwillkhold?kIfkworsekcomesktokworst,kIkcankalwaysk illkhimki nkhisksleep.kSokIkletkthek momentkpass.kAndksokdoeskFinnic .kThekabsencekofkwaterkintensifieskmykthirst.kIk eepkaksharpkeyekoutkaskwek continuekourktre kupward,kbutkwithknokluc .kAfterkaboutkanotherkmile,kIkcankseek ankendktokthektreeklinekandk assumekwe'rekreachingkthekcrestkofkthekhill.k"Maybekwe'llkhavekbetterkluc konkth ekotherkside.kFindkakspringkork something.k"kButktherekisknokotherkside.kIk nowkthiskbeforekanyonekelse,kevenkth oughkIkamkfarthestkfromkthektop.k Mykeyeskcatchkonkakfunny,kripplingksquarekhangingkli ekakwarpedkpanekofkglasskin kthekair.kAtkfirstkIkthin kit'skthek glarekfromktheksunkorkthekheatkshimmeringkupkoffkthekground.kButkit'skfixedkinks pace,knotkshiftingkwhenkIkmove.k Andkthat'skwhenkIkconnectktheksquarekwithkWiresskandkBeeteekinkthekTrainingkCent erkandkrealizekwhatkliesk beforekus.kMykwarningkcrykiskjustkreachingkmyklipskwhenkPeeta'sk nifekswingskout ktokslashkawayksomekvines.k There'skaksharpkzappingksound.kForkankinstant,kthektreeskarekgonekandkIkseekopen kspacekoverkakshortkstretchkofk barekearth.kThenkPeeta'skflungkbac kfromkthekforcekfield,kbringingkFinnic kandkM agsktokthekground.kIkrushkoverk tokwherekheklies,kmotionlesskinkakwebkofkvines.k"Peeta?"kThere'skakfaintksmellko fksingedkhair.kIkcallkhisknamek again,kgivingkhimkaklittleksha e,kbutkhe'skunresponsive.kMykfingerskfumblekacros skhisklips,kwherekthere'sknok warmkbreathkalthoughkmomentskagokhekwaskpanting.kIkpresskmykearkagainstkhiskches t,ktokthekspotkwherekIk alwayskrestkmykhead,kwherekIk nowkIkwillkhearkthekstrongkandksteadykbeatkofkhisk heart.kInstead,kIkfindksilence.k

k "Peeta!"kIkscream.kIksha ekhimkharder,kevenkresortktokslappingkhiskface,kbutkit' sknokuse.kHiskheartkhaskfailed.kIkamk slappingkemptiness.k"Peeta!"kFinnic kpropskMagskagainstkaktreekandkpusheskmekout kofkthekway.k"Letkme.k"kHisk fingersktouchkpointskatkPeeta'sknec ,krunkoverkthekboneskinkhiskribskandkspine.k ThenkhekpincheskPeeta'sknostrilsk shut.k"No!"kIkyell,khurlingkmyselfkatkFinnic ,kforksurelykhekintendsktokma ekcer tainkthatkPeeta'skdead,ktok eepk anykhopekofklifekfromkreturningktokhim.kFinnic 'skhandkcomeskupkandkhitskmeksokh ard,ksoksquarelykinkthekchestk thatkIkgokflyingkbac kintokaknearbyktreektrun .kI'mkstunnedkforkakmoment,kbykthe kpain,kbyktryingktokregainkmyk wind,kaskIkseekFinnic kclosekoffkPeeta'sknosekagain.kFromkwherekIksit,kIkpullkan karrow,kwhipktheknotchkintokplace,k andkamkaboutktokletkitkflykwhenkI'mkstoppedkbyktheksightkofkFinnic k issingkPeet a.kAndkit'sksokbizarre,kevenkfork Finnic ,kthatkIkstaykmykhand.kNo,khe'sknotk issingkhim.kHe'skgotkPeeta'sknosekbl oc edkoffkbutkhiskmouthktiltedk open,kandkhe'skblowingkairkintokhisklungs.kIkcankseekthis,kIkcankactuallykseekPe eta'skchestkrisingkandkfalling.kThenk Finnic kunzipskthektopkofkPeeta'skjumpsuitkandkbeginsktokpumpkthekspotkoverkhisk heartkwithkthekheelskofkhisk hands.kNowkthatkI'vekgottenkthroughkmykshoc ,kIkunderstandkwhatkhe'sktryingktokd o.kOncekinkakbluekmoon,kI'vek seenkmykmotherktryksomethingksimilar,kbutknotkoften.kIfkyourkheartkfailskinkDist rictk12,kit'skunli elykyourkfamilyk couldkgetkyouktokmykmotherkinktime,kanyway.kSokherkusualkpatientskarekburnedkork woundedkorkill.kOrkstarving,k ofkcourse.kButkFinnic 'skworldkiskdifferent.kWhateverkhe'skdoing,khe'skdonekitkb efore.kThere'skakveryksetkrhythmk andkmethod.kAndkIkfindkthekarrowktipksin ingktokthekgroundkaskIkleankinktokwatch ,kdesperately,kforksomeksignkofk success.kAgonizingkminuteskdragkpastkaskmykhopeskdiminish.kAroundkthektimekthatk I'mkdecidingkit'sktooklate,k thatkPeeta'skdead,kmovedkon,kunreachablekforever,khekgiveskaksmallkcoughkandkFin nic ksitskbac .kIkleavekmyk weaponskinkthekdirtkaskIkflingkmyselfkatkhim.k"Peeta?"kIksayksoftly.kIkbrushkthe kdampkblondkstrandskofkhairkbac k fromkhiskforehead,kfindkthekpulsekdrummingkagainstkmykfingerskatkhisknec .kHiskl asheskflutterkopenkandkhiskeyesk meetkmine.k"Careful,k"kheksayskwea ly.k"There'skakforcekfieldkupkahead.k"kIklaug h,kbutktherekarektearskrunningk downkmykchee s.k"MustkbekaklotkstrongerkthankthekonekonkthekTrainingkCenterkroof ,k"kheksays.k"I'mkallkright,k though.kJustkaklittleksha en.k"k"Youkwerekdead!kYourkheartkstopped!"kIkburstkout ,kbeforekreallykconsideringkifk thiskiskakgoodkidea.kIkclapkmykhandkoverkmykmouthkbecausekI'mkstartingktokma ekt hosekawfulkcho ingksoundsk thatkhappenkwhenkIksob.k"Well,kitkseemsktokbekwor ingknow,k"kheksays.k"It'skallk right,kKatniss.k"kIknodkmykheadk butktheksoundskaren'tkstopping.k"Katniss?"kNowkPeeta'skworriedkaboutkme,kwhichka ddsktokthekinsanitykofkitkall.k "It'sko ay.kIt'skjustkherkhormones,k"ksayskFinnic .k"Fromkthekbaby.k"kIkloo kupk andkseekhim,ksittingkbac konkhisk neeskbutkstillkpantingkakbitkfromkthekclimbkandkthekheatkandkthekeffortkofkbrin gingkPeetakbac kfromkthekdead.k "No.kIt'sknot--"kIkgetkout,kbutkI'mkcutkoffkbykankevenkmorekhystericalkroundkofk sobbingkthatkseemskonlyktok confirmkwhatkFinnic ksaidkaboutkthekbaby.kHekmeetskmykeyeskandkIkglarekatkhimkth

roughkmyktears.kIt'skstupid,kIk now,kthatkhiskeffortskma ekmeksokvexed.kAllkIkwantedkwasktok eepkPeetakalive,ka ndkIkcouldn'tkandkFinnic k could,kandkIkshouldkbeknothingkbutkgrateful.kAndkIkam.kButkIkamkalsokfuriouskbec ausekitkmeanskthatkIkwillkneverk stopkowingkFinnic kOdair.kEver.kSokhowkcankIk illkhimkinkhisksleep?kIkexpectktok seekaksmugkorksarcastick

expressionkonkhiskface,kbutkhiskloo kiskstrangelykquizzical.kHekglanceskbetweenk Peetakandkme,kaskifktryingktok figureksomethingkout,kthenkgiveskhiskheadkakslightksha ekaskifktokclearkit.k"How karekyou?"khekas skPeeta.k"Dok youkthin kyoukcankmovekon?"k"No,khekhasktokrest,k"kIksay.kMyknosekiskrunningkli ekcrazykandkIkdon'tkevenkhavekak shredkofkfabricktokusekaskakhand erchief.kMagskripskoffkakhandfulkofkhangingkmos skfromkaktreeklimbkandkgiveskitk tokme.kI'mktookmuchkofkakmessktokevenkquestionkit.kIkblowkmyknosekloudlykandkmop kthektearskoffkmykface.kIt'sk nice,kthekmoss.kAbsorbentkandksurprisinglyksoft.kIknoticekakgleamkofkgoldkonkPee ta'skchest.kIkreachkoutkandk retrievekthekdis kthatkhangskfromkakchainkaroundkhisknec .kMykmoc ingjaykhaskbee nkengravedkonkit.k"Iskthisk yourkto en?"kIkas .k"Yes.kDokyoukmindkthatkIkusedkyourkmoc ingjay?kIkwantedkuskt okmatch,k"kheksays.k"No,kofk coursekIkdon'tkmind.k"kIkforcekaksmile.kPeetakshowingkupkinkthekarenakwearingkak moc ingjaykiskbothkakblessingk andkakcurse.kOnkthekonekhand,kitkshouldkgivekakboostktokthekrebelskinkthekdistri ct.kOnkthekother,kit'skhardktok imaginekPresidentkSnowkwillkoverloo kit,kandkthatkma eskthekjobkofk eepingkPeeta kalivekharder.k"Sokyoukwantk tokma ekcampkhere,kthen?"kFinnic kas s.k"Ikdon'tkthin kthat'skankoption,k"kPeeta kanswers.k"Stayingkhere.kWithk nokwater.kNokprotection.kIkfeelkallkright,kreally.kIfkwekcouldkjustkgokslowly.k" k"Slowlykwouldkbekbetterkthanknotk atkall.k"kFinnic khelpskPeetaktokhiskfeetkwhilekIkpullkmyselfktogether.kSincekIk gotkupkthiskmorningkI'vekwatchedk Cinnakbeatenktokakpulp,klandedkinkanotherkarena,kandkseenkPeetakdie.kStill,kI'mk gladkFinnic k eepskplayingkthek pregnancykcardkforkme,kbecausekfromkaksponsor'skpointkofkview,kI'mknotkhandlingk thingskallkthatkwell.kIkchec k overkmykweapons,kwhichkIk nowkarekinkperfectkcondition,kbecausekitkma eskmekseem kmorekinkcontrol.k"I'llkta ek theklead,k"kIkannounce.kPeetakstartsktokobjectkbutkFinnic kcutskhimkoff.k"No,kle tkherkdokit.k"kHekfrownskatkme.k "Youk newkthatkforcekfieldkwaskthere,kdidn'tkyou?kRightkatktheklastksecond?kYouk startedktokgivekakwarning.k"kIk nod.k"Howkdidkyouk now?"kIkhesitate.kTokrevealkthatkIk nowkBeeteekandkWiress'skt ric kofkrecognizingkakforcek fieldkcouldkbekdangerous.kIkdon'tk nowkifkthekGamema erskmadeknotekofkthatkmomen tkduringktrainingkwhenkthek twokpointedkitkoutktokmekorknot.kOnekwaykorkthekother,kIkhavekakverykvaluablekpi ecekofkinformation.kAndkifktheyk nowkIkhavekit,ktheykmightkdoksomethingktokalterkthekforcekfieldksokIkcan'tkseek thekaberrationkanymore.kSokIklie.k "Ikdon'tk now.kIt'skalmostkaskifkIkcouldkhearkit.kListen.k"kWekallkbecomekstill. kThere'sktheksoundkofkinsects,kbirds,k thekbreezekinkthekfoliage.k"Ikdon'tkhearkanything,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Yes,k"kIkinsis t,k"it'skli ekwhenkthekfencekaroundk DistrictkTwelvekiskon,konlykmuch,kmuchkquieter.k"kEveryoneklistenskagainkintentl y.kIkdo,ktoo,kalthoughkthere'sk nothingktokhear.k"There!"kIksay.k"Can'tkyoukhearkit?kIt'skcomingkfromkrightkwher ekPeetakgotkshoc ed.k"k"Ikdon'tk hearkit,keither,k"ksayskFinnic .k"Butkifkyoukdo,kbykallkmeans,kta ektheklead.k"k Ikdecidektokplaykthiskforkallkit'sk worth.k"That'skweird,k"kIksay.kIkturnkmykheadkfromksidektoksidekaskifkpuzzled.k" Ikcankonlykhearkitkoutkofkmykleftk ear.k"k"Thekonekthekdoctorskreconstructed?"kas skPeeta.k

k"Yeah,k"kIksay,kthenkgivekakshrug.k"Maybektheykdidkak betterkjobkthanktheykthought.kYouk now,ksometimeskIkdokhearkfunnykthingskonkthat kside.kThingskyoukwouldn'tk ordinarilykthin khavekaksound.kLi ekinsectkwings.kOrksnowkhittingkthekground.k"k Perfect.kNowkallkthekattentionk willkturnktoktheksurgeonskwhokfixedkmykdeafkearkafterkthekGamesklastkyear,kandkt hey'llkhavektokexplainkwhykIkcank hearkli ekakbat.k"You,k"ksayskMags,knudgingkmekforward,ksokIkta ektheklead.kSinc ekwe'rektokbekmovingkslowly,k Magskprefersktokwal kwithkthekaidkofkakbranchkFinnic kquic lykfashionskintokakca nekforkher.kHekma eskakstaffk forkPeetakaskwell,kwhichkiskgoodkbecause,kdespitekhiskprotestations,kIkthin kall kPeetakreallykwantsktokdokiskliek down.kFinnic kbringskupkthekrear,ksokatkleastksomeonekalertkhaskourkbac s.kIkwal kwithkthekforcekfieldkonkmyk left,kbecausekthat'sksupposedktokbektheksidekwithkmyksuperhumankear.kButksincekt hat'skallkmadekup,kIkcutkdownkak bunchkofkhardknutskthatkhangkli ekgrapeskfromkaknearbyktreekandktosskthemkaheadk ofkmekaskIkgo.kIt'skgoodkIkdo,k too,kbecausekIkhavekakfeelingkI'mkmissingkthekpatcheskthatkindicatekthekforcekfi eldkmorekoftenkthankI'mkspottingk them.kWheneverkaknutkhitskthekforcekfield,kthere'skakpuffkofksmo ekbeforektheknu tklands,kblac enedkandkwithkak crac edkshell,konkthekgroundkatkmykfeet.kAfterkakfewkminuteskIkbecomekawarekofka ksmac ingksoundkbehindkmek andkturnktokseekMagskpeelingkthekshellkoffkonekofktheknutskandkpoppingkitkinkher kalready-fullkmouth.k"Mags!"kIk cry.k"Spitkthatkout.kItkcouldkbekpoisonous.k"kShekmumblesksomethingkandkignoresk me,klic ingkherklipskwithk apparentkrelish.kIkloo ktokFinnic kforkhelpkbutkhekjustklaughs.k"Ikguesskwe'llkf indkout,k"kheksays.kIkgokforward,k wonderingkaboutkFinnic ,kwhoksavedkoldkMagskbutkwillkletkherkeatkstrangeknuts.kW hokHaymitchkhaskstampedk withkhisksealkofkapproval.kWhokbroughtkPeetakbac kfromkthekdead.kWhykdidn'tkhekj ustkletkhimkdie?kHekwouldk havekbeenkblameless.kIkneverkwouldkhavekguessedkitkwaskinkhiskpowerktokrevivekhi m.kWhykcouldkhekpossiblyk havekwantedktoksavekPeeta?kAndkwhykwaskheksokdeterminedktokteamkupkwithkme?kWill ingktok illkme,ktoo,kifkitk comesktokthat.kButkleavingkthekchoicekofkifkwekfightktokme.kIk eepkwal ing,ktoss ingkmyknuts,ksometimesk catchingkakglimpsekofkthekforcekfield,ktryingktokpressktokthekleftktokfindkakspo tkwherekwekcankbrea kthrough,kgetk awaykfromkthekCornucopia,kandkhopefullykfindkwater.kButkafterkanotherkhourkorkso kofkthiskIkrealizekit'skfutile.k We'reknotkma ingkanykprogressktokthekleft.kInkfact,kthekforcekfieldkseemsktokbek herdingkuskalongkakcurvedkpath.kIk

stopkandkloo kbac katkMags'sklimpingkform,ktheksheenkofksweatkonkPeeta'skface.k" Let'skta ekakbrea ,k"kIksay.k"Ik needktokgetkanotherkloo kfromkabove.k"kThektreekIkchoosekseemsktokjutkhigherkint okthekairkthankthekothers.kIkma ek mykwaykupkthektwistingkboughs,kstayingkaskclosektokthektrun kaskpossible.kNoktel lingkhowkeasilykthesekrubberyk brancheskwillksnap.kStillkIkclimbkbeyondkgoodksensekbecausekthere'sksomethingkIk havektoksee.kAskIkclingktokak stretchkofktrun knokwiderkthankaksapling,kswayingkbac kandkforthkinkthekhumidkbr eeze,kmyksuspicionskarek confirmed.kThere'skakreasonkwekcan'tkturnktokthekleft,kwillkneverkbekablekto.kFr omkthiskprecariouskvantagekpoint,k Ikcankseekthekshapekofkthekwholekarenakforkthekfirstktime.kAkperfectkcircle.kWit hkakperfectkwheelkinkthekmiddle.k Theks ykabovekthekcircumferencekofkthekjunglekisktingedkakuniformkpin .kAndkIkth in kIkcankma ekoutkonekorktwok ofkthosekwavyksquares,kchin skinkthekarmor,kWiresskandkBeeteekcalledkthem,kbecau sektheykrevealkwhatkwask meantktokbekhiddenkandkarekthereforekakwea ness.kJustktokma ekabsolutelyksure,kI kshootkankarrowkintokthekemptyk spacekabovekthektreekline.kThere'skakspurtkofklight,kakflashkofkrealkblueks y,ka ndkthekarrow'skthrownkbac kintokthek jungle.kIkclimbkdownktokgivekthekotherskthekbadknews.k"Thekforcekfieldkhaskusktr appedkinkakcircle.kAkdome,k really.kIkdon'tk nowkhowkhighkitkgoes.kThere'skthekCornucopia,ktheksea,kandkthen kthekjunglekallkaround.kVeryk exact.kVeryksymmetrical.kAndknotkveryklarge,k"kIksay.k"Didkyoukseekanykwater?"ka s skFinnic .k"Onlykthek saltwaterkwherekwekstartedkthekGames,k"kIksay.k"Therekmustkbeksomekotherksource, k"ksayskPeeta,kfrowning.k"Ork we'llkallkbekdeadkinkakmatterkofkdays.k"k"Well,kthekfoliagekiskthic .kMaybekther ekarekpondskorkspringsk somewhere,k"kIksaykdoubtfully.kIkinstinctivelykfeelkthekCapitolkmightkwantkthese kunpopularkGameskoverkasksoonk askpossible.kPlutarchkHeavensbeekmightkhavekalreadykbeenkgivenkordersktok noc ku skoff.k"Atkanykrate,kthere'sk nokpointkinktryingktokfindkoutkwhat'skoverkthekedgekofkthiskhill,kbecausekthekan swerkisknothing.k"k"Therekmustkbek drin ablekwaterkbetweenkthekforcekfieldkandkthekwheel,k"kPeetakinsists.kWekallk nowkwhatkthiskmeans.kHeadingk bac kdown.kHeadingkbac ktokthekCareerskandkthekbloodshed.kWithkMagskhardlykablek tokwal kandkPeetaktook wea ktokfight.kWekdecidektokmovekdownkthekslopekakfewkhundredkyardskandkcontinue kcircling.kSeekifkmaybek there'sksomekwaterkatkthatklevel.kIkstaykinktheklead,koccasionallykchuc ingkaknu tktokmykleft,kbutkwe'rekwellkoutkofk rangekofkthekforcekfieldknow.kTheksunkbeatskdownkonkus,kturningkthekairktoksteam ,kplayingktric skonkourkeyes.kByk midafternoon,kit'skclearkPeetakandkMagskcan'tkgokon.kFinnic kchooseskakcampsitek aboutktenkyardskbelowkthek forcekfield,ksayingkwekcankusekitkaskakweaponkbykdeflectingkourkenemieskintokitk ifkattac ed.kThenkhekandkMagsk pullkbladeskofktheksharpkgrasskthatkgrowskinkfive-foot-highktuftskandkbeginktokw eavekthemktogetherkintokmats.k SincekMagskseemsktokhaveknokillkeffectskfromktheknuts,kPeetakcollectskbuncheskof kthemkandkfrieskthemkbyk bouncingkthemkoffkthekforcekfield.kHekmethodicallykpeelskoffkthekshells,kpilingk thekmeatskonkakleaf.kIkstandk guard,kfidgetykandkhotkandkrawkwithkthekemotionskofkthekday.kThirsty.kIkamksokth

irsty.kFinallykIkcan'tkstandkitk anymore.k"Finnic ,kwhykdon'tkyoukstandkguardkandkI'llkhuntkaroundksomekmorekfork water,k"kIksay.kNokone'sk thrilledkwithkthekideakofkmekgoingkoffkalone,kbutkthekthreatkofkdehydrationkhang skoverkus.k"Don'tkworry,kIkwon'tk gokfar,k"kIkpromisekPeeta.k"I'llkgo,ktoo,k"kheksays.k"No,kI'mkgoingktokdoksomekh untingkifkIkcan,k"kIktellkhim.kIkdon'tk add,k"Andkyoukcan'tkcomekbecausekyou'rektookloud.k"kButkit'skimplied.kHekwouldkb othkscarekoffkpreykandk endangerkmekwithkhiskheavyktread.k"Ikwon'tkbeklong.k"kIkmovekstealthilykthroughk thektrees,khappyktokfindkthatkthek groundklendskitselfktoksoundlesskfootsteps.kIkwor kmykwaykdownkatkakdiagonal,kbu tkIkfindknothingkexceptkmorek lush,kgreenkplantklife.kTheksoundkofkthekcannonkbringskmektokakhalt.kThekinitial kbloodbathkatkthekCornucopiak mustkbekover.kThekdeathktollkofkthektributeskisknowkavailable.kIkcountkthekshots ,keachkrepresentingkonekdeadk victor.kEight.kNotkaskmanykasklastkyear.kButkitkseemskli ekmoreksincekIk nowkmos tkofktheirknames.kSuddenlyk wea ,kIkleankagainstkaktreektokrest,kfeelingkthekheatkdrawkthekmoisturekfromkmyk bodykli ekaksponge.kAlready,k swallowingkiskdifficultkandkfatiguekiskcreepingkupkonkme.kIktrykrubbingkmykhandk acrosskmykbelly,khopingksomek sympathetickpregnantkwomankwillkbecomekmyksponsorkandkHaymitchkcanksendkinksomek water.kNokluc .kIksin k tokthekground.kInkmykstillness,kIkbeginktoknoticekthekanimals:kstrangekbirdskwit hkbrilliantkplumage,ktreeklizardsk withkflic eringkbluektongues,kandksomethingkthatkloo skli ekakcrosskbetweenkakra tkandkakpossumkclingingkonkthek brancheskclosektokthektrun .kIkshootkonekofktheklatterkoutkofkaktreektokgetkakcl oserkloo .kIt'skugly,kallkright,kakbigk rodentkwithkakfuzzkofkmottledkgraykfurkandktwokwic ed-loo ingkgnawingkteethkprot rudingkoverkitsklowerklip.kAsk I'mkguttingkandks inningkit,kIknoticeksomethingkelse.kItskmuzzlekiskwet.kLi ekan kanimalkthat'skbeenkdrin ingkfromk akstream.kExcited,kIkstartkatkitskhomektreekandkmovekslowlykoutkinkakspiral.kItk can'tkbekfar,kthekcreature'skwaterk source.kNothing.kIkfindknothing.kNotksokmuchkaskakdewdrop.kEventually,kbecausekI k nowkPeetakwillkbekworriedk aboutkme,kIkheadkbac ktokthekcamp,khotterkandkmorekfrustratedkthankever.kWhenkIk arrive,kIkseekthekotherskhavek transformedkthekplace.kMagskandkFinnic khavekcreatedkakhutkofksortskoutkofkthekg rasskmats,kopenkonkoneksidekbutk withkthreek

walls,kakfloor,kandkakroof.kMagskhaskalsokplaitedkseveralkbowlskthatkPeetakhaskf illedkwithkroastedk nuts.kTheirkfaceskturnktokmekhopefully,kbutkIkgivekmykheadkaksha e.k"No.kNokwate r.kIt'skoutkthere,kthough.kHek

newkwherekitkwas,k"kIksay,khoistingktheks innedkrodentkupkforkallktoksee.k"He'd kbeenkdrin ingkrecentlykwhenkIk shotkhimkoutkofkaktree,kbutkIkcouldn'tkfindkhisksource.kIkswear,kIkcoveredkevery kinchkofkgroundkinkakthirty-yardk radius.k"k"Cankwekeatkhim?"kPeetakas s.k"Ikdon'tk nowkforksure.kButkhiskmeatkdoe sn'tkloo kthatkdifferentkfromkak squirrel's.kHekoughtktokbekcoo ed...k.k"kIkhesitatekaskIkthin kofktryingktokstar tkakfirekoutkherekfromkcompletek scratch.kEvenkifkIksucceed,kthere'sktheksmo ektokthin kabout.kWe'rekallksokclose ktogetherkinkthiskarena,kthere'sknok chancekofkhidingkit.kPeetakhaskanotherkidea.kHekta eskakcubekofkrodentkmeat,ks e werskitkonkthektipkofkakpointedk stic ,kandkletskitkfallkintokthekforcekfield.kThere'skaksharpksizzlekandktheksti c kflieskbac .kThekchun kofkmeatkisk blac enedkonkthekoutsidekbutkwellkcoo edkinside.kWekgivekhimkakroundkofkapplause ,kthenkquic lykstop,k rememberingkwherekwekare.kThekwhiteksunksin skinkthekrosyks ykaskwekgatherkinkth ekhut.kI'mkstillkleerykaboutk theknuts,kbutkFinnic ksayskMagskrecognizedkthemkfromkanotherkGames.kIkdidn'tkbot herkspendingktimekatkthek edible-plantskstationkinktrainingkbecausekitkwasksokeffortlesskforkmeklastkyear. kNowkIkwishkIkhad.kForksurelyktherek wouldkhavekbeenksomekofkthekunfamiliarkplantsksurroundingkme.kAndkIkmightkhavekg uessedkakbitkmorekaboutk wherekIkwaskheaded.kMagskseemskfine,kthough,kandkshe'skbeenkeatingktheknutskfork hours.kSokIkpic konekupkandk ta ekaksmallkbite.kItkhaskakmild,kslightlyksweetkflavorkthatkremindskmekofkakche stnut.kIkdecidekit'skallkright.kThek rodent'skstrongkandkgameykbutksurprisinglykjuicy.kReally,kit'sknotkakbadkmealkfo rkourkfirstknightkinkthekarena.kIfk onlykwekhadksomethingktokwashkitkdownkwith.kFinnic kas skaklotkofkquestionskabou tkthekrodent,kwhichkwek decidektokcallkaktreekrat.kHowkhighkwaskit,khowklongkdidkIkwatchkitkbeforekIksho t,kandkwhatkwaskitkdoing?kIkdon'tk rememberkitkdoingkmuchkofkanything.kSnufflingkaroundkforkinsectskorksomething.kI 'mkdreadingktheknight.kAtk leastkthektightlykwovenkgrasskoffersksomekprotectionkfromkwhateverkslin skacross kthekjunglekfloorkafterkhours.k Butkakshortktimekbeforektheksunkslipskbelowkthekhorizon,kakpalekwhitekmoonkrises ,kma ingkthingskjustkvisiblek enough.kOurkconversationktrailskoffkbecausekwek nowkwhat'skcoming.kWekpositionko urselveskinkaklinekatkthek mouthkofkthekhutkandkPeetakslipskhiskhandkintokmine.kTheks ykbrightenskwhenkthek sealkofkthekCapitolkappearskask ifkfloatingkinkspace.kAskIklistenktokthekstrainskofkthekanthemkIkthin ,kItkwillk bekharderkforkFinnic kandkMags.kButk itkturnskoutktokbekplentykhardkforkmekaskwell.kSeeingkthekfaceskofkthekeightkdea dkvictorskprojectedkintoktheks y.k ThekmankfromkDistrictk5,kthekonekFinnic ktoo koutkwithkhisktrident,kiskthekfirst ktokappear.kThatkmeanskthatkallkthek tributeskink1kthroughk4karekalivek--kthekfourkCareers,kBeeteekandkWiress,kand,ko fkcourse,kMagskandkFinnic .kThek mankfromkDistrictk5kiskfollowedkbykthekmalekmorphlingkfromk6,kCeceliakandkWoofkf romk8,kbothkfromk9,kthek womankfromk10,kandkSeederkfromk11.kThekCapitolksealkiskbac kwithkakfinalkbitkofk musickandkthenktheks ykgoesk dar kexceptkforkthekmoon.kNokonekspea s.kIkcan'tkpretendkIk newkanykofkthemkwell .kButkI'mkthin ingkofkthosek threek idskhangingkonktokCeceliakwhenktheyktoo kherkaway.kSeeder'sk indnessktokm

ekatkourkmeeting.kEvenkthek thoughtkofkthekglazed-eyedkmorphlingkpaintingkmykchee skwithkyellowkflowerskgive skmekakpang.kAllkdead.kAllk gone.kIkdon'tk nowkhowklongkwekmightkhaveksatkherekifkitkweren'tkforkthekarrival kofktheksilverkparachute,kwhichk glideskdownkthroughkthekfoliagektoklandkbeforekus.kNokonekreacheskforkit.k"Whose kiskit,kdokyoukthin ?"kIksayk finally.k"Noktelling,k"ksayskFinnic .k"Whykdon'tkwekletkPeetakclaimkit,ksincekhe kdiedktoday?"kPeetakuntieskthek cordkandkflattenskoutkthekcirclekofksil .kOnkthekparachuteksitskaksmallkmetalkob jectkthatkIkcan'tkplace.k"Whatkisk it?"kIkas .kNokonek nows.kWekpasskitkfromkhandktokhand,kta ingkturnskexaminingki t.kIt'skakhollowkmetalktube,k taperedkslightlykatkonekend.kOnkthekotherkendkaksmallklipkcurveskdownward.kIt'sk vaguelykfamiliar.kAkpartkthatk couldkhavekfallenkoffkakbicycle,kakcurtainkrod,kanything,kreally.kPeetakblowskon konekendktokseekifkitkma eskak sound.kItkdoesn't.kFinnic kslideskhiskpin iekintokit,ktestingkitkoutkaskakweapon .kUseless.k"Cankyoukfishkwithkit,k Mags?"kIkas .kMags,kwhokcankfishkwithkalmostkanything,ksha eskherkheadkandkgrunt s.kIkta ekitkandkrollkitkbac k andkforthkonkmykpalm.kSincekwe'rekallies,kHaymitchkwillkbekwor ingkwithkthekDist rictk4kmentors.kHekhadkakhandk inkchoosingkthiskgift.kThatkmeanskit'skvaluable.kLifesaving,keven.kIkthin kbac k toklastkyear,kwhenkIkwantedkwaterk sokbadly,kbutkhekwouldn'tksendkitkbecausekhek newkIkcouldkfindkitkifkIktried.kHa ymitch'skgifts,korklac kthereof,k carrykweightykmessages.kIkcankalmostkhearkhimkgrowlingkatkme,kUsekyourkbrainkifk youkhavekone.kWhatkiskit?kIk wipektheksweatkfromkmykeyeskandkholdkthekgiftkoutkinkthekmoonlight.kIkmovekitkth iskwaykandkthat,kviewingkitk fromkdifferentkangles,kcoveringkportionskandkthenkrevealingkthem.kTryingktokma e kitkdivulgekitskpurposektokme.k Finally,kinkfrustration,kIkjamkonekendkintokthekdirt.k"Ikgivekup.kMaybekifkwekho o kupkwithkBeeteekorkWiressktheyk cankfigurekitkout.kIkstretchkout,kpressingkmykhotkchee konkthekgrasskmat,kstarin gkatkthekthingkinkaggravation.k PeetakrubskaktensekspotkbetweenkmykshoulderskandkIkletkmyselfkrelaxkaklittle.kIk wonderkwhykthiskplacekhasn'tk cooledkoffkatkallknowkthatktheksun'skgonekdown.kIkwonderkwhat'skgoingkonkbac kho me.kPrim.kMykmother.kGale.k Madge.kIkthin kofkthemkwatchingkmekfromkhome.kAtkleastkIkhopekthey'rekatkhome.kN otkta enkintokcustodykbyk Thread.kBeingkpunishedkaskCinnakis.kAskDariuskis.kPunishedkbecausekofkme.kEveryb ody.kIkbeginktokachekfork them,kforkmykdistrict,kforkmykwoods.kAkdecentkwoodskwithksturdykhardwoodktrees,k plentifulkfood,kgamekthatk

isn'tkcreepy.kRushingkstreams.kCoolkbreezes.kNo,kcoldkwindsktokblowkthiskstiflin gkheatkaway.kIkconjurekupksuchkak windkinkmykmind,klettingkitkfreezekmykchee skandknumbkmykfingers,kandkallkatkonc e,kthekpiecekofkmetalkhalfk buriedkinkthekblac kearthkhaskakname.k"Akspile!"kIkexclaim,ksittingkboltkupright .k"What?"kas skFinnic .kIkwrestlek thekthingkfromkthekgroundkandkbrushkitkclean.kCupkmykhandkaroundkthektaperedkend ,kconcealingkit,kandkloo katk theklip.kYes,kI'vekseenkonekofkthesekbefore.kOnkakcold,kwindykdayklongkago,kwhen kIkwaskoutkinkthekwoodskwithk mykfather.kInsertedksnuglykintokakholekdrilledkinktheksidekofkakmaple.kAkpathway kforktheksapktokfollowkaskitk flowedkintokourkbuc et.kMapleksyrupkcouldkma ekevenkourkdullkbreadkaktreat.kAfte rkmykfatherkdied,kIkdidn'tk nowkwhatkhappenedktokthekhandfulkofkspileskhekhad.kHiddenkoutkinkthekwoodsksome where,kprobably.kNeverktok bekfound.k"It'skakspile.kSortkofkli ekakfaucet.kYoukputkitkinkaktreekandksapkcom eskout.k"kIkloo katktheksinewykgreenk trun skaroundkme.k"Well,kthekrightksortkofktree.k"k"Sap?"kas skFinnic .kTheykdon 'tkhavekthekrightk indkofktreesk byktheksea,keither.k"Tokma eksyrup,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Butktherekmustkbeksomethingke lsekinsidekthesektrees.k"kWe'rek allkonkourkfeetkatkonce.kOurkthirst.kTheklac kofksprings.kThektreekrat'sksharpkf rontkteethkandkwetkmuzzle.kTherek cankonlykbekonekthingkworthkhavingkinsidekthesektrees.kFinnic kgoesktokhammerkth ekspilekintokthekgreenkbar kofk akmassivektreekwithkakroc ,kbutkIkstopkhim.k"Wait.kYoukmightkdamagekit.kWekneedk tokdrillkakholekfirst,k"kIksay.k There'sknothingktokdrillkwith,ksokMagskofferskherkawlkandkPeetakdriveskitkstraig htkintokthekbar ,kburyingkthek spi ektwokincheskdeep.kHekandkFinnic kta ekturnskopeningkupkthekholekwithkthekaw lkandkthek niveskuntilkitkcank holdkthekspile.kIkwedgekitkinkcarefullykandkwekallkstandkbac kinkanticipation.kA tkfirstknothingkhappens.kThenkak dropkofkwaterkrollskdownktheklipkandklandskinkMags'skpalm.kSheklic skitkoffkandk holdskoutkherkhandkforkmore.kByk wigglingkandkadjustingkthekspile,kwekgetkakthinkstreamkrunningkout.kWekta ekturn skholdingkourkmouthskunderkthek tap,kwettingkourkparchedktongues.kMagskbringsk

overkakbas et,kandkthekgrasskisksoktightlykwovenkitkholdskwater.k Wekfillkthekbas etkandkpasskitkaround,kta ingkdeepkgulpskand,klater,kluxuriously ,ksplashingkourkfaceskclean.kLi ek everythingkhere,kthekwater'skonkthekwarmkside,kbutkthiskisknoktimektokbekpic y.k Withoutkourkthirstktokdistractkus,k we'rekallkawarekofkhowkexhaustedkwekarekandkma ekpreparationskforktheknight.kLas tkyear,kIkalwaysktriedktokhavek mykgearkreadykinkcasekIkhadktokma ekakspeedykretreatkinktheknight.kThiskyear,kth ere'sknokbac pac ktokprepare.k Justkmykweapons,kwhichkwon'tkleavekmykgrasp,kanyway.kThenkIkthin kofkthekspileka ndkwrestkitkfromkthektreek trun .kIkstripkaktoughkvinekofkitskleaves,kthreadkitkthroughkthekhollowkcenter,k andktiekthekspileksecurelyktokmyk belt.kFinnic koffersktokta ekthekfirstkwatchkandkIkletkhim,k nowingkitkhasktokbe konekofkthektwokofkuskuntilkPeeta'sk restedkup.kIkliekdownkbesidekPeetakonkthekfloorkofkthekhut,ktellingkFinnic ktokw a ekmekwhenkhe'sktired.kInsteadkIk findkmyselfkjarredkfromksleepkakfewkhoursklaterkbykwhatkseemsktokbekthektollingk ofkakbell.kBong!kBong!kIt'sknotk exactlykli ekthekonektheykringkinkthekJusticekBuildingkonkNewkYear'skbutkcloseke noughkforkmektokrecognizekit.k PeetakandkMagsksleepkthroughkit,kbutkFinnic khasktheksamekloo kofkattentivenessk Ikfeel.kThektollingkstops.k"Ik countedktwelve,k"kheksays.kIknod.kTwelve.kWhatkdoeskthatksignify?kOnekringkforke achkdistrict?kMaybe.kButkwhy?k "Meankanything,kdokyoukthin ?"k"Nokidea,k"kheksays.kWekwaitkforkfurtherkinstruct ions,kmaybekakmessagekfromk ClaudiuskTemplesmith.kAnkinvitationktokakfeast.kThekonlykthingkofknotekappearski nkthekdistance.kAkdazzlingkboltk ofkelectricitykstri eskaktoweringktreekandkthenkaklightningkstormkbegins.kIkgues skit'skankindicationkofkrain,kofkak waterksourcekforkthosekwhokdon'tkhavekmentorskasksmartkaskHaymitch.k"Goktoksleep ,kFinnic .kIt'skmykturnktok watch,kanyway,k"kIksay.kFinnic khesitates,kbutknokonekcankstaykawa ekforever.kHe ksettleskdownkatkthekmouthkofk thekhut,konekhandkgrippedkaroundkaktrident,kandkdriftskintokakrestlessksleep.kIk sitkwithkmykbowkloaded,kwatchingk thekjungle,kwhichkiskghostlykpalekandkgreenkinkthekmoonlight.kAfterkankhourkorks o,ktheklightningkstops.kIkcank hearkthekrainkcomingkin,kthough,kpatteringkonkthekleaveskakfewkhundredkyardskawa y.kIk eepkwaitingkforkitktok reachkuskbutkitkneverkdoes.kTheksoundkofkthekcannonkstartleskme,kalthoughkitkma esklittlekimpressionkonkmyk sleepingkcompanions.kThere'sknokpointkinkawa eningkthemkforkthis.kAnotherkvictor kdead.kIkdon'tkevenkallowk myselfktokwonderkwhokitkis.kThekelusivekrainkshutskoffksuddenly,kli ekthekstormk didklastkyearkinkthekarena.k Momentskafterkitkstops,kIkseekthekfogkslidingksoftlykinkfromkthekdirectionkofkth ekrecentkdownpour.kJustkak reaction.kCoolkrainkonktheksteamingkground,kIkthin .kItkcontinuesktokapproachkat kaksteadykpace.kTendrilskreachk forwardkandkthenkcurlkli ekfingers,kaskifktheykarekpullingkthekrestkbehindkthem. kAskIkwatch,kIkfeelkthekhairskonkmyk nec kbeginktokrise.kSomething'skwrongkwithkthiskfog.kThekprogressionkofkthekfron tklinekisktookuniformktokbek natural.kAndkifkit'sknotknaturalk...kAksic eninglyksweetkodorkbeginsktokinvadekm yknostrilskandkIkreachkforkthek others,kshoutingkforkthemktokwa ekup.kInkthekfewksecondskitkta esktokrousekthem, kIkbeginktokblister.k

kTiny,k searingkstabs.kWhereverkthekdropletskofkmistktouchkmyks in.k"Run!"kIkscreamkatkt hekothers.k"Run!"kFinnic k snapskawa ekinstantly,krisingktokcounterkankenemy.kButkwhenkhekseeskthekwallkofk fog,khektosseskakstill-sleepingk Magskontokhiskbac kandkta eskoff.kPeetakiskonkhiskfeetkbutknotkaskalert.kIkgrabk hiskarmkandkbeginktokpropelkhimk throughkthekjunglekafterkFinnic .k"Whatkiskit?kWhatkiskit?"kheksayskinkbewilderm ent.k"Somek indkofkfog.k

Poisonouskgas.kHurry,kPeeta!"kIkurge.kIkcanktellkthatkhoweverkmuchkhekdeniedkitk duringkthekday,kthekaftereffectsk ofkhittingkthekforcekfieldkhavekbeenksignificant.kHe'skslow,kmuchkslowerkthankus ual.kAndkthektanglekofkvineskandk undergrowth,kwhichkunbalancekmekoccasionally,ktripkhimkatkeverykstep.kIkloo kbac katkthekwallkofkfogkextendingk inkakstraightklinekaskfarkaskIkcankseekinkeitherkdirection.kAkterriblekimpulsekt okflee,ktokabandonkPeetakandksavek myself,kshootskthroughkme.kItkwouldkbeksoksimple,ktokrunkfullkout,kperhapsktokev enkclimbkaktreekabovekthekfogk line,kwhichkseemsktoktopkoutkatkaboutkfortykfeet.kIkrememberkhowkIkdidkjustkthis kwhenkthekmuttationskappearedk inktheklastkGames.kToo koffkandkonlykthoughtkofkPeetakwhenkI'dkreachedkthekCornu copia.kButkthisktime,kIktrapk mykterror,kpushkitkdown,kandkstaykbykhiskside.kThisktimekmyksurvivalkisn'tkthekg oal.kPeeta'skis.kIkthin kofkthekeyesk gluedktokthektelevisionkscreenskinkthekdistricts,kseeingkifkIkwillkrun,kaskthekC apitolkwishes,korkholdkmykground.kIk loc kmykfingersktightlykintokhiskandksay,k"Watchkmykfeet.kJustktryktokstepkwhere kIkstep.k"kItkhelps.kWekseemktok movekaklittlekfaster,kbutkneverkenoughktokaffordkakrest,kandkthekmistkcontinuesk toklapkatkourkheels.kDropletsk springkfreekofkthekbodykofkvapor.kTheykburn,kbutknotkli ekfire.kLesskaksensekofk heatkandkmorekofkintensekpainkask thekchemicalskfindkourkflesh,kclingktokit,kandkburrowkdownkthroughktheklayerskof ks in.kOurkjumpsuitskareknokhelpk atkall.kWekmaykaskwellkbekdressedkinktissuekpaper,kforkallkthekprotectionktheykg ive.kFinnic ,kwhokboundedkoffk initially,kstopskwhenkhekrealizeskwe'rekhavingkproblems.kButkthiskisknotkakthing kyoukcankfight,konlykevade.kHek shoutskencouragement,ktryingktokmovekuskalong,kandktheksoundkofkhiskvoicekactska skakguide,kthoughklittlekmore.k Peeta'skartificialklegkcatcheskinkak notkofkcreeperskandkheksprawlskforwardkbefo rekIkcankcatchkhim.kAskIkhelpkhimk up,kIkbecomekawarekofksomethingkscarierkthankthekblisters,kmorekdebilitatingktha nkthekburns.kThekleftksidekofkhisk facekhasksagged,kaskifkeverykmusclekinkitkhaskdied.kTheklidkdroops,kalmostkconce alingkhiskeye.kHiskmouthktwistsk inkankoddkanglektowardkthekground.k"Peeta--"kIkbegin.kAndkthat'skwhenkIkfeelkthe kspasmskrunkupkmykarm.k Whateverkchemicalklaceskthekfogkdoeskmorekthankburnk--kitktargetskourknerves.kAk wholeknewk indkofkfearkshootsk throughkmekandkIkyan kPeetakforward,kwhichkonlykcauseskhimktokstumblekagain.kByk thektimekIkgetkhimktokhisk feet,kbothkofkmykarmskarektwitchingkuncontrollably.kThekfogkhaskmovedkinkonkus,k thekbodykofkitklesskthankakyardk away.kSomethingkiskwrongkwithkPeeta'sklegs;khe'sktryingktokwal kbutktheykmovekin kakspastic,kpuppetli ekfashion.k IkfeelkhimklurchkforwardkandkrealizekFinnic khaskcomekbac kforkuskandkiskhauling kPeetakalong.kIkwedgekmyk shoulder,kwhichkstillkseemskunderkmykcontrol,kunderkPeeta'skarmkandkdokmykbestkt ok eepkupkwithkFinnic 'sk rapidkpace.kWekputkaboutktenkyardskbetweenkuskandkthekfogkwhenkFinnic kstops.k"I t'sknokgood.kI'llkhavektokcarryk him.kCankyoukta ekMags?"khekas skme.k"Yes,k"kIksaykstoutly,kalthoughkmykheartksi n s.kIt'sktruekthatkMagskcan'tk weighkmorekthankaboutkseventykpounds,kbutkI'mknotkverykbigkmyself.kStill,kI'mksu rekI'vekcarriedkheavierkloads.kIfk onlykmykarmskwouldkstopkjumpingkaround.kIksquatkdownkandkshekpositionskherselfko

verkmykshoulder,kthekwayk shekrideskonkFinnic .kIkslowlykstraightenkmyklegskand,kwithkmyk neeskloc ed,kIkc ankmanagekher.kFinnic khask Peetakslungkacrosskhiskbac knowkandkwekmovekforward,kFinnic kleading,kmekfollowi ngkinkthektrailkhekbrea sk throughkthekvines.kOnkthekfogkcomes,ksilentkandksteadykandkflat,kexceptkforkthek graspingktendrils.kAlthoughkmyk instinctkisktokrunkdirectlykawaykfromkit,kIkrealizekFinnic kiskmovingkatkakdiago nalkdownkthekhill.kHe'sktryingktok eepkakdistancekfromkthekgaskwhileksteeringkusktowardkthekwaterkthatksurroundskt hekCornucopia.kYes,kwater,kIk thin kaskthekacidkdropletskborekdeeperkintokme.kNowkI'mksokthan fulkIkdidn'tk il lkFinnic ,kbecausekhowkwouldkIk havekgottenkPeetakoutkofkherekalive?kSokthan fulktokhaveksomeonekelsekonkmykside ,kevenkifkit'skonlyktemporarily.k It'sknotkMags'skfaultkwhenkIkbeginkfalling.kShe'skdoingkeverythingkshekcanktokbe kankeasykpassenger,kbutkthekfactk is,ktherekiskonlyksokmuchkweightkIkcankhandle.kEspeciallyknowkthatkmykrightklegk seemsktokbekgoingkstiff.kThek firstktwoktimeskIkcrashktokthekground,kIkmanagektokma ekitkbac konkmykfeet,kbutk thekthirdktime,kIkcannotkgetkmyk legktokcooperate.kAskIkstrugglektokgetkup,kitkgiveskoutkandkMagskrollskoffkontok thekgroundkbeforekme.kIkflailk around,ktryingktokusekvineskandktrun sktokrightkmyself.kFinnic 'skbac kbykmyksid e,kPeetakhangingkoverkhim.k"It'sk nokuse,k"kIksay.k"Cankyoukta ekthemkboth?kGokonkahead,kI'llkcatchkup.k"kAksomewh atkdoubtfulkproposal,kbutkIk saykitkwithkaskmuchksuretykaskIkcankmuster.kIkcankseekFinnic 'skeyes,kgreenkinkt hekmoonlight.kIkcankseekthemkask clearkaskday.kAlmostkli ekakcat's,kwithkakstrangekreflectivekquality.kMaybekbeca usektheykarekshinykwithktears.k "No,k"kheksays.k"Ikcan'tkcarrykthemkboth.kMykarmskaren'tkwor ing.k"kIt'sktrue.kH iskarmskjer kuncontrollablykatkhisk sides.kHiskhandskarekempty.kOfkhiskthreektridents,konlykonekremains,kandkit'skin kPeeta'skhands.k"I'mksorry,kMags.k Ikcan'tkdokit.k"kWhatkhappensknextkisksokfast,ksoksenseless,kIkcan'tkevenkmovekt okstopkit.kMagskhaulskherselfkup,k plantskak isskonkFinnic 'sklips,kandkthenkhobbleskstraightkintokthekfog.kImmedia tely,kherkbodykiskseizedkbykwildk contortionskandkshekfallsktokthekgroundkinkakhorriblekdance.kIkwantktokscream,kb utkmykthroatkiskonkfire.kIkta ekonek futilekstepkinkherkdirectionkwhenkIkhearkthekcannonkblast,k nowkherkheartkhaskst opped,kthatkshekiskdead.k "Finnic ?"kIkcallkoutkhoarsely,kbutkhekhaskalreadykturnedkfromkthekscene,kalread ykcontinuedkhiskretreatkfromkthek fog.kDraggingkmykuselessklegkbehindkme,kIkstaggerkafterkhim,khavingknokideakwhat kelsektokdo.kTimekandkspacek

losekmeaningkaskthekfogkseemsktokinvadekmykbrain,kmuddlingkmykthoughts,kma ingke verythingkunreal.kSomek deep-rootedkanimalkdesirekforksurvivalk eepskmekstumblingkafterkFinnic kandkPeet a,kcontinuingktokmove,k althoughkI'mkprobablykdeadkalready.kPartskofkmekarekdead,korkclearlykdying.kAndk Magskiskdead.kThiskisk somethingkIk now,korkmaybekjustkthin kIk now,kbecausekitkma esknoksensekatkall.k Moonlightkglintingkonk Finnic 'skbronzekhair,kbeadskofksearingkpainkpepperingkme,kaklegkturnedktokwood. kIkfollowkFinnic kuntilkhek collapseskonkthekground,kPeetakstillkonktopkofkhim.kIkseemktokhaveknokabilitykto kstopkmykownkforwardkmotionk andksimplykpropelkmyselfkonwardkuntilkIktripkoverktheirkpronekbodies,kjustkonekm orekonkthekheap.kThiskiskwherek andkhowkandkwhenkwekallkdie,kIkthin .kButkthekthoughtkiskabstractkandkfarklesska larmingkthankthekcurrentkagoniesk ofkmykbody.kIkhearkFinnic kgroankandkmanagektokdragkmyselfkoffkthekothers.kNowkI kcankseekthekwallkofkfog,k whichkhaskta enkonkakpearlykwhitekquality.kMaybekit'skmykeyeskplayingktric s,kor kthekmoonlight,kbutkthekfogk seemsktokbektransforming.kYes,kit'skbecomingkthic er,kaskifkitkhaskpressedkupkag ainstkakglasskwindowkandkisk beingkforcedktokcondense.kIksquintkharderkandkrealizekthekfingersknoklongerkprot rudekfromkit.kInkfact,kitkhask stoppedkmovingkforwardkentirely.kLi ekotherkhorrorskIkhavekwitnessedkinkthekaren a,kitkhaskreachedkthekendkofkitsk territory.kEitherkthatkorkthekGamema erskhavekdecidedknotktok illkuskjustkyet.k" It'skstopped,k"kIktryktoksay,kbutk onlykankawfulkcroa ingksoundkcomeskfromkmykswollenkmouth.k"It'skstopped,k"kIksay kagain,kandkthisktimekIkmustk bekclearer,kbecausekbothkPeetakandkFinnic kturnktheirkheadsktokthekfog.kItkbegin sktokrisekupwardknow,kaskifkbeingk slowlykvacuumedkintoktheks y.kWekwatchkuntilkitkhaskallkbeenksuc edkawaykandknot kthekslightestkwispkremains.k

k PeetakrollskoffkFinnic ,kwhokturnskoverkontokhiskbac .kWekliektherekgasping,ktwi tching,kourkmindskandkbodiesk invadedkbykthekpoison.kAfterkakfewkminuteskpass,kPeetakvaguelykgestureskupward.k "Mon-hees.k"kIkloo kupkandk spotkakpairkofkwhatkIkguesskarekmon eys.kIkhavekneverkseenkaklivekmon ey--kthere 'sknothingkli ekthatkinkourk woodskatkhome.kButkIkmustkhavekseenkakpicture,korkonekinkthekGames,kbecausekwhen kIkseekthekcreatures,kthek samekwordkcomesktokmykmind.kIkthin kthesekhavekorangekfur,kalthoughkit'skhardkto ktell,kandkarekaboutkhalfkthek sizekofkakfull-grownkhuman.kIkta ekthekmon eyskforkakgoodksign.kSurelyktheykwoul dknotkhangkaroundkifkthekairk waskdeadly.kForkakwhile,kwekquietlykobservekonekanother,khumanskandkmon eys.kThe nkPeetakstrugglesktokhisk neeskandkcrawlskdownkthekslope.kWekallkcrawl,ksincekwal ingknowkseemskaskremar ablekakfeatkaskflying;kwek crawlkuntilkthekvineskturnktokaknarrowkstripkofksandykbeachkandkthekwarmkwaterkt hatksurroundskthekCornucopiak lapskourkfaces.kIkjer kbac kaskifkI'vektouchedkankopenkflame.kRubbingksaltkinkak wound.kForkthekfirstktimekIktrulyk appreciatekthekexpression,kbecausektheksaltkinkthekwaterkma eskthekpainkofkmykwo undsksokblindingkIknearlyk blac kout.kButkthere'skanotherksensation,kofkdrawingkout.kIkexperimentkbykginger lykplacingkonlykmykhandkinkthek water.kTorturous,kyes,kbutkthenklesskso.kAndkthroughkthekblueklayerkofkwater,kIk seekakmil yksubstancekleachingk outkofkthekwoundskonkmyks in.kAskthekwhitenesskdiminishes,ksokdoeskthekpain.kIku nbuc lekmykbeltkandkstripkoffk mykjumpsuit,kwhichkisklittlekmorekthankakperforatedkrag.kMykshoeskandkundergarme ntskarekinexplicablyk unaffected.kLittlekbyklittle,koneksmallkportionkofkaklimbkatkaktime,kIksoa kthek poisonkoutkofkmykwounds.kPeetak seemsktokbekdoingktheksame.kButkFinnic kbac edkawaykfromkthekwaterkatkfirstktouc hkandklieskfacedownkonkthek sand,keitherkunwillingkorkunablektokpurgekhimself.kFinally,kwhenkIkhaveksurvived kthekworst,kopeningkmykeyesk underwater,ksniffingkwaterkintokmyksinuseskandksnortingkitkout,kandkevenkgarglin gkrepeatedlyktokwashkoutkmyk throat,kI'mkfunctionalkenoughktokhelpkFinnic .kSomekfeelingkhaskreturnedktokmykl eg,kbutkmykarmskarekstillk riddledkwithkspasms.kIkcan'tkdragkFinnic kintokthekwater,kandkpossiblykthekpaink wouldk illkhim,kanyway.kSokIk scoopkupksha ykhandfulskandkemptykthemkonkhiskfists.kSincekhe'sknotkunderwater,k thekpoisonkcomeskoutkofkhisk woundskjustkaskitkwentkin,kinkwispskofkfogkthatkIkta ekgreatkcarektoksteerkclear kof.kPeetakrecoverskenoughktokhelpk me.kHekcutskawaykFinnic 'skjumpsuit.kSomewherekhekfindsktwokshellskthatkwor kmuc hkbetterkthankourkhandskdo.k Wekconcentratekonksoa ingkFinnic 'skarmskfirst,ksincektheykhavekbeenksokbadlykda maged,kandkevenkthoughkaklotk ofkwhitekstuffkpourskoutkofkthem,khekdoesn'tknotice.kHekjustklieskthere,keyesksh ut,kgivingkankoccasionalkmoan.kIk loo karoundkwithkgrowingkawarenesskofkhowkdangerouskakpositionkwe'rekin.kIt'skni ght,kyes,kbutkthiskmoonkgivesk offktookmuchklightkforkconcealment.kWe'rekluc yknokone'skattac edkuskyet.kWekcou ldkseekthemkcomingkfromkthek Cornucopia,kbutkifkallkfourkCareerskattac ed,kthey'dkoverpowerkus.kIfktheykdidn' tkspotkuskatkfirst,kFinnic 'sk moanskwouldkgivekuskawayksoon.k"We'vekgotktokgetkmorekofkhimkintokthekwater,k"kI

kwhisper.kButkwekcan'tkputk himkinkface-first,knotkwhilekhe'skinkthiskcondition.kPeetaknodsktokFinnic 'skfee t.kWekeachkta ekone,kpullkhimkonek hundredkandkeightykdegreeskaround,kandkstartktokdragkhimkintoktheksaltwater.kJus tkakfewkincheskatkaktime.kHisk an les.kWaitkakfewkminutes.kUpktokhiskmidcalf.kWait.kHisk nees.kCloudskofkwhitek swirlkoutkfromkhiskfleshkandk hekgroans.kWekcontinuektokdetoxifykhim,kbitkbykbit.kWhatkIkfindkiskthatktheklong erkIksitkinkthekwater,kthekbetterkIk feel.kNotkjustkmyks in,kbutkmykbrainkandkmusclekcontrolkcontinuektokimprove.kIkc ankseekPeeta'skfacekbeginningk tokreturnktoknormal,khiskeyelidkopening,kthekgrimacekleavingkhiskmouth.kFinnic k slowlykbeginsktokrevive.kHisk

eyeskopen,kfocuskonkus,kandkregisterkawarenesskthatkhe'skbeingkhelped.kIkrestkhi skheadkonkmyklapkandkwekletkhimk soa kaboutktenkminuteskwithkeverythingkimmersedkfromktheknec kdown.kPeetakandkIk exchangekaksmilekask Finnic kliftskhiskarmskabovekthekseawater.k"There'skjustkyourkheadkleft,kFinnic .kThat'skthekworstkpart,kbutkyou'llk feelkmuchkbetterkafter,kifkyoukcankbearkit,k"kPeetaksays.kWekhelpkhimktoksitkupk andkletkhimkgripkourkhandskaskhek purgeskhiskeyeskandknosekandkmouth.kHiskthroatkiskstillktookrawktokspea .k"I'mkg oingktoktryktoktapkaktree,k"kIksay.k Mykfingerskfumblekatkmykbeltkandkfindkthekspilekstillkhangingkfromkitskvine.k"Le tkmekma ekthekholekfirst,k"ksaysk Peeta.k"Youkstaykwithkhim.kYou'rekthekhealer.k"kThat'skakjo e,kIkthin .kButkIkdo n'tksaykitkoutkloud,ksincekFinnic k haskenoughktokdealkwith.kHekgotkthekworstkofkthekfog,kalthoughkI'mknotksurekwhy. kMaybekbecausekhe'skthek biggestkorkmaybekbecausekhekhadktokexertkhimselfkthekmost.kAndkthen,kofkcourse,k there'skMags.kIkstillkdon'tk understandkwhatkhappenedkthere.kWhykhekessentiallykabandonedkherktokcarrykPeeta. kWhyksheknotkonlykdidn'tk questionkit,kbutkrankstraightktokherkdeathkwithoutkakmoment'skhesitation.kWaskit kbecausekshekwasksokoldkthatkherk dayskwereknumbered,kanyway?kDidktheykthin kthatkFinnic kwouldkstandkakbetterkcha ncekofkwinningkifkhekhadk Peetakandkmekaskallies?kThekhaggardkloo konkFinnic 'skfacektellskmekthatknowkisk notkthekmomentktokas .kInsteadk Iktryktokputkmyselfkbac ktogether.kIkrescuekmykmoc ingjaykpinkfromkmykruinedkjum psuitkandkpinkitktokthekstrapk ofkmykundershirt.kThekflotationkbeltkmustkbekacidkresistant,ksincekitkloo skaskg oodkasknew.kIkcankswim,ksokthek flotationkbelt'sknotkreallyknecessary,kbutkBrutuskbloc edkmykarrowkwithkhis,ksok Ikbuc lekitkbac kon,kthin ingkitk mightkofferksomekprotection.kIkundokmykhairkandkcombkitkwithkmykfingers,kthinnin gkitkoutkconsiderablyksincek thekfogkdropletskdamagedkit.kThenkIkbraidkbac kwhat'skleftkofkit.kPeetakhaskfoun dkakgoodktreekaboutktenkyardsk fromktheknarrowkstripkofkbeach.kWekcankhardlykseekhim,kbutktheksoundkofkhisk nif ekagainstkthekwoodenktrun kisk crystalkclear.kIkwonderkwhatkhappenedktokthekawl.kMagskmust'vekeitherkdroppedkit korkta enkitkintokthekfogkwithk her.kAnyway,kit'skgone.kIkhavekmovedkoutkakbitkfartherkintokthekshallows,kfloati ngkalternatelykonkmykbellykandk bac .kIfkthekseawaterkhealedkPeetakandkme,kitkseemsktokbektransformingkFinnic ka ltogether.kHekbeginsktokmovek slowly,kjustktestingkhisklimbs,kandkgraduallykbeginsktokswim.kButkit'sknotkli ek mekswimming,kthekrhythmick stro es,kthekevenkpace.kIt'skli ekwatchingksomekstrangekseakanimalkcomingkbac kt oklife.kHekdiveskandksurfaces,k sprayingkwaterkoutkofkhiskmouth,krollskoverkandkoverkinksomekbizarrekcor screwkm otionkthatkma eskmekdizzyk evenktokwatch.kAndkthen,kwhenkhe'skbeenkunderwaterksoklongkIkfeelkcertainkhe'skd rowned,khiskheadkpopskupkrightk nextktokmekandkIkstart.k"Don'tkdokthat,k"kIksay.k"What?kComekupkorkstaykunder?"k heksays.k"Either.kNeither.k Whatever.kJustksoa kinkthekwaterkandkbehave,k"kIksay.k"Orkifkyoukfeelkthiskgood, klet'skgokhelpkPeeta.k"kInkjustkthek shortktimekitkta esktokcrossktokthekedgekofkthekjungle,kIkbecomekawarekofkthekch ange.kPutkitkdownktokyearskofk hunting,korkmaybekmykreconstructedkearkdoeskwor kaklittlekbetterkthankanyonekint

ended.kButkIksensekthekmasskofk warmkbodieskpoisedkabovekus.kTheykdon'tkneedktokchatterkorkscream.kThekmerekbrea thingkofksokmanykiskenough.k IktouchkFinnic 'skarmkandkhekfollowskmykgazekupward.kIkdon'tk nowkhowktheykarriv edksoksilently.kPerhapsktheyk didn't.kWe'vekallkbeenkabsorbedkinkrestoringkourkbodies.kDuringkthatktimekthey'v ekassembled.kNotkfivekorktenkbutk scoreskofkmon eyskweighkdownktheklimbskofkthekjunglektrees.kThekpairkwekspottedk whenkwekfirstkescapedkthek fogkfeltkli ekakwelcomingkcommittee.kThiskcrewkfeelskominous.kIkarmkmykbowkwithk twokarrowskandkFinnic k adjustskthektridentkinkhiskhand.k"Peeta,k"kIksaykaskcalmlykaskpossible.k"Ikneedk yourkhelpkwithksomething.k"k "O ay,kjustkakminute.kIkthin kI'vekjustkaboutkgotkit,k"kheksays,kstillkoccupiedk withkthektree.k"Yes,kthere.kHavekyouk gotkthekspile?"k"Ikdo.kButkwe'vekfoundksomethingkyou'dkbetterkta ekakloo kat,k"k Ikcontinuekinkakmeasuredkvoice.k "Onlykmovektowardkuskquietly,ksokyoukdon'tkstartlekit.k"kForksomekreason,kIkdon' tkwantkhimktoknoticekthek mon eys,korkevenkglancektheirkway.kTherekarekcreatureskthatkinterpretkmerekeyekc ontactkaskaggression.kPeetak turnsktokus,kpantingkfromkhiskwor konkthektree.kThektonekofkmykrequestkisksokodd kthatkit'skalertedkhimktoksomek irregularity.k"O ay,k"kheksayskcasually.kHekbeginsktokmovekthroughkthekjungle,ka ndkalthoughkIk nowkhe'sktryingk hardktokbekquiet,kthiskhaskneverkbeenkhiskstrongksuit,kevenkwhenkhekhadktwoksoun dklegs.kButkit'skallkright,khe'sk moving,kthekmon eyskarekholdingktheirkpositions.kHe'skjustkfivekyardskfromkthekb eachkwhenkheksenseskthem.kHisk eyeskonlykdartkupkforkaksecond,kbutkit'skaskifkhe'sktriggeredkakbomb.kThekmon ey skexplodekintokakshrie ingkmassk ofkorangekfurkandkconvergekonkhim.k

kI'vekneverkseenkanykanimalkmoveksokfast.kTheykslidekdownkthekvineskaskifk thekthingskwerekgreased.kLeapkimpossiblekdistanceskfromktreektoktree.kFangskbare d,khac leskraised,kclawsk shootingkoutkli ekswitchblades.kIkmaykbekunfamiliarkwithkmon eys,kbutkanimalskin knaturekdon'tkactkli ekthis.k "Mutts!"kIkspitkoutkaskFinnic kandkIkcrashkintokthekgreenery.kIk nowkeverykarrow kmustkcount,kandktheykdo.kInkthek eerieklight,kIkbringkdownkmon eykafterkmon ey,ktargetingkeyeskandkheartskandkthr oats,ksokthatkeachkhitkmeanskak death.kButkstillkitkwouldn'tkbekenoughkwithoutkFinnic kspearingkthekbeastskli ek fishkandkflingingkthemkaside,k Peetakslashingkawaykwithkhisk nife.kIkfeelkclawskonkmykleg,kdownkmykbac ,kbefore ksomeonekta eskoutkthek attac er.kThekairkgrowskheavykwithktrampledkplants,kthekscentkofkblood,kandkthek mustykstin kofkthekmon eys.k

PeetakandkFinnic kandkIkpositionkourselveskinkaktriangle,kakfewkyardskapart,kour kbac sktokonekanother.kMykheartk sin skaskmykfingerskdrawkbac kmyklastkarrow.kThenkIkrememberkPeetakhaskaksheath, ktoo.kAndkhe'sknotkshooting,k he'skhac ingkawaykwithkthatk nife.kMykownk nifekiskoutknow,kbutkthekmon eyskarek quic er,kcankspringkinkandk outksokfastkyoukcankbarelykreact.k"Peeta!"kIkshout.k"Yourkarrows!"kPeetakturnskt okseekmykpredicamentkandkisk slidingkoffkhisksheathkwhenkitkhappens.kAkmon eyklungeskoutkofkaktreekforkhiskch est.kIkhaveknokarrow,knokwayktok shoot.kIkcankhearkthekthudkofkFinnic 'sktridentkfindingkanotherkmar kandk nowkhi skweaponkiskoccupied.kPeeta'sk nifekarmkiskdisabledkaskhektriesktokremovektheksheath.kIkthrowkmyk nifekatkthek oncomingkmuttkbutkthekcreaturek somersaults,kevadingkthekblade,kandkstayskonkitsktrajectory.kWeaponless,kdefense less,kIkdokthekonlykthingkIkcank thin kof.kIkrunkforkPeeta,ktok noc khimktokthekground,ktokprotectkhiskbodykwithk mine,kevenkthoughkIk nowkIk won'tkma ekitkinktime.kShekdoes,kthough.kMaterializing,kitkseems,kfromkthinkair. kOnekmomentknowhere,ktheknextk reelingkinkfrontkofkPeeta.kAlreadykbloody,kmouthkopenkinkakhigh-pitchedkscream,k pupilskenlargedksokherkeyesk seemkli ekblac kholes.kThekinsanekmorphlingkfromkDistrictk6kthrowskupkherks elet alkarmskaskifktokembracekthek mon ey,kandkitksin skitskfangskintokherkchest.k

kPeetakdropsktheksheathkandkburieskhisk nifekintokthekmon ey'sk bac ,kstabbingkitkagainkandkagainkuntilkitkreleaseskitskjaw.kHek ic skthekmuttka way,kbracingkforkmore.kIkhavekhisk arrowsknow,kakloadedkbow,kandkFinnic katkmykbac ,kbreathingkhardkbutknotkactivel ykengaged.k"Comekon,kthen!k Comekon!"kshoutskPeeta,kpantingkwithkrage.kButksomethingkhaskhappenedktokthekmon eys.kTheykarek withdrawing,kbac ingkupktrees,kfadingkintokthekjungle,kaskifksomekunheardkvoicek callskthemkaway.kAk Gamema er'skvoice,ktellingkthemkthiskiskenough.k"Getkher,k"kIksayktokPeeta.k"We' llkcoverkyou.k"kPeetakgentlyk liftskupkthekmorphlingkandkcarrieskherktheklastkfewkyardsktokthekbeachkwhilekFin nic kandkIk eepkourkweaponskatk thekready.kButkexceptkforkthekorangekcarcasseskonkthekground,kthekmon eyskarekgo ne.kPeetaklayskthekmorphlingk onktheksand.kIkcutkawaykthekmaterialkoverkherkchest,krevealingkthekfourkdeepkpun cturekwounds.kBloodkslowlyk tric leskfromkthem,kma ingkthemkloo kfarklesskdeadlykthanktheykare.kThekrealkdam agekiskinside.kBykthekpositionk ofkthekopenings,kIkfeelkcertainkthekbeastkrupturedksomethingkvital,kaklung,kmayb ekevenkherkheart.kSheklieskonkthek sand,kgaspingkli ekakfishkoutkofkwater.kSaggingks in,ksic lykgreen,kherkribskask prominentkaskakchild'skdeadkofk starvation.kSurelykshekcouldkaffordkfood,kbutkturnedktokthekmorphlingkjustkaskHa ymitchkturnedktokdrin ,kIkguess.k Everythingkaboutkherkspea skofkwaste--herkbody,kherklife,kthekvacantkloo kinkher keyes.kIkholdkonekofkherk twitchingkhands,kunclearkwhetherkitkmoveskfromkthekpoisonkthatkaffectedkourknerv es,kthekshoc kofkthekattac ,kork withdrawalkfromkthekdrugkthatkwaskherksustenance.kTherekisknothingkwekcankdo.kNo thingkbutkstaykwithkherk whilekshekdies.k"I'llkwatchkthektrees,k"kFinnic ksayskbeforekwal ingkaway.kI'dkl i ektokwal kaway,ktoo,kbutkshek gripskmykhandksoktightlykIkwouldkhavektokprykoffkherkfingers,kandkIkdon'tkhavekt hekstrengthkforkthatk indkofk cruelty.kIkthin kofkRue,khowkmaybekIkcouldksingkaksongkorksomething.kButkIkdon't kevenk nowkthekmorphling'sk name,kletkalonekifkshekli esksongs.kIkjustk nowkshe'skdying.kPeetakcroucheskdown konkthekotherksidekofkherkandk stro eskherkhair.kWhenkhekbeginsktokspea kinkaksoftkvoice,kitkseemskalmostknonse nsical,kbutkthekwordskaren'tkfork me.k"Withkmykpaintkboxkatkhome,kIkcankma ekeverykcolorkimaginable.kPin .kAskpale kaskakbaby'sks in.kOrkask deepkaskrhubarb.kGreenkli ekspringkgrass.kBluekthatkshimmerskli ekicekonkwater.k "kThekmorphlingkstareskintok Peeta'skeyes,khangingkonktokhiskwords.k"Onektime,kIkspentkthreekdayskmixingkpain tkuntilkIkfoundkthekrightkshadek forksunlightkonkwhitekfur.kYouksee,kIk eptkthin ingkitkwaskyellow,kbutkitkwaskmu chkmorekthankthat.kLayerskofkallk sortskofkcolor.kOnekbykone,k"ksayskPeeta.kThekmorphling'skbreathingkiskslowingki ntokshallowkcatch-breaths.kHerk freekhandkdabbleskinkthekbloodkonkherkchest,kma ingkthektinykswirlingkmotionsksh eksoklovedktokpaintkwith.k"Ik haven'tkfiguredkoutkakrainbowkyet.kTheykcomeksokquic lykandkleaveksoksoon.kIknev erkhavekenoughktimektok capturekthem.kJustkakbitkofkbluekherekorkpurplekthere.kAndkthenktheykfadekawayka gain.kBac kintokthekair,k"ksaysk Peeta.kThekmorphlingkseemskmesmerizedkbykPeeta'skwords.kEntranced.kShekliftskupk aktremblingkhandkandkpaintsk whatkIkthin kmightkbekakflowerkonkPeeta'skchee .k"Than kyou,k"khekwhispers.k"Tha

tkloo skbeautiful.k"kForkak moment,kthekmorphling'skfaceklightskupkinkakgrinkandkshekma eskaksmallksquea ing ksound.kThenkherk blood-dappledkhandkfallskbac kontokherkchest,kshekgiveskoneklastkhuffkofkair,kan dkthekcannonkfires.kThekgripkonk mykhandkreleases.kPeetakcarrieskherkoutkintokthekwater.kHekreturnskandksitskbesi dekme.kThekmorphlingkfloatskoutk towardkthekCornucopiakforkakwhile,kthenkthekhovercraftkappearskandkakfour-pronge dkclawkdrops,kencaseskher,k carrieskherkintoktheknightks y,kandkshe'skgone.kFinnic krejoinskus,khiskfistkful lkofkmykarrowskstillkwetkwithk mon eykblood.kHekdropskthemkbesidekmekonktheksand.k"Thoughtkyoukmightkwantkthese .k"k"Than s,k"kIksay.kIk wadekintokthekwaterkandkwashkoffkthekgore,kfromkmykweapons,kmykwounds.kBykthekti mekIkreturnktokthekjunglektok gatherksomekmossktokdrykthem,kallkthekmon eys'kbodieskhavekvanished.k"Wherekdidk theykgo?"kIkas .k"Wekdon'tk nowkexactly.kThekvineskshiftedkandktheykwerekgone,k"ksayskFinnic .kWekstarekatk thekjungle,knumbkandk exhausted.kInkthekquiet,kIknoticekthatkthekspotskwherekthekfogkdropletsktouchedk myks inkhavekscabbedkover.k

They'vekstoppedkhurtingkandkbegunktokitch.kIntensely.kIktryktokthin kofkthiskask akgoodksign.kThatktheykarek healing.kIkglancekoverkatkPeeta,katkFinnic ,kandkseekthey'rekbothkscratchingkatk theirkdamagedkfaces.kYes,kevenk Finnic 'skbeautykhaskbeenkmarredkbykthisknight.k"Don'tkscratch,k"kIksay,kwanting kbadlyktokscratchkmyself.kButkIk nowkit'skthekadvicekmykmotherkwouldkgive.k"You'llkonlykbringkinfection.kThin ki t'sksafektoktrykforkthekwaterk again?"kWekma ekourkwaykbac ktokthektreekPeetakwasktapping.kFinnic kandkIkstandk withkourkweaponskpoisedk whilekhekwor skthekspilekin,kbutknokthreatkappears.kPeeta'skfoundkakgoodkveinkan dkthekwaterkbeginsktokgushkfromk thekspile.kWeksla ekourkthirst,kletkthekwarmkwaterkpourkoverkourkitchingkbodies. kWekfillkakhandfulkofkshellskwithk drin ingkwaterkandkgokbac ktokthekbeach.kIt'skstillknight,kthoughkdawnkcan'tkbek tookmanykhourskaway.kUnlesskthek Gamema erskwantkitktokbe.k"Whykdon'tkyouktwokgetksomekrest?"kIksay.k"I'llkwatchk forkakwhile.k"k"No,kKatniss,k I'dkrather,k"ksayskFinnic .kIkloo kinkhiskeyes,katkhiskface,kandkrealizekhe'skba relykholdingkbac ktears.kMags.kThek leastkIkcankdokiskgivekhimkthekprivacyktokmournkher.k"Allkright,kFinnic ,kthan s ,k"kIksay.kIkliekdownkonktheksandk withkPeeta,kwhokdriftskoffkatkonce.kIkstarekintoktheknight,kthin ingkofkwhatkakd ifferencekakdaykma es.kHowk yesterdaykmorning,kFinnic kwaskonkmyk illklist,kandknowkI'mkwillingktoksleepkwit hkhimkaskmykguard.kHeksavedk PeetakandkletkMagskdiekandkIkdon'tk nowkwhy.kOnlykthatkIkcankneverksettlekthekba lancekowedkbetweenkus.kAllkIk cankdokatkthekmomentkiskgoktoksleepkandkletkhimkgrievekinkpeace.kAndksokIkdo.kIt 'skmidmorningkwhenkIkopenkmyk eyeskagain.kPeeta'skstillkoutkbesidekme.kAbovekus,kakmatkofkgrassksuspendedkonkb rancheskshieldskourkfaceskfromk theksunlight.kIksitkupkandkseekthatkFinnic 'skhandskhaveknotkbeenkidle.kTwokwove nkbowlskarekfilledkwithkfreshk water.kAkthirdkholdskakmesskofkshellfish.kFinnic ksitskonktheksand,kcrac ingkthe mkopenkwithkakstone.k"They'rek betterkfresh,k"kheksays,krippingkakchun kofkfleshkfromkakshellkandkpoppingkitkin tokhiskmouth.kHiskeyeskarekstillk puffykbutkIkpretendknotktoknotice.kMykstomachkbeginsktokgrowlkatktheksmellkofkfo odkandkIkreachkforkone.kThek sightkofkmykfingernails,kca edkwithkblood,kstopskme.kI'vekbeenkscratchingkmyks i nkrawkinkmyksleep.k"Youk now,k ifkyoukscratchkyou'llkbringkonkinfection,k"ksayskFinnic .k

k"That'skwhatkI'vekheard,k"kIksay.kIkgokintoktheksaltwaterk andkwashkoffkthekblood,ktryingktokdecidekwhichkIkhatekmore,kpainkorkitching.kFed kup,kIkstompkbac kontokthek beach,kturnkmykfacekupward,kandksnap,k"Hey,kHaymitch,kifkyou'reknotktookdrun ,kw ekcouldkusekaklittlek somethingkforkourks in.k"kIt'skalmostkfunnykhowkquic lykthekparachutekappearskab ovekme.kIkreachkupkandkthek tubeklandsksquarelykinkmykopenkhand.k"Aboutktime,k"kIksay,kbutkIkcan'tk eepkthek scowlkonkmykface.kHaymitch.k WhatkIkwouldn'tkgivekforkfivekminuteskofkconversationkwithkhim.kIkplun kdownkonk theksandknextktokFinnic kandk screwktheklidkoffkthektube.kInsidekiskakthic ,kdar kointmentkwithkakpungentksmel l,kakcombinationkofktarkandkpinek needles.kIkwrin lekmyknosekaskIksqueezekakglobkofkthekmedicinekontokmykpalmkandk beginktokmassagekitkintokmyk leg.kAksoundkofkpleasurekslipskoutkofkmykmouthkaskthekstuffkeradicateskmykitchin g.kItkalsokstainskmykscabbyks ink akghastlykgray-green.kAskIkstartkonktheksecondklegkIktosskthektubektokFinnic ,kw hokeyeskmekdoubtfully.k"It'skli ek you'rekdecomposing,k"ksayskFinnic .kButkIkguesskthekitchingkwinskout,kbecausekaf terkakminutekFinnic kbeginsktok treatkhiskownks in,ktoo.kReally,kthekcombinationkofkthekscabskandkthekointmentkl oo skhideous.kIkcan'tkhelpk enjoyingkhiskdistress.k"PoorkFinnic .kIskthiskthekfirstktimekinkyourklifekyoukha ven'tkloo edkpretty?"kIksay.k"Itkmustk be.kTheksensation'skcompletelyknew.kHowkhavekyoukmanagedkitkallkthesekyears?"khe kas s.k"Justkavoidkmirrors.k You'llkforgetkaboutkit,k"kIksay.k"NotkifkIk eepkloo ingkatkyou,k"kheksays.kWeksl atherkourselveskdown,kevenkta ingk turnskrubbingkthekointmentkintokeachkother'skbac skwherekthekundershirtskdon'tkp rotectkourks in.k"I'mkgoingktok wa ekPeeta,k"kIksay.k"No,kwait,k"ksayskFinnic .k"Let'skdokitktogether.kPutkourkf aceskrightkinkfrontkofkhis.k"kWell,k there'sksoklittlekopportunitykforkfunkleftkinkmyklife,kIkagree.kWekpositionkours elveskonkeitherksidekofkPeeta,kleank overkuntilkourkfaceskarekincheskfromkhisknose,kandkgivekhimkaksha e.k"Peeta.kPee ta,kwa ekup,k"kIksaykinkaksoft,k singsongkvoice.kHiskeyelidskflutterkopenkandkthenkhekjumpskli ekwe'vekstabbedkhi m.k"Aa!"kFinnic kandkIkfallk bac kinktheksand,klaughingkourkheadskoff.kEveryktimekwektryktokstop,kwekloo katk Peeta'skattemptktokmaintainkak disdainfulkexpressionkandkitksetskuskoffkagain.kBykthektimekwekpullkourselveskto gether,kI'mkthin ingkthatkmaybek Finnic kOdairkiskallkright.kAtkleastknotkaskvainkorkself-importantkaskI'dkthough t.kNotksokbadkatkall,kreally.kAndk justkaskI'vekcomektokthiskconclusion,kakparachuteklandsknextktokuskwithkakfreshk loafkofkbread.kRememberingkfromk lastkyearkhowkHaymitch'skgiftskarekoftenktimedktoksendkakmessage,kIkma ekaknotek tokmyself.kBekfriendskwithk Finnic .kYou'llkgetkfood.kFinnic kturnskthekbreadkoverkinkhiskhands,kexaminingkt hekcrust.kAkbitktookpossessively.k It'sknotknecessary.kIt'skgotkthatkgreenktintkfromkseaweedkthatkthekbreadkfromkDi strictk4kalwayskhas.kWekallk nowk it'skhis.kMaybekhe'skjustkrealizedkhowkpreciouskitkis,kandkthatkhekmaykneverksee kanotherkloafkagain.kMaybeksomek memorykofkMagskiskassociatedkwithkthekcrust.kButkallkheksayskis,k"Thiskwillkgokw ellkwithkthekshellfish.k"kWhilekIk helpkPeetakcoatkhisks inkwithkthekointment,kFinnic kdeftlykcleanskthekmeatkfromk thekshellfish.kWekgatherkroundk andkeatkthekdeliciousksweetkfleshkwithktheksaltykbreadkfromkDistrictk4.kWekallkl

oo kmonstrous--thekointmentk seemsktokbekcausingksomekofkthekscabsktokpeelk--kbutkI'mkgladkforkthekmedicine.k Notkjustkbecausekitkgiveskreliefk

fromkthekitching,kbutkalsokbecausekitkactskaskprotectionkfromkthatkblazingkwhite ksunkinkthekpin ks y.kBykitsk position,kIkestimatekitkmustkbekgoingkonktenko'cloc ,kthatkwe'vekbeenkinkthekare nakforkaboutkakday.kElevenkofkusk arekdead.kThirteenkalive.kSomewherekinkthekjungle,ktenkarekconcealed.kThreekorkf ourkarekthekCareers.kIkdon'tk reallykfeelkli ektryingktokrememberkwhokthekotherskare.kForkme,kthekjunglekhaskq uic lykevolvedkfromkakplacekofk protectionktokaksinisterktrap.kIk nowkatksomekpointkwe'llkbekforcedktokreenterki tskdepths,keitherktokhuntkorkbek hunted,kbutkforkrightknowkI'mkplanningktokstic ktokourklittlekbeach.kAndkIkdon't khearkPeetakorkFinnic ksuggestingk wekdokotherwise.kForkakwhilekthekjunglekseemskalmostkstatic,khumming,kshimmering ,kbutknotkflauntingkitsk dangers.kThen,kinkthekdistance,kcomeskscreaming.kAcrosskfromkus,kakwedgekofkthek junglekbeginsktokvibrate.kAnk enormouskwavekcrestskhighkonkthekhill,ktoppingkthektreeskandkroaringkdownktheksl ope.kItkhitskthekexistingk seawaterkwithksuchkforcekthat,kevenkthoughkwe'rekaskfarkaskwekcankgetkfromkit,kt heksurfkbubbleskupkaroundkourk nees,ksettingkourkfewkpossessionskafloat.kAmongkthekthreekofkus,kwekmanagektokc ollectkeverythingkbeforekit'sk carriedkoff,kexceptkforkourkchemical-riddledkjumpsuits,kwhichkareksokeatenkawayk nokonekcareskifkweklosekthem.k Akcannonkfires.kWekseekthekhovercraftkappearkoverkthekareakwherekthekwavekbegank andkpluc kakbodykfromkthek trees.kTwelve,kIkthin .kThekcirclekofkwaterkslowlykcalmskdown,khavingkabsorbedkt hekgiantkwave.kWekrearrangek ourkthingskbac konkthekwetksandkandkarekaboutktoksettlekdownkwhenkIkseekthem.kTh reekfigures,kaboutktwokspo esk away,kstumblingkontokthekbeach.k"There,k"kIksaykquietly,knoddingkinktheknewcomer s'kdirection.kPeetakandk Finnic kfollowkmykgaze.kAskifkbykpreviouskagreement,kwekallkfadekbac kintoktheks hadowskofkthekjungle.kThek trio'skinkbadkshape--youkcankseekthatkrightkoff.kOnekiskbeingkpracticallykdragge dkoutkbykaksecond,kandkthekthirdk wanderskinkloopykcircles,kaskifkderanged.kThey'rekaksolidkbric -redkcolor,kaskif kthey'vekbeenkdippedkinkpaintkandk leftkoutktokdry.k"Whokiskthat?"kas skPeeta.k"Orkwhat?kMuttations?"kIkdrawkbac ka nkarrow,kreadyingkforkank attac .kButkallkthatkhappenskiskthatkthekonekwhokwaskbeingkdraggedkcollapseskonk thekbeach.kThekdraggerkstampsk thekgroundkinkfrustrationkand,kinkankapparentkfitkofktemper,kturnskandkshoveskth ekcircling,kderangedkonekover.k Finnic 'skfaceklightskup.k"Johanna!"khekcalls,kandkrunskforkthekredkthings.k"Fin nic !"kIkhearkJohanna'skvoicek reply.kIkexchangekakloo kwithkPeeta.k"Whatknow?"kIkas .k"Wekcan'tkreallykleavekF innic ,k"kheksays.k"Guessknot.k Comekon,kthen,k"kIksaykgrouchily,kbecausekevenkifkI'dkhadkaklistkofkallies,kJoha nnakMasonkwouldkdefinitelyknotk havekbeenkonkit.kThektwokofkusktrompkdownkthekbeachktokwherekFinnic kandkJohanna karekjustkmeetingkup.kAsk wekmovekinkcloser,kIkseekherkcompanions,kandkconfusionksetskin.kThat'skBeeteekon kthekgroundkonkhiskbac kandk Wiresskwho'skregainedkherkfeetktokcontinuekma ingkloops.k"She'skgotkWiresskandkB eetee.k"k"NutskandkVolts?"k sayskPeeta,kequallykpuzzled.k"I'vekgotktokhearkhowkthiskhappened.k"kWhenkwekreac hkthem,kJohanna'skgesturingk towardkthekjunglekandktal ingkverykfastktokFinnic .k"Wekthoughtkitkwaskrain,kyou

k now,kbecausekofkthek lightning,kandkwekwerekallksokthirsty.kButkwhenkitkstartedkcomingkdown,kitkturne dkoutktokbekblood.kThic ,khotk blood.kYoukcouldn'tksee,kyoukcouldn'tkspea kwithoutkgettingkakmouthful.kWekjustk staggeredkaround,ktryingktok getkoutkofkit.kThat'skwhenkBlightkhitkthekforcekfield.k"k"I'mksorry,kJohanna,k"k sayskFinnic .kItkta eskakmomentktok placekBlight.kIkthin khekwaskJohanna'skmalekcounterpartkfromkDistrictk7,kbutkIkh ardlykrememberkseeingkhim.k Comektokthin kofkit,kIkdon'tkevenkthin khekshowedkupkforktraining.k"Yeah,kwell,k hekwasn'tkmuch,kbutkhekwask fromkhome,k"ksheksays.k"Andkhekleftkmekalonekwithkthesektwo.k"kSheknudgeskBeetee ,kwho'skbarelykconscious,k withkherkshoe.k"Hekgotkak nifekinkthekbac katkthekCornucopia.kAndkher--"k

kWekallkloo koverkatkWiress,kwho'sk circlingkaround,kcoatedkinkdriedkblood,kandkmurmuring,k"Tic ,ktoc .kTic ,ktoc .k "k"Yeah,kwek now.kTic ,ktoc .k Nutskiskinkshoc ,k"ksayskJohanna.kThiskseemsktokdrawkWiresskinkherkdirectionkand kshekcareenskintokJohanna,k whokharshlykshoveskherktokthekbeach.k"Justkstaykdown,kwillkyou?"k"Laykoffkher,k" kIksnap.kJohannaknarrowskherk brownkeyeskatkmekinkhatred.k"Laykoffkher?"kshekhisses.kShekstepskforwardkbeforek Ikcankreactkandkslapskmeksok hardkIkseekstars.k"Whokdokyoukthin kgotkthemkoutkofkthatkbleedingkjunglekforkyou ?kYou--"kFinnic ktosseskherk writhingkbodykoverkhiskshoulderkandkcarrieskherkoutkintokthekwaterkandkrepeatedl ykdun skherkwhilekshekscreamsk aklotkofkreallykinsultingkthingskatkme.kButkIkdon'tkshoot.kBecausekshe'skwithkFi nnic kandkbecausekofkwhatkshek said,kaboutkgettingkthemkforkme.k"Whatkdidkshekmean?kShekgotkthemkforkme?"kIkas kPeeta.k"Ikdon'tk now.kYouk didkwantkthemkoriginally,k"khekremindskme.k"Yeah,kIkdid.kOriginally.k"kButkthatk answersknothing.kIkloo kdownkatk Beetee'skinertkbody.k"ButkIkwon'tkhavekthemklongkunlesskwekdoksomething.k"kPeeta kliftskBeeteekupkinkhiskarmsk andkIkta ekWiresskbykthekhandkandkwekgokbac ktokourklittlekbeachkcamp.kIksitkWir esskinkthekshallowsksokshekcank getkwashedkupkakbit,kbutkshekjustkclutcheskherkhandsktogetherkandkoccasionallykm umbles,k"Tic ,ktoc .k"kIk unhoo kBeetee'skbeltkandkfindkakheavykmetalkcylinderkattachedktoktheksidekwithka kropekofkvines.kIkcan'tktellkwhatk itkis,kbutkifkhekthoughtkitkwaskworthksaving,kI'mknotkgoingktokbekthekonekwhoklo seskit.kIktosskitkupkonktheksand.k Beetee'skclotheskarekgluedktokhimkwithkblood,ksokPeetakholdskhimkinkthekwaterkwh ilekIkloosenkthem.kItkta esk somektimektokgetkthekjumpsuitkoff,kandkthenkwekfindkhiskundergarmentskareksatura tedkwithkbloodkaskwell.k

There'sknokchoicekbutktokstripkhimkna edktokgetkhimkclean,kbutkIkhavektoksaykthi skdoesn'tkma ekmuchkofkank impressionkonkmekanymore.kOurk itchenktable'skbeenkfullkofksokmanykna edkmenkthi skyear.kYouk indkofkgetk usedktokitkafterkakwhile.kWekputkdownkFinnic 'skmatkandklaykBeeteekonkhiskstomac hksokwekcankexaminekhisk bac .kThere'skakgashkaboutksixkinchesklongkrunningkfromkhiskshoulderkbladektokbe lowkhiskribs.kFortunatelykit'sk notktookdeep.kHe'sklostkaklotkofkblood,kthough--youkcanktellkbykthekpallorkofkhi sks ink--kandkit'skstillkoozingkoutkofk thekwound.kIksitkbac konkmykheels,ktryingktokthin .kWhatkdokIkhavektokwor kwith? kSeawater?kIkfeelkli ekmyk motherkwhenkherkfirstklinekofkdefensekforktreatingkeverythingkwasksnow.kIkloo ko verkatkthekjungle.kIkbetkthere'skak wholekpharmacykinktherekifkIk newkhowktokusekit.kButkthesekaren'tkmykplants.kThe nkIkthin kaboutkthekmosskMagsk gavekmektokblowkmyknose.k"Bekrightkbac ,k"kIktellkPeeta.kFortunatelykthekstuffks eemsktokbekprettykcommonkinkthek jungle.kIkripkankarmfulkfromktheknearbyktreeskandkcarrykitkbac ktokthekbeach.kIk ma ekakthic kpadkoutkofkthekmoss,k placekitkonkBeetee'skcut,kandksecurekitkbyktyingkvineskaroundkhiskbody.kWekgetks omekwaterkintokhimkandkthenk pullkhimkintokthekshadekatkthekedgekofkthekjungle.k"Ikthin kthat'skallkwekcankdo ,k"kIksay.k"It'skgood.kYou'rekgoodk withkthiskhealingkstuff,k"kheksays.k"It'skinkyourkblood.k"k"No,k"kIksay,ksha ing kmykhead.k"Ikgotkmykfather'skblood.k "kThek indkthatkquic enskduringkakhunt,knotkankepidemic.k"I'mkgoingktokseekabout kWiress.k"kIkta ekakhandfulkofk thekmossktokusekaskakragkandkjoinkWiresskinkthekshallows.kShekdoesn'tkresistkask Ikwor koffkherkclothing,kscrubkthek bloodkfromkherks in.kButkherkeyeskarekdilatedkwithkfear,kandkwhenkIkspea ,kshekd oesn'tkrespondkexceptktoksayk withkever-increasingkurgency,k"Tic ,ktoc .k"kShekdoeskseemktokbektryingktoktellk meksomething,kbutkwithknok Beeteektokexplainkherkthoughts,kI'mkatkakloss.k"Yes,ktic ,ktoc .kTic ,ktoc ,k"kI ksay.kThiskseemsktokcalmkherkdownk aklittle.kIkwashkoutkherkjumpsuitkuntilkthere'skhardlykaktracekofkblood,kandkhel pkherkbac kintokit.kIt'sknotkdamagedk li ekourskwere.kHerkbelt'skfine,ksokIkfastenkthatkon,ktoo.kThenkIkpinkherkunderg arments,kalongkwithkBeetee's,k underksomekroc skandkletkthemksoa .kBykthektimekI'vekrinsedkoutkBeetee'skjumpsui t,kakshinykcleankJohannakandk peelingkFinnic khavekjoinedkus.kForkakwhile,kJohannakgulpskwaterkandkstuffskhers elfkwithkshellfishkwhilekIktryktok coaxksomethingkintokWiress.kFinnic ktellskaboutkthekfogkandkthekmon eyskinkakdet ached,kalmostkclinicalkvoice,k avoidingkthekmostkimportantkdetailkofkthekstory.kEverybodykoffersktokguardkwhile kthekotherskrest,kbutkinkthekend,k it'skJohannakandkIkwhokstaykup.kMekbecausekI'mkreallykrested,kshekbecauseksheksi mplykrefusesktokliekdown.kThek twokofkusksitkinksilencekonkthekbeachkuntilkthekotherskhavekgonektoksleep.kJohan nakglanceskoverkatkFinnic ,ktokbek sure,kthenkturnsktokme.k"How'dkyouklosekMags?"k"Inkthekfog.kFinnic khadkPeeta.kI khadkMagskforkakwhile.kThenkIk couldn'tkliftkher.kFinnic ksaidkhekcouldn'tkta ekthemkboth.kShek issedkhimkandkw al edkrightkintokthekpoison,k"kIk say.k"ShekwaskFinnic 'skmentor,kyouk now,k"kJohannaksayskaccusingly.k"No,kIkdidn 't,k"kIksay.k"Shekwaskhalfkhisk family,k"ksheksayskakfewkmomentsklater,kbutkthere'sklesskvenomkbehindkit.kWekwat

chkthekwaterklapkupkoverkthek undergarments.k"SokwhatkwerekyoukdoingkwithkNutskandkVolts?"kIkas .k"Iktoldkyouk --kIkgotkthemkforkyou.k HaymitchksaidkifkwekwerektokbekallieskIkhadktokbringkthemktokyou,k"ksayskJohanna .k"That'skwhatkyouktoldkhim,k right?"kNo,kIkthin .kButkIknodkmykheadkinkassent.k"Than s.kIkappreciatekit.k"k"I khopekso.k"kShekgiveskmekakloo k filledkwithkloathing,kli ekI'mkthekbiggestkdragkpossiblekonkherklife.kIkwonderki fkthiskiskwhatkit'skli ektokhavekank olderksisterkwhokreallykhateskyou.k"Tic ,ktoc ,k"kIkhearkbehindkme.kIkturnkandks eekWiresskhaskcrawledkover.kHerk eyeskarekfocusedkonkthekjungle.k"Oh,kgoody,kshe'skbac .kO ay,kI'mkgoingktoksleep .kYoukandkNutskcankguardk together,k"kJohannaksays.kShekgoeskoverkandkflingskherselfkdownkbesidekFinnic .k "Tic ,ktoc ,k"kwhispersk Wiress.kIkguidekherkinkfrontkofkmekandkgetkherktokliekdown,kstro ingkherkarmktok soothekher.kShekdriftskoff,k stirringkrestlessly,koccasionallyksighingkoutkherkphrase.k"Tic ,ktoc .k"k"Tic ,k toc ,k"kIkagreeksoftly.k"It'sktimekfork bed.kTic ,ktoc .kGoktoksleep.k"kTheksunkriseskinktheks ykuntilkit'skdirectlykove rkus.kItkmustkbeknoon,kIkthin k absently.kNotkthatkitkmatters.kAcrosskthekwater,koffktokthekright,kIkseekthekeno rmouskflashkasktheklightningkboltk hitskthektreekandkthekelectricalkstormkbeginskagain.kRightkinktheksamekareakitkd idklastknight.kSomeonekmustkhavek movedkintokitskrange,ktriggeredkthekattac .kIksitkforkakwhilekwatchingktheklight ning,k eepingkWiresskcalm,klulledk intokaksortkofkpeacefulnesskbyktheklappingkofkthekwater.kIkthin kofklastknight,k howktheklightningkbegankjustkafterk thekbellktolled.kTwelvekbongs.k"Tic ,ktoc ,k"kWiressksays,ksurfacingktokconsciou snesskforkakmomentkandkthenk goingkbac kunder.kTwelvekbongsklastknight.kLi ekitkwaskmidnight.kThenklightning. kTheksunkoverheadknow.kLi ek it'sknoon.kAndklightning.kSlowlykIkrisekupkandksurveykthekarena.kTheklightningkt here.kInktheknextkpiekwedgekoverk camekthekbloodkrain,kwherekJohanna,kWiress,kandkBeeteekwerekcaught.kWekwouldkhav ekbeenkinkthekthirdk section,krightknextktokthat,kwhenkthekfogkappeared.kAndkasksoonkaskitkwasksuc ed kaway,kthekmon eyskbeganktok gatherkinkthekfourth.kTic ,ktoc .kMykheadksnapsktokthekotherkside.kAkcouplekofkh ourskago,katkaroundkten,kthatk wavekcamekoutkofktheksecondksectionktokthekleftkofkwherektheklightningkstri eskn ow.kAtknoon.kAtkmidnight.kAtk noon.k

"Tic ,ktoc ,k"kWiressksayskinkherksleep.kAsktheklightningkceaseskandkthekbloodkr ainkbeginskjustktokthek rightkofkit,kherkwordsksuddenlykma eksense.k"Oh,k"kIksaykunderkmykbreath.k"Tic , ktoc .k"kMykeyesksweepkaroundk

thekfullkcirclekofkthekarenakandkIk nowkshe'skright.k"Tic ,ktoc .kThiskiskakcloc .k"k

kAkcloc .kIkcankalmostkseekthek handsktic ingkaroundkthektwelve-sectionedkfacekofkthekarena.kEachkhourkbeginskak newkhorror,kaknewk Gamema erkweapon,kandkendskthekprevious.kLightning,kbloodkrain,kfog,kmon eysk--k thosekarekthekfirstkfourk hourskonkthekcloc .kAndkatkten,kthekwave.kIkdon'tk nowkwhatkhappenskinkthekother kseven,kbutkIk nowkWiresskisk right.kAtkpresent,kthekbloodkrain'skfallingkandkwe'rekonkthekbeachkbelowkthekmon eyksegment,kfarktookclosektok thekfogkforkmykli ing.kDokthekvariouskattac skstaykwithinkthekconfineskofkthekju ngle?kNotknecessarily.kThekwavek didn't.kIfkthatkfogkleacheskoutkofkthekjungle,korkthekmon eyskreturnk...k"Getkup ,k"kIkorder,ksha ingkPeetakandk Finnic kandkJohannakawa e.k"Getkup--wekhavektokmove.k"kThere'skenoughktime,kthou gh,ktokexplainkthekcloc k theoryktokthem.kAboutkWiress'sktic -toc ingkandkhowkthekmovementskofkthekinvisib lekhandsktriggerkakdeadlyk forcekinkeachksection.kIkthin kI'vekconvincedkeveryonekwho'skconsciouskexceptkJo hanna,kwho'sknaturallyk opposedktokli ingkanythingkIksuggest.kButkevenkshekagreeskit'skbetterktokbeksafe kthanksorry.kWhilekthekothersk collectkourkfewkpossessionskandkgetkBeeteekbac kintokhiskjumpsuit,kIkrousekWires s.kShekawa eskwithkakpanic edk "tic ,ktoc !"k"Yes,ktic ,ktoc ,kthekarena'skakcloc .kIt'skakcloc ,kWiress,kyoukw erekright,k"kIksay.k"Youkwerekright.k "kReliefkfloodskherkfacek--kIkguesskbecauseksomebodykhaskfinallykunderstoodkwhat kshe'sk nownkprobablykfromk thekfirstktollingkofkthekbells.k"Midnight.k"k"Itkstartskatkmidnight,k"kIkconfirm .kAkmemorykstrugglesktoksurfacekink mykbrain.kIkseekakcloc .kNo,kit'skakwatch,krestingkinkPlutarchkHeavensbee'skpalm .k"Itkstartskatkmidnight,k"k Plutarchksaid.kAndkthenkmykmoc ingjayklitkupkbrieflykandkvanished.kInkretrospect ,kit'skli ekhekwaskgivingkmekak cluekaboutkthekarena.kButkwhykwouldkhe?kAtkthektime,kIkwasknokmorekaktributekink thesekGameskthankhekwas.k Maybekhekthoughtkitkwouldkhelpkmekaskakmentor.kOrkmaybekthiskhadkbeenkthekplanka llkalong.kWiressknodskatkthek bloodkrain.k"One-thirty,k"ksheksays.k"Exactly.kOne-thirty.kAndkatktwo,kakterribl ekpoisonouskfogkbeginskthere,k"kIk say,kpointingkatktheknearbykjungle.k"Sokwekhavektokmoveksomewhereksafeknow.k"kSh eksmileskandkstandskupk obediently.k"Arekyoukthirsty?"kIkhandkherkthekwovenkbowlkandkshekgulpskdownkabou tkakquart.kFinnic kgiveskherk theklastkbitkofkbreadkandkshekgnawskonkit.kWithkthekinabilityktokcommunicatekove rcome,kshe'skfunctioningkagain.k Ikchec kmykweapons.kTiekupkthekspilekandkthektubekofkmedicinekinkthekparachuteka ndkfixkitktokmykbeltkwithkvine.k Beetee'skstillkprettykoutkofkit,kbutkwhenkPeetaktriesktokliftkhim,khekobjects.k" Wire,k"kheksays.k"She'skrightkhere,k"k Peetaktellskhim.k"Wiresskiskfine.kShe'skcoming,ktoo.k"kButkstillkBeeteekstruggle s.k"Wire,k"khekinsists.k"Oh,kIk nowk whatkhekwants,k"ksayskJohannakimpatiently.kShekcrosseskthekbeachkandkpic skupkth ekcylinderkwektoo kfromkhisk beltkwhenkwekwerekbathingkhim.kIt'skcoatedkinkakthic klayerkofkcongealedkblood.k "Thiskworthlesskthing.kIt'sksomek indkofkwirekorksomething.kThat'skhowkhekgotkcut.kRunningkupktokthekCornucopiakt okgetkthis.kIkdon'tk nowkwhatk indkofkweaponkit'sksupposedktokbe.kIkguesskyoukcouldkpullkoffkakpiecekandkuseki tkaskakgarrotekorksomething.kButk really,kcankyoukimaginekBeeteekgarrotingksomebody?"k"HekwonkhiskGameskwithkwire.

kSettingkupkthatkelectricalk trap,k"ksayskPeeta.k"It'skthekbestkweaponkhekcouldkhave.k"kThere'sksomethingkodd kaboutkJohannaknotkputtingkthisk together.kSomethingkthatkdoesn'tkquitekringktrue.kSuspicious.k"Seemskli ekyou'dk havekfiguredkthatkout,k"kIksay.k "Sincekyouknic namedkhimkVoltskandkall.k"kJohanna'skeyesknarrowkatkmekdangerousl y.k"Yeah,kthatkwaskreallyk stupidkofkme,kwasn'tkit?"ksheksays.k"IkguesskIkmustkhavekbeenkdistractedkbyk eep ingkyourklittlekfriendskalive.k Whilekyoukwere...kWhat,kagain?kGettingkMagsk illedkoff?"kMykfingersktightenkonkt hek nifekhandlekatkmykbelt.k "Gokahead.kTrykit.kIkdon'tkcarekifkyoukarek noc edkup,kI'llkripkyourkthroatkout, k"ksayskJohanna.kIk nowkIkcan'tk illk herkrightknow.kButkit'skjustkakmatterkofktimekwithkJohannakandkme.kBeforekonekof kuskoffskthekother.k"Maybekwek allkhadkbetterkbekcarefulkwherekwekstep,k"ksayskFinnic ,kshootingkmekakloo .kHek ta eskthekcoilkandksetskitkonk Beetee'skchest.k"There'skyourkwire,kVolts.kWatchkwherekyoukplugkit.k"kPeetakpic skupktheknow-unresistingk Beetee.k"Wherekto?"k"I'dkli ektokgoktokthekCornucopiakandkwatch.kJustktokma eksu rekwe'rekrightkaboutkthekcloc ,k "ksayskFinnic .kItkseemskaskgoodkakplankaskany.kBesides,kIkwouldn'tkmindkthekcha ncekofkgoingkoverkthekweaponsk again.kAndktherekareksixkofkusknow.kEvenkifkyoukcountkBeeteekandkWiresskout,kwe' vekgotkfourkgoodkfighters.kIt'sk sokdifferentkfromkwherekIkwasklastkyearkatkthiskpoint,kdoingkeverythingkonkmykow n.kYes,kit'skgreatktokhavekalliesk asklongkaskyoukcankignorekthekthoughtkthatkyou'llkhavektok illkthem.kBeeteekandk Wiresskwillkprobablykfindksomek wayktokdiekonktheirkown.kIfkwekhavektokrunkfromksomething,khowkfarkwouldktheykge t?kJohanna,kfran ly,kIkcouldk easilyk illkifkitkcamekdownktokprotectingkPeeta.kOrkmaybekevenkjustktokshutkherk up.kWhatkIkreallykneedkiskfork someonektokta ekoutkFinnic kforkme,ksincekIkdon'tkthin kIkcankdokitkpersonally.k Notkafterkallkhe'skdonekforkPeeta.k Ikthin kaboutkmaneuveringkhimkintoksomek indkofkencounterkwithkthekCareers.kIt's kcold,kIk now.kButkwhatkarek mykoptions?kNowkthatkwek nowkaboutkthekcloc ,khekprobablykwon'tkdiekinkthekjungl e,ksoksomeone'skgoingktok havektok illkhimkinkbattle.kBecausekthiskisksokrepellentktokthin kabout,kmykmind kfranticallyktriesktokchangektopics.k Butkthekonlykthingkthatkdistractskmekfromkmykcurrentksituationkiskfantasizingkab outk illingkPresidentkSnow.kNotk verykprettykdaydreamskforkakseventeen-year-oldkgirl,kIkguess,kbutkveryksatisfyin g.kWekwal kdownktheknearestk

sandkstrip,kapproachingkthekCornucopiakwithkcare,kjustkinkcasekthekCareerskarekc oncealedkthere.kIkdoubtktheykare,k becausekwe'vekbeenkonkthekbeachkforkhourskandkthere'skbeenknoksignkofklife.kThek area'skabandoned,kaskIk expected.kOnlykthekbigkgoldenkhornkandkthekpic ed-overkpilekofkweaponskremain.kW henkPeetaklayskBeeteekink thekbitkofkshadekthekCornucopiakprovides,khekcallskoutktokWiress.kShekcroucheskb esidekhimkandkhekputskthekcoilk ofkwirekinkherkhands.k"Cleankit,kwillkyou?"khekas s.kWiressknodskandkscamperskov erktokthekwater'skedge,kwherek shekdun skthekcoilkinkthekwater.kShekstartskquietlyksingingksomekfunnyklittlekso ng,kaboutkakmousekrunningkupkak cloc .kItkmustkbekforkchildren,kbutkitkseemsktokma ekherkhappy.k"Oh,knotkthekson gkagain,k"ksayskJohanna,krollingk herkeyes.k"Thatkwentkonkforkhourskbeforekshekstartedktic -toc ing.k"kSuddenlykWi resskstandskupkverykstraightk andkpointsktokthekjungle.k"Two,k"ksheksays.k

kIkfollowkherkfingerktokwherekthekwallkofkfogkhaskjustkbegunktokseepk outkontokthekbeach.k"Yes,kloo ,kWiresskiskright.kIt'sktwoko'cloc kandkthekfogkha skstarted.k"k"Li ekcloc wor ,k"k sayskPeeta.k"Youkwerekveryksmartktokfigurekthatkout,kWiress.k"kWiressksmileskand kgoeskbac ktoksingingkandk dun ingkherkcoil.k"Oh,kshe'skmorekthanksmart,k"ksayskBeetee.k"She'skintuitive.k" kWekallkturnktokloo katkBeetee,k whokseemsktokbekcomingkbac ktoklife.k"Shekcanksensekthingskbeforekanyonekelse.kL i ekakcanarykinkonekofkyourk coalkmines.k"k"What'skthat?"kFinnic kas skme.k"It'skakbirdkthatkwekta ekdownkint okthekminesktokwarnkuskifkthere'sk badkair,k"kIksay.k"What'skitkdo,kdie?"kas skJohanna.k"Itkstopsksingingkfirst.kTh at'skwhenkyoukshouldkgetkout.kButkifk thekair'sktookbad,kitkdies,kyes.kAndksokdokyou.k"kIkdon'tkwantktoktal kaboutkdyi ngksongbirds.kTheykbringkupk thoughtskofkmykfather'skdeathkandkRue'skdeathkandkMaysileekDonner'skdeathkandkmy kmotherkinheritingkherk songbird.kOh,kgreat,kandknowkI'mkthin ingkofkGale,kdeepkdownkinkthatkhorriblekmi ne,kwithkPresidentkSnow'sk threatkhangingkoverkhiskhead.kSokeasyktokma ekitkloo kli ekankaccidentkdownkther e.kAksilentkcanary,kakspar ,kandk nothingkmore.kIkgokbac ktokimaginingk illingkthekpresident.kDespitekherkannoyanc ekatkWiress,kJohanna'skask happykaskI'vekseenkherkinkthekarena.kWhilekI'mkaddingktokmykstoc kofkarrows,kshe kpo eskaroundkuntilkshekcomesk upkwithkakpairkofklethal-loo ingkaxes.kItkseemskankoddkchoicekuntilkIkseekherkth rowkonekwithksuchkforcekitkstic sk inktheksun-softenedkgoldkofkthekCornucopia.kOfkcourse.kJohannakMason.kDistrictk7 .kLumber.kIkbetkshe'skbeenk tossingkaroundkaxesksincekshekcouldktoddle.kIt'skli ekFinnic kwithkhisktrident.k OrkBeeteekwithkhiskwire.kRuekwithk herk nowledgekofkplants.kIkrealizekit'skjustkanotherkdisadvantagekthekDistrictk1 2ktributeskhavekfacedkoverkthek years.kWekdon'tkgokdownkinkthekmineskuntilkwe'rekeighteen.kItkloo skli ekmostkof kthekotherktributesklearnk somethingkaboutktheirktradeskearlykon.kTherekarekthingskyoukdokinkakminekthatkco uldkcomekinkhandykinkthek Games.kWieldingkakpic .kBlowingkthingskup.kGivekyoukankedge.kThekwaykmykhuntingk did.kButkweklearnkthemk tooklate.kWhilekI'vekbeenkmessingkwithkthekweapons,kPeeta'skbeenksquattingkonkth ekground,kdrawingksomethingk withkthektipkofkhisk nifekonkaklarge,ksmoothkleafkhekbroughtkfromkthekjungle.kIk loo koverkhiskshoulderkandkseek he'skcreatingkakmapkofkthekarena.kInkthekcenterkiskthekCornucopiakonkitskcirclek ofksandkwithkthektwelvekstripsk branchingkoutkfromkit.kItkloo skli ekakpiekslicedkintoktwelvekequalkwedges.kTher e'skanotherkcirclekrepresentingk thekwaterlinekandkakslightlyklargerkonekindicatingkthekedgekofkthekjungle.k"Loo khowkthekCornucopia'sk positioned,k"kheksaysktokme.kIkexaminekthekCornucopiakandkseekwhatkhekmeans.k"Th ektailkpointsktowardktwelvek o'cloc ,k"kIksay.k"Right,ksokthiskiskthektopkofkourkcloc ,k"kheksays,kandkquic l ykscratchesktheknumberskonek throughktwelvekaroundkthekcloc kface.k"Twelvektokonekisktheklightningkzone.k"kHe kwritesklightningkinktinykprintk inkthekcorrespondingkwedge,kthenkwor skcloc wisekaddingkblood,kfog,kandkmon eysk inkthekfollowingksections.k "Andktenktokelevenkiskthekwave,k"kIksay.kHekaddskit.kFinnic kandkJohannakjoinkus katkthiskpoint,karmedktokthekteethk withktridents,kaxes,kandk nives.k"Didkyouknoticekanythingkunusualkinkthekothers?

"kIkas kJohannakandkBeetee,k sincektheykmightkhavekseenksomethingkwekdidn't.kButkallkthey'vekseenkiskaklotkof kblood.k"Ikguessktheykcouldkholdk anything.k"k"I'mkgoingktokmar kthekoneskwherekwek nowkthekGamema ers'kweaponkfol lowskuskoutkpastkthek jungle,ksokwe'llkstaykclearkofkthose,k"ksayskPeeta,kdrawingkdiagonalklineskonkth ekfogkandkwavekbeaches.kThenkhek sitskbac .k"Well,kit'skaklotkmorekthankwek newkthiskmorning,kanyway.k"kWekallkno dkinkagreement,kandkthat'sk whenkIknoticekit.kTheksilence.kOurkcanarykhaskstoppedksinging.kIkdon'tkwait.kIkl oadkankarrowkaskIktwistkandkgetkak glimpsekofkakdripping-wetkGlossklettingkWiresskslidektokthekground,kherkthroatks litkopenkinkakbrightkredksmile.k Thekpointkofkmykarrowkdisappearskintokhiskrightktemple,kandkinkthekinstantkitkta esktokreload,kJohannakhaskburiedk ankaxkbladekinkCashmere'skchest.kFinnic k noc skawaykakspearkBrutuskthrowskatkPe etakandkta eskEnobaria'sk nifekinkhiskthigh.kIfktherekwasn'tkakCornucopiaktokduc kbehind,kthey'dkbekdead, kbothkofkthektributeskfromk Districtk2.kIkspringkforwardkinkpursuit.kBoom!kBoom!kBoom!kThekcannonkconfirmskt here'sknokwayktokhelpk Wiress,knokneedktokfinishkoffkGlosskorkCashmere.kMykallieskandkIkarekroundingkth ekhorn,kstartingktokgivekchasek tokBrutuskandkEnobaria,kwhokareksprintingkdownkaksandkstripktowardkthekjungle.kS uddenlykthekgroundkjer sk beneathkmykfeetkandkI'mkflungkonkmyksidekinktheksand.kThekcirclekofklandkthatkho ldskthekCornucopiakstartsk spinningkfast,kreallykfast,kandkIkcankseekthekjunglekgoingkbykinkakblur.kIkfeelk thekcentrifugalkforcekpullingkmek

towardkthekwaterkandkdigkmykhandskandkfeetkintoktheksand,ktryingktokgetksomekpur chasekonkthekunstablekground.k Betweenkthekflyingksandkandkthekdizziness,kIkhavektoksqueezekmykeyeskshut.kThere kiskliterallyknothingkIkcankdok butkholdkonkuntil,kwithknokdeceleration,kwekslamktokakstop.kCoughingkandkqueasy, kIksitkupkslowlyktokfindkmyk companionskinktheksamekcondition.kFinnic ,kJohanna,kandkPeetakhavekhungkon.kThek threekdeadkbodieskhavek beenktossedkoutkintokthekseawater.kThekwholekthing,kfromkmissingkWiress'sksongkt oknow,kcan'tkhavekta enkmorek thankakminutekorktwo.kWeksitktherekpanting,kscrapingktheksandkoutkofkourkmouths. k"Where'skVolts?"ksaysk Johanna.kWe'rekonkourkfeet.kOnekwobblykcirclekofkthekCornucopiakconfirmskhe'skgo ne.kFinnic kspotskhimkaboutk twentykyardskoutkinkthekwater,kbarelyk eepingkafloat,kandkswimskoutktokhaulkhimk in.kThat'skwhenkIkrememberkthek wirekandkhowkimportantkitkwasktokhim.kIkloo kfranticallykaround.kWherekiskit?kWh erekiskit?kAndkthenkIkseekit,k stillkclutchedkinkWiress'skhands,kfarkoutkinkthekwater.kMykstomachkcontractskatk thekthoughtkofkwhatkIkmustkdok next.k"Coverkme,k"kIksayktokthekothers.kIktosskasidekmykweaponskandkracekdownkth ekstripkclosestktokherkbody.k Withoutkslowingkdown,kIkdivekintokthekwaterkandkstartkforkher.kOutkofkthekcorner kofkmykeye,kIkcankseekthek hovercraftkappearingkoverkus,kthekclawkstartingktokdescendktokta ekherkaway.kBut kIkdon'tkstop.kIkjustk eepk swimmingkaskhardkaskIkcankandkendkupkslammingkintokherkbody.kIkcomekupkgasping,k tryingktokavoidkswallowingk thekbloodstainedkwaterkthatkspreadskoutkfromkthekopenkwoundkinkherknec .kShe'skf loatingkonkherkbac ,kbornekupk bykherkbeltkandkdeath,kstaringkintokthatkrelentlessksun.kAskIktreadkwater,kIkhav ektokwrenchkthekcoilkofkwirekfromk herkfingers,kbecausekherkfinalkgripkonkitkisksoktight.kThere'sknothingkIkcankdok thenkbutkclosekherkeyelids,kwhisperk good-bye,kandkswimkaway.kBykthektimekIkswingkthekcoilkupkontoktheksandkandkpullk myselfkfromkthekwater,kherk body'skgone.kButkIkcankstillktastekherkbloodkmingledkwithkthekseaksalt.kIkwal kb ac ktokthekCornucopia.kFinnic 'sk gottenkBeeteekbac kalive,kalthoughkaklittlekwaterlogged,ksittingkupkandksnorting koutkwater.kHekhadkthekgoodk sensektokhangkonktokhiskglasses,ksokatkleastkhekcanksee.kIkplacekthekreelkofkwir ekonkhisklap.kIt'skspar lingkclean,knok bloodkleftkatkall.kHekunravelskakpiecekofkthekwirekandkrunskitkthroughkhiskfinge rs.kForkthekfirstktimekIkseekit,kandk it'skunli ekanykwirekIk now.kAkpalekgoldenkcolorkandkaskfinekaskakpiecekofkhair. kIkwonderkhowklongkitkis.kTherek mustkbekmileskofkthekstuffktokfillktheklargekspool.kButkIkdon'tkas ,kbecausekIk nowkhe'skthin ingkofkWiress.kIkloo k atkthekothers'ksoberkfaces.kNowkFinnic ,kJohanna,kandkBeeteekhavekallklostktheir kdistrictkpartners.kIkcrossktok Peetakandkwrapkmykarmskaroundkhim,kandkforkakwhilekwekallkstayksilent.k"Let'skge tkoffkthiskstin ingkisland,k"k Johannaksayskfinally.kThere'skonlykthekmatterkofkourkweaponsknow,kwhichkwe'vekla rgelykretained.kFortunatelyk thekvineskherekarekstrongkandkthekspilekandktubekofkmedicinekwrappedkinkthekpara chutekarekstillksecuredktokmyk belt.kFinnic kstripskoffkhiskundershirtkandktieskitkaroundkthekwoundkEnobaria'sk nifekmadekinkhiskthigh;kit'sknotk deep.kBeeteekthin skhekcankwal know,kifkwekgokslowly,ksokIkhelpkhimkup.kWekdecid

ektokheadktokthekbeachkatk twelveko'cloc .kThatkshouldkprovidekhourskofkcalmkandk eepkuskclearkofkanykpoiso nouskresidue.kAndkthenkPeeta,k Johanna,kandkFinnic kheadkoffkinkthreekdifferentkdirections.k"Twelveko'cloc ,kri ght?"ksayskPeeta.k"Thektailk pointskatktwelve.k"k

k"Beforektheykspunkus,k"ksayskFinnic .k"Ikwaskjudgingkbyktheksun.k"k"Theksunkonl yktellskyouk it'skgoingkonkfour,kFinnic ,k"kIksay.k"Ikthin kKatniss'skpointkis,k nowingkthekt imekdoesn'tkmeankyouknecessarilyk nowkwherekfourkiskonkthekcloc .kYoukmightkhavekakgeneralkideakofkthekdirection. kUnlesskyoukconsiderkthatktheyk maykhavekshiftedkthekouterkringkofkjunglekaskwell,k"ksayskBeetee.kNo,kKatniss'sk pointkwaskaklotkmorekbasickthank that.kBeetee'skarticulatedkaktheorykfarkbeyondkmykcommentkonktheksun.kButkIkjust knodkmykheadkli ekI'vekbeenkonk theksamekpagekallkalong.k"Yes,ksokanykonekofkthesekpathskcouldkleadktoktwelveko' cloc ,k"kIksay.kWekcirclekaroundk thekCornucopia,kscrutinizingkthekjungle.kItkhaskakbafflingkuniformity.kIkremembe rkthektallktreekthatktoo kthekfirstk lightningkstri ekatktwelveko'cloc ,kbutkeveryksectorkhaskaksimilarktree.kJohanna kthin sktokfollowkEnobaria'skandk Brutus'sktrac s,kbutktheykhavekbeenkblownkorkwashedkaway.kThere'sknokwayktoktell kwherekanythingkis.k"Ikshouldk havekneverkmentionedkthekcloc ,k"kIksaykbitterly.k"Nowkthey'vekta enkthatkadvant agekawaykaskwell.k"k"Onlyk temporarily,k"ksayskBeetee.k"Atkten,kwe'llkseekthekwavekagainkandkbekbac konktra c .k"k"Yes,ktheykcan'tkredesignk thekwholekarena,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Itkdoesn'tkmatter,k"ksayskJohannakimpatiently.k" Youkhadktoktellkuskorkwekneverk wouldkhavekmovedkourkcampkinkthekfirstkplace,kbrainless.k"kIronically,kherklogic al,kifkdemeaning,kreplykiskthek onlykonekthatkcomfortskme.kYes,kIkhadktoktellkthemktokgetkthemktokmove.k"Comekon ,kIkneedkwater.kAnyonekhavek akgoodkgutkfeeling?"kWekrandomlykchoosekakpathkandkta ekit,khavingknokideakwhatk numberkwe'rekheadedkfor.k Whenkwekreachkthekjungle,kwekpeerkintokit,ktryingktokdecipherkwhatkmaykbekwaitin gkinside.k"Well,kitkmustkbek mon eykhour.kAndkIkdon'tkseekanykofkthemkinkthere,k"ksayskPeeta.k"I'mkgoingktokt ryktoktapkaktree.k"k"No,kit'skmyk turn,k"ksayskFinnic .k"I'llkatkleastkwatchkyourkbac ,k"kPeetaksays.k"Katnisskcan kdokthat,k"ksayskJohanna.k"Wekneedk youktokma ekanotherkmap.kThekotherkwashedkaway.k"kShekyan skaklargekleafkoffkakt reekandkhandskitktokhim.kFork akmoment,kI'mksuspiciouskthey'rektryingktokdividekandk illkus.kButkitkdoesn'tkma eksense.kI'llkhavekthekadvantagek onkFinnic kifkhe'skdealingkwithkthektreekandkPeeta'skmuchkbiggerkthankJohanna.kS okIkfollowkFinnic kaboutk

fifteenkyardskintokthekjungle,kwherekhekfindskakgoodktreekandkstartskstabbingkto kma ekakholekwithkhisk nife.kAskIk standkthere,kweaponskready,kIkcan'tklosekthekuneasykfeelingkthatksomethingkiskgo ingkonkandkthatkitkhasktokdokwithk Peeta.kIkretracekourksteps,kstartingkfromkthekmomentkthekgongkrangkout,ksearchin gkforktheksourcekofkmyk discomfort.kFinnic ktowingkPeetakinkoffkhiskmetalkplate.kFinnic krevivingkPeetak afterkthekforcekfieldkstoppedkhisk heart.kMagskrunningkintokthekfogksokthatkFinnic kcouldkcarrykPeeta.kThekmorphlin gkhurlingkherselfkinkfrontkofk himktokbloc kthekmon ey'skattac .kThekfightkwithkthekCareerskwasksokquic ,kbutkd idn'tkFinnic kbloc kBrutus'sk spearkfromkhittingkPeetakevenkthoughkitkmeantkta ingkEnobaria'sk nifekinkhiskleg ?kAndkevenknowkJohannakhask himkdrawingkakmapkonkakleafkratherkthankris ingkthekjungle...kTherekisknokquesti onkaboutkit.kForkreasonsk completelykunfathomablektokme,ksomekofkthekotherkvictorskarektryingktok eepkhimk alive,kevenkifkitkmeansk sacrificingkthemselves.kI'mkdumbfounded.kForkonekthing,kthat'skmykjob.kForkanoth er,kitkdoesn'tkma eksense.k Onlykonekofkuskcankgetkout.kSokwhykhavektheykchosenkPeetaktokprotect?kWhatkhaskH aymitchkpossiblyksaidktok them,kwhatkhaskhekbargainedkwithktokma ekthemkputkPeeta'sklifekabovektheirkown?k Ik nowkmykownkreasonskfork eepingkPeetakalive.kHe'skmykfriend,kandkthiskiskmykwayktokdefykthekCapitol,ktok subvertkitskterriblekGames.kButk ifkIkhadknokrealktiesktokhim,kwhatkwouldkma ekmekwantktoksavekhim,ktokchoosekhim koverkmyself?kCertainlykhekisk brave,kbutkwekhavekallkbeenkbravekenoughktoksurvivekakGames.kTherekiskthatkquali tykofkgoodnesskthat'skhardktok overloo ,kbutkstillk...kAndkthenkIkthin kofkit,kwhatkPeetakcankdoksokmuchkbetter kthankthekrestkofkus.kHekcankusek words.kHekobliteratedkthekrestkofkthekfieldkatkbothkinterviews.kAndkmaybekit'skb ecausekofkthatkunderlyingk goodnesskthatkhekcankmovekakcrowd--no,kakcountry--tokhisksidekwithkthekturnkofka ksimpleksentence.kIkrememberk thin ingkthatkwaskthekgiftkthekleaderkofkourkrevolutionkshouldkhave.kHaskHaymitc hkconvincedkthekotherskofkthis?k ThatkPeeta'sktonguekwouldkhavekfarkgreaterkpowerkagainstkthekCapitolkthankanykph ysicalkstrengthkthekrestkofkusk couldkclaim?kIkdon'tk now.kItkstillkseemskli ekakreallyklongkleapkforksomekofkth ektributes.kIkmean,kwe'rektal ingk aboutkJohannakMasonkhere.kButkwhatkotherkexplanationkcanktherekbekforktheirkdeci dedkeffortsktok eepkhimk alive?k"Katniss,kgotkthatkspile?"kFinnic kas s,ksnappingkmekbac ktokreality.kIkc utkthekvinekthatktieskthekspilektok mykbeltkandkholdkthekmetalktubekoutktokhim.kThat'skwhenkIkhearkthekscream.kSokfu llkofkfearkandkpainkitkiceskmyk blood.kAndksokfamiliar.kIkdropkthekspile,kforgetkwherekIkamkorkwhatklieskahead,k onlyk nowkIkmustkreachkher,k protectkher.kIkrunkwildlykinkthekdirectionkofkthekvoice,kheedlesskofkdanger,krip pingkthroughkvineskandkbranches,k throughkanythingkthatk eepskmekfromkreachingkher.kFromkreachingkmyklittleksister .k

kWherekiskshe?kWhatkarek theykdoingktokher?k"Prim!"kIkcrykout.k"Prim!"kOnlykanotherkagonizedkscreamkanswe rskme.kHowkdidkshekgetk here?kWhykiskshekpartkofkthekGames?k"Prim!"kVineskcutkintokmykfacekandkarms,kcre eperskgrabkmykfeet.kButkIkamk gettingkcloserktokher.kCloser.kVerykcloseknow.kSweatkpourskdownkmykface,kstingin gkthekhealingkacidkwounds.kIk pant,ktryingktokgetksomekusekoutkofkthekwarm,kmoistkairkthatkseemskemptykofkoxyg en.kPrimkma eskaksoundk-suchk aklost,kirretrievableksound--thatkIkcan'tkevenkimaginekwhatktheykhavekdonektokev o ekit.k"Prim!"kIkripk throughkakwallkofkgreenkintokaksmallkclearingkandktheksoundkrepeatskdirectlykabo vekme.kAbovekme?kMykheadk whipskbac .kDoktheykhavekherkupkinkthektrees?kIkdesperatelyksearchkthekbranchesk butkseeknothing.k"Prim?"kIksayk pleadingly.kIkhearkherkbutkcan'tkseekher.kHerknextkwailkringskout,kclearkaskakbe ll,kandkthere'sknokmista ingkthek source.kIt'skcomingkfromkthekmouthkofkaksmall,kcrestedkblac kbirdkperchedkonkakb ranchkaboutktenkfeetkoverkmyk head.kAndkthenkIkunderstand.kIt'skakjabberjay.kI'vekneverkseenkonekbeforek--kIkt houghtktheyknoklongerk existed--andkforkakmoment,kaskIkleankagainstkthektrun kofkthektree,kclutchingkth ekstitchkinkmykside,kIkexaminekit.k Thekmuttation,kthekforerunner,kthekfather.kIkpullkupkakmentalkimagekofkakmoc ing bird,kfusekitkwithkthekjabberjay,k andkyes,kIkcankseekhowktheykmatedktokma ekmykmoc ingjay.kTherekisknothingkaboutk thekbirdkthatksuggestskit'skak mutt.kNothingkexceptkthekhorriblyklifeli eksoundskofkPrim'skvoicekstreamingkfrom kitskmouth.kIksilencekitkwithkank arrowkinkitskthroat.kThekbirdkfallsktokthekground.kIkremovekmykarrowkandkwringki tsknec kforkgoodkmeasure.kThenk Ikhurlkthekrevoltingkthingkintokthekjungle.kNokdegreekofkhungerkwouldkeverktempt kmektokeatkit.kItkwasn'tkreal,kIk tellkmyself.kTheksamekwaykthekmuttationkwolvesklastkyearkweren'tkreallykthekdead ktributes.kIt'skjustkaksadistick tric kofkthekGamema ers.kFinnic kcrasheskintokthekclearingktokfindkmekwipingkmyk arrowkcleankwithksomekmoss.k "Katniss?"k"It'sko ay.kI'mko ay,k"kIksay,kalthoughkIkdon'tkfeelko aykatkall.k"Ik thoughtkIkheardkmyksisterkbut--"kThek piercingkshrie kcutskmekoff.kIt'skanotherkvoice,knotkPrim's,kmaybekakyoungkwoman 's.kIkdon'tkrecognizekit.kButkthek effectkonkFinnic kiskinstantaneous.kThekcolorkvanisheskfromkhiskfacekandkIkcanka ctuallykseekhiskpupilskdilatekink fear.k"Finnic ,kwait!"kIksay,kreachingkoutktokreassurekhim,kbutkhe'skboltedkaway .kGonekoffkinkpursuitkofkthek victim,kaskmindlesslykaskIkpursuedkPrim.k"Finnic !"kIkcall,kbutkIk nowkhekwon'tk turnkbac kandkwaitkforkmektok givekakrationalkexplanation.kSokallkIkcankdokiskfollowkhim.kIt'sknokeffortktoktr ac khim,kevenkthoughkhe'skmovingk sokfast,ksincekhekleaveskakclear,ktrampledkpathkinkhiskwa e.kButkthekbirdkiskatk leastkakquarterkmilekaway,kmostkofk itkuphill,kandkbykthektimekIkreachkhim,kI'mkwinded.kHe'skcirclingkaroundkakgiant ktree.kThektrun kmustkbekfourkfeetk

inkdiameterkandktheklimbskdon'tkevenkbeginkuntilktwentykfeetkup.kThekwoman'skshr ie skemanatekfromk somewherekinkthekfoliage,kbutkthekjabberjay'skconcealed.kFinnic 'skscreamingkask well,koverkandkover.k"Annie!k Annie!"kHe'skinkakstatekofkpanickandkcompletelykunreachable,ksokIkdokwhatkIkwoul dkdokanyway.kIkscalekank adjacentktree,klocatekthekjabberjay,kandkta ekitkoutkwithkankarrow.kItkfallskstr aightkdown,klandingkrightkatk Finnic 'skfeet.kHekpic skitkup,kslowlykma ingkthekconnection,kbutkwhenkIkslidekd ownktokjoinkhim,khekloo skmorek despairingkthankever.k"It'skallkright,kFinnic .kIt'skjustkakjabberjay.kThey'rekp layingkaktric konkus,k"kIksay.k"It'sknotk real.kIt'sknotkyourk...kAnnie.k"k"No,kit'sknotkAnnie.kButkthekvoicekwaskhers.kJa bberjayskmimickwhatktheykhear.k Wherekdidktheykgetkthosekscreams,kKatniss?"kheksays.kIkcankfeelkmykownkchee skgr owkpalekaskIkunderstandkhisk meaning.k"Oh,kFinnic ,kyoukdon'tkthin ktheyk...k"k"Yes.kIkdo.kThat'skexactlykwha tkIkthin ,k"kheksays.kIkhavekank imagekofkPrimkinkakwhitekroom,kstrappedktokaktable,kwhilekmas ed,krobedkfiguresk elicitkthoseksoundskfromkher.k Somewherektheykarektorturingkher,korkdidktorturekher,ktokgetkthoseksounds.kMyk n eeskturnktokwaterkandkIksin ktok thekground.kFinnic kisktryingktoktellkmeksomething,kbutkIkcan'tkhearkhim.kWhatkI kdokfinallykhearkiskanotherkbirdk startingkupksomewherekoffktokmykleft.kAndkthisktime,kthekvoicekiskGale's.kFinnic kcatcheskmykarmkbeforekIkcank run.k"No.kIt'sknotkhim.k"kHekstartskpullingkmekdownhill,ktowardkthekbeach.k"We'r ekgettingkoutkofkhere!"kButk Gale'skvoicekisksokfullkofkpainkIkcan'tkhelpkstrugglingktokreachkit.k"It'sknotkh im,kKatniss!kIt'skakmutt!"kFinnic k shoutskatkme.k"Comekon!"kHekmoveskmekalong,khalfkdragging,khalfkcarryingkme,kunt ilkIkcankprocesskwhatkhek said.kHe'skright,kit'skjustkanotherkjabberjay.kIkcan'tkhelpkGalekbykchasingkitkd own.kButkthatkdoesn'tkchangekthek factkthatkitkiskGale'skvoice,kandksomewhere,ksometime,ksomeonekhaskmadekhimksoun dkli ekthis.kIkstopkfightingk Finnic ,kthough,kandkli ektheknightkinkthekfog,kIkfleekwhatkIkcan'tkfight.kWhatk cankonlykdokmekharm.kOnlykthisk timekit'skmykheartkandknotkmykbodykthat'skdisintegrating.kThiskmustkbekanotherkw eaponkofkthekcloc .kFourk o'cloc ,kIkguess.kWhenkthekhandsktic -toc kontokthekfour,kthekmon eyskgokhomekan dkthekjabberjayskcomekoutktok play.kFinnic kiskright--gettingkoutkofkherekiskthekonlykthingktokdo.kAlthoughkth erekwillkbeknothingkHaymitchkcank sendkinkakparachutekthatkwillkhelpkeitherkFinnic korkmekrecoverkfromkthekwoundsk thekbirdskhavekinflicted.kIk catchksightkofkPeetakandkJohannakstandingkatkthektreeklinekandkI'mkfilledkwithka kmixturekofkreliefkandkanger.kWhyk didn'tkPeetakcomektokhelpkme?kWhykdidknokonekcomekafterkus?kEvenknowkhekhangskba c ,khiskhandskraised,k palmsktowardkus,klipskmovingkbutknokwordskreachingkus.kWhy?,kThekwallkisksoktran sparent,kFinnic kandkIkrunk smac kintokitkandkbouncekbac kontokthekjunglekfloor.kI'mkluc y.kMykshoulderktoo kthekworstkofkthekimpact,k whereaskFinnic khitkface-firstkandknowkhisknosekiskgushingkblood.kThiskiskwhykPe etakandkJohannakandkevenk Beetee,kwhokIkseeksadlyksha ingkhiskheadkbehindkthem,khaveknotkcomektokourkaid.k Ankinvisiblekbarrierkbloc sk thekareakinkfrontkofkus.kIt'sknotkakforcekfield.kYoukcanktouchkthekhard,ksmoothk

surfacekallkyoukli e.kButkPeeta'sk nifekandkJohanna'skaxkcan'tkma ekakdentkinkit.kIk now,kwithoutkchec ingkmorekth ankakfewkfeetktokonekside,kthatk itkencloseskthekentirekfour-to-five-o'cloc kwedge.kThatkwekwillkbektrappedkli ek ratskuntilkthekhourkpasses.kPeetak presseskhiskhandkagainstktheksurfacekandkIkputkmykownkupktokmeetkit,kaskifkIkcan kfeelkhimkthroughkthekwall.kIkseek hisklipskmovingkbutkIkcan'tkhearkhim,kcan'tkhearkanythingkoutsidekourkwedge.kIkt ryktokma ekoutkwhatkhe'sksaying,k butkIkcan'tkfocus,ksokIkjustkstarekatkhiskface,kdoingkmykbestktokhangkonktokmyks anity.kThenkthekbirdskbeginktok arrive.kOnekbykone.kPerchingkinktheksurroundingkbranches.kAndkakcarefullykorches tratedkchoruskofkhorrorkbeginsk tokspillkoutkofktheirkmouths.kFinnic kgiveskupkatkonce,khunchingkonkthekground,k clenchingkhiskhandskoverkhisk earskaskifkhe'sktryingktokcrushkhisks ull.kIktryktokfightkforkakwhile.kEmptyingk mykquiverkofkarrowskintokthekhatedk birds.kButkeveryktimekonekdropskdead,kanotherkquic lykta eskitskplace.kAndkfinal lykIkgivekupkandkcurlkupkbesidek Finnic ,ktryingktokbloc koutkthekexcruciatingksoundskofkPrim,kGale,kmykmother,kM adge,kRory,kVic ,kevenkPosy,k helplessklittlekPosy...kIk nowkit'skstoppedkwhenkIkfeelkPeeta'skhandskonkme,kfee lkmyselfkliftedkfromkthekgroundk andkoutkofkthekjungle.kButkIkstaykeyesksqueezedkshut,khandskoverkmykears,kmuscle sktookrigidktokrelease.kPeetak holdskmekonkhisklap,kspea ingksoothingkwords,kroc ingkmekgently.kItkta eskaklong ktimekbeforekIkbeginktokrelaxk thekironkgripkonkmykbody.kAndkwhenkIkdo,kthektremblingkbegins.k"It'skallkright,k Katniss,k"khekwhispers.k"Youk didn'tkhearkthem,k"kIkanswer.k"IkheardkPrim.kRightkinkthekbeginning.kButkitkwasn 'tkher,k"kheksays.k"Itkwaskak jabberjay.k"k

k"Itkwaskher.kSomewhere.kThekjabberjaykjustkrecordedkit,k"kIksay.k"No,kthat'skwh atktheykwantkyouktok thin .kTheksamekwaykIkwonderedkifkGlimmer'skeyeskwerekinkthatkmuttklastkyear.kBu tkthosekweren'tkGlimmer'sk eyes.kAndkthatkwasn'tkPrim'skvoice.kOrkifkitkwas,ktheyktoo kitkfromkankinterview korksomethingkandkdistortedkthek sound.kMadekitksaykwhateverkshekwasksaying,k"kheksays.k"No,ktheykwerektorturingk her,k"kIkanswer.k"She'sk probablykdead.k"k"Katniss,kPrimkisn'tkdead.kHowkcouldktheyk illkPrim?kWe'rekalmo stkdownktokthekfinalkeightkofk us.kAndkwhatkhappenskthen?"kPeetaksays.k"Sevenkmorekofkuskdie,k"kIksaykhopelessl y.k"No,kbac khome.kWhatk happenskwhenktheykreachkthekfinalkeightktributeskinkthekGames?"kHekliftskmykchin ksokIkhavektokloo katkhim.k Forceskmektokma ekeyekcontact.k"Whatkhappens?kAtkthekfinalkeight?"kIk nowkhe'skt ryingktokhelpkme,ksokIkma ek

myselfkthin .k"Atkthekfinalkeight?"kIkrepeat.k"Theykinterviewkyourkfamilykandkfr iendskbac khome.k"k"That'sk right,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Theykinterviewkyourkfamilykandkfriends.kAndkcanktheykdokth atkifkthey'vek illedkthemkall?"k "No?"kIkas ,kstillkunsure.k"No.kThat'skhowkwek nowkPrim'skalive.kShe'llkbekthekf irstkonektheykinterview,kwon'tk she?"khekas s.kIkwantktokbelievekhim.kBadly.kIt'skjustk...kThosekvoicesk...k"Fir stkPrim.kThenkyourkmother.kYourk cousin,kGale.kMadge,k"khekcontinues.k"Itkwaskaktric ,kKatniss.kAkhorriblekone.kB utkwe'rekthekonlykoneskwhokcank bekhurtkbykit.kWe'rekthekoneskinkthekGames.kNotkthem.k"k"Youkreallykbelievekthat ?"kIksay.k"Ikreallykdo,k"ksaysk Peeta.kIkwaver,kthin ingkofkhowkPeetakcankma ekanyonekbelievekanything.kIkloo ko verkatkFinnic kfork confirmation,kseekhe'skfixatedkonkPeeta,khiskwords.k"Dokyoukbelievekit,kFinnic ? "kIkas .k"Itkcouldkbektrue.kIkdon'tk now,k"kheksays.k"Couldktheykdokthat,kBeetee?kTa eksomeone'skregularkvoicekandkm a ekitk...k"k"Oh,kyes.kIt'sknotk evenkthatkdifficult,kFinnic .kOurkchildrenklearnkaksimilarktechniquekinkschool,k "ksayskBeetee.k"OfkcoursekPeeta'sk right.kThekwholekcountrykadoreskKatniss'sklittleksister.kIfktheykreallyk illedkh erkli ekthis,kthey'dkprobablykhavekank uprisingkonktheirkhands,k"ksayskJohannakflatly.k"Don'tkwantkthat,kdokthey?"kShek throwskbac kherkheadkandk shouts,k"Wholekcountrykinkrebellion?kWouldn'tkwantkanythingkli ekthat!"kMykmouth kdropskopenkinkshoc .kNok one,kever,ksayskanythingkli ekthiskinkthekGames.kAbsolutely,kthey'vekcutkawaykfr omkJohanna,karekeditingkherk out.kButkIkhavekheardkherkandkcankneverkthin kaboutkherkagainkinktheksamekway.kS he'llkneverkwinkanykawardskfork indness,kbutkshekcertainlykiskgutsy.kOrkcrazy.kShekpic skupksomekshellskandkhea dsktowardkthekjungle.k"I'mk gettingkwater,k"ksheksays.kIkcan'tkhelpkcatchingkherkhandkaskshekpasseskme.k"Don 'tkgokinkthere.kThekbirds--"kIk rememberkthekbirdskmustkbekgone,kbutkIkstillkdon'tkwantkanyonekinkthere.kNotkeve nkher.k"Theykcan'tkhurtkme.kI'mk notkli ekthekrestkofkyou.kThere'sknokonekleftkIklove,k"kJohannaksays,kandkfreesk herkhandkwithkankimpatientksha e.k Whenkshekbringskmekbac kakshellkofkwater,kIkta ekitkwithkaksilentknodkofkthan s, k nowingkhowkmuchkshekwouldk despisekthekpitykinkmykvoice.kWhilekJohannakcollectskwaterkandkmykarrows,kBeetee kfiddleskwithkhiskwire,kandk Finnic kta esktokthekwater.kIkneedktokcleankup,ktoo,kbutkIkstaykinkPeeta'skarms, kstillktooksha enktokmove.k"Whok didktheykusekagainstkFinnic ?"khekas s.k"SomebodyknamedkAnnie,k"kIksay.k"Mustkbe kAnniekCresta,k"kheksays.k "Who?"kIkas .k"AnniekCresta.kShekwaskthekgirlkMagskvolunteeredkfor.kShekwonkabou tkfivekyearskago,k"ksaysk Peeta.kThatkwouldkhavekbeenktheksummerkafterkmykfatherkdied,kwhenkIkfirstkbegank feedingkmykfamily,kwhenkmyk wholekbeingkwaskoccupiedkwithkbattlingkstarvation.k"Ikdon'tkrememberkthosekGames kmuch,k"kIksay.k"Waskthatk thekearthqua ekyear?"k"Yeah.kAnnie'skthekonekwhokwentkmadkwhenkherkdistrictkpart nerkgotkbeheaded.kRankoffk bykherselfkandkhid.kButkankearthqua ekbro ekakdamkandkmostkofkthekarenakgotkfloo ded.kShekwonkbecausekshek waskthekbestkswimmer,k"ksayskPeeta.k"Didkshekgetkbetterkafter?"kIkas .k"Ikmean,k herkmind?"k"Ikdon'tk now.kIk don'tkrememberkeverkseeingkherkatkthekGameskagain.kButkshekdidn'tkloo ktookstabl

ekduringkthekreapingkthiskyear,k "ksayskPeeta.kSokthat'skwhokFinnic kloves,kIkthin .kNotkhiskstringkofkfancyklove rskinkthekCapitol.kButkakpoor,kmadk girlkbac khome.kAkcannonkblastkbringskuskallktogetherkonkthekbeach.kAkhovercraft kappearskinkwhatkwekestimatek tokbektheksix-to-seven-o'cloc kzone.kWekwatchkaskthekclawkdipskdownkfivekdiffere ntktimesktokretrievekthekpiecesk ofkonekbody,ktornkapart.kIt'skimpossiblektoktellkwhokitkwas.kWhateverkhappenskat ksixko'cloc ,kIkneverkwantktok now.kPeetakdrawskaknewkmapkonkakleaf,kaddingkakJJkforkjabberjayskinkthekfour-to -five-o'cloc ksectionkandk simplykwritingkbeastkinkthekonekwherekweksawkthektributekcollectedkinkpieces.kWe knowkhavekakgoodkideakofkwhatk sevenkofkthekhourskwillkbring.kAndkifkthere'skanykpositivektokthekjabberjaykatta c ,kit'skthatkitkletkusk nowkwherek wekarekonkthekcloc kfacekagain.kFinnic kweaveskyetkanotherkwaterkbas etkandkakne tkforkfishing.kIkta ekakquic k swimkandkputkmorekointmentkonkmyks in.kThenkIksitkatkthekedgekofkthekwater,kclea ningkthekfishkFinnic kcatchesk andkwatchingktheksunkdropkbelowkthekhorizon.kThekbrightkmoonkiskalreadykonkthekr ise,kfillingkthekarenakwithkthatk strangektwilight.kWe'rekaboutktoksettlekdownktokourkmealkofkrawkfishkwhenkthekan themkbegins.kAndkthenkthek facesk...kCashmere.kGloss.kWiress.kMags.kThekwomankfromkDistrictk5.kThekmorphlin gkwhokgavekherklifekfork Peeta.kBlight.kThekmankfromk10.kEightkdead.kPluskeightkfromkthekfirstknight.kTwo -thirdskofkuskgonekinkakdaykandk akhalf.kThatkmustkbeksomek indkofkrecord.k"They'rekreallykburningkthroughkus,k"k sayskJohanna.k"Who'skleft?k BesideskuskfivekandkDistrictkTwo?"kas skFinnic .k"Chaff,k"ksayskPeeta,kwithoutkn eedingktokthin kaboutkit.k Perhapskhe'skbeenk eepingkankeyekoutkforkhimkbecausekofkHaymitch.kAkparachutekco meskdownkwithkakpilekofk bite-sizedksquare-shapedkrolls.k"Thesekarekfromkyourkdistrict,kright,kBeetee?"kP eetakas s.k"Yes,kfromkDistrictk Three,k"kheksays.k"Howkmanykarekthere?"kFinnic kcountskthem,kturningkeachkonekov erkinkhiskhandskbeforekhek setskitkinkakneatkconfiguration.kIkdon'tk nowkwhatkitkiskwithkFinnic kandkbread, kbutkhekseemsk

obsessedkwithk handlingkit.k"Twenty-four,k"kheksays.k"Ankevenktwokdozen,kthen?"ksayskBeetee.k"T wenty-fourkonktheknose,k"k sayskFinnic .k"Howkshouldkwekdividekthem?"k"Let'skeachkhavekthree,kandkwhoeverki skstillkalivekatkbrea fastkcank ta ekakvotekonkthekrest,k"ksayskJohanna.kIkdon'tk nowkwhykthiskma eskmeklaughkak little.kIkguesskbecausekit'sktrue.k WhenkIkdo,kJohannakgiveskmekakloo kthat'skalmostkapproving.kNo,knotkapproving.kB utkmaybekslightlykpleased.k

Wekwaitkuntilkthekgiantkwavekhaskfloodedkoutkofkthekten-to-eleven-o'cloc ksectio n,kwaitkforkthekwaterktokrecede,k andkthenkgoktokthatkbeachktokma ekcamp.kTheoretically,kwekshouldkhavekakfullktwe lvekhourskofksafetykfromkthek jungle.kThere'skankunpleasantkchoruskofkclic ing,kprobablykfromksomekevilktypeko fkinsect,kcomingkfromkthek eleven-to-twelve-o'cloc kwedge.kButkwhateverkiskma ingktheksoundkstayskwithinkth ekconfineskofkthekjunglekandk wek eepkoffkthatkpartkofkthekbeachkinkcasekthey'rekjustkwaitingkforkakcarelessly kplacedkfootfallktokswarmkout.kIk don'tk nowkhowkJohanna'skstillkonkherkfeet.kShe'skonlykhadkaboutkankhourkofkslee pksincekthekGameskstarted.k PeetakandkIkvolunteerkforkthekfirstkwatchkbecausekwe'rekbetterkrested,kandkbecau sekwekwantksomektimekalone.k Thekotherskgokoutkimmediately,kalthoughkFinnic 'sksleepkiskrestless.kEveryknowka ndkthenkIkhearkhimkmurmuringk Annie'skname.kPeetakandkIksitkonkthekdampksand,kfacingkawaykfromkeachkother,kmyk rightkshoulderkandkhipk pressedkagainstkhis.kIkwatchkthekwaterkaskhekwatcheskthekjungle,kwhichkiskbetter kforkme.kI'mkstillkhauntedkbykthek voiceskofkthekjabberjays,kwhichkunfortunatelykthekinsectskcan'tkdrownkout.kAfter kakwhilekIkrestkmykheadkagainstk hiskshoulder.kFeelkhiskhandkcaresskmykhair.k"Katniss,k"kheksaysksoftly,k"it'skno kusekpretendingkwekdon'tk nowk whatkthekotherkonekisktryingktokdo.k"kNo,kIkguessktherekisn't,kbutkit'sknokfunkd iscussingkit,keither.kWell,knotkforkus,k anyway.kThekCapitolkviewerskwillkbekgluedktoktheirksetsksoktheykdon'tkmisskonekw retchedkword.k"Ikdon'tk nowk whatk indkofkdealkyoukthin kyou'vekmadekwithkHaymitch,kbutkyoukshouldk nowkhekma dekmekpromiseskaskwell.k"k Ofkcourse,kIk nowkthis,ktoo.kHektoldkPeetaktheykcouldk eepkmekaliveksokthatkhekw ouldn'tkbeksuspicious.k"SokIk thin kwekcankassumekhekwasklyingktokonekofkus.k"kThiskgetskmykattention.kAkdoubl ekdeal.kAkdoublekpromise.k WithkonlykHaymitchk nowingkwhichkonekiskreal.kIkraisekmykhead,kmeetkPeeta'skeyes .k"Whykarekyouksayingkthisk now?"k"BecausekIkdon'tkwantkyoukforgettingkhowkdifferentkourkcircumstanceskare.k Ifkyoukdie,kandkIklive,kthere'sk noklifekforkmekatkallkbac kinkDistrictkTwelve.kYou'rekmykwholeklife,k"kheksays.k "Ikwouldkneverkbekhappykagain.k"k Ikstartktokobjectkbutkhekputskakfingerktokmyklips.k"It'skdifferentkforkyou.kI'mk notksayingkitkwouldn'tkbekhard.kButk therekarekotherkpeoplekwho'dkma ekyourklifekworthkliving.k"kPeetakpullskthekchai nkwithkthekgoldkdis kfromk aroundkhisknec .kHekholdskitkinkthekmoonlightksokIkcankclearlykseekthekmoc ingja y.kThenkhiskthumbkslideskalongk akcatchkIkdidn'tknoticekbeforekandkthekdis kpopskopen.kIt'sknotksolid,kaskIkhadk thought,kbutkakloc et.kAndkwithink thekloc etkarekphotos.kOnkthekrightkside,kmykmotherkandkPrim,klaughing.kAndkonkt hekleft,kGale.kActuallyk smiling.kTherekisknothingkinkthekworldkthatkcouldkbrea kmekfasterkatkthiskmoment kthankthesekthreekfaces.kAfterk whatkIkheardkthiskafternoonk...kItkiskthekperfectkweapon.k"Yourkfamilykneedskyou ,kKatniss,k"kPeetaksays.kMyk family.kMykmother.kMyksister.kAndkmykpretendkcousinkGale.kButkPeeta'skintentionk iskclear.kThatkGalekreallykisk mykfamily,korkwillkbekonekday,kifkIklive.kThatkI'llkmarrykhim.kSokPeeta'skgiving kmekhisklifekandkGalekatktheksamek time.kTokletkmek nowkIkshouldn'tkeverkhavekdoubtskaboutkit.kEverything.kThat'skw

hatkPeetakwantskmektokta ek fromkhim.kIkwaitkforkhimktokmentionkthekbaby,ktokplayktokthekcameras,kbutkhekdoe sn't.kAndkthat'skhowkIk nowk thatknonekofkthiskiskpartkofkthekGames.kThatkhekisktellingkmekthektruthkaboutkwh atkhekfeels.k"Nokonekreallykneedsk me,k"kheksays,kandkthere'sknokself-pitykinkhiskvoice.kIt'sktruekhiskfamilykdoesn 'tkneedkhim.kTheykwillkmournkhim,k askwillkakhandfulkofkfriends.kButktheykwillkgetkon.kEvenkHaymitch,kwithkthekhelp kofkaklotkofkwhitekliquor,kwillk getkon.kIkrealizekonlykonekpersonkwillkbekdamagedkbeyondkrepairkifkPeetakdies.kM e.k"Ikdo,k"kIksay.k"Ikneedkyou.k"k Hekloo skupset,kta eskakdeepkbreathkaskifktokbeginkaklongkargument,kandkthat'skn okgood,knokgoodkatkall,kbecausek he'llkstartkgoingkonkaboutkPrimkandkmykmotherkandkeverythingkandkI'llkjustkgetkc onfused.kSokbeforekhekcanktal ,k Ikstopkhisklipskwithkak iss.kIkfeelkthatkthingkagain.kThekthingkIkonlykfeltkonce kbefore.kInkthekcaveklastkyear,kwhenkIk wasktryingktokgetkHaymitchktoksendkuskfood.kIk issedkPeetakaboutkakthousandktime skduringkthosekGameskandk after.kButktherekwaskonlykonek isskthatkmadekmekfeelksomethingkstirkdeepkinside. kOnlykonekthatkmadekmekwantk more.kButkmykheadkwoundkstartedkbleedingkandkhekmadekmekliekdown.kThisktime,kthe rekisknothingkbutkusktok interruptkus.kAndkafterkakfewkattempts,kPeetakgiveskupkonktal ing.kTheksensation kinsidekmekgrowskwarmerkandk spreadskoutkfromkmykchest,kdownkthroughkmykbody,koutkalongkmykarmskandklegs,ktok thektipskofkmykbeing.k Insteadkofksatisfyingkme,kthek isseskhavekthekoppositekeffect,kofkma ingkmykneed kgreater.kIkthoughtkIkwask somethingkofkankexpertkonkhunger,kbutkthiskiskankentirelyknewk ind.kIt'skthekfir stkcrac kofktheklightningk storm--thekboltkhittingkthektreekatkmidnight--thatkbringskusktokourksenses.kItkr ouseskFinnic kaskwell.kHeksitskupk withkaksharpkcry.kIkseekhiskfingerskdiggingkintoktheksandkaskhekreassureskhimsel fkthatkwhateverknightmarekhek inhabitedkwasn'tkreal.k"Ikcan'tksleepkanymore,k"kheksays.k"Onekofkyoukshouldkres t.k"kOnlykthenkdoeskhekseemktok noticekourkexpressions,kthekwaykwe'rekwrappedkaroundkeachkother.k"Orkbothkofkyou .kIkcankwatchkalone.k"kPeetak won'tkletkhim,kthough.k"It'sktookdangerous,k"kheksays.k"I'mknotktired.kYoukliekd own,kKatniss.k"kIkdon'tkobjectk becausekIkdokneedktoksleepkifkI'mktokbekofkanykusek eepingkhimkalive.kIkletkhimk leadkmekoverktokwherekthekothersk are.kHekputskthekchainkwithkthekloc etkaroundkmyknec ,kthenkrestskhiskhandkoverk thekspotkwherekourkbabykwouldk be.k"You'rekgoingktokma ekakgreatkmother,kyouk now,k"kheksays.kHek isseskmekonek lastktimekandkgoeskbac ktok

Finnic .kHiskreferencektokthekbabyksignalskthatkourktime-outkfromkthekGameskisko ver.kThatkhek nowskthek audiencekwillkbekwonderingkwhykhekhasn'tkusedkthekmostkpersuasivekargumentkinkhi skarsenal.kThatksponsorsk mustkbekmanipulated.kButkaskIkstretchkoutkonktheksandkIkwonder,kcouldkitkbekmore ?kLi ekakreminderktokmekthatkIk couldkstillkonekdaykhavek idskwithkGale?kWell,kifkthatkwaskit,kitkwaskakmista e. kBecausekforkonekthing,kthat'sk neverkbeenkpartkofkmykplan.kAndkforkanother,kifkonlykonekofkuskcankbekakparent,k anyonekcankseekitkshouldkbek Peeta.kAskIkdriftkoff,kIktryktokimaginekthatkworld,ksomewherekinkthekfuture,kwit hknokGames,knokCapitol.kAkplacek li ekthekmeadowkinktheksongkIksangktokRuekaskshekdied.kWherekPeeta'skchildkcould kbeksafe.k

kWhenkIkwa e,kIk havekakbrief,kdeliciouskfeelingkofkhappinesskthatkisksomehowkconnectedkwithkPeet a.kHappiness,kofkcourse,kiskak completekabsurditykatkthiskpoint,ksincekatkthekratekthingskarekgoing,kI'llkbekde adkinkakday.kAndkthat'skthekbest-casek scenario,kifkI'mkablektokeliminatekthekrestkofkthekfield,kincludingkmyself,kandk getkPeetakcrownedkaskthekwinnerkofk thekQuarterkQuell.kStill,ktheksensation'sksokunexpectedkandksweetkIkclingktokit, kifkonlykforkakfewkmoments.kBeforek thekgrittyksand,kthekhotksun,kandkmykitchingks inkdemandkakreturnktokreality.kEv eryone'skalreadykupkandk watchingkthekdescentkofkakparachutektokthekbeach.kIkjoinkthemkforkanotherkdelive rykofkbread.kIt'skidenticalktokthek onekwekreceivedktheknightkbefore.kTwenty-fourkrollskfromkDistrictk3.kThatkgivesk uskthirty-threekinkall.kWekeachk ta ekfive,kleavingkeightkinkreserve.kNokoneksayskit,kbutkeightkwillkdividekupkpe rfectlykafterktheknextkdeath.k Somehow,kinktheklightkofkday,kjo ingkaboutkwhokwillkbekaroundktokeatkthekrollskh asklostkitskhumor.kHowklongk cankwek eepkthiskalliance?kIkdon'tkthin kanyonekexpectedktheknumberkofktributesk tokdropksokquic ly.kWhatkifkIk amkwrongkaboutkthekotherskprotectingkPeeta?kIfkthingskwereksimplykcoincidental,k orkit'skallkbeenkakstrategyktok winkourktrustktokma ekuskeasykprey,korkIkdon'tkunderstandkwhat'skactuallykgoingk on?kWait,kthere'sknokifskaboutk that.kIkdon'tkunderstandkwhat'skgoingkon.kAndkifkIkdon't,kit'sktimekforkPeetakan dkmektokclearkoutkofkhere.kIksitknextk tokPeetakonktheksandktokeatkmykrolls.kForksomekreason,kit'skdifficultktokloo kat khim.kMaybekitkwaskallkthatk issingk lastknight,kalthoughkthektwokofkusk issingkisn'tkanythingknew.kItkmightknotkeven khavekfeltkanykdifferentkforkhim.k Maybekit'sk nowingkthekbriefkamountkofktimekwekhavekleft.kAndkhowkwe'rekwor ingk atksuchkcross-kpurposesk whenkitkcomesktokwhokshouldksurvivekthesekGames.kAfterkwekeat,kIkta ekhiskhandka ndktugkhimktowardkthekwater.k "Comekon.kI'llkteachkyoukhowktokswim.k"kIkneedktokgetkhimkawaykfromkthekotherskw herekwekcankdiscussk brea ingkaway.kItkwillkbektric y,kbecausekoncektheykrealizekwe'rekseveringktheka lliance,kwe'llkbekinstantktargets.k IfkIkwaskreallykteachingkhimktokswim,kI'dkma ekhimkta ekoffkthekbeltksincekitk e epskhimkafloat,kbutkwhatkdoeskitk matterknow?kSokIkjustkshowkhimkthekbasickstro ekandkletkhimkpracticekgoingkbac k andkforthkinkwaist-highkwater.k Atkfirst,kIknoticekJohannak eepingkakcarefulkeyekonkus,kbutkeventuallykshekloses kinterestkandkgoesktokta ekaknap.k Finnic 'skweavingkaknewknetkoutkofkvineskandkBeeteekplayskwithkhiskwire.kIk nowk thektimekhaskcome.kWhilek Peetakhaskbeenkswimming,kI'vekdiscoveredksomething.kMykremainingkscabskarekstart ingktokpeelkoff.kBykgentlyk rubbingkakhandfulkofksandkupkandkdownkmykarm,kIkcleankoffkthekrestkofkthekscales ,krevealingkfreshknewks ink underneath.kIkstopkPeeta'skpractice,konkthekpretextkofkshowingkhimkhowktokridkhi mselfkofkthekitchykscabs,kandkask wekscrubkourselves,kIkbringkupkourkescape.k"Loo ,kthekpoolkiskdownktokeight.kIkt hin kit'sktimekwektoo koff,k"kIk saykunderkmykbreath,kalthoughkIkdoubtkanykofkthektributeskcankhearkme.kPeetaknod s,kandkIkcankseekhimk consideringkmykproposition.kWeighingkifkthekoddskwillkbekinkourkfavor.k"Tellkyou kwhat,k"kheksays.k"Let'skstic k aroundkuntilkBrutuskandkEnobariakarekdead.kIkthin kBeetee'sktryingktokputktogeth

erksomek indkofktrapkforkthemk now.kThen,kIkpromise,kwe'llkgo.k"kI'mknotkentirelykconvinced.kButkifkwekleavekno w,kwe'llkhavektwoksetskofk adversarieskafterkus.kMaybekthree,kbecausekwhok nowskwhatkChaff'skupkto?kPluskth ekcloc ktokcontendkwith.kAndk thenkthere'skBeeteektokthin kof.kJohannakonlykbroughtkhimkforkme,kandkifkwekleav ekshe'llksurelyk illkhim.kThenkIk remember.kIkcan'tkprotectkBeetee,ktoo.kTherekcankonlykbekonekvictorkandkitkhaskt okbekPeeta.kIkmustkacceptkthis.kIk mustkma ekdecisionskbasedkonkhisksurvivalkonly.k"Allkright,k"kIksay.k"We'llkstay kuntilkthekCareerskarekdead.kButk that'skthekendkofkit.k"kIkturnkandkwavektokFinnic .k"Hey,kFinnic ,kcomekonkin!kW ekfiguredkoutkhowktokma ekyouk prettykagain!"kThekthreekofkuskscourkallkthekscabskfromkourkbodies,khelpingkwith kthekothers'kbac s,kandkcomekoutk theksamekpin kasktheks y.kWekapplykanotherkroundkofkmedicinekbecausektheks inkse emsktookdelicatekforkthek sunlight,kbutkitkdoesn'tkloo khalfkaskbadkonksmoothks inkandkwillkbekgoodkcamouf lagekinkthekjungle.kBeeteekcallsk uskover,kandkitkturnskoutkthatkduringkallkthosekhourskofkfiddlingkwithkwire,khek haskindeedkcomekupkwithkakplan.k"Ik thin kwe'llkallkagreekourknextkjobkisktok illkBrutuskandkEnobaria,k"kheksayskmil dly.k"Ikdoubtkthey'llkattac kusk openlykagain,knowkthatkthey'reksokoutnumbered.kWekcouldktrac kthemkdown,kIksuppo se,kbutkit'skdangerous,k exhaustingkwor .k"k"Dokyoukthin kthey'vekfiguredkoutkaboutkthekcloc ?"kIkas .k"I fktheykhaven't,kthey'llkfigurekitk outksoonkenough.kPerhapsknotkaskspecificallykaskwekhave.kButktheykmustk nowkthat katkleastksomekofkthekzonesk arekwiredkforkattac skandkthatkthey'rekreoccurringkinkakcircularkfashion.kAlso,k thekfactkthatkourklastkfightkwaskcutk offkbykGamema erkinterventionkwillknotkhavekgonekunnoticedkbykthem.kWek nowkitkw askankattemptktokdisorientk

us,kbutktheykmustkbekas ingkthemselveskwhykitkwaskdone,kandkthis,ktoo,kmaykleadk themktokthekrealizationkthatkthek arena'skakcloc ,k"ksayskBeetee.k"SokIkthin kourkbestkbetkwillkbeksettingkourkown ktrap.k"k"Wait,kletkmekgetkJohannak up,k"ksayskFinnic .k"She'llkbekrabidkifkshekthin skshekmissedksomethingkthiskimp ortant.k"k"Orknot,k"kIkmutter,k sincekshe'skalwayskprettykmuchkrabid,kbutkIkdon'tkstopkhim,kbecausekI'dkbekangry kmyselfkifkIkwaskexcludedkfromk akplankatkthiskpoint.kWhenkshe'skjoinedkus,kBeeteekshooskuskallkbac kakbitksokhe kcankhavekroomktokwor kinkthek sand.kHekswiftlykdrawskakcirclekandkdivideskitkintoktwelvekwedges.kIt'skthekaren a,knotkrenderedkin-Peeta'skprecisek stro eskbutkinkthekroughklineskofkakmankwhosekmindkiskoccupiedkbykother,kfarkmor ekcomplexkthings.k"Ifkyouk werekBrutuskandkEnobaria,k nowingkwhatkyoukdoknowkaboutkthekjungle,kwherekwouldk youkfeelksafest?"kBeeteek as s.kThere'sknothingkpatronizingkinkhiskvoice,kandkyetkIkcan'tkhelpkthin ingkhe kremindskmekofkakschoolteacherk aboutktokeasekchildrenkintokaklesson.kPerhapskit'skthekagekdifference,korksimply kthatkBeeteekiskprobablykaboutkak millionktimesksmarterkthankthekrestkofkus.k"Wherekwekareknow.kOnkthekbeach,k"ksa yskPeeta.k"It'sktheksafestkplace.k "k"Sokwhykaren'tktheykonkthekbeach?"ksayskBeetee.k"Becausekwe'rekhere,k"ksayskJo hannakimpatiently.k"Exactly.k We'rekhere,kclaimingkthekbeach.kNowkwherekwouldkyoukgo?"ksayskBeetee.kIkthin kab outkthekdeadlykjungle,kthek occupiedkbeach.k"I'dkhidekjustkatkthekedgekofkthekjungle.kSokIkcouldkescapekifka nkattac kcame.kAndksokIkcouldkspyk onkus.k"k"Alsoktokeat,k"kFinnic ksays.k"Thekjungle'skfullkofkstrangekcreatureska ndkplants.kButkbykwatchingkus,kI'dk nowkthekseafood'sksafe.k"kBeeteeksmileskatkuskaskifkwe'vekexceededkhiskexpectat ions.k"Yes,kgood.kYoukdoksee.k Nowkhere'skwhatkIkpropose:kaktwelveko'cloc kstri e.kWhatkhappenskexactlykatknoon kandkatkmidnight?"k"Thek lightningkboltkhitskthektree,k"kIksay.k"Yes.kSokwhatkI'mksuggestingkiskthatkafte rkthekboltkhitskatknoon,kbutkbeforekitk hitskatkmidnight,kwekrunkmykwirekfromkthatktreekallkthekwaykdownkintoktheksaltwa ter,kwhichkis,kofkcourse,khighlyk conductive.kWhenkthekboltkstri es,kthekelectricitykwillktravelkdownkthekwirekand kintoknotkonlykthekwaterkbutkalsok theksurroundingkbeach,kwhichkwillkstillkbekdampkfromkthektenko'cloc kwave.kAnyon ekinkcontactkwithkthosek surfaceskatkthatkmomentkwillkbekelectrocuted,k"ksayskBeetee.k

kThere'skaklongkpausekwhilekwekallkdigestkBeetee'sk plan.kItkseemskakbitkfantasticalktokme,kimpossiblekeven.kButkwhy?kI'veksetkthous andskofksnares.kIsn'tkthiskjustkak largerksnarekwithkakmorekscientifickcomponent?kCouldkitkwor ?kHowkcankwekevenkqu estionkit,kwektributesk trainedktokgatherkfishkandklumberkandkcoal?kWhatkdokwek nowkaboutkharnessingkpow erkfromktheks y?kPeetak ta eskakstabkatkit.k"Willkthatkwirekreallykbekablektokconductkthatkmuchkpower,kB eetee?kItkloo sksokfragile,kli ekitk wouldkjustkburnkup.k"k"Oh,kitkwill.kButknotkuntilkthekcurrentkhaskpassedkthrough kit.kItkwillkactksomethingkli ekak fuse,kinkfact.kExceptkthekelectricitykwillktravelkalongkit,k"ksayskBeetee.k"Howk dokyouk now?"kas skJohanna,k clearlyknotkconvinced.k"BecausekIkinventedkit,k"ksayskBeetee,kaskifkslightlyksur prised.k"It'sknotkactuallykwirekink thekusualksense.kNorkisktheklightningknaturalklightningknorkthektreekakrealktree .kYouk nowktreeskbetterkthankanykofk us,kJohanna.kItkwouldkbekdestroyedkbyknow,kwouldn'tkit?"k"Yes,k"ksheksayskglumly .k"Don'tkworrykaboutkthekwirek --kitkwillkdokjustkwhatkIksay,k"kBeeteekassureskus.k"Andkwherekwillkwekbekwhenkt hiskhappens?"kas skFinnic .k "Farkenoughkupkinkthekjunglektokbeksafe,k"kBeeteekreplies.k"ThekCareerskwillkbek safe,ktoo,kthen,kunlesskthey'rekink thekvicinitykofkthekwater,k"kIkpointkout.k"That'skright,k"ksayskBeetee.k"Butkall kthekseafoodkwillkbekcoo ed,k"ksaysk Peeta.k"Probablykmorekthankcoo ed,k"ksayskBeetee.k"Wekwillkmostkli elykbekelimin atingkthatkaskakfoodksourcek forkgood.kButkyoukfoundkotherkediblekthingskinkthekjungle,kright,kKatniss?"k"Yes .kNutskandkrats,k"kIksay.k"Andk wekhaveksponsors.k"k"Well,kthen.kIkdon'tkseekthatkaskakproblem,k"ksayskBeetee.k" Butkaskwekarekallieskandkthiskwillk requirekallkourkefforts,kthekdecisionkofkwhetherkorknotktokattemptkitkiskupktoky oukfour.k"kWekarekli ek schoolchildren.kCompletelykunablektokdisputekhisktheorykwithkanythingkbutkthekmo stkelementarykconcerns.kMostk ofkwhichkdon'tkevenkhavekanythingktokdokwithkhiskactualkplan.kIkloo katkthekothe rs'kdisconcertedkfaces.k"Whyk not?"kIksay.k"Ifkitkfails,kthere'sknokharmkdone.kIfkitkwor s,kthere'skakdecentkc hancekwe'llk illkthem.kAndkevenkifkwek don'tkandkjustk illkthekseafood,kBrutuskandkEnobariaklosekitkaskakfoodksource,kt oo.k"k"Iksaykwektrykit,k"ksayskPeeta.k "Katnisskiskright.k"kFinnic kloo skatkJohannakandkraiseskhiskeyebrows.kHekwillkn otkgokforwardkwithoutkher.k"Allk right,k"ksheksayskfinally.k"It'skbetterkthankhuntingkthemkdownkinkthekjungle,kan yway.kAndkIkdoubtkthey'llkfigurek outkourkplan,ksincekwekcankbarelykunderstandkitkourselves.k"kBeeteekwantsktokins pectktheklightningktreekbeforekhek hasktokrigkit.kJudgingkbyktheksun,kit'skaboutkninekinkthekmorning.kWekhavektokle avekourkbeachksoon,kanyway.kSok wekbrea kcamp,kwal koverktokthekbeachkthatkbordersktheklightningksection,kandkhe adkintokthekjungle.kBeetee'sk stillktookwea ktokhi ekupkthekslopekonkhiskown,ksokFinnic kandkPeetakta ekturnsk carryingkhim.kIkletkJohannakleadk becausekit'skakprettykstraightkshotkupktokthektree,kandkIkfigurekshekcan'tkgetku sktooklost.kBesides,kIkcankdokaklotk morekdamagekwithkaksheathkofkarrowskthankshekcankwithktwokaxes,ksokI'mkthekbestk onektokbringkupkthekrear.kThek dense,kmuggykairkweighskonkme.kThere'skbeenknokbrea kfromkitksincekthekGameskbeg an.kIkwishkHaymitchkwouldk stopksendingkuskthatkDistrictk3kbreadkandkgetkusksomekmorekofkthatkDistrictk4kst

uff,kbecausekI'veksweatedkoutk buc etskinktheklastktwokdays,kandkevenkthoughkI'vekhadkthekfish,kI'mkcravingksal t.kAkpiecekofkicekwouldkbek

anotherkgoodkidea.kOrkakcoldkdrin kofkwater.kI'mkgratefulkforkthekfluidkfromkthe ktrees,kbutkit'sktheksamek temperaturekaskthekseawaterkandkthekairkandkthekotherktributeskandkme.kWe'rekall kjustkonekbig,kwarmkstew.kAskwek nearkthektree,kFinnic ksuggestskIkta ektheklead.k"Katnisskcankhearkthekforcekfie ld,k"khekexplainsktokBeeteekandk Johanna.k"Hearkit?"kas skBeetee.k"OnlykwithkthekearkthekCapitolkreconstructed,k" kIksay.kGuesskwhokI'mknotk foolingkwithkthatkstory?kBeetee.kBecauseksurelykhekrememberskthatkhekshowedkmekh owktokspotkakforcekfield,kandk probablykit'skimpossiblektokhearkforcekfields,kanyway.kBut,kforkwhateverkreason, khekdoesn'tkquestionkmykclaim.k "Thenkbykallkmeans,kletkKatnisskgokfirst,k"kheksays,kpausingkakmomentktokwipekth eksteamkoffkhiskglasses.k"Forcek fieldskareknothingktokplaykaroundkwith.k"kTheklightningktree'skunmista ablekaski tktowersksokhighkabovekthek others.kIkfindkakbunchkofknutskandkma ekeverybodykwaitkwhilekIkmovekslowlykupkth ekslope,ktossingktheknutsk aheadkofkme.kButkIkseekthekforcekfieldkalmostkimmediately,kevenkbeforekaknutkhit skit,kbecausekit'skonlykaboutk fifteenkyardskaway.kMykeyes,kwhichkareksweepingkthekgreenerykbeforekme,kcatchksi ghtkofkthekrippledksquarek highkupkandktokmykright.kIkthrowkaknutkdirectlykinkfrontkofkmekandkhearkitksizzl ekinkconfirmation.k"Justkstayk belowktheklightningktree,k"kIktellkthekothers.kWekdividekupkduties.kFinnic kguar dskBeeteekwhilekhekexamineskthek tree,kJohannaktapskforkwater,kPeetakgathersknuts,kandkIkhuntknearby.kThektreekra tskdon'tkseemktokhavekanykfearkofk humans,ksokIkta ekdownkthreekeasily.kTheksoundkofkthektenko'cloc kwavekremindskm ekIkshouldkgetkbac ,kandkIk returnktokthekotherskandkcleankmyk ill.kThenkIkdrawkaklinekinkthekdirtkakfewkfee tkfromkthekforcekfieldkaskak reminderktok eepkbac ,kandkPeetakandkIksettlekdownktokroastknutskandksearkcubesk ofkrat.kBeeteekiskstillkmessingk aroundkthektree,kdoingkIkdon'tk nowkwhat,kta ingkmeasurementskandksuch.kAtkonekp ointkheksnapskoffkaksliverkofk bar ,kjoinskus,kandkthrowskitkagainstkthekforcekfield.kItkbounceskbac kandklands konkthekground,kglowing.kInkakfewk momentskitkreturnsktokitskoriginalkcolor.k"Well,kthatkexplainskaklot,k"ksayskBee tee.kIkloo katkPeetakandkcan'tkhelpk bitingkmyklipktok eepkfromklaughingksincekitkexplainskabsolutelyknothingktokanyo nekbutkBeetee.kAboutkthisktimek wekhearktheksoundkofkclic skrisingkfromktheksectorkadjacentktokus.kThatkmeanskit 'skelevenko'cloc .kIt'skfarklouderk inkthekjunglekthankitkwaskonkthekbeachklastknight.kWekallklistenkintently.k"It's knotkmechanical,k"kBeeteeksaysk decidedly.k"I'dkguesskinsects,k"kIksay.k"Maybekbeetles.k"k"Somethingkwithkpincer s,k"kaddskFinnic .kTheksoundk swells,kaskifkalertedkbykourkquietkwordsktokthekproximitykofklivekflesh.kWhateve rkiskma ingkthatkclic ing,kIkbetkitk couldkstripkusktokthekbonekinkseconds.k"Wekshouldkgetkoutkofkhere,kanyway,k"ksay skJohanna.k"There'sklesskthank ankhourkbeforektheklightningkstarts.k"kWekdon'tkgokthatkfar,kthough.kOnlyktokthe kidenticalktreekinkthekblood-raink section.kWekhavekakpicnickofksorts,ksquattingkonkthekground,keatingkourkjunglekf ood,kwaitingkforkthekboltkthatk signalsknoon.kAtkBeetee'skrequest,kIkclimbkupkintokthekcanopykaskthekclic ingkbe ginsktokfadekout.kWhenkthek lightningkstri es,kit'skdazzling,kevenkfromkhere,kevenkinkthiskbrightksunlight.k

Itkcompletelykencompasseskthek distantktree,kma ingkitkglowkakhotkblue-whitekandkcausingktheksurroundingkairkto kcrac lekwithkelectricity.kIk swingkdownkandkreportkmykfindingsktokBeetee,kwhokseemsksatisfied,kevenkifkI'mkno tkterriblykscientific.kWekta ek akcircuitouskroutekbac ktokthektenko'cloc kbeach.kTheksandkisksmoothkandkdamp,ks weptkcleankbykthekrecentkwave.k Beeteekessentiallykgiveskuskthekafternoonkoffkwhilekhekwor skwithkthekwire.kSinc ekit'skhiskweaponkandkthekrestkofk uskhavektokdeferktokhisk nowledgeksokentirely,kthere'skthekoddkfeelingkofkbeingk letkoutkofkschoolkearly.kAtkfirstk wekta ekturnskhavingknapskinkthekshadowykedgekofkthekjungle,kbutkbyklatekafterno onkeveryonekiskawa ekandk restless.kWekdecide,ksincekthiskmightkbekourklastk

chancekforkseafood,ktokma ekaksortkofkfeastkofkit.kUnderk Finnic 'skguidancekwekspearkfishkandkgatherkshellfish,kevenkdivekforkoysters.kIk li ekthisklastkpartkbest,knotk becausekIkhavekanykgreatkappetitekforkoysters.kIkonlykeverktastedkthemkonce,kink thekCapitol,kandkIkcouldn'tkgetk aroundktheksliminess.kButkit'sklovely,kdeepkdownkunderkthekwater,kli ekbeingkink akdifferentkworld.kThekwater'sk verykclear,kandkschoolskofkbright-huedkfishkandkstrangekseakflowerskdecoratekthe ksandkfloor.kJohannak eepsk watchkwhilekFinnic ,kPeeta,kandkIkcleankandklaykoutkthekseafood.kPeeta'skjustkpr iedkopenkankoysterkwhenkIkheark himkgivekaklaugh.k"Hey,kloo katkthis!"kHekholdskupkakglistening,kperfectkpearlka boutktheksizekofkakpea.k"Youk now,kifkyoukputkenoughkpressurekonkcoalkitkturnsktokpearls,k"kheksayskearnestly ktokFinnic .k"No,kitkdoesn't,k"k sayskFinnic kdismissively.kButkIkcrac kup,krememberingkthat'skhowkakcluelesskEff iekTrin etkpresentedkusktokthek peoplekofkthekCapitolklastkyear,kbeforekanyonek newkus.kAskcoalkpressuredkintokp earlskbykourkweightykexistence.k Beautykthatkarosekoutkofkpain.kPeetakrinseskthekpearlkoffkinkthekwaterkandkhands kitktokme.k"Forkyou.k"kIkholdkitkoutk onkmykpalmkandkexaminekitskiridescentksurfacekinktheksunlight.kYes,kIkwillk eepk it.kForkthekfewkremainingkhoursk ofkmyklifekIkwillk eepkitkclose.kThisklastkgiftkfromkPeeta.kThekonlykonekIkcankr eallykaccept.kPerhapskitkwillkgivek mekstrengthkinkthekfinalkmoments.k"Than s,k"kIksay,kclosingkmykfistkaroundkit.kI kloo kcoollykintokthekbluekeyeskofk thekpersonkwhokisknowkmykgreatestkopponent,kthekpersonkwhokwouldk eepkmekaliveka tkhiskownkexpense.kAndkIk promisekmyselfkIkwillkdefeatkhiskplan.kTheklaughterkdrainskfromkthosekeyes,kandk theykarekstaringksokintenselyk intokmine,kit'skli ektheykcankreadkmykthoughts.k"Thekloc etkdidn'tkwor ,kdidkit? "kPeetaksays,kevenkthoughk

Finnic kiskrightkthere.kEvenkthoughkeveryonekcankhearkhim.k"Katniss?"k"Itkwor ed ,k"kIksay.k"ButknotkthekwaykIk wantedkitkto,k"kheksays,kavertingkhiskglance.kAfterkthatkhekwillkloo katknothing kbutkoysters.kJustkaskwe'rekaboutktok eat,kakparachutekappearskbearingktwoksupplementsktokourkmeal.kAksmallkpotkofkspi cykredksaucekandkyetkanotherk roundkofkrollskfromkDistrictk3.kFinnic ,kofkcourse,kimmediatelykcountskthem.k"Tw enty-fourkagain,k"kheksays.k Thirty-twokrolls,kthen.kSokwekeachkta ekfive,kleavingkseven,kwhichkwillkneverkdi videkequally.kIt'skbreadkforkonlyk one.kTheksaltykfishkflesh,ktheksucculentkshellfish.kEvenkthekoysterskseemktasty, kvastlykimprovedkbyktheksauce.k Wekgorgekourselveskuntilknokonekcankholdkanotherkbite,kandkevenkthenktherekarekl eftovers.kTheykwon'tk eep,k though,ksokwektosskallkthekremainingkfoodkbac kintokthekwaterksokthekCareerskwon 'tkgetkitkwhenkwekleave.kNok onekbotherskaboutkthekshells.kThekwavekshouldkclearkthosekaway.kThere'sknothingk tokdoknowkbutkwait.kPeetakandk Iksitkatkthekedgekofkthekwater,khandkinkhand,kwordless.kHekgavekhiskspeechklastk nightkbutkitkdidn'tkchangekmyk mind,kandknothingkIkcanksaykwillkchangekhis.kThektimekforkpersuasivekgiftskiskov er.kIkhavekthekpearl,kthough,k securedkinkakparachutekwithkthekspilekandkthekmedicinekatkmykwaist.kIkhopekitkma eskitkbac ktokDistrictk12.k SurelykmykmotherkandkPrimkwillk nowktokreturnkitktokPeetakbeforektheykburykmykbo dy.k

kThekanthemkbegins,kbutk therekareknokfaceskinktheks yktonight.kThekaudiencekwillkbekrestless,kthirstingk forkblood.kBeetee'sktrapkholdsk enoughkpromise,kthough,kthatkthekGamema erskhaven'tksentkinkotherkattac s.kPerha psktheykareksimplykcuriousktok seekifkitkwillkwor .kAtkwhatkFinnic kandkIkjudgektokbekaboutknine,kwekleavekourk shell-strewnkcamp,kcrossktokthek twelveko'cloc kbeach,kandkbeginktokquietlykhi ekupktoktheklightningktreekinkthek lightkofkthekmoon.kOurkfullk stomachskma ekuskmorekuncomfortablekandkbreathlesskthankwekwerekonkthekmorning's kclimb.kIkbeginktokregretk thoseklastkdozenkoysters.kBeeteekas skFinnic ktokassistkhim,kandkthekrestkofkusk standkguard.kBeforekhekevenk attacheskanykwirektokthektree,kBeeteekunrollskyardskandkyardskofkthekstuff.kHekh askFinnic ksecurekitktightlyk aroundkakbro enkbranchkandklaykitkonkthekground.kThenktheykstandkonkeitherksidek ofkthektree,kpassingkthekspoolk bac kandkforthkasktheykwrapkthekwirekaroundkandkaroundkthektrun .kAtkfirstkitkse emskarbitrary,kthenkIkseekak pattern,kli ekankintricatekmaze,kappearingkinkthekmoonlightkonkBeetee'skside.kIk wonderkifkitkma eskanykdifferencek howkthekwire'skplaced,korkifkthiskiskmerelyktokaddktokthekspeculationkofkthekaud ience.kIkbetkmostkofkthemk nowkask muchkaboutkelectricitykaskIkdo.kThekwor konkthektrun 'skcompletedkjustkaskwekhea rkthekwavekbegin.kI'vekneverk reallykwor edkoutkatkwhatkpointkinkthektenko'cloc khourkitkerupts.kTherekmustkbe ksomekbuildup,kthenkthekwavek itself,kthenkthekaftermathkofkthekflooding.kButktheks yktellskmekten-thirty.kThi skiskwhenkBeeteekrevealskthekrestkofk thekplan.kSincekwekmovekmostkswiftlykthroughkthektrees,khekwantskJohannakandkmek tokta ekthekcoilkdownk throughkthekjungle,kunwindingkthekwirekaskwekgo.kWekarektoklaykitkacrosskthektwe lveko'cloc kbeachkandkdropkthek metalkspool,kwithkwhateverkiskleft,kdeepkintokthekwater,kma ingksurekitksin s.kT henkrunkforkthekjungle.kIfkwekgok now,krightknow,kwekshouldkma ekitktoksafety.k"Ikwantktokgokwithkthemkaskakguard, k"kPeetaksayskimmediately.k Afterkthekmomentkwithkthekpearl,kIk nowkhe'sklesskwillingkthankeverktokletkmekou tkofkhisksight.k"You'rektookslow.k Besides,kI'llkneedkyoukonkthiskend.kKatnisskwillkguard,k"ksayskBeetee.k"There'sk noktimektokdebatekthis.kI'mksorry.k Ifkthekgirlskarektokgetkoutkofktherekalive,ktheykneedktokmoveknow.k"kHekhandskth ekcoilktokJohanna.kIkdon'tkli ekthek plankanykmorekthankPeetakdoes.kHowkcankIkprotectkhimkatkakdistance?kButkBeetee's kright.kWithkhiskleg,kPeetakisk tookslowktokma ekitkdownkthekslopekinktime.kJohannakandkIkarekthekfastestkandkmo stksure-footedkonkthekjunglek floor.kIkcan'tkthin kofkanykalternative.kAndkifkIktrustkanyonekherekbesideskPeet a,kit'skBeetee.k"It'sko ay,k"kIktellk Peeta.k"We'llkjustkdropkthekcoilkandkcomekstraightkbac kup.k"k"Notkintokthekligh tningkzone,k"kBeeteekremindskme.k "Headkforkthektreekinkthekone-to-two-o'cloc ksector.kIfkyoukfindkyou'rekrunningk outkofktime,kmovekoverkonek more.kDon'tkevenkthin kaboutkgoingkbac konkthekbeach,kthough,kuntilkIkcankassess kthekdamage.k"kIkta ekPeeta'sk facekinkmykhands.k"Don'tkworry.kI'llkseekyoukatkmidnight.k"kIkgivekhimkak isskan d,kbeforekhekcankobjectkanyk further,kIkletkgokandkturnktokJohanna.k"Ready?"k"Whyknot?"ksayskJohannakwithkaks hrug.kShe'skclearlyknokhappierk aboutkbeingkteamedkupkthankIkam.kButkwe'rekallkcaughtkupkinkBeetee'sktrap.k"Youk

guard,kI'llkunwind.kWekcank tradekoffklater.k"kWithoutkfurtherkdiscussion,kwekheadkdownkthekslope.kInkfactkt here'skveryklittlekdiscussionk betweenkuskatkall.kWekmovekatkakprettykgoodkclip,konekmanningkthekcoil,kthekothe rk eepingkwatch.kAboutk halfwaykdown,kwekhearkthekclic ingkbeginningktokrise,kindicatingkit'skafterkelev en.k"Betterkhurry,k"kJohannak says.k"Ikwantktokputkaklotkofkdistancekbetweenkmekandkthatkwaterkbeforekthekligh tningkhits.kJustkinkcasekVoltsk miscalculatedksomething.k"k"I'llkta ekthekcoilkforkakwhile,k"kIksay.kIt'skharder kwor klayingkoutkthekwirekthank guarding,kandkshe'skhadkaklongkturn.k"Here,k"kJohannaksays,kpassingkmekthekcoil. kBothkofkourkhandskarekstillkonk thekmetalkcylinderkwhenkthere'skakslightkvibration.kSuddenlykthekthinkgoldenkwir ekfromkabovekspringskdownkatk us,kbunchingkinktangledkloopskandkcurlskaroundkourkwrists.kThenkthekseveredkendk sna eskupktokourkfeet.kItkonlyk ta eskaksecondktokregisterkthiskrapidkturnkofkevents.kJohannakandkIkloo katkeach kother,kbutkneitherkofkuskhasktok saykit.kSomeoneknotkfarkabovekuskhaskcutkthekwire.kAndktheykwillkbekonkuskatkany kmoment.kMykhandkfreeskitselfk

fromkthekwirekandkhaskjustkclosedkonkthekfeatherskofkankarrowkwhenkthekmetalkcyl inderksmasheskintoktheksidekofk mykhead.kTheknextkthingkIk now,kI'mklyingkonkmykbac kinkthekvines,kakterriblekpa inkinkmykleftktemple.k Something'skwrongkwithkmykeyes.kMykvisionkblurskinkandkoutkofkfocuskaskIkstraink tokma ekthektwokmoonsk floatingkupkinktheks ykintokone.kIt'skhardktokbreathe,kandkIkrealizekJohanna'sks ittingkonkmykchest,kpinningkmekatk thekshoulderskwithkherk nees.kThere'skakstabkinkmykleftkforearm.kIktryktokjer ka waykbutkI'mkstillktookincapacitated.k Johanna'skdiggingksomething,kIkguesskthekpointkofkherk nife,kintokmykflesh,ktwis tingkitkaround.kThere'skank excruciatingkrippingksensationkandkwarmthkrunskdownkmykwrist,kfillingkmykpalm.kS hekswipeskdownkmykarmk andkcoatskhalfkmykfacekwithkmykblood.k"Staykdown!"kshekhisses.kHerkweightkleaves kmykbodykandkI'mkalone.k Staykdown?kIkthin .kWhat?kWhatkiskhappening?kMykeyeskshut,kbloc ingkoutkthekinco nsistentkworld,kaskIktryktok ma eksensekofkmyksituation.kAllkIkcankthin kofkiskJohannakshovingkWiressktokthek beach.k"Justkstaykdown,kwillk you?"kButkshekdidn'tkattac kWiress.kNotkli ekthis.kI'mknotkWiress,kanyway.kI'mkn otkNuts.k"Justkstaykdown,kwillk you?"kechoeskaroundkinsidekmykbrain.kFootstepskcoming.kTwokpairs.kHeavy,knotktry ingktokconcealktheirk whereabouts.kBrutus'skvoice.k"She'skgoodkaskdead!kComekon,kEnobaria!"kFeetkmovin gkintoktheknight.kAmkI?kIk driftkinkandkoutkofkconsciousnesskloo ingkforkankanswer.kAmkIkaskgoodkaskdead?kI 'mkinknokpositionktokma ekank argumentktokthekcontrary.kInkfact,krationalkthin ingkiskakstruggle.kThiskmuchkIk now.kJohannakattac edkme.k Smashedkthatkcylinderkintokmykhead.kCutkmykarm,kprobablykdoingkirreparablekdamag ektokveinskandkarteries,kandk thenkBrutuskandkEnobariakshowedkupkbeforekshekhadktimektokfinishkmekoff.kThekall iancekiskover.kFinnic kandk Johannakmustkhavekhadkankagreementktokturnkonkusktonight.kIk newkwekshouldkhavek leftkthiskmorning.kIkdon'tk nowkwherekBeeteekstands.kButkI'mkfairkgame,kandksokiskPeeta.kPeeta!kMykeyeskfly kopenkinkpanic.kPeetakisk waitingkupkbykthektree,kunsuspectingkandkoffkguard.kMaybekFinnic khaskevenk ille dkhimkalready.k"No,k"kIk whisper.kThatkwirekwaskcutkfromkakshortkdistancekawaykbykthekCareers.kFinnic kan dkBeeteekandkPeeta--theyk can'tk nowkwhat'skgoingkonkdownkhere.kTheykcankonlykbekwonderingkwhatkhaskhappen ed,kwhykthekwirekhask gonekslac korkmaybekevenksprungkbac ktokthektree.kThis,kinkitself,kcan'tkbekaksi gnalktok ill,kcankit?kSurelykthisk waskjustkJohannakdecidingkthektimekhadkcomektokbrea kwithkus.kKillkme.kEscapekfr omkthekCareers.kThenkbringk Finnic kintokthekfightkasksoonkaskpossible.kIkdon'tk now.kIkdon'tk now.kIkonlyk nowkthatkIkmustkgetkbac ktokPeetak andk eepkhimkalive.kItkta eskeverykouncekofkwillkIkhavektokpushkupkintokaksittin gkpositionkandkdragkmyselfkupkthek sidekofkaktreektokmykfeet.kIt'skluc ykIkhaveksomethingktokholdkonktokbecausekthe kjungle'sktiltingkbac kandkforth.k Withoutkanykwarning,kIkleankforwardkandkvomitkupkthekseafoodkfeast,kheavingkunti lktherekcan'tkpossiblykbekank oysterkleftkinkmykbody.kTremblingkandkslic kwithksweat,kIkassesskmykphysicalkcon dition.k

kAskIkliftkupkmyk damagedkarm,kbloodksprayskmekinkthekfacekandkthekworldkma eskanotherkalarmingksh ift.kIksqueezekmykeyeskshutk andkclingktokthektreekuntilkthingsksteadykaklittle.kThenkIkta ekakfewkcarefulkst epsktokakneighboringktree,kpullkoffk somekmoss,kandkwithoutkexaminingkthekwoundkfurther,ktightlykbandagekmykarm.kBett er.kDefinitelykbetterknotktok seekit.kThenkIkallowkmykhandktoktentativelyktouchkmykheadkwound.kThere'skakhugek lumpkbutknotktookmuchk blood.kObviouslykI'vekgotksomekinternalkdamage,kbutkIkdon'tkseemkinkdangerkofkbl eedingktokdeath.kAtkleastknotk throughkmykhead.kIkdrykmykhandskonkmosskandkgetkaksha ykgripkonkmykbowkwithkmykd amagedkleftkarm.kSecurek theknotchkofkankarrowktokthekstring.kMa ekmykfeetkmovekupkthekslope.kPeeta.kMykd yingkwish.kMykpromise.kTok eepkhimkalive.kMykheartkliftskakbitkwhenkIkrealizekhekmustkbekalivekbecauseknok cannonkhaskfired.kMaybek Johannakwaskactingkalone,k nowingkFinnic kwouldksidekwithkherkoncekherkintention skwerekclear.kAlthoughkit'sk hardktokguesskwhatkgoeskonkbetweenkthosektwo.kIkthin kofkhowkhekloo edktokherkfo rkconfirmationkbeforekhe'dk agreektokhelpksetkBeetee'sktrap.kThere'skakmuchkdeeperkalliancekbasedkonkyearsko fkfriendshipkandkwhok nowsk whatkelse.kTherefore,kifkJohannakhaskturnedkonkme,kIkshouldknoklongerktrustkFinn ic .kIkreachkthiskconclusionk onlyksecondskbeforekIkhearksomeonekrunningkdownkthekslopektowardkme.kNeitherkPee taknorkBeeteekcouldkmovek atkthiskpace.kIkduc kbehindkakcurtainkofkvines,kconcealingkmyselfkjustkinktime.k Finnic kflieskbykme,khisks ink shadowykwithkmedicine,kleapingkthroughkthekundergrowthkli ekakdeer.kHeksoonkreac hesktheksightkofkmykattac ,k mustkseekthekblood.k"Johanna!kKatniss!"khekcalls.kIkstaykputkuntilkhekgoeskinkth ekdirectionkJohannakandkthek Careersktoo .kIkmovekaskquic lykaskIkcankwithoutksendingkthekworldkintokakwhirl. kMykheadkthrobskwithkthekrapidk beatkofkmykheart.kThekinsects,kpossiblykexcitedkbyktheksmellkofkblood,khavekincr easedktheirkclic ingkuntilkit'skak continuouskroarkinkmykears.kNo,kwait.kMaybekmykearskarekactuallykringingkfromkth ekhit.kUntilkthekinsectskshutk up,kitkwillkbekimpossiblektoktell.kButkwhenkthekinsectskgoksilent,ktheklightning kwillkstart.kIkhavektokmovekfaster.kIk havektokgetktokPeeta.kThekboomkofkakcannonkpullskmekupkshort.kSomeonekhaskdied.k Ik nowkthatkwithkeveryonek runningkaroundkarmedkandkscaredkrightknow,kitkcouldkbekanybody.kButkwhoeverkitki s,kIkbelievekthekdeathkwillk triggerkak indkofkfree-for-allkoutkherekinktheknight.kPeoplekwillk illkfirstkand kwonderkaboutktheirkmotivesklater.kIk forcekmyklegskintokakrun.kSomethingksnagskmykfeetkandkIksprawlkoutkonkthekground .kIkfeelkitkwrappingkaroundk

me,kentwiningkmekinksharpkfibers.kAknet!kThiskmustkbekonekofkFinnic 'skfancyknet s,kpositionedktoktrapkme,kandk hekmustkbeknearby,ktridentkinkhand.kIkflailkaroundkforkakmoment,konlykwor ingkth ekwebkmorektightlykaroundkme,k andkthenkIkcatchkakglimpsekofkitkinkthekmoonlight.kConfused,kIkliftkmykarmkandks eekit'skentangledkinkshimmeringk goldenkthreads.kIt'sknotkonekofkFinnic 'sknetskatkall,kbutkBeetee'skwire.kIkcare fullykrisektokmykfeetkandkfindkI'mkink akpatchkofkthekstuffkthatkcaughtkonkaktrun konkitskwaykbac ktoktheklightningktre e.kSlowlykIkdisengagekmyselfk fromkthekwire,kstepkoutkofkitskreach,kandkcontinuekuphill.kOnkthekgoodkside,kI'm konkthekrightkpathkandkhaveknotk beenksokdisorientedkbykthekheadkinjurykasktoklosekmyksensekofkdirection.kOnkthek badkside,kthekwirekhaskremindedk mekofkthekoncomingklightningkstorm.kIkcankstillkhearkthekinsects,kbutkarektheyks tartingktokfade?kIk eepkthekloopsk ofkwirekakfewkfeetktokmykleftkaskakguidekaskIkrunkbutkta ekgreatkcareknotktoktou chkthem.kIfkthosekinsectskarekfadingk andkthekfirstkboltkiskaboutktokstri ekthektree,kthenkallkitskpowerkwillkcomeksur gingkdownkthatkwirekandkanyonekink contactkwithkitkwillkdie.kThektreekswimskintokview,kitsktrun kfestoonedkwithkgol d.kIkslowkdown,ktryktokmovekwithk somekstealth,kbutkI'mkreallykjustkluc yktokbekupright.kIkloo kforkaksignkofkthek others.kNokone.kNokonekiskthere.k "Peeta?"kIkcallksoftly.k"Peeta?"kAksoftkmoankanswerskmekandkIkwhipkaroundktokfin dkakfigureklyingkhigherkupkonk thekground.k"Beetee!"kIkexclaim.kIkhurrykandk neelkbesidekhim.kThekmoankmustkhav ekbeenkinvoluntary.kHe'sknotk conscious,kalthoughkIkcankseeknokwoundkexceptkakgashkbelowkthekcroo kofkhiskelbo w.kIkgrabkaknearbykhandfulkofk mosskandkclumsilykwrapkitkwhilekIktryktokrousekhim.k"Beetee!kBeetee,kwhat'skgoin gkon!kWhokcutkyou?kBeetee!"kIk sha ekhimkinkthekwaykyoukshouldkneverksha ekankinjuredkperson,kbutkIkdon'tk nowk whatkelsektokdo.kHekmoansk againkandkbrieflykraiseskakhandktokwardkmekoff.kThiskiskwhenkIknoticekhe'skholdi ngkak nife,konekPeetakwask carryingkearlier,kIkthin ,kwhichkiskwrappedklooselykinkwire.kPerplexed,kIkstandk andkliftkthekwire,kconfirmingkit'sk attachedkbac katkthektree.kItkta eskmekakmomentktokrememberktheksecond,kmuchksho rterkstrandkthatkBeeteek woundkaroundkakbranchkandkleftkonkthekgroundkbeforekhekevenkbegankhiskdesignkonk thektree.kI'dkthoughtkitkhadk somekelectricalksignificance,khadkbeenksetkasidektokbekusedklater.kButkitkneverk was,kbecausekthere'skprobablykak goodktwenty,ktwenty-fivekyardskhere.kIksquintkhardkupkthekhillkandkrealizekwe're konlykakfewkpaceskfromkthekforcek field.kThere'skthektelltaleksquare,khighkupkandktokmykright,kjustkaskitkwaskthis kmorning.kWhatkdidkBeeteekdo?kDidk hekactuallyktryktokdrivekthek nifekintokthekforcekfieldkthekwaykPeetakdidkbykacc ident?kAndkwhat'skthekdealkwithk thekwire?kWaskthiskhiskbac upkplan?kIfkelectrifyingkthekwaterkfailed,kdidkhekmea nktoksendktheklightningkbolt'sk energykintokthekforcekfield?kWhatkwouldkthatkdo,kanyway?kNothing?kAkgreatkdeal?k Frykuskall?kThekforcekfieldk mustkmostlykbekenergy,ktoo,kIkguess.kThekonekinkthekTrainingkCenterkwaskinvisibl e.kThiskonekseemsktoksomehowk mirrorkthekjungle.kButkI'vekseenkitkfalterkwhenkPeeta'sk nifekstruc kitkandkwhen kmykarrowskhit.kThekrealkworldk lieskrightkbehindkit.kMykearskareknotkringing.kItkwaskthekinsectskafterkall.kIk

nowkthatknowkbecausektheykarekdyingk outkquic lykandkIkhearknothingkbutkthekjungleksounds.kBeeteekiskuseless.kIkcan't krousekhim.kIkcan'tksavekhim.kIk don'tk nowkwhatkhekwasktryingktokdokwithkthek nifekandkthekwirekandkhe'skincapab lekofkexplaining.kThekmossk bandagekonkmykarmkisksoa edkandkthere'sknokusekfoolingkmyself.kI'mksoklight-head edkI'llkblac koutkinkakmatterkofk minutes.kI'vekgotktokgetkawaykfromkthisktreekand--k"Katniss!"kIkhearkhiskvoicekt houghkhe'skakfarkdistancekaway.k Butkwhatkiskhekdoing?kPeetakmustkhavekfiguredkoutkthatkeveryonekiskhuntingkuskby know.k"Katniss!"kIkcan'tk protectkhim.kIkcan'tkmovekfastkorkfarkandkmykshootingkabilitieskarekquestionable katkbest.kIkdokthekonekthingkIkcank tokdrawkthekattac erskawaykfromkhimkandkoverktokme.k"Peeta!"kIkscreamkout.k"Peet a!kI'mkhere!kPeeta!"kYes,kIk willkdrawkthemkin,kanykinkmykvicinity,kawaykfromkPeetakandkoverktokmekandkthekli ghtningktreekthatkwillksoonkbek akweaponkinkandkofkitself.k"I'mkhere!kI'mkhere!"kHekwon'tkma ekit.kNotkwithkthat klegkinktheknight.kHekwillkneverk ma ekitkinktime.k"Peeta!"kIt'skwor ing.kIkcankhearkthemkcoming.kTwokofkthem.kCra shingkthroughkthekjungle.kMyk neeskstartktokgivekoutkandkIksin kdownknextktokBeetee,krestingkmykweightkonkmyk heels.kMykbowkandkarrowkliftk intokposition.kIfkIkcankta ekthemkout,kwillkPeetaksurvivekthekrest?kEnobariakand kFinnic kreachktheklightningktree.k Theykcan'tkseekme,ksittingkabovekthemkonkthekslope,kmyks inkcamouflagedkinkointm ent.kIkhomekinkonkEnobaria'sk nec .kWithkanykluc ,kwhenkIk illkher,kFinnic kwillkduc kbehindkthektreekforkcove rkjustkasktheklightningkboltk stri es.kAndkitkwillkbekanyksecond.kThere'skonlykakfaintkinsectkclic kherekandkt here.kIkcank illkthemknow.kIkcank illkthemkboth.kAnotherkcannon.k"Katniss!"kPeeta'skvoicekhowlskforkme.kButkthisk timekIkdon'tkanswer.kBeeteek stillkbreatheskfaintlykbesidekme.kHekandkIkwillksoonkdie.kFinnic kandkEnobariakw illkdie.kPeetakiskalive.kTwok cannonskhaveksounded.kBrutus,kJohanna,kChaff.kTwokofkthemkarekalreadykdead.kThat kwillkleavekPeetakwithkonlyk onektributektok ill.kAndkthatkiskthekverykbestkIkcankdo.kOnekenemy.kEnemy.kEnemy .kThekwordkisktuggingkatkak recentkmemory.kPullingkitkintokthekpresent.kThekloo konkHaymitch'skface.k"Katnis s,kwhenkyou'rekinkthekarenak...k "kThekscowl,kthekmisgiving.k"What?"kIkhearkmykownkvoicektightenkaskIkbristlekatk somekunspo enkaccusation.k "Youkjustkrememberkwhokthekenemykis,k"kHaymitchksays.k"That'skall.k"kHaymitch'sk lastkwordskofkadvicektokme.k WhykwouldkIkneedkreminding?kIkhavekalwaysk nownkwhokthekenemykis.kWhokstarveskan dktortureskandk illskusk

inkthekarena.kWhokwillksoonk illkeveryonekIklove.kMykbowkdropskaskhiskmeaningkre gisters.kYes,kIk nowkwhokthek enemykis.kAndkit'sknotkEnobaria.kIkfinallykseekBeetee'sk nifekwithkclearkeyes.kM yksha ingkhandskslidekthekwirek fromkthekhilt,kwindkitkaroundkthekarrowkjustkabovekthekfeathers,kandksecurekitkw ithkak notkpic edkupkinktraining.k

k Ikrise,kturningktokthekforcekfield,kfullykrevealingkmyselfkbutknoklongerkcaring. kOnlykcaringkaboutkwherekIkshouldk directkmyktip,kwherekBeeteekwouldkhavekdrivenkthek nifekifkhe'dkbeenkablektokcho ose.kMykbowktiltskupkatkthek waveringksquare,kthekflaw,kthek...kWhatkdidkhekcallkitkthatkday?kThekchin kinkth ekarmor.kIkletkthekarrowkfly,kseekitk hitkitskmar kandkvanish,kpullingkthekthreadkofkgoldkbehindkit.kMykhairkstandskon kendkandktheklightningkstri eskthek tree.kAkflashkofkwhitekrunskupkthekwire,kandkforkjustkakmoment,kthekdomekburstsk intokakdazzlingkblueklight.kI'mk thrownkbac wardktokthekground,kbodykuseless,kparalyzed,keyeskfrozenkwide,kaskfea therykbitskofkmatterkraink downkonkme.kIkcan'tkreachkPeeta.kIkcan'tkevenkreachkmykpearl.kMykeyeskstrainktok capturekoneklastkimagekofk beautyktokta ekwithkme.kRightkbeforekthekexplosionskbegin,kIkfindkakstar.k

kEverythingkseemsktokeruptkatkonce.k Thekearthkexplodeskintokshowerskofkdirtkandkplantkmatter.kTreeskburstkintokflame s.kEvenktheks ykfillskwithk brightlykcoloredkblossomskofklight.kIkcan'tkthin kwhyktheks y'skbeingkbombedkunt ilkIkrealizekthekGamema ersk arekshootingkoffkfirewor skupkthere,kwhilekthekrealkdestructionkoccurskonkthekgr ound.kJustkinkcasekit'sknotkenoughk funkwatchingkthekobliterationkofkthekarenakandkthekremainingktributes.kOrkperhap sktokilluminatekourkgorykends.k Willktheykletkanyoneksurvive?kWillktherekbekakvictorkofkthekSeventy-fifthkHunger kGames?kMaybeknot.kAfterkall,k whatkiskthiskQuarterkQuellkbutk...kWhatkwaskitkPresidentkSnowkreadkfromkthekcard ?k"...kAkreminderktokthekrebelsk thatkevenkthekstrongestkamongkthemkcannotkovercomekthekpowerkofkthekCapitol...k" kNotkevenkthekstrongestkofk thekstrongkwillktriumph.kPerhapsktheykneverkintendedktokhavekakvictorkinkthesekG ameskatkall.kOrkperhapskmyk finalkactkofkrebellionkforcedktheirkhand.kI'mksorry,kPeeta,kIkthin .kI'mksorrykI kcouldn'tksavekyou.kSavekhim?kMorek li elykIkstolekhisklastkchancekatklife,kcondemnedkhim,kbykdestroyingkthekforcekf ield.kMaybe,kifkwekhadkallkplayedk bykthekrules,ktheykmightkhavekletkhimklive.kThekhovercraftkmaterializeskabovekme kwithoutkwarning.kIfkitkwask quiet,kandkakmoc ingjaykperchedkclosekatkhand,kIkwouldkhavekheardkthekjunglekgok silentkandkthenkthekbird'skcallk thatkprecedeskthekappearancekofkthekCapitol'skaircraft.kButkmykearskcouldkneverk ma ekoutkanythingksokdelicatek inkthiskbombardment.kThekclawkdropskfromkthekundersidekuntilkit'skdirectlykoverh ead.kThekmetalktalonskslidek underkme.kIkwantktokscream,krun,ksmashkmykwaykoutkofkitkbutkI'mkfrozen,khelpless ktokdokanythingkbutkferventlyk hopekI'llkdiekbeforekIkreachkthekshadowykfigureskawaitingkmekabove.kTheykhavekno tksparedkmyklifektokcrownkmek victorkbutktokma ekmykdeathkaskslowkandkpublickaskpossible.kMykworstkfearskarekc onfirmedkwhenkthekfacekthatk greetskmekinsidekthekhovercraftkbelongsktokPlutarchkHeavensbee,kHeadkGamema er.k WhatkakmesskIkhavekmadek ofkhiskbeautifulkGameskwithkthekcleverktic ingkcloc kandkthekfieldkofkvictors.kH ekwillksufferkforkhiskfailure,k probablyklosekhisklife,kbutknotkbeforekhekseeskmekpunished.kHiskhandkreacheskfor kme,kIkthin ktokstri ekme,kbutkhek doesksomethingkworse.kWithkhiskthumbkandkhiskforefinger,khekslideskmykeyelidsksh ut,ksentencingkmektokthek vulnerabilitykofkdar ness.kTheykcankdokanythingktokmeknowkandkIkwillknotkevenkse ekitkcoming.kMykheartkpoundsk sokhardkthekbloodkbeginsktokstreamkfromkbeneathkmyksoa edkmosskbandage.kMykthoug htskgrowkfoggy.kPossiblyk Ikcankbleedktokdeathkbeforektheykcankrevivekmekafterkall.kInkmykmind,kIkwhisperk akthan -youktokJohannakMasonk forkthekexcellentkwoundkshekinflictedkaskIkblac kout.kWhenkIkswimkbac kintoksemi kconsciousness,kIkcankfeelkI'mk lyingkonkakpaddedktable.kThere'skthekpinchingksensationkofktubeskinkmykleftkarm. kTheykarektryingktok eepkmek alivekbecause,kifkIkslidekquietly,kprivatelykintokdeath,kitkwillkbekakvictory.kI 'mkstillklargelykunablektokmove,kopenk mykeyelids,kraisekmykhead.kButkmykrightkarmkhaskregainedkaklittlekmotion.kItkflo pskacrosskmykbody,kfeelingkli ek akflipper,kno,ksomethingklesskanimated,kli ekakclub.kIkhaveknokrealkmotorkcoordi nation,knokproofkthatkIkevenkstillk havekfingers.kYetkIkmanagektokswingkmykarmkaroundkuntilkIkripkthektubeskout.kAkb

eepingkgoeskoffkbutkIkcan'tk staykawa ektokfindkoutkwhokitkwillksummon.kTheknextktimekIksurface,kmykhandskare ktiedkdownktokthektable,kthek tubeskbac kinkmykarm.kIkcankopenkmykeyeskandkliftkmykheadkslightly,kthough.kI'mk inkaklargekroomkwithklowk ceilingskandkaksilveryklight.kTherekarektwokrowskofkbedskfacingkeachkother.kIkca nkhearkthekbreathingkofkwhatkIk assumekarekmykfellowkvictors.kDirectlykacrosskfromkmekIkseekBeeteekwithkaboutkte nkdifferentkmachineskhoo edk upktokhim.kJustkletkuskdie!kIkscreamkinkmykmind.kIkslamkmykheadkbac khardkonkthe ktablekandkgokoutkagain.kWhenk Ikfinally,ktruly,kwa ekup,kthekrestraintskarekgone.kIkraisekmykhandkandkfindkIkh avekfingerskthatkcankmovekatkmyk commandkagain.kIkpushkmyselfktokaksittingkpositionkandkholdkonktokthekpaddedktab lekuntilkthekroomksettleskintok focus.kMykleftkarmkiskbandagedkbutkthektubeskdanglekoffkstandskbykthekbed.kI'mka lonekexceptkforkBeetee,kwhok stillklieskinkfrontkofkme,kbeingksustainedkbykhiskarmykofkmachines.kWherekarekth ekothers,kthen?kPeeta,kFinnic ,k Enobaria,kand...kAnd...kOnekmore,kright?kEitherkJohannakorkChaffkorkBrutuskwasks tillkalivekwhenkthekbombsk began.kI'mksurekthey'llkwantktokma ekankexamplekofkuskall.kButkwherekhavektheykt a enkthem?kMovedkthemkfromk hospitalktokprison?k"Peeta...k"kIkwhisper.kIksokwantedktokprotectkhim.kAmkstillk resolvedkto.kSincekIkhavekfailedktok

eepkhimksafekinklife,kIkmustkfindkhim,k illkhimknowkbeforekthekCapitolkgetsktok choosekthekagonizingkmeanskofk hiskdeath.kIkslidekmyklegskoffkthektablekandkloo karoundkforkakweapon.kTherekare kakfewksyringesksealedkinksterilek plastickonkaktableknearkBeetee'skbed.kPerfect.kAllkI'llkneedkiskairkandkakcleark shotkatkonekofkhiskveins.kIkpausekforkak moment,kconsiderk illingkBeetee.kButkifkIkdo,kthekmonitorskwillkstartkbeepingkan dkI'llkbekcaughtkbeforekIkgetktok Peeta.kIkma ekaksilentkpromisektokreturnkandkfinishkhimkoffkifkIkcan.kI'mkna edk exceptkforkakthinknightgown,ksokIk slipktheksyringekunderkthekbandagekthatkcoverskthekwoundkonkmykarm.kTherekarekno kguardskatkthekdoor.kNok doubtkI'mkmileskbeneathkthekTrainingkCenterkorkinksomekCapitolkstronghold,kandkt hekpossibilitykofkmykescapekisk nonexistent.kItkdoesn'tkmatter.kI'mknotkescaping,kjustkfinishingkakjob.kIkcreepk downkaknarrowkhallwayktokakmetalk doorkthatkstandskslightlykajar.kSomeonekiskbehindkit.kIkta ekoutktheksyringekand kgripkitkinkmykhand.kFlatteningk myselfkagainstkthekwall,kIklistenktokthekvoiceskinside.k"Communicationskarekdown kinkSeven,kTen,kandkTwelve.k ButkElevenkhaskcontrolkofktransportationknow,ksokthere'skatkleastkakhopekofkthem kgettingksomekfoodkout.k"k PlutarchkHeavensbee.kIkthin .kAlthoughkI'vekonlykreallykspo enkwithkhimkonce.kAk hoarsekvoicekas skakquestion.k "No,kI'mksorry.kThere'sknokwaykIkcankgetkyouktokFour.kButkI'vekgivenkspecialkord erskforkherkretrievalkifkpossible.k It'skthekbestkIkcankdo,kFinnic .k"kFinnic .kMykmindkstrugglesktokma eksensekofkt hekconversation,kofkthekfactkthatk it'skta ingkplacekbetweenkPlutarchkHeavensbeekandkFinnic .kIskheksoknearkandkdea rktokthekCapitolkthatkhe'llkbek excusedkhiskcrimes?kOrkdidkhekreallykhaveknokideakwhatkBeeteekintended?kHekcroa skoutksomethingkelse.k Somethingkheavykwithkdespair.k"Don'tkbekstupid.kThat'skthekworstkthingkyoukcould kdo.kGetkherk illedkforksure.k Asklongkaskyou'rekalive,kthey'llk eepkherkalivekforkbait,k"ksayskHaymitch.kSaysk Haymitch!kIkbangkthroughkthek doorkandkstumblekintokthekroom.kHaymitch,kPlutarch,kandkakverykbeat-upkFinnic ks itkaroundkaktableklaidkwithkak mealknokonekiskeating.kDaylightkstreamskinkthekcurvedkwindows,kandkinkthekdistan cekIkseekthektopkofkakforestkofk trees.kWekarekflying.k"Donek noc ingkyourselfkout,ksweetheart?"ksayskHaymitch,kt hekannoyancekclearkinkhisk voice.kButkaskIkcareenkforwardkhekstepskupkandkcatcheskmykwrists,ksteadyingkme.k Hekloo skatkmykhand.k"Sokit'sk youkandkaksyringekagainstkthekCapitol?kSee,kthiskiskwhyknokonekletskyoukma ekthe kplans.k"kIkstarekatkhimk uncomprehendingly.k"Dropkit.k"kIkfeelkthekpressurekincreasekonkmykrightkwristkun tilkmykhandkiskforcedktokopenk andkIkreleasektheksyringe.kHeksettleskmekinkakchairknextktokFinnic .kPlutarchkpu tskakbowlkofkbrothkinkfrontkofkme.k Akroll.kSlipskakspoonkintokmykhand.k"Eat,k"kheksayskinkakmuchk inderkvoicekthank Haymitchkused.kHaymitchksitsk directlykinkfrontkofkme.k"Katniss,kI'mkgoingktokexplainkwhatkhappened.kIkdon'tkw antkyouktokas kanykquestionsk untilkI'mkthrough.kDokyoukunderstand?"kIknodknumbly.kAndkthiskiskwhatkhektellskm e.kTherekwaskakplanktokbrea k uskoutkofkthekarenakfromkthekmomentkthekQuellkwaskannounced.kThekvictorktributes kfromk3,k4,k6,k7,k8,kandk11k hadkvaryingkdegreeskofk nowledgekaboutkit.kPlutarchkHeavensbeekhaskbeen,kforksev

eralkyears,kpartkofkank undercoverkgroupkaimingktokoverthrowkthekCapitol.kHekmadeksurekthekwirekwaskamon gk

thekweapons.kBeeteek waskinkchargekofkblowingkakholekinkthekforcekfield.kThekbreadkwekreceivedkinkthe karenakwaskcodekforkthektimekofk thekrescue.kThekdistrictkwherekthekbreadkoriginatedkindicatedkthekday.kThree.kTh eknumberkofkrollskthekhour.k Twenty-four.kThekhovercraftkbelongsktokDistrictk13.kBonniekandkTwill,kthekwomenk Ikmetkinkthekwoodskfromk8,k werekrightkaboutkitskexistencekandkitskdefensekcapabilities.kWekarekcurrentlykon kakverykroundaboutkjourneyktok Districtk13.kMeanwhile,kmostkofkthekdistrictskinkPanemkarekinkfull-scalekrebelli on.kHaymitchkstopsktokseekifkIkamk following.kOrkmaybekhekiskdonekforkthekmoment.kIt'skankawfulklotktokta ekin,kthi skelaboratekplankinkwhichkIkwaskak piece,kjustkaskIkwaskmeantktokbekakpiecekinkthekHungerkGames.kUsedkwithoutkconse nt,kwithoutk nowledge.kAtk leastkinkthekHungerkGames,kIk newkIkwaskbeingkplayedkwith.kMyksupposedkfriendskh avekbeenkaklotkmorek secretive.k"Youkdidn'tktellkme.k"kMykvoicekiskaskraggedkaskFinnic 's.k"Neitherky ouknorkPeetakwerektold.kWek couldn'tkris kit,k"ksayskPlutarch.k"Ikwaskevenkworriedkyoukmightkmentionkmykindi scretionkwithkthekwatchkduringk thekGames.k"kHekpullskoutkhiskpoc etkwatchkandkrunskhiskthumbkacrosskthekcrystal ,klightingkupkthekmoc ingjay.k "Ofkcourse,kwhenkIkshowedkyoukthis,kIkwaskmerelyktippingkyoukoffkaboutkthekarena .kAskakmentor.kIkthoughtkitk mightkbekakfirstkstepktowardkgainingkyourktrust.kIkneverkdreamedkyou'dkbekaktrib utekagain.k"k"Ikstillkdon'tk understandkwhykPeetakandkIkweren'tkletkinkonkthekplan,k"kIksay.k"Becausekoncekth ekforcekfieldkblew,kyou'dkbekthek firstkoneskthey'dktryktokcapture,kandktheklesskyouk new,kthekbetter,k"ksayskHaym itch.k"Thekfirstkones?kWhy?"kIk say,ktryingktokhangkonktokthektrainkofkthought.k"Forktheksamekreasonkthekrestkof kuskagreedktokdiektok eepkyouk alive,k"ksayskFinnic .k"No,kJohannaktriedktok illkme,k"kIksay.k"Johannak noc edk youkoutktokcutkthektrac erkfromk yourkarmkandkleadkBrutuskandkEnobariakawaykfromkyou,k"ksayskHaymitch.k"What?"kMy kheadkachesksokandkIk wantkthemktokstopktal ingkinkcircles.k"Ikdon'tk nowkwhatkyou're--"k"Wekhadktoksa vekyoukbecausekyou'rekthek moc ingjay,kKatniss,k"ksayskPlutarch.k"Whilekyouklive,kthekrevolutionklives.k"kT hekbird,kthekpin,ktheksong,kthek berries,kthekwatch,kthekcrac er,kthekdresskthatkburstkintokflames.kIkamkthekmoc ingjay.kThekonekthatksurvivedk despitekthekCapitol'skplans.kTheksymbolkofkthekrebellion.kIt'skwhatkIksuspectedk inkthekwoodskwhenkIkfoundk

BonniekandkTwillkescaping.kThoughkIkneverkreallykunderstoodkthekmagnitude.kButkt hen,kIkwasn'tkmeantktok understand.kIkthin kofkHaymitch'sksneeringkatkmykplansktokfleekDistrictk12,kstar tkmykownkuprising,kevenkthekveryk notionkthatkDistrictk13kcouldkexist.kSubterfugeskandkdeceptions.kAndkifkhekcould kdokthat,kbehindkhiskmas kofk sarcasmkandkdrun enness,ksokconvincinglykandkforksoklong,kwhatkelsekhaskhekliedk about?kIk nowkwhatkelse.k "Peeta,k"kIkwhisper,kmykheartksin ing.k"Thekothersk eptkPeetakalivekbecausekifkh ekdied,kwek newkthere'dkbeknok eepingkyoukinkankalliance,k"ksayskHaymitch.k"Andkwekcouldn'tkris kleavingkyouku nprotected.k"kHiskwordskarek matter-of-fact,khiskexpressionkunchanged,kbutkhekcan'tkhidekthektingekofkgraykth atkcolorskhiskface.k"Wherekisk Peeta?"kIkhisskatkhim.k"Hekwaskpic edkupkbykthekCapitolkalongkwithkJohannakandkE nobaria,k"ksayskHaymitch.k Andkfinallykhekhaskthekdecencyktokdropkhiskgaze.kTechnically,kIkamkunarmed.kButk nokonekshouldkeverk underestimatekthekharmkthatkfingernailskcankdo,kespeciallykifkthektargetkiskunpr epared.kIklungekacrosskthektablek andkra ekminekdownkHaymitch'skface,kcausingkbloodktokflowkandkdamagektokonekeye. kThenkwekarekbothk screamingkterrible,kterriblekthingskatkeachkother,kandkFinnic kisktryingktokdrag kmekout,kandkIk nowkit'skallk Haymitchkcankdoknotktokripkmekapart,kbutkI'mkthekmoc ingjay.kI'mkthekmoc ingjayk andkit'sktookhardk eepingkmek alivekaskitkis.kOtherkhandskhelpkFinnic kandkI'mkbac konkmyktable,kmykbodykrestr ained,kmykwristsktiedkdown,ksok Ikslamkmykheadkinkfurykagainkandkagainkagainstkthektable.kAkneedlekpo eskmykarmk andkmykheadkhurtsksokbadlykIk stopkfightingkandksimplykwailkinkakhorrible,kdying-animalkway,kuntilkmykvoicekgi veskout.kThekdrugkcausesk sedation,knotksleep,ksokIkamktrappedkinkfuzzy,kdullykachingkmiserykforkwhatkseem skli ekalways.kTheykreinsertk theirktubeskandktal ktokmekinksoothingkvoiceskthatkneverkreachkme.kAllkIkcankthi n kofkiskPeeta,klyingkonkaksimilark tableksomewhere,kwhilektheyktryktokbrea khimkforkinformationkhekdoesn'tkevenkhav e.k"Katniss.kKatniss,kI'mk sorry.k"kFinnic 'skvoicekcomeskfromkthekbedknextktokmekandkslipskintokmykconscio usness.kPerhapskbecausekwe'rek inktheksamek indkofkpain.k"Ikwantedktokgokbac kforkhimkandkJohanna,kbutkIkcouldn 'tkmove.k"kIkdon'tkanswer.k Finnic kOdair'skgoodkintentionskmeanklesskthanknothing.k"It'skbetterkforkhimktha nkJohanna.kThey'llkfigurekoutkhek doesn'tk nowkanythingkprettykfast.kAndktheykwon'tk illkhimkifktheykthin ktheykca nkusekhimkagainstkyou,k"ksaysk Finnic .k"Li ekbait?"kIksayktokthekceiling.k"Li ekhowkthey'llkusekAnniekforkbait ,kFinnic ?"kIkcankhearkhimk weepingkbutkIkdon'tkcare.kTheykprobablykwon'tkevenkbotherktokquestionkher,kshe's ksokfarkgone.kGonekrightkoffkthek deepkendkyearskagokinkherkGames.kThere'skakgoodkchancekI'mkheadedkinktheksamekdi rection.kMaybekI'mkalreadyk goingkcrazykandknokonekhaskthekheartktoktellkme.kIkfeelkcrazykenough.k"Ikwishksh ekwaskdead,k"kheksays.k"Ikwishk theykwerekallkdeadkandkwekwere,ktoo.kItkwouldkbekbest.k"kWell,kthere'sknokgoodkr esponsektokthat.kIkcankhardlyk disputekitksincekIkwaskwal ingkaroundkwithkaksyringektok illkPeetakwhenkIkfoundk them.kDokIkreallykwantkhimk dead?kWhatkIkwantk...kWhatkIkwantkisktokhavekhimkbac .kButkI'llkneverkgetkhimkba

c know.kEvenkifkthekrebelk forceskcouldksomehowkoverthrowkthekCapitol,kyoukcankbeksurekPresidentkSnow'sklas tkactkwouldkbektokcutkPeeta'sk throat.kNo.kIkwillkneverkgetkhimkbac .kSokthenkdeadkiskbest.kButkwillkPeetak now kthatkorkwillkhek eepkfighting?k He'sksokstrongkandksuchkakgoodkliar.kDoeskhekthin khekhaskakchancekofksurviving? kDoeskhekevenkcarekifkhekdoes?k Hekwasn'tkplanningkonkit,kanyway.kHekhadkalreadyksignedkoffkonklife.kMaybe,kifkh ek nowskIkwaskrescued,khe'sk evenkhappy.kFeelskhekfulfilledkhiskmissionktok eepkmekalive.kIkthin kIkhatekhimk evenkmorekthankIkdokHaymitch.kIk givekup.kStopkspea ing,kresponding,krefusekfoodkandkwater.kTheykcankpumpkwhateve rktheykwantkintokmykarm,k butkitkta eskmorekthankthatktok eepkakpersonkgoingkoncekshe'sklostkthekwillktokl ive.kIkevenkhavekakfunnyknotionk thatkifkIkdokdie,kmaybekPeetakwillkbekallowedktoklive.kNotkaskakfreekpersonkbutk askankAvoxkorksomething,kwaitingk onkthekfuturektributeskofkDistrictk12.kThenkmaybekhekcouldkfindksomekwayktokesca pe.kMykdeathkcould,kinkfact,k stillksavekhim.kIfkitkcan't,knokmatter.kIt'skenoughktokdiekofkspite.kTokpunishkH aymitch,kwho,kofkallkthekpeoplekink thiskrottingkworld,khaskturnedkPeetakandkmekintokpieceskinkhiskGames.kIktrustedk him.kIkputkwhatkwaskpreciouskink Haymitch'skhands.kAndkhekhaskbetrayedkme.k"See,kthiskiskwhyknokonekletskyoukma e kthekplans,k"kheksaid.kThat'sk true.kNokonekinktheirkrightkmindkwouldkletkmekma ekthekplans.kBecausekIkobviousl ykcan'tktellkakfriendkfromkank enemy.kAklotkofkpeoplekcomekbyktoktal ktokme,kbutkIkma ekallktheirkwordsksoundkl i ekthekclic ingkofkthekinsectsk inkthekjungle.kMeaninglesskandkdistant.kDangerous,kbutkonlykifk

approached.kWheneverkthekwordskstartktok becomekdistinct,kIkmoankuntilktheykgivekmekmorekpain illerkandkthatkfixeskthings krightkup.kUntilkonektime,kIk openkmykeyeskandkfindksomeonekIkcannotkbloc koutkloo ingkdownkatkme.kSomeonekwho kwillknotkplead,kork explain,korkthin khekcankalterkmykdesignkwithkentreaties,kbecausekhekalonekreall yk nowskhowkIkoperate.k"Gale,k"k Ikwhisper.k"Hey,kCatnip.k"kHekreacheskdownkandkpusheskakstrandkofkhairkoutkofkmy keyes.kOneksidekofkhiskfacek haskbeenkburnedkfairlykrecently.kHiskarmkiskinkaksling,kandkIkcankseekbandagesku nderkhiskminer'skshirt.kWhatkhask happenedktokhim?kHowkiskhekevenkhere?kSomethingkverykbadkhaskhappenedkbac khome. kItkisknotksokmuchkak questionkofkforgettingkPeetakaskrememberingkthekothers.kAllkitkta eskiskonekloo katkGalekandktheykcomeksurgingk intokthekpresent,kdemandingktokbekac nowledged.k"Prim?"kIkgasp.k"She'skalive.kSo kiskyourkmother.kIkgotkthemk

outkinktime,k"kheksays.k"They'reknotkinkDistrictkTwelve?"kIkas .k"AfterkthekGame s,ktheyksentkinkplanes.kDroppedk firebombs.k"kHekhesitates.k"Well,kyouk nowkwhatkhappenedktokthekHob.k"kIkdok now .kIksawkitkgokup.kThatkoldk warehousekembeddedkwithkcoalkdust.kThekwholekdistrict'skcoveredkwithkthekstuff.k Aknewk indkofkhorrorkbeginsk tokrisekupkinsidekmekaskIkimaginekfirebombskhittingkthekSeam.k"They'reknotkinkDi strictkTwelve?"kIkrepeat.kAskifk sayingkitkwillksomehowkfendkoffkthektruth.k"Katniss,k"kGaleksaysksoftly.kIkrecog nizekthatkvoice.kIt'sktheksamekonek hekusesktokapproachkwoundedkanimalskbeforekhekdeliverskakdeathblow.kIkinstinctiv elykraisekmykhandktokbloc k hiskwordskbutkhekcatcheskitkandkholdskonktightly.k"Don't,k"kIkwhisper.kButkGalek isknotkonektok eepksecretskfromk me.k"Katniss,ktherekisknokDistrictkTwelve.k"kENDkOFkBOOKkTWOk