But chance runs like a river through all our lives, and being prepared for surprise is the best we can do.

If you were closer, I'd slap you," she said. "Let me help," I replied, and stepped closer. She promptly slapped me, which surprised me only a little. We glared at each other in the near dark, and then she looked away. "I'm sorry I slapped you," she said. "That's all right. I quite enjoyed it.

Everyone watched, wondering if this could be the same lunatic who'd nearly berthed his ornithopter in the restaurant. I swallowed, for it seemed he was headed straight for my table. He pulled off his helmet and a mass of dark auburn hair spilled out. Off came the goggles, and I was looking at the beaming face of Kate de Vries.

You've no fear of heights," puffed the girl. "None," I said. "I've heard that about you.

I poo poo the chit.' The attendant looked stunned. 'You cannot poo-poo the chit!' I do.' Kate said solemnly. 'I do poo-poo.' We'll walk.

I know you pretty well." "Better than anyone I think." I smiled. Her compliment was like a gift itself, only more precious than anything that could be bought.

The world of 'The Hunger Games' is a paranoid survivalist's dream.