Beetee is still messing round the tree, doing I don't know what. At one point he snaps off a sliver of bark, joins us, and throws it against the force field. It bounces back and lands on the ground, glowing. In a few moments it returns to its original color. "Well, that explains a lot," says Beetee. I look at Peeta and can't help biting my lip to keep from laughing since it explains absolutely nothing to anyone but Beetee.

Once I'm on my feet I realize escape might not be so easy.

In other words, I step out of line and we're all dead.

I'm not allowed to bet, but if I could, my money would be on you.

That it's no good loving me because I'm never going to get married anyway and he'd just end up hating me later instead of sooner.

Tonight. After the reaping, everyone is supposed to celebrate. And a a lot of people do, out of relief that their children have been spared for another year. But at least two families will pull their shutters, lock their doors, and try to figure out how they will survive the painful weeks to come.

What was that you were saying just before the food arrived? Something about me... no competition... best thing that ever happened to you.