It's not easy to find a topic. Talking of home is painful. Talking of the present unbearable.

Why don't I just pretend I'm on camera, Plutarch?" I say. "Yes! Perfect. One is always much braver with an audience," he says. "Look at the courage Peeta just displayed!" It's all I can do not to slap him.

At once, it’s clear I cannot gush. We try me playing cocky, but I just don’t have the arrogance. Apparently, I’m too “vulnerable” for ferocity. I’m not witty. Funny. Sexy. Or mysterious By the end of the session, I am no one at all.

I guess there isn’t a rule book for what might be unacceptable to do to another human being.

But what was it Haymitch said when I asked if he had told Peeta the situation? That he had to pretend to be desperately in love? “Don’t have to. He’s already there.

Her name's Prim. She's just twelve. And I love her more than anything.

And she's my fiancee. So if you want to get to him, expect to go through both of us.