We are what no one wants to miss at the party. I act delighted, but I have zero interest in these Capitol people. They are only distractions from the food.

In our world, I rank music somewhere between hair ribbons and rainbows in terms of usefulness.

It's one thing to speak of humans' essential nature theoretically, another to consider it when a fist is smashing into your mouth.

Something inside me shuts down and I'm too numb to feel anything. It's like watching complete strangers in another Hunger Games. But I do notice they omit the part where I covered her in flowers.Right. Because even that smacks of rebellion.

I look down from the branch I'm perched on. The Careers look murderous. Now I smile.'How have things been with you?' I ask sweetly.

Yes, it's your fault I'm alive.