23

Summary

• Coriolanus experiences fear when hearing a repeating cry in the woods during a Peacekeeper event.
• Realizing the sound comes from jabberjays mimicking a death cry, he recalls seeing them in Dr. Gaul's lab.
• Disruption in the Peacekeeper ranks is minor as they are accustomed to the jabberjays.
• Coriolanus witnesses the mockingjays, a mutation of the jabberjays, turning human cries into musical sequences.
• He recalls a conversation with Lucy Gray about mockingjays and their significance in Capitol events.
• During a commotion, Coriolanus fears the crowd's potential violence and reflexively readies his weapon.
• An officer fires shots to disperse birds and subdue the crowd, ending the disturbance.
• After the event, the major explains mockingjays resulted from released male jabberjays mating with local mockingbirds.
• Coriolanus considers organizing a mockingjay hunting party as target practice for recruits.
• Sejanus, Coriolanus's comrade, expresses regret about enlisting and reveals a pacifist stance.
• Coriolanus receives a letter from Pluribus Bell, hinting at a past conflict between his father and Dean Highbottom.
• The recruits discuss the day's hanging and Coriolanus's mockingjay hunting idea gains support.
• Sejanus opens up about his reluctance to use violence and his desire to be a medic.
• Coriolanus confronts Sejanus's ethical concerns and suggests he purposefully miss if ever needing to shoot at someone.
• Coriolanus reflects on his own physique and strength improvements from training.
• The recruits attend a music event at the Hob, where Smiley trades cookies for moonshine.
• The Covey band, including Lucy Gray, perform, with residents of District Twelve embracing their return.
• Coriolanus experiences a mix of emotions in anticipation of meeting Lucy Gray after her performance.
• Lucy Gray spots Coriolanus in the audience, recognizing him with joy.
• As Coriolanus prepares to approach Lucy Gray post-performance, he notices a young man entering the scene, realizing the man is likely Lucy Gray's former lover.