Lucy Gray's honest conversation with Coriolanus highlights that he hasn't viewed her as a real contender for the Games but as a means to his own success.
Coriolanus realizes he should have been helping Lucy Gray survive and win the Hunger Games, rather than use her to gain attention for himself.
They agree to work together on a strategy to help Lucy Gray survive, acknowledging that her odds have improved with fewer competitors left.
Coriolanus starts to see the competitors as human beings, noting Lucy Gray's condition among the other sickly tributes.
Lucy Gray is open to playing defense but is hesitant about the idea of killing someone in the Games, agreeing that avoiding conflict and waiting it out could be a better strategy.
Lucy Gray plans to perform a song with a "whiskey voice," and Coriolanus promises to find her a guitar.
Coriolanus and Lucy Gray's mentor meeting is cut short, and they return to a high biology lab where tensions are high and tributes' conditions are discussed.
Sejanus has a moral outburst against the Capitol's practices and Dr. Gaul's ruthless nature, demonstrating his moral conflict with the Hunger Games.
Sejanus attempts to leave but is reminded that they're locked in; he's reminded of the power and control the Capitol has over people.
Coriolanus tries to keep Sejanus calm by offering support and advice, hoping not to worsen his situation.
The class is tasked with writing an essay on the positive aspects of war, revealing Dr. Gaul's twisted enjoyment of suffering.
Coriolanus secures a guitar for Lucy Gray from Pluribus Bell, a black market dealer who reminisces about Coriolanus's father's wild younger days.
Lucy Gray performs a poignant original song during the interview night of the Hunger Games, which wins the crowd's support and increases her chances of receiving sponsorship.
Coriolanus is conflicted as Lucy Gray's success prompts feelings of jealousy rather than elation.