20

Summary

• Coriolanus ponders whether the snakes in the arena are drawn to tribute Lucy Gray due to her familiar scent.
• He reflects on not telling Lucy Gray about his past dealings with snakes and how she might think her singing keeps them calm.
• Lucy Gray sings a song in the arena that resonates with her and the audience, which seems to calm the snakes and earns an ovation in Heavensbee Hall.
• Coriolanus is concerned with Dr. Gaul's inscrutable response and wonders if she suspects foul play.
• Coriolanus underscores the importance of Gaius Breen's death and relates it to the snakes in a talk show segment.
• He extends his supper hour with a friend, Persephone, seeking an ally in the brutal environment.
• As night sets, Coriolanus and other mentors sleep uncomfortably in Heavensbee Hall, keeping an eye on the Games.
• Coriolanus and Clemensia quietly mend their damaged friendship, sharing a moment of introspection and a cheese tart.
• After a treacherous day in the Games, only three tributes remain: Lucy Gray, Treech, and Reaper.
• The next morning, Lucy Gray reappears and, with Coriolanus's sponsored supplies, seems to plan survival.
• Lucy Gray avoids an attack from Treech by using a snake and continues to evade Reaper.
• Reaper's decline due to hunger and possible heatstroke unfolds before the audience as Lucy Gray outmaneuvers him.
• Lucy Gray checks on an incapacitated Reaper and covers the dead tributes with a flag, prompting the Gamemakers to declare her the winner.
• Coriolanus celebrates victory with classmates, joyous and somewhat intoxicated.
• Lucy Gray's upcoming arrival is anticipated by Coriolanus, but upon entering the lab, he meets Dean Highbottom.
• Coriolanus faces incriminating evidence of his deception—evidence of his foul play presented by the dean.
• The chapter concludes with Coriolanus being pressured into joining the Peacekeeper ranks.