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Summary
- Sejanus Plinth and Billy Taupe have a tense encounter with Lucy Gray and Coriolanus Snow, with Sejanus displaying behavior that seems guilty.
- Billy Taupe and Lucy Gray have a confrontation, revealing that there's bad blood between them, especially regarding past events and relationships.
- Lucy Gray stands up against Billy, who physically confronts her, but she manages to defend herself and send Billy off with a warning.
- The interaction with Billy Taupe leaves doubts and concerns in the air about loyalty and past actions.
- Lucy Gray and Coriolanus discuss the possibilities of starting a new life and the unfair judgments she faces compared to Billy Taupe.
- A domestic scene unfolds where the characters prepare for a wedding gig, try to make butter from goat's milk, and discuss the challenges and geography of District 12.
- Coriolanus is disturbed by his own memories and deflects conversation to lighter topics when heavier themes arise.
- Lucy Gray shows concern about Maude Ivory's wellbeing, highlighting the emotional strain that the Hunger Games and their aftermath have caused.
- The group deals with the practicalities and dreams of their lives, including the attempt at butter-making and the dynamics of working for their food.
- Sejanus and Coriolanus have a serious conversation about Sejanus's involvement with local rebels, questioning his allegiance and potential troubles from his actions.
- Coriolanus lacks trust in Sejanus and warns him about the consequences of continued association with rebels and sympathizers.
- Coriolanus grapples with his own feelings about District 12, the Capitol, and the morality of the ongoing oppression and resistance.
- Sejanus's identity crisis and struggle with his beliefs and actions take a toll on him, while Coriolanus feels pressured to manage Sejanus’s potential mistakes.
- Hinted is a connection between Sejanus's loyalties and his past in District 2, exemplified by Sejanus's reaction when Coriolanus confronts him about the map discussion with Billy Taupe.
- Coriolanus considers writing to Dr. Gaul, reflecting on whether to apologize or communicate his ongoing experiences and learning in District 12.
- He ultimately decides to write to Dr. Gaul, demonstrating his analytical mind and attempting to continue a connection for potential future benefits.
- Coriolanus eats a meal he finds delicious, suggesting his adapted state to military life, while Sejanus aids him in test prep without aiming for the test himself.
- Coriolanus gains insight into Sejanus's past and current state of mind through a hidden stash of money, mementos, and medication, leading to further questioning of Sejanus's intentions.
- Coriolanus feels a looming threat from Sejanus’s behavior and contemplates the consequences of Sejanus’s potential actions for them both.
- The chapter ends with the camaraderie of the squad as they anticipate leisure and the luxury brought by the Plinth family, but with Coriolanus now distrustful of Sejanus's honesty.