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.