2

Summary

• Coriolanus is humiliated to be assigned the female tribute from marginal District 12 in the Hunger Games.
• He suspects his tarnished family name or a personal slight against Dean Highbottom may be behind this assignment.
• Sejanus, his friend, is also upset despite having a stronger tribute because he feels connection to his district origins.
• During the reaping broadcast, the selected girl, Lucy Gray Baird, stands out in her colorful clothing and creates a scene by dropping a snake down another girl's dress.
• Coriolanus sees potential in Lucy's ability to command attention and begins to think of ways to use this to their advantage.
• The Mayor of District 12, assuming a setup, strikes Lucy after she takes the stage, sparking further interest among the Capitol audience.
• Lucy Gray regains composure by singing a defiant song, further intriguing the Capitol citizens and winning sympathy.
• Coriolanus envisions strategies to capitalize on Lucy's performance skills for success in the Hunger Games.
• Lucy's male counterpart, Jessup Diggs, is revealed and despite a tense moment, they show solidarity on stage.
• Coriolanus grapples with his family's past struggles with hunger and recalls a disturbing childhood memory that underlines the Capitol's desperation during war times.
• He reflects on his grandmother's foresight which saved them from starvation by stockpiling beans.
• Distracted by food after the reaping, Coriolanus is confronted by Dean Highbottom who questions his future plans and financial stability, insinuating that Coriolanus cannot afford university.
• Coriolanus fears that his mockery of Dean Highbottom has put his future in jeopardy, and he may end up in a lowly job or even being sent to a district.