22

Summary

• Coriolanus was elated to see Sejanus, despite their rocky past.
• Sejanus informed Coriolanus that he too was almost expelled, but negotiations with the Academy allowed them both to graduate.
• Coriolanus received his diploma, reflecting a sense of achievement and potential for his future.
• Sejanus and Coriolanus discussed the events of the Hunger Games and their experiences with love and pity from others.
• Despite tampering with the Games, Lucy Gray was spared punishment, which brought relief to Coriolanus.
• Coriolanus had considered suicide, but Sejanus's arrival renewed his hope for life.
• Sejanus wanted to start a new life in the Peacekeepers, moving away from the Capitol's influence.
• Coriolanus realized he had allies in the Capitol and contemplated a potential future as an officer.
• Morale among the recruits increased with the arrival of packages and the anticipation of upcoming weekend entertainment.
• Coriolanus discovered that Lucy Gray was going to perform in District 12, which lifted his spirits further.
• Sejanus's integration into the squad helped Coriolanus rekindle his hope and seek potential family support from Ma Plinth.
• The recruits' training intensified with firearm exercises, and Sejanus earned the nickname "Bull's Eye" for his marksmanship.
• Financial challenges arose when the recruits were told they wouldn't be paid until after a full month of service.
• Despite the hard work, the recruits felt a strong sense of brotherhood, especially after sharing sweets sent from Sejanus's family.
• News broke about an upcoming public execution in District 12 of a man believed to be a rebel leader.
• Coriolanus and Sejanus were ordered to attend the hanging for a show of force and to heighten their Peacekeeper status.
• The execution was a sobering, frightening reality check for Coriolanus who witnessed the poverty and hopelessness of District 12's inhabitants.
• The execution itself was grim, with the condemned man, Arlo Chance, meeting a swift end, leaving a disturbing impact on Coriolanus and the spectators.
• The chapter ends with the chilling echo of Arlo's final words, urging someone named Lil to run, highlighting the tension and potential rebellion within the district.