9

Summary

• After a stressful event, Grandma’am suggests Coriolanus takes a nap before supper.
• Coriolanus wakes up to Tigris waking him, informing him that Satyria called and he should call her back.
• Tigris has made noodle soup from chicken carcasses, and Coriolanus eats after initially refusing.
• Coriolanus discusses with Tigris a horrific event with Dr. Gaul and the snakes, Tigris recommends avoiding her.
• Under Tigris’ advice, Coriolanus decides not to report Dr. Gaul’s actions as she is too powerful.
• Coriolanus is haunted by recent events, including mentorship difficulties and the suffering of his tribute, Lucy Gray.
• When Satyria finally calls again, she asks him to sing at Arachne’s funeral, he agrees despite admitting he can't really sing.
• The next morning, Grandma’am helps Coriolanus prepare for the performance, including practicing and dressing him up appropriately.
• Coriolanus performs the anthem at the funeral with hesitant confidence and receives approval from the audience.
• President Ravinstill speaks at the funeral, emphasizing the defiance against the rebellion and dedication to justice.
• The funeral procession includes a demeaning display of the captured and defeated tributes, intended to remind the districts of their place.
• Coriolanus reflects on the overblown nature of Arachne’s funeral and has an encounter with Dean Highbottom who expresses cynicism about the pomp.
• During a luncheon, Coriolanus fills up on food, noting his lack of self-control. Meanwhile, Sejanus struggles to eat due to being upset by the funeral.
• Satyria informs the mentors that they will escort tributes on a televised tour of the arena, despite security concerns.
• Coriolanus smuggles food for Lucy Gray into the arena and expresses his rebellion by doing so.
• Vivid descriptions of the decayed Capitol Arena are given, including its history and state post-war.
• Coriolanus shares a private moment with Lucy Gray, giving her the smuggled food and discussing the morning events.
• The tribute parade around the arena is a sorrowful imitation of more joyful times, and Coriolanus contemplates strategies for Lucy Gray.
• A sudden, shocking explosion occurs, ending the chapter on a cliffhanger.