Chapter 13 Summary

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

The chapter opens the morning after Haymitch's training scores are announced. His score of one—the lowest possible—stuns even his fellow tributes, who note that no one can remember a tribute ever receiving a one before. Maysilee tries to spin it as a positive, arguing that Haymitch has clearly gotten under the Gamemakers' skin through his reaping-day defiance, his confrontation over Lou Lou, and his spitting at the crowd. Mags agrees that the score is at least distinctive, and with forty-eight tributes competing, being memorable is an advantage. Wyatt, however, admits he cannot factor such an unprecedented score into his odds calculations. Haymitch privately reflects that the score will likely cost him sponsors and that the Gamemakers—probably under Snow's direction—have made an example of him. He worries this displeasure will follow him into the arena and doom him to an early, gory death. He takes the first watch that night, his hand instinctively seeking the flint striker Lenore Dove gave him, only to find it gone. He also worries that his new notoriety makes him a liability to Beetee's plot to disable the arena, and he stays awake through three watches hoping Beetee might visit him again, before finally waking Wyatt to take over.

The next morning, the tributes are allowed to sleep in, and Haymitch finds his precious necklace waiting for him at the kitchen table. All four tokens have been cleared and returned. Maysilee asks to examine Haymitch's necklace, and he reluctantly agrees since they are supposed to be allies. She studies the engraving and reads the inscription—something Haymitch himself had never done—and notes that the Covey have an eye for beauty. Haymitch mentions that he heard Maysilee has one of Tam Amber's mockingjay pins, but she dismisses it, calling mockingjays unnatural half-mutt creatures. Haymitch counters that some people see the mockingjay's survival as a victory in itself. Maysilee then reveals that she knows a secret about Lenore Dove: orange paint on her fingernails when she played at the mayor's birthday party. She hints this is something Lenore Dove would hate to have exposed, and suggests Haymitch ask about it if he gets home. Haymitch is confused about why nail polish would be a secret, wondering if Maysilee is implying Lenore Dove stole it. Maysilee refuses to elaborate unless Haymitch has a secret to trade.

Wyatt's token—a scrip coin woven into a cord—catches Haymitch's attention. He asks what the coin is made of, and Wyatt says zinc. Haymitch reminds him about the potato battery plan and tells him to keep an eye out for copper. Maysilee confirms she is already on it, and Haymitch notes that if the Gamemakers cleared the tokens, maybe they are hoping the tributes will use them.

Drusilla arrives to conduct interview prep, feeling pressure after the reaping and chariot fiascos. She explains that the interview is the tributes' last chance to make an impression and attract sponsors. She plays Caesar Flickerman, but loses patience with Lou Lou almost immediately—the girl can only repeat her name and district. When Drusilla shakes her, Lou Lou begins screaming,