The team dinner is served by a red-haired Avox—a criminal who has been punished by having their tongue removed. When Katniss recognizes the girl, Peeta is quick to cover for her by pretending that she looks like a classmate of theirs. After dinner, Peeta takes Katniss to the roof so she can explain the situation without being overheard. She tells him that, on a hunt, she and Gale saw a girl and a boy from the Capitol running for their lives. The red-headed girl made eye contact with Katniss and screamed for help as a hovercraft arrived. Katniss and Gale did nothing as the boy was killed and the girl was captured. Katniss feels guilty for her inaction and wonders whether the Avox will enjoy watching her die in the games. She also wonders where the girl had been running, as there is nothing beyond District 12 but the ruins of District 13.

Peeta’s continued kindness toward Katniss remains confusing to her. When she corrects Peeta’s assumption that Gale is related to her, his reaction to the information is unclear. His ability to suppress visible reactions and to lie convincingly worry Katniss. As such, she continues to question the veracity of everything he says and does.