—It’s over —whispers the District 1 tribute.

But Haymitch has already made his last move. He had placed a knife against the barrier. At the perfect moment, the energy propels it back, the blade sinking into his enemy’s neck.

The tribute falls.

And Haymitch is still breathing.

Sixth Part: Victory Is a Punishment

The sun rises over an Arena littered with corpses. Haymitch is one of the last two tributes standing. The other is a girl from District 4—fast, lethal, with a gaze that doesn’t waver.

They both know what’s coming.

The Capitol wants a show. They won’t allow a clean ending.

For hours, they stalk each other in silence, hidden among the ruins of the Arena. Haymitch is wounded, barely able to move without feeling like the world is crumbling. The bleeding in his side won’t stop. If he doesn’t act fast, he will die without her even needing to strike.

Then, the Gamemakers decide to intervene. The Arena begins to shrink. Invisible barriers force them closer, forcing them to fight.

There is no escape.