At the Capitol celebration, Katniss understands from President Snow's behavior that her public engagement to Peeta has not solved the problem of unrest. Instead of collapsing, Katniss feels relieved because the uncertainty is over: she now believes she has failed and must stop playing by Snow's rules. Katniss immediately begins thinking of escape, deciding that any real plan must include her mother, Prim, Gale's family, Peeta, and Haymitch.

Katniss and Peeta move through Snow's lavish party while cameras follow them. Katniss, suddenly hungry again because she has chosen resistance over performance, samples the extravagant food. The excess becomes revolting when Octavia, Flavius, and Venia casually show Katniss and Peeta a drink that makes people vomit so they can keep eating. Peeta pulls Katniss away to dance, and their disgust at Capitol indulgence leads Peeta to suggest they may have been wrong to try to calm the districts. Katniss warns Peeta not to say such things in the Capitol.

During the dance, Portia introduces Katniss to Plutarch Heavensbee, the new Head Gamemaker. Plutarch reminds Katniss that he was present when she shot the apple during training, then mentions a late-night strategy meeting about the coming Quarter Quell. Before leaving, Plutarch shows Katniss a gold watch that briefly displays a mockingjay and tells Katniss to say he went home to bed if anyone asks, making the exchange feel secretive and significant even though Katniss cannot explain why.

Effie gets the group back onto the train exactly on schedule, and they leave the Capitol. Katniss wakes the next afternoon beside Peeta after a peaceful night without nightmares, a rare change that follows her decision to stop hoping Snow can be satisfied. Their quiet conversation reminds Katniss how much Peeta cares for her and makes her uneasy about how much she depends on him without being able to return his feelings clearly. As they approach District 12, the tour's final events shift their attention home.

At Mayor Undersee's house, Katniss reflects on her growing friendship with Madge, who gave her the mockingjay pin and has become one of the few people Katniss spends time with outside her family. While waiting before dinner, Katniss wanders into the mayor's study and accidentally sees a restricted television update meant for officials. The report shows District 8 in chaos, with masked citizens rioting, buildings burning, and Peacekeepers firing into crowds. By witnessing the broadcast, Katniss sees undeniable proof that the rebellion President Snow fears is no longer rumor but open uprising.