In the conservatory, Haymitch speaks by phone with Lenore Dove and learns that Peacekeepers arrested her the previous night. Lenore Dove explains that after Haymitch received his training score, she played forbidden songs at the Justice Building, drawing a crowd of grieving and angry people who sang together. Haymitch fears the authorities may punish her harshly because tension in District 12 is high, but he is relieved when she says they plan to release her the next morning.

The call turns emotional as both Haymitch and Lenore Dove blame themselves for what happened at the reaping and for Haymitch’s worsening odds. When Lenore Dove says she cannot bear a world without him, Haymitch angrily pushes her to stay alive and not seek danger on purpose. They promise that they will somehow find each other again, and Haymitch tells Lenore Dove to keep living, singing, and loving her people; before he can say more, the line is cut, leaving him with a final goodbye and the comfort that she is at least safe for now.

After the call, Haymitch learns that Plutarch arranged it to earn his trust before sharing information about sabotaging the arena. Haymitch suspects a trap, but Plutarch gives specific clues: the arena sun rises in the true east, which means Haymitch can orient himself; the Gamemakers discussed opening flower-covered berms, suggesting hidden arena mechanisms or mutt access points; and the Capitol depends on controlling the Games’ story, so Haymitch must resist that control. Plutarch directly urges Haymitch to blow up the water tank, reinforcing Beetee’s secret plan while revealing that at least some Capitol people oppose Snow’s system.

Back in the library, Haymitch watches Lou Lou respond to small sensory memories while Plutarch supervises more tribute photos and films propaganda segments. Plutarch explains that Capitol support follows emotion more than logic, so the District 12 tributes should present themselves as authentic district opponents to the Career pack rather than trying to imitate Capitol values. Working together, the group invents the mocking label "Near Beer Careers" and related insults, giving the Newcomers a sharper public identity and another way to undermine their rivals.

That night at the apartment, Mags and Wiress praise the group’s performance, but the looming arena makes everyone uneasy. Maysilee confronts Haymitch about reports that he plans to separate from the others, and Haymitch confirms it, arguing that his low score makes him too dangerous to stay with and refusing to let them pay for his choices. He cannot tell them about the sabotage plot or Plutarch’s help, so he goes to bed isolated, haunted by thoughts of Lenore Dove and by the fear that death may separate them forever.