Maude Ivory confronts Billy Taupe, telling him to leave the Covey as they no longer want or need him.
Billy Taupe is rejected by the Covey and pleads with his apparent brother, Clerk Carmine, to leave with him. Carmine refuses.
Peacekeepers intervene as Billy Taupe becomes belligerent and a fight breaks out in the Hob, with the lights being cut and chaos ensuing.
Coriolanus gets involved in the melee, experiencing a wave of primal aggression while defending himself.
After the skirmish, Billy Taupe disappears, while Maude Ivory and other members of the Covey are also absent.
Coriolanus observes Mayfair Lipp being reluctantly escorted home for her safety by Peacekeepers and encounters Billy Taupe hiding by Mayfair's house.
Coriolanus decides not to reveal Billy Taupe's presence to the Peacekeepers, pondering the implications of his actions.
Upon returning to base, restrictions are imposed on the Peacekeepers, limiting their movements due to the altercation at the Hob.
Coriolanus and his friend Sejanus plan to secretly visit Lucy Gray, with Coriolanus wondering about receiving gifts for her.
Coriolanus improvises and brings ice, a rare luxury, as a gift for Lucy Gray.
They head to Lucy Gray's home, encountering Maude Ivory, who directs them to Lucy Gray in the Meadow where she sings a haunting song about the hanging tree.
Lucy Gray and Coriolanus share a passionate reunion in the Meadow, exchanging stories and forming a stronger emotional bond.
Lucy Gray shares her experiences in the Hunger Games and how she felt connected to Coriolanus through her darkest moments.
Coriolanus reveals how he secretly aided Lucy Gray in the arena by acclimating the snakes to her scent.
Back at Lucy Gray's home, Billy Taupe is seen giving Sejanus directions, which prompts Lucy Gray and Coriolanus to intervene.
The chapter ends with the couple discovering Billy Taupe drawing a map of the base, indicating he may be plotting something.