Coriolanus is humiliated to be assigned the female tribute from marginal District 12 in the Hunger Games.
He suspects his tarnished family name or a personal slight against Dean Highbottom may be behind this assignment.
Sejanus, his friend, is also upset despite having a stronger tribute because he feels connection to his district origins.
During the reaping broadcast, the selected girl, Lucy Gray Baird, stands out in her colorful clothing and creates a scene by dropping a snake down another girl's dress.
Coriolanus sees potential in Lucy's ability to command attention and begins to think of ways to use this to their advantage.
The Mayor of District 12, assuming a setup, strikes Lucy after she takes the stage, sparking further interest among the Capitol audience.
Lucy Gray regains composure by singing a defiant song, further intriguing the Capitol citizens and winning sympathy.
Coriolanus envisions strategies to capitalize on Lucy's performance skills for success in the Hunger Games.
Lucy's male counterpart, Jessup Diggs, is revealed and despite a tense moment, they show solidarity on stage.
Coriolanus grapples with his family's past struggles with hunger and recalls a disturbing childhood memory that underlines the Capitol's desperation during war times.
He reflects on his grandmother's foresight which saved them from starvation by stockpiling beans.
Distracted by food after the reaping, Coriolanus is confronted by Dean Highbottom who questions his future plans and financial stability, insinuating that Coriolanus cannot afford university.
Coriolanus fears that his mockery of Dean Highbottom has put his future in jeopardy, and he may end up in a lowly job or even being sent to a district.