The chapter opens with a violent scene where Arachne is attacked by the District 10 girl and begins bleeding out.
Coriolanus Snow, initially frightened, is urged by Lucy Gray to help Arachne, which he does to avoid looking cowardly on camera.
As Coriolanus tries to help Arachne, she dies, and the District 10 girl is shot dead by Peacekeepers.
The crowd panics and Coriolanus's past traumas resurface, but he manages to compose himself and helps with the aftermath.
Medics show up to tend to Arachne and other injured people while Coriolanus cleans himself and reflects on his relationship with Arachne.
At home, his family is distraught over the day's events, and Coriolanus ensures them of his safety, promising increased security.
Coriolanus decides to complete an assignment given by Dr. Gaul regarding food drops and betting in the Hunger Games.
His proposal includes a way for sponsors to buy items to be delivered to tributes and a system for Capitol citizens to place bets, with the proceeds going towards the Games.
Returning to the Academy, he is seen as a hero for his efforts and has a strong reception from his peers.
An assembly honors Arachne, and after lunch, the mentors receive updated assignment sheets for the Games.
Coriolanus and Clemensia are summoned to the Citadel, where Dr. Gaul quizzes them about the proposal they submitted.
In Dr. Gaul's lab, Coriolanus and Clemensia are tested by being asked to retrieve their proposal from a terrarium full of genetically modified snakes, which attack Clemensia.