When Katniss finally sees Peeta again, they are about to go on camera with Caesar Flickerman. Peeta has a new leg and walks with a cane. Compared to the show that comes after most Hunger Games, this one has several subtle differences. The victor’s single chair has been replaced with a loveseat. On it, Katniss leans into Peeta, who puts his arms around her. The audience is eating up the love on display before them.

However, there is more than love on display. The show will last three hours, and a large part of it will be a recap of the seventy-fourth Hunger Games. Katniss recalls that victors are supposed to watch the horror and brutality of the games and that most victors just look shocked. However, Katniss knows that her life, not to mention Peeta’s, is riding on the story that people take away from this latest game. Katniss notes that the editors have done a fine job of making the games seem like a love story this year. She also notices that they have edited out anything that suggests rebellion, such as when Katniss covered Rue’s body in flowers. By the end of the recap, Katniss has been made to look madly in love with Peeta; the highlights end with Katniss in the hovercraft, demanding to see how Peeta is being treated.

In addition to her interview with Caesar Flickerman, Katniss also meets the head of Panem, President Snow. Although Snow smiles at Peeta and Katniss when he crowns them as victors of the Hunger Games, Katniss notes that his eyes are as forgiving as a snake’s. Looking at Snow, Katniss can tell that he is still furious over the way she outsmarted the Gamemakers and the Hunger Games. It will be a long time before she is safe again.

Fortunately, the show finally ends, and Katniss is able to be herself again. She wipes off the makeup and puts on plain clothes. When she next sees Peeta, she explains how much danger they have been in. Although Haymitch had coached Katniss on how to behave, Peeta thought the star-crossed lovers routine was reality. He is hurt and wants to know what will happen when they return to District 12, but Katniss is unable to say. She still does not know how she feels about Peeta, and she does not know how she feels about Gale. As the story ends, Katniss notes:

Already the boy with the bread is slipping away from me. I take his hand, holding on tightly, preparing for the camera, and dreading the moment when I will finally have to let go.