Beat 6 – Tests, Allies, and Enemies:
Over the next four days, the Tributes participate in exercises leading to an individual evaluation where they perform their skills before the Gamemakers. The goal: to earn points and win over sponsors. Katniss and Peeta’s competition include “Careers,” trained volunteers from wealthier districts who win the Games almost every year.
When Katniss shows up with her bow and arrow, the Gamemakers ignore her…until she puts an arrow through an apple in their dinner display. Haymitch is impressed by her brazenness and skill. When Katniss gets the top score, President Snow begins to see her success as a threat.
Katniss seems to be adjusting well until the night before the Games, when Peeta announces his romantic interest in her on national television. Thinking about her sister, she seems anxious and unable to sleep.
Beat 7 – Approach to the Inmost Cave:
The next morning, after a quick pep talk from Haymitch, Katniss heads off to the game grounds with the other Tributes. As the Hunger Games start, many of them are immediately killed fighting over supplies. Katniss is overwhelmed and runs into the forest, evading attacks, and finds safe harbor up in a tree.
Beat 8 – The Ordeal:
Seeking to avoid the Careers, Katniss wanders around the edges of the grounds until the Gamemakers force her hand, setting the forest on fire and leading her to them. They chase Katniss up a tree and shoot at her with a bow, but Peeta persuades them to wait until she comes down.
The next morning, Katniss’ Tribute friend Rue appears, motioning to a venomous hive of wasps. She hacks at a branch until it falls, killing some of the Careers and scurrying the rest. Stung herself, Katniss escapes down the tree, and grabs the bow. She experiences hallucinations for a couple days while being guarded and healed by Rue.
Beat 9 – Reward (Seizing the Sword):
When Katniss comes to, Rue explains that the Careers have all their critical supplies in a central spot (surrounded by mines). They form a plan to blow it up – and thanks to Katniss and her bow, the plan is a success. But Rue is killed just moments later.
While Katniss is grief-stricken, her improvised funeral for Rue inspires the public, leading to riots in District 11. President Snow grows increasingly concerned.
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