147 SIXTH ECHORE

"Orientation dinner?" Colby hears the sound of her own voice, like bells, like a hypnotic song. "Whatever is that?"

"We already know what that is," says Cal softly, looking troubled and confused.

Of course Colby knows what that is. But she can't look too smart; she doesn't want to be seen as too much of a threat before the Games even begin. But Cal just has to correct her. She glares at him and he looks down, embarrassed, before they separate to change.

It's not ideal, the situation she's in. She'd much rather work alone, distance herself from any human connection; because Panem knows love or connection hasn't worked well for her before. But she knows Cal, even if she doesn't like it. He's smart. At least he'll be helpful, if a bit pesky. She just has to teach him the lessons he somehow hasn't learned yet.

In order to get ahead in this world, manipulation is a must. Anything else only causes pain.