117 THIRD HEARTBREAK

"Just because it hasn't been introduced yet doesn't mean it won't someday," Finnick replies blithely. When Batten's expression remains unchanged, he adds, "Besides, it's useful for fishing." The academy's training arsenal is carefully accounted for by faculty according to the strict standards of the Capitol, who don't want anyone secretly stockpiling weapons for their own rebellious purpose. But a trident is a tool for work as well as violence; to someone like Finnick, work and violence are often one in the same.

"Well, once you're through playing with your toy, I want you running laps." Batten gestures around the gymnasium. "Then I want—hey, Mags! Come and get a load of this loon. He thinks he's going to volunteer next year."