Chapter 3

Katniss and the other candidates are taken into custody. They are divided and taken into fancy rooms with plush carpets and velvet chairs where each are allowed to say their farewells. Prim and Mother visit Katniss. Prim makes Katniss promise to try to win; despite Katniss's doubts about her ability in the competition, she agrees. Katniss tells her mom to not leave Prim alone.

The next visitor is, to Katniss's surprise, Peeta Mellark's father, the baker. He offers Katniss a white paper package of cookies and promises to keep an eye of Prim. After the baker leaves, Madge, the mayor's daughter enters the room. She offers Katniss a circular gold pin to wear as a token of District 12. On the pin is a small bird.

The last visitor is Gale, who hugs Katniss. He advises Katniss to get her hands most immediately on a bow during the Games, even if she has to make one. The peacekeepers arrive and force Gale to leave, but before he does, he says "Katniss, remember I –," but isn't allowed to finish that thought. Suspense! =0

Katniss showers in her own private car and dresses in a dark green shirt for dinner. She puts on Madge's gold pin with the mockingjay. Katniss's father, a great singer, would always sing to the birds. She finds the pin of the bird comforting, like having a piece of her father with her. The party watches on television. A few tributes stand out: a "monstrous boy" from District 2, a "fox-faced girl" form District 5, a crippled boy from District 10, and a small girl with "dark brown skin and eyes" from District 12. She reminds Katniss of Prim. Peeta and Katniss make a few jokes at Haymitch's expense when he staggers through the door. And vomits!