ishes and the screen goes dark； a hush falls on the room。 Tomorrow at dawn； we will be roused and prepared for the arena。 The actual Games donˇt start until ten because so many of the Capitol residents rise late。 But Peeta and I must make an early start。 There is no telling how far we will travel to the arena that has been prepared for this yearˇs Games。
I know Haymitch and Effie will not be going with us。 As soon as they leave here； theyˇll be at the Games Headquarters； hopefully madly signing up our sponsors； working out a strategy on how and when to deliver the gifts to us。 Cinna and Portia will travel with us to the very spot from which we will be launched into the arena。 Still final good…byes must be said here。
Effie takes both of us by the hand and； with actual tears in her eyes； wishes us well。 Thanks us for being the best tributes it has ever been her privilege to sponsor。 And then； because itˇs Effie and sheˇs apparently required by law to say something awful； she adds ¨I wouldnˇt be at all surprised if I finally get promoted to a decent district next year！〃
Then she kisses us each on the cheek and hurries out； overe with either the emotional parting or the possible improvement of her fortunes。
Haymitch crosses his arms and looks us both over。
¨Any final words of advice？〃 asks Peeta。
¨When the gong sounds； get the hell out of there。 Youˇre neither of you up to the blood bath at the Cornucopia。 Just clear out； put as much distance as you can between yourselves and the others； and find a source of water；〃 he says。 ¨Got it？〃
¨And after that？〃 I ask。
¨Stay alive；〃 says Haymitch。 Itˇs the same advice he gave us on the train； but heˇs not drunk and laughing this time。 And we only nod。 What else is there to say？