The handshake is firm, quick, and friendly. Stephen has, of course, heard of Hans' behavior in the mini-Arena, but he sees no reason to judge Hans based on that. He was desperate! Of course he was! No one knew what they would become under the pressures of the Arena.

And after all, Tributes were encouraged to be violent and self-serving. Those traits were valued by the Capitol.

So, Stephen is unbothered by Hans' conduct. "You must be worried about her," he says with sympathy, "going into the Arena by herself. I know I would be."