Carlos's eyes widen behind their glasses as he listens. As someone who gave up over a year ago on justice and a fair government, this idealism is like a bucket of cold water: frightening and exhilarating at the same time. This is something Steve cares passionately about, with a light in his eyes and resolve in his voice, and Carlos becomes suddenly, terribly aware of the frequency of his own heartbeat and its push of blood around his body.

He swallows with a pang of guilt.

"I -- I understand that," he says, and there is no judgment in his voice: he doesn't think Steve is wrong. "But where District 13 is concerned, we have to be careful. They're an unknown element, and our interests aren't going to be their top priority. We don't know for sure that they care about us any more than the Capitol does. However, our goals coincide with theirs, and if anyone has a chance of taking down President Snow, it's them. They're the best allies we've got."