Cyrus isn't much in the habit of watching the Games anymore. He appreciates them more for their stabilizing effect on society than for their spectacle. But in his experience, most people find they're better fighters than they think, once they're in the Arena.

"It's a big adjustment," Cyrus agrees, his smile returning. "Not many of our Tributes enjoyed the same celebrity in their own homes that they do here. But I think you might find you're better-suited to it than you believe - you're far from the only scientist competing, you know."