"To the great orator then." She raises her drink half an inch in a tiny toast. "May he prove an inspiration to all who hear him for better or worse."

If the Capitol has anything to say about it, worse.

"If I'm entirely candid with you, and I strive to be more straight forward with my tributes these days. If I am honest I've always wanted to inspire others with my deeds. When I was young I was taught that being in the games was a great honor and would bring pride and respect to my family. That the entire district would honor me for what I've done for them."

It is painfully clear from the tone in her voice that this was not how things turned out, but she does not elaborate.

"When I returned to work as a mentor I found it was difficult to inspire the tributes into anything but disdain and irritation. I was just getting in their way the more I tried to enforce my influence over them. So for a man like that to simply stroll in and captivate a room full of strangers? It's a impressive power in it's own right."

A power she craves. A power even the Capitol seems to respect the way they tried to break his spirits.