Linden's not much for laughter, not the ringing and hearty kind that releases pleasure chemicals in the brain and leaves a person breathless and satisfied. It's not that his amusement is mean-spirited, as a general rule; it's that there isn't a lot to laugh about in Panem, even after surviving the deadliest reality show in history.

"You don't sound like you have a very clear concept," he says, keeping his points blunt. "Not that there's anything wrong with that, but... if that ever comes up in an interview, you should have an eloquent canned response prepared. Trust me on that."