I thought about my options before I realized I had none. Any action I would take would automatically be misconstrued as an act of defiance, and put my sister's life in danger. Prim didn't deserve to be punished for my mistakes. I had no choice but to comply with Snow's demands. "Tell me what to do,and I'll do it," I finally conceded. "Just please—leave her out of this."

"Now, that is the attitude of a true Victor. Always putting the welfare of others before yourself," Snow said approvingly. "Being a Victor is an honor of the highest caliber, Mrs. Mellark, and with that honor comes several obligations. Victors are expected to be model citizens of Panem and are obligated to set an example for the rest of the nation. That being said, there are some rules you must follow."

President Snow slowly motioned with his hand and in an instant I heard the guard behind me shuffling at his feet. A moment later I saw him move into my peripheral view and place a heavy book on my lap. On its cover lay the symbol of Panem, carved in gold; its background was drenched in a deep red, all too reminiscent of the stifling stench of blood that currently permeated the room.

I opened the book to the first page and found the same symbol stamped above a title that read: "Laws of Conduct in Panem."

"We both know how fond you are of rules," Snow remarked snidely.

"I suggest you familiarize yourself with the contents of this book," he spat at me narrowing his dark beady eyes. "If you or any of your colleagues take so much as one step out of line, I assure you, there will be consequences."

I swallowed down the fear that surged inside of me. I didn't want to find out what those consequences might be.

"Why don't you go ahead and read what it says on page 137," he directed.

I silently turned through the book until I reached a page marked, "Penalties for Poaching on Capitol Grounds." I read the title aloud and was automatically gripped by horror as I scanned down the long list of penalties that continued on to the next page.

"You do understand what that means, yes?"

"No hunting," I answered grimly. How long had he known about my hunting activities? And what did that mean for Gale?

"Good," he chided. "And tell that boyfriend of yours, too."

"I don't have a boyfriend," I stated in all honesty.

"Yet you choose to spend an extraordinary amount of time with a strapping young man that is outside the constraints of your marriage."

"You mean my cousin?" I quickly corrected.

"Whatever he is, make sure he abides by the rules and he can continue working in the mines without any disruptions."

"Disruptions?"

"Yes. The kind that can kill dozens, perhaps even hundreds of citizens, working below ground level."

"You mean, like a mining accident?" I stammered, trying not to sound as feeble as I felt.