When he steps into the Training Center, he isn't strong or confident like the Twos and Fours are. In fact, he feels rather like what an ordinary tribute must feel.
The other Careers surround him like a giant jaw. He is Hunger Games royalty and they want to know all about it. They are unrelenting in their questions and admiration, which rain down on him like hail.
Surely his mother must have imparted some kind of special wisdom onto him, right? After all, what kind of mother just throws her child into the Games without preparing them first? Did she want them to lose?
That's when the Four boy gets too mouthy. "Is that why your sister lost before?"
No one even gets the chance to blink before Wonder's fist collides with his cheek, sending him sprawling to the floor.
No one makes a move to condemn him. They don't even help the other guy up and make sure he's okay.
Because even they understand that that is a step too far.
Wonder doesn't say a word the whole day. He moves along with the rest of the pack, keeping one eye on the Four boy and his red, smarting cheek.
The most difficult lessons, it seems, are always paid for in pain.