The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games, #0)

by Suzanne Collins

“Well, what I’m noticing is the new interactivity of the Games,” said Dean Highbottom. Lucky nodded. “Interactivity. Go on.” “Right from the beginning. Even before, actually. When the bombing occurred in the arena, it not only took out participants, it changed the landscape,” the dean continued. “Changed the landscape,” Lucky repeated. “Yes. Now we have the barricade. The beam. Access to the tunnels. It’s a brand-new arena, and it’s made the tributes behave in a brand-new way,” the dean explained. “And we have drones!” said Lucky. “Exactly right. Now the audience is an active player in the Games.” Dean Highbottom inclined his head toward Lucky. “And you know what that means.” “What?” said Lucky. The dean spoke the next words slowly, as if to a small child. “It means we’re all in the arena together, Lucky.”