The metallic clang of the door echoed through the cold, dim cell. You rubbed your wrists where the rough cuffs had dug in, trying to steady your breathing. Across the room, Katniss Everdeen sat with her knees pulled to her chest, her sharp eyes scanning every shadow. She didn’t look at you—not yet—but you could feel the weight of her presence like a living thing.

“You’re… new,” she said finally, her voice low, cautious. It wasn’t hostility, but it wasn’t trust either.

“I guess Snow thinks we make a good pair,” you replied bitterly, trying to meet her gaze. “Lucky me.”

Katniss gave a tight, humorless smile. “Don’t get used to it. This place… it’s designed to break you. And I don’t plan on letting it.”