Chapter summaries Part 3: The Victor

Chapter 19

In the third part of Suzanne Collins’ novel The Hunger Games, Katniss thinks the new rule was inspired by her apparent romance with Peeta, which the audience must be enjoying. She thinks back to Peeta’s behavior in the arena and realizes that he kept her safe and kept the idea of them as star-crossed lovers alive. The only other remaining tributes are Cato and the girl from District 2, who can also take advantage of the two winners rule, Thresh from District 11, and Foxface from District 5. 

Katniss remembers overhearing Cato say that he severely injured Peeta after Peeta warned Katniss to run. She realizes Peeta could not have stayed alive for so many days with a serious injury unless he was near a body of water, so she goes to the stream to find him. Eventually, she hears his weak voice calling out to her and finds that Peeta is laying on the ground and has completely camouflaged his body.

Katniss washes him and treats his wounds, which are more severe than she imagined. Peeta also has a fever. She manages to drag him into a cave where they can hide while he recovers. Peeta starts telling Katniss what to do if he dies, but she interrupts him by kissing him, not wishing to think about it and realizing they have to act madly in love for the cameras. Outside, she finds Haymitch has sent them some broth. She realizes this is a sign that she has to play up their romance for the audience to have a chance of winning.

Chapter 20

Katniss feeds Peeta the soup and keeps watch while he sleeps. The leg wound Cato gave him appears worse, and the infection is spreading into his bloodstream; he requires strong medicine or he will die. At night, a new announcement is being made: at the Cornucopia, the tributes of each district will be offered something they desperately need. Katniss and Peeta realize this means they will be given medicine for Peeta’s leg. 

Peeta refuses to let Katniss risk her life fighting the other tributes for his medicine, but Katniss knows he will die without it. Peeta threatens to call attention to himself to draw the other tributes away from Katniss if she goes to the Cornucopia, which leaves them at a standstill. 

As she prepares food, Katniss receives another gift from Haymitch. She initially thinks it is medicine but realizes it is sleep syrup she can use to make Peeta sleep while she goes to the Cornucopia. She mixes the syrup with some berries and feeds it to Peeta. When he realizes he has been given sleep syrup, it is too late. 

Chapter 21

Katniss p...