144 THIRD ECHORE

There is an ominous feeling about these Reapings; he can almost taste the bitter foreboding on his tongue, seeing the devastation of certain Tributes and the steely hunger of others, and he just isn't sure why. But he has to go on, even if he feels like Atlas holding up the sky on his shoulders, because somebody has to. And that somebody just happens to be him.

...

He hasn't let go of Luz's hand since the Escort called their names. The warm pressure of her pulse is like an anchor for him. Her touch is the only thing keeping him from running away, taking off and soaring, fast as a hummingbird. But when Asa runs, he runs to her. So he just laces his fingers through hers and breathes through the panic, leaning on her for strength as he always has.

The Peacekeepers approach them and usher them off the stage. Asa and Luz walk hand in hand, until the moment when the Peacekeepers stop.