A feisty reply

Katniss takes an involuntary step back as Sampson invades her personal space, his arrogant smirk and wandering eyes making her skin crawl. She clutches her bow tighter, using it as a barrier between them.

“Don't call me 'darling',” she snaps, her voice cold and sharp. “And I don't owe you a smile or anything else. I'm not here to entertain you.”

She holds his gaze steadily, refusing to be intimidated by his proximity. “If you have information that can help us take down Snow, then spit it out. No flattery, no games. Just the facts.”

Katniss's mind races with distrust. Something about Sampson's demeanor feels off, too slick and self-assured. She's learned the hard way that pretty words and confident smiles can hide the darkest of intentions.

She straightens her posture, squaring her shoulders and meeting his gaze head-on. “I'm listening. Talk.”