### Chapter 3: The Proposal

The air was thick with anticipation as Plutarch Heavensbee's words hung in the air, like a challenge waiting to be accepted or rejected. Katniss, Peeta, Cato, and Clarissa exchanged glances, each searching for a hint of what the others were thinking. The Gamemakers' sudden decision to declare them all winners had been a shock, but this proposal from Plutarch seemed to be taking things to a whole new level. "I must admit, I'm intrigued," Peeta said finally, his voice smooth as silk. "What kind of twist are you proposing, Mr. Heavensbee?" Plutarch's smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ah, Peeta, you're always so quick to jump into the fray, aren't you? Very well, I'll give you a taste of what's to come. You see, the Capitol has been...restless, of late. The Games have become a bit...stale, predictable. We need something new, something that will shake things up, make the audience sit up and take notice." He paused, letting the drama build, before continuing. "So, here's the proposal: we want you four to be the first-ever mentors for the next batch of tributes. You'll be working together, using your skills and experience to guide them through the arena. And, of course, you'll be competing against each other, in a way." Katniss raised an eyebrow, her mind racing with the implications. "What do you mean, 'competing against each other'?" she asked, her voice cautious. "Ah, that's the best part," Plutarch said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "You see, we'll be offering a special...incentive, let's call it, to the mentor whose tributes perform the best. A chance to earn a special prize, one that will change your lives forever." Cato's expression turned skeptical, his eyes narrowing. "What kind of prize?" Plutarch's smile grew even wider. "Ah, that's for me to know and you to find out, for now. But I will say this: it's something that will make all your hard work and dedication worth it. So, what do you say, victors? Are you ready to take on this new challenge, and see who will come out on top?" The room fell silent once more, as the four victors weighed their options. Clarissa was the first to speak up, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know, Mr. Heavensbee. This sounds like a lot of responsibility. And what about the tributes? Won't they be, I don't know, influenced by our guidance?" Plutarch chuckled, a low, smooth sound. "Ah, Clarissa, you're thinking like a true victor. Of course, the tributes will be influenced by your guidance. That's the whole point. We want to see how you'll work together, and against each other, to shape the next generation of tributes. And, of course, we'll be watching, very closely, to see who will emerge as the ultimate winner." As Plutarch finished speaking, Katniss felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew that they were standing at a crossroads, with the fate of the Games and their own lives hanging in the balance. She looked at Peeta, Cato, and Clarissa, and knew that they were all thinking the same thing: what had they just gotten themselves into? "I need some time to think about it," Katniss said finally, her voice firm. "Can we discuss this among ourselves?" Plutarch nodded, his smile never wavering. "Of course, of course. Take all the time you need. But let me warn you, victors: the clock is ticking. The next batch of tributes is already on its way to the Capitol. And once they arrive, there's no turning back." With that, Plutarch turned and left the room, leaving the four victors to ponder their decision. As the door closed behind him, they looked at each other, and knew that their lives were about to change forever.