**Chapter 3: Shadows and Secrets**

As Zoya's eyes locked onto Johanna's, she could sense a mixture of curiosity and concern etched on her friend's face. Johanna's rugged features seemed to soften, and for a moment, Zoya saw a glimmer of empathy in her eyes. "You're wondering what this is about, aren't you?" Johanna asked, her voice low and measured. Zoya nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. She had always considered Peeta a friend, a ally in the twisted world of the Hunger Games. But the note had been cryptic, and the secrecy surrounding the meeting had piqued her curiosity. Johanna's gaze seemed to drift into the distance, as if she was collecting her thoughts. "I've heard rumors, Zoya. Whispers of a hidden agenda, one that could change the course of the Games forever." Her eyes snapped back to Zoya's, filled with a sense of urgency. "Be careful, Zoya. The clock is ticking, and the players are being shuffled." With that, Johanna turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Zoya to ponder the cryptic message. The clock tower's pale face seemed to loom over her, a reminder of the secrets that lay hidden in the shadows. As she made her way back to her apartment, Zoya couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being pulled into a web of intrigue, one that would test her loyalty, her wits, and her heart. The hours ticked by, and Zoya found herself lost in thought, her mind a jumble of questions and fears. Who was behind the mysterious note? And what did Peeta want to discuss? The more she thought about it, the more she realized that this meeting could be a turning point, a moment that would change the course of her life forever. As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Zoya made her way to the old warehouse, her dagger at her waist, her heart pounding in her chest. The building loomed above her, its walls a testament to the city's industrial past. She approached the entrance, her senses on high alert, and pushed open the creaky door. The interior was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of machinery in the distance. Zoya's eyes adjusted to the light, and she saw Peeta standing in the shadows, his eyes fixed on hers. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension. "Zoya," Peeta said finally, his voice low and husky. "I'm glad you came." Zoya's hand tightened around the hilt of her dagger, her mind racing with possibilities. What did Peeta want to discuss? And why the secrecy? As she took a step forward, Peeta emerged from the shadows, his eyes locked onto hers, filled with a sense of urgency and longing.