"The horror lasts because the contestants are so young," Anakin replied. "It's not enough to age out of the pool yourself: you have to fear for your children as well. And as this Quell proves, not even winning is enough to keep you out of the Arena permanently."

He tapped his fingers against the desk. "And the districts are forbidden contact with each other. Without communication, it's easier to stomp down a rebellion ruthlessly and without cameras to film it."