It's hard to know whom to trust, either inside or outside the arena. Even when Katniss thinks nobody's watching her, she can't be sure. As she explains, "[t]here are always eyes for hire." If she puts her trust in the wrong person, it could result in her death. It's hard to be sure who she can count on to be loyal to her.

Sometimes the competition in the arena has seemed like it was about being the best fighter, the cleverest strategist, or the luckiest individual. Here Katniss realizes another important element is rolling with the punches. You never know when that ability will be called upon, and she admires Haymitch and Peeta for it.