In the previous stage of the Heroine’s Journey, our heroine experienced success. She has triumphed over the obstacles and trails thrown in her away and is rewarded for her success.

But her happiness is, unfortunately, short lived. The villain is waiting in wings, looking for the right opportunity to pounce.

In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen discovers that there can be two victors from one district. Heartened now that she does not have to kill Peeta, she goes in search of him, hoping to team up and win the games. Eventually, Katniss finds Peeta but he is not in good shape. Katniss nurses him back to health. Things seem to finally be looking up for the star crossed lovers.

However, when Katniss and Peeta end up as the final two victors in the Hunger Games, the Captiol changes the rules. There can only be one winner. One must kill the other.

According to the book 45 Master Characters, Stage Six “is like a reversal, and it ends with a dark moment where all seems lost….The villain isn’t laughing anymore. He feels threatened by her accomplishments and means to destroy her.”

President Snow knows that, if he isn’t careful, Katniss’ actions in the arena could spark a rebellion. He wants to maintain control of districts once and for all. Forcing Katniss to kill Peeta, when they were pitched as star-crossed lovers, is the ultimate blow. No one can have happiness or triumph under his rule.

Katniss is left between a rock and a hard place. Does she kill Peeta and become the sole victor of the 74th Annual Hunger Games? Or does she refuse to play by the Capitol’s rules and take her fate into her own hands?

Though Stage Four provided trails for our heroine, Stage Six “shows her outer, plot-driven conflict with the villain.” Check back for next week when enter Stage Seven.

Until next time, kill your darlings, slay your dragons, and keep writing!