The rats persisted, following and squeaking angrily every time they bounced off Adella's magical shield, before eventually veering off to chase after other tributes. Adella almost didn't notice the peculiar behavior, as she focused on her hand.

She realizes what Cullen is asking after a long moment of silence, and she shakes her head.

"No it's... It hurts, but it's getting better. When the Rift was unstable the pain just kept getting worse." So while it would've been a hell of a way for them to kill her, the Gamemakers had at least been kind in that respect.