It shouldn't be that easy. If it were anyone else, it wouldn't be. But the Capitol underestimates the Avoxes and the ones who were once among them. They don't think they would ever disobey, and they don't imagine anyone would value one enough to steal them.

"Report back, report back! Soldier, report in!" the little headpiece on the ground continues to bark, but there's no alarm, no one tracking them for the moment.

Punchy squeezes Joan's hand and comes with her. "Spit it at me, shawty," he whispers, wanting her to tell him what to do to make it easier. It's more practical to use his programming than fight it now.