Distantly Charles was aware of Brundle talking about odds on screen, that no one that young had ever won before and how strange it was that no one from District 2 had volunteered in his place. A departure from tradition indeed. Charles knew better though. Knew how Max was raised and knew that it was to be a Victor, that if no one from District 2 had volunteered it meant that Max was already the best The Academy had to offer. He only hoped it would be enough.
Or: The one where Max is a Victor, Charles is a Tribute, and they might have fallen in love years ago.
