Sigma watches Kurloz's reflection approach in the water and straightens, fingers curling into his palms. The dread that wells up in him is almost emetic; he knows his news will wipe that smile from his son's face and that it is his duty to do so is disturbing. But Sigma is not unhappy to see him, and manages a soft, genuine smile as he turns his head over his shoulder. This may be the last time they have the chance to speak their minds for a long while. He pushes his book from his lap and gestures for Initiate to take a seat next to him.

"Kurloz. Good to see you. I am... adjusting." It was unsettling to be publicly frank with another Tribute- with a trusted ally- in broad daylight. He must remind himself that while he had escaped the Arenas, living in enemy territory and avoiding a permanent, excruciating death is his reality, now. "I am certain you have already heard I was given a position as a member of the Capitol's department of Defense. That is but half of the truth. My occupation is not in security but more along the lines of active defense... In a word, my occupation is not unfamiliar territory." Kurloz had seen for himself the sort of puzzles he had created for his Arena. It was not a large leap of logic to arrive at what Sigma meant, to know why his job exhausted him.