"It's better than Coach's way, though I gotta admit, seein' him drag your ass outta bed is a good way to start a run," Ellis dismissed the comment about the escort with a slight grin. He'd come here to give Nick a hug and a punch to the dick for having wasted so many bullets. Would've come in handy at the end. Also killing two kids, because what the fuck. But right now, just seeing the man back on his feet and alive was enough.

"No you're not. You know better than to hide shit from me or anyone who has kept your ass alive for the better part o' th' year," El's bluntness came with a quick tap to the gambler's back. "What's on your mind, Nick? You're broody but you're never polite to me."

Had the mechanic known about the guilt, he'd be the first one to assure Nick he went quick. A lie since he bled out, alone in a cave, but it was a lie he was quick to make until his friend saw the Arena replays. "Don'tchu start gettin' crazy on me, an' I don't think the Capitol does opposite day."