"My purpose is to be my district's victor in the arena, when the time calls for it," came the Batter's quick, equally unemotional response. It really was as simple as that. Once he was victorious, it was hard to say what came after that. But all of his focus was spent on the immediate road ahead, and what would follow, would follow.

"I would imagine the same could be said for yourself," he continues, keeping the toy in one arm as he turns to face her again. "Is it not the purpose of all of us newcomers here? Victory in the arena?"

If it's not, this city sure is sending out the wrong signals.