et circenses
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.