The world was twisting, but Maximus kept his face resolute, impassive. He would not give the Capitol the joy of seeing him writhe in pain, not if he could help it. He couldn't help the staggering, as fire raced through his muscles and suddenly cramped them, sending his knee hard into the candied ground. He didn't make a sound, gritting his teeth against the pain.

He hadn't even noticed Beck approaching. He was so concentrated on staying as resolute as possible that he wasn't even paying attention, so he froze completely when he heard the voice.

And then let out a breath when that voice didn't immediately try to kill him.

Slowly, he pulled himself to his feet, tense as anything as if he could keep the pain away, turning his head to meet Beck.

"Poisoned," He managed to get out, through gritted teeth. There was no way he would be able to fight, the way he was.