He nodded. Well, as much of a blow to the ego it was to know he hadn't been singled out, it was also oddly reassuring. He didn't think he'd like being the sole focus of anyone's attention in these Games, not one bit.
"Same," he said.

Maximus was steely and silent, more so than he had been before by several degrees- but he'd known many soldiers who changed completely when on active duty, and wasn't surprised. After a moment's silence, he spoke up.

"Howard wasn't with Wyatt, was he?"
He didn't like to think of Howard facing the desert alone.