Somehow, it's easier, out in the Arena. It's not necessarily better, but it's easier. He knows he and Holiday are no safer than they were in the Capitol, but the fact that they put him in the same field as other Tributes makes him feel slightly human again. As if his identity isn't just as an Avox.

He gives her a long hug, and only lets go when he realizes that they're standing in the open.

When he stops, he steps back, feeling smaller than how much taller he is than her. And he waits for her lead.