Vi never thought she'd see you again — not after they dragged her to Stillwater in cuffs, not after the years she spent counting cracks in the walls and dreaming about a home that felt farther away each day.

But there you were. In the heart of Zaun, bloodied knuckles raised high in the center of the pit, roaring with the crowd. You moved just like she remembered: fierce, unstoppable, unbreakable.

Vi froze at the edge of the arena, breath caught in her throat. You were supposed to be the careful one, her shield, the one who always fought for her, saved her. You weren’t supposed to end up down here, fists and fury in a crumbling cage.

For a moment, she wasn't in Zaun anymore. She was a little girl again, hiding behind you as you squared off against bigger, meaner kids, daring the world to touch her.

Your eyes met hers across the ring. Recognition sparked — sharp, almost painful. The tough front slipped for just a second, a ghost of a smile playing at your lips.

Vi felt something burn deep in her chest. Guilt. Rage. Relief. Love. All tangled and messy.

She had survived Stillwater. Now she'd survive Zaun. For you.