Wren agrees to accompany Black Cell to pit night, feeling uncharacteristically self-conscious about clothing when she realizes she has no civilian attire because Command confiscated all her belongings. Lyddie enlists Betima, who loans Wren jeans and a revealing black crop top; they add makeup in the lavatory, and Wren briefly enjoys a sense of normal youth before reminding herself she is a prisoner.

The trio walks to a warehouse in the base’s north sector, where crowds funnel into a dim space with a sand-filled pit stained by old blood. The atmosphere is raucous, with music, laughter, and drinking. Wren keeps her guard up, carrying the knife Captain Cross Redden allowed her to keep after Anson’s assault, and limits her drinking.

Wren spots Xavier Ford seated with Tyler Struck on his lap, confirming an intimate relationship that is hidden during training. Cross stands nearby with a vodka cider, socializing. Cross and Wren make eye contact; he openly looks her over, which she resents but cannot ignore. A burly announcer declares the pit open for volunteers, stating the sole rule that everyone must leave alive.

Wren, Lyddie, and Betima watch two women, “Mel” and “Collie,” fight viciously until the thinner fighter taps to a painful submission hold. During lulls, Wren keeps noticing Cross interacting with others yet repeatedly meeting her gaze. Kaine Sutler and Lash join; Kaine openly flirts with Wren until he is pulled away.

Roe Redden approaches Wren, comments on her appearance, and taunts her about Cross’s supposed preference for fragile partners, referencing someone named Eversea and calling Cross a coldhearted bastard. Wren rebuffs Roe’s provocation. A murmur then spreads as Xavier Ford jumps into the pit, and Cross follows, setting up a high-profile match that captures everyone’s attention.