all for the sake of the game

The Ravens quickly counted—it turned out that none of them had brought a partner. And they didn't vary their color scheme either: all twenty-two players were dressed head to toe in black—twenty guys in identical shirts and pants and two girls in identical black dresses. The Ravens even sat identically—with their right elbow on the table and their chin resting on their palm. Any other team would have looked idiotic, but the Ravens somehow commanded respect. Everyone started talking loudly and starting a fight.

"Enough!" Dan snapped her fingers angrily. "Stop it. We're at an official event, there are about twenty people here from the administration alone. We're here to get to know each other, not to pick a fight. If you don't have anything nice to say, it's best to keep quiet. This affects both teams."
"Is that why your new baby is sitting so quiet?" Rico gestured at Neil. "Can't he say anything good? Or was he forbidden to speak after the interview?"
“Leave him alone,” Matt said quietly.
"She was much bolder last time," Rico persisted. "Maybe she was just showing off for the crowd? Hey, I'm talking to you. Are you tongue-tied?"
Nika's fingers dug into Nile's thigh under the table—a silent and desperate need.