A/N: This was hard to HiJack, honestly. Which would explain why it took a while to get out... That, and I had to prepare reports for school. If we fanfiction authors only made money out of this... Then again, I could be charged for plagarism of sorts... Okay, I'm digressing. Uhm... People, if you had to choose Finnick and Annie's role... Would it be Nod and MK or Eugene and Rapunzel? I'm indecisive.

I don't proofread my chapters often, so just forgive the little errors. As long as you guys still get the story, then it's all good. : 3 So folks, please review. Constructive criticisms are permitted, but no flamers please. So, no relevant castings in this one, but there are interesting ones even if their roles are made up.

Kuzco (Emperor's New Groove), Jet (Avatar the last Airbender), and Marshall Lee (Adventure Time)- Random school mates.

Fix-it-Felix and Candlehead (Wreck-it-Ralph) - Ralph's brother/Vanellope's community home friend.

Okay, these kind of guys were never mentioned at all either book and probably even at the movie version, cause I haven't watched Catching fire yet but I'm pretty sure there was no scene like the one they'll be in.

The Tour Begins

Valka hurries up with something cupped in her hand. "For good luck," she says.

It's the pin Heather gave the brunette before he left for the Games. A Nightfury in a circle of onyx. Anna fixes it on the knot in the scarf. Tooth's nearby, clapping her hands. "Attention, everyone! We're about to do the first outdoor shot, where the victors greet each other at the beginning of their marvelous trip." she beams at the brunette. "All right, Hiccup, big smile, you're very excited, right?"

Then, Hiccup is shove out the door. For a moment he can't quite see right because of the snow, which is now coming down in earnest. Then he makes out Jack coming through his front door.

Jack was beginning to get restless.

After spending the half hour showing the cameras the photos he took (but leaving out special photps, because he didn't want to show them to all of Berk), catching up with Elsa, holding back the urge to cry when he saw Emma being interviewed because the pink dress she wore reminded him of the gown Vanellope had worn so therefore reminding Jack of the poor District 11 girl he failed to save, and trying not to laugh hysterically at Buttercup wearing a dress for that were for cats, the white-haired teen is heading out of his house. Jack catches sight of his lover as the brunette stumbles out of his own house. And in his head he hears President Pitchner's directive.

Convince me.

:::::

What else did Jack have to do to convince President Pitchner? He can barely convince Hiccup to stop thinking negatively, and he would most rather focus on convincing his brunette rather than the president if many lives didn't call for it.

An odd expression seems to pass the brunette's face, a mixture of relief and... what, he wasn't quite sure. The next thing Jack knew, Hiccup starts walking towards his direction. Then, as if he can't stand it another second, he starts running. Jack starts, rushing towards Hiccup just in time before the prosthetic steps on frozen ice and the white-haired teen had to he catches his clumsy boyfriend, letting him fall on top of him.

Jack grunted, managing a smirk. "Watch it, freckles, the ice is not so friendly with you." he teased.

"Then I suppose that makes you an oddball, huh Frostbite?" Hiccup shot back easily. He got on his feet, pulling Jack up with him.

Instead of giving a counterpoint, Jack just ruffles his boyfriend's hair, and the brunette tucks his glove hand through the crook of Jack's arm, and merrily pull him on their way. Toothless ran along their side until Hiccup picks him up and Jack even pets him. So far, so good, the camera crew were enjoying their job. The rest of the day is a blur of getting to the station, bidding everyone good-bye, the people of District 12 wave them off, and Jack was a bit sad that he didn't catch a glimpse of Jamie in the crowd. But his best friend was probably out working underground right now. There was, however, some guys from his class present, the merchant-kid ones who didn't really needed to pull an extra effort on the mines. But they were there to mostly fraternize with Hiccup rather than wave Jack off.

"Hey there he is, Jackson, my main poaching man!" A somewhat skinny black haired guy in a red jacket pats Jack on his back, sort of pulling him away from Hiccup. "haven't seen you in a while!"

Jack made a look, seeing two other guys making like vultures and circulating his boyfriend. Oh, hell, no.

Where was Toothless when you needed him? Hiccup cringes under their gaze.

"That's because we never really see each other outside school and I no longer need to go there?" Jack shrugged the other hand off, stepping beside his boyfriend, pulling him towards him protectively. Hiccup looked relieved. "and really, are you trying to get me executed, Kuzco?"

"Haha, not likely they'd take out the newest Victor." Kuzco winked. "but hey, if that does happen, can I take care of Hamish for you?"

Oh, hell, freakin' NO! Before Jack can say anything, he was forestalled.

"Hey Kuzco, get in line. We want a piece o' him as well." A guy named Jet, grins cockily.

Jack is shoved away by Jet's twin brother, Marshall Lee. "Hey Hamish, lookin' good." he smirked. "y'know, if you're interested in naughty, white-haired freaks like this guy," he pointed at Jack. "then maybe I can get you interested in bad boys?"

"Erm, as tempting as that offer sounds..." Hiccup squeaked. "I'm gonna have to pass on it..." he watched Jack, who was so dangerously close to losing his cool.

So he was exceedingly grateful when Elsa came in, dazzled the annoying black-haired boys by just being present, and told the boys the train was leaving soon. She got them inside and the door slid shut. Elsa came at the perfect time, otherwise, those boys would be feeling the wrath of Jack. And she had the feeling that it wouldn't look good on camera as the starting point of the Tour. If nothing more, Elsa didn't want to see Jack getting violent. She knew the situation, most certainly she did. And the last thing they need was any violence.

Hiccup squeeze Jack's hand, giving him a crooked smile. "Stop being so jealous," he said. "like I said a long ways back in the arena, there's no competition. The chances of me getting with any other guy is as slim as the odds of my left leg growing back."

"Wish they'd take the hint and believe that," Jack snorted but felt better when Hiccup tiptoed and Eskimo kiss him. "Damn, did I ever tell you that I love you yet?"

Hiccup rolled his eyes. "Maybe a thousand times, but hey, who's counting?" he replied.

If there was another reason Jack had to put in the effort to convince the president that he'd never go for Jamie, it's so guys like these didn't steal his spot by Hiccup's side. Needless to say, the cameras made sure to get this exchange. Hopefully, that'll help Jack's situation.

Then, the train pulls out.

~o~

The old team, Toothless, Hiccup and Jack, Tooth and Aster, Elsa and Anna, the stylists dining on an indescribably delicious meal the boys don't remember. Somehow, with everyone who was in the room with them right now, it just finally sank in the boys' minds that the Tour has started, and they couldn't find the mood to say anything to each other but small talk. A lot was in going on in their heads. The next thing they knew, they're separated by their designated prep teams, swathed in pajamas, voluminous robes, sitting in plush compartments, till everyone else goes to sleep.

Jack knows Aster will be up for hours. He doesn't like to sleep when it's dark out. When the train seems quiet, the white-haired teen rejects the usefulness of the slippers on the cold train floors and leaves his room, down to his mentor's door. Jack had to knock several times before he answers, scowling, as if Aster's certain the boy brought bad news.

"Crikey, what do you want?" the man says, splattering a little paint on Jack's face from his brush.

Jack wipes it off absently, as if he didn't care it was there. "I have to talk to you," he whispers.

"Now?"

Jack nodded.

"This had better be good, mate."

Aster waits, but Jack feels certain every word he utters on a Berk train is being recorded.

"Well?"

The train starts to brake and for a second Jack thinks President Pitchner is watching him and doesn't approve of his confiding in Aster and has decided to go ahead and kill the boy now. But they're just stopping for fuel.

"The train's so stuffy,"

It's a harmless phrase, but Jack sees Aster's eyes narrow in understanding.

"I know what ya need." He pushes past Jack and lurches down the hall to a door. When he wrestles it open, a blast of snow hits them. Aster hops out onto the ground. A Berk attendant rushes to help, but the pony-tailed man waves her away good-naturedly as he staggers off. "Just want some fresh air. Only be a minute."

"Sorry. He's really like that," Jack says apologetically. "I'll stay with him."

Jack follows down and stumble along the track behind the man, soaking his bare feet with snow, as Aster leads him beyond the end of the train so they will not be overheard. Then Aster turns on the boy.

"What?"

Jack tells him everything. About the president's visit, about Jamie, about how they were all going to die if he didn't convince the President. Aster's face sobers, grows older in the glow of the red tail-lights.

"Then you can't fail."

"Then tell me how I'm suppose to do that during this trip..." Jack begins.

Aster cuts him off. "No, Jack, it's not just this trip," he says, and takes a moment to examine the egg he's currently working on.

"What do you mean?"

Aster explains further, with a flip of a brush."Even when you pull it off, they'll be back in another few months to take us all to the Games." he drawled. "You and Hiccup, you'll be mentors now, every year from here on out. And every year they'll revisit the romance and broadcast the details of your private life, and you'll never, ever be able to do anything but show how you two are living happily in love, whether you like it or not. Do you understand what I mean?"

The full impact of what he's saying hits Jack. It's not really about whether the boy liked it or not, because of course he did, but whether Mr. Haddock liked it or not, the boys had to get stay together.

"Damn it, Aster," Jack grunted. "All this time, and you chose to tell me only now that I can be with Hiccup even after all this? You could've told Mr. Haddock that, too, from day one when you convinced him to let us stay together. We got worked up for nothing."

Aster laughs, but it comes out harsh. "Sorry, if I knew you wanted the easy way out and have your boyfriend's father loathing his son forever, I would've told you earlier," he says pointedly. "so, guess this means you don't give a damn for Mr. Stoick's blessing?"

At that, Jack had nothing to say. He remembers the president warning him not to make a mess of this, but he had a feeling he already messed up a father-son relationship big time.

~o~

They slog back to the train in silence. In the hallway outside Jack's door, Aster gives his shoulder a pat and says, "It could've been a lot worse, showpony." he says with no humor. "you could've had some anklebiters chosen at the reapings."

Jack sighed, and leaned against the his door. He stares into the darkness, thinking about his conversation with Aster. Everything he said was true about Berk's expectations, his future with Hiccup. But that really isn't all there is to it, is it? At the very least, President Pitchner can't expect Jack and Hiccup to bear kids. So he can't insist they have children to face the reaping each year. And wouldn't it be something to see the child of not one but two victors chosen for the arena? Victors' children have been in the ring before. It always causes a lot of excitement and generates talk about how the odds are not in that family's favor. But it happens too frequently to just be about odds. Jamie's convinced Berk does it on purpose, rigs the drawings to add extra drama. Given all the trouble he's caused, Jack would have probably guaranteed any child of his a spot in the Games if he went for girls instead. So far, that's the only bright side in this whole thing.

The White-haired boy thinks of Aster, unmarried, no family, blotting out the world with painting admittedly beautiful eggs. He could have had his choice of any woman in the district. And he chose solitude. Not solitude that sounds too peaceful. More like solitary confinement.

Was it because, having been in the arena, he knew it was better than risking the alternative?

Jack had a taste of that alternative when they called Emma's name on reaping day and he watched her walk to the stage to her death. But as her brother Jack could take her place, an option forbidden to their mother.

So he marries Hiccup, never risking bringing a child to this twisted world. But then, he still had one too many problems. Okay, so it was already a given. The solution to being able to stay with Hiccup even after the tour. But the issue of getting Stoick's blessing remained. He knew the pain of losing a father, and didn't want Hiccup to go through it as well, if he can help it. So now, he had to think of a way to earn that approval. And somehow, that was even harder. Either way, this is not the time to be brainstorming how to win over a man he didn't know well. Jack must focus on the Victory Tour. Too many people's fates depend on him convincing a man that refused to be convince of a truth that was as clear as day. As for winning over Stoick... The best thing he knew about the man was that he was scary, and he used to like Jamie's squirrels. Not a very good place to start.

Knowing he wasn't gonna come up with a brilliant ideas so soon, he resigned to return to bed.

In his room, Jack removes wet robe and pajamas. There are more in the drawers but he just decided to crawl between the covers of his bed in his boxers. Jack lifted his blanket and settled in bed when he accidentally laid down on something warm and solid. He opened the nightlight and almost screamed.

"H-H-Hiccup?!"

Hiccup slowly sat up, rubbing at his eyes. It seemed like he had been asleep. He looks at Jack blearily. "Oh... Jack... there you are..." he eyes droop sleepily before they refocus. Then, the brunette blinks rapidly and his cheeks felt hot. "Uh... Where did you go... wearing only your boxers?"

Jack flushed, pulling the covers around him. "I-I-I-was out in the snow, talking with Aster. My robe and pajamas got wet, and I didn't bother changing into another..." he explained. "What are you doing here, anyway?"

"I... I couldn't sleep, at least... Not without you," Hiccup rubbed the back of his head shyly. "I guess you can say... I was scared... for you..."

Jack's brows furrowed. "Why would you be..." he trailed off.

"Wait a minute..." Hiccup gave him a suspicious look, crossing his arms. "and what were you talking to Aster for in the middle of the night?"

Jack blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Oh crap," he muttered. "it's so not what it sounds like!"

"Uh-huh. Sure."

Jack fumbled with his words. "I... I just needed some advice, and in any case... Me and Aster... That's just so... ugh! It's almost creepier than the fact President Pitchner visited me and-" he caught himself when he saw the way Hiccup's expression switched from suspicious to mortified. "... Hiccup? Are you...?" He trailed off as Hiccup wraps his arms around him, clutching him like a lifeline. "Whoa! Hey, Hic, what—?"

"Oh my gods, Pitchner went to see you, too?!" Hiccup practically choke. He pulled back, taking Jack's face into his hands, as if looking for injuries that he might've missed. "what did he say? Did he try to hurt you at all, did he threaten you? Did he...?"

Jack felt a cold shoulder, seeming to grasp what might've been the reason Hiccup couldn't sleep. Pitchner spoke with him too... The older boy took his boyfriend's hands from his face and held it to his chest. "Shh, shh, slow down, Hic, slow down." he tried soothing the brunette first. "I'm okay, he didn't hurt me. What about you? Did he touch you at all?" Jack couldn't describe how relieve he was when Hiccup shook his head. "Okay, now look. It's a bit too late, we need to catch some sleep for tomorrow. But we'll talk about this again, all right?"

"But... But... What did he say to you, Jack? What—"

Jack kissed him lightly on the lips. He seem to be making a habit of silencing Hiccup that way. It didn't take too long for the kiss to be returned. But it did take a while before they pulled away. "I'll tell you tomorrow, and you'll tell me your side. Now... now we sleep."

And with their hearts beating as one like a lullaby, they fell asleep in each others arms.

~o~

Dawn comes seemingly right after sleep does, and there's a rapping on the door. It wasn't enough to stir the boys from their slumber. But the scream that followed after the door opening did. Seeing two boys sharing the same bed isn't much of an issue... But seeing as they were the hottest, trending gay couple in all of Burgess... Well, it would've been a scandal if the cameras caught it.

Aster might've think it would do some good in their survival strategy, but seeing as it was Tooth who came in, she gave the boys the sermon their mothers would've given them, but let it slide easily since nothing really happened.

The boys pull on whatever clothes are at the top of the drawer and drag themselves down to the dining car. Hiccup doesn't see what difference it makes when he gets out, since this is a travel day, but then it turns out that yesterday's makeover was just to get him to the train station. Today the boys will get the works from their prep teams.

"Why? It's too cold for anything to show,"

"Not in District Eleven,"

District 11. Their first stop. Hiccup faced his boyfriend who he knew would rather start in any other district, since this was Vanellope's home. But that's not how the Victory Tour works. Usually it kicks off in 12 and then goes in descending district order to 1, followed by Berk. The victor's district is skipped and saved for very last. Since 12 puts on the least fabulous celebration usually just a dinner for the tributes and a victory rally in the square, where nobody looks like they're having any fun it's probably best to get them out of the way as soon as possible.

This year, for the first time since Aster won, the final stop on the tour will be 12, and Berk will spring for the festivities.

Jack and Hiccup are led to a table together, just the two of them, near a window with a good view... Well, it might be, if the train didn't move so fast and the boys could actually take in the sight. Jack and Hiccup sees food, which looks a bit overdone for a breakfast menu, in their opinion. The kitchen staff clearly wanted to please them. They've prepared lamb stew with dried plums, among other delicacies. Orange juice and a pot of steaming eggnog wait at their place at the table. So they eat a lot, and the meal is beyond reproach, but they couldn't seem to enjoy it. Toothless walks in, finally managing to wrestle out of his suit, it seems, and goes to rest by Hiccup's side. The brunette turns to someone to ask for some Icelandic cod, but as soon as he made a move, the Icelandic cod was brought to the cat by an attendant, who was all too ready to devour it. And three more come to replace it till the cat decided he was full and rather nap.

"They're trying too hard," Hiccup muttered lowly. "aren't they?"

Jack shrugged. He's also curious that no one but Tooth and the boys had shown up. "Where's everybody else?" he asks.

"Oh, some are probably still asleep," says Tooth. Jack didn't really expect Aster, because he's probably just getting to bed. "Elsa and Anna were up late working on organizing your garment car. They must have over a hundred outfits for you. Your evening clothes are exquisite." she turns her head. "Oh, here are your prep teams now."

If the boys feel ragged from being forced awake by a high shriek, their prep teams seems in worse condition, knocking back coffee and sharing brightly colored little pills. As far as Jack can tell, they never get up before noon unless there's some sort of national emergency, like his leg hair.

Jack glared at Toothless. "Why can't the cat get his hair removed?" he muttered. "it seems totally unfair."

"You know why," Hiccup rolled his eyes. "he's Toothless, not hairless. And I'm not about to let anyone shave my cat." then, he rubbed his arm. "although I have to say, I'm not looking forward to it either..."

Jack sighed deeply. "Maybe if we could take a bath together after they remove our hair, it'd be okay..."

Thwap!

"Ow..." Jack rubbed his shoulder. "... a simple no would suffice. Damn, when did you get so strong?"

Hiccup continued eating. "Forging takes more work than you think."

~o~

None of the Berkians are up to their usual chatter, so Hiccup can hear every strand being yanked from its follicle. He had to soak in a tub full of a thick, unpleasant-smelling solution, while his face and hair are plastered with creams. Two more baths follow in other, less offensive, concoctions. The brunette's plucked and scoured and massaged and anointed until he's raw. Hans tilts up his chin and sighs.

"It's a shame Anna said no alterations on you."

"Yes, we could really make you something special,"

"When he's older, then she'll have to let us."

Do what? Hiccup wondered. Tattoo my chest? Dye my skin green and implant gems in it? Cut decorative patterns in my face? Give me curved talons? Or cat's whiskers? Hiccup saw all these things and more on the people in Berk. Do they really have no idea how freakish they look to the rest of us?

The thought of being left to his prep team's fashion whims only adds to the stress from the competing for his attention, his abused body, his lack of sleep, his dad problem and the terror of President Pitchner threatening to hurt Jack if he kept causing more trouble. While he understood it's necessity in the arena, he didn't want Jack to keep getting hurt for him.

By the time the boys have lunch, where Tooth, Anna, Elsa, Aster, and Toothless have started without him, they're too weighed down to talk. They're not really hungry, either, maybe because Jack and Hiccup loaded up on too much rich stuff this morning or maybe because they're too worried over their current problems. Jack plays around with a bowl of broth, eating only a spoonful or two. Hiccup forks a chicken fillet. People notice, try to bring them into the conversation, but they mostly just brush them off.

At some point, the train stops. Their server reports it will not just be for a fuel stop some part has malfunctioned and must be replaced. It will require at least an hour. Tooth looks concerned, and she pulls out her schedule and begins to work out how the delay will impact it. Jack looks immediately towards Hiccup, and they nodded in understanding, and excuses themselves.

They find the exit door, force it open, and jump to the ground, expecting to land in snow. But the air's warm and balmy against Hiccup's skin. And Jack feels actual ground dirt beneath his bare feet. The trees still wear green leaves.

"How far south have we come in a day?"

"I'd say far enough,"

They walk along the track, squinting against the bright sunlight, their feet continue on along the track, past the end of the train, leaving it behind. An hour's delay. The boys can walk at least twenty minutes in one direction and make it back with plenty of time to spare. Instead, after a couple hundred yards, Jack sinks to the ground and sit there, pulling his brunette to settle down between his legs. Hiccup leaned against Jack's chest comfortably, and they're looking into the distance.

"So President Pitchner..." Jack started slowly, quietly, "What exactly did he say to you?"

Hiccup searched for Jack's arms and puts them around him tightly, "It's nothing."

"Now, Hic, I said we'd talk about it, and we will," Jack prodded. "besides, I'm not telling you my side unless I'm sure you'll return the favor... By going first."

Hiccup grunted. "Why do I have to go first?"

"Because it's ladies first." Jack teased, and he promptly got elbowed.

Hiccup scowled. "I told you I wasn't gonna be the girl in this relationship."

"And I choose to ignore it." Jack shrugged, nuzzling those brown locks. "Now, speak to me, Hic."

Hiccup sighed, shaking his head. "Okay. But you have to agree not to interrupt, got it?" he conditioned.

"Whatever you say," Jack shrugged. "so what did he want from you?" It couldn't be to simply believe in Jack's affections, because that would mean the president no longer had to threaten Jack. If it was to convince Stoick to accept Jack... Well, that was also wrong. After the conversation with Aster, Jack's convinced he had to do that himself.

Hiccup begun, speaking in hush tones. "Well, to start, he told me flat out I was his biggest problem." he looked over his shoulder, to the sides, to the train, afraid they're being listened on. Jack assured him that they couldn't hear him speak as long as he doesn't speak above a whisper. "Because I was saved by the Nightfury twice, and because I'm a Victor with no kills."

Jack forgot their deal. "How is being saved by the Nightfury your doing? And it's not your fault I killed Lights before you could." he protested.

"I think he just doesn't like it that I have a Nightfury pin and the dragon itself saved me, probably seems too coincidental. And technically, I could've killed Dagur if he hadn't volunteered to do it himself." Hiccup countered, nudging his boyfriend. "now shut up, you promised."

Jack quiet down. That nudge wasn't light.

"So as I was saying," Hiccup continued. "he thinks I'm defying Berk, trying to stir up the districts and cause an uprising. And the president is bent on making sure that doesn't happen, which I suppose, in his opinion, basically means I be remove permanently." Like he expected, Jack squeeze him tightly around the waist.

He muttered lowly. "Hell no." he said harshly. "no one is laying a finger on you, not on my life."

Hiccup shook his head, turning to look at his boyfriend. "And that's another thing," he said. "While I'm his primary target, it seems like he's going to get through to you first. And I can't have that, I don't want you to have to keep getting hurt for me."

"But I'd feel worse if you do get hurt," Jack pointed out. "and why the order? If you think about it, he wants us both dead now. And it doesn't even have anything to do with the sole victor rule that we ruined anymore. We both look like we were defying Berk with those berries. What difference does it make on who goes first?"

Hiccup looked down, he knew the answer. He's been thinking about this a lot. "Like I said, I'm the Victor with no kills. Meaning, I couldn't kill anyone. So, if you're taken care of first, I'd ruin myself and die right after. But you... you'll survive." the brunette held Jack's hands. "You'll survive and fight back, because you're stronger than me. And the Uprisings President Pitchner was trying to avoid, you'll trigger them."

Jack was speechless for a moment. That was exactly what would have happened. Like the president told him, a boy who fought hard to preserve his life wouldn't readily throw it away. But right now, for him, preserving Hiccup's life was primary, before his own. And if he failed to do that and he lost the one and only person he'll ever love to Berk... Well, no one can say he wouldn't do anything to get back on them? Because after all his efforts to keep Hiccup alive in the arena, he wouldn't back down and kill himself if Berk killed his brunette.

Jack sighed, resting his head on Hiccup's shoulder. "I'm so sorry my hands are bloody," he muttered, feeling disgusted with himself. "but can you blame me that I love you so much?"

"No, I'll never blame you for anything," Hiccup replied. "more like I blame myself for subjecting you to it... If I can only fight for you the same way, I'd—"

Jack huffed, hitting Hiccup's head lightly. "You dork, you're going to help me wash 'em. So of course, you have to keep your hands clean." he pointed out.

"You know it doesn't work that way," Hiccup chuckled half-heartedly. "But seriously... Please don't do anything too crazy. If we can help it, I prefer neither of us gets our hands dirty here on out."

Jack smiled a bit to Hiccup's hair. "Then I guess my side isn't too bad, because we're left with an option to help it." he says.

"What do you mean?"

Jack couldn't tell him the whole story, that would defeat the purpose of being sincere in convincing Hiccup that he's all he'll go for. Not to mention the Stoick acceptance issue was up to him, now, too. Because that's how it should be. But he said the half-truth, because he promised he'd tell Hiccup as well last night.

"He wasn't convince if my love for you was real or just a cover-up so it wouldn't be obvious I was defying Berk." Jack told him. "with all honesty, my feelings are very much real and it was Aster who made a strategy out of it. So basically, I just have to show him exactly how much I love you so he'll be convince that the berries are nothing more than a stalemate, since I wouldn't kill you and you wouldn't kill me. If I managed to do that, we might just be forgiven."

Hiccup thought about that. If anything, President Pitchner should be giving him that threat. Because before Jack, he was practically asexual. And like Jack said before, his feelings could've been chalked up to euphoria. Compared to him, Jack was already sure of his preference because... because...

The brunette narrowed his eyes at Jack, standing up and looking down at his boyfriend. "So what you're saying is, you have to convince him it's just me and not Jamie?" Jack's expression immediately gave him away. The brunette rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "so this is my fault again for having low self-confidence."

Jack could've face-palm if he wasn't busy being dumbfounded. "H-h-how did you freakin' guess that?" he squeaked, getting on his feet.

"You were the one who said I was clever," Hiccup pointed out.

"Look... I know you're still trying to figure you if you deserve me or not," Jack rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "and that it's up to you to find that out for yourself. I won't force you to come to terms with it just because of President Pitchner. But... If it's all right with you, I can help you."

Hiccup raised a brow, but it's not like Jack could see it. "And how do you plan on doing that exactly?" he didn't mind a little help. He wanted nothing more than to feel like he deserve Jack, because he was the best guy in the world and he wouldn't leave him for anything. But he felt like he was getting more out of the relationship than Jack was, and that didn't seem fair. For one thing, he could do better than a fishbone with his looks.

"We'll restart our relationship," Jack said simply. "something in a way of a courtship, like, getting to know each other all over again, except, I don't really have to wait for an answer. You know, how it normally is." he heard enough stories from his father back when he was still alive. While he fell in love with Mrs. Overland in first sight, he didn't ask her out on a date till he knew her well and they were at least friends first. "We could use some normalcy, with everything that's been going."

Hiccup raised a brow, smirking. "And how do we do that?" he asked.

"Let's start with something more basic." Jack smiles, suddenly bashful. "Isn't it strange that I been in love with you forever ... but I don't know what your favorite color is?" he says.

A smile creeps onto Hiccup's lips. "Blue." he answered, and Jack looks mildly surprise.

"Blue? Really?" Jack repeated in wonder. "I always thought it'd be green. You wear it enough times, hell, your eyes are green."

Hiccup chuckled. "Well, it was green..." he reached out and held Jack's cheek. "... until much recently."

"Oh," If Jack was indeed the Jack Frost, he would've melted at that implication. "C-cool."

Hiccup looked amused with the reaction. "And what's yours?"

"Uhm... Blue, Brown-like, chocolate brown, Red, Orange and Green." Jack listed.

The brunette laughed. "What part of color didn't you understand? Those are more than one." he pointed out.

"What?" Jack looks defensive. "I'd say blue, but it's not enough."

Hiccup raised a brow. "How so?"

"Because I'm blue, with my eyes and all, but ever since dad died, all I can think about is how his were the same color and it made me figuratively blue, you know, like, sad all the time. Because I know I'm the only blue-eyed person in all District Twelve." Jack started off. Hiccup frowned, Jack told him enough of his dad already, and it didn't seem like he was totally over it yet. "Then, after the bread incident, all I can think about is you. How you chocolate brown hair would move by the slight turn of your head, and your eyes were like the green from the leaves on the woods that I love so much because I feel right at home there..." The brunette is flustered by that point, listening to every word Jack said intently. "And then, there's those Autumn leaves, the ones that gave me so much hope the day after you gave me those breads, and... And... It just makes reminds me of how I fell in love with you."

Hiccup looked too lost for words, freckled cheeks blooming like roses, mouth moving wordlessly, trying to figure out how to respond to that. He needed a moment to collect himself.

"Uh... Too much?" Jack asked sheepishly.

Hiccup coughed and cleared his throat, but he was still fumbling with words. "Uh... That's... Wow, uhm..." he swallowed. "what happened to basic?" he asked and mentally cursed himself. He really wasn't good at sweet talk like his boyfriend was, it's like they were back in the cave all over again and Hiccup was getting used to being in a relationship. I don't think I'm ever gonna grow out of this awkward phase...

Jack only laughed, embracing Hiccup and ruffling his hair. "Oh yeah, everyone's always raving about your paintings. I feel bad I haven't seen them," he says.

"Well... I've got a whole train car full. But... I've painted some on papers, and I rather you see them instead." The brunette pulls away from Jack and tugs him along. "Come on."

They walk back to the train hand in hand.

~o~

Hiccup leads his boyfriend down a few cars to go to his room. Toothless was licking himself on top of his bed, and the brunette stroked him behind his ears before pulling out a box under his bed.

He pulled out some papers and holds them out to Jack. The White-haired teen didn't know what he expected. Larger versions of the flower cookies maybe. But this is something entirely different. His brunette has painted the Games. Some, one wouldn't get right away, if they hadn't been with him in the arena themselves.

Water dripping through the cracks in their cave. The dry pond bed. A pair of hands, his own, digging for roots. Others any viewer would recognize. The golden horn called the Cornucopia. Azula arranging the knives inside her jacket. One of the mutts, unmistakably the blond, blue-eyed one meant to be Taffyta, snarling as it makes its way toward them. Dagur's face contorted in pain as he endure his last moments of life.

And of course, Jack.

He was everywhere. High up in a tree. Beating a shirt against the stones in the stream. Lying unconscious with white skin blackening. And Jack seemingly looking down on something, his eyes perfectly captured the expression of relief mixed with increasing concern and affection, probably what the boy looked like when Hiccup saw him again after they reunited when he was covered in a thick layer of mud. The blue sparkling ice that matches Jack's eyes exactly.

"What do you think?" he asks.

In answer, Jack embraced the brunette. "To think I couldn't love you more," he kissed his forehead. "But these..." he gestures to the ones with the Lights that had to die so they won't, although funny how things don't work the way you want them to in the end. "I have to be brutally honest and say I hate them,"

"I hate them too," Hiccup chuckles humorlessly. "I can almost smell the blood, the dirt, the unnatural breath of the mutt."

"So why did you paint them?"

"Because I couldn't get them out of my head. Because... I didn't think it was fair, if all I do is go around, trying to forget the games... forget those lives who had to die... So I brought them back to life, in the little way I can." Hiccup sighed deeply. "The least I could do is remember them... Even if it hurts. "

Leave it to Hiccup to be selfless and paint something painful for other's sake. Jack shook his head. "How do you remember these things so exactly?"

"I see them every night," he whispers.

Jack knew what he meant. Nightmares, which he was no stranger to before the Games now plague him whenever he slept. But the old standby, the one of his father being blown to bits in underground, is rare. Instead he relives versions of what happened in the arena. His worthless attempt to save Vanellope. Hiccup bleeding to death. Taffyta's bloated body disintegrating in his hands. Dagur's horrific end with the muttations. These are the most frequent visitors.

"Me, too. Does it help?" Jack asked quietly, "To paint them out?"

Hiccup looked Jack in the eyes. "It helps... Now that I've showed them to you," he says, placing his hand on his boyfriend's face. "Because you're the only one who understand what it was like, because I couldn't have made it out there without you."

"Sure you can, it just would've been a lot harder." Jack chuckles and places the works back in the box. He takes the lid to close it once more.

Then, the train lurches forward, Jack grabs his boyfriend's arm to keep him steady, and Hiccup can see the land moving past them through the window.

"Come on, we're almost to District Eleven." the brunette says quietly, almost solemn, to Jack. "Let's go take a look at it."

~o~

They go down to the last car on the train. There are chairs and couches to sit on, but what's wonderful is that the back windows retract into the ceiling so they're riding outside, in the fresh air, and they can see a wide sweep of the landscape. Huge open fields with herds of dairy cattle grazing in them. So unlike District 12's own heavily wooded home. The train slows slightly and Jack thinks they might be coming in for another stop, when a fence rises up before them. Towering at least thirty-five feet in the air and topped with wicked coils of barbed wire, it makes theirs back in District 12 look childish.

Hiccup's eyes quickly inspect the base, which is lined with enormous metal plates. There would be no burrowing under those, no escaping to hunt. Then he sees the watchtowers, placed evenly apart, manned with armed guards, so out of place among the fields of wildflowers around them. "That's something different,"

"Vanellope did give me the impression that the rules in District 11 were more harshly enforced. But I never imagined something like this." Jack admitted.

Now the crops begin, stretched out as far as the eye can see. Men, women, and children wearing straw hats to keep off the sun straighten up, turn their way, take a moment to stretch their backs as they watch the train go by. Jack can see orchards in the distance, and he wonders if that's where Vanellope would have worked, collecting the fruit from the slimmest branches at the tops of the trees. Small communities of shacks by comparison the houses in the Seam are upscale spring up here and there, but they're all deserted. Every hand must be needed for the New Years. On and on it goes.

"I can't believe the size of District 11. How many people do you think live here?"

"Dunno," Jack shrugged. "In school they refer to it as a large district, that's all."

No actual figures on the population. But those kids they see on camera waiting for the reaping each year, they can't be but a sampling of the ones who actually live here. What do they do? Have preliminary drawings? Pick the winners ahead of time and make sure they're in the crowd? How exactly did Vanellope end up on that stage with nothing but the wind offering to take her place?

Jack begins to weary of the vastness, the endlessness of this place. When Tooth comes to tell them to dress, he doesn't object.

He goes to his compartment and let the prep team do their thing. Elsa comes in with a white polo shirt, perfect for the warm weather with a blue sleeveless hooded jacket. He thinks of how much Hiccup will like the color. Tooth gets Hiccup, who was wearing a similar green polo shirt with no jacket but he did have a beanie, and Jack together and goes through the day's program one last time. In some districts the victors ride through the city while the residents cheer. But in 11 maybe because there's not much of a city to begin with, things being so spread out, or maybe because they don't want to waste so many people while the New Years is on, the public appearance is confined to the square. It takes place before their Justice Building, a huge marble structure. Once, it must have been a thing of beauty, but time has taken its toll. Even on television you can see ivy overtaking the crumbling facade, the sag of the roof. The square itself is ringed with run-down storefronts, most of which are abandoned. Wherever the well-to-do live in District 11, it's not here.

Hiccup and Jack's entire public performance will be staged outside on what Tooth refers to as the verandah, the tiled expanse between the front doors and the stairs that's shaded by a roof supported by columns. They'll be introduced, the mayor of 11 will read a speech in our honor, and they'll respond with a scripted thank-you provided by Berk. If a Victor had any special allies among the dead Lights, it is considered good form to add a few personal comments as well.

Jack felt he should say something about Vanellope, and Ralph, too, really, but every time he tried to write it at home, he ended up with a blank paper staring him in the face: It's hard for him to talk about them without getting emotional.

Fortunately, Hiccup has a little something worked up, and with some slight alterations, it can count for both of them. At the end of the ceremony, they'll be presented with some sort of plaque, and then they can withdraw to the Justice Building, where a special dinner will be served.

As the train is pulling into the District 11 station, Anna puts the finishing touches on Hiccup's outfit, tying an ascot to his neck and securing the Nightfury pin he wore on it, then settling Toothless in his arms. Since he was technically in the games with them, the feline had as much fame as them. Since the weather was warm, though, they settled for putting a bow tie collar on him.

There's no welcoming committee on the platform, just a squad of eight Guardians who direct them into the back of an armored truck. Tooth sighs as the door clanks closed behind them.

"Really, you'd think we were all criminals," she says.

Not all of us, Tooth. Just me and Jack, Hiccup thinks.

The truck lets them out at the back of the Justice Building. They're hurried inside. Jack can smell an excellent meal being prepared, but it doesn't block out the odors of mildew and rot. They've left the boys no time to look around. As they make a beeline for the front entrance, Jack can hear the anthem beginning outside in the square. Someone clips a microphone on him. Hiccup takes his left hand. The mayor's introducing them as the massive doors open with a groan. "Big smiles!" Anna says, and gives them a nudge.

Their feet start moving forward.This is it. This is where I have to convince everybody that I'm only crazily in love with Hiccup, Jack thinks. No defiance intended.

Jack wraps his one arm around Hiccup's shoulder, almost like he was hovering protectively, and the brunette snuggled into him. The solemn ceremony is pretty tightly mapped out, there's loud applause, but none of the other responses they got in Berk, the cheers and whoops and whistles. They walk across the shaded verandah until the roof runs out and Jack and Hiccup's standing at the top of a big flight of marble stairs in the glaring sun. As their eyes adjust, they see the buildings on the square have been hung with banners that help cover up their neglected state. It's packed with people, but again, just a fraction of the number who live here.

As usual, a special platform has been constructed at the bottom of the stage for the families of the dead lights. On Ralph's side, there's only a tiny man, at least he looks like a man but with his height he could be taken for a young adult. On Vanellope's ... Jack's not prepared for it. A couple running the community home she lived at, whose faces are still fresh with sorrow. Her five younger companions who live with her in the home. The slight builds, the same eyes. They form a flock of small creamy birds.

The applause dies out and the mayor gives the speech in Jack and Hiccup's honor. Two little girls from Vanellope's family side, one with a kind of candle hat, comes up with tremendous bouquets of flowers. Hiccup lets the girl pet Toothless, because she looked like she wanted to, and Jack receives the bouquets before handing them over to his boyfriend, then he does his part of the scripted reply and then Hiccup finds his lips moving to conclude it. Jack had his personal comments written on a card, but he doesn't pull it out.

Instead he speaks in his simple, winning style about Ralph and Vanellope making it to the final eight, about how they both kept him and Hiccup alive and about how this is a debt they can never repay. "It can in no way replace your losses, but as a token of our thanks we'd like for each of the Lights' families from District Eleven to receive one month of our winnings every year for the duration of our lives." Jack said with a somewhat dignified tone, he looks at Hiccup who nodded.

The crowd can't help but respond with gasps and murmurs. There is no precedent for what Jack has done. No one knows if it's legal. The boys probably doesn't know, either, but they didn't ask in case it isn't. As for the families, they just stare at the boys in shock. Their lives were changed forever when Ralph and Vanellope were lost, but this gift will change them again.

A month of light winnings can easily provide for a family for a year. As long as the boys live, they will not hunger. Hiccup looks at Jack and he gives him a proud smile. The gift... it is perfect. So to show it, he tiptoes to kiss him.

The mayor steps forward and presents them each with a plaque that's so large Hiccup had to put down both Toothless and his bouquet to hold it. The ceremony's about to end when he notices Ralph's only family staring at him. Despite the good news about the winnings, he's not happy. In fact, his look is reproachful.

Is it because I didn't try to find Ralph a bury him in flowers for sparing me? He wondered, before shaking his head. No. It's because I still haven't thanked him,

A wave of shame rushes through him. He remembered how Jack took care in the arena to cover Vanellope with flowers, to make sure her loss did not go unnoticed, and how Ralph had spared his life because of it, so they would be even. But that gesture will mean nothing if he doesn't support it now.

"Wait!"

Hiccup stumbles forward, pressing the plaque to his chest. His allotted time for speaking has come and gone, but he must say something. He owed too much. And even if he had pledged all his winnings to the families, it would not excuse his silence today. Hiccup knows Jack warned him and said something about being silent, but in a moment such as this, how can he?

"Wait, please." He doesn't know how to start, but once he does, the words rush from his lips as if they've been forming in the back of his mind for a long time. "I want to give my thanks to the lights of District Eleven," Hiccup starts. He looked at the man on Ralph's side. He only ever spoke to Ralph one time. Just long enough for him to spare his life. "I didn't know him, but I respected Ralph. For his power. For his refusal to play the Games on anyone's terms but his own. The Highlights wanted him to team up with them from the beginning, but he wouldn't do it. I respected him for that."

The crowd has fallen silent now, so silent that Hiccup wonders how they manage it. They must all be holding their breath.

"Thank you for Vanellope and Ralph," he spoke to both sides. He raises his chin to address the crowd. "And thank you all for the bread you gave us." Hiccup stands there, feeling broken and small, thousands of eyes trained on him, Jack had to gather him in his arms.

There's a long pause. The eyes of the man, of Ralph's single family, his eyes meet Hiccup's. What happens next is not an accident. It is too well executed to be spontaneous, because it happens in complete unison. The man starts, then every person in the crowd presses the three middle fingers of their left hand against their lips and extends them to the boys. It's their sign from District 12, the last good-bye Jack gave to Vanellope, the one Hiccup himself gave to the lights-turned-mutts.

If he hadn't spoken to President Pitchner, this gesture might move Hiccup to tears. But with his recent orders to calm the districts fresh in his ears, it fills him with dread. What will he think of this very public salute to the boy who seemingly defied Berk? The full impact of what he had done hits him. It was not intentional, only meant to express his thanks, but Hiccup has, once again, elicited something dangerous. An act of dissent from the people of District 11.

This is exactly the kind of thing I am supposed to be defusing! Hiccup thought in panicked, clutching on to Jack for his dear life, thinking back to those fearful words.

Your boyfriend has to go through a lot of trouble keeping you alive, making sure you don't say anything that could lead to an execution. Maybe at the risk of his own life. Such a gallant Knight, it'll be such a waste if it was for nothing, wouldn't you say?

No! Hiccup thought frantically, I can't give him any incentive to hurt Jack!

Hiccup tries to think of something to say to undermine what has just happened, to negate it, but he can hear the slight burst of static indicating his microphone has been cut off and the mayor has taken over. Jack and he acknowledge a final round of applause. His lover leads him back toward the doors, all too aware that anything has gone wrong. Hiccup feels funny and had to stop for a moment. Little bits of bright sunshine dance before his eyes.

"Hic, what is it?" Jack asked, fearful. Was his lover already being assaulted for what he did? He looked around the area, expecting to see black roses, or the president himself.

"Just dizzy. The sun was so bright," Hiccup says. Toothless comes in, holding a flower by its stem between his teeth, dropping it to his human's feet. "I forgot my flowers," he mumbles.

Jack nodded. "I'll get them," he says.

"No!" Hiccup said in panic. The last thing he wanted was Jack being sent out there surrounded by Guardians positioned at the verandah. If the president could somehow order the Guardians to take Jack out then and now... "I can," he answers.

The boys would be safe inside the Justice Building by now, if Hiccup hadn't stopped, if he hadn't left his flowers. Instead, from the deep shade of the verandah, they see the whole thing. A pair of Guardians dragging Ralph's last family, because he started the gesture. Forcing him to his knees before the crowd. And putting a bullet through his head.

A/N: Sooo~ whaddya guys thought of the start of the chapter? I remember mentioning that boys from school started liking Hiccup because of the games, probably because of the clothes he had to wear and whatnot, so I thought I type out a scenario to prove it. Oh, but I got nothing against these guys. Actually, except for Kuzco, they're favorites of mine. But Kuzco, I don't hate him too. Was I trying to hard? Sorry if I was. A overprotective, territorial Jack is too adorable to resist. It's almost sad they can't get their own movie... Damn it.

Did anyone thought a bed scene was gonna happen when Hiccup showed up in Jack's room so late at night? Well, too early for that. But I'm not saying it'll never happen. It could. *wink* This is actually my second false alarm on smut. Remember the cave? That was the first false alarm. I'm not good at smut, plus there's no perfect moment to do it. Because, for one thing, Hiccup and Jack will never do it for the cameras. But when I do the chapter, well, more of an if really, I'll ask someone good in smut to beta it. So... If that happens, who's up for the job?

Oh yeah... LilMama...?

I WATCHED THE MOVIE. Odin, it was freakin' awesome! Of course, the spoiler was really hard to watch, but it was still awesome. Thanks to the movie, I know who is Coin now. Sooo anyway... the ending to this ficc... Heavy. And gonna get heavier. So be strong, XD thank you for reading! Please leave a review mates.