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"Draco, you're not listening to me ..." sulks Pansy, probably hoping her pout is attractive.
The blond boy gives her a tired look, hesitating between telling her that her continual chatting is starting to piss him off or to just apologize for not listening to her delicious gossiping. He opts for the second one and sighs "Pansy, dear, I'm all ears ... I'm just ... Nervous ... About the ceremony.". She casts him a look of understanding. Draco doesn't think he'll be reaped, per se, but there is a chance, even minor, that he'll have to go and fight in the Hunger Games. And the perspective is not rejoicing him.
''Draco, Darling.'' She begins, and Draco cringes every time she uses that particular endearment. ''Your name is only written 7 times. Don't worry. Neither of us will be reaped.'' She sounds so sure and confident that he almost believes her. Well in fact, he's quite sure that he won't be reaped today. The odds aren't that big. It was just an excuse to explain, why he wasn't listening to her and her unpleasant voice. She was their district's biggest gossip girl. Suddenly he feels her warm breath against his chin, where she kisses him and lingers more than necessary. ''Besides, imagine how famous you'll become if you're chosen. Our district's hero.'' She gushes.
Draco winces. He doesn't want to be a hero. Not for them. Not for his father. And not for her. Especially not for her. He hates to feel her so close to him, but he knows that's what his father wants. A dalliance between the Parkinson and the Malfoy families. He had to play the game along their rules, even though it's not what he desires. But since when is he allowed to do what he wants ? They don't ask. He doesn't tell. Everything is hidden in the secret of his mind, along with his hatred for the Capitol, and for that cruel Reality Show they're all forced to watch. He stands up, wanting nothing more but to be away from Pansy, and her empty words, and hollow mind. "I... I have to go. Talk to my father." he rushes out of the lounge, hoping she won't follow him there, and finally lets out a deep breath.
He tries to clear his mind before the meeting with his father. He needs to calm down and force his anger away. He's not supposed to show any emotion at all. When he enters his father's office, his face is impassive. His father is standing by the window, looking at him with an unreadable expression. His cold grey eyes looking at him. ''Draco, please take a seat.'' Without a question Draco walks over to the chair that's opposite his father's, at the desk. ''The reaping is today.'' His father begins. Draco just keeps quiet. Knowing that it's what his father wants. Never interrupt him before he's finished. He just nods, indicating that he's listening.
''The odds that it will be you that will have the great honor to represent our district are slim. But of course, you have a duty to fulfill in this family. You know that. The marriage contract will be signed officially today, if you're not picked.'' Draco fights the urge to roll his eyes. The only thing his dear father cares about is the family name. The Hunger Games are pure entertainment for him, but should his son be picked, he would see it as a mean to bring more honor to the Malfoy name. It's all about social standing and honor.
Draco wants nothing more but to destroy everything in his father's study, burn his files, his photos, beat that smile out of his smug face. He wants to yell at Lucius that he is stealing his only chance of happiness, and that he'll never love Pansy, no matter how hard he tries. But he just cries inwardly, keeps the mask, and asks, for the first time since he learned about the contract "Do I have to, father ? Is this marriage necessary?". Lucius stares at him coldly and smirks dryly "For a second, I thought you were questioning my decision. How stupid of me to even consider you'd go against my wishes". The young man swallows his bile and answers one of his pre-made sentences "Of course not, father. Only you know what's best for our family. I respect you and I respect your decisions". There is an aftertaste of bitterness on his tongue, which he tries to forget.
His father's eyes searches his face piercingly. Trying to find any trace of reluctance from him. That he won't do as he says. But the thing is, Draco doesn't really have any other possibilities, han to obey his father. He's just a tool. There isn't any fatherly love coming from Lucius Malfoy. ''I've invited the Parkinsons to dinner this afternoon, if all goes well.''
''Yes father.'' He automatically replies.
He feels like a human robot. Detached from all emotions. Not really feeling anything. He just has all these pre-made diplomate formules that he says in all the right places. It's better to not feel anything at all. That way, nothing can really hurt you. You don't show a weakness that people can use to hurt you. It's better to be detached from all things. It's only in private that he sometimes lets himself feel just the slightest bit. But that's mostly hatred towards the Capitol.
"Don't forget, it's your duty to produce an heir." repeats the older man before getting out of his enormous armchair "One day, you'll sit where I sit here today, and you'll understand that great power also induces great responsibilities. As the Malfoy heir, you'll have to be aware of that.". He turns his back on his son and looks at himself in the mirror, detaining the details of his stature, his greyish bear and almost white hair, and also the wrinkles streaming gaps on his forehead. He calls them, "the power wrinkles", and says the position he occupies now, brought them on his face.
"I'm getting old, Draco, and soon enough you''ll be the head of the family.". Draco frowns, "I underst-". "No you don't." cuts Lucius, laughing wryly "Don't you think I was young, once? Full of dreams, hoping for wings that never came ? Life isn't a dream. It is what you make of it.".
His eyes are back on Draco again. ''Our family has fought hard to make the Malfoy name an honorable one. I trust you to do the same. Do not tarnish it. Your foolish mother saw it wise to chase her own dreams.'' He laughs bitterly. ''This is not a world that gives you a place for dreams, Draco. It would be foolish to chase something that will never be. Dreams do not exist. Only in a child's ignorant mind. You are no child.'' Draco maintains his cold demeanor, showing indifference, but in reality he would like to punch his father square in the face. If his father wasn't such a bastard, maybe his mother would never have run away. She was probably dead by now. No one could run away from their respective district without an official authorization from the present legislation in place. It was impossible. Where would she go?
"I agree" he simply says. Because there's nothing much he can tell his arrogant pater. It's not often that he talks about his wife's departure. Draco doesn't remember much from Narcissa Malfoy, except that she was blond, had beautiful blue eyes, was fresh and gracious as a summer flower, and laughed often. The complete antithesis of his father. She ran away when he was eight, ten years ago, and left him with nothing but a pretty Narcissus flower on his little bed. Draco had never told anyone, but he had varnished the flower to keep her frozen in her ethereal beauty, looking at it when he was feeling depressed, remembering that it didn't take much more than a flower to fly away. He could honestly say, that he didn't miss her. He had learned to live with her absence, much to Lucius's pride.
''Well then, the ceremony is in an hour. You should get dressed.'' His father dismissed him and returned to his desk. Taking a paper out from one of the drawers and looking it over. It was probably the marriage contract. Oh, how he would like nothing but to burn and destroy that contract. A life long commitment to Pansy wasn't something he found thrilling at all. He got to his feet and made his way to his room.
He slumped down in his bed and stifled a scream in his pillow. He was behind closed doors, no one would hear him. He felt frustrated and angry yet again. It seemed he couldn't contain any other emotion than anger. It was all consuming at times. He was sure it would destroy him, if he didn't know how to force emotions back, and not let them get to him. Well, at least his father had learned him one thing he could actually use. He shuffled over to his wardrobe and took a look, considering what would be proper to wear.
He looked at his multiple costumes, weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he decided himself on a dark grey suit, with a curved jacket, and tight trousers that enhanced his slender shape. A light grey tie and hand made leather shoes. He was ready for the Ceremony. He checked himself in the mirror, looking appreciatively at his body. He was not foolish enough to deny how handsome he was, and he certainly wasn't one of the District's most seek out bachelor for his brains. Not that he wasn't smart, mind you. Combing his hair, he finally made his way to the grids of the propriety, where a limo was waiting for him. His father being pro-Capitol did have its advantages.
He got into the limo and watched the scenery outside on the drive to where the reaping would take place. Everywhere children from age 12 to 18 was making their way to the ceremony. One would think you could read the anxiety on their faces if you looked closely. That was a lie. His district took pride in the Hunger Games. Parents forced their children to train for the games from a young age. No one ever spoke about it, but it did happen in most families. Draco himself started his training when he was 8. His father made sure he had the best tutors he could find. He knew, that if he got picked he would be prepared.
Most winners came from those districts that had trained and prepared the tributes in advance, and his district was one of them. Finally they arrived and as soon as he got out of the limo, he had Pansy's arms around his neck. He returned the embrace half-heartedly and kissed her cheek in greeting. ''You're just in time, darling. The ceremony will begin in a moment. We need to register, come along.'' She grabbed his hand and dragged him to one of the registration stands.
After getting sticked by a random woman and hissing from the sudden pain in his finger, he went to the front, and sat on the chairs reserved to VIP's. Draco's grand father had been one of the first tributes, 57 years ago, and one of the first victors too. Abraxas Malfoy, a young blond man looking almost like Lucius's twin, with long hair and an unnerving confident smile. He was the one to first bring honor to the family, and his portrait presided the dining room. Draco didn't look like his father, apart from his blond hair and grey eyes. His face was more feminine, more delicate. He was still manly, but in an elegant kind of way.
The major went in front of the scene and nodded to Draco. Draco answered to the greeting, and kept his attention on the giant screen, and the famous speech about the nation, the war, the deaths, the disasters, and then how Panem was born from the ashes of the old United States, more grandiose, more proud. It looked like one of the forbidden documentaries about the old USSR, with the family images, and the monotone voiceover.
Draco wanted to laugh at the mentioning of how they had become a proud nation. What was there to be proud of? Besides these sick twisted ideals.
Behind the mayor sat two previous winners. Theodore Nott and Milicent Bullstrode. Draco wanted to wipe the smirk from their faces. They still basked in the glory of being one of the district's winners. They enjoyed everything that came with it. Nott had been ruthless in the Arena. Even Draco would have feared him if he allowed himself to admit it. It didn't take long to stand alone as the only tribute. Milicent Bullstrode had been more careful and sneaky in her tactics, but people had underestimated her killing abilities. She never showed anyone what her talents were. People in the Arena easily forgot her, before she went in for the kill. The mayor finished his speech and the microphone stand was lowered. It was time for the escort to come on stage and soon they would have two tributes. Filius Flitwick walked up on the stage. The town's dwarf. He was an honorable man everyone respected, despite his size.
Filius giggled in the microphone and bowed, which made him even more tiny. His little round chins, his big blue eyes and his pointy nose led Draco to compare him to some sort of elf or goblin "Welcome to the Hunger Games!" he exclaims enthusiastically, and bowed once more. Draco lifted an eyebrow. No doubt his size gained him admirers in the Capitol, because, you could change your face, color your hair and your eyebrows, but being a dwarf made him even more an original. "Boy first, this year" he chuckles and Draco rolls his eyes. Probably his idea of fun. Flitwick moves his little body in front of the bowl and someone quickly brings a stool for the escort. The man smiles brightly and puts his hand bluntly in the jar to take a piece of paper "And ... This year's champion is ...Dra~co Malfoy" he purrs his name and all Draco can do, is stand there stupidly and look incredulous.
It's not that he's panicking, but he was so sure he have to go. This was his last year, seeing as how he was eighteen. This wasn't supposed to happen. Draco Malfoy, dear people; will bring you next weeks entertainment in the Annual Hunger Games, he mocks in his own head. Make sure to gather the family everyone. This is for your pleasure. He feels sick when he forces a proud look on his face. Head held high he walks up on the stage and takes his place. ''And now for the female tribute.'' Flitwick once again picked out a paper and looked down at the crowd. ''Florence Parson!''. A girl that couldn't possibly be more than 13 year starts walking towards the stage, until Draco hears a familiar voice saying, ''I volunteer.''
Draco just can't get the irritation out of his face. Is Pansy stupid? Or completely suicidal? Why would she even consider that? But Draco knows he just gained a powerful ally in the arena. Pansy might be an idiot, but she was merciless and wouldn't hesitate to kill anybody. Plus, she was entirely devoted to Draco. Which was probably why she volunteered, convinced as she was, that they were stars-crossed-lovers. This conclusion doesn't bring Draco to like her more, and he sneers, as she run on stage to hug him, in tears, under the cat-calls of the crowd "We'll never be separated..." she claims, and Draco answers dejectedly "Great ...".
The crowd roars and cheers. These people must be stupid. Don't they know only one can win? Surely Pansy knows that. The star-crossed-lovers card wouldn't get them anywhere. Unless his dear father used his good name and grace to negotiate with the right people. He had enough influence to do it. He was a big supporter of the Capitol. In the end Draco decided that it had all worked in his favor. He could toy with Pansy as he wished, because she would cater to his every whim. She would be the best ally he could get. Together they could probably take out all the other tributes. Of that he was sure.
Suddenly her mouth is on his and she's clutching him so tightly he can't breathe. He can't push her away because he needs to keep the act up. So instead he just stands there impassive. Not returning the kiss. But that was something the crowd couldn't see, Pansy was the only one that could feel it. She draws back and frowns at him. Confusion written all over her face. God, this girl was stupid. He had never given any impression of being in love with her. She was so blind. He gave her his most charming smile and winked at her. She smiled brightly back and didn't bother to think more about his lack of responding into the kiss. She intertwined their fingers together and stood proudly on the stage beside him. Well, it wouldn't do to make her suspicious. He needed her now.
The peacekeepers lead them respectfully to the City Hall, in the rooms reserved for the occasion. Once he's alone, Draco clenches his fists painfully and hits the wall, imagining Pansy's face instead. He doesn't have time to regain his posture as Lucius Malfoy is already entering the place, with a small smirk. "Well, I'll admit I had not foreseen it." he confesses, not losing his smugness. "No shit." Draco mumbles before receiving a blow from his father's cane "Language, Draco" he admonishes, before making the gesture for him to sit down on one of the chairs. Feeling rebellious, Draco stands up valiantly and glares at his father.
Draco really has nothing to lose right now, so he figures this would be his chance to stand up against his father. Just this once. ''You must really be proud, father.'' He spits and looks him directly in the eyes, not cowering the slightest. ''Is this the honor you're talking about?'' Lucius narrows his eyes and strikes with the cane again, but Draco doesn't even flinch. He's used to this, and used to the pain. ''Are you telling me you're not proud of your spot, Draco?'' He asks coldly. Draco immediately regrets his slip. He swore he would never let anyone know what he really thought of the whole capitol and their stupid games. Besides, his father would play an important part on his road to victory. It wouldn't be wise to anger him. ''Forgive me, Father. I was just upset that Pansy volunteered.'' He lies smoothly. ''I apologize for taking it out on you.''
The expression on Lucius's face soften and he smiles slightly "Don't grow too fond of Pansy, son. There's only one victor. If you come back, you'll marry Astoria or Daphné Greengrass.". Draco is shocked, to say the least. He knew his father wasn't one to show pity or compassion, but he had already found a substitute to be his wife? Was this absurdity ever going to end? The blond pulls a face, and looks away. "Win the games, Draco" pleads Lucius, and for the first time in his life, Draco is surprised to find in his eyes, the paternal love his father was so keen on hiding.
After all these years, all it took was for him to get chosen in a game, where he had to fight for his own life. Well, if that was the case he would have volunteered a long time ago, he thought bitterly to himself. Maybe his father did care about him somewhere deep down. He just thought that showing any kind of emotion was a weakness. Maybe he believed that Draco was better off if he wasn't ruled by his own emotions. ''I will, father.'' He says confidently. And if he's confident about one thing, it's that he will win the games. He believes in his own ability to do it. And Pansy just handed him the perfect weapon. His father looks at him for a long time, and Draco expects a hug from him, but it never comes. Of course it doesn't. They don't show affection. ''I know you will.'' He answers instead, but there's still an underlying pleading quality in his voice.
For the last thirty seconds, they look at each other in the eyes, and Draco can't help thinking they told each other more with a simple look than in seventeen years of life. He smiles sadly, and so does Lucius, and finally a Peacekeeper asks him to say goodbye. Lucius doesn't, and Draco knows it's his own way of saying, 'Now is no time to bid our farewell'. To this thought, his heart warms strangely.
Theodore Nott comes into the room a few minutes later, followed closely by Millicent.
Theodore hates Draco since he rejected his advances, one year ago. But the blond knows he won't dare to go in an open war against Lucius Malfoy's son. "So, Malfoy, not so proud?" he sniggers. Millicent just sighs and gets past Nott to put her hands on Draco's shoulders, "We won't let you down. There's victor material in you.".
Theodore looks Draco up and down and smirks. ''Well, unless pretty boy here doesn't want to get dirty.'' Draco just looks coldly at Nott. ''Don't worry, Nott. I assure you that I'm quite capable of more than you can imagine.'' This only makes Theodore grin and take a step closer to Draco. ''Mh, I'm sure you are.'' Milicent steps in front of them and pushes Theodore out of the way. ''Enough! We don't have time for this. We have a train to catch guys, and Pansy Parkinson will be here in a minute.'' Just as she said that, Pansy strolled through the door, automatically linking her arm through Draco's. She looks expectantly at the others like an excited child. Draco wants to laugh because Pansy's must have mistaken the true reality behind the Hunger Games. She truly believes they will win this together. She's probably already dreaming up scenarios of their future life together as victors. The first married victors. Being praised by public everywhere they go. She will be sadly mistaken. She'll never live to see her 19th birthday. She'll never get her dream wedding, and she'll never get him.
In a way, Draco is sorry for her, and feels guilty about his own behavior. But it's not like he promised her anything. Poor pathetic helpless Pansy. He smiles again, and the Peacekeepers motion for them to board the train. Already, the little brunette is stuck to his arm like a rock to its mussel. She's marveling on the design of said train, and looks at Draco like they share some top secret information while she winks towards him. He rolls his eyes and disentangles himself from her firm grip, and sits heavily on a chair. He doesn't give the wagon a second glance, he's already used to luxury and food. He feels alone. Draco excuses himself from his comrades and locks himself in the restroom to throw up his Breakfast in the toilets.
He stands in front of the sink and dry heaves, because there's nothing more to vomit. He looks at his pale figure in the mirror and runs a frustrated hand through his hair. He doesn't know why this feeling is suddenly eating him away. But the feeling of loneliness slams into him with such a great force. He feels utterly alone and dejected. His cold demeanor falters and he's left with the real him. He's not afraid, but this feels like a nightmare. The Panem and every single district will be watching his every move. He doesn't care about the killing. He's selfish. He doesn't feel anything towards other people. It's not that he approves of the games or the killing of innocent children, because he doesn't. Not at all. He hates this sick human nature that allows them to become cold-blooded muderers. But if killing them would lead to his own survival, he would do it. There's no other way around. He just doesn't want to be more controlled than he already is. He doesn't want to be the source of entertainment for other people.
"Dra~co?" mewls Pansy "Are you alright in there?". Draco can't stand her attitude anymore and barks "Leave me the fuck alone! I don't need you, I don't need to hear your whining and meaningless chatting any longer!". For the first time in years, Pansy shuts up. For approximately thirty seconds. "Is that your way of telling me I should put my mouth to other uses, Drakey-pooh?" she asks in her sickening sweet voice, and he feels like throwing up again.
He considers the idea for a moment. He could use some relaxation and to get all of this tension away. It was only a fleeting thought because he immediately shudders when he imagines Pansy all over him, and her mouth on places he certainly doesn't want it to be. What a repulsing thought. He must have had a brain meltdown for even letting this idea traverse his mind. Pansy would be sorely mistaken the moment she would realize he would never get it up for her. ''Yes!'' He snaps at her. ''Go put that pretty mouth of yours to use somewhere else! Preferably entertain those morons in there with gossips. I don't need them to start looking after me.'' He hears Pansy sigh on the other side, and has a mental image of her annoying pout that's probably plastered on her face right at this moment. ''Oh, Drake. The things I wouldn't do for you.'' She says dramatically. ''I promise to make you relax tonight.'' She purrs. Not bloody likely, Draco thinks to himself.
He washes his face, happy to feel the cool water on his skin. When he's done, he puts a hand in his trousers to start wanking, but can't find any image to turn him on. He curses himself. He's a seventeen years old boy, for gods sake! He's not supposed to be already impotent! Defeated, he washes his hands and prepares himself to go out and face the world. He's welcomed by the unpleasant sight of Theodore Nott, waiting for him "What were you doing in there, Drakey-pooh?" he mimics, the smirk never leaving his tacky face.
Draco just looks haughtily at him. ''That, Nott, is none of your business. Am I not allowed privacy?'' He wished that Nott would be in the games too, so he could kill him with his bare hands. How hard could it be to understand that he wanted nothing to do with him. Was he really that dumb? He had rejected him more times than he could count on both hands. ''Of course you are, Malfoy. Forgive me. I just wanted to see if you were doing okay.'' Oh, Draco thought. Nott had decided on different tactics now. Not that it would work. He probably thought being more polite would give him a ticket into his trousers.
''I'm fine,'' Draco sneered. ''No need to follow me around like a dog. Find someone else you can hump, Nott.'' Suddenly Nott looked angry. He tried to tower over Draco, and yes, he did look quite intimidating, but it didn't really bother Draco. ''Why, you little shit. Think you're too good for me? I'm a victor, remember. You should be happy that I'm even giving you this bit of attention. I always get what I want, remember that. It would be wise. I'm your ticket to win this game.'' With that he turned on his heel, leaving Draco behind.
Is he blackmailing me into doing him sexual favors? Wonders Draco, unbelievingly. He can go fuck himself for all I care, there's no way I'll comply to his twisted requests. Under Millicent's calculating look, he storms out of the room to confine himself in the safety of his cabin, where he's sure to find no naked Pansy nor brimming Theodore. Even though it's only 18:00, he switches off the lights and curls up on his bed, hoping that he'll never have to get out again.
When he wakes up he looks at the tiny clock display that's reflected on the wall and groans. This is just perfect. It's two in the morning and he's completely rested. He tries to go back to sleep, but to no avail since he's restless. Slowly he drags his body out of the bed and searches for the bathroom. He would take a nice long shower and maybe find something to eat. It would probably be wise to eat as much as he can, while the food is available. Once he stood under the shower, he let the hot steamy water wash all his tension away.
He wonders what will happen once he's in the arena. He doesn't want to die, he never had the time to move from his father's shadow. Sleepily, he enumerates his strengths, and is pleased to realize that they are pretty numerous. He knows how to use a bow, and a spear. He's observing, discreet and sneaky, he's fast, and pretty good at tracking people. But on the other hand, he doesn't know how to hunt and this will prove itself to be a serious problem once the game begins. His reactions are not very quick, and if he's startled he doesn't know how to act fast enough. Theodore is also one of his weaknesses: the boy will probably do everything in his power to get him to die in the arena. He can't dwell too much on the prospect of not receiving any parachutes.
It would probably be wise to be on good terms with Theodore Nott, but it's impossible. He only wants one thing, and it's a thing Draco would never give him. Even if his life depended on it. Which it does, in a way, he supposes. He decides to go out and search for some food. He has to go through several wagons until he finally reaches the one with the dining table. As soon as he's there he wants to turn around on the spot again, when he sees who's sitting at the table. This is just perfect. One would expect to be alone in the middle of the night, but oh no. This bloody nightmare of a girl seems to automatically appear wherever he is. She turns her head once Draco steps inside, and she's already getting to her feet. ''Draco, darling! Can't sleep, hm?'' She purrs as she slowly stalks towards him. Looking like a cat that's ready to attack its prey. ''Maybe I could help you with that.'' He quickly steps aside, avoiding her, and walks over to the table fast, sitting down before she can reach him.
"What's the matter, love?" she asks, confused, and Draco really wants to remove his helmet and yell " I AINT NO LOVE" in the Eowyn style, but keeps himself with a blank face. Inside, he's boiling. "Pansy, you're annoying me. I need some time alone right now, and you're acting like a child.". She pouts and looks at him with her big brown eyes "Be careful, I might start to believe you don't really like me.". Draco really wants to dance for this small victory, but snarls instead "Oh, really, and what gave you the hint?". Instead of the streams of tears he's waiting for, he hears her annoying giggle "Oh, Drakey-Pooh, for a moment I almost believed you.". She puts a kiss on his cheek and exits the room, still laughing.
Maybe he should just get rid of her from the beginning, he considers. That way he won't have a mental breakdown in the Arena because of her. Kudos to Pansy, for always making him loose his appetite. The others won't be up before seven probably, so he has a lot of time on his own. He slams his head repeatedly down on the table and curses everyone around him to hell. Why was he stuck with a mentor like Nott. There was no way he would prepare Draco the best he could, unless Draco's willing to give something in return. That bastard. He wonders what would happen if he killed Nott before the Games.
He must have fallen asleep at the table sometime during the night. Someone is shaking his shoulder and breathing into his ear. ''Wake up, Pretty boy.'' Well, fuck him. Why did Nott have to be the first one to wake up.
"Don't touch me, Nott" drawls Draco, as Theodore's hand lingers more than necessary on his back. Theodore chuckles and sits in front of him "Have you thought about my proposition, Malfoy?".
The blond doesn't know if his interlocutor is trying to sound sensual, but if he is, it's a major failure. "I have. I refuse.". He relaxes in his chair "If I don't have your support, granted, I'll win without your help. But be sure that my father will hear about this.". Like half of the district, Theodore is afraid of Lucius Malfoy's wrath. He shudders. "Do you think you're in position to make threaths, Malfoy ?" he hisses. Draco lifts an eyebrow and sneers "I don't know ... Am I?".
Nott doesn't really have a reply to that, so he keeps quiet. For a minute. ''There is no need for all of that arrogance, Malfoy.'' Draco just rolls his eyes, not really wanting to keep up a conversation with him. ''Good morning boys!'' Flitwick's cheerful voice booms. He may be small but his voice is certainly loud. ''Good morning.'' Draco greets. ''Ah, breakfast will be here in a minute. Make sure to eat well. Then we'll discuss your weaknesses and strengths. We are in a hurry, we'll be there soon.'' Not long after that, Pansy and Milicent strolls in and takes place at the table. Pansy takes a seat beside Draco, and as always, kisses him on the cheek. ''Don't worry. Draco and I will make a strong team, won't we, darling?'' Milicent just smirks at Draco at Pansy's comment. She's probably figured out that he can't stand her, but she doesn't say anything, luckily.
"I'm sure we will" he ironizes, as he starts to contemplate how he's going to kill her. He could drown her. It wouldn't be too messy. Or he could pick some toxic berries accidentally. And feed them to her. "I'm good with a bow, a spear, and I run fast" he says quickly, only looking at Millicent. She nods. "That's a good start. What about you, Pansy?". Said Pansy is eating a small salad - she doesn't want to be fat, she says - "I'm good with a sword and a knife. I know where to stab someone so they won't ever get up again." she sports an unpleasant smile, one that says that she will probably enjoy every murder. "What about weaknesses?" Snaps Theodore, looking at Draco. "I don't know how to find food." he tells them bluntly "And my reactions are not very fast when it comes to surprise attacks". Pansy gives him an enamored gaze "My weakness is Draco" she says dramatically.
At this Milicent looks slightly annoyed and nauseous. ''Parkinson, we need to know about your weaknesses, not about your obsession.'' At this Pansy shoots her a glare and replies defiantly. ''I told you, my weakness is Draco. But oh well, if you must know, I don't really consider myself as someone that has weaknesses.'' Draco snorts at this, but hurriedly hides it. Well, Pansy is actually telling the truth. Draco will be her weakness that will lead her to her own death. He can toy with her, and manipulate her as he sees fit. ''You don't have any weaknesses?'' Nott asks flatly. ''No.'' She replies confidently, not looking at Nott, but instead looking straight at Draco. ''Don't be silly girl. Overconfidence will kill you in that Arena. This is not some childish innocent game.'' Draco can hear Nott getting impatient with Pansy. Well, he can't really blame him. Patience is a rare trait when you're dealing with Pansy.
"Don't try." interrupts Draco "When her mind is set, it's impossible to change it. If she says she doesn't have any weakness, she doesn't. She's more stubborn than a mule." he sighs heavily. He doesn't want to go in a row, especially against Pansy. He has had enough of them already. Millicent sends him a sympathetic look and mouths "Later" discretely. He wags his head inconspicuously. It's good to know that the young woman is on his team. "Have you seen the other tributes yet?" he asks neutrally.
''Yes we have.'' Replies Nott. ''We've seen some of them. There's a boy from District 7 that seems pretty brutal. I can't remember his name, but I would watch out for him, if I were you. He's probably one of them that will stand his ground at the bloodbath.'' Draco makes a mental note to check out district 7's tributes once he sees them. He's always been good at reading people. He'll try to figure out how to deal with everyone, once the time comes when they'll be introduced to each other.
''The others we saw are hard to figure out. We won't know anything before each has been given a final score for abilities.'' Draco nods at this. Of course, even then many of them will try their best to hide their strengths. Draco will just have to observe as thoroughly as he can.
"The Capitol!" Pansy suddenly shrieks, running to the window and making Draco jump, startled. He gives a bored glare to the landscape. He has already seen President Riddle's siege, thanks to his father, and has been to the Capitol a couple of times, much to his brethren jealousy. He doesn't feel privileged. But for Pansy, it's her first time here, and she keeps making "Awwww" noises. "Look how beautiful it is ..." she admired. "I don't think it is." he snaps.
''But Drake, look!'' She gushes, and can't really figure out where to point first. She's so enthralled by the whole view. Draco doesn't even stand up to look out at the Capitol.
He's rather bored, and the whole scenery is just beyond ridiculous. Those people are nothing but freaks of nature. Their twisted opinions on everything is sickening. In fact, every single thing is sickening about the Capitol. He hates it with a passion. He wonders how life was before all of this.
The train slows down, and finally stops in front of a crowded Station. Draco doesn't look at the people that has come to welcome them, whereas Pansy is subjugated by the Reception committee. They sport colorful clothes, eccentric hair and ridiculous make up. They already show a banner claiming "District 1's stars crossed lovers" with a lot of glitters and stars and some of them start to sing a popular song "And as I finish to lace my stilettos, to the party he goes, I'll probably meet him in a dark bar, in an hidden corner he'll call me his moonlight star...". Pansy claps her hands excitedly and smiles to their utter delight. They are lead inside of a car, then driven in front of a modern building. "Time for the make over" sneers Nott. "Not that you need it, pretty boy."
''Oh, I know, Nott.'' Draco says lightly and smirks. Milicent sighs, ''Boys! Enough!'' A group of peacekeepers leads them inside the building and directly to the rooms where the makeover will take place. They are introduced to three people; Rabastan, Yaxley and Penelope. Pansy stares completely mesmerized at them. He can't really figure out why she's so amazed by these people. The woman's all dressed in pink. Her bubble dress does nothing for her figure, and her baby pink wig is probably supposed to make the whole look appear complete. Even her makeup is kept in pink shades. Draco wants to shudder at the sight before them. These people have absolutely no fashion sense. The two men wears different shades of blue and their look appears to be oddly more normal looking than the woman's. That is, if you disregard the eye catching blue colors that decorates their suites and their painted faces.
No sooner said than done, he lies on an uncomfortable surface, surrounded by Yaxley and Penelope. "This boy sure knows how to take care of himself" she compliments, before muttering "Ponce.".
Draco had never been naked in front of anyone, and he feels vulnerable under their stares. "He just need some tonic and a moisturizer" declares Yaxley, and soon he's covered with cream, and massaged with expert hands. Finally, they rinse his body, and motion him to stand in front of a huge mirror. "You have nice hair" says Penelope, envious, before applying a shampoo on it.
''No need for a wig, luckily.'' Draco mutters sarcastically. Penelope just ignores his comment, ''We'll just make his hair more radiating.'' She tells Yaxley, who just nods.
After the shampoo they apply conditioner and dries his hair. Yaxley takes a jar with a glowing substance and starts applying it on his hair. Combing his fingers through Draco's hair, while he hums an annoying melody under his breath. It appears to be the same one the people waiting for them at the station had sung. Did these people really believe that they were star-crossed-lovers? ''There. There's really not much to do. You're flawless, young man. It's great to see people actually taking care of themselves.'' Draco just looks at him with indifference and feigns boredom.
After they discards the products they exit the room, leaving Draco alone. He has an urge to cover himself, but there isn't any clothing nearby.
A tanned man comes in and smiles to Draco, looking positively delighted. "Hey Draco Malfoy. I'm Blaise Zabini, and you can call me anything you want, as long as it's not zucchini.", he winces "My fiancée calls me that. She finds it endearing, but then again, she believes Nargles and Crumple-Horned Snorkacks are mutations from the Capitol.". For the first time in days, Draco laughs "She sounds quite ... Original ...". "She is." Affirms Blaise, with a small dreamy smile "But she's great. Anyway." he interrupts himself to nod at Pansy "I'm going to be your stylist for this ceremony. Nobody will ignore you after that, I promise.". For the first time, Draco takes a look at Blaise's clothing and is relieved to note he doesn't wear anything extravagant, except for his Radish earring. He gives Draco an apologetic glance and mouth "Fiancée".
This time Draco smiles warmly. A real genuine smile. This man standing before him is nothing like the other people he had met. Neither here, nor at home. ''We'll make you stand out at the opening ceremony. I created this outfit with my lovely fiancée. It will represent your district rather well.'' Blaise walks over to a wardrobe Draco hadn't seen before now. It seemed like it had appeared out of nowhere. Well, that wouldn't be something new. Since these people here just pushed a button, and all kinds of food would appear before your eyes.
He came back with whatever he had pulled out of the wardrobe and stood in front of Draco. ''This, Draco, is what you will wear. You will look gorgeous.'' He held out a short white toga in front of Draco, and stared proudly at it. It was quite simple, but yet stunning. ''You'll probably need some help getting in.'' Blaise nodded to himself, and then beckoned for Draco to stand up. Finally they managed to make it look presentable on him, and he loved the feeling of the material against his body.
Blaise made him wear leather winged sandals, and a winged golden helmet ,that Draco wanted to complain about. He wasn't really fond of them, but decided to keep quiet. Blaise looked too proud of his handiwork and Draco didn't want to ruin that. He liked Blaise. He seemed more genuine than the others. Draco almost jumped on the place when Blaise smacked himself on the forehead. ''I forgot! The final thing to make your look complete.'' He went back to the wardrobe and fumbled after something while he muttered under his breath, ''Where is it? Did I forget?... No, I couldn't, could I? Ah, here!'' He almost ran all the way back and held something in front of Draco's face. A staff, Draco noticed. It was golden and entwined by two serpents, with small wings on the top. It looked a bit like his father's.
It takes a few seconds to proceed for Draco, but finally he says "Am I Hermes?". Blaise nods, pride written all over his face "I know your district is mainly known for its luxury items, so it's a golden helmet, and the material for the toga is from the finest fabric. The most expensive too. It also came to my attention that your district is the one producing medication, and Hermes is the God of Medicine, along with travelers, thieves and ... Er ... ", Draco completed with a lopsided grin "Commerce, literature, poetry, yes, yes, I know. It's great, thank you Zucchini.". Blaise growls playfully "Shut up, arsehole. I knew I shouldn't have told you, you look far too sneaky for your own good. Ponce.". Draco lets out an offended exclamation "I'm not a ponce! I just have a delicate constitution.".
Zabini laughs and shouts before running out of the room "Keep telling yourself that!". The young man rolls his eyes, and follows him out in the corridor, fast enough to see a little blond girl being pursued by a handsome brunette. His eyes lingers on the distancing silhouette and he runs after Blaise to ask, zealous "Who the fuck was that?". Blaise pulls a face "My fiancée, so touch with the eyes, would you?". The blond rolls his eyes "Not her! The boy with her!". The tanned man snickers "Probably another tribute, she was assigned to district 4 this year. Let's go and see your little girlfriend." he keeps walking and coughs "Told you. Ponce.".
''I am not a ponce!'' Draco huffs. ''I was just stating a fact. He was quite handsome.''. ''Yes, yes, but the Niles isn't just a river in Egypt. You only saw him for two seconds.'' Blaise grinned. ''Well, yes. But I'm a great observer. And I have a good eye for... Pretty things.'' Draco turned his head back for good measure, just to see if the boy suddenly had appeared again. No such luck. ''Ponce.'' Blaise just said again, laughing.
They entered the room where Pansy was, standing in all her glory, looking like a greek goddess. ''Ah, you managed to turn the focus away from her pug-face.'' Draco whispered to Blaise. Well, she did look quite stunning too. You couldn't really deny that. She had a long white dress with a leather corset. It defined her hourglass figure rather beautifully. Women would kill for Pansy's body.
As accessories, she wore a Medusa Shield and a blue stole wound around her shoulder and waist. Her long curly brown hair were crowned by a bronze helmet, and if he didn't already knew her, he would have found her beautiful. Unfortunately, the moment was broken when her high-pitched voice resonated in the empty room, and she exclaimed "Drakey-Pooh! Now we're like husband and wife, Hermes and Artemis.". He curls up his upper lips and frowns "You're Athena, not Artemis, and they were certainly not married. Plus, Athena made a vow of virginity to her father, Zeus.". She laughs "She did, but I certainly didn't.". Could she be anymore obvious, he wonders, irritated.
She winked at him and blew him an air kiss. Probably trying to look cute, but this was Pansy. She couldn't be described as cute. ''I'll come by tonight, darling. We could both use some stress relief.'' Dear god. Had this woman any situational sense. How could someone talk like that in front of other people. Didn't she realize how cheap and slutty she sounded.
Blaise seemed to sense Draco's growing irritation and hurriedly tried to avoid Draco finally snapping. ''So!'' He exclaimed. ''We should prepare you for the opening ceremony. You'll be the first to go in, since you're from District 1. And what a grand entrance you'll make!'', He said proudly, looking at their outfits again. ''Let's go find your mentors and then line up.''
They followed Blaise out and went in search for Milicent and Theodore. The moment Theodore laid his eyes on Draco, he wanted to kill him on the spot. His eyes immediately darkened and he didn't even try to hide his obvious lust. He stared Draco hungrily up and down as he walked closer to Draco, until he stood right in front of him. The others didn't seem to realize what was going on, as they were discussing something with Milicent. Nott leaned in until his lips were mere inches from Draco's ear. He murmured huskily, ''You know, I can help you win this. You'll have every sponsor at your feet, Malfoy. I promise you that. I only require a show of your talents... In private.'' Draco jerked back and pushed Nott with such a great force that he almost stumbled to the ground. Blaise immediately turned around, ''What's going on?'' He demanded. ''Nothing.'' Draco answered shortly, while shooting Nott a murderous glare. ''Absolutely nothing.''
They made their way to the first carriage , of which the horses were so decorated it was at the very limit of being vulgar. Draco cringed but climbed on the chariot and looked around to seek for the boy he had seen earlier. Blaise, understanding his purpose, snickered and said in a taunting voice "Di~strict 4". Millicent followed shortly and told them "Hold your head high. You have every reason to be proud, and you have to show them. Don't forget to smile-" she looked at Pansy who was smiling so forcefully it must have hurt her cheeks "But don't overdo it either.". They nodded their understanding, and the first notes of the national hymn resonated in the bleachers. It was time.