CHAPTER 3
Harry was impressed, to say the least. The circus that welcomed his eyes was grandiose. The bleachers were full of oddly dressed people applauding madly. Playing the game, despite his own reluctance, Harry smiled and waved towards them, embellishing his presentation with a few humble bows and some kisses in anonymous girls' directions. The blond boy from earlier was nowhere in sight, and Harry couldn't help being disappointed. Not knowing why, he was curious about the tribute's identity. The carriage made a last turn and all the carts disposed themselves in a semicircle in front of a high tribune. "Just in case we didn't know how inferior we were" grumbled Harry to himself. Then president Riddle, surrounded by two cameras, made his apparition in front of them. He was strange, and scary. His head was devoid of any hair. His skin was pale, his eyes were red and his nose nonexistent. He looked like a snake. A cruel, terrific one. Harry felt the attentive eyes of the monster on him and he couldn't help but shudder.
"Welcome, welcome, Tributes, We welcome you.'' He hissed with a nasty smile. Was it on purpose this man even sounded like a snake? ''We salute your courage and your sacrifice. And we wish you happy Hunger Games'' then he paused for a dramatic effect and looked gleefully around, ''and may the odds be ever in your favor.'' Harry looked around at the other tributes. Searching their faces for any traces of dread, because that was what he was feeling right now. His gaze landed on the blonde boy again. He was looking straight ahead, face avoid of any revealing emotions. He must have sensed someone was starring at him because he turned his head towards Harry's direction and made eye-contact with him. They locked eyes, none of them blinking. Cold grey eyes was looking right at him, but even if his life depended on it he couldn't break the eye-contact. He didn't want to. It was like a silent competition. Harry's eyed widened as the boy was suddenly smirking at him. What the hell was he up to?
Before he could spare it another thought, the carriages began to move again and he had to break their staring competition, much to his regret. They went back to where they came from, under the folk's enthusiastic screams, being showered by flowers and petals. When they were finally protected from the crowd's fervor, Harry allowed a sigh to cross the barrier of his mouth. "Fuck." he swore to himself, and received a hit from a foreign hand, before realizing it was only Hermione "Language, Harry!" she berated him, before giving him a brilliant smile "You were great! I'm so proud to be your best friend, Harry! I mean ... I was so impressed, you looked handsome, proud, powerful and charming." she continued for a few minutes, describing how wonderful he was, before turning towards Cho and give her the same speech. Harry lost track of the conversation and searched for the Tribute from district 1. There was something about him, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
''You doing okay?'' Someone asked. Harry turned his head in the direction of the voice and saw Remus smiling warmly at him. ''Yeah, m'fine.'' Harry mumbled, still distracted by his thoughts. ''Well, come on then. We'll settle down in our quarters.''
Cho and Harry followed closely behind Hermione and Remus. ''Where's Gilderoy?'' Cho asked. Harry smiled slightly at her, she had only spoken a few words since they came to the Capitol. It was encouraging that she was at least saying something and not keeping quiet all the time. ''Oh, he's probably already in our quarters.'' Hermione sighed, looking annoyed. ''It was the first place he went, when we came. But he's always basked in all things expensive.'' They reached an elevator and stepped in. ''Fourth floor.'' Remus said while he pressed a tiny golden button with the number 4 on it, ''That's where we will be staying.'' The elevator began to move upwards and Harry started to giggle like a fool, as he got that fluttery feeling. It moved with such a great speed that you felt a rush going through your and Remus just stared at Harry with amused looks. If he was five, he would probably have yelled, ''Again, again, again.''
"You're such a child ..." grinned Hermione, putting a strand of his hair behind the ear affectionately, reveling his scar "And you're a bitch." Harry whistled playfully "But I don't complain". He pulled her into a hug. It seemed that the prospect of his imminent dead led him to show more affection to his loved ones than before. He heard Cho chuckled next to them so he sent her a kind smile as well. In all honesty, he didn't want to get to know her. Because it would hurt too much when she was going to die. He had already started to distance himself from the girl. "So, what's up with you and the blond boy?" Hermione asked innocently "You both looked like you were to going to murder each other ..." she left her sentence unfinished before adding "Or shag each other senseless." He shrugged "Nah. I'm just intrigued. He looked ... different. I don't know why.". The doors of the elevator opened and the new visitors eyes widened in surprise "Wow, is this a fucking palace or something?" Harry wondered out loud, taking a good look at his surroundings.
It certainly was quite impressive. Every single little thing was high technological. There was a gadget to everything. By the press of a button you could literally get almost anything you wanted. A pink radiating disaster appeared before them, until Harry realized it was Lockhart. Dressed in fuchsia again. ''Ah, The tributes!'' He said excitedly. Why was it that man never called them by their names. He had probably already forgotten them. He was too self-absorbed to remember any other names than his own. ''Isn't this place marvelous?'' He gushed and looked around like he was in heaven. It seemed like everyone ignored him and instead started to look around, discovering more wonders of these quarters. Well, luckily I at least get to try to live like a king for a couple of days, before I have to go out and fight for my own life, Harry thought to himself, as he searched for the room he was going to stay in. He finally reached it and opened the door, walking in excitedly. He spun around on the spot, taking everything in. He had never seen luxury like this, even if he came from quite a wealthy district. He immediately started to try every gadget out. Just to see what it would do.
But even in this pricey environment, Harry found himself missing the ocean, the calmness brought to him by watching it move in a tranquil languor that only came from the depths of the sea, where everything remained untouched by the black hand of humanity. He suddenly felt homesick, and ran to the bathroom to take a bath and welcome the touch of the water on his bare skin. Only then did he allow himself to breathe. He felt claustrophobic, in this city where he was nothing more than a prisoner, soon to be a gladiator thrown in an arena full of tawny. He wasn't prepared. Prepared to die, prepared to kill, prepared to see someone being murdered. His daydreaming brought the thought of his two parents, and his heart sank. That was certainly not what they had wanted for him. In fact, that was exactly what they had fought against, hoping their son would escape the burden of going to the Hunger Games, along with every child of Panem. They had fought for a better future, breaking from the influence the Capitol had upon them, and there he was, their boy, complying to the rules, bowing to those who had killed his mother and father. He wondered if his "nomination" to the Hunger Games was set up by Riddle to show the folk that nobody ever escaped their judgement. It was commonly known in District 4 that Harry was born from rebels, which explained why he had so few friends. No one wanted to associate with an enemy of the Capitol.
It knocked on the door and Hermione appeared. She walked into the room without being invited in, an sat down on the big bed that was in the corner of the room. ''What's wrong?'' She asked, frowning at him. ''Nothing.'' Harry said, and looked away. Different thoughts were swirling through his head and he couldn't stop his growing anger or frustration. Or his suddenly longing after home and his dead parents. ''Come.'' Hermione patted the bed and smiled sadly at him. He shuffled over to the bed and slumped down, staring at the ceiling. ''I know how you feel.'' She whispered. ''No you don't.'' Was his immediate response, but then he winced, ''Sorry. I-'' of course she did know. She had been in the exact same spot. ''Shh, it's alright to be upset.'' She laid a hand calmly on his wrist and traced a pattern with her thumb. ''The reality is suddenly crashing down on you, right? Finally you get a moment of peace but then your mind can finally start to wander.'' Harry squeezed his eyes shut, ''Yeah.'' He whispered. Afraid to say more because of the threatening lump in his throat. Hermione laid down beside him looking at him for a moment before she laid her head on his chest, closing her eyes, still holding his wrist. ''It'll be alright. Don't you worry,'' was said aloud this time.
Half an hour later, Harry was woken up by the sound of a clamor outside. He looked at his watch. In one hour, they would have to go downstairs to eat with the other tributes. He yawned, and let his gaze wander on Hermione's body. He couldn't help the thought that crossed him. It was stupid, really, but he really didn't want to die a virgin. And the young woman was his best friend, surely she would agree to ... ? He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand and watched her emerge slowly from her sleep. She blinked sleepily in his direction. "'Re you 'lright, 'Ry ?" she mumbled. He didn't answer and stoop to depose a chaste kiss on her lips. Since she didn't seem to mind, he kissed her again, letting his tongue caress her mouth in a sensual way. She opened it to deepen the kiss, and soon they were breathing heavily, sharing the most intimate embrace of their friendship. Then, Hermione pushed him away, looking horrified with herself "Shit, Harry, why did you do that?" she almost shrieked. Harry tried to kiss her again, but she stood up, crossing her arms, "Harry James Potter, did you, or did you not kiss me because of the Games to come!". He pouted childishly "Don't tell me you didn't like it."
She humphed, "That's not the question! You're like a brother to me, and I know you think of me as your sister! Plus, you don't even swing that way!". "That's not true!" Harry stuttered, a bit embarrassed "I mean, it is, but that's not the point!"
''Oh my god, I can't believe you would try something like that just because of the games!'' She shrieked, still horrified with herself. ''Shit, I'm sorry 'Mione. I-I.. I didn't really think.'' Harry felt sickened by himself. Hermione was his best friend, how could he even use her like that. Just to satisfy his own need in such a dire state, when death was looming over his head. ''Let's just forget it ever happened.'' Hermione said, without looking him in the eyes. Had he just ruined their friendship? He hoped not. She was the only one that made him feel like he at least had one family member. His aunt and uncle didn't really count, since they had never included him in their perfect little family. ''Hermione, I am really sorry.'' he said desperately this time. Finally she looked at him, her gaze soft, warm and still loving. But it was a love between a brother and sister. Nothing more or less. ''You won't die.'' She said, her gaze locked with his. Not flinching a bit. She just stared calmly at him. ''You have a whole life to live.'' She then broke her gaze, ''We'll be late for dinner. We should go.'' She then took his hand in hers, and slowly they made their way out of the room to find the others.
On their way though, Hermione decided to tease Harry on what just happened, as a mean, he knew it, to show she had forgiven him "So Harry, where did you learn to kiss like that ?" she asked, curious "Because, not that I kissed a lot of people before, but you were quite good.". He blushed and looked away "Two years ago, the Dursleys hired a stable boy. Let's say I did a bit of experimenting. It didn't go further than kissing, but it made me realize I was gay." She laughed "My, my Harry. What a mysterious man you are. Why didn't you tell me?" he chuckled good-naturedly "What, you wanted me to go and tell you 'Hey, Hermione, guess what, I kissed a stable boy and I liked it?". She rolled her eyes and chose ti ignore him. When they arrived in the big dinning room, Gilderoy in his fuchsia ensemble waved exuberantly to them, while laughing with a little man, no taller than Harry's legs. "Tribute! Come here, boy" Harry gave a nod to the dwarf and sat next to Hermione, smiling knowingly at her. Her little crush on Lockhart couldn't help but amuse him.
As usual, the table was full of delicious dishes, and the entrée seemed to be an assortment of seafood, including lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, oyster, molds, accompanied by lemon juice, tapenade and a plateful of little toasts. Harry pulled a face. He hated seafood, apart from fish. It made him nauseous, and he turned his eyes away from the lean legs of a crayfish that looked at him with his dead little black eyes. Hermione rolled her eyes at Harry's antics, as she took an oyster and savored it with a moan. "This is delicious, Harry." said Cho "Why don't you take some?". Harry ignored her and stared at the other tables. His emerald iris' fell on a familiar blond figure. The boy frowned, as the tribute of district 1 shared pleasantries with his comrades in an upper-class manner, whipping his mouth after an oyster and smiling charmingly at the girl in front of him.
Harry felt slightly annoyed by the boy because he knew he felt superior to everyone else around him. If you just took one look at him you could see it. Harry was sure that the boy's own superiority would bring him down in the Arena. He was probably one of them that thought they didn't need to be careful, that they could defeat whoever they wished. Harry was suddenly grinning like a mad, he was sure he could take the boy out fast. He would just have to make sure to figure out his weaknesses.
''Don't you think so, Harry?'' Remus was asking him. ''Sorry what?'' Harry mumbled, still distracted by observing that annoying tribute. ''We were just discussing that one shouldn't underestimate some of these tributes.'' He repeated with a knowing glint in his eyes, looking at Harry. He snapped his attention back to Remus and shrugged. ''I'm not underestimating anyone. I've seen other games. How people play dumb just to get the other tributes to leave them alone for a long while.'' It was true. Some had won in the most simple but yet genius way. ''We should talk about tactics.'' Hermione added, nodding to herself.
"Now is no time to talk about tactics!" chided Lockharts, like he was berating a small child "Now is time to enjoy our supper and make small talks!" he laughed as he nodded to himself "I mean, have you seen how some of the escorts look? I must be the more fashionable one! And being a dwarf, it's SO last year!" he added the last sentence, looking at his colleague warily, like he was afraid to be heard. "It's not like he can change that ..." observed Hermione. He waved her interference indifferently, like she hadn't say a word "Nonsense.". She humphed, a bit vexed. Harry stopped listening to the conversation, as usual, and looked at the tributes he hadn't had the chance to observe yet.
He slowly began to observe the other tributes. Especially noticing a tall red haired, quite too thin boy wolfing down food like it was his last meal. Well, it almost was. Beside him was a brown haired girl and it looked like she was sulking about something their mentor had said to them. They were tributes from District 12, a district that rarely had any winners. Harry felt sorry for those tributes. Especially the boy looked like one who couldn't do any harm, but as Remus said, one should never underestimate the other tributes, never. The boy didn't pay attention to anything but the food. Harry smiled a little, just from one look fully believing they would have been friends if they had been from the same district.
His attention returned full force to the tribute from district 1, hearing yelling in his direction. He seemed to be severely irritated by his mentor, a boy with a rodent look and prominent teeth. From here, Harry could barely understand the muffled voice of his opponent. "...op touching me you sick fuck". The sandy haired mentor smirked and replied in a low purr "Let's see how the Barbie doll is going to win the game if she's not ready to give me what she wants." A barbie doll? What was a barbie doll, he wondered. Hermione, who was listening the discussion as well met his stare and shrugged.
The boy was glaring at his mentor, not uttering any more words, just keeping quiet. There seemed to be a lot of tension between those two. At least this could work in Harry's favor. If the tributes couldn't cooperate with their mentor they were literally screwed. They depended on their mentor a lot. ''Why so quiet?'' The mentor was asking now, but the boy fully ignored him, turning his attention to the girl, but still looking slightly annoyed. ''They've been like that since they came here.'' Hermione whispered. ''What? They don't get along with their mentor?'' Harry questioned, even though it was quite obvious. ''No, the boy doesn't.''
Suddenly, Harry was under the blond's stare. He blinked. The tribute looked at him like he exhaled a particularly nasty smell, and scowled in his direction. Harry rolled his eyes and ignored the guy's behavior. If he wanted to be unpleasant even before the games, it wasn't his fault, and he could very well hate him in silence. He didn't have to condone it. "Hermione, how are the other tributes?" he asked "Anybody looking more feral that I should be wary of?" She smiled and whispered "Avoid the tributes from district 1. I saw the boy discussing with President Riddle. This is not a good sign …" She sighed and yawned a bit tiredly. A waitress came to take all the plates (some of them still full), as another one sat different dishes on the table.
''He was talking with Riddle?'' Harry asked, getting curious. ''About what?'' Hermione raised an eyebrow at him, saying 'How should I know?' Harry just shrugged. ''But his father's good friends with the president.'' Harry turned his full attention to Hermione now. ''That boy's father is good friends with the president?'' Harry questioned amazed and annoyed at the same time. ''Oh yes.'' Hermione nodded. ''I don't know if it will be to his advantage though.'' Harry suddenly thought about how his father may have made a deal with the president concerning his son. That would be cheating, wouldn't it? But it was the capitol. They could get away with anything.
Harry ate a little, sparing a last glance in the tribute's direction, before getting up and asking the youngest of their little gathering to follow him. Cho accepted, as Hermione simply turned down the offer, absorbed in the observation of the other challengers. Harry rolled his eyes playfully, before heading back to their room, Cho following closely. Once seated in the comfy sofa, the young woman smiled gently "So, you and Hermione ?" she asked. Harry spat the water he was drinking. "What? Hermione and ... Oh my god, no!" she lifted an eyebrow "Oh ... I just thought, since you were kissing, earlier in the evening, that ..." He moved his head in denial "Of course not, nothing like that, it was just a ... slip ... It won't happen again. Hermione and me will never be anything else but friends" he grinned at the pretty asian "I guess, we were just freaking out, and, you know …" Cho nodded, even though she didn't understand.
Harry continued. ''It's just.. Everything we are doing right now, could be the last time we ever do it, you know. It's just.. I don't want to have any regrets. I know it sounds crazy, but yeah.'' He stared at Cho's blank face, sighing inwardly. Could she be any more oblivious? She would never survive out in that Arena. ''I... Don't want to forget anything either.'' She said, looking at him shyly and blushing prettily. Harry was afraid he knew where this was going, so he stood up, walking over to a window instead. ''Harry...'' Cho began, quietly and tentatively. He didn't turn around to look at her. He couldn't. ''Will you.. Bring back a message to my parents.''
He turned around at this, staring incredulous at her. ''You're already dooming yourself? And who says I'm going to be the one left standing?'' Cho got up from her seat and walked over to Harry. Standing right in front of him, searching for something as she was staring for a long while. ''You will be.'' She said simply. He was just opening his mouth to say something, and deny it, but she shushed him, a finger on his lips. ''Just do it. Please.''
He complied, looking at her closely. She wasn't in tears, which was a nice change from the other times. She was ... accepting her defeat to come, which was almost worst. He needed her to be at her best, or he would worry all the time. He couldn't afford worrying about her. "Tell them ..." she wavered "Tell them I loved them. And that I forgive them for selling my body." He opened his mouth, chocked beyond belief. "Selling your body?" he muttered, confused "Cho, did they ... Were you prostituting yourself?" She ignored him, validating his guess. "Tell them I also hate them for what they did to me. That I can't look in the mirror anymore because all I see and feel is ... their hands all over me" now, the tears. He blinked. Like she knew what he was thinking, she took his hand, and the closeness of their two bodies made him uneasy. Her face was already getting nearer and her intentions were pretty easy to understand.
He felt her lips on his, warm, wet, soft, and oh so wrong. He drew in a sharp breath, pushing her gently away. ''I.. I can't Cho.'' But no, it seemed like the girl could be insisting when she wanted to be. Her lips was on his again, and it seemed like she desperately wanted his body to react to hers, but nothing happened. Not on Harry's part. It was dull and there wasn't any spark of excitement. He grabbed her wrists while she was trying to zip down his pants. ''No.. Cho, please.'' Was she crazy? She just told what she had to go through because of her parents, and now she was practically forcing herself upon him. ''You're better than this.'' He said gently, dragging her into a warm hug. Immediately he felt hot tears against his neck. He held her tighter, letting her cry out.
DRACO'S POV
As it was supposed to be, the show was magnificent, and if it was not for the intriguing brunette, the blond might have appreciated the efforts the Capitol had put to organize it. He didn't see the time pass, and was surprised when the carriages started to move again, and he realized he had no idea what President Riddle had said to the crowd. He chewed on his bottom lips nervously, a habit he had try to lose, but to no avail. His eyes were blurry from the flash of the photographers, and the camera lights. The beginning of a headache started to form in the back of his head, and he massaged his neck uncomfortably, wanting nothing more but to be away from this place at this moment. There were too many people, too much noise, and he was tired and confused by all the things going on around him.
Blaise was congratulating them with a big smile, and Millicent was patting his back. Pansy, still in a daze from what had just happened had simply decided she was going to shut up, which frankly, was unusual and very satisfying. Flitwick gripped his toga and forced him to bent down, so he was on eye-level with him. "President Riddle wants to see you" he said, looking positively thrilled. Draco simply nodded and followed his short escort through the host.
''Come, come'' Flitwick was walking as fast as he could on his little feet. He was dragged inside a room that looked like to be a study worthy of a king. He instantly felt dread. What did President Riddle want with him? He knew important conversations was being held at places like this. His father always dragged him into his study, when he wanted to discuss something important. The door behind him closed, and he was left alone with Riddle. The man was sitting behind his desk, smiling unpleasantly at him, his snake-eyes boring right through him.
''Ah, young Draco Malfoy. The great Lucius Malfoy's son. Am I right?'' He asked in a cold voice, avoid of all emotions. Clasping Draco's hand in his, in what was probably supposed to look like a friendly hand-shake. ''Yes sir, it is a pleasure to meet you again.'' Draco said politely.
''But the pleasure is all mine.'' Riddle almost purred. ''So tell me, how is my old friend doing?'' ''Very well, sir. He told me to send you his regards.''
Riddle beckoned for Draco to take a seat, ''Tell him to come visit soon again.'' After a short pause; ''You probably want to know why you are here?'' Draco nodded, ''Yes, sir.''
Riddle leaned back in his high leather chair and seemed to search for something in Draco's eyes. ''I want you to do me a favor.'' Draco tried his hardest not to fidget in the chair. He had never been particularly fond of President Riddle. The man was manipulative, but it was always best to be on his good side. Before Draco could utter a word, Riddle continued.
"I want you to ... observe the other tributes." he said slowly, and Draco raised an eyebrow "Observe, sir?" Riddle nodded "Yes. Observe. And if anything ... abnormal is to be seen, you must go to me. Do you understand?" not sure, Draco hesitated "Are you asking me to spy on my opponents?" Tom Riddle chuckled, and it was not a pleasant sound to the ears. "No such thing, my boy." but the look in his eyes suggested the contrary "I'm merely suggesting you keep an eye or two on them. We're never too cautious." Draco didn't answer, and the President took advantage of his silence to continue "I think you should be careful around Mr. Harry Potter. His parents were rebels, after all, and one is never too guarded around the offsprings of those people." he spat, and Draco finally understood "You want me to look for any trace of rebellion from the tributes" he realized.
Riddle kept quiet at the question, but his eyes told that yes, in fact, that was exactly what he wanted. ''Just don't be too cautious. Keep your guards up.'' Riddle said simply. ''Report back to me, the instant you sense something... Suspicious.'' Draco nodded, ''Yes sir.''
Riddle seemed satisfied and dismissed him. ''I won't keep you here any longer, Mr. Malfoy. You should go back. I cannot wait to see what you're worth once the games begin.''
Draco got to his feet, ''Have a great afternoon, sir.'' He said as his parting words, and once he was out of the room, he finally let himself breathe. How would he have time to both keep himself alive and operate under Riddle's orders. Harry Potter. He needed to found out who the boy was, and keep an extra eye on him. Or at least, make it look like he was trying.
Blaise was waiting for him "What did he want?" he asked. "Nothing. Wanted to tell me the costumes were beautiful" Draco lied, while Blaise beamed at him. "Really? You're such a bad liar, Draco." he said indulgently "But I guess this is none of my business. We should go to our suite before Nott tries to molest you." he whistled a melody as Draco followed him quickly to the lift, hoping the doors would close before Theodore or Pansy reached the escalator. Luckily, it did, and Draco sighed in relief. "Not a piece of cake those guys, eh?" Blaise laughed. The doors opened and Draco rushed to the bathroom, hoping to get a shower before Pansy took all the hot water.
About half an hour later, Flitwick called them to the living room, and announced that the tributes would all eat together in the dining room. He was sporting a mow on his face, which said a lot of what he thought of those 'lowly beings' Draco, who was walking at the opposite side of Pansy on purpose, rolled his eyes and followed Blaise closely. Maybe she won't talk to me if she thinks I'm otherwise occupied, he hoped. Blaise was relating him the latest fashion in the Capitol, explaining why pink should be absolutely prohibited. "It's a bad color. Makes you look unhealthy, which isn't good for the stein." He started, and Draco stifled a yawn. "Of course, you can still use one of those awful creams that dye your skin golden, but then again, I tried once and my fiancée called me, Golden Snitch for a month after that. Still don't know what it means, mind you. Told me it was a bird. A mutation." The blond just nodded, because frankly, he didn't know anything about golden snitches.
Blaise continued talking about fashion, while Draco just nodded along. Enjoying being free from Pansy and Nott. God, he hated that guy. He had no idea how he was supposed to handle him. He knew it would be to his disadvantage not getting along with their mentor. He was the one that would get them sponsors, and help them survive out in that Arena.
Finally they arrived at the dinning room. It seemed like they were one of the firsts to arrive, which suited Draco just fine. Then he could observe every tribute that came in. He took a seat beside Pansy, and which was just his luck, Nott decided to sit down on his other side, grinning and winking at him, in spite of, that they had fought the whole day almost. That guy just wouldn't give up, would he?
They started to eat. Well, the others started to eat, and Draco looked at the table with distaste. He was allergic to seafood, a fact that always bothered his father, because caviar was a hint of wealthiness. But, the last time he ate some, at eight, he had inflated so much they had to call the doctor so he wouldn't choke to death. But then again, his father was a very vain man. Draco had the inexplicable urge to talk to him. Despite their quarrels, he was still his father, wasn't he? He had educated and raised him in spite of all. He had offered comfort in his own strange way. Draco's eyes landed on the same tribute as before, interrupting his thoughts. He would have to watch the black haired man carefully. In spite of him looking skinny, he was still muscular and energetic. His green eyes gleamed from cleverness and striked him with their color.
Was that the tribute he needed to keep an eye on for President Riddle? He could see why that was. No one could be fooled by him, could they? He was probably going to be a hard competitor in the Arena, but Draco didn't even think twice about that he couldn't defeat him. Of course he could, he thought, while smirking to himself. The boy already had President Riddle breathing on his neck, one wrong move and Riddle would make sure that the Tribute from District 4 would die in The Arena. It wasn't that Draco approved, but he just needed to think about himself now. It wouldn't do to think more closely about the whole game, and all those who were going to die. He was the one that needed to get out of there alive.
Suddenly he felt a hand squeezing his thigh not too gently, he grabbed the hand and pushed it roughly away. ''How many times do I need to tell you, Nott?''
"As many as you want." Theodore snickered. "It doesn't mean I'm going to stop, does it?" Draco sighed when the hand resumed its moving. He took a deep breath, before yelling "STOP TOUCHING ME YOU SICK FUCK'' earning himself the stern glare of half of the room, and the purr from Nott "Let's see how the Barbie doll is going to win the game if she's not ready to give me what she wants." Desperate, Draco looked around his table for help, and for the first time in his life, he felt relieved when Pansy shrieked "Are you blackmailing me, Nott ? Can't you understand Draco is mine?" her eyes were burning and she had pointed her fork on Nott's neck. Draco hid his snicker in his hand.
Nott would feel truly sorry once he realized how a pissed off Pansy was. Nott looked at Pansy like she had grown an extra head, ''Calm down, girl. I was not talking about y-'' Smack. This time, Draco couldn't hide his snicker as he snorted in laughter. ''I will not let some silly boy talk about me like that! Or blackmail me for that sake!'' She screeched, leaving a red mark on Nott's left chin where she had slapped him. Hard. ''You will leave me alone! I have seen how you look at me. Guess what, I am taken!'' At this she scooted closer to Draco, looking at him lovingly, clearly showing everyone around her that she and Draco was a couple. Well, it took two to make a couple. Draco was having no participation in this pairing. He didn't know why Pansy had made it seem like it was her that Nott was interested in.
Feeling suddenly tired, he looked at the boy he had taken an interest in. The boy was looking back at him with his big beautiful unblinking eyes, questioning him. Draco scowled immediately, sneering at the tribute, before standing up and leaving the room. He was tired, alone, and he wanted nothing more but a good night of sleep. Tomorrow, they would have to resume their training, and he wished to be in good dispositions for the intensive session, he reserved for himself. On his way to the lift, he met one of the jurors who smiled at him. His name was Rodolphus Lestrange, and Draco had seen him a few times when he was younger. When his mother had fled, he had just stopped coming, which had led the blond boy to think they had had an adventure of sorts. "Good evening to you, Draco." Rodolphus saluted with a controlled smirk.
''Hello Lestrange.'' Draco nodded in greeting. He had always wondered if Rodulphus Lestrange was the reason behind as to why his mother had fled, but he would probably never know. He just knew his father hated Lestrange with a passion. ''Did you have a nice dinner?'' Rodulphus asked. ''Yes I did, thank you. The food was lovely.'' Draco answered politely. Lestrange walked quietly beside him, looking around the hallways like he was searching for something or someone. ''I'm looking quite forward to the games this year.'' He said in what sounded like a happy voice, but his face was looking at Draco quite seriously. What could Draco answer to that? 'Well sir, me too. It's going to be so much fun fighting for your own life among other kids.' he thought sarcastically.
Finally, he opted for a simple nod, and started to walk to his chambers, but Rodolphus stopped him before he went further "Malfoy" he started "Draco. I know where all the flowers go. You should go to me if, you know, you wanted to see them." Draco lifted an eyebrow.
.FUCK. Did he look like a gardener? He shrugged and waved goodbye to the man, completely confused by what Lestrange had just said. Like he even cared about some bloody flowers. What had that got to do with anything.
When he arrived to the wards, he locked himself in his bedroom and fell asleep quickly. He didn't dream at all, that night. A pleasant change for once.
The next morning Draco woke to someone stroking his hair. He didn't know why, but he leaned into the touch and saw the face of his mother, behind closed eyelids. His lips formed into a little fond smile, and slowly opened his eyes to the lovely sight of one Pansy Parkinson. He groaned and ran a hand across his face, sighing in frustration. ''Drake, what's wrong?'' She asked, and almost sounded concerned. He looked at her through his fingers and just shook his head. He was starting to get a headache just by her mere presence. ''We don't have that much time. Go shower!'' She stood up and looked expectantly at him. ''What?'' He asked warily. ''Oh, nothing darling.'' She said, winking at him. Then she kissed him square on the mouth and walked out of the room.
Only then did Draco noticed the broken door. He didn't have any word for this. Pansy had literally torn it to get into the room. A bit frightened, he went to the dressing room where Blaise had put their training set, which included a royal blue gym suit, a gourd and golden tennis. On the back of said sweat suit, a red number announced his district's number and his name. He dressed, not bothering with a shower - after all, they'd be sweaty and wet by the end of the day - and hurried to the training center, hoping he would be long gone before Pansy finished her shower.
When he arrived at the training center he noticed how few there were in the room. Why did people choose to take their time with unnecessary things, when it would be better to make them self as prepared as possible for the Arena. Draco walked, head held high, to one of the stations, figuring he could begin before Pansy came and maybe avoid her throughout the whole session, if luck was on his side. He stood in the middle of the room, considering where to start first. Should he begin with his weak spots, or strengthen the areas he already knew a lot about. As he looked around he noticed the black-haired annoying tribute from Districts 4, fumbling with tying a knot, with determination he walked in that direction, having finally decided which station to begin at. As he neared the spot, he saw the Tribute with a self-satisfied smirk plastered on his face. ''Well done, boy. It's few people that can do that knot.'' the trainer praised. ''You did it in such a short time.''.
Draco snorted, as his eyes landed on the boy's back. Harry. District 4. Such a common name. Was he the one Riddle wanted him to keep an eye on? The black haired boy welcomed him with a tense smile. The blond ignored him, as he took a rope and mimicked the trainer's hands movements. He was disappointed to realize his result wasn't as perfect as Harry's, so he tried a second and a third time until he got it perfectly. His opponent was watching him with an amused grin. "What?" he growled "Do you think you can kill me with those ridiculous knots of yours? It takes much more than that." The young man rolled his eyes and stated neutrally "Let's say you are running for your life. Let's say you're not as careful as you are usually. Let's say you walk on one of my "ridiculous knots", as you called them.." He had walk closer to Draco and they were almost nose to nose. Draco couldn't get his eyes anywhere else from those beautiful pools of green that adorned his new found rival's face. Harry Potter smiled and then whispered "And then, hanged by the foot to a tree, all it would take me, is an arrow in your heart, and you couldn't do anything to defend yourself.".
Draco stared at the boy for 3 whole seconds before he managed to come up with a reply. ''Firstly.'' He began coldly. ''I would never walk into one of your stupid knot traps. Do I look that stupid to you? I do know how to detect traps, mind you.'' Draco sneered. ''Poor you if your pretty little head can't work under pressure. You would walk into your own trap if you don't keep your head cold.'' He knelt down again, beginning on other knots, to get the grasp of it, trying his hardest to ignore the other boy.
''No, you're doing it wrong, you almost tied your finger into the knot.'' Draco snorted at this, until he realized the trainer was talking to him. He looked up and scowled at the man, ''What?'' he snapped. ''What exactly am I doing wrong?'' he looked down at his knot again, obviously seeing the fault, but wouldn't acknowledge it. ''You need to cross the wide end with the narrow twice before you tighten the knot.'' The boy who had a name now, Harry Potter, answered, smirking at him. Draco tried his hardest not to show his confusion. Cross it twice how exactly?
His interlocutor laughed "Secondly, look at the floor.". Draco did, and was surprised to see his feet tied in a tight knot. "Boom" Harry breathed, his mouth only an inch away from his ear "You're dead" and the blond felt the pointy end of a knife pressed at his side. The brunette winked, released him, then started to walk to another station, muttering a last "Good luck getting rid of that knot. I invented it myself, and no one in district 4 knows how to untie it, except for me." Draco swore and gave him the finger.
He looked down at the knot and groaned. He was glaring daggers at the boy's retreating back. He would get him back for this. Maybe he had his stupid knots, but Draco was still not stupid. It wasn't like he didn't know any tricks of his own. He suddenly smirked, forming up a plan. Well, the game was on. As soon as they were in the Arena he would kill the boy off. It would be easy. After all, he had been observing the boy closely since they came here, and he would continue to do so. He needed to figure out his flaws, and where he was weak. If you knew your opponents weaknesses you could easily take them down. That was what Draco decided to do. He slumped down and swore yet again, trying his hardest to untie the knot. Oh, he would so get him back for this.
"Do you need any help ?" the trainer asked with the hint of a smile in his voice. "No! I can do it alone!" Draco snapped, looking at the guy with disdain. The man shrugged "No need to be unpleasant. In two weeks time, you'll be dead. I don't really care how much you dislike me." he held out a knife, which Draco took and proceeded to slowly cut the ropes, which proved to be more difficult than he thought. Ten minutes later, through the laughs of the other tributes and the threat of Pansy coming in his direction to drool all over him, he finally succeeded and looked for Potter, hoping he could humiliate him as well. He found him at the bow station, trying to bend one, but obviously failing. "Not so mighty, now, Potter?" he sneered.
Harry turned around and looked at him, eyebrow raised. ''I see you managed to get out of my knot.. But not without the use of a knife.'' Draco didn't answer, instead he picked up a bow, relaxed his shoulders and drew the arrow back with eased practice, until his drawing hand was placed against the jaw. Before you could blink twice with the eye, he had hit the training dummy right in the heart. His arrow hit with such a great force that it almost bore the whole way through, sticking out at the other side. The whole room went quiet and everyone was looking at him. Someone in awe, and others more wary, but all he did was take up another arrow, and this time, he hit the object directly in the eye.
For a second, a flash of admiration crossed Harry's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a cold expression. "Not bad, for a barbie doll" he said. Draco, scowled, in cold fury, pointing his bow in the boy's direction : "I advice you to shut your mouth, or I'll pierce your throat with my arrow."
A security guard came by and ordered them to separate. They complied and each went his own way with a last growl in the other's direction.
Throughout the rest of the training sessions, the guards made sure Harry and Draco were nowhere near each other. Tributes weren't supposed to fight before they were in the Arena, and those two in closer quarters only meant trouble. Draco continued to work his way through the different stations, not paying attention to anyone around him, not even Pansy, even though she tried her hardest to impress Draco. He had to give it to her, she was quite skillful. She may look dumb, but he knew she wasn't. She could be as sneaky as he was.
When noon came, Draco sat next too a sympathetic blond girl with a charming smile and an easy laugh. "Bonjour" she said, obviously in french "I am Fleur Delacour. And you are?"
"Draco Malfoy." he introduced himself with a small bow of the head and a kiss on the back of her hand. Fleur giggled playfully "Why, Monsieur, aren't you a polite gentleman." After a few minutes of talking about the weather, he finally wondered, curiously he asked, "Tell me ... do you actually come from France? I thought ... It had been swallowed by the seas?" She frowned and looked around, as to see if someone was listening, keeping an eye on them. Finally, she whispered quietly "Non non. It certainly 'asn't disappeared ... but your government ... They often go to Europe and capture people... I was taken when I was only ten, and adopted later by a family from my district." she looked nostalgic "But I certainly miss Paris, and the Tour Eiffel." She finished in french with a glassy gaze "Je rêve souvent de me balader à nouveau sur les Champs Elysées, et ma petite soeur me manque. Gabrielle.''
Draco stared at the beautiful girl, saddened by the fact that the Capitol would go so far. Suddenly he frowned, wait. There was something else out there? Had the Capitol control there too? Draco wondered. He would have given anything to know how the situation was outside, since the Capitol had told them a big fat lie. But since Fleur had said they had captured her, that meant the Capitol had some kind of control there too, since they could capture people as they wished. This wasn't a comforting thought at all.
''Who is Gabrielle?'' Draco asked. He didn't understand a word of french, but he caught the mention of a name. She looked at him with her big sad blue eyes. ''My sister.'' she said quietly, taking a rather large sip of her wine. ''I do not know what happened to her after they captured me. I can only hope she is somewhere safe.''
"I'm sorry." he said truthfully. She just grinned "I'm not one to complain. I have a nice life, good friends, and a charming fiancé." her gaze landed on a ginger boy "Ronald! Viens ici! Come over here!" she called, and the boy, who was previously talking to a pretty bushy haired girl blushed and walked over, excusing himself to his interlocutor, in a clumsy step that suggested he had grown up too fast to really be used to it yet. "Oi Fleur!" he smiled "What's going on?" he asked while looking at Draco warily. "I just wanted to introduce you to my new friend, Draco. Draco, this is Ronald, my fiancé's brother."
This was anything but good, Draco thought. He was not supposed to make friends with people here, since the chances that he would be the one to kill them was pretty big. He needed to consider them as nothing but animals. It was animals he needed to hunt down and kill. It was easier that way, than to look at them as human beings, whose life had barely started. Each and everyone would die at such an young age. He nodded politely to the boy, almost immediately trying to analyze what he could about him. His body language already said a lot. From one look, Draco could tell that this was a weak opponent. But he needed to watch him some more, because tributes could always fool other people. He stretched a hand out to Ron, ''Draco Malfoy.'' he said. ''You're not from the same district, are you?'' Draco asked. ''How is it possible to be engaged to his brother?'' Fleur looked around once more, making sure no one was watching them. ''He travels a lot.'' She whispered as a way of explanation. Yes, the girl might have a good life, friends, and a loving fiancee, but what did it matter when she would soon have to face her own death.
"I have to go, boys" she announced after five minutes "I saw some éclairs au chocolat. It's been a while since I last ate one. À plus tard.". Both boys looked at her go, unblinkingly, then Ron sighed "I have to make sure she stays safe." he just said, then gave a sad smile to Draco and gulped down his glass of champaign. He told him goodbye, and a few minutes later the place was taken by none other than Harry Potter "Having fun ?" he asked with irony.
''Why yes, Potter. I'm having the time of my life.'' Draco sneered. Harry regarded him for a couple of seconds, and then chuckled drily. ''Yes, I see that. Enjoy it while you can.'' Was there an underlying threat in Potter's words, Draco wondered, while he settled a glass of wine in front of Harry. ''I suggest you do the same.'' He answered, raising his own glass in a toast.
Harry leaned so close to Draco he shuddered slightly, trying not to let on how much this proximity disturbed him in a way it shouldn't have. He breathed shakily as the boy murmured against his ear "I can't wait to see you in the arena... All sweaty ... the stein paled by fear, and your eyes red by the lack of sleep ... Such a sight you will be..''
Draco clenched his fists, wanting to hit Potter in his cocky little face, show him how oh so wrong he would be, when they both stood there, in the Arena. Then Draco would be the one watching the fear in Potter's eyes gleefully. It wasn't that he particularly would enjoy to kill, as he said, it was easier to pretend they were all animals, but no one would ever be allowed to mess with a Malfoy. He would be damned if he would let this boy be the reason he died there. No fucking way. ''I hope your face will still be recognizable when the hovercraft comes to pick your dead body up.'' Was all Draco said.