Chapter 4: The Train Ride

As soon as he entered the train, a thought hit Ward, hard. It had begun. It was time for the games, even if they hadn't reached the arena just yet. He would have to be prepared for it, but how could one prepare himself for the idea of an imminent death? The truth is, he couldn't, and he wouldn't. Grant didn't want to die, and even more, he couldn't let Fitz die.

Even though joining the mentors at the faux living room they had set in the train compartment would be the wisest idea, the male just couldn't bring himself to do so; he needed some time alone to let the recent events sink in for once. Since the only place he would manage to be alone right now was his room in the train, there is exactly where Ward went, being followed closely by an avox. If it was another situation, he would've dismissed anyone who attempted to follow him, but he was in an unknown place and had no idea where to go, so he let her be.

Once he reached the bedroom, Ward said his thanks for the avox in a low tone and dismissed her. The next step was to close the door and then he made his way over to the bed, lowering his physique onto the mattress and then, only then he allowed himself to freak out a little. His palms were placed over his face, covering it. His body was shaking slightly and he could feel a drip of sweat running down the side of his face, his thoughts were all messed up. Grant was scared. Not that he would ever admit that to anyone, but he was, he feared for himself and feared for Leo. District 3 wasn't well known for having that many victors, but if it depended on him, he would do his best to change that.

While Ward was there in his room, he figured Fitz would be with the mentors and the escort, charming them with his brilliant personality and his intelligence. He should be there as well, but if so, he probably would have exploded at some point, and done something that not only would he regret, but also would ruin his chances at the games. He would let Leo deal with them for now.

-x-

It was not long before the same avox that had brought him to his designated room knocked on Grant's door to guide him to the dining room. Three hours had passed and he didn't even notice. It was lunch time, and this time he was prepared to meet with the rest of the group.

"Ward!" Fitz was waving at him from across the table the same way he used to do whenever they joined each other for lunch during their break at work. Sadly it felt like a lifetime ago since they had done that and not just a few hours. Acknowledging the younger male with a nod, Grant seated across from him, taking the time to turn his head a bit, so he could greet the rest of the people with a polite nod.

There was a ridiculous variety of food on the table. More than he had ever had the pleasure to see in front of him, and Ward imagined that Leo felt the same way since he was not as wealthy as himself. Although the food looked delicious, Grant didn't feel hungry, that spark of nervousness was still within him, making him feel uncomfortable. Everyone else already had food on their plates and were eating quietly, but the silence was not pleasant, instead it was overwhelming, and if he didn't need them, the male would have left the place.

Serving some pasta with meatballs to his plate, Ward decided that it was time to speak up. "So, any tips on how to stay alive at the arena?" His tone of voice was casual, sounding calm and collected, even if it was completely different from how he was feeling inside. A fork was lifted to bring some of the food into his mouth. Everyone was looking at him now, even Fitz, whom seemed to only be remembering now the trick fate had set up for them. Jemma had a surprised expression upon her mien, as if she was wondering why he would bring up the subject during the meal. Melinda and Phil both looked stoic, and for a few seconds there was no response, that is, until May opened her mouth. "You fight."

Grant was ready to complain, and it must've been visible on his features, because soon Simmons interrupted him, voicing her own thoughts. "You're going to have to win the hearts of the public. Make them love and root for you two, that way it'll be easier for us to get you sponsors. Those can be the difference between life and death." Finally joining the conversation, Coulson added a piece of his mind. "There are some strategies that could be used in this situation to help you, but you'd have to be comfortable with it." Both Fitz and Ward furrowed their eyebrows in twin expressions before Phil continued. "I'll explain when we arrive there. You should enjoy your meal while you can." He completed, pointing to their plates. Grant knew an end of discussion when he saw one, so he simply bobbed his head in a quick nod and let the subject be dismissed. There would be time for it.

-x-

After lunch Leo accompanied Grant to his room. It seemed like he had gotten better at hiding his feelings, because as soon as they were seated on Ward's bed and the door was closed, he lost it. Fitz was shaking and tears could be seen on the corners of his eyes, which were gradually reddening. The older male was not exactly a pro at comforting people, but they were friends, and he had to do it, so Grant gently slid an arm around the middle of Leo's torso and let the Scottish's head rest against his chest. The brunet's palm rubbed against the blond's back in a motion that he hoped felt both calming and reassuring.

That's how the two males spent the rest of their afternoon, cuddled together on Ward's bed, trying to reassure each other that it would be alright, that they would come out of it victorious. And maybe, just maybe, in the end it would come true.