Chapter Text
Yesterday
District 6
“You’re worried about him.. Real or not real?” “Real.” Lando says, gently sliding his hand into Oscar’s, “He’s just been so closed off since my games, I don’t know what happened.” He runs a hand over his face, sighing deeply, “I shouldn't burden you with this, you’re still healing-” “Lan. I’m fine.. I promise..”
“Do you think we’ll see Lewis at the Capitol tomorrow?” Oscar says after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, “No.” Lando replies, looking out the window, “Last time I saw him was when George won his games.” “But the next games are a Quarter Quell..” Oscar leans forward, hoping to catch Lando’s eyes, “I know Danny might be there, we could ask him if he’s seen Lewis, try to talk to him-” “Lewis hasn't said anything to anyone, other than George and Max since his games, he just drinks himself into the next day.” Lando snaps, “Sorry, I just- he’s not exactly the nicest person anymore.”
Present Day
District 12
Max carefully steps into Lewis’s house, a peacekeeper practically up his butt following him. Max gags as he walks deeper into the house, “Jesus, does he ever clean?” he mutters, covering his mouth and nose with his hand.
Max walks into the kitchen, finding Lewis slumped over the table. He looks around for a moment before grabbing a half empty bottle of.. Well he didn't know, some sort of alcohol. He picks it up and pours the rest of it onto Lewis’s head. Lewis jolts awake, ripping a small knife out of his back pocket and holding it up at Max, “What are you doing!?” “Camera’s will be here in an hour.” Lewis storms toward Max, who grabs the front of Lewis’s shirt and pushes him backward, “If you wanted to be babied, you should’ve asked George.” Max snaps, sitting Lewis back down, “Well he’s not here is he?” Lewis growls, “He’s too busy playing pretty with the Capitol scum.” Lewis searches the table for a bottle that's somewhat full. Max is already turning on his heels, heading for the door, “Take a bath, Lewis.”
He hears Lewis grumble something under his breath and drop the now empty bottle on the floor before shutting the door. He rolls up his sleeve to check his watch, “Do I still have time to go to District 5?” “No. One visit per week, let's go.” The peacekeeper wastes no time in shoving Max back toward where the train is.
District 2
Max walks back into his house, pausing at the look on his father’s face, ‘What?’ he mouths, already getting frustrated. “Don’t take that tone with me, boy.” Jos holds a finger up for a moment before dropping it. “You have a visitor in the office. Brought flowers with him too.” Jos shuffles back into the living area of the house, swiping a glass of whiskey off the counter. “Flowers–?” “Mr. Verstappen.” A peacekeeper appears from the hall, gesturing toward the office.
Max walks down the hall, entering the office to see Christian Horner sitting in his father’s chair. “What do you want?” Max grumbles, crossing his arms over his chest. “Can’t an old friend get a better welcome than that?” Christian muses, “Well anyway, I just came here to tell you that Daniel was spotted at the Capitol this morning.” Christian gets up, circling the desk and picking up a flower from the vase. “You came all the way to tell me that? You’re not a very good liar, Horner.” Max grumbles, “Now, now, Max. I thought we agreed a long time ago that we would not lie to each other. That is all I have for you. But seeing as your little friend has been missing for nearly 5 years, I thought you’d be happy.” Christian starts walking toward the doorway. “Oh and… George was very fun last night. Toto trained him well.” Christian smirks to himself and leaves before Max can even process what he just said.
“What? What do you mean? Horner! Horner!?” Max shouts, his brows furrowed in anger and confusion, Toto trained him well??? What the fuck does that even mean!? Before Max can even begin to chase after Christian, his father shouts from the living room, “Oi! No yellin’ in my house!” Max rolls his eyes, taking a long sigh. It was going to be a long night..
The Capitol
“Look at me, darling.” Toto lifts George’s jaw slightly, forcing him to look at Toto. Toto can’t help but smirk when George’s eyes finally lock onto his, “Good boy~” George takes a long breath, his ribs hurt and he just wants to go home.. Home.. when was the last time I was at my own home..? George must’ve looked away for a moment because Toto’s hand shifted under his jaw and onto his neck, lifting him from his kneeling position on the floor. George immediately recognises his mistake and his eyes lock back onto Toto’s who just laughs cruelly. “Don’t give me those puppy dog eyes. You looked away, you couldn’t do the simple task I asked you to do.” “No, Toto, I didn’t mean-” George’s weak plea is cut off by Toto tossing him back onto the bed.
Three Hours Later
District 6
“Jesus! Lando what happened!?” Oscar exclaims, clearing off the large island in their kitchen, “I-I don’t know! Max said he found him like this when he was looking for Daniel!” “Okay, okay, set him here, George? George, can you hear me?”
George lets out a soft whimper, his face pulling up into a grimace. He tries to curl in on himself, which Lando stops him from doing, “No George, stay on your back.. Oscar give him the sedative..” “I’m trying Lan. Hold him still.”
Lando sets his hands on either side of George’s face, causing him to flinch, “Easy, easy, it’s alright.. It's okay..” Oscar guides the needle into his arm, pushing the sedative, “Okay he should be feeling it any minute.” Just as Oscar speaks, George’s body starts going limp, “Yeah.. it’s okay, you’re safe.” Lando speaks softly into George’s ear until he goes slump against the table.
“Call Lewis.”