It isn't as if Roland doesn't know this place is dangerous. Were this an ordinary day in an ordinary place, he wouldn't go near it. Cemeteries like this had been fine places for Roland and his mates to visit, back when they were young enough to think they had to go around proving their bravery to one another. Roland hadn't had too hard a time with it, then, as he'd been sure there was no real danger in it.
He's learned a little differently, since then.
This isn't an ordinary day, though, and no ordinary place. This is an arena, and the part of Roland which yearns to fight and conquer just because he can is only encouraged by being here. He keeps it under control, not wanting to play too completely into the greedy hands of the gamemakers by hurting his fellow tributes for sport, but he does take a few more risks. Risks like walking through the large and grim cemetery which surrounds this house, risks like walking straight up to the front door and knocking on it. If no one answers he'll inch his wary way inside, hand ready to grab for the shillelagh twisted into a strap of his makeshift purse, but in the case that there are spirits - or something else - living here, he might gain more by being polite.
I, week one
He's learned a little differently, since then.
This isn't an ordinary day, though, and no ordinary place. This is an arena, and the part of Roland which yearns to fight and conquer just because he can is only encouraged by being here. He keeps it under control, not wanting to play too completely into the greedy hands of the gamemakers by hurting his fellow tributes for sport, but he does take a few more risks. Risks like walking through the large and grim cemetery which surrounds this house, risks like walking straight up to the front door and knocking on it. If no one answers he'll inch his wary way inside, hand ready to grab for the shillelagh twisted into a strap of his makeshift purse, but in the case that there are spirits - or something else - living here, he might gain more by being polite.