Chapter Text
"Sugawara Koushi-san!"
No
"Come on up here!"
No way
There's no way
All colour leaves his cheeks as he walks to Takeda.
He can't believe this.
The crowd opens up to let him pass, giving him looks of compassion, trying to mask the relief bubbling inside them. Koushi can't blame them. In fact, he would do the same thing if he were in their shoes.
But he's not.
He's the male tribute of the 25th annual Hunger Games.
His legs refuse to move fluently and he stands next to Kiyoko like a lifeless, stiff block. They share a look, her glassy gray eyes piercing his. His gaze turns to the rest of the safe teenagers, the boy desperately trying to find his mother's head of fare hair.
"Sugawara-san, how old are you?" he barely hears Takeda addressing him.
"Sixteen" he doesn't even recognise his voice as he replies. Up close, the escort is much shorter than Koushi initially assumed. His height barely reaches his jaw.
"Splendid! District eleven has very good chances this year! Everyone, I present to you your tributes for the 25th annual Hunger Games!"
He joins the two teens' hands and raises them in the air, knowing very well they are in too much of a shock to do it on their own even if he asked them to.
Everyone salutes them, raising three fingers in the air, a sign of solidarity and anger towards this whole thing.
And that's when Koushi sees her.
He can't tell if she's crying due to the distance between them, although her shoulders seem to be shaking slightly.
Everything she has ever said to him comes to his memory and he wonders if the conversation they are about to have in the private vehicle that will transfer him and Kiyoko to the Capitol will be their last.
Normally the "performance" should end by now, but the escort opens his mouth again, before the mass of now safe from reaping children has a chance to disperse.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we might be over with our procedure, but I have important news to carry to you from President Snow himself."
The square erupts in concerned murmurs.
"Settle down, please." Various peace keepers surrounding them bark threats and silence falls heavy.
"As you all know, this year we mark the 25th anniversary of the Hunger Games. In order to celebrate there will be a little twist in the event."
Koushi's heart sinks to his stomach.
How could they possibly make this worse?
"This special edition of the Games, the Quarter Quell, has a specific rule. Every tribute will not be competing with the respective male or female from their district, but will collaborate with one person that does not come from their homeland. That means that Sugawara-san and Shimizu-san will not be competing together..."
Shouts of protest cover Takeda's voice and fade only once heavy rifles are turned to every member of the crowd to enforce quiet.
So much for Peace keeping, Koushi can't help thinking.
It doesn't really matter to him. That black haired girl really seems nice and would make an excellent partner, but whatever twist there is, it doesn't take away the fact that this might be his last day in his home.
He had a bad feeling about this and he was right to do so.
He feels so numb.
"They will not be competing together, but with a randomly assigned tribute from another district. It is not obligatory that a team consists of a young man and woman. That is all."
Kiyoko slips another look at Koushi, like saying goodbye.
Good luck, he tries to convey with his eyes.
"Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favour!"
*
They get ten minutes with their families before they are sent off.
He has so much he wants to say, but there's no time.
The mini van barely has space for himself, his mother, Kiyoko and her parents.
Fear washes over mother and son as they grip each other tightly by the elbows.
He lets panic take over his body.
It is evident that she has been crying, but right now she puts on a brave face for him.
"Koushi" she shakes him slightly.
He must tell her. He must tell her before it's too late.
"Mom, I...just...take care of Suzume and the animals...sell-sell my clothes and my bed if you have to...and...tell her that I love her..."
"Koushi" she interrupts.
There she does it again. He really doesn't have a clue how that little word can have so much power over his actions.
"Yeah?"
"I will take care of Suzume and I will tell her you love her but I will not sell anything that's yours because you will need it when you come home, okay?"
She takes his head in her arms, stroking his hair.
"You will come home, okay?"
He nods weakly.
"Promise me"
He can't do that. He wishes he could, but unfortunately he can't.
She pulls her son's face so that it is right across hers and cupped in her hands.
"Promise me, Koushi"
However, he also can't say no to her.
"I promise" he whispers.
''Good'' a smile flashes his way
"Mom?"
"Yes?"
"I love you"
They embrace each other for what he believes is the last time and the words he craved ever since his father breathed his last breath finally fill his ears.
"I love you too, baby."