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Tsukasa still remembers very vividly when his name was called out by District 12’s escort Naomi Tatsuya. He doesn’t really remember the girl who was reaped with him but she was younger than him by a year. Tsukasa was 16 when he was reaped to be a tribute for the 74th hunger games. It wasn’t that bad though. Fujio was 14 when he was reaped. Tsukasa doesn’t really remember what happened after his own name was called but he does remember the way he felt after Fujio’s was called. Tsukasa was going to volunteer. He needed to. He wasn’t going to let his best friend go off and die. To make things worse, 12 didn’t have any victors. The last remaining one, Yoshiki Muryama killed himself only a month prior. Fujio wouldn’t have any mentor. So as he ran to Fujio while he was walking down the dirt path up to the stage Fujio only gave him a hard look and said “if you volunteer I will never speak to you again”
So Tsukasa stopped. During the 3 hours the tributes were given to say goodbye to their families, Tsukasa held Fujio tight. So damn tight Fujio told him “Hey, if the games don’t kill me you might. Stop squeezing so hard” That made Tsukasa cry
When Fujio’s games formally began Tsukasa hadn’t slept. He watched each and every moment Fujio was on screen, hoping, praying to anyone out there that he’d be okay, that Fujio would make it back home— back to him. But deep down, Tsukasa knew. He already knew Fujio would win. Fujio was strong. One of the strongest in the district. Charming as well. During his games, Fujio got himself a ton of sponsors. Like a lot. In the end, Fujio won by bashing the head of a boy from District 1 in with a brick. Fujio came out with quite a few scars on his back that not even the capital’s expertise on plastic surgery could fix. Tsukasa held him tightly when he came back. He put his arms around Fujio’s neck, Fujio’s going around his waist. Tsukasa held him tight, hoping that the Fujio with him was real. That Fujio really survived the games and was back here with him. “You’re here, you’re here” Tsukasa whispered into his neck, tears running down his cheek
Fujio smelled like expensive soap but Tsukasa could still faintly smell the scent of mud and ash from his skin, a familiar scent that belonged to all of those who worked in the mines in 12. Fujio used to work in the mines to help provide mother while Tsukasa worked in a bakery with his own mother. Tsukasa doesn’t really get along with his family so when he was reaped, no one came to see him except Fujio and Fujio’s mother. He doesn’t really mind though. Fujio was going with him anyways since he was his mentor now. When Tsukasa got on the capital train is when it actually hit. He was going to die. He was going to fucking die. Naomi, their escort seemed concerned about something else the entire time though, watching the news and latest gossip of other victors, paying close attention to the rumours of Reiji Himuro from District 1 and his many many lovers . “You’re going to win” Fujio told him as they sat in the last car of the train
Tsukasa only laughs, the sun gleaming off his hair; it was still black at that time. “Don’t think so”
“You will Tsukasa… You have to. If you die I die” Fujio says grabbing both his hands “So please, please win for me”
Tsukasa stared at Fujio’s eyes, he looked scared. Probably even more scared than him. “I’ll try”
Initially, Tsukasa didn’t have any motivation to win. But Fujio’s desperate stare made him determined. Tsukasa’s area was a forest that had the occasional flurries of snow. He hadn’t made any friends. Not even with the female tribute from his district so he was very much alone. Tsukasa made a mental note to stay clear of District 1-3 after hearing them talk during the training portion leading up to the games.
“He’s pretty”
“Which one?”
“The boy from 12, Tsukasa Takajo… Heard he’s best friends with Fujio Hanaoka”
“Hm, he is… pretty ”
There was this menacing laughter that followed their conversation. Red Alarms blared in Tsukasa’s head. He made sure to stay away, to hope that one of the other tributes would finish them off. But as Tsukasa made it to the end, he was attacked by a boy from District 2. It was only the both of them left. Tsukasa won with the cost of the vision in his left eye and scars spanning up both his arms. He wasn’t completely blind, only half. It was very very blurry. But either way, he won. But it was when Fujio and Naomi came to visit him in the hospital right after the games that he understood exactly what might happen to him. “Um… There is no easy way to say this Tsukasa” Naomi said quietly
Fujio had a frustrated look on his face. He looked angry and concerned and so many emotions. At the time he hadn’t gotten used to the half blurriness in his left eye so he couldn’t make out much of Fujio’s expressions or Naomi’s. “I always thought it was just a rumour but I had a talk with Reiji Himuro, District 1’s victor… He was here this year as a mentor” Naomi looks like she doesn’t want to continue “Highly attractive and desirable victors are almost always prostituted by President Kotaru Amagai to citizens of the Capitol… I don’t know what made him tell me but… Tsukasa I don’t want that to happen to you”
Pretty boy. That’s what the people in the media were calling him. Tsukasa always knew he was attractive. Everyone told him that. It was what always got him discounts on things in 12. He always used his beauty to his advantage but right now it seems that it would be his down fall. “You mean…”
“Yeah Tsukasa, they’re gonna try and sell you off if we don’t think of something” Fujio said hurriedly
His best friend was angry. Very angry. “And you? What about you?” Tsukasa asks
Fujio sighs. “I jokingly said in my interview that I had a special someone waiting for me back home… The capital loves these kinds of things so maybe that’s why. But I didn’t know this kind of thing happened until now Tsukasa, we would have made a plan for you”
Tsukasa stares down at his bandaged hands. The bandages were wrapped all around his fingers, his palms, his wrists and going up his arms. It had been a brutal last fight in the arena and the District 2 tribute kept aiming for his face so Tsukasa kept putting his arms up to protect his head. Apparently, the damage was so bad the plastic surgeons in the capital couldn’t fix it but they had reduced the appearance of the scars. “I’m not going to be a fucking prostitute,” Tsukasa said looking back up at them “Never-fucking- ever ”
“That’s why… I have thought of something” Naomi said “but I’m not sure if either of you will like it”
Later at his post-game interview with widely loved Bernie, Tsukasa confesses something. “So Tsukasa, do you have a special someone like your mentor Fujio did? Everyone is most curious to know” Bernie says with a grin
Tsukasa laughs softly, the crowd in front exclaiming in excitement as they wait for his answer. “Well… Actually yes”
Bernie gasps as he looks to the crowd. “Well do tell, don’t we all want to know!”
Tsukasa has to stop himself from wincing at how bright the lights around him are as well how many cameras are pointed at him. He hates it. “I’ve actually loved him since we were little kids” Tsukasa explains, attempting to sound shy and truthful
Bernie lets out another gasp and the crowd seems to love it even more. “A childhood love story! Will you tell him when you get back?”
Tsukasa smiles shyly. “I told him before the games. I didn’t think I’d live but right before I left I told him that I loved him and he said he loved me too and he told me that I had to come back”
The crowd awes and Tsukasa has to heavily resist the urge of rolling his eyes. Fucking rich people. “You mean at the reaping? He came to see you”
Tsukasa softly laughs. “No, my mentor… My best friend. Fujio”
It becomes news. Huge news. Tsukasa Takajo and Fujio Hanaoka, childhood lovers. The news is almost as big as the disappearance of victors from District 6 Mario Misaki, Kansuke Seta, Kamui Ito, Magoroku Yamaguchi, Mashii Takehiko and Kozo Miyauchi. So, Tsukasa returns home with Fujio with a part to play. With Tsukasa’s public declaration of their love, Fujio and Tsukasa now have to play the part of childhood lovers to save one from prostitution. “I’m right across the street” Fujio tells him
Tsukasa and his mother have officially moved into Victor’s village. The place was barren, and empty save for Fujio’s mother who actually took care of the place. Tsukasa’s mother didn’t think he was actually going to win but she thanked her son for bringing all the money in and for a better place to live. It was the cost of his physical and mental health but who cares right? Tsukasa’s mother gives both Fujio and Tsukasa a look before she heads inside the lavish house. Miki hugs Tsukasa tight and told him she knew he would win. Fujio’s about to go into his house but Tsukasa stops him. “Can I stay with you tonight?” Tsukasa asks Fujio
Fujio doesn’t think twice before nodding, telling him he could. So they laid there that night in Fujio’s room, staring up at the ceiling. Tsukasa’s arms were still covered in bandages and his vision was still blurry. The doctors gave him eye drops before he came back, saying that it would make the blurriness better while they find a cure for his partial blindness. Tsukasa wonders if they’re only doing that because he’s a victor. Fujio tells him they’re doing it because he’s pretty. “Fujio” Tsukasa whispers
The room is silent save for Fujio and his own breathing. “Hm?”
“I thought I was going to die” Tsukasa admits, feeling all the emotions from his games wash over him
He feels like a baby. Fujio hadn’t cried when he came back but here he was, tears running down the side of his face as he lays next to his best friend, still staring up at the ceiling. “You were scared weren’t you…” Fujio mumbles and Tsukasa feels Fujio take his hand, rubbing his thumb over his bandaged knuckles
“Yeah… I thought I’d never see you again” Tsukasa is full-on crying now, choking back his sobs with heavy broken breaths
He feels like a child. It’s so stupid for him to cry but Fujio turns onto his side and pulls Tsukasa over into his arms. So Tsukasa sobs into Fujio’s chest, holding on to his best friend’s shirt, pulling him closer, hoping he was real, that this was real and that he was alive— that they were alive. “You’re okay, you’re okay” Fujio whispers and his voice starts to break as well
Soon Fujio’s crying too. They’re both just sobbing and crying, both grateful and praying that what was happening right now was real. That they were both safe. Safe was an objective thing in this shitty place but safe nonetheless. Their bodies are shaking with each heavy breath and each sob, hovering over the fine line between pained and relief. “I thought I was going to lose you” Fujio chokes out between sobs, “I thought I was going to lose you Tsukasa”
Tsukasa only hugs Fujio tighter as both of them cry even more. It’s how most the night passes. Both of them just crying and holding each other.
6 months filled with nightmares pass. Tsukasa dyes his hair blonde. Fujio likes it. He says it looks like a pretty halo in the sun. 6 months have passed but Tsukasa still hasn’t uncurled his fingers from around the sword he used during the games. His fingers still drip with red and Tsukasa doesn’t know when it’ll wash away. Fujio tells him it gets easier eventually but Tsukasa has shaken Fujio awake from nightmares too many times for him to be telling the truth.
It never gets easier after the games. Tsukasa feels uncomfortable using the blood-soaked money he gets from the capital on a monthly basis but at least he’s not starving anymore. At least none of them are starving. He has food in his stomach at the price of his mental health and the lives of other people but it’s okay. At least his mother is happy, at least he’s alive. At least he has Fujio. He’s gotten used to the blurriness in his left eye at this point as well so it’s going okay. The scars on his arms healed some time ago so he took off the bandages. His arms, starting from his palms and knuckles were filled with brown, pink and white coloured scars. Tsukasa figures it could be worse so he doesn’t pay them much mind. It’s mostly cold in 12(save for 2-3 months) anyways so they’re always hidden under jackets and gloves. So when he’s coming back from the town square after giving food to some orphan kids as well as some blankets since it was starting to snow. He opens the front door and is met with the sight of his mother’s, not commonly seen, panicked expression. “Uh, Mom?” he says confused
“Are you back?” her voice sounds cheerful despite the panicked look in her eyes “How was your walk?”
Tsukasa narrows his eyes at her and is about to correct her but he sees them. Men dressed in black holding rifles. Someone important was here. Really important. “Mr. Takajo,” a tall boy around his age with a strong jaw says “This way”
They lead him into the study after patting him down. Tsukasa feels weird having to be guided into a part of his own house. But his heart drops at the sight of who is in the study. Kōhei Amagai, the son of the president. The door of the study closes behind him. It’s snowing out. The sky and ground is painted as white as Kōhei Amagai’s hair. He watching something on the hologram monitor. It was the video of Tsukasa in his games where he slits the throat of the girl from 1. “Such bravery… I didn’t know a baker’s boy could be so skilled with a knife” Kōhei says dryly
Tsukasa sucks in a breath, half of Kōhei’s face is a little blurry but he can make out that menacing stare. “Mr. Amagai… It’s an honour” he says slowly
Kōhei only laughs. “Sit down Tsukasa, I want to talk to you”
Tsukasa immediately complies and sits at the desk in the study and Kōhei also sits down. Kōhei Amagai, unlike his father, wears a lot of jewellery. He’s got two piercings in each ear and layered necklaces. “I have a problem Tsukasa” Kōhei says
Tsukasa can’t stop himself from speaking. “A problem your endless amount of money and power can’t fix?”
Tsukasa thinks he’s about to get shot in the head or get his tongue cut out but instead, Kōhei laughs. “Yeah surprising right?”
Tsukasa reminds himself to shut the fuck up from now on because there is probably only so much dry humour the president’s son will take before he calls for someone to come shoot him. “You see Tsukasa, when you won I got calls from so many of my friends asking if I could, set you up with them” Kōhei says with a laugh then his expression turns dark “but then it turns out Tsukasa Takajo is in love with Fujio Hanaoka ”
Tsukasa has to hold back a full-bodied shiver. Kōhei Amagai wasn’t exactly scary. Sure the white-haired male had a good few inches over him but Tsukasa was definitely stronger. The thing that made him intimidating was the fact that Kōhei Amagai will be president one day. Tsukasa would rather not fuck with the to be president of this shitty country and risk getting executed or turned into an avox by getting his tongue cut out. “Um… Should be apologizing for the inconvenience?” Tsukasa asks nervously, not understanding where the president’s son and successor was going with this
“Of course you should be Tsukasa. You and Fujio have caused me a great deal of problems” Kōhei says rolling his eyes
Tsukasa isn’t sure if he should actually say sorry or if Kōhei was being sarcastic. “But lucky for you, everyone loves a good love story” The president’s sons says with a huge grin “I also love romance. You know like Romeo and Juliet… Romeo and Juliet is actually my favourite Tsukasa, you know why?”
The blonde shakes his head no. He has read the story but recently the old age play from before the disasters that changed the world was banned for unknown reasons. “they both die in the end” Kōhei deadpans
Tsukasa isn’t too sure why he expected any other answer from Kōhei. “Love is a dangerous thing Tsukasa” he says
Once again, Tsukasa’s mouth works faster than his brain. “Do you have anyone Mr. Amagai?”
At that moment the tall young guard from earlier comes into the room. “What do you want Suzaki?” Kōhei says calmly
“Sorry sir, thought I heard something” The young guard, Suzaki says
Kōhei only waves him off and Suzaki leaves, closing the door. “Anyways Tsukasa” Kōhei says and picks up the remote to the hologram monitor “Your little love story has created a huge problem for me”
“Are you going to kill me?” Tsukasa asks
Kōhei grins. “Of course not. I don’t want to you kill. My dad is pretty tired of me being a spoiled brat who always get his way, especially since I’m almost ready to become president.” The white haired boy says “so I want us to be friends, Tsukasa. How about that?”
Tsukasa knows it’s not an offer, it’s a command. “What do I need to do?” The blonde asks
“Finally asking the right questions” Kōhei says
He gets up and walks around the table. Tsukasa is frozen in his spot. Kōhei Amagai stands directly behind him, one hand on his shoulder. “You need to convince me, the people of the districts and my friends that this…” he presses a button on the remote and the hologram screen changes from Tsukasa’s games to surveillance footage of Tsukasa and Fujio laying in the middle of a flower field around a month after Tsukasa’s games “is real and not just a little publicity stunt”
Tsukasa can’t help but think that this clip of footage does in fact make it look like him and Fujio are in love. It was a little weird but their relationship had always been very affectionate even when they were kids. Especially since Fujio had always been a touchy-clingy kid and Tsukasa just accepted it. Tsukasa doesn’t think he needs to work harder to convince anyone. Him and Fujio had no actual feelings for each other but with how close they both were it looked like it. Did Kōhei Amagai really want him and Fujio to go even further or was he just dissatisfied that he couldn’t sell off Tsukasa’s body? So many questions filled his head but this time he didn’t say one even out loud. Tsukasa knew there would be consequences this time. “So” Kōhei says and leans down next to Tsukasa’s ear “convince me”
Tsukasa has to fight another full-bodied shiver as Kōhei Amagai moves away from him. “I love the blonde hair by the way” Kōhei tells him and opens the door to leave
Tsukasa is left sitting there stunned in silence till a hand is placed on his shoulder. He violently flinches. “Sorry” a new voice says hastily “I didn’t mean to scare you Mr. Takajo
Tsukasa turns his head to look at the owner of the voice. It’s the tall guard. He watches in silence as the guard, Suzaki takes something off the desk. “I’m Ryo Suzaki” the guard says “I feel like we’ll be seeing each other more often Mr. Takajo”
“Just Tsukasa is fine” The blonde mutters
Ryo simply nods. Tsukasa can see this look of guilt in Ryo’s eyes. He wonders what it’s from. Was he one of those rare capital residents that felt bad about the games? Tsukasa doesn’t know. He isn’t sure. Right now, Tsukasa just has too many questions.
So, the Victory Tour begins. A Victory Tour occurred six months after each hunger games, when the capital required the victor to travel throughout the nation of SWORD with their mentor, escort, prep team and stylist. The Victory Tour was first executed in the 11th Hunger Games alongside new implementations such as a Victor's Village and parcels gifted to the winning tributes district. Generally, the tour kicked off with District 12, going down each district number and skipping the victor's respective district to save for a final celebration. It concluded within the Capitol with the most extravagant of all celebrations. The districts were supposed to be happy for the victor, although most of them were very bitter and angry at the loss of their loved ones. Designed to lower the ' self-esteem and exemplify the power the Capitol had over them, the Tour was placed almost halfway between the annual Games in order to keep the horror fresh and immediate. Their first stop was District 11. “I personally don’t like 11” Fujio muttered, laying his head in Tsukasa’s lap
They were sitting in the last car of the capital train with Naomi. “It’s very depressing but Jin-jin is there which means he’ll come to see us” Fujio says with a grin
Tsukasa raises a brow. “Jin…jin?”
“Eimei Jinkawa, 11’s victor” Naomi said
“Oh… Jin-jin? Seriously?” Tsukasa says looking down at Fujio in his lap
Fujio only smiles. There is a moment of silence before Tsukasa speaks. “Kōhei Amagai came to see me yesterday”
Fujio sits up straight and Naomi’s eyes widen. “What did he want?” Fujio asks, taking Tsukasa hands in his
Tsukasa laughs feeling sick. “He told me his friends were disappointed that me and you were in love… He told me he wants us to convince him that we’re in love”
It sounds stupid. Tsukasa and Fujio don’t have to act any different than they already do to make people believe that they are in love. “You should have told us right away Tsukasa” Naomi said with a frown “but… I don’t understand. There is no show of defiance or anything like that. You didn’t display and rebel like behaviour either… What’s wrong then?”
“That’s what I’m confused about” Tsukasa says with a breathy laugh, feeling tears well up in his eyes “I don’t know what he wants but I’m fucking scared…”
Fujio pulls Tsukasa over for a hug and rubs his back. Instantly Tsukasa begins to cry, choking back sobs with heavy breaths as he buries his face into Fujio’s chest. Naomi says something to Fujio before she leaves and Fujio hums to her words. Tsukasa didn’t know what she said but right now he doesn’t care. He wants to stop feeling afraid. He wants to get off the survival mode his body has put himself into since the day he was reaped. Tsukasa just wants to feel okay again. “Shh~” Fujio whispers, pulling Tsukasa even closer, tucking him into his arms, head under his chin “it’s okay, you’ll be okay… we’ll be okay”
Tsukasa doesn’t really believe him but he forces himself to.
They arrive in District 11. There are many, many peacekeepers in the area. Anywhere you look there were peacekeepers. District 11 was kept under most watch because they supplied the food to the capital. Food was a very very important thing. After Tsukasa makes his little speech to the residents of District 11 as well as the families of the fallen tributes, he meets Jinkawa and Sawamura, two victors Fujio was friends with. “Hey Tsukasa,” Sawamura says handing him a letter “When you go to District 5 can you give this to Yui Ueda… She’s another victor”
Tsukasa remembers Fujio telling him about how Sawamura and Yui from District 5 were a thing and also another little love story the capital loves. He wonders if Sawamura and Yui’s relationship was also something done for protection. Tsukasa asks about Yui Ueda on the way to District 10. Naomi plays the video of Yui’s reaping, and her older brother, Sachio Ueda, a previous victor immediately bursts out in tears. Tsukasa thinks having a family as a victor must be a painful and scary thing. Yoshiki Murayama’s entire family was killed after he won the 50th games and no doubt out of grief he killed himself a little bit before Fujio’s. Too many children or siblings of victors were reaped for it to be just a mere coincidence. Maybe Sachio had done something wrong and angered The President which resulted in his sister being reaped. There weren’t many victors that were siblings but the Uedas were one of the few. Fujio was friends with Sachio Ueda but then again, who wsasn’t he friends with? “Fujio… Do you think—”
Fujio puts his hand on Tsukasa’s shoulder. “If you’re going to say something about Kōhei Amagai, leave it for now Tsukasa… You’re stressed out, try to forget about it for now. We’re still only at District 10, we’ll start thinking more about it once we get to 5”
They make their way into District 10 and after the speech, they meet two victors, Monji and Sabakan. They both tend to bicker quite a lot but they were nice. Sabakan had a lot of information about other people. Including Kōhei Amagai. He said collecting information was a kind of talent he said he had. It was how he won the games— figuring out what the weaknesses of the other tributes were and using it against them. Monji on the other hand won by sheer strength, killing all the career tributes from 1 and 2 then hunting the rest down. “Kōhei Amagai is kind of… Scary. I don’t know how else to describe him. Sachio-san from Distirct 5 can tell you better since he’s met him personally a few times…” Sabakan said then paused for a moment “Actually every year at the games in the capital Sachio-san is called by him”
This raises more questions in Tsukasa and Fujio’s heads. As they are leaving District 10, they check in with Bernie through a live interview. “So how is it going with our two favourite childhood lovers!” Bernie asks in his cheerful tone
Fujio and Tsukasa can’t see Bernie, only the cameras and lights are set up in front of them. The lights hurt Tsukasa’s still-healing eye. He’s gotten used to being half blind in his left eye but the bright lights remind him once again of his new weakness. “It’s very nice travelling around the districts,” Tsukasa says with a fake people-pleaser smile “We’re just leaving District 10, heading over to District 9”
The interview is short and soon they get on the train to leave and go to District 9. Tsukasa has a nightmare. He dreams of being in the arena with all the people he’s met so far but this time Fujio’s there with him. He dreams of holding Fujio’s cold lifeless body in his his arms as a cannon goes off confirming he’s dead. He imagines Kōhei Amagai appearing out of nowhere with a scalpel and holding his jaw open to cut out his tongue. Tsukasa jolts awake, screaming, squirming. It hurts. Everything still hurts. Fujio’s holding him now, telling him it’s okay, that he was safe. Fujio lets him cry. Tsukasa wonders if Fujio had anyone to hold him. He wonders if Fujio’s nightmares were bad. So a little later in the night when neither of them can sleep and when Tsukasa’s calmed down enough, he asks. “Did you have nightmares?” Tsukasa asks Fujio as the other boy is tracing along the brown scars on his wrist
Fujio’s hands are warm. They’ve always been warm. Even now when his hands trace along the uneven scar tissue on Tsukasa’s wrists, they’re warm. “Yeah… Always did. Still do. I stopped sleeping for a while” Fujio says, looking at Tsukasa
Their faces are lit up with the lamp in the train car. “All my nightmares ended with you getting shot in the head or dying in some way… I… I couldn’t sleep that’s why I started stay over at your place” Fujio said, unconsciously intertwining their fingers as both of them turn to lay on their sides now “The nightmares were still there but more bearable you know…”
Tsukasa wants to ask why Fujio didn’t tell him about the nightmares but decides against it for some reason. “And now?”
Fujio sighs. “Now the nightmares are about Kōhei Amagai taking you away… What are yours about?”
Tsukasa can feel a lump in his throat as he speaks but Fujio squeezes his hand comfortingly. “Uh… we’re both in the games. You die and Kōhei Amagai comes out of nowhere… He wants to cut my tongue out”
Fujio winces and squeezes his hand again. “Did he threaten you with that?”
“No… I have no idea I think seeing them during the days leading up to the games just made me scared” Tsukasa said quietly with a laugh “it’s stupid I know”
Fujio shakes his head and brings his other hand up to Tsukasa’s hair, brushing his messy hair away from his forehead. “It’s not stupid. You have every right to be afraid”
“Since when did you get so mature huh? That’s supposed to be my job” the blonde says with a laugh, eyes still teary
Fujio’s hand moves from the top of his head to the back and pulls Tsukasa over, the blonde’s head tucked under his chin. “I want to make sure your okay… I know I didn’t open up to you after the games but I want you to open up to me. I want to keep you safe Tsukasa, that’s why I’ll always be here with you”
Tsukasa feels like he doesn’t deserve Fujio. Tsukasa puts his arms around his best friend’s waist, sighing quietly. The room is silent and all he can hear is Fujio’s soft breaths. “I want you to talk to me too” Tsukasa tells him
“I talk to you all the time Tsukasa, I’m surprised you’re not tired of me yet” Fujio says with a little laugh
Tsukasa looks up at Fujio. “Who says I’m not”
Fujio playfully narrows his eyes at him. “You’re fucking mean”
“And you’re fucking annoying”
Fujio was Tsukasa’s sun. His own sun. Fujio was the center of Tsukasa’s solar system. Not romantically like they had The Capital and the rest of the districts believing, but more platoniclly than anything. They completed each other if that made sense. They protected each other so they’d do anything for each other even if it meant playing the act of lovers. It wasn’t to hard. Tsukasa and Fujio didn’t act any different towards each other in front of the camera, they were themselves. Were all best friends like them? They honestly didn’t know. “Welcome to District 9, where all the grain in the country is produced” Naomi said as they stepped off the train
Tsukasa gives another speech in front of the justice building in 9 in front of its residents and they meet 3 more victors, also Fujio’s friends, Arata, Seiji, Madoka. Madoka won last year’s games. Tsukasa noticed that all the victors that come to see them are all Fujio’s friends. It wasn’t surprising that Fujio had these many friends. It was nice to meet all the people Fujio had gotten close too. “Victors tend to be good friends with each other” Seiji explained “you know, shared trauma and all… But only us from 4 to 12… 1 to 3 don’t usually make friends with people out of the careers… Except 2 of the boys from 3. You’ll meet them soon, both of them love Fujio”
“Well the guys from 1 and 2 do seem very… weird” Tsukasa said with a little laugh
“Not Sameoka” Arata says popping into the conversation “Sameoka is nice, Tsukasa. He’s from District 2. He won the 64th games”
“Reiji Himuro won the 65th right?” Seiji asks Arata and he nods
There is this weird look that they both give each other then they look at Tsukasa then back at each other sharing that same look. “I think you and Reiji will get along if he comes to see you guys… Him and Fujio aren’t friends but… I can see you both becoming friends” Arata says with a gentle smile
For some reason it makes Tsukasa feel scared. Wasn’t Reiji the one that told Naomi about Victors being sold off? Tsukasa decides to keep quiet about it. He wonders if Arata and Seiji have faced being sold off but Fujio later tells him that Arata and Seiji’s families were killed some years ago and Madoka wasn’t desirable due to her rough personality or whatever that meant. They arrive in District 8 and after the speech they meet Tsuji and Shibaman. “Oh! Oh! Todoroki is definitely going to come see you both” Tsuji says
“When he sees you tells him we said hi and that we’ll see him at this years games” Shibaman said with a smile “we didn’t get to see him this year”
On the way to District 7, Fujio tells him Tsuji, Shibaman and Todoroki from District 4 are best friends. A very weird trio but they suit each other. Tsuji and Shibaman won back to back games and Todoroki the one before them, they’ve been friends ever since. “We’re like the youngest victors out of all the ones we’ve met so far” Tsukasa says with a small laugh
“Hmm, yeah we are. Jin-jin is the oldest” Fujio says
Tsukasa has another nightmare that night on the way to District 7. This time more of the victors he’s met in the arena with him. Fujio dies in his arms and the cannon goes off but this time when Kōhei Amagai comes he’s not holding a scalpel but rather faceless figures by him. When Tsukasa wakes up he throws up at the realization of the dream. Before he dreamt of becoming an avox and now he dreamt of getting sold off. It was gross. He wanted the old dreams to come back. Sure they were horrific but they weren’t as bad as these new ones. Fujio took him to the bathroom and helped him clean off all the vomit. “Another bad dream?” Fujio asks as he hands Tsukasa a new shirt
“Yeah… This time Kōhei Amagai is selling me off”
Fujio doesn’t say anything, simply pulling Tsukasa in for a hug.
They arrive in Distirct 7 and it’s the same routine, go to the justice building, make a speech to the residents. They meet three more victors and Tsukasa has to say these three were a memorable bunch. Yasushi, Kiyoshi and Shidaken. They bickered a lot. But it was almost nice to see. The three of them were drinkers. It was their way of self-medicating. “You’re really fucking pretty what the fuck” Yasushi said flicking Tsukasa’s forehead, he’s drunk as hell “has Kōhei Amagai come after you yet?”
Tsukasa frowns. It seems that Kōhei Amagai hadn’t only approached him. “Oh don’t worry Tsukasa he hasn’t asked any of us” Kiyoshi says “we aren’t desirable… We know some people he has sold off”
Tsukasa looks toward Fujio and he’s talking about something to Shidaken. Shidaken is still sober unlike Kiyoshi and Yasushi and he’s got this wary look on his face. That night as they leave District 7, Tsukasa feels even worse. They’re getting closer and closer to The Capital. The closer they get, the more clingy Fujio and Tsukasa act in front of the camera and unconsciously even clinger behind camera. The next day at District 6 after the speech, they have another interview. “So boys, I’m sure you’ve both heard about the disappearance of the 6 victors from District 6” Bernie says
Once again they can only hear his voice. The cameras are facing them and there are blinding lights shining at them. Tsukasa can never get used to this. His eye hurts. Tsukasa thinks one of the reasons for his partial blindness is the bright lights. “Oh yeah… Rao. We were good friends. I wonder what happened to him” Fujio says with a frown
“Well, our search force is looking for them” Bernie says “we will be checking on both of you soon”
On the way to District 5 Tsukasa and Fujio sit in the last car once again. The sun is setting around them, lighting their skin up in an orange glow. “We’re gonna see Satchi tomorrow” Fujio says with a smile
But there is this look of wary in Fujio’s eyes. “Something’s wrong” Tsukasa says “why do you look like that?”
Fujio playfully narrows his eyes him. “Like what?
“Like you’re worried. Something is wrong and you have to tell me what”
Fujio’s smile never leaves his lips. “Don’t worry about it for now… we’ll be fine”
Tsukasa doesn’t believe him. He feels frustrated and tired and he wants to cry again. Tsukasa feels stupid. He feels stupid for being so emotional. Fujio never once makes him feel like that, rather he validates the blonde’s feelings saying it was okay to feel like that. Tsukasa is happy to have Fujio there with him. “Why can’t you tell me now?” Tsukasa asks
Tsukasa’s blonde hair is glowing in the rays of the sunlight like a golden halo. He looks pretty Fujio thinks. “I don’t want you to worry even more” Fujio says
“I’m gonna be worrying either way Fujio”
Fujio laughs then finally speaks. “Kōhei Amagai… Shidaken and I were talking about Kōhei Amagai. He said Sachio could tell us more”
“Sabakan said that too” Tsukasa said with a frown
Fujio leans over and holds Tsukasa’s cheeks in his hands. “So for now just don’t stress”
“Easier said than done. Even you know that” Tsukasa said, leaning into Fujio’s touch unconsciously
“Yeah… I mean there is nothing else we can do but wait” Fujio says with a shrug and lets go of Tsukasa’s face
They probably aren’t taking the problem at hand too seriously. There really isn’t much they can do after all. Sure Fujio and Tsukasa were victors but they were still from District 12. They were the poorest and had the least power. It didn’t matter if they thought about the problem or ways they could solve it because at the end of the day Fujio and Tsukasa were powerless. “You’re right” Tsukasa mutters and he leans forward to hug Fujio
They make their way into District 5 the next day. Tsukasa has another nightmare but it wasn’t anything new. Each nightmare is the same just with more appearances of the victors he’s met. Tsukasa says his speech and meets 4 victors, Sachio, Yui, Yuken and Jamuo. Tsukasa hands the letter Sawamura gave him to Yui and she takes it with a smile and a flush on her cheeks. Yuken shows off his engagement ring and Tsukasa remembers Fujio telling him about how Yuken and Todoroki from District 4 had a pretty similar arrangement to the both of them but their fake relationship evolved into something real so they got engaged. “Fujio tells me Kōhei Amagai came to see you” Sachio says
Sachio had this very wise aura about him. He looked around their age but the look in his eyes said otherwise. “Yeah… he did”
Sachio gives him a weak smile. “I know what you think about him but what he wants from you is very different from what he wanted from me, Yuken, Reiji, Yui, Arata and Sameoka”
“What do you… Mean?” Tsukasa asks slowly not really understanding what Sachio means “and how do you know?”
“I’ve spent the longest with him” Sachio says with a shrug “I know the difference in his looks when he finds someone profitable and when he finds some he likes ”
Tsukasa’s eyes widen in realization. “Don’t misunderstand me Tsukasa. I hate what Kōhei has done. I rejected to be sold off the first time and he put my little sister Yui in the games. I’m very thankful she survived but I’m never taking the chance again so now year after year I let him do what he wants. I almost lost Yui and I’m not willing to lose anyone else… I hope you can find a way out of this Tsukasa. I truly hope you do” Sachio says and reaches forward to take one of Tsukasa’s heavily scarred hands
Fujio is over with Jamuo listening to his and Sachio’s conversation. “I hope I can too” Tsukasa muttered as Sachio squeezes his hand
They’re on the train again, heading toward District 4, laying in bed. “What are we gonna do?” Tsukasa asks Fujio
They’re both laying on their sides facing each other. “Naomi tells me we’re all The Capital can talk about. If Kōhei Amagai tries something it’s gonna make it bad on him” Fujio says “He will be at a loss not us. The Capital fucking loves you Tsukasa”
Tsukasa chuckles. “I don’t understand why”
“It’s ‘cause you’re pretty” Fujio tells him
They fall asleep easily that night and it’s the first night Tsukasa doesn’t get a nightmare. Instead, he’s woken up to the sound of sobs and whimpers coming from Fujio. Fujio was having a nightmare. Tsukasa shakes him awake and immediately Fujio pulls him down into a hug. Fujio hugs him tight against his chest, muttering something unintelligible under his breath. Tsukasa can’t do anything but hug him back because he doesn’t know how to comfort Fujio. He doesn’t know what to do. Ever since Fujio’s games, this was the first time Tsukasa saw his best friend break down. Fujio was crying, having a full-on breakdown. He was sobbing and heaving breaths. Fujio’s body was trembling violently and all Tsukasa knew how to do was hug him. It takes around 3 minutes for Fujio to calm down, Tsukasa holding him through every second. Tsukasa’s still holding him even after, Fujio tucked under his chin safely. It’s around 30 minutes till Fujio finally speaks. “He took you away” Fujio croaks out, voice raspy from all the crying and sobbing “And I couldn’t do anything”
Tsukasa doesn’t know what to do. He isn’t sure what to say to help Fujio. The description of his dreams sounds just as terrifying to him. So, Tsukasa just squeezes Fujio into an even tighter hug. Tsukasa can’t promise Fujio that he won’t be going anywhere because that promise has a 50% chance of being broken. At this moment Tsukasa wishes he and Fujio were one of those spoiled rich people from The Capital. Then maybe this moment wouldn’t be happening. Then maybe Fujio wouldn’t be crying. “Fujio” Tsukasa whispers pulling away
Tsukasa holds Fujio’s face and shakily wipes away his tears with his thumbs. Tsukasa doesn’t really know what to say. For the first time in his life, he doesn’t know what to say to make it better. He leans over and kisses Fujio’s forehead then pulls him back in for a hug. “If I get a kiss from you I think I should cry more often” Fujio says, voice a little muffled
“Shut up” Tsukasa says hugging him tighter
They make their way into District 4 and Tsukasa shudders a little during his speech. The pictures of the fallen tributes are displayed in front of him. He can’t help but be thrust back into the games. The boy from District 4 was his first kill. Tsukasa stabbed him in the gut. Or he thinks it was the gut. It was during the bloodbath right in the beginning so he wasn’t too sure but he did hear a cannon. Nonetheless, Tsukasa continues his speech, giving his condolences and thanking The Capital for their generosity . Later Fujio introduces him to Doroki . His name obviously wasn’t Doroki, it was Todoroki. Todoroki was Yuken’s fiancee, he was wearing a silver wedding ring on his left ring finger, matching Yuken's. “It’s nice to meet you Tsukasa” Todoroki says with a blank face but there is a slight look of warmth in his eyes
“And me?!” Fujio says poking Todoroki’s arm like a child
“You can shut up” Todoroki tells him with a frown but Tsukasa can tell he’s not being serious
Todoroki talks about fishing and trying to decide if he’s going to move to District 5 or Yuken’s going to move to District 4 after they get married. Tsukasa notices Yuken and Todoroki have very different personalities but he feels like they fit. “Three more Districts till the capital” Todoroki says, standing at the station right before Tsukasa and Fujio get on the train “say hi to Sameoka from District 2 for me”
On the train to District 3, Tsukasa and Fujio are watching the news. There were little updates on Todoroki and Yuken’s engagement as well as Sawamura and Yui’s. There was another news clip, a picture that had been floating around the capital. It was of Tsukasa in District 7, sleeping. “Hey they’re calling you sleeping lion” Fujio said with a laugh “that’s a cute name”
Tsukasa laughs softly. He still feels nervous. They’re almost at the last stop of the Victory Tour. “uh-huh. Why haven’t they given you a nickname?”
“Maybe they’re still thinking of one” Fujio grins “I am too amazing for them to just give me any nickname”
“Sure you are”
“But I am”
Tsukasa wonders how his and Fujio’s relationship would have been if Fujio hadn’t been reaped. He wonders if Fujio was the reason he was reaped. Tsukasa wonders how his life would have been if Fujio hadn’t won. He can’t exactly imagine living without Fujio. Sure they weren’t actually lovers but Fujio was his fucking best friend and that was more than enough.
In District 3 after the speech, Tsukasa meets Nakagoshi and Nakaoka. They won back-to-back games, the youngest ever at 13, the 2 years before Fujio’s. They were called child prodigies their district as well as in The Capital. Nakagoshi and Nakaoka seemed to look up Fujio quite a lot. Tsukasa wonders why but he knew Fujio always had that kind of quality. The kind of person to lead others. He was charismatic and very very kind. Tsukasa remembers back from Fujio’s games how Fujio would care for the younger tributes with him and try his best to protect them till he couldn’t. How Fujio gave a girl his food because she hadn’t had any in days. How Fujio just charmed everyone in The Capital and the rest of the Districts. Fujio was just that kind of person. The kind of person that attracted everyone. Tsukasa often wonders why Fujio even associates with him since he’s always been so grumpy even as kids but Tsukasa is more than grateful. “You know what they’re saying” Nakagoshi tells Fujio and Tsukasa “The District 6 Victors runaway to join the rebels”
Tsukasa raises a brow. “Rebels?”
“Yeah, that’s why there has been so many execution Tsukasa-san. Many people are running and disappearing” Nakaoka says then grimaces “I could care less”
“Both of us. We have money. There isn’t anything else we need as long as we have money” Nakagoshi says with small grin
Turns out, a lot of the victors thought the same way as Tsukasa. They had money now, there was a low chance they'd starve. Sure there were nightmares, addictions, the cameras in their faces and being dragged off to go to The Capital every year as a mentor only to see that kid die was… a lot. But it could be much worse. Right? They could be dead or have their tongue cut out and turned into an avox or tortured. It could genuinely be much much worse. Victors were meant to be a distraction for the public so they couldn’t see what was actually going on or get a chance to think of rebelling. Tsukasa had thought of rebelling. He thought of joining whatever group there was and stopping the Captial but he won’t. Tsukasa keeps all his thoughts of rebellion to himself. Because he couldn’t do that. Not to Fujio, not his mom, not to anyone. Tsukasa knew this could be much worse but he had to think of himself and the rest of his family before he thought of the rest of the population. If The Capital wanted victors to be a distraction from the real problems at hand then Tsukasa promises to give them a good damn show. “Nice to meet you Tsukasa” Shoji Sameoka says
After the speech in District 2, Tsukasa meets Shoji Sameoka, one of the other trafficked victors— he also meets Fujin and Raijin, his best friends. “I’ve heard a lot about you” Tsukasa says quietly remembering all the things Sachio told him about Sameoka as well as the other victors that were forced to sell their bodies
Just as he heard, Sameoka smells like alcohol. He used it for the same reason the three victors from District 7 did— to forget. He seemed a lot more put together than Yasushi, Kiyoshi and Shidaken though. A lot less unhinged. Sameoka reminded him a lot of Todoroki and himself; calm and calculating. “One more district and you’re at The Capital” Sameoka said “The parties are shit by the way”
“Thanks for the early warning” Tsukasa says with a small laugh
He feels more and more terrified now that they were so close to The Capital. Tsukasa feels a little but of comfort knowing Fujio was going to be there for him but that didn’t mean he wasn’t scared. Sameoka seemed to already understand that his and Fujio’s arrangement was fake so he gave them little pointers on how to make it seem even more real than it already was especially for the party at the Presidential Palace. As they were leaving the District, Tsukasa can’t help but notice the tired look in Sameoka’s eyes. “Tsukasa, this is for you” Sameoka says stopping the blonde just before he got on the train
Sameoka hands him a bracelet. When Tsukasa seems a little reluctant to take it, Sameoka takes the blonde’s wrist and puts it on him. It’s a simple silver chain bracelet with a little bird charm hanging off it. “Be safe Tsukasa” Sameoka says and Tsukasa feels a little sad watching him go
It’s in District 1 that Fujio and Tsukasa get the news of Shoji Sameoka dying. An overdose from a deadly mixture of alcohol and morphling, a suspected suicide. Tsukasa was sad and so was Fujio. They were never close with him, especially since that was the first time Tsukasa met him but it still, it made him sad. “Why do you think he did it?” Tsukasa asks, fiddling with the bracelet Sameoka gave him
“Depressed… Maybe the same reason as Murayama from out District. Maybe he ws just tired of being sold off” Fujio says as he and Tsukasa get off the train in District 1, welcomed by cheers of the brainwashed residents of the district “I hope they cremated him… Sameoka wanted to be cremated”
Tsukasa says his last and final speech to the crowd of District 1. He doesn’t like the way they’re cheering. How could these people be so ignorant? Was it because They had the most victors? Whatever it was, it was stupid. A little later he meets Reiji Himuro and another victor Gandhi. Gandhi was obviously an alias but Tsukasa can’t remember his real name. It’s clear Gandhi is using morphling. “It’s an honour to meet The Capital’s new favourite little toy,” Reiji says with a grin “Surprised Amagai hasn’t executed your boyfriend yet”
Tsukasa thinks Reiji was one of the tributes that went a little crazy. Clearly, he was. Yasushi and Kiyoshi are also one of the crazy tributes. But it seems Reiji’s crazy was on a different spectrum. “I’m a little jealous of both of you… I could have never gotten into a relationship. Not while Kōhei Amagai was so involved with what me and Sameoka did” Reiji said looking a little sad
That’s when Tsukasa notices the bracelet. It was the same one Sameoka had put on him the day before. Reiji notices where Tsukasa was looking at laughs. “Yeah, you’re thinking right”
Reiji takes off his own bracelet and puts it on Fujio, who only watches with sad eyes. “I hope both of you last… You were smarter than me and Shoji”
Reiji didn’t seem like the type to have a lover but you couldn’t judge someone by the rumours. Both Reiji and Sameoka were destined for a terrible fate. The fate of being sold off and never being able to be with each other. As far as Fujio knew, both of them were always caught on camera bickering. The rumours used to say that Reiji and Sameoka hated each other. Clearly, that wasn’t the case. “I’m sorry for your loss” Tsukasa says barely over a whisper
Reiji only laughs. “You know, I never knew how you were supposed to respond to that. But you’re the first person to say that to me… It feels oddly nice” Reiji’s eyes are teary as he speaks “Now I hope you two dumbasses make it out”
That night while Tsukasa and Fujio are eating dinner the news shows the death of Reiji Himuro. Another suicide, the same way Sameoka had killed himself. “It’s… Tragic” Fujio mutters, looking down at his and Tsukasa’s intertwined hands, both their wrists wrapped with the deceased couple’s bracelets
There isn’t really much either of them could say about Reiji and Sameoka’s deaths. There isn’t anything they can do either. “Fujio” Tsukasa says quietly “I’m scared”
“Me too”
At The Capital, Fujio and Tsukasa take up most of their time eating and getting ready. Their nerves are high and just anxious in general. “Did you ever love someone?” Fujio asks Naomi curiously
Naomi smiles. “I did… He was sweet. Very annoying but, I loved him”
“Loved?” Tsukasa asks
“He’s dead… um… Yamato. He was killed for being a rebel. I’m surprised I wasn’t also executed but… Yeah. That was the man I loved” Naomi says sadly
Tragic love stories seem to be the norm around here. But what Tsukasa found surprising was someone from The Capital being a rebel. “I’m sorry” Tsukasa says
Naomi only smiles.
At the party in the presidential palace, Tsukasa and Fujio are disgusted. Of course, Fujio had already been through this but it was just as appalling as the first. People ate and ate then threw it up just to eat again. “People are starving in 12” Tsukasa said with a frown
Fujio takes his best friend's hand and takes him to the dance floor. “Yeah, I know” Fujio says quietly as they begin to waltz like the other couples around them “at least when we get back there will be the community feast. Everyone will get something to eat. That’s all that matters”
At the end of the Victory Tour, the District of the victor gets a feast that the entire district is invited to. Everyone gets to eat and it’s one of the reasons Fujio wanted to win his games so badly. He wanted his district to get a chance to have food. Tsukasa completely forgot about this fact but now he feels a bit happy that he won. “Boys” Naomi stops them reluctantly during the dance “I’m sure you both already know who this is… Kōhei Amagai, the son of the president”
Fujio nods in greeting as does Tsukasa. They feel scared. Tsukasa didn’t think this was how he’d meet Kōhei Amagai again. “May I?” Kōhei asks gesturing toward Tsukasa while looking at Fujio
Fujio gives an almost challenging look. “I’m a bit of the jealous type Mr.Amagai” Fujio says “But sure”
Kōhei grins but takes Tsukasa’s hand anyways for a dance. Near them, Fujio casually takes Naomi’s hand and dances with her while then. “How are you liking the party?” Kōhei asks Tsukasa
Their eyes never once leave each other. “Not my scene” Tsukasa dryly responds
“Hm, you’re more of the café type of guy huh” Kōhei says almost absentmindedly
Tsukasa raises a brow. “What’s a café?”
Kōhei laughs. “I forgot you don’t have those in 12… One of the poorer places yeah. It’s a shit hole down there”
Tsukasa does not like where this conversation is going. “Would you like to come live in The Capital? With me?” Kōhei asks
Tsukasa realizes that Sachio was right. Kōhei did not want to sell him to his friends, rather the other boy saw him as something else. “I have Fujio” Tsukasa says weakly “I love him”
“You sure it’s the romantic kind of love?” Kōhei asks
And before Tsukasa even realizes it, Kōhei leads him away from the party. “Yes, I’m sure” He says trying to sound confident but being alone in a room with the president’s son wasn’t anything far from scary
Kōhei picks up a single white rose from a vase and looks at it before he looks at Tsukasa. “You know Tsukasa, I always thought that since I was son of the president and everything that I would get what I want at the snap of a finger… But I’ve gotten a reality check. I’ve seen how my dad does things and thought I didn’t need to do that when I became president but that was until I realized I couldn’t have everything I want”
Red alarms blare in Tsukasa’s head. “So I’m just an object to you. All the victors are just objects to you people?”
“Of course Tsukasa. Once you step foot in The Capital, whether you win or not you’ll always belong to The Capital” Kōhei says simply and he hands the white rose to Tsukasa “but you… You’re special”
Tsukasa feels sick. He feels sick and he wants to leave. But he knows he’s trapped right now. “You don’t have a bright personality like Fujio, you don’t have the desired body like Reiji and Sameoka… Everyone in The Capital just loved you on sight. I don’t understand why but maybe it’s because you’re pretty” Kōhei says
A thorn from the rose pricks Tsukasa’s finger and he drops the flower to the mahogany floor. He cradles his hand and stares at Kōhei Amagai with eyes full of disdain, at this point not being able to hold himself back. “What do you even want from me? What don’t you understand? I already have someone I love” Tsukasa says with anger lacing his tone
Kōhei’s eyes flash with anger for a moment. “I’ve always liked what I couldn’t have because at one point I’d be able to get it… You’re the same Tsukasa”
“I don’t like you” Tsukasa says with a frown “And I never will… I like Fujio and I always have”
Tsukasa feels like he’s fucked up. Like majorly fucked up. There is a long moment of silence till Kōhei laughs. “You’ve convinced me Tsukasa… Congratulations ”
Kōhei promptly leaves the room. Tsukasa sucks in a heavy breath not knowing if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Tsukasa is standing there breathing heavily. He feels scared. He wants to go home. He very badly wants to go home or at least go to Fujio but he’s frozen in place. All of a sudden a hand is placed on his shoulder. Tsukasa jumps. “S-sorry,” the person says
Tsukasa sees Ryo. “I didn’t mean to scare you… Amagai told me to check on you” Ryo says
Ryo looks tired. But Tsukasa could see the look in his eyes every time Kōhei’s name was mentioned. Ryo liked Kōhei. Clearly, it was one-sided. “Oh… Yeah okay” Tsukasa mutters
“Would you like to get back to the party?” Ryo asks him
Tsukasa nods.
After the President’s speech, Tsukasa and Fujio are dancing again. They didn’t talk about what happened to with Kōhei Amagai. There were too many people around to talk about that. But when the music stops for a moment, all of a sudden Fujio gets down on one knee and holds out a ring. Tsukasa’s eyes widened. The Capital elites around them gasp and exclaim in excitement. “Tsukasa… Will you marry me?” Fujio asks loud and clear
This was surprising. Very very surprising. He and Fujio hadn’t talked about this beforehand. There is this hint of desperation in Fujio’s eyes. It was very clear he was doing this for a reason so, Tsukasa let out a very breathy yes and forces his eyes to tear up— which wasn’t very hard since he was still terrified from his previous encounter with Kōhei Amagai. Cheers erupt through the garden and Fujio slips the ring onto Tsukasa’s finger. Fujio stands up and quickly hugs Tsukasa. “We’re going to be okay” Fujio whispers into Tsukasa’s ear “We’ll be okay”
Tsukasa hooks his chin over Fujio’s shoulder and hugs him back just as tightly. Tsukasa makes eye contact with Kōhei Amagai who is holding a glass of wine, giving Tsukasa a dark look paired with a sneer.
Tsukasa can’t help but think he’s made a big mistake denying Kōhei Amagai.
Finally, finally, Fujio and Tsukasa make it home in District 12. They have a large dinner in the District square. Everyone came and Fujio and Tsukasa made sure all the orphan kids got something to eat. “Are you both really getting married?” one of the kids asks “I saw it on the tv in the square”
Fujio nods and picks the kid up. “We are, would you like to come?”
The kid nods happily and Fujio feeds him. Tsukasa had been out of it since returning. He was scared. So so scared. He hated feeling this way but he also knew there was nothing he could do. Fujio told him that getting engaged was a spontaneous decision but he figured it would happen eventually. Tsukasa wasn’t mad, he was just concerned and anxious. What if this was the wrong decision?
Months later comes the day of the announcement of the 75th games. They are all in Fujio’s house— Fujio, Tsukasa, Miki Hanaoka and Tsukasa’s mother. The tv is on showcasing the president and his son standing in the background. Tsukasa has long gotten used to the half blindness in his left eye and the scars on his arms all faded into shades of brown. They were a smattered piece of work, looking like glass that had been broken on purpose. He wore long sleeves most of time so it was fine, but even when he wore short sleeves people never batted an eye. It was one of the consequences of winning after all.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is the 75th year of the hunger games. And it was written in the charter of the games that every 25 years there would be a quarter quell to keep fresh for each new generation, the memory of those who died and the uprising against The Capital” President Amagai says into the mic in front of him
Tsukasa had a bad feeling. A very very bad feeling. “Each quarter quell is distinguished by games of a special significance and now this the 75th anniversary of our defeat of the rebellion, we celebrate the third quarter quell… As a reminder that even the strongest cannot overcome the power of the capital”
Tsukasa had a feeling. He had a feeling he knew what the president was going to say. “On this, the third quarter quell games, the male and female tributes from the existing pool of victors are to be reaped in each district. They are to present themselves on reaping day, regardless of age, state of health or situation… For those districts with no male or no female tributes, two of the same gender are permitted to be reaped”
Tsuaksa’s breath gets caught in his throat. White noise fills his ears. The moms are crying but it’s a distant noise like he’s underwater or not even in the room with them. Tsukasa realizes this is what Kōhei Amagai had done. This was Tsukasa’s punishment for denying him. Now not only did Tsukasa have to suffer but so did Fujio and all the other victors and possibly the ones he met. Tsukasa made a huge mistake. “Tsukasa” Fujio snaps him out of it
Tsukasa’s mother is taking Miki Hanaoka into the other room while Fujio and Tsukasa stay in the living room. Fujio holds on to Tsukasa’s face and presses there forehead together. They’re silent for a while. The only sound is Fujio’s mother’s sobs from the kitchen. The matching bracelets on their wrists from Sameok and Reiji feel heavy all of a sudden. “I’m sorry” Tsukasa chokes out “I’m sorry it’s my fault”
Fujio kisses Tsukasa’s cheek. “We’ll be okay…” He pauses
Fujio’s eyes are teary. He’s scared too. “No we won’t… I lied” Fujio says with a little laugh
Tsukasa laughs in disbelief. Only one makes it out of the games. Fujio doesn’t want to live without Tsukasa and Tsukasa doesn’t want to live without Fujio. It’s like that. Fujio hugs Tsukasa close and kisses his brow. “Do you want to die together Tsukasa?” Fujio asks him like he’s proposing
Tsukasa laughs softly and hugs Fujio back tightly.
“I would love to”