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"Brat...what is this 'Games of Hunger' you speak of?"
Yuuji, who was in the middle of a conversation with Junpei Yoshino, telling the boy about the Hunger Game series and how his celebrity crush, Jennifer Lawrence, was the star and beauty of the series, perked up subtly when Sukuna suddenly rang in his head.
That came as a huge surprise for the vessel, and while trying to finish up his point with that thought now running around, he could feel Sukuna's presence lean in slightly, almost as if he was waiting for a response to come that would never if Yuuji felt the pressure.
"Brat, I know you heard me clearly. Answer my question, for you are no lord to act like I am worth nothing."
Slightly irritated, Itadori attempted to shift his focus to answer the curse.
Damn it, hold on a second. I'll tell you in a moment.
"You will not brush me off. Answer me now, or I will take over and sever that boy's head out of spite."
...ugh, fine.
"Hey, before I continue about how Katniss is leading the revolution and everything to stop the capital and President Snow, I'm going to excuse myself to the bathroom real quick. Is that cool with you?"
The boy Junpei, who was looking at Itadori with careful eyes as he explained the plot about the Hunger Games, perked up as he saw Yuuji stand suddenly.
"Hm? Oh, sure. The restroom is down the hall to your left. Can't miss it."
Junpei pointed his hand towards the direction of the bathroom through the wall, to which Yuuji nodded and thanked the boy graciously. Following the instructions, Yuuji went into the hall and took a glance for the bathroom before finding the door and knocking to make sure no one was currently occupying the place. After ensuring it was empty, Yuuji opened the door to step inside before shutting it and locking it behind him for some privacy. Itadori took a seat on the toilet cover, taking a breath before responding to Sukuna.
Alright, now that I have a minute to breathe, what did you ask about?
"As I had questioned before, what are these 'Games of Hunger' you talk so fondly about to the Junpei boy? I've caught some of the conversation between you two out of boredom, and when mentioning these games and its properties, I couldn't help but to feel curiosity."
Itadori could not believe his ears. Sukuna, as in The King of Curses, as in the lame old dude who refused to bond with Itadori despite being the vessel carrying him and was insufferable with any chance given to him, actually wanted to bond over something, or he assumed at least. No matter the reason, this had left Yuuji wide-eyed on the toilet seat.
...Are you saying you actually want to know about them?
That was met with yelling in his mind.
"So what if I am!? Do not make me regret this!"
Alright, calm down, grumpy pants. I'm surprised you asked, that's all, but I can't be stuck in here for long, and it'll look kinda weird if I'm spacing out to talk to you through my thoughts.
"It does not matter, boy. Inform me this instant before I lose my patience."
Itadori could only sigh. Sukuna was going to keep on pestering, no matter if Yuuji liked it or not. It was on the border of being annoying- no, scratch that. It was past being annoying. Itadori sank his head into his hands as he could hear the echoes of Sukuna's demands.
Could he ever shut his stupid, ancient mouth up at all?
But then, an idea began to formulate in his mind.
It grew bigger, and Itadori raised his head from his hands as the light bulb above began to flicker. The more he thought of it, the brighter it shone before Itadori sat straight up. He knew what to do.
So, Sukuna...I actually have a better idea instead of telling you the whole lore of the Hunger Games right this second.
"What possibly could be this blunderous idea you speak of? It better be worth my time."
Itadori could only smirk as he stood from the toilet and went for the door, eager to tell Junpei of this grand idea he had just thought of.
You'll see...
"...Remind me, brat, as to why I am following through with this again?"
Itadori chuckled lightly to himself, adjusting the blanket that was tucked into his lap on the loveseat he sat in as he set the bucket of store-bought popcorn to the side and made sure his candy snacks were within reach and hidden away for his own desire. Junpei, who had the remote for the TV currently, was navigating to Hulu with a bottled cola in hand. The living room had fallen dark as the sun had long set, leaving the display of the TV to light up the room as both boys were ready to indulge in some cinema and junk food, a necessity when watching movies. Earlier, Itadori had presented directly to Junpei and indirectly to Sukuna about a Movie Night, and more specifically, a marathon of all four of the Hunger Games movies. Junpei's mom had taken both of them to the nearby 7/11 to grab their preferred snacks and anything else for the evening, while Sukuna threw a fit about the, quote unquote, "childish delicacies" and how they were absurd options for a meal. Itadori had to remind him that the modern world didn't eat the same as they did 1000 years ago, and that raw meat was not a great snack for a movie anyway. Of course, Sukuna simply refused to accept it. Itadori grabbed a gummy from his Sour Patch Kids, popping the sour candy into his mouth as he internally responded to Sukuna.
Because I'm forcing you to, no matter if you like it or not. Why explain it briefly when you can watch all the action unfold for hours of action and cinema? It'll be great; don't worry!
"Your logic is...confusing. Why would I bother to watch through these cinematics and take in the useless information I am not required to...and what is that putrid taste? It's too bitter, and it stings!"
It's just a Sour Patch Kid. Calm down, you big baby.
"You little-"
(PR Manager Note: The King of Curses attempted to use language that is not socially accepted in modern society and would result in immediate cancellation of the fic. Statement has been redacted for audience safety.)
"-insufferable-"
(PR Manager Note: Again, the King of Curses has attempted to use inappropriate and vile language. Statement has been redacted for audience safety once more.)
"-damned brat, and-"
(PR Manager Note: Do I even have to say it again?)
"-hope you perish!"
Yuuji sat stunned in his seat, blinking his eyes multiple times as he took in all the horrible things Sukuna had just said to him.
“...Wow. Is…he even allowed to say that? Wouldn’t we get seriously cancelled?”
(PR Manager’s Note: Yes. All dialogue is carefully reviewed to ensure complian- hold on, you- You cannot see this layer of narration.)
"I can."
(PR Manager's Note: No you can't.)
"I literally just read your last note!"
(PR Manager's Note: That is not canon.)
"The hell it isn't; Stop gaslighting me, you pri-!"
(PR Manager's Note: Situation has escalated beyond recovery. Initiating mandatory rewind and memory wipe.)
Yuuji sat stunned in his seat, blinking his eyes a few times as he took in all the horrible things Sukuna had just said to him.
"...Wow. Is...he even-wait, didn't I just-?"
"Are you done blubbering? I couldn't care less about what you have to say about me, brat; just begin this cinematic torture you so happen to force me through."
"...Alright then. You ready to indulge in peak fiction, Junpei?"
Junpei, who had navigated to the first Hunger Games movie on Hulu, nodded as his thumb hovered over the play button.
"You bet I am. Can't wait!"
With that, Junpei's thumb clicked down on the button, and thus the Hunger Games Marathon began.
(If you want to watch along, here are some very nice links to the first, second, third, and fourth movies. Be wary that it might not work depending on what you are currently viewing this on. Make sure you open this on a new web tab as well when watching, as it takes you out of AO3. Thank me later: Hunger Games, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2)
Sukuna was prepared from the start to have his expectations let down when the film started rolling. Both the brat and his friend had quieted down as the beginning scene started to roll, and Sukuna settled back into his throne of cow skulls, looking through Yuuji's vision as he awaited complete disappointment.
...this is pointless. What entertainment do humans find in this?
After a moment of a black screen, a section of text, translated to Japanese, began to phase in
From the Treaty of Treason:
In penance for their uprising, each district shall offer up a male and a female between the ages of 13 to 18 at a public "Reaping."
These tributes shall be delivered to the custody of The Capitol, and then transfered to a public arena where they will fight to the death until a lone victor remains.
Henceforth and forevermore this pageant shall be known as The Hunger Games.
Sukuna straightened up in his seat, comprehending the message to make sure he was not hallucinating what he had just read.
A battle to the death, they say...maybe this won't be as disappointing as I had originally thought.
Sukuna, his intrest rising, decided to bother to watch the movie, his own imagination peicing together the possibilities of what could occur during the awaited bloodshed as the scene shifted to what seemed to be an interview between two particular males who were dressed funny, but when the men talked, Sukuna fell stumped. He couldn't understand a single word they were saying.
...what...are they even conversing about? Don't tell me...
"Hey, brat."
Yuuji, who was in the middle of shoving a handful of popcorn into his mouth, shifted slightly as he responded.
Yeah? What's up?
"What language is this movie in? I am having a difficult time understanding."
Oh, right. I forgot to tell you, this is in English. Junpei couldn't find the Japanese dub for it, so if you want to follow by the movie, there's a line of text that plays at the bottom that translates the actors ' dialogue, called the subtitles, but I can basically fill you in on what's going on as well. For example, the guy with the funny-looking beard is what is called the Gamemaker for the Hunger Games. The dude with the weird blue hair is the host of this show, which he runs during the games, and he plays a huge part in the media outlet in the series. They were just talking about what the Hunger Games mean to the Gamemaker, and he said it's a rich part of the country's history. Also, the country is basically North America in a dystopian future, called Panem.
"Hm...so you say this series of events is a dilapidated future of mankind that relies on the death of tribute offerings to satisfy their anger from a rebellion that occurred long ago...human emotions fail to make me understand this."
Well, it is fictional after all. There are going to be flaws in a make-believe story, no matter how well written it is. You could create the most captivating and emotionally driven story that sells to the billions, and there will still be mistakes that make it human. If the Hunger Games were really a thing today, then there would be some things that don't line up with the book or movie. That's just the reality of it.
"...Quite the paradox, it seems...you speak of a book, you said?"
Yeah, I did. The movies are actually based on the books. I'd even say most movies, if they have their literary counterpart, are based on books. Humans love to make screen adaptations of fiction all the time. It drives imagination and curiosity and lets fantasy flourish within the mind in ways a basic book sometimes cannot. It sets a foundation for what-ifs and possibilities within those universes, and it drives creativity to a maximum.
"...When have you grown so knowledgeable, brat? You are causing me to believe a sense of disbelief in you being the vessel I know of."
Hey, just because I can be a dull idiot sometimes doesn't mean I'm not smart enough to understand things. It's just a matter of how complex it is, and if the person, for example, is being, ahem, difficult.
"This conversation is over."
Ouch, you picked up on that fast...whatever, enjoy the movie, and holler at me if you need help.
"Silence. The King of Curses does not need assistance from a lowlife like you. I can manage on my own."
Sukuna was met with the silence he demanded, and that seemed to be good enough.
But still, Sukuna couldn't help but feel his curiosity grow as he watched on.
One thing Sukuna hated while watching the movies was not the dragging plot nor the lack of action in the beginning, but rather due to a certain someone annoying him throughout the first movie, and now onto the second one.
Can this damned brat eat any more of those chemical treats? They're irritating.
Amidst Sukuna's internal complaint, Yuuji had not only been sipping away at Soda, savoring its cold, refreshing nature and its flavor twist, but the bag of Sour Patch Kids at his side was constantly decreasing in quantity as Yuuji popped the sour, sugary candy into his mouth without a care. They were now onto the second movie, where Katniss and Peeta were in a tropical forest with a group of other tributes and were taking rest right before a cloud of poisonous fog would come barreling in to take them by surprise.
Usually, Sukuna would've ignored the sensation and moved on, but the sting of the candy and soda was getting to him. He couldn't take it much longer if Yuuji was going to keep up this gluttonous display.
"Brat, must you be so voracious to indulge in these chemical 'delicacies'? It's insufferable to deal with these sensations that plague my taste buds. Why do you purge on them anyway? What makes them so grand to consume?"
Itadori, his trance broken by the grumpy curse within his mind, could only sigh internally as he gave a bland response.
Cause they're good? Duh. You only get one chance to live. Might as well capitalize on it while I can.
"I don't see how that logic contributes to the horrid tingling sensation you must feel...but maybe I suppose I have been indirectly tasting the treat...give me one."
Huh?
"Must I reiterate? Give me the snack you call the 'Sour Patch Kid.' I will reform my opinion on getting a direct sample."
Before Itadori could return to his own concern about that, he felt the right side of his face tingle gently, indicating that Sukuna had, without bothering to ask permission, formed his little mouth that could be used to communicate. Itadori wanted to protest, but afraid of alerting Junpei to the supernatural conditions set upon him, Itadori kept his mouth shut as he slowly pulled a green sour patch kid from the bag and moderately delivered it to his mouth, where it ate within a single bite and started to chew. Itadori relaxed more into his seat, awaiting the King of Curses' official opinion on the candy.
"Hm...mm...I see...I suppose I was too intense on my dislike. I still hate them, but they are more manageable than I thought."
Hallelujah. The King of Curses can reconsider. Who knew?
"You really love to push your luck, brat- wait, what's occurring on the television?"
Oh, right. This poisonous fog is about to come in and ambush Katniss and her group. It's super deadly and causes really painful blisters across the victim's body if they're caught up in it. You'll see here in a second.
"Does the girl you refer to as Katniss get caught up in this fog and succumb to its effects?"
I hate to break it to you, but she's the main character. She has plot armor and carries the series through the four movies. She wouldn't die if she tried- wait a minute...you're actually enjoying this so far, aren't you?
"As expected, I've made a lapse in my judgment to ask you such details."
Oh boo hoo. Don't get upset because I caught you actually taking an interest in something else, rather than the murder and death you always fantasise about.
Yuuji expected the curse to quip back at him with either an insult or a demand for something in particular, but when he was met with silence on his end, Yuuji shifted to curiosity and a tinge of worry.
Yo? Big Kuna? Did I hit a nerve or something, cause if I did, you can tell me.
"Refrain from using such a nickname to refer to me. Also, stop bothering me, you imbicle. You have a movie to watch, no?"
...I suppose so. Whatever.
With that, Itadori heard the sound of one of the male cast members scream out how the fog was poisonous, taking an instinctive sip of soda before returning full focus to the movie marathon.
Hours later
"Zzzz...zzzz...zzzZZ- Wha? What happened!? Did Katniss shoot President Snow? Are the games over?"
Yuuji had shot awake, disturbing the empty bag of sour patch kids, a barely empty bottle of soda, and knocking a few stray popcorn kernels off of his blanketed lap as he took a moment to survey the quiet and dimly TV-lit room. The TV, which was on a midpause, was on the rolling credits for the final movie that Junpei had put on what seemed to be a few minutes ago. Itadori had known he was growing tired after a long night of binging the Hunger Games movies, but never had he expected to suddenly wake post movie after falling asleep midway through. Nearby, on the couch, was the sleeping figure of Junpei, resting against the cushions comfortably as he was turned away from the TV.
So Itadori wasn't the only one who passed out, it seemed.
But still, he missed the freaking end, and all because of fatigue!
"Damn it..."
"Early rise, brat. How unfortunate you missed the end of that cinematic display, all because of being tired. You are a pathetic brat."
Of course, Sukuna took his chance to rub it in. Lovely.
"I don't want to hear it...I missed the very thing I wanted to see, and I can't believe it. Ugh, that's so damn annoying, and I don't suppose you bothered to watch it either."
"As you had said: boo hoo. You did it to yourself."
A moment of silence passed by again, except for the faint hum from the TV. Yuuji could only stare at the credits in defeat, unable to process his incompetence.
But then, Itadori's mind was blown by what Sukuna said next.
"...for the ending, President Snow was never shot by Katniss...she shot President Coin due to the suspicion of her bombing the Capitol children and rebel medics, killing Prim or whatever her name was in the process, and framed the attack on Snow to manipulate her way to becoming the president and putting children from the Capitol into the Hunger Games. Katniss had interrogated Snow on the fact of it, but he denied it as he should have, saying he did not order the attack and was not the one responsible. Katniss understandably rejects that clause, but she also overheard Gale about the bombing and how he was unsure of the fact of it. Putting two and two together, she made the realization that Snow was telling the truth, and therefore was the reason Coin died when the climax came. Snow still died after being trampled by a mob of people, but your beloved hero lived peacefully ever after, it seems..."
Itadori was blown away.
Sukuna, as in the King of Curses, as in the same curse who said he wouldn't bother with watching the movies and was complaining the entire time about them, had just told Yuuji word for word of the ending, and even called back to the past events and actual characters in said movie, which Itadori was indeed awake to see.
He couldn't believe it.
"Has my summary of the transpiring events left you speechless, brat? Answer me this instant."
"...you actually cared."
"Yeah, I did enough considering you were out cold, and I could watch it in peace. Don't rub it in."
"...alright, but I have to ask."
"And that is?"
"...Jennifer Lawrence was super hot during the movies, right?"
"...you and your abnormal obsession over that woman. Leave me be now. I will be taking the rest I have put aside for this nonsense."
"Alright, but I will be awaiting an answer. I hope you know that."
"Keep dreaming."
Itadori just shook his head as he pulled the blanket free and stood up to stretch, waddling to the kitchen to get a glass of water while checking the time.
It was 4:46 in the morning. Pretty early, but early enough to get ready soon and resume the mission with Nanamin-sama.
He really didn't want to drag himself to it, but he was a sorcerer, however. A sorcerer who was protecting the new friend he had just made and had just done the movie marathon with. With that, Itadori decided to go early, trusting Junpei would be in good hands with his mother for the remainder of curfew. He left out the window, not making a sound as he left the memories of that night etched into his memory forever.
The End