Chapter Text
Arisu knew he shouldn't be sneaking out of district limits, especially on reaping day. However, he wanted to celebrate with Karube and Chota. This was his final year; the last chance for him to be unlucky enough to be selected for the games.
They had a similar celebration last year, in the woods, before Karube’s last reaping. Out of desperation, Karube had put his name in the pot 100 times, trying to feed himself, his girlfriend and his dying father. Arisu always hated how the Capitol would incentivize the desperate and needy to risk getting selected for the games for basic necessities. It was disgusting how they'd take advantage of people for their own entertainment. Because that’s what it was, entertainment for them.
Karube was lucky enough not to get reaped, along with his girlfriend Emi, who both now surpassed the age cutoff for the game. Arisu had never been more relieved. Karube was like a brother to him, Arisu didn't know if he could stand the thought of losing him in the games. Chota wasn't as lucky though, still being 17 he had another two years before he was finally free of the fear of being reaped for the games.
If they could all get through this reaping day, then everything would be okay.
“What are you thinking about?” Karube laughs, throwing a rock at Arisu’s stomach. “Seriously Arisu, you can't space out like that. Not here, not today.”
“I know I'm sorry.” Arisu responds, pushing himself up from the floor he was laid on.
“You'll definitely be sorry if a peacekeeper snuck up on you and put a bullet in your head.” Karube flopped next to him, lighting a cigarette.
“HOLY SHIT! Where did you get that?” Arisu squeaked, trying to snatch it from his mouth.
“Stole it off a peacekeeper.”
“Karube….” Arisu said worriedly. “You picked today of all days to steal from the peacekeepers?”
“What are they going to do, put me in the games?” Karube laughed out. “Please, it's not like you don't steal from them too.”
Karube wasn't wrong. Arisu was fairly quick and had quite nimble fingers. He started off pickpocketing, and as he got more skilled, moved onto breaking into peoples homes and stealing their possessions. Arisu always made sure to never to use this on any of the struggling families, only the rich and the peacekeepers that ruled over district 12 with an iron fist. Arisu was invisible enough to get away with it every time, no one even suspected him, partly because people barely acknowledge him in the first place. It was a small act of rebellion that wouldn't get Arisu killed, probably.
“No but they might shoot you in the back of the head, or whip you in front of everyone at the reaping.” Arisu argued, rubbing his back where the scars from his whipping were. He was 10 years old when a peacekeeper finally caught him stealing. He was lucky enough not to get shot, however, the peacekeeper decided to publicly whip him on reaping day. He managed to get through 11 hits before another guard stopped him, pointing at the cameras. The capitol wouldn't want to see a child getting punished on reaping day. Karube had to carry him home, once the reaping was over.
“Hey where's Chota?” Arisu asked, trying to take his mind off that unpleasant memory.
“Said he couldn't make it, his mother is dragging him to some shaman or witch or something. Trying to scare off the bad energy or something so he doesn't get reaped.” Karube said, taking a slow drag from his cigarette. “As if that will do anything.”
“She's just worried.” Arisu says back, “with his leg injury and all.”
A couple years ago, they had all been involved in a mining accident. A ginormous cave in, over 100 people died. Karube and Arisu had been lucky enough to come out of it unscathed, but Chota’s leg was destroyed. It was so damaged it had to be cut off. As they were in district 12, there was very little that could have been done for it, so he walked using a make-shift walking stick. After that, Chota’s mother has dragged them into some weird religious cult, hoping that if they prayed enough, Chota would be safe from the reaping.
“What happens, if Chota gets reaped?” Arisu asks, looking nervously over at Karube.
“He won't, his name is in there once.” Karube said, looking at Arisu like he was stupid.
“There's still a chance.” Arisu muttered.
“Then there's nothing we can do.” Karube responded, “Unless you feel like volunteering.”
Arisu shook his head, he loved Chota. More than he loved his own family, he was his brother in everything but blood. But Arisu would never survive the games, despite how quick and invisible he was, even he had his limits.
“There's so little chance it won't even be a problem.” Arisu muttered, “I have a higher chance of being reaped than Chota does.”
“How many times did you put your name in?”
“50.”
“Well if you get reaped, I'm taking all your shit.”
“Who says I won't win?” Arisu responded sarcastically, he knew he had no chance at winning.
“Me.” Karube scoffed, “It's not that you can’t win, you're smart and fast and amazing at sneaking around. You wouldn't be able to kill someone. You’ve never even watched the games.”
“They aren't games, they're just an excuse to execute children over a war that happened 74 years ago. It's not entertainment, it's disgusting. I refuse to contribute to that.” Arisu meant every single word of that. In his 18 years of living, Arisu hadn't watched a single game, and he didn't plan to. Ever. If everyone just stopped watching the games; they would stop doing them. Arisu was a firm believer of that philosophy, and while that would never happen. Arisu wanted to do his part.
“Exactly why you'd die in them.” Karube laughed.
Their meet up was interrupted by a large siren going off in the distance.
“Well that's our cue.” Karube says, flinging himself off of the floor, pulling Arisu in for a hug. “May the odds be ever in your favour.”
Arisu chuckled as Karube walked away. Just one more year, then he was done. Just one more year.
-x-
When Arisu arrived him, his father was waiting for him, already angry that Arisu had picked that morning to sneak off to meet Karube.
“Ryouhei, I am the mayor of this district. I cannot afford for my eldest son to be sneaking around on Reaping day. What if someone had seen you? We are more scrutiny than anyone else today, can't you just act pleasant, until the ceremony is over.” His father growled. “It's already bad enough you decided to work in those coal mines, now you insult my image even more by sneaking around. This position is my ticket into the Capitol, your brother’s ticket into the Capitol. I won't have you ruin that with your rebellious attitude.”
Arisu just ignored his fathers rant, it happened once a year, only on Reaping day. Most of the time his father didn't care what he did, focusing all his time and effort onto Hajime. But on Reaping day, he was on Arisu like a ton of bricks. Badgering him about his hair, his appearance, his clothes, his attitude. If Arisu even breathed funny, he'd hear about it from his father.
That's why, Arisu couldn't wait until the Reaping was over. He had been working in the coal mines since he was 14 years old and had been stealing since he was 8. He had even entered his name 50 times in the Reaping pool, so he could finally have enough money and food to leave this house for good.
“Ryouhei, are you listening to me?” His father yelled, Hajime let out a snicker as he came into the kitchen, holding his arm out so their father could do his cufflinks.
“Yes father. Look nice, don't cause trouble.” Arisu responded sarcastically.
“I mean it Ryouhei, if you cause trouble today you will wish you'd have been reaped.” His father said. “Now go get a bath, you reek and try and get some of that soot off you.”’
“Yes sir.” Arisu said, walking to the bathroom; stripping as he walked. He caught sight of his scars in the mirror, taking a moment to inspect them. Sure, if he didn't get reaped today he wouldn't have to compete in the games, but was this really what he wanted for the rest of his life?
-x-
Arisu’s dress shoes scraped against the asphalt, as he was ushered towards the registration desk. In all the years he'd participated in the Reaping, this was always the part he couldn't stand. The needles, the blood, the nervous chatter. It made Arisu’s skin crawl.
The line in front of him moved fairly quickly, as Arisu searched the crowd for Karube and Chota. He could see Karube in the spectators section, but Chota was nowhere to be seen.
“Next.” The woman at the registration counter yelled, causing one of the Peacekeepers to push him forward. She yanked Arisu’s finger before he even had a chance to offer it. “Arisu Ryouhei, correct.”
“Yes.”
“Perfect. You can go stand with the others now.” The woman announced, directing her towards the large group of boys in front of him.
Arisu scanned the crowd for Chota, who was still nowhere to be seen. He looked at Karube again who gave him a knowing nod. He must have spotted Chota somewhere amongst the others.
Hajime pushed his way through the crowd to stand next to Arisu.
“You nervous?” Hajime asked, staring directly at him.
“Yeah.” Arisu responded, giving his brother a sideways glance.
“God you're pathetic.” Hajime laughed. Arisu just rolled his eyes, he'd almost forgotten why he hated his brother.
“Can I have everyone’s attention please.” An, their Capitol representative announced into the microphone. The entire group went deathly silent, everyone too afraid of the peacekeepers to make even the slightest noise.
“Perfect. Thank you District 12.” Mira spoke into the microphone, the sequins on her black dress glimmering in the sunlight. Arisu shivered as he looked at her, a smile was wide on her face but it never quite reached her eyes.
Mira Kanoa was the president of the Borderlands. A country that was split up into the Capitol and 12 districts. The Capitol was the ruling class in this country, the rich of the rich. These were who the games were for, a good show for those who were fortunate enough to be born there. The districts were made up of the workers of this country, District 1 being the richest, working with gold, diamond and silver, and District 12 being the poorest, made up of overworked, diseased coal miners. Unless they were reaped, no one from District 12 would ever even see the shadow of the Capitol. And that was all thanks to Mira.
Arisu hated her, more than words could express. She had inherited the position as president from her Father. And focused all the time making the games a spectacle, a tv show. Making 24 innocent children suffer for the wealthy, excusing it as an arbitrary punishment for a war that happened 74 years ago. It was disgusting.
What was worse is Mira didn't need to travel to the districts, in fact she was advised against it, in case of a rebellion or assignation attempt. She had multiple Capitol representatives that could come for her, yet she chose to do it herself. The news markets it as the fact she's a benevolent leader, willing to mix with all of her subjects, and give them the courtesy of meeting her before they have to fight for their lives in the arena.
However, if you asked Arisu, he would say it's because she liked the fear. She liked looking at the terrified children and grieving parents, as she selected their names. She enjoyed the pain and suffering of everyone in the districts, seeing how her subjects were starving, and diseased and dirty barely getting by. Arisu could see it in her eyes, the enjoyment she derived from everyone's pain.
“Now, if you will all pay attention; we have a very special video, brought to you straight from the Capitol.” Mira giggles out, before instructing the Peacekeepers to start the video.
After 18 years, Arisu had this video memorised. It was some propaganda nonsense trying to justify how the games were okay. Arisu just rolled his eyes, occasionally sending a look in Karube’s direction, who would promptly pretend to throw up at the most ‘patriotic’ parts.
Hajime seemed interested in every word of the video, studying the screen intently. How his brother could be so smart and somehow believe every word of this bullshit, Arisu would never know.
“Now.” Mira announces again, as the Peacekeepers switch the video feed back to the cameras stationed around them. “The time has come for us to select one courageous man and woman for the honour of competing for District 12 in the 74th annual Hunger Games.”
Arisu tried to steady his breathing, as he stared at the screen. This was his last one, everything would be okay if he could just get through this reaping.
Arisu spent the few seconds he had, praying to a God he didn't believe in for mercy he knew he wouldn't grant.
“As always, ladies first.” Mira says excitedly, dipping her hand into the women’s bowl, swishing it around theatrically, probably for the viewers in the Capitol. She ceremoniously picked a card out, before gently opening it up and reading it aloud. “Usagi Yuzuha.”
Arisu frowned, he vaguely recognised the name but he wasn't sure where from.
The people standing next to Usagi dispersed, giving her a wide berth like she had some sort of contagious disease. She was short, and thin, but Arisu could see the toned muscles in her arm. She looked to be about 17 or 18 years old, which gave her a better shot at winning. However, everyone knew getting selected to compete for District 12 was a death sentence. Out of the 73 Hunger games, there had only been two victors. Chishiya Shuntaro, and Kuina Hikari. Arisu wasn't sure who they were or what they looked like, as he hadn't watched either of their games, but the way his father talked after both of them won made Arisu want to volunteer, so he could earn that kind of praise and respect from his father.
Usagi’s face remained unchanged as she confidently left the crowd and walked towards the stage. Mira looked a little disappointed at this, but quickly went back to her usual persona. No one said a word, no family members screamed after her nothing. Arisu’s heart broke for her a little, he couldn't imagine having no one care if he was reaped. His father and brother probably wouldn’t but Karube and Chota definitely would.
“And now for the boys.” Mira said cheerfully once Usagi was stood next to her on the stage. Mira’s hand picked the very top ticket this time, instead of her theatrical performance from earlier. She must be getting bored.
“The tribute competing for the boys is Chota Segawa.”
Arisu whipped his head around, trying to find Chota in the crowd. He made eye contact with Karube who had an equally panicked look on his face. Arisu could hear Chota's walking stick scraping the ground as he tried to exit the crowd. Once Arisu spotted him; he could see the look of terror on Chota’s face as he kept muttering to himself. Arisu didn't know what to do. If Chota went to the games, he would die. There was no question about it, for disabled tributes in the past, they never made exceptions, they had to compete as they were. There was no way Chota would survive. His best friend, his brother. He needed Chota to survive.
Arisu didn't know what to do.
Unless you wanted to volunteer.
Karube’s words from earlier rang in his ears, sure it was only a joke then, but he could. No one from 12 had ever volunteered before, the crowd would love it and that was what the games were all about right. Arisu didn't have a very good shot at survival, but it was better than Chota’s.
Okay, he would do this. He needed to do this, if it was the other way around, Karube and Chota would do this for him.
Arisu’s legs were moving before he even had a chance to think it through.
“Ryouhei what are you doing?” His brother whispered through gritted teeth, grabbing Arisu’s shoulder. Arisu just yanked his arm away, forcing himself through the crowd of boys. Chota was halfway down the walk way now, stumbling the entire way. Arisu didn't miss how Mira’s face contorted with delight. Arisu hated her, he wanted to wipe that smirk off her face.
“Chota! CHOTA!” Arisu screamed, once he got to the path, two peacekeepers running to hold him back. Chota turned around, Arisu could see the tears welling up in his eyes and his hands shaking. Arisu needed to do this, for Chota.
The peacekeepers tried to shove him back into the crowd but Arisu just pushed them off.
“I VOLUNTEER.” Arisu screamed, the entire world froze. “I volunteer as tribute.”
A loud ringing was present in Arisu’s ears as he continued down the path, he could vaguely hear Chota screaming, but he was too out of it tk hear what he was saying. Arisu watched as Karube ran from the spectators area, lifting Chota away, as he screamed and cried. Karube gave Arisu a small nod, before retreating back into the crowd.
Arisu straightened his back, before continuing to walk towards the stage. It was too late to turn back now, and he wasn't going to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing him afraid.
He could feel his father staring at him from the stage, his hands gripping his seat. Arisu isn't brave enough to look him in the eye, knowing the anger he will feel. Arisu almost hopes he doesn't come to visit him during the time the tributes have to say goodbye.
Arisu steps on the stage, making sure he doesn't fall. That is not the impression he wants to make to the world. Mira holds out her hand, motioning for Arisu to grab it. Arisu complies, it's not like he can defy the literal leader of his country, today of all days.
“Everyone congratulate the tributes of the 74th Hunger Games! Especially District 12’s first volunteer.” Mira grabs Usagi’s hand as well, lifting them both in the air. Arisu doesn't miss the glance Mira sends in his direction, but he ignores it. He doesn't care what she thinks of him, he only did this for Chota.
No one in the crowd makes a sound, their eyes are all dull and lifeless. Arisu isn't surprised, it had always been this way.
To Arisu’s surprise, he sees one man kiss his three fingers, before raising them in the air. Prompting more people to, soon, everyone in the town centre was raising their hands, in support of Arisu and his actions. Arisu could feel the blood rushing to his face, no one had ever noticed him this much before.
Mira gives him an even more indecipherable look, before promptly walking off the stage, her heels clacking as she walked. An directed Arisu and Usagi to shake hands before directing them to leave opposite ends of the stage.
Everything was a blur after that, Arisu was directed every which way, from peacekeeper to peacekeeper before he was finally locked in a room. Arisu hated the solitude, he thought he would have appreciated being alone, not having to pretend to be brave for the crowds, but it was worse, way worse. Now all he could do was sit in silence and think about what he had done.
Arisu heard the door creak before his father and brother came bursting through. His father’s face was thunderous as he slapped Arisu across the cheek.
“WHAT WERE YOU THINKING RYOUHEI?” His father screamed, as Arisu cradled his throbbing cheek. Hajime was just stood staring at Arisu, his mouth agape. “YOU HAD THIS ONE LEFT, YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE AND INSTEAD YOU CHOOSE TO THROW IT AWAY ALL FOR THAT CRIPPLE?”
“DON’T TALK ABOUT CHOTA LIKE THAT!” Arisu yelled back, if he couldn't stand up to his father, he had no chance in the arena. In response to Arisu’s outburst, his father hit him again, this time cutting Arisu’s lip with his ring.
“Ryouhei, you listen to me.” His father said softly this time, wiping the blood off his face. “You listen to everything Chishiya has to say to you, I mean it, everything. He's smart, he was the youngest ever victor to win his games. I know you don't watch the games, but if you do, you will see that Chishiya won't help or will actively sabotage the tributes that piss him off. So try and stay on his good side Ryouhei. I mean it, shut up and listen. Promise me.”
The peacekeepers burst in the room and started dragging his father and brother out.
“PROMISE ME RYOUHEI!” His father yelled, trying to resist the peacekeepers. This was the most worked up he'd ever seen his father. Ever. He didn't even get this worked up over Arisu’s mothers death.
“I promise!” Arisu yelled, the door slamming on his father and brother.
Arisu slumped to the floor, cradling his legs to his stomach. This was it, this was how Arisu was going to die. Cold and alone.
Arisu jumped to his feet, when he heard the door creak. Karube practically forced his way in.
“Arisu.” Karube said, his voice cracking as he hugged him. “I don't have long, I had to bribe a peacekeeper to be here.”
“Karube.” Arisu sobbed, putting his arms around him, melting into the hug. This was the first time he felt aware enough to actually cry. “Listen, can you just keep an eye out for Hajime, I know he's difficult but just-”
“-Arisu, listen to me.” Karube grabbed his Arisu’s face, forcing Arisu to look at him. “Arisu, I'm not going to agree to that because you are going to survive this. Arisu look at me, I mean this Arisu, you have got a good a chance as anyone else. You are 18, you'll be one of the oldest there, you are fast, quiet and smart. If anyone from 12 can make it, it's you.”
“But you said-”
“I know what I said, and I didn't mean it because we were just joking around. Arisu you can win this. You have to win this.”
“I'll try.” Arisu says, finally getting his crying under control.
“Of course you will.” Karube says, hugging him again.
“Karube, what do you know about Chishiya Shuntaro. My father said to listen to him-”
“-Okay, times up!” The peacekeeper barges in, pulling Karube away from Arisu. “You need to go and he needs to get to the train.”
“You can beat this game Arisu! I promise, make sure you fight like hell to come home!” Karube yells as the peacekeeper drags him out the room. Another peacekeeper grabs Arisu by the arm and drags him out the room as well, this time in the direction of the train.
Arisu can see Usagi in front of him, already being ushered onto the train.
“I'll take it from here.” An says, dismissing the peacekeepers, she hold out her hand for Arisu to shake. “Arisu right? My name is An, it's nice to meet you.”
“I know who you are…” Arisu chuckles nervously.
“I suppose that's true. Well Kuina offered to show Usagi around the train, so I will be giving you your tour.” An says, allowing Arisu to step into the train first.
Arisu knew he was one of the more privileged people to live in district 12. His fathers position allowed them a nicer place to live and they didn’t to worry about food on the table as much as everyone else. That being said, the luxury of this train wasn’t something Arisu could even dream of seeing. It was gigantic, covered floor to ceiling with gold curtains, nice fabrics and food. So much food, more food than Arisu had ever seen in his lifetime.
“If you don't mind picking your jaw up off the floor, we can continue the tour.” An says, looking annoyed at Arisu. Arisu apologizes sheepishly before he follows after her. “In front of you is your room. The only people permitted to enter this room are you and your mentors. There is a hand scammer on the door, so if someone that isn't those people decide to try and enter that room, the scanner will electrocute them. The same goes for Usagi’s room.”
“Why?” Arisu asks, the answer was probably obvious but he was so overwhelmed by everything around him, he couldn't even think.
“To stop the tributes killing each other before the game.” An responds coldly, “Now, if you'll follow me, this hallway leads to the dining room, this is where you are most likely to find me or your mentors at any point if you need us. If you need anything there is also a phone in your room that will allow you to call whoever you need. Your handprint will allow you into your mentors rooms, but I won't recommend entering or lurking around without letting them know. The last person that did that got stabbed in the hand.”
“Ok.” Arisu nodded, slightly concerned about that. He didn't plan on entering anyone's bedroom, so hopefully him getting stabbed in the hand shouldn't be a problem.
“Great, any questions?”
“No, I don't.” Arisu lied, he had a million questions, but he didn't think An would be able to, or even want to, answer any of them.
“Fantastic!” An said sarcastically, for someone that got to enjoy all these luxurious things, she seemed to really hate it. “Feel free to explore all you want and enjoy any of the food. If you need me, I'll be reading my book.”
“Will do.”
Arisu spent an hour looking around the train without running into another person, only peacekeepers. Every part of the cabin was fancy in a different way, it almost made Arisu sick. How could they have so much wealth, to make a train like this, but they let the people in 12 and the other districts starve to death.
Arisu had finally done a full trip and made it back to the dining cart where An had left him. He could hear muffled voices coming from inside, but he couldn’t make out what they were saying. Curse the Capitol and its fancy thick doors.
Arisu had two options, he could either go back to his room, and sit and do nothing, or he could investigate. As much as Arisu didn't want to, he may as well maximize his time on the train. Even if all he wanted to do was lay in his ridiculously fancy bed and feel sorry for himself.
Arisu carefully opens the door, so it doesn't disturb anyone. He's almost thankful he spent his teenage years breaking into people's houses.
“-so anyways, basically, if you want to survive you’ve got to focus on food, water and shelter.” A woman with dreadlocks who is sat on a table says, Usagi is sat next to her as well as a man with white hair. An is sat on the other end of the cabin still reading her book. It seems no one had noticed Arisu yet. He was surprised, he thought two past victors would have noticed him immediately. “Right Chishiya? I mean you've definitely got more of a shot than that guy that volunteered. Seriously, you are a climber and you have wilderness skills. I get that you’ll want to be friends with him, but I’d avoid it if I were you! That's a slippery slope. Honestly, he's scary in his own right, I mean who in their right mind would volunteer, from district twelve of all places. Seriously, I can't tell if that guy is brave or stupid.”
“He’s nice…Arisu and I went to the same school.” Usagi muttered, at least she was remotely on his side, and they were the ones that were supposed to kill each other .
“And that mindset is what's going to get you killed.” The man with the white hair said. Based off what Arisu assumed that it was Chishiya, but he wasn't sure. He slightly regretted not watching the games before, because that way at least he'd know who these people are. “You are both as stupid as each other. This is a complete waste of my time.”
“Chishiya, don't be like that. You haven't even met Arisu yet.” Kuina whined.
“I don't need to, he's already a waste of my time.” The man said flatly, getting up ready as if leaving.
“I'm a waste of time?” Arisu asked coldly, causing Kuina to jump and throw a butter knife at him, Arisu managed to dodge it before it hit him.
“Holy shit dude! You can't sneak up on me like that!” Kuina yells, “How long have you been there?”
“Somewhere between you talking about survival skills and calling me stupid.” Arisu responded sarcastically. The promise he made his father ringing in his ears. Well he'd probably already fucked up and pissed off his mentors anyways, so his father would just have to get over it. At least this time Arisu wouldn't have to listen to his fathers lecture.
“That long?” Kuina asked, glancing at Chishiya. “Why didn't you say something instead of standing there like a weirdo?”
“I wanted to hear what else you had to say about me.” Arisu responded. It was true, he wanted to see what his mentors had to say while he wasn't around.
“You're a weird guy dude.” Kuina laughs, “Come sit down with us, you didn't need to eavesdrop, Chishiya would be more than happy to call you stupid to your face.”
Arisu smiled briefly as he sat down next to Usagi, they shared a small smile before looking away. It was at this point Arisu actually looked at Chishiya.
Chishiya was short, a lot shorter than Arisu expected him to be. He had white hair and was wearing an oversized white jacket, but Arisu could still tell he was muscular underneath his clothes. He had a smug look plastered on his gorgeous face. And it really was beautiful, Karube would laugh at him, but Arisu was pretty sure Chishiya was the most beautiful man he'd ever seen.
Chishiya tilted his head, observing Arisu for a long moment, like a cat. Arisu thought back to what his father said, how Chishiya was the youngest ever victor to win his games. That is a very difficult feat, especially because he was from district 12.
“So, why'd you do it?” Kuina leans across the table, resting on her elbows.
“Do what?” Arisu said, looking at her confused.
“Volunteer, silly! You are the first and only person to ever volunteer from twelve, do you not know how big a deal this is?” Kuina says, staring at Arisu. “See, at first I thought the guy, Chota, was your brother. But you don't have the same last name, so I doubt it, so why did you do it.”
“Chota is my friend. With his leg, he never would have survived.”
“And you think you can?” Chishiya asks, leaning back in his chair. Kuina sends an him a weird look that Arisu can't decipher.
“No.” Arisu replied honestly. These were his mentors, he should be honest with them, he genuinely didn't think he could win the games. “But that doesn't mean I'm not going to try.”
Chishiya didn't say anything more, instead letting Kuina take charge of the conversation. She was more interested in Usagi than Arisu, so Arisu just sat there occasionally glancing at Chishiya who seemed uninterested by that whole thing.
“Arisu.” Kuina turns her attention back to him, “What are you good at?”
“I'm sorry?” Arisu asks, he wasn't really listening to Kuina, he was more focused on looking at Chishiya.
“Like, what are your strengths?
“...I'm not sure.” Arisu mutters quietly.
“This is a complete waste of my time.” Chishiya stands up, brushing past Arisu’s chair, to leave. Arisu didn't know why he did it, if it was instinct or something else. But he couldn’t help himself. He reached into Chishiya’s pocket, taking the first thing he could get his hands on. Arisu wasn't sure what it was, but he quickly slipped it into his pocket.
Chishiya seemed none the wiser, storming out of the room. Kuina chuckled nervously.
“Sorry about that, let me run grab him!” Kuina says, motioning for An to help her, before chasing after Chishiya, leaving Arisu and Usagi alone.
“So…” Arisu starts, unsure of what to say. Usagi didn’t seem to be very talkative, but she had said Arisu was nice earlier.
“I'm going to my room.” Usagi says, pushing her chair back and leaving abruptly.
Arisu sighed as he sagged his head down on the table, unsure of what else to do. He didn't want to go back to his room, he wasn't hungry and the two people who were supposed to be helping him survive had ditched him. So all he did was place his head on the table and dissociate for what felt like hours. Eventually, Arisu decided to inspect what he'd stolen off of Chishiya. He didn't want to get it out fully just in case Chishiya came back, but he was interested in what Chishiya deems important enough to carry around with him.
Arisu couldn't tell what it was, it had wires attached to it, so definitely something electrical. It looked like an old radio, but Arisu doesn't think that's its main purpose.
“You shouldn't take things that don't belong to you.” Chishiya said, from the doorway, making Arisu jump. “Scared? Looks like you're not the only one that can sneak up on people.”
“I'm sorry, I don't know why I did it…” Arisu apologized, looking at the table. This was the second time ever, Arisu had been caught stealing. And the last reaction was enough to make Arisu significantly more wary of being caught. The 10 scars on his back throbbed as he looked at Chishiya, a painful reminder of what could be in store for him. Luckily, Chishiya didn't seem angry, just curious.
“I thought I recognized your name. Arisu Ryouhei, the disgraced first son of the mayor. Whipped for stealing from a peacekeeper at 10, dropped out of school to work in the coal mines at 14, and has been seen selling stolen goods in the black market since the age of 12. Quite a profile you've got going on there, I'm surprised you haven't been forced into the games before this point.”
“I-” Arisu goes to speak, but stops as Chishiya gives him a look.
“Normally, Kuina and I will take a tribute each, that's how we decide to mentor. Tributes can find it awkward to be trained together, on account of the fact they have to kill each other. There can only be one victor after all.” Chishiya started, sitting down directly across from Arisu. “Kuina has already decided she wants to mentor Usagi, so now I'm stuck with you. The question is, are you worth my time?”
“I-” Arisu genuinely didn't know how to respond to that. How could he convince Chishiya he was worthy of his time, when even Arisu didn't think he could survive this game.
“I was willing to give up on you. An idiot that volunteered for his disabled friend, with no strategy to win the games and no special skills. Most of the tributes come into the game like that, useless and scared, so I wasn't surprised when you acted that way. However they were unlucky enough to be reaped, you volunteered, I expected more from you.” Chishiya idly grabbed his invention from Arisu and started throwing it in the air. “Kuina chased me trying to change my mind, like she does every year, but I was pretty set in my decision. That was until I noticed my taser was missing. Kuina and An know better than to touch my things, Usagi seems too meek and quiet and she wasn't anywhere near close enough to me to be able to, so that just leaves you.”
“I'm sorry-”
“What's even more impressive is that I truly didn't notice you taking it. In my 22 years of living, not one single person has ever gotten the better of me, until today. So maybe, just maybe, you are worth my time.” Chishiya says, leaning back in his chair. “Tell me, what do you think the most important aspect of the games is?”
“The viewers.” Arisu had always known this, he didn’t need to watch the games to figure it out. This was all a show to them, something to enjoy, something to bet on. All the viewers wanted was a good show and from the rumours Arisu had heard, they were willing to pay fortunes to get it.
“Indeed.” Chishiya confirmed. “What else?”
This is where Arisu was stuck, and greatly regretted not watching the games. “Survival?”
“What specifically?” Chishiya prompted further.
“I'm not sure.” Arisu responded truthfully, hoping it wouldn't make Chishiya give up on him again.
“It’s a vital part of every single game. If you aren't smart enough to know that, then maybe I was wrong about you.” Chishiya said coldly, his eyes narrowing.
Arisu sat in silence, trying to rack his brain for an answer. “Water?”
Chishiya stood up, and started to walk away. Shit, this was the opposite of what Arisu wanted to do.
“Wait.” Arisu yelled; to his surprise, Chishiya actually stopped. “I don't know because…I've never watched the games.”
Arisu’s cheeks blushed with embarrassment, as Chishiya just stood and stared at him, for a solid 5 minutes before turning around to sit back down.
“What do you mean you've never watched the games? Not a single one?” Chishiya interrogated, Arisu firmly shook his head.
“I think the games are disgusting, I refused to contribute to any of the support of them.” Arisu admits, “I've not seen a single game.”
“Then why did you volunteer?” Chishiya asks.
“Chota wouldn't have survived, he wouldn't have been able to walk in the games, he wouldn't even have a tiny chance. He's missing a leg.”
“The girl that won last year had a missing leg.” Chishiya said. Arisu was genuinely surprised at that. “She lost it before the games started, had some sort of medieval prosthetic on. She was from 11.”
“Chota’s not like that, he’d have to be knocked out and dragged into the games. He wouldn't move when he got there, he'd just stand still until someone eventually killed him.”
“So you volunteered for the games, having no idea how they actually worked?” Chishiya asked, looking just as confused as before.
“Pretty much.” Arisu said, rubbing the back of his neck. It sounded a lot more stupid when framed that way.
“I tell you what, go watch the games tonight, bring me a list of what's important, ranked in the morning and if it's good enough, I'll mentor you. If not, good luck.” Chishiya responded, getting up from his seat. “Don't let me down.”
Arisu was left dumbfounded, staring at the door Chishiya had gone through.
This meant that Arisu at least had a chance right?
-x-
Arisu had spent his entire evening staring at the television in his room; studying the games. He'd managed to watch all the games from the past 15 years, all except the 64th and the 66th, which weren't accessible on the train for some reason. Arisu was glad he had never taken the time to watch them before because they were truly awful, worse than Arisu could ever imagine. Watching those young children slaughter each other while others bet and laughed. How they would favour certain children over others, and send them care packages while the less desirable children suffered. It was barbaric, it was everything Arisu expected from them and more. It's why he chose to abstain from watching the games in the first place.
It seemed as though the games were split up into two sections. The game itself, where they had to fight to the death; and the two months before the game. Originally it used to only be 2 weeks, but to allow the capital viewers to become more attached to the tributes, they decided to extend it! Filling the tributes days with training and nights with meet and greets, fancy events and interviews. Those two months really were the most crucial part of all this, that must have been what Chishiya decipher. He was testing Arisu to see if he was smart enough to realise what he needed to do.
The only good thing about watching the tapings of the games was the fact it gave Arisu some idea of what to expect. And it let him complete Chishiya’s list, which hopefully would mean Chishiya would actually agree to mentor him. Arisu hadn't realised it at the time, but watching those recordings, he could tell having a bad mentor was a death sentence. No wonder his father had been trying to warn him so intently. He needed to be on Chishiya’s good side.
Arisu wasn't sure when he fell asleep, but when he woke up, Chishiya was standing over him on the bed. Arisu practically jumped out of his skin, screaming as he launched himself off the bed, away from the man.
“I could have killed you about 15 times while you were sleeping.” Chishiya says, looking unimpressed as he jumps off of Arisu’s bed. “You’ll need to work on that before you go into the arena.”
“Okay.” Arisu says through a yawn.
“Do you have that list for me?” Chishiya asked, holding his hand out expectantly.
“I do, it's somewhere in all this..” Arisu says as he panickedly looks through the crumpled papers laid across his bed. Shit; where did he put them?
“Already failing at your first assignment, that’s not a good look Arisu.” Chishiya says flatly, before leaving Arisu’s room. “Have that list to me in 10 minutes, or find a new mentor.”
Arisu nodded, while he searched frantically for the list he made last night, he knew he made it. Where had it gone?
-x-
Arisu ran through the dining cart, trying to get to Chishiya on time. An, Usagi, Kuina and Chishiya were already sat at the breakfast table, all having a conversation. Well Kuina and Usagi were having a conversation, An and Chishiya just sat there silently, An focusing on her book, while Chishiya focused intently on a packet of biscuits.
Arisu quickly walked round and handed Chishiya the piece of paper as quickly as he could.
“8 minutes and 56 seconds, not bad.” Chishiya said, snatching the paper from Arisu’s hand.
“What's this now?” Kuina says, mid bite of her pancake.
“Don't talk with your mouth full, its rude.” An chides, glaring at Chishiya.
“Sorry.” Kuina mumbles, “Chi, what's that?”
“Arisu’s homework.” Chishiya responds, Kuina gives him a small smile before turning her attention back to Chishiya.
“What homework?”
“Arisu had never seen any of the games before-"
“YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED A SINGLE GAME, AND YOU VOLUNTEERED?” Kuina yelled, causing Arisu to blush in embarrassment again.
“Yes.” Arisu responded quietly.
“So he went and watched all the games from the last 15 years and has made a list of what's the most and least important aspect of each part of the game.” Chishiya responded.
“About that…” Arisu said quietly, “I couldn’t access the 64th or the 66th games. I'm not sure why.”
“Those are our games.” Kuina answered for them, “we decide if and when we show them to people.”
“Oh, I'm sorry.”
“It's fine, you didn't know.” Kuina smiled, “You know, seen as you haven't seen any games. It's nice to meet someone that doesn't know anything about my games. Anyways, Chishiya why are you assigning Arisu homework?”
“Because I'm mentoring him.” Chishiya says flatly. Arisu is relieved Chishiya has finally agreed to mentor him, however that relief quickly turns into anxiety at An and Kuina’s reaction. An was staring at him, eyes wide, while Kuina dropped her fork and was standing at Chishiya with her mouth agape.
“You're mentoring him? For real?” Kuina asks, staring at Arisu now.
“Yes.”
“But you never mentor any of the tributes, you barely mentored me.” Kuina squints, moving closer to Chishiya.
“I know.” Chishiya says calmly.
“Why him? What's so special about him, you were ready to just leave him fend for himself yesterday?”
“I think he can win.” Chishiya responds, Kuina was still staring at him like he'd grown a second head. Arisu’s heart fluttered at Chishiya’s faith in him.
If Chishiya thought he could win, maybe he actually had a chance after all?