Chapter 2- Journey
Mikan's POV
After Natsume's name was called, we were dragged into a long dull speech about the history of The Gakuen Games and the capitol. Everyone already knew about it from school, so i didn't see the point of reading it over and over again. Basically, the districts waged war against the capitol, and we lost. As revenge, they created the Gakuen Games. End of story. I assumed that the capitol just wanted to rub it in our faces.
After it all ended, we were escorted into the justice building. It's size still left me in awe. If only grandpa and i could live in a place like this! Then again, grandpa probably wouldn't want to leave his temple which he's guarded for most of his life.
"In here please, Ms. Sakura." one of my escorts said. I entered the room and sat down on the velvet couches. To have enough money to afford expensive cloth from district 8... The people of district 12 would use it all on food. The capitol doesn't give us much attention because all we really do is coal mining.
Immediately, I thought of Natsume. His fire power could probably be of use in the mines. I wondered; had he ever gone down there before? His fire could help the miners find their way and blow up places when needed. If it were me, all I would've been able to do is watch. My alice wouldn't be of much use, and it's not like I know how to mine coal.
My thoughts were interrupted by the opening of a door.
"Mikan!" I heard a voice.
"Kyo!" I gasped. He actually came to see me!
"I'm really sorry Mikan... I can't believe this is happening!" he said.
"It's not your fault." I assured him. "It's not like you cam control whether or not I'm picked."
"Still... My mother lost her sister to the games. I really don't want to lose a friend." He sighed.
"I'll try my best to win, but I don't know how far I'll be able to go." I said.
Kyo dug his hands in his pockets, and pulled out a small item. "Is that a brooch?" I asked, admiring the detailed handiwork. It must be a priceless heirloom. Probably enough to buy a feast!
"It was my mother's. She gave it to me to give to you." Kyo replied.
I placed the brooch on my dress. There was an inscription in the middle in some foreign language. Now I had two things to remember home.
"Good luck, Mikan." said Kyo. He went out the door. This would probably be the last time I'd ever him.
Next came my grandfather, of course. He ran towards me and hugged me.
"Mikan!" He cried, holding me tight.
"Grandpa!" I screamed, hugging him back. A tear trickled down my face. I'd miss him. He's the only real family I've ever know. I had to at least try to win, for both he and I.
"I've failed in keeping you safe." he muttered. "Even though I promised your parents..."
"It's alright grandpa. You did your best, and I'm grateful." I told him.
"But still. Anyways, I have something important to tell you." he said gravely. I nodded.
"okay." "Do you remember what I told you about your parents before?"
"Yeah. You said they had some important business somewhere. What about them?"
Grandpa took a deep breath. "Well you see, Mikan, they-" He was interrupted by the sudden entrance of the Peacekeepers. The same people who escorted me here. "Time is up! Time to leave, old man!" the tallest one screamed. "Wait! Just 2 more minutes!" My grandpa pleaded. "No! She needs to leave now!" snapped the peacekeeper. "Grandpa!" I shouted. But he was already gone.
I was escorted to the train together with Natsume. It looked shiny and brand new. According to schedule, we'd arrive in the capitol tomorrow morning. I stole a glance at Natsume. His face seemed almost expressionless. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. I knew he had a little sister. Her name was Aoi, if I'm not mistaken. I met her once a few years ago when she visited her temple. She seemed kindhearted unlike Natsume.
"Come on inside! You don't need to be shy." said Nobara. She led us inside the train the dining carts. Like the train, the silverware looked new and unused, glittering with diamonds. What was it made out of, I wondered. Silver? Gold?
"Please do take your seats. Dinner will be served soon. I'm going to go get Narumi." said Nobara. She left the cart leaving me alone with Natsume. Definitely awkward. So... what exactly was I supposed to say to my soon to be (or possibly already) enemy? I couldn't think of anything, so I decided to start with a simple introduction. That is how you start conversations with strangers... Right?
"Um, hi. I'm Sakura Mikan." I mumbled awkwardly.
"I'm not stupid. I know who you are." he grumbled.
"I know that! I was just trying to start a conversation! We're stuck with each other. We might as well try to talk!" I snapped at him. "we're going to be together until we enter the arena, you know. We should at least associate a little bit." I grumbled. Geez, this guy was awful.
"Well I don't really want to associate with anyone." he said.
"Suit yourself." I replied.
That was when I felt a tingling sensation on the ends of my hair. I shrieked and dunked it in water.
"You creep! Don't burn my hair!" I screamed at him. What a jerk! If I'd known he was burning my hair earlier, I could've nullified it!
"I'm free to do what I want." he said.
"But it's against the rules to harm others before the games!"
"And I didn't you aren't wounded, right?"
Gosh, I so wanted to punch him. Of course, he'd probably punch me back seeing he isn't a gentleman. And it's not like I was allowed to attack him... Yet.
The door opened, and Nobara entered together with Narumi and some servants.
"Hello, my beautiful tributes!" He said.
"Gay." I heard Natsume whisper.
As much as i disliked Natsume, i had to agree that Narumi was a bit... eccentric. Of couse, that was something everyone in our district knew, but i didn't fully believe it until now.
"Um, hi." I greeted Narumi.
"Ah! Mikan! It's a pleasure to meet you! I'll be giving you the best advice on how to win the gakuen games... in style!" Narumi exclaimed.
"Um... In style!"
"Of course! The capitol wants an elaborate show! The more elaborate, the higher your chances of winning are!"
"Oh. Okay."
Natsume rolled his eyes. "Enough with all this nonsense and just tell us how to win!"
"Well let's see..." said Narumi. "What are your alices,"
"Fire." Natsume answered instantly.
"Mine's nullification." I said.
"Fire... That's an excellent offensive alice! Nullification is the perfect defensive alice! Of course, you still need to be able to use traditional weapons."
"I can use a sword." said Natsume.
"Well that's good! What about you, Mikan?"
I frowned. I didn't have any experience with weapons at all, unless you count a broomstick (which grandpa often tells me to use to whack trespassers and evil spirits. I could never see the spirits though). Yup, i was totally useless.
"I don't really know how to use weapons." I admitted.
"Well that's dumb." muttered Natsume. I glared at him. He glared at me back. It lasted until Narumi spoke.
"Well that's alright, Mikan. We just need to train you. Do you have any weapon preference?" He asked.
"Not really."
"Alright. Perhaps we should get you started with a bow and arrow. Or perhaps a knife."
Narumi began muttering to himself, so we let him be and took are seats at the dining table. The servants had just finished setting up.
"You two may have a good meal for now." said Nobara. After, we'll discuss with Narumi for a little while, then you may retire for the day."
The food was definitely world class. There was so much, I couldn't even name anything. In the end, I decided to try some of the pasta and orange juice. I loved orange juice a lot! My name, Mikan, also meant orange!
After I finished my pasta, I tried miso soup. It was a famous Japanese delicacy everyone knew tasted amazing, but that made it expensive. I've only had it a few times.
After dinner came the dessert. Narumi finally decided to join us. He had this enormous sundae filled with all sorts of expensive toppings. I just had a small chocolate cake.
"So." said Natsume. "When are you actually going to give us helpful advice?"
"Well the best advice I can give you would be... Don't die!" said Narumi.
"Like that isn't already obvious!"
"Yes, yes. You're quite impatient, Natsume." Narumi sighed. "The next best advice I can give you would be to make yourself look good. That way, you can gather sponsors."
Sponsors. The lifesavers in the Gakuen Games. People to provide for you when you're on the brink of death. I definitely needed sponsors.
"So how do we get sponsors?" I asked. "That, Mikan, is something I, Narumi Anju, shall help you with! Right after I finish my sundae, that is."
Okay. Finally I was getting somewhere! I just hoped Natsume wouldn't continue being a jerk.
So... How was the chapter? I tried to make it a bit longer than my last one. I know it's kind of unexciting as of now, but I promise to add more Excitement once they reach the capitol! Thanks to all my reviewers! You are truly awesome!
i also need some help: What roles should Ruka and Hotaru have? I'm kind Of out of ideas for them. I was thinking of making them tributes, but then they'd have to die... Or maybe not. Well, I'll leave it to you to give suggestions. questions and critical reviews also accepted!