Chapter 6: Twirl For Me

Disclaimer: Do not own Naruto if I would, Naruto and Sasuke would end up together.

Naruto woke up, showered, dressed and went down to breakfast. He was nervous about the interviews. He didn't want to look stupid in front everyone. But he trusted Jiraya and Shizune would help them. Because that's what they were there for. He sat down at the breakfast table, greeted with smiles from everyone there. "So what's the plan for today?" he asked.

"Well, we'll be finishing breakfast at eight thirty," Shizune chirped. "Then you'll be with me for the etiquette lesson until noon, when we'll have lunch! Then you'll be with Jiraya for content from one until five, and we'll have dinner! Then from six to eight, it's the prep team and the stylist's job to make you look gorgeous! Then the interviews will begin at eight-thirty. So eat up, it's going to be-"

"A big, big day!" Jiraiya interrupted, chuckling as he helped himself to more stew.

Naruto didn't see how what Shizune had to teach him could take over three hours, but it did. They went back to his room afterwards, where they started with walking. She made him stand up straight, shoulders back, held high until he was practically marching around the room.

After that they sat. Sitting up straight, head held high, shoulders back. Apparently he had a tendency to duck his head and look at the floor. Next they worked on waving and smiling. Smiling was all about smiling more and by the end of that lesson Naruto's cheeks ached.

"Are you sure all of this is necessary?" he asked.

"Yes Naruto! Look, if you just think of yourself among friends-"

"Friends!" Naruto started her, scowling. "They're betting on how long I live, none of them are my friends!"

"Well, try and pretend!" Shizune snapped. Then she took a deep breath and gave him a wide smile. "See? I'm smiling even though I want to slap you right now."

That did it. Naruto burst into laughter, hand over his mouth to muffle his giggles. Shizune beamed at him. "There you go! Now come on, don't hide those adorable dimples of yours!"

Naruto took his hand down, grinning. "Ok. I see your point."

They walked to lunch together and sat down with Jiriaya and Ino. They both seemed cheerful, too, so Naruto assumed the content lesson would be better to sit through. He couldn't have been more wrong.

They went into the living room and sat on the couch. For a moment Jiraiya just stared at him, frowning thoughtfully. "What is it?" Naruto asked slowly.

"I'm trying to think of an angle for you."

"An angle?"

"You know, how to present yourself to the audience. Will you be witty? Sexy? Shy? We already know you've got spirit. You jumped up in your brother's place. You're sweet. Iruka made you look spectacular." he paused. "Well, I know sexy isn't the angle I'm giving you."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Naruto snapped.

"Nothing at all, little kit. Now, let's get started."

Jiraiya started to ask Naruto some questions, as if he were Yamato himself. Naruto tried to answer them, but he was so pissed off at Jiraiya had said to him he could do nothing but spit answers at the long haired man.

"Ok, this isn't working!" Jiraiya sighed eventually. "Not only are you hostile and rude, but I know nothing about you!"

"I don't want you to!" Naruto snarled. "They're already taken my future from me, they don't need to know my past as well!"

"Then make something up! Lie!" Jiraiya yelled at him.

Naruto was taken aback. "I...I'm not good at lying," he stuttered.

"Well, you should practice it, because right now you've got about as much charm as a dead slug."

Naruto's eyes widened. Ok That hurt.

Jiraiya sighed. "Look, little kit. I said sexy wasn't an angle for you because it's not the person you are. You're too cute."

"I'm not cute!" Naruto replied indignantly.

"Yeah you are blondie. Whether you like it or not. You can blame whichever parent gave you the dimples and elfin body." he sighed. "Ok. Why don't you try acting humble? Like, you never imagined a sweet boy from District 12 could be here. Say nice the people are. How wonderful the city is. Gush."

'Um, I guess I can try that."

But only a little while later, it became clear Naruto couldn't gush. So they tried more. He wasn't brutal, Jiraiya thought he was too 'Vulnerable' for that angle. He wasn't witty, or smart, or funny, or arrogant.

By the end of the session, he was nobody. Jiraiya was already pretty drunk, and had been since they finished attempting the smart angle. "I give up, little kit," he slurred with a nasty tone. "Just answer the questions and try not to show how much I hate everyone."

"I don't understand, Jugo," Sasuke sighed. He didn't have much time; he was already late for dinner. But he wanted an answer as he started down at the ring in his hand. It was a pretty ring, gold with a designer engraved over it and a large blue stone. "Why do you want to give this to her? Is it going to help her win?"

Jugo shrugged. He slowly wrote down on the paper he'd fetched, before showing Sasuke.

'She'll know what to do.'

"Is it true? Is she really a rebel?" Sasuke asked. "Rin Nohara, she's a Career! It just doesn't make sense!"

Jugo shrugged again, before writing, 'I don't know much. Following orders.'

"When am I supposed to give this to her?" Sasuke sighed. "Maybe after the interviews...yes, that'd work. If I get in the same elevator as her I should be able to give it to her subtlety. Hopefully."

Jugo smiled at him, and Sasuke smiled back.

But as the Avox left the room silently, he worried. Was he about to help a Career win the Games? Or was this a plan to make sure she didn't win? But if it was surely she wouldn't know about it? Maybe she'd been lied to?

So many questions, and not answers.

'May the odds be ever in my favor,' Sasuke thought grimly as his fingers closed around the ring. 'I'm gonna need it.'

After dinner Naruto's prep team appeared. "Hello, sweetheart!" Ayame squealed as they hurried him down the hall and into the bathroom. They started with showering him off, scrubbing him all over with soap that had him smelling like lilies even after they rinsed it off. They popped some black liners on his eyes again, but left the rest of him as he was standing in his underwear. He stood there completely comfortable around them now, even though he was 95% naked. Iruka arrived a few minutes later, carrying Naruto's clothes. He couldn't see them, because they were covered.

Iruka slid the cover off the outfit and the prep team handed Naruto the black pants and shirt. The pants were tight as he pulled over his thighs, but they were comfortable. He buttoned the black shirt up quickly and Iruka walked up to him holding the jacket. "Arms out?"

Naruto did as he asked and Iruka slipped the jacket on buttoning up the first two buttons and leaving the rest open. Then after a moment he unbuttoned another button on Naruto's shirt. "There, perfect."

Naruto glanced in the mirror. He grinned. Naruto standing in the mirror looked tall and confident, even as he stood there in his bare feet. The jacket shimmered strangely, barely noticeable unless he moved. But when he moved, his clothes gave the illusion he was engulfed in flames, flickering brightly. He looked incredible. Memorable.

The boy on fire.

"Thank you," Naruto said softly, grinning at Iruka.

Iruka grinned back. "Twirl for me."

He did, and the prep team squealed in adoration. "So, are you all set for the interview?" Iruka asked as the prep team gathered their equipment and left the room. Naruto could tell by the sound of his voice that he'd been talking to Jiraiya.

"No," he sighed as he set out on the socks and black shoes the stylist gave him. "It's awful, Iruka. I'm nobody! Jiriaya called me a dead slug. I'm just...I'm not good at being one of those people he wants me to be."

Iruka frowned thoughtfully. "Why don't you just be yourself?"

Naruto just stared at him.

Iruka smiled. "You have spirit, Naruto. And you're kind. I can see it in you." He paused. "Let's say you were talking to someone you don't mind telling your past to. Who's your best friend back at home?"

"Kiba," Naruto replied immediately. "Or Shino. But they know all that stuff already."

"Hmm. Ok, how about this?" Iruka put his hands on Naruto's shoulders, staring at him in the eyes. "Let's say, when you're answering the questions, you look right at me. Be honest, and be yourself."

"Even if what I think is horrible?"

"Especially then. You'll try it?"

Naruto nodded. It was something to go on.

Iruka took Naruto's arm gently and led him towards the door of the room. As they walked out into the hallway, Naruto froze, suddenly overcome with stage fright. "Iruka…"

"They'll love you," Iruka reassured him. "Just be yourself."

They walked down to the elevator meeting Ino, Ayame, Shizune and Jiraiya. Ino looked stunning in a knee-length dress made of flowing red-orange fabric, covered with little gems. They went down to the door, district by district. Naruto and Ino were left there, while the adults walked off towards another door. After a minute or two, the door opened and they all walked out onto the stage. They all sat down in a semicircle on the stage. Two chairs were up at the front. The city circle was crowded with people, cameras everywhere, Gamemakers and other high class on surrounding balconies. Naruto sat down shakily, sitting up straight like Shizune told him. Oh God, he wished he could be first and get it over with! But he was last.

Yamato Flickerman bounded on stage, waving at the audience. He was much taller than Naruto expected, wearing his sparkly suit. Every year his hair was a different colour, and he wore a suit to match it. This year it was powdery blue. He sat down, warming the audience up with a few jokes before the interviews started.

"Ok, now let's begin! She's a sexy brunette from the District of luxury, here's Rin Nohara!"

Rin bounced up to him, waving and grinning at the screaming audience. She sat down in the chair, beaming in her silky blue dress. Each interview lasted three minutes, and a buzzer would go off at the end. Yamato did brilliantly with the tributes, making jokes to help them feel better, helping the nervous ones along, and using his reactions to make a response way more interesting than it actually was. Everyone had an angle. Hidan was all brutal. Nagato was mellow, but tough. Fuka was elusive. Karin was sweet and bubbly.

Naruto couldn't help paying attention when it was Sasuke's turn. The raven looked very handsome as he sat down with Yamato, smiling confidently. Not quite arrogant. Yamato asked him a little about his home in District 11, and his family. But the most interesting part was at the end.

"Now, Sasuke. A handsome lad like you, in a District full of pretty girls! You got a girlfriend back home?"

Sasuke's cheeks darkened as he shook his head.

"No one?' Yamato persisted in disbelief. "Not even a crush? Come on, now! We're dying to know!"

The audience was silent as Sasuke paused. "Well...there is this one...this one person."

"Ah, a person!" The emphasis made the audience chuckle. "I see you won't give us any hits on who they are!"

"Thing is, they even knew I existed until all of this happened."

"Ah, I see." the audience saw too, sighing as if in actual pain. Unrequited love. Something they could all sink their manicured claws into. "This person," Yamato began. "They have another fellow?"

"I don't know. I don't really know much about them really."

"Well, I suppose if you win, they'll be mighty impressed with you"

"Well, um…" Sasuke's cheeks were scarlet. "I don't know them from home. I met them here, at the Capitol. In the Training Center. So that would be no good."

Naruto's eyes widened at those words.

"Oh." Yamato sighed, and the audience sighed with him. Any idiot knew he was talking about another tribute. Poor thing. "That's rotten luck." In an attempt to liven the situation, he added, "Fighting with tributes is forbidden, you know!"

Sasuke gave a weak chuckle. "Well, we didn't fight. I've spoken to them once or twice in a group of people. But there was one time we were alone...they're such an incredible person. It's love at first sight, I guess."

Naruto glanced to his right, where Ino was sitting and looking just as shocked as he was. Well, it all fits. They'd been speaking to Ino, during training. And if he had talked to Ino alone, well...she seemed the most likely option at least.

Naruto knew that if he was on camera, a hurt expression would've appeared on his face for a moment or two, before he hid it away again. Fine. That was the way it was. It was better off like this anyway. Lover boy would kiss his ass for all he cared for.

Then suddenly, Sasuke's interview had ended and he was sitting back down, cheeks still red. Naruto didn't look at him. Then they were calling Ino Yamanka, and Naruto's heart sank when he realized he was next.

"Now Ino! Let's start with your dress for the Tribute Parade! It was remarkable, was it not?"

"Oh, it totally was!" It was easy to see Ino's angle; loud, friendly, funny. Just the way she was. "I couldn't believe the stylists actually pulled that off, it was fantastic!" She gave a light giggle that had the audience giggle with her. "The funny thing is, while there were both of us nobody seems to remember that I was on fire too."

Everyone laughed, Yamato included. "Well, I'm sure they do, don't you?" he asked the audience, who roared back at him.

"So, if we move our discussion on to the Games…"

Naruto felt guilty for zoning out, but he was thinking about what Sasuke had said.

Well, Ino was appealing, so he couldn't blame Sasuke at all. She was pretty, and funny, and smart and kind. She was perfect, in a way. And she was an underdog of sorts, like him. They were good together. Not that it mattered, considering they would both probably die.

Honestly, Naruto wanted to hate them and say there was nothing stopping him from killing them for survival now. But he wasn't like that, and he couldn't hate them. It wasn't Sasuke's fault in any way. And truthfully, maybe it was better like this. There was no way Sasuke would ever fall for a raggedy boy from 12 with a messed up family, so maybe they were better off as rivals than...star-crossed lovers. Was that what Sasuke and Ino were? Maybe Ino didn't know. There was no way Sasuke would tell her, anyway. He was too shy about the subject-

"And now last but certainly not least," Yamato began. "We have, as named by his fellow Twelve tribute,the boy on fire, Naruto Uzumaki!"

'Oh shit, that's me. I'm Naruto Uzumaki.'

Naruto stood up shakily and walked up to Yamato. He shook his hand, and was thankful that the taller man didn't immediately wipe his hand off his suit as they sat down.

"So Naruto," Yamato started. "The Capitol must be quite a change from District Twelve. What's impressed you most since you arrived here?"

What? Naruto stared blankly at him, eyes wide as he stared out at the audience. He could see Iruka smiling at him, but his presence did him no good.

"Huh?" Naruto managed to get out.

Yamato chuckled, glancing at the audience. "I think someone's a little nervous." He turned back to Naruto. "What's impressed you most since you got here?"

Oh. Naruto glanced at Iruka. Pictured him asking it. Ok, be honest… "Um, the food is pretty good."

Yamato laughed again, and the audience were joining in, "Oh yes? What's your favorite?"

Naruto gave a nervous giggle. "I love hot chocolate. I never got it before I came here."

"Ah, of course! Oh, I would drink it by the bucketful!"

Naruto smiled. Yamato was helping him along and he really appreciated it.

"Ok, now let's go to the parade. We were all blown away! How did you feel about it?"

Naruto grinned, looking out at the audience. At Iruka. "Well, first there was that fear of being burned to death." More laughter from the audience. "But I think the costume was amazing. Iruka is a fantastic stylist, and I couldn't believe I was wearing it. And he pulled off another masterpiece tonight."

Then he saw Iruka making a motion with his finger, mouthing something at him. 'Twirl for me.'

Naruto stood up, turning to Yamato, "Check this out." He spun around, just once, hearing the audience cry out in awe as they saw him engulfed in flames.

"Wow!" Yamato praised, clapping as Naruto sat down. "That's really something!"

"I'm very lucky," Naruto agreed.

"Alright now tell us about that training score! ELEVEN. Tell us what happened there!"

Naruto smiled, looking up at the balcony where the Gamemakers sat. "Well, I'm not sure I should be talking about that."

"He shouldn't be!" A Gamemaker yelled back. Naruto recognized him as the one who fell in the punch bowl.

Naruto shrugged, glancing at Yamato. "Sorry. All I can say is, I think it was a first where I'm from."

"I'm sure it was." Yamato paused, the audience going completely silent. His tone is quiet and down considerably. "Now let's go back to the reaping. I swear, you could've heard a pin drop in my living room. You volunteered for your brother. Tell me about him?"

You could've heard a pin drop in the city circle now. Naruto took a deep breath, looking out to Iruka again. "His name is Shino. He's eighteen, it was his last reaping. I, I love him more than anything."

The words he'd spoken to Sasuke.

Yamato nodded. "And that's why you offered to take his place."

"Well, I couldn't let him come here. Not with his injury. He wouldn't last five minutes." Naruto gave a small smile. "Not unless he waved people off with his cane...our family needs him more than they need me, anyway. He's like the man of the house, I guess."

Yamato smiled back. "Now, what did he say to you after the reaping? Considering you're his little brother, I doubt he took it well."

"He didn't. But, I told him I'd really try to win for him. To make him proud of me."

"I'm sure you will." Yamato replied encouragingly. "And I'm sure he's already very proud of you. Now, just one more question! You are the youngest tribute here aside from little Konohamru, Moegi, and Udon, and you're certainly a small one. What do you think your chances are?"

Naruto paused, as he thought it over. What were his chances? He looked up again at the audience. "Honestly, I have no idea. I guess there's only one way to find out."

Then the buzzer went off and Naruto went back to his seat, the applause ringing out behind him.

When they all left the stage a few minutes later, Sasuke walked towards the elevators in silence. He could feel the weight of the ring in his pocket, and made a beeline for an elevator cart with Rin in it. He just about made it, and subtlety stood next to her. She didn't glance at him, until he took out the ring, moving his hand over to hers and pressing it against her palm. She glanced down sharply, then her fingers grasped it and she moved away from him immediately Sasuke sighed in relief. Well, that was done. He could feel her eyes on him the whole elevator ride but didn't care anymore.

Naruto glances over at Rin and Sasuke. He didn't know what was going on there's but didn't care all that much. Of course, there was the possibility of the brunette girl being Sasuke's 'love at first sight', but he highly doubted it. Rin left first, and there were five of them left, himself, Sasuke, Hidan, Moegi and Tayuya.

The elevator had them standing close together, and thankfully Hidan was the next to get off, and Naruto had more room to breathe. Then as he was leaving, he turned around and spun his forefinger around once, staring right at Naruto. "Twirl for me," he ordered in a low voice.

Naruto stared at him, eyes wide as he stepped back towards the elevator wall. Sasuke was glaring at Hidan, as was Moegi. Tayuya didn't seem to know where to look. Hidan chuckled, before leaving the elevator and letting the doors slide shut after him.

The elevator fell back into silence. Then Tayuya left at the seventh floor, then Moegi at the tenth. Then it was Sasuke's turn. He smiled at Naruto and waved before leaving. Naruto didn't want to respond, but did anyway, smiling sweetly back at him. Then the twelfth floor came and Naruto walked out into the hallway. Shizune, Jiraiya, Ino and the stylists were already there. They walked into the living room to sit down and watch the recap of the interviews. It took forever to get to District 12, though Naruto had the opportunity of listening to the interviews he'd missed while he was panicking. Ino did wonderfully, but Naruto felt like he just looked dumb Shizune assured him he was sweet and charming, just the angle she felt was right for him. Jiraiya only grunted.

When it finished, it was time to say goodbye to Jiraiya and Shizune. The stylists would be the ones to go with them to the arena. Once Jiraiya and Shizune left here, they would hopefully be at the Games Headquarters, signing up their sponsors and planning or a complex strategy of when to send them gifts. Shizune gave them both a very brief hug, tears in her eyes. "Thank you both, for being the best tributes it's ever been my pleasure to guide. Who knows, I might even be promoted to a decent District next year!"

Jiraiya crossed his arms and frowned at both of them. "Any last words of advice?" Ino asked.

"When the gong sounds, get the hell out of there. You're not up for the bloodbath at the Cornucopia. Neither of you."

"Anything else?" Naruto replied.

"Stay alive," Jiraiya replied firmly. The same thing he said to them on the train, only now he wasn't drunk. Naruto and Ino just nodded. What else was there to say?

When Naruto went to bed, he realized only a few seconds after lying down he would never get to sleep. He lay there for one, then two, then three hours, and still his mind refused to let him sleep. He couldn't stop thinking about what terrain they might be thrown into. Frozen tundra? Desert? Rainforest? He prayed for trees, both for the familiarity and for the shelter they would offer him. There were normally trees in the arena, because a barren wasteland was too dull, and the Games always ended too quickly. Then there was the matter of the climate they would have. And the traps the Gamemakers would set. And of course, the other tributes…

Soon enough he couldn't even lie in bed. He began pacing the room, heart pounding. He needed air. He had to get out of this stuffy room or he knew he would start throwing things around. He walked quietly towards the door, opening it. The hallway was silent, and he crept along up the stairs, towards the door that led to the roof. The roof was dark, but even so, Naruto saw the silhouette standing at the railing, black against the twinkling lights of the city. He could hear cheering, singing, screaming, music. His bare feet moved silently across the floor, towards him, but he didn't speak until they were next to each other, standing by the railing. "You should be sleeping," he said softly.

Sasuke shrugged, looking down at the streets. "I didn't want to miss the party. It's for us, after all. Just listen to them."

Naruto did. He felt sick. "So excited to watch us all die."

Sasuke nodded with a sigh. "Why aren't you asleep?"

"I couldn't turn my mind off." Naruto sighed. "I can't stop thinking about tomorrow, about what will happen."

"I know what you mean." Sasuke bit his lips. "I don't want to die. So, when the time comes, I'm sure I'll kill just like everyone else. But...I just wish I had a way to show they don't own me."

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked, confused.

Sasuke turned to look at him with those black cat-like eyes. "If I'm gonna die, I wanna be the same person I was before. I don't want them to twist me into someone I'm not. Show them there's a part of me they'll never have, you know?"

Naruto nodded. "Yeah, I get it." He paused. "I just...I dunno if I can afford to think like that."

"I understand."

Then Naruto sighed. "I guess we'd be better off getting some sleep, wouldn't we? Every second we give in to it in the arena will only be more dangerous for us."

"You're probably right."

By some silent agreement, they both walked down the stairs together, and said goodbye at the elevator. "Goodnight," Sasuke said with a gentle smile as he pushed the button and the doors slid open.

"Goodnight," Naruto smiled back, turning and walking down the hallway. Before he went into his room, he glanced back just in time to see the elevator doors close.

"And may the odds be ever in your favor," he added in a whisper.

"Hey, Mrs. Uzumaki!" Kiba called, walking into the little home. "I'm here to see Shino. Is he here?"

"No," Mrs. Uzumaki replied. She looked confused. "He told me he was going to see you. Maybe you left before he got there?"

"Yeah, maybe." Kiba gave a little smile to Boruto, who seemed too absorbed in his own thoughts to smile back. "I'll just go home, then."

"Alright. We'll see you soon!"

Kiba hurried out and back onto the road, heart hammering in his chest. He wasn't naive, or stupid. He would've met Shino on the way if the older boy had been walking to his house. So the question was, where was Shino?

Kiba stopped for a second, thinking hard. He might be in the town, maybe the square. Or the Hob. But none of these options seemed very likely. Normally when Shino was upset, he would shut up in his room, locking out the world. But obviously he wasn't there now. So where was he?

The answer came to him when he thought of the most likely reason for Shino's disappearance, Naruto. And when he thought of Naruto, he thought of the woods.

The woods.

Kiba hadn't taken him there yet, like they'd arranged the night before. Shino must have gone in by himself. And that was dangerous. Not only was he alone and not used to dangers after so many years of staying away, but he was injured and unable to defend himself. All he had was a cane, for crying out loud! What good would that do him?

"Shino Uzumaki," Kiba hissed as he stormed off in the direction of the Meadow. "You better be alive when I find you, because when I do you're dead meat!"

He slipped under the gap in the fence in an instant jogging into the forest. He pulled his knife out of his belt, looking around cautiously. "Shino!" he called. "Shino, where are you?"

There were only the sounds of the forest around him. He heard an owl hooting, some rustling in the bushes. It would be completely dark soon enough. "Shino!" he yelled. "Shino, this isn't funny!"

More silence. He gritted his teeth. Ok, change of tactics. "You know Naruto would be worrying about you right now! What do you think he'll do if-"

"Shut Up!"

Kiba spun around. Shino was straightening up, trying to use a tree branch as leverage. Kiba hurried over and helped him up, only to be shoved away. "Leave me alone!" Shino shouted, tears in his eyes. "Who the hell are you to say what he would or wouldn't do! You're not his brother! I am!"

"I know that, Shino! But believe it or not, I know him just as well as you do!" Kiba bit his lip. "Anyway, we both know that's not why you're angry! That's not why you're out here. And where the hell is your cane?"

The last sentence seemed to catch Shino off guard. He looked away. "I-I forgot about it," he whispered, sitting down on the rock he'd been squatting on. "I just ran, well...I limped. I had to get away."

Ah now Kiba understood. He sat down next to Shino. "I watched the interview too. I heard what he said about you."

"It's not even about that. Just, seeing them all there, for the interviews...it's all getting so much more real." Shino looked at Kiba for a moment, his eyes full of tears. "I can't bear it. It's going to be a nightmare. Tomorrow and everyday that follows until...until…" he trailed off, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Well, I can assure you it'll be no picnic for anyone," Kiba replied softly, wrapping an arm around Shino's shoulders. "Especially Naruto."

"I know, I'm being so selfish, but I just can't help it! I wish tomorrow would never come. Even if time freezes and he's stuck in the Capitol forever...at least he'd be safe."

"Look, let's just hope that he goes on for as long as he can. And that if he dies, it's quick. Painless. Like when you sing him to sleep after a nightmare."

Shino nodded, though he looked surprised. "You know about that?"

"Of course. You have no idea how much he talks about you. You're the reason for everything he does, everything he is. You and your father. I guess you could say he is you, in a smaller, blonder form. He has healer's hands, like you."

"He's a hunter, not a healer. That might be where we differ the most." But Shino looked pleased at the compliment. "I miss him. I miss them both."

"I miss him too." Kiba didn't know what else to say.

Shino didn't either. So they just looked at each other in silence.

Then Kiba kissed him.

Damn, he couldn't help himself. Shino's hand immediately tangled in his hair, bringing him closer. Of course, this wasn't Kiba's first time kissing a member of the Uzumaki family like this. But somehow it didn't feel the same. It felt more real. More emotional.

Maybe because both their hearts were breaking together who would've thought that could ever bring them happiness.

Kiba pulled back at last, breathing hard. "Sorry about that," he said quietly, blushing.

"Don't be sorry," Shino replied with a grin, kissing Kiba's check. "It was perfect."

Naruto woke up early the next morning. The Games didn't actually start until ten because so many Capitol residents got up late. But he knew he had to make an early start, because there was no way of knowing how far they would travel to the arena. Then he realized he'd been woken up, because Iruka was standing above him. "Get up, Naruto," he said softly. "I have clothes for you to wear." Iruka dressed him in a simple shirt and pants, before taking him by the arm and gently leading him up to the roof.

The hovercraft appeared out of nowhere, and as Naruto stepped onto the dangling ladder, he froze all over, completely stuck to it as it carried him up. As soon as he was lifted inside, a Capitol worker in a white coat came trotting over with a needle. "Just a moment, Naruto. I need to fit in your tracker."

Naruto held his breath as she inserted the needle into the inside skin of his forearm. There was a little lump left there that he stared at. His tracker. Wouldn't want to lose a tribute. Iruka was lifted up a moment later, and they went off together into another room. Breakfast was laid out on the table in front of them, two seats on either side of the table. They sat down, Naruto's legs practically giving out underneath him. "I know you probably don't feel up to it." Iruka said gently. "But try to eat as much as you can. You'll need it."

Naruto nodded, filling his plate immediately. He knew he would be hungry in the arena, so he ate rolls and ham and cheese and eggs, drinking a large cup of tea afterwards. "Iruka...what if I die at the bloodbath?"

Iruka seemed surprised by the question. "Jiraiya advised you to stay away from there."

"I-I know, but…" Naruto trailed off, and Iruka seemed to know what he was thinking.

Iruka gave a small smile. "What's going to happen will happen. If you follow your gut, I guarantee you'll get out of there."

"Truly?" Naruto chuckled, voice dying out into a whisper.

"Truly."

The windows blacked out after half an hour, which meant they were nearing the arena. Then the Capitol woman in the white coat showed up, directing them to the exit. They were stuck to the ladder again, and lowered directly into the catacombs under the arena. They didn't get the chance to see a thing. Iruka took a covered outfit in a bag from a Capitol official, who led them down to the changing room. Naruto would be the first and only tribute to use this room. The arenas were always preserved after Hunger Games. Capitol citizens could visit them, go on tours around the catacombs, visit the scene of every death. Apparently, they could even take part in re-enactments.

Naruto felt like he was going to be sick.

In just an hour, he could be dead. Never to speak again, or see again, or breathe again. Never to see his family or friends again. Ever. the thought made his stomach turn.

"It's time to get you dressed," Iruka said, leading him across the room towards a shower stall by a couch and a clothes rail. "Shower first, and I'll get your clothes ready."

Naruto did as he asked, barely standing under the hot water for two minutes before grabbing a towel and drying himself off. Iruka wrapped him in a towel and sat him down drying his hair off and combing it through. Then he stood Naruto up and handed him his underwear. Naruto pulled it on, and Iruka gave him his outfit for the arena; tan brown trousers, skin tight socks, a pale green shirt, and a brown leather belt. Then when all these were on he pulled on the black jacket that fell in rainproof material down to his thighs.
The jacket's designed to reflect body heat," Iruka told him. "There'll be some cold nights out there."

The boots were perfect for Naruto; like the hunting boots he wore at home, complete with so;es that were perfect for running. "Twirl for me," Iruka requested, and Naruto slowly spun around as he asked. The frightened part of his mind (which was most of it right now) thought of Hidan, and he couldn't help shivering. Iruka had him stretch, walk around, run in a circle to check everything fit him comfortably. Then they sat down on the couch, Naruto weakly sipping a glass of water. He couldn't handle eating anymore.

Then a buzzer went off, Naruto's head snapping up towards the ceiling. "It's time for you to go." Iruka said sadly, taking his drink and putting it down. He led Naruto over to the center of the room, where a round metal plate stood. "Oh, hold on," Iruka said, quickly reaching into his pocket. In his hand he held the mockingjay pin. Naruto had completely forgotten it.

"You left this in your room," Iruka smiled, pinning it on Naruto's shirt. "At first the inspectors were sure it could be turned into a weapon, but it cleared the board, as did most of the other tokens."

"Iruka, I'm so scared," Naruto choked out, unable to say anything else.

"I know," Iruka replied gently, pulling Naruto in for a hug. "Now, I'll tell you something. I'm not allowed to bet, but if I was, you'd be sure I would bet my money on you."

"Thank you," Naruto whispered.

Iruka smiled, pulling back and pressing a kiss to Naruto's forehead before letting him step back on the metal plate. Above him, the ceiling opened to reveal a circle of white light above his head. A glass cylinder began closing down over him. "Good luck, boy on fire." were Iruka's last words before the cylinder closed over the plate. The metal plate began to rise. Naruto's eyes widened and his hands found the glass, pressing up against it as he looked out. Iruka just gave an encouraging nod before he vanished from view.

For a second or two Naruto was in darkness, and then he rose up into the arena. For a moment all he could see was bright light, as Claudius Templesmith's voice echoed over the speakers. "Ladies and gentleman, let the seventy-fourth Hunger Games begin!"

Naruto looked around. The twenty four tributes stood on their metal plates in a semicircle. They were to wait sixty seconds before the Games began. If anyone stepped off their plate before then, the mines would blow their legs off. The Cornucopia stood in the middle of the grassy plain, supplies and weapons spilling out of it. Other items stood scattered away from it, much less valuable ones. Only a little away from Naruto was a small plastic sheet. Behind the Cornucopia he saw a lake, and to his right, a dense forest, thank goodness. Then to his left, nothing. Maybe a steep drop? A cliff?

He looked back at the Cornucopia. Then his eyes widened. Among the weapons, he saw a bow and a sheath of arrows.

Ten…

They were made for him, they had to be. He had to get them.

Nine…

Naruto bit his lip. He was a fast runner. Maybe not long distance, but this sprint was what he made for.

Eight…

Maybe if Jiraiya had seen him run before, he would have told him to go for it, to get the weapon.

Seven…

He didn't see any other bow there. He had to defend himself, didn't he?

Six…

Maybe if he ran, if he really sprinted, he could get the bow and make a break for the woods.

Five…

He glanced towards the trees. He could make it, couldn't he?

Four…

Then something caught his eye. Ino watching him, three plates to his right.

Three…

She seemed to know what he was thinking.

Two…

And she nodded. She agreed.

One…

"Follow your gut, Naruto."

Then the gong rang out, and the Games began.

Hope you like the story

Sorry for not writing, not for a while been busy with work and I'm starting to write The Princess Bride Harry Potter version. And I'm trying to get done writing this story. I'll try to type out chapter 7-9 soon.

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