Chapter Eight:

Judgment day had passed now, and the shock of the outstanding score from District 12 seemed to be all anyone was talking about… However, with all this excitement, a whole day passes by in a flash. It was interview time now; the night before they were taken to the arena.

Tohru stood next in line to be interviewed by the famous man Caesar Flickerman. She gazed down at her blue dress, upon which was a sparkling light blue tonight. Cinna said it would bring out the fire in her eyes, along with the two matching bows in her hair. Oh course, she was a bit nervous…she had to go out in front of the whole country in a minute…Haymitch had told her this was just as, if not more important than the rankings each tribute had just received yesterday.

Effie approached the brunette, "You doing alright?"

Tohru turned to her and smiled some, "As good as one could be in my situation." All the stress was starting to get to her, and as time went on, she found it harder and harder to stay positive and keep everyone smiling.

Nonetheless, even with what little effort she applied, her smile started a chair for Effie smiled back at her. "Don't get too worried dear. You're a beautiful young lady! Not only that, but you're extremely sweet and warmhearted! This'll be simple for you, I Promise."

That made Tohru smile a bit more. "You really think so?"

Effie nodded, "No doubts about it."

"Thank you."

Effie glanced up at the screen to see Flickerman wrapping up his interview with District 11's male tribute Yuki Sohma. "Odd one that guy is… It was shocking to see him receive a 9 yesterday."

"He's Kyo-kuns cousin…" Tohru took a few steps forward. "He was also a close friend of mine before we went our separate ways…."

Effie looked at her with a caring gaze, "Come on now, you better get out there; you're up next." She pushed the young adult out towards the stage as Yuki began to make his leave.

Tohru, now reassured with Effie's words, fixed her posture and boldly made her way out onto the stage; a highly serious look was her expression. She came over and had a seat next to Caesar, and after that, didn't move a muscle. '….. why don't they say anything?'

Everyone was silent, and why, no one knew for sure.

"Tohru!" Flickerman announced, causing Tohru to almost jump right out of her seat. The crowd then went wild. "Tohru Honda!" the blue haired man laughed a bit before returning his full attention to the tribute. "Welcome to the capital. How do you like it?"

The crowd fell silent again, and Tohru looked around. 'One smile spreads many…' she said to herself. So, instead of looking to Caesar and replying, she looked out to the people and said; "It's amazing! I'm grateful to be here!" The biggest smile imaginable was on her face.

The crowd went wild and Flickerman laughed, "That's the first time anyone has replied like that! You must be quite the character. Tell me…." He paused. "There's a rumor going around that you're in a relationship with your districts male tribute. Is that true?"

Tohru nodded, "it is…"

"How exactly do you feel about it my dear?"

Tohru looked to the people and then back to Caesar. "it's…it's saddening. Our time together has been shortened…but that's why I must be sure to be grateful for each gifted moment we have together, and cherish each precious memory…" A kind smile was on her face."

"That's truly touching to me Tohru, and be with him till the end you shall."

The crowed started to cheer again and Flickerman held up his hand to silence them.

"C-can I ask you a question?"

Flickerman returned his attention to her. "What is it darling?"

"Can Kyo-kun come out a bit early?"

"What on Earth for?"

Tohru smiled, "It's a surprise!"

Caesar looked up to the Gamemakers who nodded to give him permission to allow it. "Alright, my dear."

Cinna, from backstage, looked to Kyo and smiled, "Just remember what I told you two."

Kyo nodded and walked out on stage. This time, he was dress in a white tux, the tie loosely on him. He approached Tohru and smiled, "You ready for this?"

"As ready as I'll ever be!" She said, standing up in front of him.

Kyo placed his hands on her hips and Tohru draped her arms over his shoulders. Suddenly, a sweet peaceful music started playing. The couple danced to it. Their outfits started with the sparkling flames again, dancing with them as they moved.

The crowed awed in response.

Suddenly, the music's tempo jumped up quickly, and the dance went from a slow peaceful dance to a lively upbeat dance! To make it even better, their costumes started to change colors. First purple, then red, orange, yellow…all the way back to blue! Each movement the dancers made, the flames followed closely. It was a beautiful sight…and both Kyo and Tohru had to admit; this was quite fun. Even if it only lasted a minute, even a second…a new memory had just been made.

Finally the music stopped, as did the tributes.

The crowed was going wild; wilder than one could ever recall before. They were throwing roses, hats, even money up on the stage.

"Woah there!" Caesar called up, causing both Kyo and Tohru to look at him. "That. Was. Amazing! Was it not, people?"

The crowd called out again.

"You two are really something!"

"Thank you! Thank you all so much!" Tohru replied to everyone smiling.

"Let's hear it for Tohru Honda from District 12!" Flickerman took the brunettes hand and raised it up, signaling that her interview was over.

Tohru, whom was extremely flustered, exited the stage.

"Have a seat there young man." Flickerman instructed Kyo.

The orange haired teen did as he was told.

"That was some entrance right there. You seem like quite the ladys man, if you know what I mean…"

"ha, well, sorry to inform you, but you're wrong about that."

"Really? Could of fooled me!" He laughed. "Right folks?"

The crowd agreed with him in a chaotic manner.

"Alright, alright, back to business." Caesar paused. "Seems you're not the only Sohma in the games. You wouldn't happen to know Yuki Sohma from District 11 now would you?"

Kyo's gaze shifted uneasily. "We're biologically cousins, but we don't really agree on the same terms…"

"It wouldn't happen to be because of your girlfriend, now would it?"

"That's only part of it, though I'm afraid that's all I'll be able to disclose to you."

"Really? Well at least answer me this; Do you, Kyo Sohma of district 12, also share a so called weakness like your cousin Yuki?"

"Weakness?"

"According to your cousin, certain members of your family possess a sickness. He disclosed that he was one of those unlucky members. Are you one of those people as well?"

Kyo narrowed his eyes. "Yes"

The crowd gasped.

"I don't let it stand in my way though. I've learned to overcome the issue. You all just remember that when my Tohru wins because I protected her. I promised that to her mother a long time ago, and I'm not about to disappoint her."

Caesar smiled, "That's very touching. I wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you."

Both of them stood up and Flickerman raised Kyo's hand up to the people. "Let's hear it for Kyo Sohma of District 12!"

The crowd when wild for the final time that night, and Kyo exited the stage. That was it…Tomorrow was the beginning of the games… what kind of torment would he have to endure before his death…or worse, what might Tohru have to endure? He closed his eyes and tried to block out the want to run away from it all…

A/N:
...I'm so sorry it look me a year to update, but i've been extremely busy with so much! I hope you all can forgive me...anyhoo, that games are about to begin! Who's excited? xD Consider this update a Christmas Gift (like last years xD) Hopefully it won't take me another year to update...