We are back again with an update for Spark of Revolution. I hope you are all enjoying it so far. We have gotten through the games! I feel like it's a bit of a little landmark to do so you know? As I previously mentioned this chapter is more or less aftermath of the games and the rule bending that occurred allowing two victors through the games, as well as the now unstable ground that both Naruto and Katniss find themselves on. After all, even if they relationship isn't built for the games impending doom and the stress of survival pushes people to act on impulses they might be more hesitant to act on normally. Our heroes really need some time to talk, unfortunately we all can be assured that the citizens of the capital are more interested in interviewing them to death before that.
A review by Tina said:I really love this story so far and I'm looking forward to reading the rest ! I just went through all the chapters in one go x) and I find your Naruto very interesting, his core qualities are still there, even though he has a slightly different backgroung and his general outlook seem realistic despite them being different than the canon naruto ! I like that here in your story Naruto's qualities are also his vices, he is honest to a fault, passionate, headstrong and courageous but these end up putting himm in tough situations as well, he is constantly struggling and appears to be very much overwhelmed most of the time. He is strong but not almighty and his fumblings with Katniss are adorable, they're surprisngly compatible here and I want that girl to be happy XD...So kudos for the story and thank you for your work, I'll be here for the rest !
My Response: Thank you! I am happy you love it and we are gunna keep trucking on to produce more for this story for sure. I love your analysis for how I am doing Naruto. I am trying hard to make him both a realistic and interesting character and still have an underlying heroism that remains. I look forward to keep progressing both his relationship with Katniss and both of their growth as characters.
A review by FanFicKing3245 said: First off, 1/4 to 1/3 of the way through the planned story? Holy shit you have a long story planned, and I will eagerly await the coming chapters. Second, I know you said you didn't change the berry scene, but I would argue that you did in a rather notable way. If I remember correctly, in the books, Katniss tried to use the berries to outsmart the Capitol, saying that they couldn't have a hunger games without a victor, and basically calling their bluff. She then has to spend half of catching fire trying to convince people that it was just the action of a love struck teenager with no thought of defying the Capitol, however in your story that's what it was. There was no talk of conning the Capitol, it was very clearly just two teenagers deciding they'd rather die together than have one of them survive without the other. They didn't even consider the Gamemakers changing their mind and letting them both live to be a possibility. This then raises the question of does the rest of the country see it that way (I would think they would in this instance), and if so then how exactly will the rest of this play out? I'm very excited to see the ramifications of this down the line and I very much hope that you won't just have everyone view this event the same way they did in canon.
My Response: I very much do. I planned from the beginning on following this story all the way through to the end of the Hungergames series. We still have the brief time home with our victors, the next games again with our victors, and then a much longer more bloody war than originally. After all it seems odd that the Capitol would only begin unleashing mutts in their own city at the end of the war. Perfect shock troops to demoralize a rebellious populace. Anyway, you bring up excellent points regarding the berries that even myself being the writer had only partially considered. I had planned on there being a bit different reaction due to it not being a plot between Naruto and Katniss, however not everyone is convinced of that. Some people such as Snow himself aren't willing to take such a chance. That being said it will be fun to have the interactions with some characters who see both angles, some in this very chapter.
With all that touched upon, I want to invite you dear readers to a couple of servers on discord. Links can be found below and if you are interested in supporting me and getting access to some early updates and exclusive content, please look me up helghywrites on and give me some support.
Link→ /7x4YFstKcz
Link→ /auc4PQjVtz
Let us proceed with the story
Chapter Twelve
The Party That Never Ends
Waking up in a new place with no knowledge of how you got there and no real memory of falling asleep was a disquieting feeling. Waking up on a cold metal slab in a room smelling of antiseptic was more terrifying than simply disquieting.
Racking his brain for the last memory he had, he recalled the announcement of his and Katniss' victory. Then…a hovercraft lowering toward them.
That was it. He knew he was probably back in the capitol but his mind was first and foremost centered on his fellow victor. They had both been about to end their lives moments before the end.
"Katniss!" He attempted to call out and sit up.
His voice came out more like a croak and his head swam as he suddenly shot up. Nausea swept over him and he nearly collapsed back onto the steel bed. He forced himself forward though nearly getting to his feet before a pair of hands settled onto his shoulders to keep him in place.
"Slow down, your partner is fine. You're both alive and well." A comforting voice calmed him down. A familiar one.
"Portia?" He asked slowly, turning his head to look at the woman beside him.
The capitol woman smiled and gently ran a hand through his hair almost like a mother would her child.
"You made it. I'm glad." She said simply before helping him into a more comfortable sitting position.
"Heh, I guess I am too." Naruto replied, still a bit out of it.
"So, I imagine you have some questions? Normally your mentor would handle this but with two victors…well he is meeting with Katniss at the moment." Portia explained.
"That's fine I prefer you to be here anyway."
"Well, then I guess I will explain things as best as I can. You were tranquilized by a colorless odorless gas released across the arena once you and Katniss were declared victor. It only lasts a few short moments but long enough for the reclamation team to pick both of you up and sedate further. It's all standard procedure, mostly in case the victor is injured or in a sort of crazed state. They then bring you here to clean up and fix you up." Portia explained.
"Here, as in the capitol?" He asked.
"Exactly. You'll be glad to know that they mended your injuries easily enough and even removed any scars. Anything short of a severed limb is evidently no problem for these surgeons." Portia pointed out as Naruto checked where his wounds had once been.
There was a tiny discoloration if he squinted but it was more like he had gotten a tan with something pressed against his skin than a scar. He quickly moved all his parts and prodded at the spots where bloody holes had once decorated his skin.
"They also remove any sort of parasite or bacterial infection that might cause you problems. You might be a bit uncomfortable with the amount that they purged from you. I know I was when they told me."
"Right. That's good I guess." Naruto replied squirming a little bit at the thought of parasites writhing inside him.
"I'm kidding, Naruto…mostly." Portia said with a smile.
"Not exactly funny…"
"Depends on the point of view, wouldn't you say?"
Naruto rolled his eyes as Portia giggled. She was enjoying this little session of back and forth. He just wanted to get on with an explanation of what was going to happen now. She took mercy on him and returned to explaining things.
"Sadly winning the games is always just the first step. Now you have to smile and sing whatever tune the President wants you to sing. Something to keep the people of Panem happy and obedient. Either that or he will make things very difficult for you." She pointed out.
"Oh, will he?" Naruto bit out sarcastically.
"Yes. You might think the worst is that you could die but I know you are smarter than that if you stop to think. That's just you. Snow would happily punish Katniss as a means to keep you under control as well and vice versa." Portia said seriously.
"Katniss…" Naruto muttered.
"That's another thing. Everyone in the country has an opinion regarding you too. Some think you both are excellent at playing the masses and acting. They believe everything you two did was a way to manipulate things into your favor, including your little relationship or whatever you are going to call it. Others believe you two are the most romantic thing to ever happen."
"Of course. What do you think?"
"I think you both are idiots who don't know the first thing about loving someone but you also aren't clever enough or honestly patient enough to try and pull something over on the capitol. What do you think about yourself and Katniss?" Portia said as she gave him a searching look.
Naruto opened his mouth to speak but closed it again. Now that the games were over, he was unsure. Would she feel the same way she had in their moments together? Did he even feel the same without death hanging over him?
"Heh, I expected that would be about the sum of it." Portia said as he remained quiet.
"What now?" He asked her.
"Now, you need to prepare. I've been meeting with Cinna all morning to figure out the best look for the both of you. You will need to sell your relationship with Katniss Naruto. From the rumors I'm hearing, the President is leaning toward thinking you and Katniss are trying to humiliate his regime with everything you two have done. Especially you. After all, you have made it clear how much you despise the capitol. It's time you go by the script." Portia warned.
"That's-" Naruto began.
"Exactly what we're all going to do. Thank you Portia." Haymitch said as he entered with Katniss following close behind.
Naruto locked his eyes onto his fellow tribute the moment she entered, just as she did with him. Both of the older figures in the room noticed and gave a quiet goodbye for the moment. They would see them again shortly to further impress on them the need to play ball now.
The teens stared at each other for a moment. Without the games hanging over them all the awkwardness both felt in regards to such…emotions.
"Katniss." He said awkwardly only for the girl to move forward and tightly wrap him in a hug. One that he happily returned. It was a bit uncomfortable since both were in backless hospital gowns and nothing else, but after the events in the arena it didn't bother them all that much.
"When I woke up I thought that something had happened." She muttered into his ear.
"I did too. We're both safe though. We won. We're going home together." He said as he gently rubbed her back.
"Home. It's only been a few weeks but it's like we've been gone for years." She whispered.
Naruto nodded his head against hers but remained quiet as they simply held each other and let the reality of their survival sink in once again. He couldn't put it into words properly, but holding her here like this was nice. It felt right and made him feel better than he had since waking up outside of the arena.
As they slowly broke their embrace, Katniss joined him in sitting on the edge of the metal bed. She leaned against him and they waited for the others to return.
"It's not over. Not really." He finally said into the silence.
"We'll handle it. We're going home." Katniss insisted.
"Portia is right. This is all just the beginning." He mumbled out.
"Stop." Katniss said as she felt the stress begin to seize hold over her partner.
"We're together. We will be fine together and we'll go home together." She said sincerely.
The building storm in his head quailed at her words and the cool hands that took hold of either side of his face. She locked eyes with him again before planting her lips on his own surprising him. He returned the gesture but it was a quick innocent thing.
"I had to check." She said simply getting a nod from Naruto.
Before they could say anything else though a a sharp knock at the door was followed by Haymitch, Cinna, Portia and all their assistants bustling into the room. Effie glided in after them, broadly smiling at both Naruto and Katniss. It seemed far more natural than most that she wore though.
"It's time to get you both ready. You have an interview with Caesar Flickerman tonight so we need to get you ready for that." Effie chirped like a happy bird.
Naruto nearly asked what she was so pleased about before he realized that she was genuinely happy that both he and Katniss had beaten the system. It warmed him to the capitol woman a bit. Honestly he was warming up a bit to several people from the capitol lately.
Not most of them but at least those in this room.
Katniss was escorted out of the room by Cinna and his half of the group. Effie trailing behind them seemingly intent on chattering up her favorite of the two tributes. Haymitch hung back at the door for a moment before smiling softly at Naruto and shooting him a small nod.
"We'll talk about tactics and topics before the interview. Until then you'll be in Portia's capable hands." He said before stepping out into the hallway.
Naruto sighed at the sight of the many articles of clothing and various other items they planned to work him over with.
"Alright. Time to get to work. Naruto, drop the gown if you would." Portia commanded rather than asked.
He frowned a bit at the lack of privacy but by now it wasn't even in the top hundred things on his mind. Tugging a clasp he let the thin fabric fall and mostly withheld a flinch as the assistants immediately moved in to work.
He would never be able to get used to this kind of thing. Especially with Portia looking so amused at his facial expressions.
The show host dazzled the audience with his impossibly bright smile as he welcomed them all to his program. Naruto and Katniss stood just off stage and behind a thin decorative piece awaiting the signal to step out.
Just as Haymitch and Effie had insisted, the tributes held one another's hand tightly. Katniss appreciated the grip at the moment. Earlier when Naruto had begun to spiral into a small panic she had kept him grounded. Now at the near deafening roar of the crowd just beyond the stage and the brutal clips playing over heard from the games, she was beginning to lose herself.
Naruto's warm hand tightened around hers and he locked his eyes with hers until she could properly focus her attention again.
Haymitch had warned them both about moments like that. Where their present might begin to fade away. He said that with luck it would be better by the time they returned home.
Of course neither believed him. He hadn't really tried to convince them either. Even if the doctors of the capital could clear away the physical damage both Naruto and Katniss could feel every little difference that they held with their old selves.
"Now let us welcome onto the stage our two victors!" Caesar roared out, getting a monstrous round of applause and cheering from the audience.
The pair stepped out around the decorations causing the applause to crescendo as the capitol citizens lost themselves in the moment. Caesar shook Naruto's free hand and kissed the back of Katniss's before all three of them took their seats.
The interview itself dragged on in Katniss's mind. Every question reminded them of the most painful and difficult moments in the games. Thankfully someone seemed to have told Caesar to avoid any mention of Rue or Thresh. She wasn't sure she could have kept up the smiling facade if he had.
"When they announced that you could both become victors, how did that make you feel?" Caesar asked with his trademark smile on full blast.
Naruto glanced toward Katniss. She could practically hear the thought in his head. The fact the capitol had tried to revoke that at the end was running through his head but he bit his tongue as she squeezed his hand.
"It was a dream come true. It gave me-us, both of us, hope. I don't want to imagine what either of us would have done if we were alone." She said honestly.
Caesar glanced at the crowd as Naruto and Katniss shared a brief look.
"What about you Naruto?" Caesar asked.
"What can I say really? I'm no actor, I just say what I think." Naruto began before smiling. "I'm not the brightest either but I can feel a…I can feel like I can take on the world together."
Katniss squeezed his hand, warning him again.
"I bet you do. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Star Crossed Lovers of District Twelve, your Victors of the Seventy-Fourth annual Hunger Games!"
Immediately after the interviews they were both carted away to the massive avenue that they had once ridden chariots down. It seemed so long ago to both of them. This time they stood up behind President Snow as he picked up their victor's crowns and moved toward them, first Katniss.
Snow gently placed her crown on her head. It almost looked like a golden saw blade in design. He brushed her hair back over her shoulder to reveal the Mockingjay pin she had received from Madge Undersea before leaving for the capitol.
"Ah, your tribute token, well your victor's token now I suppose." Snow commented.
"A Mockingjay." She replied quietly. Snow carried an aura about him. One that put her teeth on edge.
"I know very well what it is." He replied, eyes glinting darkly.
Katniss remained silent at that. She knew the Mockingjay was a reminder both of the rebellion and the capitols failures at the time. One they had a hard time sweeping under the rug like most others. Mockingjay could survive in nearly every environment on the continent after all. The saying that mockingjays were as common as rocks and as durable as them had plenty of truth after all. Their mere existence was a reminder of the capitols near capitulation to the districts during the dark days.
"It is a very beautiful piece." Snow complimented with a smile that reminded her of a wolf baring its teeth.
"Thank you." She simply replied.
The president moved on to Naruto. His crown resembled a saw blade just as Katniss' did. However when Snow placed it down on his head the old man pressed it a bit further causing the sharp prongs to dig into his head ever so slightly.
"Congratulations. Enjoy the weight of your victory, young man." He said simply before stepping away.
Naruto remained silent but glared daggers at the back of the man. The one who was in charge. Kept all of Panem under his thumb. Allowed the disgusting disparity and abuse to perpetuate.
Thankfully they didn't have to stand there much longer before they were led off of the stage area and finally taken back to their quarters to get clean. Naruto frowned at the tiny spots of blood along the crown he had been given. A couple from his own head, but a couple from Snow pressing his hands onto the upper portion to hurt Naruto with it too.
"Cut yourself too you stupid bastard." Naruto smirked as he tossed the crown into a bag of clothes returning with him home to district Twelve.
Before long both he and Katniss were rejoining Haymitch in the common area of their temporary apartment. All their things packed away and being loaded on the train. They would have one final triumphant ride down the Avenue of Tributes and out through the streets to the train station.
"Hold on a second you two." Haymitch said, stopping them from heading for the doors.
"What's wrong?" Naruto asked. He wanted to get the procession over with and back to District Twelve as soon as possible. He needed some serious rest after everything. He didn't just mean the games either.
"I just wanted a moment with both of you before we start the trip back." Haymitch said as he pulled out a flask tucked away on his person and grabbed three small cups from one of the nearby sets of glasses.
"To the Victor's, and the fallen." Haymitch said seriously as he poured three shots of the whiskey he had brought with him from back in District Twelve. It came along with a rather strong scent.
Katniss chuckled as she picked up her glass. She leaned forward to squeeze their mentor with a hug. The man was very different from when they were first coming to the Capitol.
Naruto picked up his own glass before smiling as well. "To the Districts, and bending the rules."
He tipped his glass toward Haymitch at that. Portia and Cinna had both told them what Haymitch had done with Crane to get them through the games. All three knew that the 'undiagnosed heart issue' that had claimed the game maker's life was a load of crap.
It also served as a warning for what President Snow might do to them should he feel too threatened by them.
The three of them knocked back the drunk with varying expressions of discomfort or outright disgust. Katniss coughed roughly while Naruto blew out a breath like it was fire. Their mentor watched on amused, and for the first time in a long time really happy.
"Let's get this shit show over with and go home." Haymitch said as he clapped a hand on the shoulders of both tributes before ushering them toward the elevator.
The triumph ride to the train station seemed fast. Not that any of the three District Twelve citizens were complaining. The screaming crowds were easier to ignore now. Katniss smiled faintly and occasionally waved to small children but Naruto didn't even look their way.
The train was even more gaudy and sickeningly stuffed with rich treats and ornaments. Effie said nothing about it this time instead just suggesting some of the better tasting foods or drinks and giving them both warm smiles the whole time.
They were to enjoy their spoils as victors.
Neither was all that interested in actually enjoying much of the gifts. Rather they had begun to spend more and more time sitting together in total silence and…waiting.
It was becoming hard for either of them to feel comfortable away from each other now. A continuous worry not only about themselves but the other hung over them. It hadn't really started affecting them too terribly till they boarded the train.
They both had decided to get some rest over the trip. It never came. Instead they kept finding excuses to slip out of bed and check on one another. Haymitch had said nothing and made sure Effie had likewise remained silent on the subject.
They had nothing to offer the teens in regards to feeling…safe again. As far as Haymitch was concerned, having one another was better than just having a bottle to rely on.
At least the train ride was short. Although the fact that it was coming to an end did slip that tiny sliver of worry into both victor's heads. What exactly would happen when they got home?
"We'll be living in the Victor Village." Naruto commented as they both picked at the breakfast spread.
"Yeah. Houses big enough to fit five families each. What are you even going to do with all that space?" Katniss asked him with a chuckle.
Naruto made a face that caused her to laugh more. "I suppose someone might get angry if I just let people stay as guests."
"Definitely." She agreed. "Could still have the occasional party."
"And invite who? My neighbors Katniss and Haymitch? They're okay I suppose, not much for party people." He joked.
"I take offense to that. I will have you know I am the life of the party." Haymitch chimed in before downing some of his breakfast.
Naruto rolled his eyes while Katniss tried to cover a snort at the faux haughty tone the mentor was using.
"You live in one of those castles. What is it like in a house like that?" Katniss asked.
Haymitch's smile faded rapidly before he left out a sigh. "Empty?"
Katniss stiffened at the tone the man used. He sounded awfully tired for a moment before going back to his meal.
"You'll have your mom and Prim with you though." Naruto reassured her.
Katniss smiled at that before she realized that Naruto's house would be just as empty as Haymitch's. She let the topic drop as it was announced they were nearing the District Twelve stop.
Both were anxious in the moments leading up the train sliding to a complete stop at the station. The sound of the people of District Twelve cheering for them almost reminded them of all the applause they received back in the Capitol but it had a different source.
Where those people had roared and laughed at the butchery that Naruto and Katniss would either be subject to or subject others to, here they cheered for the simple fact that their own people were returning home. Healthy and alive and surprisingly for the entire nation together.
As the door slid open and they stepped out onto the platform they both smiled and waved at the people gathered. Not like they had at times for the capitol. No this was all genuine. Even Naruto smiled at the familiar sight of the sagging buildings and thick woods just out past the edges of town.
Katniss caught sight of her mother and sister. Her sister sat on the shoulders of Gale as he too smiled at her. She felt her smile drop ever so slightly for a moment before returning in full force at the excited looks of her three family members.
"Come along, I'm told that someone hired some folks to move your things to your new houses. We are going to meet with the mayor then show you to your new homes." Effie said as they began moving as a group to a waiting car nearby.
Katniss sent a final wave toward her family before she and Naruto followed after Effie. Naruto leaned into her ear as they walked.
"So, do you think your mom and sister will like me?" He asked.
"Hmm, work hard to impress them and maybe." Katniss replied with a grin while squeezing his hand.
The car ride was short, though it would have been considerably shorter if the narrow roads of District Twelve hadn't been packed with celebratory citizens. It was heartwarming. Neither Naruto nor Katniss were so foolish as to believe it was all for them. Truthfully the people were happy both survived, if only because such a thing had never happened and felt a bit like they were sticking it to the Capitol.
That was far from the main reason though. When a District claimed a victor at the annual games, they received a huge surplus of supplies, including massive shipments of food. Normally this went to places like District One or District Two. Places closer to the Capitol where starvation was among the most rare methods of death. Here in District Twelve, Naruto and Katniss had just saved hundreds of lives by simply saving their own.
What was more, as a way to show their commitment to their word and possibly distract from the attempt to renege on the rule change at the end of the games, the supply delivery had been doubled. At least it would have been.
As much as the people of District Twelve could use the food, they weren't the only ones. The Victor shipments were the Victor's to do with what they pleased. Katniss ensured hers went to Twelve, but with that taken care of, Naruto instead split his among the other outlying districts. Something that had Haymitch conflicted.
Afterall, Snow already saw the teens as the biggest threat to stability in Panem in decades. Acts like this only solidified that view and Haymitch knew it. So did Naruto but he didn't care. Thresh's friends and family deserved it. That's why he made sure District Eleven got a little extra.
Luckily his actions had made him even more into a sweetheart with the general populace of the Capitol. It also wasn't unprecedented. At times some Victors had been moved by a fellow tribute in the games and given some of their spoils away. Nothing ever to this scale however.
"They're a lot bigger up close." Katniss muttered as the vehicle pulled up in front of the Victors' houses.
Naruto turned his mind away from the worrisome thoughts of provoking President Snow and to what was in front of him.
Katniss was right. The mansions they were moving into really were larger in person than seen at a distance. Just like everything else, the Capitol made sure their decadence was felt.
"Here. Your keys have the house number printed on them. I would hang around but I am due for a bath and a very long nap. Try to keep any festivities down for my sake would you?" Haymitch said as he handed both Naruto and Katniss a key.
Effie seemed to roll her eyes before turning to the pair of teens. "Katniss, your Mother and Sister are being collected and brought here in another car. Your kitchens are fully stocked, and I'll show you how to make requests to get it all refilled later. We'll also talk about your next steps later. For now I need to make sure Haymitch doesn't drown. I would hate to be the first escort to see both of her tributes win only for the man-child in her party to die in the bath…"
The teens watched the woman scurry after Haymitch before sharing a look.
"You don't think…" Naruto began to ask.
"Ugh, no. I don't want to imagine either of them like that." Katniss bit out causing him to raise his hands and nod whole heartedly agreeing with her.
The pair stood in silence staring at the looming houses ahead of them. Cold and pristine they felt out of place compared to the rest of their home. They also felt more like tombs waiting to swallow them up than new houses.
"Do, uh, you want to maybe come over and meet my mom and Prim a bit more officially?" Katniss asked.
"Yeah, I guess if you want me to." Naruto nodded.
"Prim will like you. I think my mom will too. She always wanted me to uh…get with a boy from the Merchant side of the district." Katniss awkwardly claimed.
"Heh, not sure if I really qualify that much. I might live there but, you know." Naruto said, shifting uncomfortably.
"Let's explore a little." Katniss said thankfully, snapping the awkward air.
"Sounds good." He happily followed her.
By the time that the rest of the Everdeen family arrived Naruto and Katniss had already poked through the first floor of her house. It was easily three times the size of Katniss' old house and that was just the first floor. The rest of the building along with the grounds out behind it were enormous compared to almost anything else in the District.
"Who needs the Hob when we could just use your living room to fit the whole market." Naruto pointed out as they stepped out of the kitchen and back into the foyer as they heard the door open.
"I'm going to get lost in here. Make sure to come find me every now and then." Katniss joked, getting a chuckle and a sarcastic promise to do so.
"Katniss." A younger female voice called, causing both of them to turn their attention toward the two blondes standing just inside the front door.
Naruto hung back as Katniss moved forward to wrap her baby sister into a bone crushing embrace. He knew that the two were close, but seeing them reunited felt so right to him. He remained quiet and just awkwardly watched on as the girls' mother joined the hug and all three babbled happily in an unintelligible mix of words.
"You came back, just like you said." Prim said to Katniss as the three of them all calmed down.
"I did. I had help, but I promised so I came back." Katniss said as she pulled her sister in close to her once again.
"You did have help." Her mother said standing as she turned to look at Naruto.
The woman eyed him for a moment before stepping past her daughters and wrapping him in a snug embrace. Naruto tensed in the woman's arms while staring at Katniss who also seemed shocked.
Her mother had moments that she was, well a mother, but at times she proved to be almost like she was slipping from the world. Spacing out. Forgetting things. She also more often than not seemed either weepy or stoic beyond what most would be capable of.
Now though she was clinging to a near stranger. Holding him as if he was a long lost relative.
"Thank you." She forced out as happy tears came to her eyes.
Naruto could say nothing as he let his arms wrap around the woman. Like hugging Katniss it was a warm feeling. Not exactly the same, but it did feel good. Only made better when the two sisters joined them for a moment before they broke apart once again and the eldest of the group tried to regain her composure.
"Sorry, I just hoped for her to come back and you helped make that possible. I-" She struggled to find words.
"I couldn't help myself. I think the only way we could have come back was together." Naruto said, trying to play it off a bit.
"Together?" Prim asked suddenly. A cheeky look on her face.
"That's something we need to talk about too." The mother said gradually regaining her self control.
"That's something for him to talk about with me." Katniss said sharply.
The mother held a brief staring contest with her daughter before wilting. Prim however had no problem with making the meeting awkward as she started asking questions about whether or not they had been sneaking off into the woods before the reaping.
Naruto stayed over at the Everdeen household for a couple more hours. Prim had eventually pulled her mother into teasing the two victors about their relationship, but thankfully the older woman could tell they were still a bit uncomfortable and new to the development between one another. She settled them all in for a meal and distracted them with topics mostly about the happenings in District Twelve since their reaping. He was thankful for that. He didn't have the capacity to handle Primrose's teasing for hours on end, and despite growing up with her neither did Katniss.
Eventually Naruto went home though.
His house was almost a mirror image to that of Katniss'. However as he opened the door and stepped inside the dimly lit foyer he couldn't stop the stab of dread in his heart. It was silent. Unbearably silent. Much like his house back in the merchant portion of the District had been. Only it lacked the sound of distant barking dogs. There were no hidden crickets chirping. The sound of wind didn't make thin wooden walls shift slightly and creak and moan.
It was total and utter silence except for his own breath, his own footsteps, and his own loudening thoughts.
He hated it already.
That is that, I hope you enjoyed it. We will have one to three more chapters before we get to the Seventy Fifth Games. Lots of developments that will happen in the space between games. Then again lots of seeds for things have already been planted. Afterall even now, Naruto is giving the middle finger to the Capitol and they will only put up with an unruly victor for so long before reminding him of his place.
Anyway,
Till Next Time