𝓥𝓲𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻 | Katsuki Bakugou x Male reader

Chapter 21

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Every cell in (M/N)'s body wanted him to dig into the stew and cram it into his mouth, but Katsuki's voice stopped him. "We should probably take it slow on that stew. Having rich food after living off the environment won't settle well."

"You're right. And I could just inhale the whole thing!" (M/N) said regretfully. But he didn't. They were decently sensible. They each had a roll, half an apple, and an egg-sized serving of stew and rice. (M/N) made himself eat the stew in tiny spoonfuls - they had even sent silverware and plates - savouring each bite. When the two finished, he stared longingly at the dish. "I want more."

"Me too. Tell you what. We wait an hour; if it stays down, then we get another serving," Katsuki said.

"Agreed," (M/N) said. "It's going to be a long hour."

"Maybe not that long," Katsuki said. "What were you saying just before the food arrived? Something about me... no competition... best thing that ever happened to you..."

"I don't remember that last part," (M/N) said, wanting to shrink into his invisible shell, away from the cameras.

"Oh, that's right. That's what I was thinking," the blonde said. "Scoot over, I'm freezing."

(M/N) made room for him in the sleeping bag. They leaned back against the cave wall, (M/N)'s head on his shoulder, Katsuki's arms wrapped around him. (M/N) could feel Shota nudging him to keep up the act. "So, since we were five, you never noticed anyone else?" he asked.

"No, I noticed just about every girl or guy, but none of them made a lasting impression, except you," Katsuki said.

"I'm sure that would thrill your parents, you liking a boy from the Seam," (M/N) said.

Katsuki scoffed. "Hardly. But I couldn't care less. Anyway, if we make it back, you won't be a boy from the Seam, you'll be a boy from the Victor's Village."

"So will you," (M/N) said. If they won, they'd each get a house in the part of town reserved for Hunger Games' victors. Long ago, when the Games first began, the Capitol had built a dozen fine houses in each district. In 12, only one was currently occupied. Most of the others had never been lived in at all.

A disturbing thought hit (M/N). "But then, our only neighbour will be Shota!"

"Ah, that'll be nice," Katsuki said with clear sarcasm. "You, me, and Shota. Very cosy. Picnics, birthdays, long winter nights around the fire retelling old Hunger Games tales."

"I told you, he hates me," (M/N) said, but he couldn't help laughing at the image of Shota becoming his new pal.

"Only sometimes. When he's sober, I've never heard him say one negative thing about you," Katsuki said.

"He's never sober!" (M/N) protested.

"That's right. Who am I thinking of? Oh, I know. It's Keigo who likes you. But that's mainly because you didn't try to run when he set you on fire," the blonde said. "On the other hand, Shota... Well, if I were you, I'd avoid him completely. He hates you."

"I thought you said I was his favourite," (M/N) said.

"He hates me more. I don't think people in general are his sort of thing."

(M/N) knew the audience would be enjoying watching them have fun at Shota's expense. He'd been around so long, he was practically an old friend to some of them. By this time, they'd have dragged him out of the control room for interviews about the two boys. No telling what sort of lies he'd made up. Though he'd be at somewhat of a disadvantage since most mentors had a partner - another victor to help them - but Shota had to be ready to go into action at any moment. Kind of like (M/N) when he was alone in the arena.