The Hunger Games: Mashup

Chapter Twenty Six

District 11

“No, Yuki—I can do it myself!” protested Machi, shoving against Yuki's chest viciously. He didn't budge an inch.

“But you're too weak to sustain your own weight, Machi! If you fell, what would happen to the baby?!” demanded Yuki, flushed.

“If you're going to help me, at least find Haruhi to do it!” she cried, her cheeks as red as his.

“There's no time, Machi! The Reaping is in five minutes—just take off your shirt and let me slip it over your head! I promise I won't look!!” he said loudly, his cheeks the color of tomatoes. She bit down on her lip stubbornly, but let him pick her up and put her feet on the floor, holding her up steady. She turned away from him, refusing to look at his blushing profile. Yuki quickly pulled off her shirt and tossed the dress over her head, pulling down the fabric so to avoid becoming tempted by her bare skin. The black velvet settled over her as she poked her arms through the sleeves. She exhaled a sigh of relief, glaring at him through her embarrassment while he gave a tired laugh. Yuki pulled a rose out of his pocket, putting it in her hair. She smelled his warmth from the petals, feeling a calm settle over herself. Yuki wore a deep brown vest over a pale, orange colored shirt with white pants and shoes. Machi had a dark, velvet dress that reached below her knees, showing her blue, faded, ripped jeans. She had refused to let Yuki remove them, so he only hoped the Peacekeepers wouldn't mind. She had also insisted that she go barefoot. Her feet were especially sore this morning, and the heels—the only shoes that matched her outfit—were too painful for her to wear, even sitting down.

“How are you feeling this morning?” he asked her, brushing back her hair. She shrugged, clearing her throat.

“A little bit queasy,” she told him. He gave her a smile.

“That must be the morning sickness. That's a good sign of the baby's healthiness,” he said to her. She narrowed her eyes at him.

“Or it could be a sign of your lousy cooking,” she muttered. Yuki laughed, unabashed. “There is truth in your words, but you're no fair chef either,” he told her. She gave him a giggle, and his eyes softened.

“You're looking more and more like your beautiful self, Machi. I'm so happy,” he told her, kissing her cheek. She flushed, punching him in the arm in her embarrassment.

“You—you shouldn't be saying such embarrassing things so early in the morning!” she said, flustered. He gave her a clueless blink. “But it's nearly 12 in the afternoon,” he said in confusion. She blushed even redder, turning away from him. Yuki laughed, wrapping his arms around her.

“Hey you lovebirds! Get a move on or I'm leaving without you!” came a boorish voice that sliced through the atmospheric warmth. Yuki turned towards the door, agitated. “Give us a minute, Toph! We're coming!”

Yuki lifted up Machi, bridal style, ignoring her protesting mutters. She would never get used to him carrying her in such a romantic fashion. She blushed.

“I can walk on my own,” she lied. “No you can't,” he said swiftly, placing her in her wheelchair. He carted her out, making sure to lock the door behind him. He looked over Toph, standing on their porch with an irritated look. He laughed out loud again, and Toph raised an eyebrow at him.

“What the hell is so funny?” she asked. Her harsh words only made his laugh even louder. She narrowed her eyes at him. Yuki kept laughing until it turned into a full out fit. He was clutching his side, eyes watering, his mouth stretched wide in a large grin. Even Machi was surprised by how he was taking Reaping Day.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Toph asked him furiously. Finally Yuki got ahold of himself. He chuckled, wiping tears from his eyes, grinning at her.