Upon reflecting further after this afternoon's training, my conversation after training with Snow took an unexpected turn. He casually suggested that I join him later in the evening, and despite my initial reservations about its potential impact on my well-being, I found myself caught between two options. But to no avail in choosing, Snow's piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, intensifying as I grappled with the decision. Reluctantly, I admitted to myself that I was somewhat intimidated into considering his offer. The proposition? He wanted to escort me out of the Zoo under the cover of night, with everyone else asleep, all for his own benefit.
At a certain juncture, I found myself pondering why he treated me in a manner distinct from his interactions with other classmates and their respective tributes. From the very beginning, he had emphasized his responsibility for taking care of me. I couldn't help but wonder if, aside from his family name, he derived a sense of satisfaction from making others envy him. Beneath the weight of his inherited wealth, I observed a glimpse of this dynamic when comparing him to other mentors who pursued a similar agenda. However, unlike him, they exuded not just pride but also an eerie confidence and personality that unveiled a darker and more gruesome aspect of the Capitol's people. Their treatment of each district served as a stark reminder of the ominous days of the past. But with Coriolanus it was different.
Rather than highlighting District 13's impoverished rebellion, he drew attention to my well-fed state and positioned me as a strong contender for victory in the 11th Annual Hunger Games. This led me to consider that there might be something more sinister beneath the surface of Snow's seemingly innocent facade. It occurred to me that achieving victory wasn't the sole objective; there seemed to be a darker motive lingering in Snow's mind. Those astute enough to outwit him might discern that he harbored a sense of vengeance, something he was unwilling to relinquish.
As I was escorted, I had to maintain the pretense that there was nothing unusual between my mentor and me. A few sets of eyes eagerly awaited my return to the Zoo. Some exhibited a remorseful curiosity, eager to discover what Coriolanus had imparted to me before our departure, while others displayed indifference, seemingly ready to pass judgment on fellow candidates without any apparent reason. Coriolanus had emphasized from the outset that those who passed judgment would face execution from the very beginning of the Games' clock. What a regrettable situation, I thought.
Among those curious about the secrets that the Capitol's favored students might share with their tributes, Jacob stood out. He wore a smile on his face, contorted into an ominous smirk that he didn't hesitate to deploy when I returned from yet another special treatment with my mentor. "So?" he observed as I entered the Zoo, adhering to the Peacekeepers' advice not to disclose anything. It was a principle you quickly learned to rely on in those initial seconds upon entering your cage. "Did Prince Snow tell you about his sick and twisted fantasies?" It was evident that he was well aware.
"First of all, it's not Prince Snow; it's Coriolanus Snow." I corrected him, the background filled with a few echoing "ohhh" from the tributes, hoping to amplify the tension between my male tribute and me for potential use in the Game. Dismissing such attempts, I shrugged off the thought before proceeding, mindful not to divulge more secrets, especially to avoid Snow further trouble. "He's invited me somewhere this evening. That's all." Despite Jacob's dissatisfaction, he persisted in prodding me for additional details. "You know." His figure seemed taller than Snow's, perhaps an illusion created by his imposing chest. "Miss Jenkins, my mentor, mentioned that the Snow boy has a little obsession with a girl from District 12. And guess what? We do have a girl from District 12."
"I call bullshit on this one." Honestly, it was the least I could do, considering the advice I had received not to divulge any more information. A curse of doom would be eagerly welcomed right at my feet. If the warning to remain vigilant was indeed accurate, then I had no choice but to place my trust in Coriolanus until the rays of sunshine were no longer available.
As anticipated, the day unfolded towards its inevitable conclusion, with everyone served a meal to ensure a restful night's sleep. Following Snow's request, he took care to ensure I was well-fed, aligning with the Peacekeepers' knowledge of our meeting and confirming that Snow would only arrive once everyone was genuinely asleep. It struck me that he had orchestrated this plan all along. Despite my initial hope for fair treatment, the training and the public airing from the outset fueled suspicions. I began to entertain the notion that back home, my family might have nothing to fear, as we seemed to be under Snow's complete control, even if it meant earning more than just basic sustenance.
x
Following a rewarding training session with Swan, Coriolanus found his thoughts consumed by her. Her manner of speaking echoed the same tone Lucy used with him, yet there was a nuanced distinction in the way she looked at him. Her gaze held a blend of agony, a struggle to maintain sanity amidst the dangers surrounding them, yet it also emitted emotions he struggled to articulate. It felt gentle and delicate, creating an envy within him for even just another hour to spend in her presence, even if it meant to merely observing her. In their silent exchanges, the absence of words proved enough for both to find a sense of security in each other's company.
His fixation on her intensified, with Tigris calling out his name at night, serving as a reminder that if he ever crossed the threshold into love, as his father once did, Swan's privacy would become a distant concept. Swan would be intricately woven into his life, entangled within his grasp. Unfazed, he disregarded any concerns, determined to make her his, even if it meant sacrificing certain life pursuits. If not for Lucy Gray, then it would be for Swan. "It's a commitment I am willing to take." That was his sole response, his grandmother standing by his side, observing the boy she had educated and was now prepared to support, regardless of the decisions he made. After all, she was a woman of old traditions. Ultimately, if it meant returning to a life of luxury and bestowing upon the family a respect that even Panem itself would acknowledge, she did not object to her grandson's choices.
On that particular night, as everyone slumbered within the Snow household, Coriolanus barely registered his dinner. Hastily gulping down the now cold soup and savoring the fresh bread from the Academy, he donned his most fitting attire to alleviate the responsibilities of being a mentor to his tribute. At least, he hoped it would suffice for now. He chose to wear his father's blouse—the same one worn during the reaping ceremony. It struck a balance between casual and professional, ensuring that the display of power and wealth remained unmistakable.
While the Capitol assumed an oddly eerie atmosphere at night, where the undesirable aspects of society often unfolded, Coriolanus had grown accustomed to it. His eyes scarcely acknowledged the struggles of the poorest citizens scraping for food or the meager pennies he could spare. As he neared The Academy, the lights illuminated the surroundings once night descended. The institution had been a crucial source of income during the Darker Days and retained its significance. Coriolanus felt a genuine appreciation for his position, recognizing that if it meant enduring additional challenges until he reached the status of President, he needed to relish every fleeting moment offered to him. But he was more eager to tell Swan what he had in plan.
As he strolled through the Academy's yard, a wave of relief washed over him upon spotting the same Peacekeeper overseeing the Zoo. Approaching the guard, he received a simple nod of approval, signaling that all was well. Drawing closer, he found Swan peacefully asleep under Panem's stars. "She has been fed as requested." The Peacekeeper informed Snow, further easing his concerns. Trusting someone within the Academy over a potentially foolish Peacekeeper was a calculated decision, and he cared little if anyone, even Dr. Gaul, discovered it. The unfortunate Peacekeeper would face execution at dawn, but that was not Snow's concern. It never had been.
"Swan." It had become a habit for him to address her by her last name, just as she did with him. Her eyes slightly opened; she had been pretending to sleep all along. Of course, she would. He knew her too well to believe otherwise, just as she knew him. "Snow..." Her voice sounded sleepy, though Snow couldn't shake the feeling that she had likely been exhausted by the training. After all, he made sure she was pushed to her limits, especially if it meant securing a victory.
"You're ready?" The tone in his voice this time was filled with eagerness. A pleasant surprise to Swan considering the fact that she had no idea where and how long Coriolanus would have her all to himself. A kind of target that would allure its prey so easily that they might regret their decision. But she refused to push her instinct in further and nod. "Yes.."
He clasped her hand just as the Peacekeeper swung open the cage's door. Swan felt a twinge of relief at being an hour away from the confinements of the cage. Finally, she could breathe the Capitol's true air, an atmosphere laden with expectations and false hope. On this chilly autumn night, as red leaves descended from the branches, Swan couldn't resist plucking one from the midst of the falling foliage. "You know," She said, brushing her fingers through the air as they strolled away from the Academy's yard, "my mother used to dye my clothes with red leaves. It was her favorite color. She would have loved the Academy's uniform. She learned it from her sister."
His gaze softened as she spoke, attempting to mask the shared silence during their walk. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but be drawn in by the sound of her voice. In contrast to her demeanor that morning, now she resembled a gentle swan, using conversation to shroud the memories of her home. The seriousness in her tone revealed that she wasn't merely trying to impress him but stating facts until they reached whatever Snow had planned. "Your mother would have loved it indeed. Has she ever visited the Capitol before?" This time, he felt a genuine eagerness to delve into her family history, realizing that understanding and keeping close ties with her family was crucial for future success.
She shook her head, unwilling to delve further into the topic. The responsibility of expressing gratitude towards the Capitol fell on her mother's aunt, despite Swan's mother persistently opposing the idea of engaging with a wealth that had little in common with their family. She made an effort not to conceal her pain, noticing the false pity reflected on Coriolanus's face. "Enough talking about me," she said, shifting her gaze toward him, now ready to listen to her mentor. If they weren't in the heart of the Capitol, and if Snow intended this as a distraction, she would have quickly expressed her preference to return to the Zoo. "Why did you decide to escort me outside the Zoo tonight?"
Right. Snow's plan all along. Although by going to the Academy's park was a way of warning any suspicion of District 12's girl disappeared. In his favor, he had in fact mentioned Dr. Gaul prior. So if he was in trouble, he was not afraid to be reminded that he was only a poor girl's breakdown. An excuse too easy to use, not to be earned with va victorious medal. once the Games over.
"Right..."
"I brought you here with me because I wanted to ask you a favor. A favor that you had no idea to pursue of accepting."
And he was correct. If Swan were to reject his proposition, he would momentarily dismiss her, even to the extent of leaving her to face starvation like the other tributes. It was a simple tactic, he presumed, aimed at ensuring her complete allegiance until the end. However, if someone were to claim it was love, he genuinely considered it a false narrative. It was a narrative that only the Capitols of Panem would relish, eager to delve into the story of a lost soul and someone bold enough to admit his significance. After all, if he knew that tactic would make not only the people of Panem to want more but also gain its trust before elections.
"You see..." He made a concerted effort to maintain a composed demeanor, positioning himself in contrast to her figure. Her eyes were fixed intently on his, a hopeful expression on her face as if anticipating something positive from him. However, he was fully aware of the turmoil she would experience upon hearing what he had to offer. "I am presenting you with a proposition."
"Meaning?" She ensured to offer him more information, experiencing the same twisted and sick feeling in her stomach that she had on her first day here. Initially, she thought the dinner she had eaten might not have had time to properly digest, but with further consideration and the freshness of the food, she realized it was likely just her imagination, fueled by eagerness to learn what her mentor had in store for her. A place after victory? A house where she could secure a happy life for her family? However, Snow had none of that in mind. "Meaning you will have to make a few life choices."
"What—What life choices?" She understood where he was leading, but couldn't gather the same emotions as Snow dramatically presented his plan. It was straightforward: either she would be left to starve or accept his offer to live with him, with the provision of food and shelter away from her own home. As he relayed this information, her eyes widened in surprise. She struggled to express her feelings; the idea of being separated from her home was something she was determined to be returned to once the Games were over. To live with a complete stranger, even if he was only her mentor, just for the sake of health and a luxurious roof over her head, felt like a disgrace. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she fought to hold them back, remembering her mother's words: "A girl's tear is not worth a man who doesn't appreciate you."
However, in Snow's eyes, he discerned a sense of regret. It dawned on him, particularly when he brought Swan back to the Zoo, that he had left no other option for her to speak or presumed to let her defend herself. Memories of Lucy Gray and hallucinations flooded back to him instantly. While he understood that Swan wasn't precisely like her, Snow couldn't shake the feeling of remaining unchanged throughout the years. Coupled with the response he received from Swan herself, he felt a complete loss of hope.
"Will I see you tomorrow?" were the only words that escaped her lips. However, Snow remained silent, entirely ignoring her. This left her feeling hopeless, uncertain about what he had in store for her the next day. Would he subject her to the same treatment as before, or would he forsake any pretense of taking care of her in favor of pursuing his own fantasies?
He will have to talk to Tigris about it.