୨୧ 𝐉𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐘, 𝐉𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐘 ୨୧
THE MORNING SUNLIGHT SPILLED THROUGH THE ELEGANT CURTAINS OF SERAPHINA'S ROOM, casting a warm glow on the opulent surroundings.
Her room, adorned in shades of pastel pink and cream white, emanated an air of delicate sophistication. Massive in size, it housed a canopy bed with laced curtains and a vanity adorned with bows and gold accents.
Seraphina stood before her closet, which was a sanctuary of luxury and style. Rows of fine and expensive clothes, meticulously organized, awaited her discerning gaze.
The uniform for the day, an Academy-issued ensemble, hung prominently amidst the high-end couture.
The dress shirt, a refined light blue, cradled a red jacket, known as 'Academy Rouge', embellished with the insignia of the esteemed institution.
The trousers, sleek and red, completed the outfit, a juxtaposition of formality and Capitol flair.
As Seraphina meticulously dressed, each motion seemed choreographed with grace and precision.
The Academy's logo, a symbol of her academic prowess and societal standing, now adorned her attire.
She fastened the pin with a measured touch, aligning it perfectly over her heart— a subtle reminder of her dedication to excellence.
The morning ritual continued with the meticulous selection of accessories— a wine-red bow delicately tied into her onyx curls, adding a touch of femininity to the uniform's austere elegance.
Socks and undergarments, also part of the Academy's prescribed ensemble, were chosen with the same meticulous attention to detail.
As the final touches were applied, Seraphina surveyed herself in the ornate mirror, her emerald green eyes meeting the reflection of a Capitol sweetheart— a paragon of grace, poised to navigate the corridors of the Academy with both elegance and determination.
The Academy Rouge, a sartorial symbol of her academic journey, now adorned her with an air of confidence, a visual testament to her commitment to success.
With a final glance, Seraphina left her room, the door closing behind her with a soft click.
The charm of the Academy awaited, and within its hallowed halls, the Capitol's Sweetheart would step into the role of scholar, navigating the intricacies of academia and the complexities of Capitol society with the same finesse that defined her every move.
The grandeur of the Aveline Mansion's living room unfolded before Seraphina as she descended from her elegant haven.
The opulent furnishings, adorned with gold accents and luxurious fabrics, whispered of the family's affluence.
The air was infused with a delicate aroma of wealth and privilege, and the muted sunlight filtered through the expansive windows, casting a gentle radiance on the scene.
As Seraphina reached the lower level, her parents, seated on plush furnishings, were engrossed in the glow of the television screen.
A high-end entertainment system occupied a prominent place in the room, a testament to the Aveline family's commitment to leisure and indulgence.
"Oh! Ah!" the television echoed.
"Ouch. Well, we'll give them a chance to stand up and catch their breath."
"I'm jealous of that entrance." Seraphina heard.
"I'm Lucretius 'Lucky' Flickerman, a man who needs no introduction. You all know me as your favorite weatherman and amateur magician. But guess where I am today. Here's a hint... that's right, the Capitol Zoo where this year's tributes will be held here on display behind these bars for your viewing pleasure."
Before Seraphina could inquire about their television selection, her father, a stoic figure of refined stature with a keen eye, redirected her attention with a question.
"How ambitious is Coriolanus being with the mentor program?" he asked, his eyes fixed on the screen where Lucretius Flickerman's charismatic presence dominated.
What?
Confused, Seraphina snapped her head toward the illuminated screen, the Capitol Zoo, a surreal mosaic of artificial habitats and carefully crafted landscapes, unfolded within the heart of the Capitol, a testament to the excesses of the Panem elite.
As the camera panned across the expansive enclosure, the distinct sections of the zoo came to life.
"That's right." Lucretius continued.
The monkey house, a focal point of the spectacle, featured a stretch of sand reminiscent of far-off deserts.
Tall artificial rock formations, meticulously sculpted to mimic the grandeur of natural landscapes, punctuated the scene.
Rows of metal bars, intricately engraved to resemble vines, served as both a backdrop and a confining boundary, blurring the lines between captivity and spectacle.
"All twenty-four of them, 'cause—" Lucretius halted.
Seraphina wasn't sure what she was supposed to be seeing.
Within this fabricated world, the twenty-four tributes found themselves scattered and disheveled.
Some lay sprawled on the sandy floor, their bodies bearing the imprint of the unceremonious entrance into this orchestrated wilderness.
Among them, a striking figure stood out— a splash of vivid red against the muted hues of the artificial surroundings.
"What in the gem of Panem?" he saw it the same time Seraphina did.
Seraphina narrowed her eyes on the screen and there, in the center of the unfolding spectacle, was Coriolanus Snow.
Holding the hand of a tribute, the peculiar Lucy Gray, Coriolanus exuded an air of command, his posture a testament to the ambitions that now seemed to entwine him with the tributes of the Hunger Games.
"You see, that's the Academy rouge, no?" he asked the cameraman.
"Excuse me. Hello, sir!— Yes, you. In the red."
Coriolanus, clad in his distinctive Academy uniform, exuded an air of stark contrast against the chaotic tableau.
The tailored red jacket, a symbol of privilege and prestige, framed his form as he navigated the manufactured wilderness with an undeniable air of authority.
The incongruity of the Academy uniform within the confines of the Capitol Zoo hinted at a collision of worlds, a collision that now held the tributes in its unyielding grip.
"Who are you and why are you in there with them? We're live— the Capitol is watching!"
As the camera lingered on the disoriented tributes, the vivid red of Coriolanus's uniform became a visual focal point, a beacon of order amid the disarray.
"Are you alright?" Lucretius continued asking Coriolanus who remained motionless, holding onto his tribute's hand.
"Sir? Who are you?"
As Seraphina watched the televised spectacle unfold within the Capitol Zoo, a surge of conflicting emotions swept through her.
Anger, like an ember fanned into flame, burned fiercely within her, fueled by the sight of Coriolanus Snow holding hands with another girl.
A district girl— someone from the very edges of their stratified society.
The tailored red jacket of Coriolanus, a symbol of privilege and entitlement, seemed to mock her from the screen.
At that moment, the elaborate design of the Capitol Zoo and the orchestrated chaos of the tributes became secondary to the personal betrayal Seraphina felt.
"A response would be greatly appreciated, but anything would be nice."
Seraphina along with her parents watched as Coriolanus pulled out the white rose out of Lucy Gray's hand which Seraphina could only assume came from Coriolanus as well considering Grandma'am has a rooftop filled with roses— they were her prized possessions.
"Hello? Can they not hear me in there?"
Seraphina's hands were clenched at her side as her emerald eyes remained trained on the screen in front of her— it was like some sort of sick joke.
As the televised spectacle continued, Seraphina's eyes remained fixed on the screen, her anger deepening with each passing moment.
The culmination of her emotions reached a crescendo when she witnessed Coriolanus tucking a white rose into Lucy Gray's hair— a gesture that, in its simplicity, carried a weight that resonated within the recesses of Seraphina's consciousness.
The white rose, a symbol of purity and innocence, was not lost on her.
It was a rare commodity in the Capitol, a bloom cultivated with care and precision.
Only Grandma'am, with her rooftop garden of meticulously tended roses, possessed such a treasure.
For Coriolanus to extend this emblem of significance to another, and not to Seraphina, felt like a deliberate slight— a betrayal etched in petals and thorns.
"Well, that's something you don't see every day," Lucretius commented in shock. "The rose and they're holding hands."
Seraphina's anger morphed into a simmering resentment, fueled by the realization that the white rose, a token of Coriolanus's regard, had never been bestowed upon her.
Through years of friendship, she had not experienced the tender touch of a flower that bore such personal significance to him.
The floral gesture, seemingly innocuous to others, became a testament to the exclusivity of Coriolanus's affections.
"What is that boy doing? Holding hands with that district filth." Abraxas voiced out for the rest of them while he eyed his daughter's reaction who remained still at her spot.
Yet, Seraphina, ever the master of concealment, masked her turmoil behind a stoic exterior.
Her emerald-green eyes, typically a reflection of poise and grace, now glinted with an unsettling intensity.
"Yes, yes, yes," Lucretius exclaimed as he watched along with the rest of the Capitol as Coriolanus walked hand in hand with Lucy Gray towards the bars where people were waiting and watching.
"Who are you, sir? What are you doing in the cage here?"
Coriolanus smiled for the camera and in an instant so did Lucy Gray who was waving at the children in front of her.
"Hi. How do you do? My name is Coriolanus Snow. And this is my tribute— Lucy Gray Baird from District 12."
"Hi, there. What's your name?" Lucy Gray asked the child.
"My name is Pontius."
Seraphina's father scoffed as he shook his head, clearly disappointed over the fact that Capitol children were getting close to people from the districts.
"It's nice to meet you. Is this your sister?" Lucy Gray asked while Coriolanus stood behind her and watched her with such pride.
"That's Venus. She's only four."
"Well, I think four is a very smart age to be."
As the camera lingered on the televised scene, capturing every nuance of Coriolanus's interaction with the district girl, Seraphina wrestled with the conflicting desires within her— ambition, possessiveness, and an unsettling yearning that she dared not acknowledge.
"Where'd you find that snake?" the child asked.
"Well, he found me. Must have been a music lover. My singing calmed him right down."
"Can I touch your dress?" she asked.
Lucy Gray smiled, "Of course. I like your dress too."
"What is this an interview?" Selene Aveline chuckled in disbelief before taking a sip of her morning tea.
Lucy Gray turned to look at Lucretius and smiled at the camera behind him, "Oh. And who might you be?"
"You don't know who I am?" Lucretius pointed at himself in disbelief.
"Don't laugh. Not everyone has televisions out in the districts." he scolded his cameraman.
"I'm Lucretius 'Lucky' Flickerman. But more enticingly, who are you, Lucy from District 12?"
The Aveline heir closed her eyes and took a couple of deep breaths to calm her raging heart and mind.
Seraphina attempted to quell the tempest of emotions that raged within her.
The televised scenes at the Capitol Zoo played on an endless loop in her mind, each frame a testament to the undeniable reality unfolding before her eyes.
"Oh. It's Lucy Gray. And I'm not actually from 12. No, my people are Covey. We're like a family. We're musicians by trade and we travel from place to place as the fancy takes us— At least we used to. Before the Peacekeepers rounded us up."
Seraphina struggled to find solace in the notion that Coriolanus's actions were driven solely by a desperate quest for the Plinth Prize— a pursuit that demanded a display of camaraderie with his assigned tribute, Lucy Gray Baird.
"I see. But now you're District 12." Lucretius clarified.
"If you say so." Lucy Gray nodded with a smile.
"Yes. Your dress is far from gray and it seems to be a big hit with the children."
It never ended.
Ignore it, Seraphina, she told to herself, attempting to convince her tumultuous thoughts that what she witnessed was a calculated performance rather than a reflection of Coriolanus's true sentiments.
It's just a scheme, a means to an end. He's doing whatever it takes to win that prize. She continued reassuring herself.
"Oh, it is? Well, the Covey love color, me more so than most. But this dress was my mama's so it's extra special to me." Lucy Gray preened with a perfect smile that Seraphina was gradually growing to hate.
"Mmm-hmm. And she's in District 12?"
Yet, the rationalization provided only a fleeting reprieve from the sting of jealousy and hurt.
The image of Coriolanus, adorned in his Academy uniform, engaged in gestures of intimacy with Lucy Gray, lingered persistently.
"Well, only her bones, darling. Only her pearly white bones." She said earning a chortle from Lucretius.
"There is something severely wrong with that girl." Seraphina's mother commented once more earning a nod from her father.
Seraphina grappled with the unsettling realization that, even in the pursuit of victory, Coriolanus had chosen to wield the symbolic language of flowers with another.
"Do you know my mentor?" Lucy Gray patted Coriolanus on the chest as the blonde moved forward closer to the bars.
As she sought to suppress the swell of emotions, Seraphina clung to the narrative that framed Coriolanus's actions as strategic maneuvers, devoid of genuine sentiment.
The echo of her own words became a mantra against the rising tide of heartache, a fragile shield protecting her from the harsh reality that perhaps Coriolanus's affections were not exclusively hers to claim.
"Says his name is Coriolanus Snow and clearly, I got the cake with the cream 'cause nobody else has even bothered to show up."
Just wait until I do show up, the Aveline mentally thought before scolding herself for letting a district tribute affect her.
Seraphina wouldn't even be surprised if Coriolanus loses his spot in the mentor program.
She was sure that Dean Highbottom will be punishing him for this spectacle.
"The Gamemakers did tell you to jump in the cage with them?" Lucretius asked Coriolanus with a raised eyebrow.
"They didn't tell me not to," Coriolanus answered smartly.
"They just said that it was a mentor's job to introduce our tributes to the citizens of Panem. And I thought, well, if Lucy Gray is brave enough to be here, then why shouldn't I be too?"
Why not join the Hunger Games while you're at it, Seraphina thought as she rolled her eyes at the sight of Coriolanus' smug face on the television.
"For the record, I didn't have a choice." Lucy Gray commented.
"For the record, I think you're about to be whisked away, young man," Lucretius told Coriolanus as the Peacekeepers came up behind him to escort him out the cage, however, not before bidding his farewell to his tribute as they exchanged whispers to each other,
"The Tenth Annual Hunger Games are soon approaching. So come down to the zoo and see these tributes before it's too late. And I mean— too late. For Capitol News, I'm Lucretius 'Lucky' Flickerman."
As the Capitol Zoo continued to unravel before her eyes, the white rose served as a poignant reminder of the uncharted territory in her relationship with Coriolanus.
The hurt and insult she felt surged through her, further intertwining with the complex tapestry of emotions that defined her connection to him.
In the confines of her thoughts, Seraphina grappled with the bitter reality that, despite their shared history, she had never been the recipient of Coriolanus's most coveted symbol of sentiment.
Seraphina, with a carefully crafted facade, finally joined her parents in sitting on the living room couch where right in front of them the television still emanated the lingering echoes of the Capitol Zoo spectacle.
Her father, with a discerning eye, observed the screen and remarked, "Coriolanus has grown soft, caring for his tributes like that. It's not the traditional approach one would expect."
In a subtle defense, Seraphina replied, "Father, he's playing a different game. Lucy Gray, his tribute, is not a fighter. He's trying to win favor with the audience by portraying compassion. It's a strategic move to make her more likable, to play on the Capitol's sentiments."
She couldn't comprehend why she found herself defending Coriolanus, justifying his actions even when a part of her questioned his motives.
It was as if an invisible force compelled her to offer explanations, to shield him from the suspicions that loomed.
Yet, deep within the recesses of her mind, a small voice whispered doubt.
Why was Coriolanus tending to Lucy Gray in ways he had never done for her? Why the white rose, a symbol that held significance in his life?
As much as she wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, the mystery surrounding his behavior cast shadows of uncertainty.
Her father, raising an eyebrow intrigued, questioned, "And why aren't you employing such strategies with your tribute, Reaper Ash, right? A show of strength can be just as captivating."
Seraphina, her words laced with conviction, explained, "Reaper is a fighter, Father. His strength is his asset, and I plan to accentuate that in the Games. Lucy Gray, on the other hand, needs a different approach. Coriolanus is adapting to the circumstances, trying to mold the audience's perception to his advantage."
Though her explanation held a veneer of confidence, Seraphina couldn't deny the underlying uncertainty that lingered within her.
Coriolanus's actions, veiled in ambiguity, left her grappling with questions that even she couldn't answer.
Yet, in the face of her father's inquiry, she stood resolute, weaving a narrative that shielded Coriolanus from suspicion and justified his unconventional approach in the twisted game they were born to play.
With a sigh, Seraphina decided to trust in the bond they had forged over the years.
Perhaps, she reasoned, there were facets of Coriolanus that she didn't understand, a complexity that had surfaced in this perilous situation.
Despite the lingering questions, she chose, for now, to believe that there was a method to his madness, a strategy that eluded the grasp of those on the outside.
It was a precarious dance, balancing between trust and skepticism, but in this arena of perilous games, she found herself tethered to the one person who had always been a constant presence in her tumultuous life.
After all of that, Seraphina was driven to the Academy by her driver, Leo.
As Seraphina Aveline settled into her seat within the Academy's lecture hall, the hallowed space filled with the hum of anticipatory chatter and the rustle of students taking their places.
The tiered seating, arranged in a circular pattern around the central stage, provided an unobstructed view of the academic proceedings.
The seat next to Seraphina remained conspicuously vacant, a silent reminder that her counterpart, Coriolanus Snow, was likely still en route from the Capitol Zoo.
The absence of his presence left a subtle void, and the surrounding students exchanged curious glances as they noticed the notable vacancy, especially after his show with his tributesm which Seraphina was sure everyone saw.
Around her, fellow students engaged in hushed conversations, sharing speculations and observations about the day's lecture.
The absence of Coriolanus did not go unnoticed, and murmurs of curiosity fluttered through the hall.
Seraphina, with an air of poised expectancy, glanced periodically toward the entrance, anticipating Coriolanus's eventual arrival.
The atmosphere held a sense of suspense, the lecture hall patiently awaiting the completion of its academic ensemble.
After a few minutes, Dean Highbottom walked into the room and placed himself at the center podium that their seats surrounded, he quietly scribbled in his paper not even acknowledging their existence and by the looks of it they wouldn't be starting without Coriolanus.
Seraphina's focused demeanor reflected her commitment to the scholarly environment.
The absence of her companion did little to sway her from the intellectual discourse that awaited, and she exuded a quiet determination.
Anticipation lingered in the air, heightening the sense of expectancy.
The lecture hall, with its rich architectural details and historical significance, was poised to witness the unfolding of another chapter in the academic journey of its students.
As the minutes ticked away, Seraphina's gaze occasionally flitted to the entrance, her thoughts intertwining with the shared experiences that awaited in the academy's venerable lecture hall.
The empty seat, a temporary void, would soon be filled, and the symphony of academic discourse would commence.
The grand entrance doors creaked open, momentarily drawing the attention of the lecture hall's occupants.
The students turned their heads toward the source of the sound, their curiosity piqued by the late arrival.
Among them, Seraphina remained focused on her notebook, seemingly undisturbed by the unfolding scene.
Coriolanus Snow, breathless and slightly disheveled, burst into the lecture hall with a sense of urgency that drew a collective gaze from his peers.
The abrupt entrance caused a few startled whispers to ripple through the room.
The familiarity of the latecomer became apparent as Coriolanus stepped into the hall, his presence acknowledged by the subtle turning of heads and hushed whispers.
Yet, Seraphina, engrossed in her own world, didn't lift her gaze or acknowledge his entrance, a deliberate choice that set her apart from the rest of the students.
"You're little excursion was in violation of about five different Academy rules, Mr. Snow." Dean Highbottom voiced as he continued writing on his papers.
Coriolanus, aware of the attention drawn by his tardy arrival, scanned the tiered seating until they landed on the familiar silhouette of Seraphina.
The surrounding students exchanged glances, intrigued by the apparent nonchalance of the girl who didn't even spare a glance for the heir of the Snow family.
Without hesitation, he made his way toward her, weaving through the rows of seats, until he took his place beside her.
"Chief amongst them, endangering a Capitol student." The Dean continued.
"What? Who?" Coriolanus scoffed in confusion as he tried to catch Seraphina's eyes.
However, Seraphina remained absorbed in her notebook, seemingly oblivious to the spectacle he had unintentionally created.
"You." Dean Higbotton instantly replied.
"I'm moving for the Gamemakers to disqualify you as mentor immediately."
"You said we had to get our tributes to perform, not that we had to stay away." Coriolanus stood up, clearly frustrated.
Seraphina audibly scoffed at his words— without glancing up, and continued doodling, her focus unwavering.
The lack of acknowledgment left Coriolanus momentarily baffled, his attempts at communication met with apparent indifference.
"I'll add insubordination as well." Dean Highbottom said nonchalantly.
Around them, students exchanged curious glances, unsure of the dynamics at play between the two.
Coriolanus, now standing, shifted uncomfortably, wrestling with a mix of frustration and confusion.
"Holding her hand, Coryo, introducing her to people, you make it look as if we're one and the same as those animals." Arachne egged Coriolanus on.
"Coriolanus didn't show those people anything they didn't already know." Sejanus pipped in earning a look from Coriolanus.
"I don't need your help, Sejanus," Coriolanus mutters under his breath.
However, Sejanus continued, "That the tributes are human beings. Just like us. That's why nobody wants to watch the Games. It's because people know deep down that winning a war ten years ago doesn't justify starving people's children, taking away their freedoms, their rights."
"Snow fell down in a cage." A voice interrupted them, causing them to look up and see Dr. Gaul with the same maniacal look on her face, grinning at Coriolanus.
"It fell down in the cage but it landed..."
She looked at Coriolanus as if asking him to finish her riddle, "On stage." Coriolanus answered.
Dr. Gaul slowly sauntered down the stairs near their seats and grinned.
"You're good at games. Maybe one day, you'll be a Gamemaker like me. An aspiring apprentice, perhaps, like Ms. Aveline over here." she pointed at Seraphina.
"If the Games continue at all." Dean Highbotom chimed in, his whole chair now turned towards Dr. Gaul's direction.
"Oh, they'll continue. With performances like young Mr. Snow in that zoo." Dr. Gaul pointed at Coriolanus.
"And I came here to ask your star mentor a question." Her ominous words caused the rest of the students to turn towards Coriolanus.
"What are the Hunger Games for?" She asked the Snow heir.
Coriolanus glanced at Seraphina who was now finally looking at him, her expression, however, Coriolanus couldn't read.
"They're to punish the districts for their uprising, to commemorate the end of the war..." He answered unsurely.
Dr. Gaul rolled her mismatched eyes at his generic answer, "'Commemorate the' dull, dull, dull."
"Punishment can take myriad forms. Why not drop bombs, cancel food shipments, stage executions? Why Games?" Dr Gaul pushed the question.
"Hmm? Anyone? Why Games?" Dr. Gaul surveyed the room before her eyes fell on Seraphina's.
"Ms. Aveline! Mind giving us an answer? Why Games?" she grinned at the raven-haired girl.
Seraphina raised her chin to meet her gaze properly, "Because life is a game." she said, earning curious looks from her fellow classmates.
"The whole world is a big game, an arena. We are all tributes, not just the tributes from the districts." Seraphina's controlled voice echoed in the lecture hall.
The weight of her words transcended the mere articulation of a goal; they encapsulated the profound complexities that defined her desires and dreams.
In that pivotal moment, the piercing gaze of Dr. Gaul and the attentive eyes of her peers bore down on Seraphina, each individual interpreting the declaration through their own lens of understanding.
To some, it might have sounded like a confident assertion of ambition, while others could sense the subtle layers of strategy and calculation beneath the surface.
"The Hunger Games is not only punishment for the districts' uprising but it also serves as a reminder... reminding all of us of the parts we have to play to achieve our true nature as human beings."
For Seraphina, the notion of triumph went beyond the immediate context of the conversation— it delved into the intricacies of power, influence, and survival that permeated the world around her.
Life, in her perspective, mirrored an elaborate game, where individuals were cast as tributes navigating their own arenas.
The Hunger Games, with its ruthless dynamics, served as a poignant reminder of humanity's innate nature and the constant struggle for supremacy.
However, beneath the poised exterior and calculated words, a subtle undercurrent of uncertainty lingered.
Seraphina was acutely aware that the game she faced was unpredictable, with twists and turns that defied even the most meticulous strategies.
Her declaration was both a manifestation of her unyielding determination to triumph and an acknowledgment of the unpredictable nature of the challenges ahead.
"And what is your true nature, Ms. Aveline?" Dr. Gaul grinned at her, clearly liking the answer she had given her.
"It's too early to tell," Seraphina shook her head.
"Then tell me... what is it that you aspire to be?" The Gamemaker followed up.
Seraphina Aveline with all her confidence answered, "I aspire to win."
As the conversation unfolded, the air hung heavy with the unspoken challenge, and Seraphina's response resonated not only as a declaration of intent but as a profound exploration of her own psyche.
The path to victory, she recognized, was a nuanced journey— one that demanded a strategic mindset, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to navigate the complexities of the game she found herself immersed in.
Dr. Gaul's reaction to Seraphina's bold declaration was a calculated blend of amusement and satisfaction.
As Seraphina confidently asserted her aspiration to be the victor in the complex game of life, Dr. Gaul's lips curled into a subtle yet discernible smile.
The chuckle that escaped her hinted at a sense of approval, a recognition of the astuteness underlying Seraphina's response.
In that moment, Dr. Gaul, with her keen understanding of the human psyche, appreciated the layers within Seraphina's words.
The acknowledgment of life as a game, the implicit understanding of power dynamics, and the unwavering determination to emerge victorious— all resonated with the twisted perspective that Dr. Gaul often found intriguing.
The chuckle wasn't merely a casual reaction; it was a manifestation of Dr. Gaul's twisted delight in witnessing the complexity of human nature unfold.
Seraphina's response had provided a glimpse into her strategic thinking, her resilience, and the acknowledgment of the ruthless realities that defined their world.
In Dr. Gaul's eyes, Seraphina's mindset aligned with the ethos of the Capitol, where the pursuit of victory held paramount importance.
As the chuckle subsided, Dr. Gaul's gaze lingered on Seraphina, an enigmatic gleam in her eyes betraying the twisted satisfaction she derived from the psychological dynamics at play.
The acknowledgment was subtle, but it underscored the unspoken understanding between mentor and apprentice— a shared recognition of the intricate dance they were both participants in, navigating the blurred lines between mentorship, ambition, and the peculiar games that defined their existence.
Coriolanus, however, found himself torn between conflicting emotions as Seraphina boldly asserted her ambition to be the victor in the game of life.
There was a profound admiration for her resilience and determination, a recognition that echoed in the depths of his consciousness.
Her words resonated with a certain truth, a sharp awareness of the cutthroat nature of the world they inhabited.
Admiration threaded through the tapestry of his thoughts.
Seraphina's response showcased a strategic mindset and an understanding of the power dynamics that shaped their existence.
In that moment, Coriolanus couldn't help but be captivated by the strength she exuded, the way she navigated the complexities with a cool and collected demeanor.
Yet, beneath the surface of admiration, there lurked a sense of conflict.
The realization that they were both players in a larger game, each with their ambitions and agendas, created a subtle tension.
Coriolanus grappled with the complexities of their intertwined destinies, his own aspirations, and the intricate dance they were performing in the shadow of Dr. Gaul's scrutiny.
As the chuckle escaped Dr. Gaul's lips, Coriolanus couldn't shake the feeling that the mentor's approval held significance beyond the surface.
Seraphina's words had painted a picture of ambition and resilience, qualities that both captivated and unnerved him.
The conflicting currents of admiration and tension set the stage for a complex interplay of emotions, adding another layer to the enigmatic dynamics that defined their journey through the mentorship program.
"Shouldn't we be asking ourselves whether or not they're right in the first place?" Sejanus aggressively asked the Gamemaker.
He is gonna get himself shot one day if he's not careful, Seraphina thought to herself as she shook her head at the boy, silently asking him to keep his mouth shut.
"You have a problem with my Games?" Dr. Gaul's glare lingered deep through Sejanus' face, however, Sejanus never wavered.
"Some of those kids were two years old when the war ended. The oldest of them were only eight!" He yelled.
"The Capitol is supposed to be everyone's government now. It is supposed to protect all of us. I don't see how making children fight each other to the death is protecting anyone." Sejanus looked around hoping some of his classmates would sympathize with him.
"That sort of sympathy might interfere with your mentoring assignment." Dr. Gaul mocked Sejanus with a playful look.
Dean Highbottom with all his hidden guilt for unintentionally creating the Games in the first place cut them both off.
"Perhaps the Capitol students are ill-suited to be mentoring tributes. Perhaps the Game's time has passed." he tried stopping his creation once more.
"Dean Higbottom is wrong."
Coriolanus stood up before turning to look at Sejanus, "Maybe Sejanus is onto something here. Maybe we should be viewing those tributes as human beings."
Coriolanus turned to look at Dr. Gaul, "I mean, you saw those kids in the zoo, they just... they just wanted to get to know Lucy Gray." he finished with a smile at the thought.
Seraphina couldn't help but roll her eyes in response to Coriolanus' words, a subtle expression of irritation that danced across her features.
The mention of Lucy Gray, his district tribute, had become a recurrent theme that tested the boundaries of her patience.
While Coriolanus seemed determined to defend and understand the songbird, Seraphina found herself growing increasingly frustrated by the attention he directed towards her.
"If we need people to watch, we should be letting them get closer to the tributes before the Games. To make the stakes personal." Coriolanus proposed his solution.
"Who will watch the Games if they care what happens to the tributes?" Dr. Gaul raised his eyebrow.
Everyone, Seraphina thought.
"Everyone," Coriolanus answered confidently.
"If they thought the tribute they cared about had a chance of winning. People need someone to root for and someone to root against. We need them to invest."
From the corner of Seraphina's eye, she could see Dean Highbottom shaking his head 'no' at Coriolanus and his words.
The Dean was scared and guilty... very, very, guilty that he was slowly killing himself for it.
Coriolanus didn't let that deter him and continued, "And if we bend a few Capitol laws, we can even have them place bets."
'Maybe we should view the tributes as human beings' he said, Seraphina thought, Only for him to propose to start bets on the tributes' lives.
Seraphina muffled a giggle with her hand.
Coriolanus Snow is hilarious, she mentally told herself with a grin.
"Look, I know Lucy Gray may not win in the arena but if you give her a chance, I would bet the Plinth Prize that she can win people's attention." Coriolanus finished earning a disappointed look from Sejanus.
In response to Coriolanus' bold assertion about Lucy Gray, Seraphina couldn't help but react with a slow, teasing clap, everyone's attention now turning to her.
Her delicate hands coming together created a rhythm of playful mockery, the sound echoing through the lecture hall as she let out a light, amused giggle.
The idea of the betting on the tributes' lives when clearly Coriolanus himself is harboring fondness for his little songbird in Seraphina's eyes, is a whimsical notion bordering on the absurd.
Coriolanus might not see it yet but Seraphina very much can.
And she knows that Lucy Gray Baird would only bring despair in poor Coriolanus Snow's heart... Seraphina is deciding whether she should let it unfold or not...
Maybe she should— then maybe Coriolanus would see that Seraphina Aveline was the only girl worthy of him and everyone else would just use and break him.
As she continued to giggle, Seraphina's eyes sparkled with a mischievous light, an acknowledgment of the madness that had become their mentorship endeavors in the Hunger Games arena.
"I'd like you to write up a proposal of these thoughts tonight, Mr. Snow." Dr. Gaul grinned at Seraphina's giggling form.
Before the Head Gamemaker could leave, Clemensia stood up from her seat, "Wait."
There she goes again, Seraphina rolled her eyes.
"You mean you might actually use his ideas?" Clemensia asked Dr. Gaul, her eyes darting from the Head Gamemakers to Coriolanus.
"If it'll help the ratings, why not." Dr. Gaul answered curtly.
Clemensia simply smiled at that, "Coriolanus and I are class partners, Dr. Gaul. We do all of our assignments together."
In response, Seraphina subtly raised her perfectly arched eyebrows.
Her gaze, cool and calculating, fixed upon Clemensia, revealing a mixture of amusement and mild disdain.
The constant revelation about Coriolanus' apparent closeness with his class partner brought forth a silent skepticism from Seraphina— another problem.
At that moment, she considered the implications of the close academic collaboration between Coriolanus and Clemensia.
The unspoken tension in the air hinted at Seraphina's possessive nature as if the notion of Coriolanus sharing his academic pursuits with someone else, particularly Clemensia, didn't sit well with her.
However, rather than expressing her feelings openly, Seraphina maintained her composed exterior, concealing the complexities of her emotions beneath a mask of elegant indifference.
"It'll be an interesting test." Dr. Gaul's chuckle reverberated across the lecture hall before, setting her gaze toward Seraphina once more.
"Ms. Aveline, tomorrow afternoon we shall test the colors of the rainbow." Dr. Gaul cryptically declared before leaving the lecture hall.
A veil of confusion enveloped the room, leaving the rest of the individuals present in a state of uncertainty.
However, within the enigmatic statement, Seraphina discerned a hidden meaning that set her apart from her peers.
A subtle smirk played upon Seraphina's lips, betraying her understanding of Dr. Gaul's intentions.
The aura of cunning and calculated mischief in Seraphina's gaze hinted at the intricate web of manipulation and scientific intrigue that bound her to the twisted world of the Capitol's Games.