A few days had passed since Coriolanus and Livia finalized their divorce, clearing the path for Lucy Gray and Lumi to step into the picture.
Not only that but Lucy Grays injury was healing nicely, while they were already busy planning their engagement party, he was eager to tie the knot swiftly and avoid the complications of having another child outside of wedlock.
Lucy Gray, in her preparations for the engagement party, envisioned a celebration that seamlessly blended elements of her District roots with the opulence of the Capitol. She insisted on incorporating primroses, Lucy Gray also proposed having a band perform, aiming to recreate the lively and heartfelt music that echoed through the hob.
Despite Coriolanus' initial doubts about incorporating too many District vibes into the engagement party, Lucy Gray reassured him that it would add a unique charm and authenticity to the celebration.
She believed it would be a beautiful blend of their different worlds, creating an event that was not only opulent but also meaningful. With Lucy Gray's confidence and vision, they continued to plan the engagement party, each detail carefully considered to reflect both their Capitol and District backgrounds.
While they were engrossed in party preparations, Lumi diligently practiced a piece on the piano, gearing up to serenade her parents at their engagement celebration. However, the added pressure of making a speech weighed on her mind.
The realization that she was now a public figure, a reflection of her father's choices, intensified her nervousness. The spotlight was on her, and any misstep would not only affect her but also cast a shadow on Coriolanus Snow. The weight of responsibility settled on her shoulders, and she knew she couldn't afford to let her father down.
Lumi continued practicing the piano, absorbed in the melodies, when a knock on the door interrupted her.
Approaching cautiously, she opened it to find an avox, silently revealing a woman who bore a striking resemblance to her father.
To her surprise, she was greeted by a burst of vibrant energy as Tigris, her aunt and cousin of her father, stepped into the room. Tigris was a vision of vivacity with her blonde hair cascading around her shoulders and a lively pink outfit that seemed to embody her bubbly personality.
The room instantly brightened with her presence, and Lumi couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and curiosity in the air.
Lumi, looked at Tigris with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"Um, hi? Are you... family?" she ventured, unsure of how to address this unexpected encounter.
Tigris beamed and nodded enthusiastically, "Absolutely, sweetheart! I'm Tigris, your Aunt Tigris, your father's cousin. It's so lovely to finally meet you!" She extended her arms for a hug, and Lumi, though slightly taken aback, reciprocated tentatively.
Tigris pulled back, still smiling, "Your dad told me you're quite the musician. I can't wait to hear you play at the engagement party. It's going to be spectacular!"
Lumi, still processing the sudden appearance of this lively relative, managed a small smile.
"Uh, thanks. Nice to meet you too, Aunt Tigris."
Coriolanus entered the room, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Tigris and Lumi standing together. "Tigris! What are you doing here so early?" he asked, a mixture of confusion and curiosity in his voice.
Tigris giggled, "I thought I'd surprise you and finally meet the famous Lumi. She's just as wonderful as you said!"
Coriolanus glanced at Lumi, who offered a sheepish smile.
He called Lucy Gray to join him, introducing her to Tigris for the first time. Coriolanus, with a sly smile, said,
"Lucy Gray, this is Tigris, my cousin. She's going to be your stylist for the party," gesturing towards Tigris.
Tigris extended her hand, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lucy Gray. I was always rooting for you in the games."
Games? What games? Lumi wondered what her aunt was talking about.
Lucy Gray, slightly surprised but maintaining her grace, shook Tigris's hand. "Likewise, Tigris. I appreciate your help tonight."
Tigris winked at Coriolanus, "I'll make sure she looks absolutely stunning. You can trust me."
Coriolanus, satisfied with the arrangement, nodded.
"Excellent. I'll leave you ladies to it. I have a few more things to attend to."
As he left, Lucy Gray and Tigris began discussing the details of the styling, creating an unexpected bond between them. The Capitol's eclectic fashion was about to meet the natural beauty of District 12 in a unique collision of styles.
As Tigris carefully combed Lucy Gray's hair, she engaged in a lively conversation, her bubbly personality shining through, with each stroke of the comb.
Tigris asked Lucy Gray about the style she envisioned for the evening.
"What are you thinking?, You know, do you want to bring some Capitol glam or maybe a bit of District charm into the mix?" Tigris inquired, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Lucy Gray, perched in front of the vanity, contemplated the question,
"I don't want anything too fancy, just simple and nice," Lucy Gray said with a smile as Tigris continued to work on her hair.
Tigris asked what she wants to do with her hair. Lucy Gray stayed silent for a moment, contemplating, and then said,
"I think I want to wear white roses."
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Lumi was in her room with her own stylist.
"I just want something like before."
but the stylist turned her down and told her that she needed to blend in..to fit in.
Lumi, though initially reluctant, trusted the stylist's expertise, allowing the transformation to unfold.
After the stylist finished with her makeup, she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Exaggerated lashes, bright lips, unnecessary stones - she felt like a clown.
The desire to cry welled up within her, but she fought it back, afraid it might ruin the makeup. Was this the appearance of Capitol people? Her father had never dressed like this.
Apprehension filled her as the stylist emerged with yet another pink dress. Why always pink? What subtle message were they trying to convey through her appearance?
Despite her concerns, Lumi hesitated but ultimately complied with the stylist's choices. As she stood before the mirror, adorned in the Capitol's version of elegance, she couldn't help but feel like a stranger to herself. The reflection staring back seemed to mock the simplicity she once cherished. Deep down, she wondered if this transformation was worth sacrificing her authenticity.
Nevertheless, Lumi took a deep breath and convinced herself that this was a small sacrifice to make her father proud. She squared her shoulders and decided to embrace the Capitol's version of glamour, determined to navigate this unfamiliar territory with grace.
In the living room, Lumi's eyes widened as she saw her mother, Lucy Gray, wearing a breathtaking strapless gold dress that elegantly flowed down to the floor. It seemed to shimmer in the light, accentuating Lucy Gray's grace and beauty.
As Lumi looked at her mother's face, confusion set in. Her own makeup was bold and extravagant, a stark contrast to the simple and understated look her mother embraced.
Lucy Gray walked toward Lumi, gently holding her face with both hands and moving her head side to side as she examined her.
"Baby, are you okay with this? It's too much," she expressed with concern.
Lumi assured her mother, "No, Mother, I love it. It's perfect." Despite her words, Lumi couldn't shake the guilt of lying to her mother.
"Well, it's time for me to head home and get ready," Tigris announced, bidding her farewells.
Lumi was accompanied by an Avox downstairs while Coriolanus and Lucy gray stayed behind.
Coriolanus and Lucy Gray exchanged glances.
Observing Lucy Gray's beauty, Coriolanus couldn't resist walking towards her, gently placing his hand on her waist.
"You look beautiful, and the roses in your hair... Did you do it for me?" he asked, his fingers delicately caressing the strands.
Lucy Gray, playing hard to get, teased, "Well, President Snow, maybe it's just a touch for myself. Keep you guessing, you know?"
Coriolanus chuckles, planting a soft kiss on Lucy Gray's forehead, "Always keeping me on my toes, aren't you?"
Coriolanus extends his arm, and Lucy Gray intertwines their arms, creating an elegant and united image as they make their way to the awaiting car.
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I just wanted to thank you all for 1k votes and 47k views!!!!
Sorry I took so long with this chapter I was making little collages for every chapter to give a little visual summery.
Next chapter introduces new characters! I'll make collages of them and put them in (phase 1) after chapter 17 comes out