୨୧ 𝐂𝐀𝐍'𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐌𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐖 ୨୧
AS CORIOLANUS DRESSED IN HIS PEACEKEEPER UNIFORM, a sense of solemn determination settled over him.
The events of the previous day weighed heavily on his mind, the memory of Lucy Gray's disappearance and his own descent into madness still haunting him. But he couldn't afford to dwell on the past now; he had a future to secure, a destiny to shape.
After ensuring that his snake bite was nothing more than a minor inconvenience, Coriolanus made his way back to the barracks with purpose.
As he entered his quarters, he found himself drawn to Sejanus' belongings, a silent tribute to his fallen comrade. Without hesitation, he began to gather Sejanus' possessions, a mix of nostalgia and practicality guiding his actions.
These items, he reasoned, might prove useful in the days to come, a reminder of the bond they once shared.
With Sejanus' belongings in tow, Coriolanus made his way to the train station, his mind focused on the journey ahead.
Commander Hoff's presence only served to sharpen his resolve, reminding him of the responsibilities that awaited him in District 2 for Officer Training.
As he neared the train, Coriolanus felt a surge of anticipation mingled with apprehension. Whatever lay ahead, he was determined to face it head-on, armed with the lessons of the past and the promise of the future.
As Coriolanus approached Commander Hoff, his demeanor was one of outward respect and professionalism, his thoughts carefully shielded behind a mask of obedience.
Saluting his superior, he awaited the commander's acknowledgment, his mind already drifting ahead to the journey that lay before him.
"Sir," Coriolanus greeted Commander Hoff with a crisp salute, his tone neutral but respectful.
"How's the arm, Private? The medic said you took quite a bite."
Commander Hoff's inquiry about his arm prompted a confident response from Coriolanus, his smirk revealing a hint of bravado.
"Nothing that I won't have forgotten about by the time I reach 2, sir," he replied, his words tinged with determination.
"There's been a change of plan, Private Snow." Commander Hoff said.
But as Commander Hoff began to speak of a change of plans, Coriolanus's attention sharpened, his senses on high alert.
Dr. Gaul's name hung in the air like a portent, sending a shiver down his spine. And in that moment, Coriolanus knew with chilling certainty that his path was about to take an unexpected turn, leading him back to the heart of power and intrigue in the Capitol.
As Coriolanus boarded the train bound for the Capitol, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation coursing through him.
Months had passed since he last set foot in the heart of Panem's power, and now, as the train lurched forward, carrying him back to the seat of authority and influence, Coriolanus's mind buzzed with possibilities.
Dr. Gaul's summoning had come as a surprise, but Coriolanus refused to dwell on the reasons behind it. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity, a chance to rise once more and reclaim the status and prestige he had always craved.
Whatever Dr. Gaul's motives, Coriolanus was determined to seize this moment and turn it to his advantage.
As the landscape blurred outside the train window, Coriolanus's thoughts turned to the future, his mind already crafting plans and strategies for the days ahead.
Whatever awaited him in the Capitol, he would face it with the same ambition and cunning that had brought him this far.
With each passing mile, Coriolanus felt a renewed sense of purpose stirring within him, driving him forward toward whatever destiny awaited him in the gleaming heart of the Capitol.
And as the train hurtled towards its destination, Coriolanus couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement at the prospect of what lay ahead.
As Coriolanus stepped off the train back in the Capitol, he was struck by a wave of familiarity.
The bustling station, the hurried throngs of people, the gleaming spires of the cityscape towering above – it was all as he remembered it. But as he looked around, he couldn't shake the feeling of being just another face in the crowd.
For a moment, Coriolanus allowed himself to indulge in the fantasy that Seraphina would be waiting for him, her emerald eyes sparkling with pride at his return. But the reality was harsher – no one even knew he was back, Seraphina didn't know he was back and even if she did, more reason for her not to show.
It was a humbling realization, one that reminded Coriolanus that the world didn't revolve around him as he had once believed.
It should. The world should revolve around him. Coriolanus thought.
Shrugging off his disappointment, Coriolanus set off towards the Citadel, his steps echoing against the polished streets of the Capitol.
He felt a pang of embarrassment at the sight of his Peacekeeper uniform, a stark reminder of his fall from grace. But to his relief, no one seemed to recognize him, and he moved through the crowds unnoticed.
As he approached the imposing structure of the Citadel, Coriolanus felt a surge of anticipation.
Whatever awaited him inside, he was determined to face it head-on, with the same ambition and determination that had carried him through so many challenges before.
With each step, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, ready to seize whatever opportunities lay ahead in the glittering heart of the Capitol.
As Coriolanus stepped into Dr. Gaul's lab within the Citadel, he couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity wash over him.
Despite the unsettling presence of the various mutts that inhabited the space, there was something comforting about the sterile environment and the hum of machinery.
His eyes darted around the room, scanning the rows of cages and tables laden with scientific equipment. It was a stark contrast to the rustic charm of District 12, but in some ways, it felt more like home.
After all, he had spent countless hours studying under Dr. Gaul's tutelage, learning the intricacies of mutt creation and manipulation.
As he moved closer to the center of the lab, Coriolanus caught sight of Dr. Gaul tending to her mutts. She seemed entirely absorbed in her task, her attention focused solely on the creatures before her.
"Congratulations, Mr. Snow," Dr. Gaul said, her voice cutting through the ambient noise of the lab. Coriolanus felt a surge of pride at the recognition, but it was tempered by the absence of Seraphina.
He had hoped to see her here, working alongside her mentor as she always had. Yet she was nowhere to be found, leaving him with a pang of disappointment.
Suppressing his emotions, Coriolanus squared his shoulders and approached Dr. Gaul, ready to hear what she had in store for him. Whatever lay ahead, he was determined to prove himself worthy of her trust and further his ambitions in the Capitol.
"You've passed all my tests. I've asked President Ravinstill to grant you a full pardon, effective immediately," she said, still not taking her eyes off the mutts.
"I told him that you are too promising to waste in the military. So you'll be studying under me now at the Capitol University," said Dr. Gaul.
Coriolanus absorbed Dr. Gaul's words with a mixture of disbelief and relief. A full pardon and an opportunity to study at Capitol University under her guidance—it was more than he could have hoped for.
Yet, despite the overwhelming sense of gratitude, a flicker of doubt lingered in the back of his mind.
"I can't afford University," Coriolanus admitted, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
Dr. Gaul's response was swift and reassuring. "A certain Mr. Strabo Plinth has offered to pay for everything you need while you're there," she revealed, her attention still fixed on the mutts.
"All for being such a good friend to his Sejanus. He doesn't know quite how good a friend you were, of course. I never mentioned your little recording."
Coriolanus felt a surge of gratitude towards Strabo Plinth, a man he had barely interacted with but who now held the key to his future.
It was a testament to the intricate web of alliances and favors that governed life in the Capitol— a world where every action, no matter how small, could have far-reaching consequences.
As he processed the implications of Dr. Gaul's words, Coriolanus realized that his journey was far from over. With his past transgressions forgiven and a new path laid out before him, he was determined to seize this opportunity and prove himself worthy of the trust placed in him.
The dimly lit laboratory cast eerie shadows as Coriolanus Snow stood before Dr. Gaul, her piercing gaze fixed upon him with a chilling intensity.
"Quite impressive, how you sent your only friend to the noose just to get my attention," Dr. Gaul remarked, her lips curling into a sardonic grin.
"That's not what I did," Coriolanus replied, his voice betraying a hint of defensiveness.
Dr. Gaul's grin widened as she leaned back in her chair, clearly enjoying Coriolanus's discomfort. "Are you sure? Because I think that won you the Plinth Prize, after all."
Coriolanus felt a knot tighten in his stomach, the weight of Dr. Gaul's words pressing down on him like a suffocating weight. He knew deep down that she was right, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it.
"The President has agreed to another year of the Games," Dr. Gaul continued, her tone almost gleeful.
"People watched. And I have you to thank for that."
As Dr. Gaul's words echoed in the sterile confines of the laboratory, Coriolanus felt a surge of pride swell within him. Despite the weight of guilt tugging at his conscience, there was an undeniable thrill in knowing that his actions had garnered such attention, such power.
He couldn't deny the rush of satisfaction that coursed through his veins at the thought of being instrumental in securing another year of the Games.
The knowledge that people had watched, that they had borne witness to his cunning and manipulation, filled him with a heady sense of triumph.
For a fleeting moment, Coriolanus allowed himself to bask in the glow of his own perceived greatness. At that moment, he felt invincible, untouchable, as if he held the very fate of Panem in the palm of his hand.
But beneath the veneer of pride and power lurked a gnawing sense of unease, a whisper of doubt that threatened to shatter his illusion of control. Deep down, Coriolanus knew that his actions had come at a cost, that they had left a trail of destruction in their wake.
Yet, in the face of Dr. Gaul's approval, he pushed aside his doubts and embraced the intoxicating allure of his newfound influence. After all, in a world where power was the ultimate currency, Coriolanus Snow was determined to reign supreme.
Dr. Gaul's voice cut through the silence of the lab, "But before I take you under my wing, after everything you've seen out there in the real world, let me ask you one final time. What are the Hunger Games for?"
Coriolanus felt a surge of familiarity wash over him as he recalled the same question posed to him months ago during the Games. This time, however, he understood the gravity of his response.
He remembered the moment when he had first grappled with the weight of that question, back in the midst of the Games, when the world seemed to blur into a haze of violence and desperation.
But now, standing before Dr. Gaul in the cool confines of the laboratory, Coriolanus felt a newfound clarity settle over him. His experiences in District 12 had peeled back the layers of his naivety, revealing the harsh truths that lurked beneath the surface of Panem's glittering facade.
"I used to think the Hunger Games were punishment for the districts. Then I thought they served as a warning to us here in the Capitol about the threat the districts posed."
"Now I know the whole world is an arena. And we need the Hunger Games. Every year. To remind us who we truly are."
His answer, though delivered with a cold detachment, echoed with a resonance that reverberated through the sterile air of the lab.
It was a stark acknowledgment of the brutal reality that governed their world, a recognition that the Hunger Games were not just a spectacle or a form of punishment, but a reflection of the society they inhabited.
As he spoke, Coriolanus couldn't help but recall Seraphina's words, spoken with a wisdom that belied her years. In that moment, he understood the significance of her insight, the profound truth that lingered within her answer.
Yet, even as he echoed her words, Coriolanus couldn't shake the chill that settled over him, a reminder of the darkness that lurked within the human heart.
And as he met Dr. Gaul's gaze, he couldn't help but wonder what other truths lay waiting to be uncovered in the depths of the Capitol's shadows.
"And who are you, do you determine?" Dr. Gaul asked, her tone measured and probing.
Coriolanus felt a surge of triumph course through him at Dr. Gaul's words.
"The victor," Coriolanus replied with conviction, his gaze meeting hers unwaveringly.
Dr. Gaul regarded him for a moment, her expression inscrutable. "Welcome home, Mr. Snow," she said, her lips curling into a grin, her eyes gleaming with a knowing glint.
As he stood in the heart of the Citadel, surrounded by the remnants of his past and the promise of his future, Coriolanus couldn't help but revel in the moment.
He had returned to the Capitol, not as a mere Peacekeeper, but as a conqueror in his own right.
With Dr. Gaul's approval, he knew he was poised to ascend to even greater heights within the Capitol's ranks. And as he embraced the power and prestige that awaited him, Coriolanus Snow knew that he was destined for greatness.
"It's all pointless, though, you know if no one watches. The Hunger Games. No one in District 12 even watches it. Except for the reaping. We didn't even have a working television on base."
Coriolanus voiced out after a moment of silence, earning a nod from Dr. Gaul.
"While that could be a problem in the future, it's a blessing this year, given that I've had to erase the whole mess," said Dr. Gaul.
"It was a mistake getting the students mixed up in it. Especially when they started dropping like flies. Presented the Capitol as far too vulnerable."
"You erased it?" he asked.
"Every last copy gone, never to be aired again." She grinned. "I've got a master in the vault, of course, but that's just for my own amusement."
He was glad about the erasure.
It was just one more way to eliminate Lucy Gray from the world. The Capitol would forget her, the districts barely knew her, and District 12 had never accepted her as one of their own.
In a few years, there would be a vague memory that a girl had once sung in the arena. And then that would be forgotten, too.
Good-bye, Lucy Gray, we hardly knew you.
After his conversation with Dr. Gaul, Coriolanus headed straight to the Aveline Mansion, Grandma'am and Tigris could wait.
As Coriolanus stood outside the Aveline Mansion, his thoughts raced with anticipation.
He knew Seraphina would be home; her dedication to her studies was unwavering, and she rarely ventured out in the days leading up to the start of classes.
The weight of their last encounter hung heavy in his mind, but he pushed aside any doubts, focusing instead on the prospect of seeing her again.
With a determined exhale, he rang the doorbell, the sound echoing in the quiet street. He shifted nervously, his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for someone to answer.
Every passing second felt like an eternity, and he couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that gnawed at him.
But beneath the surface, a flicker of hope burned bright. Despite their differences, despite the pain of their last conversation, he couldn't deny the pull he felt towards Seraphina.
She was a constant presence in his thoughts, her absence leaving a void that only she could fill.
As he waited, Coriolanus couldn't help but wonder what awaited him beyond the threshold of the Aveline Mansion. Would Seraphina welcome him with open arms, or would she turn him away once again?
Only time would tell, but he was determined to face whatever lay ahead, ready to confront the ghosts of his past and embrace the uncertain future that awaited him.
As the older servant opened the door, Coriolanus met her surprised gaze with an air of confidence and authority.
"Mr. Snow, you're back," she remarked, her tone tinged with uncertainty.
Ignoring her hesitation, Coriolanus inquired, "Can I come in?" His words were polite, but there was an underlying assertion in his tone that brooked no refusal.
"Mr. and Mrs. Aveline are out at the moment bu–"
Before the servant could respond, Coriolanus sidestepped her and stepped into the foyer without waiting for permission.
"I'm here for Sera. I know she's home," he stated with conviction, his gaze fixed ahead as he made his way further into the house.
The servant's attempts to inform him of the Avelines' absence were brushed aside, Coriolanus waving off any further explanation with a dismissive gesture.
"Oh, I'll go inform, Ms. Aveline th–"
"There's no need. She knows I'm coming." he insisted, his voice carrying a hint of impatience.
In truth, he knew that if Seraphina had likely been informed of his presence she wouldn't have chosen not to let him in.
But Coriolanus was undeterred, driven by a determination to see her again, to confront the unresolved tension that lingered between them.
With purposeful strides, he ascended the stairs to Seraphina's room, his thoughts consumed by the anticipation of their meeting.
Whatever awaited him beyond that door, he was ready to face it head-on, unwilling to let anything stand in the way of reuniting with her.
As Coriolanus silently pushed open Seraphina's door, he felt a rush of anticipation mixed with a tinge of nervousness.
Months had passed since he last saw her, and now, standing in her room once again, he was struck by a sense of familiarity and longing.
His gaze swept over the familiar surroundings, taking in the expansive, princess-like pink room that seemed unchanged since his departure.
Despite the passing of time, everything remained as he remembered it, a testament to Seraphina's steadfastness in preserving her own sanctuary.
As his eyes settled on Seraphina seated at her desk, her attention absorbed by the book in front of her, Coriolanus felt a surge of admiration mingled with a pang of longing.
She appeared as captivating as ever, her features illuminated by the soft glow of the room, her dark hair framing her face in gentle waves.
Noticing subtle changes in her appearance, Coriolanus observed the darker shade of her emerald eyes and the shorter length of her raven hair, which now cascaded just past her shoulders in a bouncy, curled style.
Yet, despite these alterations, she remained undeniably enchanting, a vision of beauty that stirred something deep within him.
Coriolanus admired Seraphina's figure, his gaze lingered on the elegant lines of her silhouette, tracing the contours of her body beneath the red sundress she wore.
The fabric clung to her form in all the right places, accentuating her curves and hinting at a more mature allure than he remembered.
There was a subtle grace in the way she carried herself, a confidence that seemed to radiate from within as she sat immersed in her reading.
Despite the innocence of her surroundings, there was an undeniable sophistication to her presence, a captivating blend of youthfulness and maturity that held him spellbound.
In that moment, as he beheld her, Coriolanus found himself captivated not only by her physical beauty but also by the depth of her character.
There was a complexity to Seraphina that intrigued him, a complexity he longed to explore further as he stood there, silently drinking in the sight of her.
For a moment, he simply stood there, silently admiring her, his heart swelling with a mixture of emotions. Despite the distance that had separated them, the connection he felt with Seraphina remained as strong as ever, a bond that transcended time and distance.
As he watched her, lost in her own world, Coriolanus couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead for them, and whether their paths would once again converge in the tumultuous world they inhabited.
As Seraphina immersed herself in her book, she felt a warmth spreading across the side of her face, a sensation that drew her attention away from the pages.
Sensing someone's gaze upon her, she glanced up instinctively, her eyes meeting the doorway where Coriolanus stood, leaning casually against the frame.
Surprise flickered across her features as she registered his presence, a rush of conflicting emotions stirring within her.
Despite the hurt and pain he had caused her, there was an undeniable fluttering in her stomach at the sight of him, a familiar yet unwelcome sensation that she had thought long buried.
As Seraphina observed Coriolanus, her gaze drifted over his appearance, taking in the subtle changes that marked his transformation.
She couldn't help but notice the stark contrast from the last time she had seen him. His once meticulously styled hair was now cropped short in a buzz cut, a departure from the carefully groomed locks that had once framed his face.
Yet, beneath the facade of authority and control, Seraphina sensed a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes, a trace of the boy she had once known.
Despite his outward transformation, there was a part of him that remained unchanged, a part that she couldn't help but be drawn to despite her better judgment.
Maintaining her composure, Seraphina met his gaze with a cool detachment, masking the turmoil that churned beneath the surface.
She refused to let him see the effect his sudden return had on her, steeling herself against the rush of memories and emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
Meanwhile, as Coriolanus locked eyes with Seraphina, he felt a surge of conflicting emotions coursing through him. There was a pang of guilt for the pain he had caused her, mingled with a sense of longing for the familiarity of her presence.
Despite his resolve to remain detached, he couldn't ignore the stirrings of emotion that stirred within him at the sight of her.
As their gazes locked, Coriolanus found himself caught in the depths of her emerald eyes, a tumult of emotions swirling within him.
He knew he had hurt her deeply, yet he couldn't deny the pull she still held over him, the magnetic attraction that drew him to her despite everything that had transpired between them.
"How did you manage to worm your way back to the Capitol?" Seraphina asked before turning back to her book.
Coriolanus felt a jolt of familiarity course through him as he heard Seraphina's voice for the first time in months.
It was like a bittersweet melody, stirring up memories of moments shared and words left unsaid. Despite the passage of time, her voice still held the same captivating quality that had drawn him to her in the first place.
In that moment, Coriolanus found himself caught between a whirlwind of emotions – longing, regret, and a faint glimmer of hope.
He had missed her more than he cared to admit, her absence leaving a void in his life that he had been unable to fill.
As he stood there, listening to the sound of her voice, Coriolanus couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them.
Despite the pain and uncertainty that lay ahead, he couldn't deny the pull of their shared history, the bond that had formed between them against all odds.
In that fleeting moment, Coriolanus allowed himself to hope – hope for forgiveness, hope for redemption, and above all, hope for a chance to make things right with the one person who had ever truly mattered to him.
"It has been what? Two months? What happened to the twenty years of service? You must have done something." Seraphina egged him on.
Coriolanus felt a rush of mixed emotions as Seraphina's voice cut through the silence, her words carrying a hint of skepticism.
Despite her casual demeanor, he could sense the undercurrent of tension in the air, the weight of their unresolved history lingering between them like an unspoken truth.
As he listened to her question, Coriolanus couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration at the reminder of his past actions.
He knew that he had betrayed her trust in more ways than one, and the guilt weighed heavily on him despite his attempts to rationalize his choices.
"I was granted a full pardon, thanks to Dr. Gaul," Coriolanus replied, his voice steady as he recounted the events that had led to his return to the Capitol.
He approached her desk, standing beside her with a sense of longing mixed with apprehension.
"Hmm, who did you screw over to get the money for University?" Seraphina's question was laced with cynicism, her eyes still fixed on the pages of her book.
Coriolanus hesitated for a moment, grappling with the weight of her words.
"No one. Strabo Plinth wanted to pay me back for being Sejanus' friend," he answered, his voice tinged with bitterness.
Despite his attempts to downplay his actions, Coriolanus couldn't shake the feeling that he had betrayed not only Seraphina but himself as well.
Seraphina's reaction was not unexpected, her laughter cutting through the tension like a knife.
Coriolanus couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt at the sound, a painful reminder of the rift that had formed between them because of his mistakes.
"I little Jabberjay would tell me otherwise," As Seraphina's laughter filled the room, Coriolanus felt a chill run down his spine.
"You got Sejanus killed, didn't you? News spread around fast, everyone knows he was captured and then executed for associating with rebels. It was all you. Who do you think gave Gaul the Jabberjay? Call it fate, I just so happen to be in the lab when your little recording came."
Her words cut through the air like a sharp blade, exposing the truth that he had been desperately trying to bury deep within himself.
There was no escaping it now – she knew, she understood, and there was no hiding from the consequences of his actions.
At that moment, Coriolanus felt a mixture of fear and disbelief wash over him. He had never anticipated Seraphina's reaction, never expected her to piece together the puzzle of his involvement in Sejanus' demise so quickly and effortlessly.
It was as if she had been waiting for him to return, waiting to confront him about the truth that had been lurking in the shadows all along.
As Seraphina stood before him, her eyes ablaze with a mixture of amusement and contempt, Coriolanus found himself at a loss for words.
He had no defense, no excuse to offer in the face of her accusations. All he could do was stand there in silence, his gaze locked with hers, knowing that he had been exposed in the most damning way possible.
At that moment, Coriolanus couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled over him like a suffocating shroud. He had underestimated Seraphina's intellect and intuition, and now he was paying the price for his arrogance.
As he watched her giggle at the irony of Sejanus' father unknowingly funding his education, Coriolanus couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal gnawing at his insides.
The difference was, that he trusts Seraphina, he knows she is different from the rest.
At that moment, Coriolanus knew that he was facing a choice – to confront Seraphina head-on, to plead for her silence, just in case.
And as he weighed his options, he couldn't help but wonder if he had finally met his match in the one person he had never expect to betray him.
"Are you going to tell?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of desperation.
"How would that benefit me in any way, Coriolanus?" she scoffed, her amusement evident in her tone.
Coriolanus winced at the use of his full name, a reminder of the distance between them.
"You tell Strabo Plinth and you have the ability to ruin my life after everything I did to you," he argued, his voice firm.
Seraphina rolled her eyes, unimpressed by his plea. "Stop being pathetic. And then what? He gets you executed? What's the fun of making your life miserable if you're already dead? Have you learned nothing? Death is always the easiest way out. If I wanted to ruin your life, I need you alive so that you can watch everything unfold."
But as Seraphina's lips brushed against his, a spark of something ignited within him – a flicker of desire, of longing that he had thought long extinguished.
It was a reminder of the undeniable pull she held over him, a force that he couldn't quite resist no matter how hard he tried.
And as she pulled away, leaving him breathless and wanting more, Coriolanus knew that he was trapped – ensnared in a web of his own making, with Seraphina as the puppeteer pulling the strings.
As Seraphina spoke, Coriolanus felt a surge of relief wash over him.
Her assurance that she had no intention of revealing his secrets was a balm to his frayed nerves, but beneath that relief lurked a sense of unease. He couldn't shake the feeling that Seraphina was playing a dangerous game, one that he might not fully understand.
Seraphina watched Coriolanus with a mixture of amusement and calculation.
She knew that she held all the power in this moment, that she had the ability to manipulate him to her will. But beneath her cool facade lay a simmering desire, a hunger for something more – something that only Coriolanus could provide.
As she gazed into his eyes, Seraphina made a silent vow to herself – she would make him work for her affection, for her trust, until she was satisfied.
And when that day came when Coriolanus had proven himself worthy of her, she would unleash him upon the world, a force to be reckoned with.
But for now, she would bide her time, playing the game with finesse and skill, until she had achieved her ultimate goal – to rule by his side as the most powerful couple in Panem.
And with Coriolanus at her side, she knew that nothing could stand in their way.
"I wrote you letters, did you receive them?" Coriolanus whispered still close to her, "I did receive them. Did I read them? No I didn't. I threw them in the fire but I received them." she said casually.
Coriolanus's heart sank at Seraphina's admission. He had poured his heart into those letters, hoping they would bridge the chasm that had grown between them during his time in District 12. Her casual dismissal of his efforts stung more than he cared to admit.
Seraphina met his gaze with a cool detachment, her expression unreadable.
She had expected his letters and anticipated his attempts to reconnect with her, but she had no intention of letting him off the hook so easily. She wanted him to understand the depth of her disappointment, the pain he had caused her by his actions.
"I understand," Coriolanus replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't expect you to forgive me. I just... wanted you to know how sorry I am."
Seraphina's eyes softened slightly at his words, a flicker of emotion passing across her face before she masked it once more. "You'll have to do better than that," she said.
Coriolanus nodded, his throat tightening with emotion.
He knew he had a long road ahead of him if he ever hoped to regain Seraphina's trust, but he was willing to do whatever it took to make amends.
She was the one constant in his tumultuous life, the one person he couldn't bear to lose.
"I won't give up on us, Sera," he vowed, his voice tinged with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to make things right between us."
Coriolanus's heart raced as Seraphina's arms encircled his neck, her touch sending shivers down his spine.
"What happened to you little songbird, huh? Did she leave you? Did she leave you like I told you she would?" She breathed out as he wrapped his muscular arms around her waist.
"Forget about her." Coriolanus brushed the question off. He tried to push aside the memories of Lucy Gray, his anger over her betrayal still fresh in his mind, but Seraphina's words cut through his defenses like a knife.
"She did. She left you. How fitting... she flew away never to be caught again," Seraphina murmured, her fingers tracing patterns on his scalp. Coriolanus swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words settle like a stone in his chest.
"I'm not a second option, Coriolanus Snow. Just because she ran away from you doesn't mean you can just decide you finally want me. I am not an option," Seraphina declared, her tone firm and unwavering.
Coriolanus's grip tightened around her waist, his heart aching with the knowledge of how he had hurt her.
"You're all I could think about! I can't forget a girl like you, my brain didn't even let me try. You were all I saw. I will never forget what your love felt like. Ever," Coriolanus confessed, his voice raw with emotion.
He knew he had made mistakes, that he had taken Seraphina for granted, but he couldn't bear the thought of losing her too.
As their eyes met, Coriolanus saw a flicker of vulnerability in Seraphina's gaze, a glimmer of hope amidst the pain.
He knew he had a long road ahead of him, that he would have to work hard to earn back her trust, but he was willing to do whatever it took to make things right between them.
Seraphina was the one person who had always believed in him, who had never given up on him, and he refused to let her slip away.
Seraphina's response was measured, her eyes guarded as she held Coriolanus's gaze.
"Good," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of bitterness. Despite the longing in her heart, she couldn't let herself be swept away by his words, not after everything they had been through.
Coriolanus felt a pang of regret as he saw the walls Seraphina had built around her heart, knowing that he was the one who had put them there.
He had taken her love for granted, had pushed her away when he should have held her close, and now he was paying the price for his mistakes.
As his eyes fell upon the terrarium on Seraphina's desk, Coriolanus's curiosity was piqued. He had always been fascinated by the mutts that Dr. Gaul created, their strange and otherworldly beauty captivating his imagination.
And now, as he saw the rainbow snake mutt coiled alongside a sleek black viper, he couldn't help but wonder what secrets they held.
"Is that a new addition?" Coriolanus asked, gesturing towards the terrarium.
His voice was casual, but his heart was racing with anticipation. He had always been drawn to the mutts, their mysterious allure calling to something deep within him.
Seraphina's expression softened slightly as she turned towards the terrarium, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"Yes, it is," she replied, her voice betraying a hint of excitement. Despite her reservations about Coriolanus, she couldn't deny the thrill of discovering something new, something that belonged to her alone.
As Coriolanus watched Seraphina's face light up with enthusiasm, he felt a flicker of hope stir within him. Maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance for them to find their way back to each other.
But he knew that he would have to earn her trust, that he would have to prove himself worthy of her love. And he was determined to do whatever it took to win her back.
"Dr. Gaul gave it to you?" Coriolanus asked, his curiosity piqued as he watched the black viper slither.
"No, that's all me," Seraphina answered proudly, her gaze fixed on the sleek black viper coiled around her arm.
"You stole it?" Coriolanus asked, confusion evident in his tone.
"I made it, it's one of a kind," Seraphina replied, her voice tinged with satisfaction.
Coriolanus's brows furrowed in confusion. "Dr. Gaul must have been really impressed," he observed, his interest piqued by the implications of Seraphina's creation.
Seraphina shook her head, a hint of defiance in her eyes. "I wouldn't know," she said cryptically, her gaze turning distant.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Dr. Gaul doesn't know about this and I don't plan on letting her know, not after..." Seraphina trailed off.
"Not after what, Sera?" He asked.
"Not after what I did to Festus."
Coriolanus's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Festus's name, his mind flashing back to Sejanus's words about the boy's mysterious death.
Coriolanus's mind raced as Seraphina revealed her secret, each word adding another layer to the complex web of their shared history.
He felt a mixture of shock and admiration at her boldness, marveling at her ability to create something so extraordinary without Dr. Gaul's knowledge.
"He had it coming, that deluded rat," Seraphina spat, her voice laced with bitterness as she turned to face Coriolanus.
"I know your secret and now you know mine. We are even."
Coriolanus's throat felt dry as he absorbed Seraphina's words, the weight of their shared secrets hanging heavy in the air.
"Yes," he agreed, his voice barely above a whisper. "We are even."
As Seraphina and Coriolanus stood in her room, their eyes locked in a silent understanding, a sense of inevitability washed over them.
They were two forces of nature, drawn together by a shared darkness and ambition that transcended the boundaries of their individual lives.
Coriolanus felt a surge of power coursing through him, fueled by the knowledge that he had returned to the Capitol with a newfound sense of purpose.
Gone was the naive boy who had left District 12, replaced now by a man hardened by the harsh realities of the world. He knew that he and Seraphina were destined for greatness, their paths intertwined in ways that neither of them fully comprehended.
Similarly, Seraphina's mind buzzed with possibilities as she gazed at Coriolanus, seeing not just the boy she had once known, but the potential for something far greater.
Together, they possessed a dangerous allure, a magnetic pull that drew others into their orbit with irresistible force.
As they stood in the quiet of Seraphina's room, a silent understanding passed between them. They knew that they were destined to shape the future of Panem, to wield power in ways that others could only dream of.
And with each passing moment, their resolve only grew stronger, fueled by the knowledge that they were bound together by fate, destined to leave an indelible mark on the world.