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Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Baird POV 

“The people aren’t so bad, really” I said while walking through the forest with my lover Coriolanus Snow leaving my family, dreams and my old life behind “It’s what the world does to them. Like in the arena. I think there is natural goodness built into us all. You can step across that line into evil or not and it’s our last duty to stay on the right side of the line.” Coriolanus laughed while I walked ahead of him 

“It’s not always so simple” Coriolanus said behind me, picking up a big stick 

testing its durability.

“I know I am a victor” I say bitterly clenching the bright orange scarf around my shoulders“It’s good though up north that we don’t have to kill anyone else” 

Coriolanus shuffled behind me and replied “Three is enough for me, I am going to make a walking stick. Do you want one?” Three?! He killed Three?! I thought and suddenly I lost a bit of trust in my lover. 

“You killed 3?”I asked in an almost hashed voice like I am afraid to spook a defensive animal, turning around to look at him.

Coriolanus ignored my question still to make a walking stick “Can you get this out” he finally walked up to me sticking out his thumb.

“There was Bobbin in the arena and Mayfair. Who is the third?” I asked more persistently. I needed him to tell me the truth because how would I be able to start my new life with him if I couldn’t trust him! Coriolanus didn’t reply like he was moulding the answer in his head.

“ Sejanus” Coriolanus finally blearder out “It’s just I feel like it’s my fault that he came to District 12 with me. I told him that he could help the tributes but I didn't think he would go so far as to help the rebels and I thought his rich father would save him so I didn’t speak up for him…he is dead because I didn’t stop him”  Coriolanus looked at me with guilt in his eyes. Is he being honest? No he must be, he loves me he wouldn’t lie, he is pure as his last name!

“Oh Coryo…”I put my hands on his cheeks “It’s not your fault, if you did speak up for him you would be swinging on the rope side by side with him and-“ I took a deep breath “-my heart would be dead just like you” 

“Lucy Gray” Coriolanus whispered my name and embraced me thighly “I didn’t mean to get him killed, I had no choice, I wanted to live” he almost sobbed out into her curly hair. My heart ached because of his pain and I started slowly rubbing his buzzed head gently trying to comfort the love of her life. 

“I know, me too” I said while leaning closer to him “I want to live” I looked up into his blue eyes “with you, so I am glad you didn’t speak up. I am really sorry that your friend got himself involved in trouble and payed the price with his life” 

“I did what I had to”  he whispered mostly to himself. I released myself from the embrace and held his hand in mine tightly.

“I know ...we are a team we can get through this together” he nodded and I led him to the lake. The rest of the way to the lake we spent in silence. When we got close the summer rain started pouring down and we decided to go inside the cabin. 

“If you want fish there are rods under the floorboards” I say to Coryo while closing the door behind us. I am exhausted practically from everything that happened this summer , Billy Taupe cheating, the Hunger games, murders and now running away from that wretched District 12 and my beloved covey but one good thing is that I am not leaving alone. To be real I don’t think I would have been able to survive on my own in the wilderness. I think to myself and turn around to look at Coryo who hasn’t made a sound in a while and just sat in front of the opened floorboards. “What is it?” I asked concerned.

”It’s the gun” Coryo stood up with a gun in his hands. The gun gave me chills reminding me of the murders.

“The one you fired at Mayfer….” I blurted out uneasy “If you destroy this gun you can go back home”  Coriolanus smiled observing the gun. 

“No more loose ends…” He said, smiling in relief. Except me I think to myself. I guess he saw my uneasiness at the gun and put it down with the rest of the weapons. He came close to me putting his arms on my shoulders forcing me to look at him.

“Lucy Gray we are a team right?” Coriolanus asked urgently. I nodded. “You won’t tell anyone about this?!”

“Of course not” I replied. “ I guess I will try to go on alone into the wilderness because I am still a suspect in the murders, I know how much you care about your family and want to help them so I won’t hold you back by dragging you with me into this life” I looked down trying not to cry. I am scared to go on alone. When I was younger I used to always travel with the covey and my parents who always kept me safe but never alone. I am a performer not a fighter! Although can I even say that after surviving the Hunger Games. 

“No Lucy Gray!” Coriolanus’s voice brought me back to reality. “You can’t go on alone there! There might be danger and I won’t be there to protect you! Please! My love can you wait for me here? Once I am in two I will be able to become an officer and get to the Capitol and there I have some connection that will get you there to me!”

“You want me to go to the Capitol!? Where they put me in a cage and made me fight to survive?!” I raised my voice remembering the horrors I went through in that city. 

“That won’t happen to you there ever again because you will be by my side totally safe AND people loved you there, they see you as one of them!” Coriolanus was holding on into my shoulders more tightly as if making sure I wouldn’t escape him. “You will be able to sing in front of the real crowd and not just some birds and drunk coal miners! You will be able to live your dream by my side in civilization! You have no future here if you go into the wilderness, you will die and if you go back to that dump you will die by the hands of the mayor!” Coriolanus was practically begging me to join him in the Capitol. He is right, what choice do I have if I want to survive.

“Are you sure you can get me to the Capitol?” I whispered.

“You said you trusted me right? So please trust me again on this” He finally let go of my shoulder and just stared at me pleadingly.

“I trust you” I sighed. Coriolanus picked me up excitedly and spinned me around. In the next hours we got rid of the weapons in the lake and discussed how I would survive in the cabin and not get detected by peacekeepers. Then Coryo kissed me for a long time as if trying to savor my taste and left to go back to the base. I was left alone in the Cabin waiting for him to return.

Chapter Text

Coriolanus Snow POV 

I was walking up the steps of the university with my expensive blood red suit and my returned blonde curls. I felt everyone’s eyes following me in either admiring or glaring from jealousy. I couldn’t blame them, not everyone can be as exceptional person like myself. Having spent a summer as a peacekeeper I got more muscular build that I tried to keep with daily exercise and in general I was more handsome . I was going to the university already for a couple months thanks to Plinths whose son I killed this summer. They took me in as their own, making me the heir to their fortune and paying for my every desire. Foolish of them really, I almost feel sorry for using them like this, almost. 

I opened the wide luxurious door to Dr Gaul’s office. The woman who has saved me from an awful nightmare of being a peacekeeper. Right before I went on the train to district 2 all those months ago I got notified that I was getting sent straight home where I would attend the university under Dr Gaul. It was a dream come true I was back home with Tigress and Grandma’am, riches, success, steadily climbing the power ladder with my charms. I got everything that I  ever wanted, well almost everything. My Lucy Gray, My girl, my love, my prize was still stuck in that cold forest alone without me. She must miss me a lot. I thought to myself. It's okay because I finally managed to work out all of the details of getting her here to the Capitol to me. 

I was working under Gaul since I arrived, as an intern game maker although I was treated as an actual game maker by everyone. So I  suggesting a lot of things that would make Hunger Games more interesting to watch, including a Victory Tour. A tour of a Victor of the Hunger Games around the twelve districts and the Capitol to further destroy the bonds of the districts by parading a person who has killed their kids and to remind them about the Hunger Games throughout the year. There was also another reason why I suggested of course but I couldn’t let Dr Gaul know that I was  trying to get my songbird back to me and keep her here.

“Are you ready to leave tomorrow morning back to the districts to pick up your victor Mr Snow” asked Dr Gaul not even looking at me because she was torturing a small monkey like creature in a cage.

“Yes Dr Gaul, I am ready” I replied with a neutral tone trying to not give away how excited I was to see Lucy Gray. I knew she was alive thanks to me paying Smiley to secretly follow Covey who were visiting her every weekend to check up on her.

“Good, better enjoy the last day at the Capitol because you won’t see it for several weeks” Dr Gaul looked at him smiling after torturing a monkey “Also I would like you to write me a report of how the people of the districts reacted to seeing a murder of their children being celebrated and shown off in front of them” 

“Very well, I will observe the reaction of every district and give you my report by the end of the tour.” I replied wanting this woman to just let me leave already.

“Perfect, well than you should leave I am sure you wouldn’t want to miss Ma's farewell dinner for you” she chuckled at her words and went back to torturing an animal completely ignoring him. 

Disgusting woman I thought as I bowed slightly as a goodbye and walked out of the office and then the university. My private driver, who was an avox was waiting outside for me. I sat down in the back and told the driver to take me home. When I walked in the snow’s penthouse that was renovated in the most expensive way possible, he saw an old Plinth on the velvet couch reading the newspaper while Tigress and Ma were in the kitchen laughing. 

“You are back” said Mr Plinth raising his eyes from the newspaper

“Yes, I had the last thing I needed to do before I left.” I took off my coat and gave it to the avox maid. 

“Oh, Coriolanus you are home” Tigress said as she walked out of the kitchen carrying a plate of food to the dining table. She has started calling me Coriolanus now instead of the nickname Coryo she always used. It feels like we started to drift slowly and the only explanation I got from her is that I looked just like my father. Oh well it was good that I am like my father instead of my kind and weak mother. I need to be strong enough to survive and thrive in this world of everlasting war. I worked so hard to be where I am now. I gave her a comfortable life where she can enjoy herself doing fashion and not worry what we will eat for the next meal. She is being unreasonable. I thought to myself sitting down at the expensive dinner table where Ma prepared a whole feast for my departure for the victory tour like the victor I am.

The Plinths and Tigress wished me luck on my tour while Grandma’am went on a rant about how dangerous the district people were and to be careful. I could feel that the Plinths were getting uncomfortable so I apologized blaming her words on old age and changed the subject

“Be careful of your Songbird too, even if she isn't a district she grew up around them” Grandma’am said after dinner when the Plinths went down stairs to their apartment. 

“Grandma’am she is nothing like the districts!” Coriolanus got a little bit offended by Grandma’am remark. “She is Covey, a traveling musician who I believe is most likely Capitol who got lost while traveling and got stuck in district 12 by mistake.”

“Still being around those animals might have affected her even if she is Capitol” Grandma’am went quiet and fell on the couch from exhaustion.

“So you should pity her then and not judge because even after living around those people she managed to stay elegant and so Capitol just like us” I picked her up by the arm leading her to her bedroom and putting her to bed. If I want Lucy Gray to stay by his side he needs to get the Capitol to accept her as their own. Lucy Gray is already loved in the Capitol because of the Hunger Games but I need to hammer in the idea  fact that she was Capitol who simply got falsely mistaken for a District during the chaos of the war. I will make her seem extremely different from the Districts during the tour. I thought of getting ready for bed and looking out of the window into the nightly lit city. Oh Lucy Gray we will reunite soon and you will be able to enjoy this beautiful view for the rest of your life with me. 

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Baird POV

For the last five months I have been living outside of district 12 in a rundown cabin next to a lake. The cabin at the start of my life here definitely has seen better days but overtime I made it quite cozy. I added dried flowers to the walls as the decorating and for the aroma. The Covey when they found out where I was brought me my guitar and some of my personal belongings that I left behind. I spent my fishing and gathering katniss, berries and other foods I could find in the forest. I didn’t have much time to sing much because of how much time it took to first find wood for the fire, gather foods in the forest, fish, cook the food, clean the dishes in the lake and repeat 3 times a day. Honestly this life is pretty peaceful of course if you don’t take the lack of time for my precious music, wild animals and a lingering thread of Mayor who what I hear from the covey has slowed down his search a bit but is still seeking revenge on me.

Why can’t he leave me alone?! It was his fault for letting his daughter run freely doing whatever she wanted! I thought to myself as I was trying to carve out a hole in the icy lake. The winter came and made my survival a lot harder now that the plants won't grow and the lake is frozen. The covey also doesn't have much food to feed me because since the new commander has be assigned he banned them from performing because music causes trouble or whatever was his reason. I really have no future in twelve even if mayor dies suddenly I thought to myself while finally breaking part of the ice and starting fishing. I don’t know if I could stay here for a long time, I know that Coriolanus said he will come back to me but by the time he finishes his training in two and becomes an officer with power to get me out of here I might be found and killed and there won’t be Lucy Gray to come back to. 

“I JUST WANTED TO LIVE IN PEACE!” I suddenly scream out into the white sky out of frustration. Oh shit I probably scared away all of the fish with my outburst. I raffle my hair in anger at myself for not controlling my emotions better like a true actress I was but to be real I was tired. I am tired of my misfortunes that seem to just follow me around anywhere I go. I should probably go inside for a bit to warm up and wait for the fish to calm down after my outburst. I started walking back towards the cabin when I saw from the corner of my eye gray figures approaching. Peacekeeper! They found me! What should I do?! Run away?! But they can just shot me but if I stay they will definitely just hang me! Yes If I run away I might have a better chance of survival than just letting them catch me! 

I bulted in the opposite direction of the peacekeepers who started yelling something at me but I didn’t hear through my heart beat heavy breathing. run,Run,RUN. I think to myself while tripping over my own feet. I think I ran for about ten minutes through the snowy forest until the peacekeepers were out of my sight. I need to hide somewhere to catch my breath and to wait them out until there are less of them. I found a small cave and hid inside covering the entrance with some snow. I tried to wait out the peacekeepers thinking they might give up after a while thinking she ran away and died somewhere but the amount of peacekeepers increased by every hour. We need to find her no matter how long it takes! I heard one of the peacekeepers yell at others.  Did the Mayor become desperate, wanting to find her dead or alive? 

“Guys this pile of snow doesn’t look natural! Maybe she is in there”A voice behind the wall of snow that I built said. Well I am screwed! The only choice I have is to fight for my life when he digs me out. Before I could think my plan though, someone dug through my barrier.  I smacked my fist in a face of the intruder who tried to peak in the cave. The man fell backwards from the unexpected attack as I tried to climb out and run but someone was faster and grabbed me by the sides of my arms. I tried to fight back but before I could someone hit me and than darkness.

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Baird POV

The bright warm light was shining in my eyes. Am I dead? The surroundings become gradually more clearer and what I thought was the sun in heaven turned out to be a big hospital lamp. I saw the faces of doctors surrounding me and yelling something and smiling. I look around the room of the hospital still dazed. This all felt like a dream oh and here walks in worried Coriolanus with his blond curls back yeah this must be a dream. Even if he was really here he would have a buzz cut and a uniform belonging to an officer and definitely not an expensive suit. 

“Oh Lucy Gray, I am sorry I took this long, I wish I could have gotten you sooner, I am sorry” said dream Coriolanus sitting down at the chair next to my hospital bed taking my hand in his. Wow it’s like I could actually feel him. I reached out with my free hand towards Coriolanus’s handsome face and touched it to make sure it’s not just my mind playing tricks on me. She could touch him, his cheek, nose and lips. Coriolanus smiled slightly from my touch.

“You are real!” I finally put together that he is actually here and I could feel my eyes watering. Coriolanus took the hand that I was touching his face with and kissed it.

“Yes, I am here and I won’t let you go no matter what now! I have a pretty solid plan on how to take you with me to the Capitol away from danger.” He looked into my watery doe eyes and held my hands tighter in his his radiating warmth despite his last name “Trust me”

“As much as I am not a big fan of the Capitol, I do trust you that you will keep me safe there” I smiled weakly trying to convince more myself that I wouldn’t be hurt there like during the Hunger Games. Coriolanus hugged me tightly like he was afraid like I will disappear. After a while of hugging someone knocked at the door of the hospital room and walked in.

“I am so sorry for interrupting but we have a schedule to work with. If the lady needs more hospital care there are nurses on the train provided” An older women in a suit said while looking at a piece of paper in her hand.

“Train?” I asked confused. 

  “The Capitol has decided to send you on the Victory Tour around Panem” Coriolanus said after finally letting go of the embrace and walked over to the older lady with a schedule to talk to her about something that I didn’t hear.

“Tour of Panem? I get to travel again?” The aspect of being able to see every part of Panem exited me especially after being stuck in district 12 for 10 years. But then it hit me that I wouldn't be traveling with the covey this time. I quickly stand up stabling a little and walking over Coriolanus and grabbing into his suit for support “Coryo, I know we don’t have much time but I need to say at least a goodbye to the covey I can’t just leave and not say a single word to my family-“ I said while my voice cracked and looking into his cold blue eyes that quickly turned back to soft once he noticed me. Coriolanus grabbed me by my hand to steady me and nodded.

“Is it okay if we delayed the train for at least ten minutes” Coryo asked the lady who sighed and started looking at her paperwork mumbling angrily. 

“Ten is max so hurry up and go, they have been trying to get in for a while” Lady spited out. I tried to walk on my own two feet but my legs were hurting from the hours in the snow I spent hiding and before I knew it Coriolanus picked me up in a bridal style and ran with me in his arms through the halls of what I now recognize as the military base in district 12. After about two minutes of running Coriolanus finally stopped in front of a door and put me down on the ground carefully opening the door. There in a small gray room that looks like an interrogation room stood the covey with worried faces. As soon as they saw me they ran up to me asking questions.

“Lucy Gray what’s happening? We saw a bunch of peacekeepers going into the forest and we were afraid they might have killed you!” Barb Azure said holding me by my arms in concern. 

“That’s what I was thinking too” I laughed but Barb Azure didn’t find it funny, looked at me angrily and just hugged me. 

“We don’t have much time, we will have to leave soon so I would recommend saying goodbye” Coriolanus spoke up behind me.

“What leave?! But where?!”  Maude Ivory screamed out and hugged into me tightly.

“Lucy Gray can’t stay here. She will be killed and the only way to keep her safe is to bring her to the Capitol.” Coryo said and put his cold hand on top of Maude Ivory’s blonde head.

“When will Lucy Gray be back?” Maude Ivory asked with tears forming in her eyes.

“When it’s going to be safe” I said, lowering myself to her level and hugging her tightly. I looked up at Coriolanus to get his confirmation but he didn’t say anything and looked unpleased. “Right Coriolanus?” I pushed. He didn’t reply and just slightly nodded.

“We have to go now” Coriolanus quickly looked away from my gaze at his watch. I sighed and hugged Maude Ivory even tighter before letting go and going up to every covey member and doing the same. 

“I will write to you so you won’t forget about me. You can’t get rid of me!” I said smiling trying to hide my pain so as not to worry them. They laughed with sourness.

“Well you can’t be forgotten!” Was the last thing I heard from one of the Covey before the door closed behind me with Coriolanus by my side. The train was luxurious unlike the one I rode last time. It had nice seats made out of materials worth more than my life so far. On board there were dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms made out white marble with showers that have so many different settings that I couldn’t possibly try all of them throughout this tour. The food was served by silent workers that Coriolanus called Avoxs. When they first serve me food I tried to thanked them but they just nodded and didn’t reply.

“They don’t talk so don’t reply so don’t bother” Coriolanus said while sipping a drink.

“Why don’t they reply?” I asked and watched as Coriolanus tensed up.

“They are criminals so their punishment is to serve and live without a tongue” Coriolanus sighed and put down his drink. I gasped from the realization.

“That’s so cruel!” I said as I looked at one of the Avoxes.

“The Capitol is being merciful to them. They have committed a crime that deserves death but instead they are allowed to live just without a tongue and work for the Capitol” Coriolanus tried to hold my hand but I took it away because I was so disgusted.

“They are not living but surviving. I could not imagine a world where I would choose to live without a tongue rather than death!” I crossed my arms looking out of the window to distract myself. Coriolanus pitched his nose bridge in irritation.

“Of course you can’t! They are not like you and me! They just think about the food in their stomach that I would like to clarify they get as well as a small salary while you and I think above surviving we have dreams that you want to accomplish that we can’t live without.” 

“You don’t know if they had dreams though…we almost abandoned our dreams when we were afraid to die” I said and stood up from the dining table “I need time to think…” Coriolanus raised his hand to stop me but put it back where it was letting me go to the bedroom. I layed down on the soft bed looking up at the ceiling of the train. If what Coriolanus is true those people are criminals…so it might seem more merciful but a…tongue. I put my hand on my mouth. If I was caught escaping district 12 before Coriolanus had found me could I have been turned into an Avox. Honestly I would have killed myself on the spot. Maybe we are a little different. I don’t know how much time has passed because I fell asleep and was woken up by Coriolanus gently shaking my shoulder.

“We are almost in district 11 so we need to get ready for the cameras” he said and gave me a kiss on my forehead. I get a soft feeling in my stomach from the gesture and smiled.

“What am I supposed to do on the tour anyway?” I asked raising up my upper body from the bed.

“Oh just a speech and you can sing if you want,basically enjoy yourself,you are a winner” Coriolanus stood up and walked out of the room and I followed behind him. The train had big windows and through the time I slept the scenery outside completely changed. The snow outside disappeared and it was green everywhere outside. 

“Wow! The cenere is so different here!” I put my face to the window to see it better. “I haven’t been here in so long!”

“You been here before?” asked Coriolanus standing next to me looking out with little regard.

“Well around those parts yes” I said while letting go of the window with a smile and started walking ahead of Coriolanus and he followed closely behind. 

“Capitol wanted us took look good in front of the camera which you always do but they had sent a makeup artist and a stylist” 

“That sounds exciting!” I answered as I walked into the room with two people who I noticed briefly before on the train but didn’t give much thought from how tired I was. 

“Those are the stylists they will make you look…well more refreshed because of how long you been stuck in that wretched forest” Coriolanus said introducing me to the two people. 

“Do I look that beaten up?!” I asked scared. I was always conscious of my appearance because of being a performer but I couldn’t care much about it while trying to survive in the forest for months.

“No! You always look beautiful to me no matter what you wear or how you look.” Coriolanus put his hand on my shoulder concerned but I knew he was lying about me looking okay right now.

“Okay, I guess I really do look beat up”  I laughed and turned around two the two stylists who were staying quiet observing us two. “My appearance is in your hands now! Sorry that it’s a lot of work!” The stylists smiled slightly. The next 3 hours were one of the longest in my life. I had a total makeover. All of my body hair underneath my face disappeared in a pretty painful waxing. My skin turned soft and shiny in comparison to my skin from the forests. My frizzy curly hair was untangled and placed into neat curls. My nails were trimmed and painted in a nice light pink colour. I was put into a beautiful silky light pink dress with rainbow feathers on the back of the dress making it look like I had rainbow wings. My makeup was pretty colour like I usually do it for my performances. When I finally looked in the mirror I once again looked like the performer I am. I skipped over to where Coriolanus was sitting reading some documents and I spung in front of him showing myself off.

“You are so breathtakingly beautiful!” Coriolanus put down his documents on the desk and grabbed her by my waist pulling me into his lap. “Truly the most beautiful thing on this planet” I giggled from his comment and put my head on his broad chest. We stayed like that Until the train finally stopped. When we walked outside of the train there was nobody but a bunch of peacekeepers.

“The people of district 11 are going to be in the city square because they don’t want people being close to the train station where they can try to escape during the chaos of it all.” Coriolanus explained while opening the door of a black car for me. I gracefully got into the car with Coriolanus behind me where he continued talking “I made a speech for you that the Capitol wants you to say, please don’t go off a script you of course can use your charm say stuff like Thank you so much for this welcome! After the speech you can also say a couple of words to the families of the tributes but whatever you do please try to act thankful it’s the most important part of this whole tour that you are thankful to the Capitol-“

“I get about being thankful because the Capitol loves to get worshiped but I didn’t know there would be families of the tributes!!!” I cut him off. The realization of looking into the eyes of the family of the boy that I killed gave me a sinking feeling in my stomach. Coriolanus must have noticed the change of my emotions on my face because he took my face in his hands and made me look at him the same way he did when he killed Mayfair. 

“I know this tour will be hard because of the families but please be strong just for a little longer because after this tour you will never have to worry about anything ever again!” I was still trembling in his arms but I put my performance on and nodded. When we reached the big marble justice meeting I saw a big crowd waiting outside in complete silence. The filming crew let us have a couple of minutes inside the justice building where I looked over the script that Coriolanus gave me to get the general idea of it so I can perform it my way. I took an extra few minutes to look over the flash cards but the real reason why is to prepare me to see the faces of Reaper’s family. 

“It’s time to shoot! Get ready to walk out of those doors in 10, 9,8-“ One of the shooting crew yelled out loudly and I went to stand next to Coriolanus in front of big wooden doors. I felt my hand getting squeezed by Coriolanus’s and so I did the same. I heard outside us getting introduced by the mayor of district 11 and I tried to let go of Coryo's hand like before when we went into an arena but this time Coryo didn’t let go and held it tighter. The doors opened and a bright light from the sun blinded me for a second. Me and Coriolanus walked out on the stage together holding hands in front of everyone but I didn’t care about that just yet because the first thing I saw was the annoyed faces of the crowd in front of me and two platforms in the back of the crowd with a couple of people standing on them looking miserable. This tour is going to be hell.

Chapter Text

Coriolanus Snow POV

Lucy Gray was a natural performer. She didn’t let a single person in Panem show just how uncomfortable she was, showing off her victory and her survival to the people who lost their families and friends. She didn't slip up and perfectly said her speech with her usual tone but once the cameras were out of sight she broke down in my arms. I am her saviour, her hero, her love. During the tour of the arena almost half a year ago I refused to hold her hand on the television because she was seen as lowly but I managed to turn her image into a poor Capitol girl who had a misfortune of getting stuck in district 12 with savages. Now that I established her new image I needed to send a message to all that Lucy Gray Baird only belonged to me.  

Honestly I was enjoying this tour not exactly the aspect of seeing those starving, resentful faces but Lucy Gray’s flawless performance of a true capitol and then her breaking down in my arms asking me to be close. I enjoyed the feeling of her relying on me. 

“I didn’t think I could handle another speech in front of the districts” said Lucy Gray while laying next to him in bed one night on the train. “They all look so resentful of me” 

“Let them, they just hate seeing someone else survive and thrive then themselves.” I stroked her soft curls.

“Is that really what you believe?” Asked Lucy Gray looking up at me with tears in her eyes “I think they have another reason….”

“No they don’t. They are just resenting you for being in a better position than they are but you earned everything you got now so they have no right to judge you but they do because that’s the kind of people they are” I gave her a kiss on the lips and pulled her in a hug.

“I earned it by killing people?” She asked.

“No you earned it by capturing everyone’s hearts including mine and killing was all in self defence you didn’t do anything wrong” I was kinda getting annoyed with her sympathy for those who hate her but it’s okay over time the more time she will spend in the Capitol surrounded by people who adore her she will change her opinion on the districts to mine. “ You don’t have to do it much longer, we only have one more district and then we will arrive at the Capitol where you can finally relax.” She nodded and fell asleep next to me. 

“Soon you will live in the snow penthouse adorned with all kinds of jewels, dresses, foods and everything you desire. As long as you are by my side I will give you what any of your old lovers could possibly give you.“ I whisper to her and lay down holding her in my hands.

District 1 went smoother than others thanks to it being the capital's lap dogs. Lucy Gray also didn’t break down after, unlike the previous times. Maybe she realised that I was correct about the districts. No, she has strong morals. It will take time to adjust them to his correct ones but It’s okay because I always liked challenges. 

“Our next and last stop is the Capitol!” I said to Lucy Gray after dinner at the District 1 Mayor’s house. “You won’t have to make a speech there, just go to the President’s mansion where he will be hosting a victory party.”

“President’s mansion? I have to meet the president?” Lucy Gray asked with terror in her voice.

“From the information I know you won’t meet him in person…..yet, but the First Lady has requested for you to sing during the party. She apparently really loved your performances during the games” Lucy Gray still looked a bit uneasy. “Don’t worry everything will go perfectly like this whole tour!”

“This tour didn’t go perfectly! I have never seen so many people look at me with such hatred in their eyes! And when I had to look into the eyes of the families of the kids I killed, I almost broke down in tears right there on the stage in front of the whole Panem!” Lucy Gray raised her voice and began to cry. I looked around for anyone who might have heard her and saw only a couple of Avox. I led her into our bedroom on the train and held her while she cried. I can’t have her break down in the Capitol so it’s good it happened now. Lucy Gray fell asleep in my arms after an hour of violent sobbing. I put her to bed and went to go write a report of the district's reaction to the tour for Dr Gaul. The district’s reacted basically how I thought they would. Nobody wants to see someone who has killed one of their kind getting paraded around as hero and expected to get celebrated. It truly was a perfect way to divide districts more. The only thing I don’t like is that Lucy Gray had to go through this. I wish we did it next year so someone else can be a test subject and not his Lucy Gray but it was an only excuse to get her to the Capitol. I thought to myself while I was finishing up the report. I raised my head and noticed outside of the window millions of shining lights in the distance. Capitol. I quickly stood up from the seat and ran to the bedroom like a little kid excited to show Capitol to Lucy Gray. She barely managed to open her eyes before I picked her up in a bridal style and took her to the train's window. It was a beautiful view giant skyscrapers shining in the darkness of the night. You can barely see the stars in the city but who needs the stars when the city already looks like a galaxy. I looked down at Lucy Gray to see her reaction. I couldn’t figure out how she felt. Her face just showed exhaustion. 

“What do you think” I decided to just ask.

“It’s definitely a better view than through the cracks of a cargo train.” She said in my arms, yawing.

“This will be your new home now. I know you will learn to love it, it’s just a lot to take in at first” I reassured her, kissing her button nose. Lucy Gray smiled a little from the affectionate gesture but than went serious.

“How are you going to be able to get me a Capitol citizenship though? You never explained.” She asked. I put her down on a couch and sat next her putting my head back in exaction.

“I have some connections to pull to get you the citizenship and it won’t cause a problem with the Capitol people because they started seeing as their own because for the past months I was carefully crafting your image of being a Capitol girl whose family got stuck in district 12.” I explained.

“But I am not Capitol! I am Covey, a completely different thing from District or Capitol!” She exclaimed angrily.

“Well technically if you don’t belong to nowhere there is a high chance that you might have some Capitol blood in you which will explain why your mother had such extensive dresses!” I defended my actions “ Plus I had no choice but to present you as a Capitol if we wanted for you to get accepted there.” 

“But what about me being a Covey?! Should I hide that fact about me just to fit in?!” Lucy Gray argued. I grabbed her face in my hands and made her look at me to try to make her understand reason.

“No you can tell people you are Covey because they already know that about you, say you are a traveling musician who has no specific heritage but that you know that you definitely have some Capitol blood.” I pleaded. She turned her face making me lose my grip on her and stopped looking at me. Great, now she is mad. 

“I will think about it” said Lucy Gray while still not looking at me. 

“Okay think about for as long as it takes” I said while thinking to myself that she better finish thinking before the Presidential party starts but I can’t push her or she won’t like to accept it at all. I looked outside where we went into the tunnel through the mountains of that Capitol. “We almost arrived” I say to no one in particular. 

We arrived at the Capitol at the dead of the night. I put a fur coat on Lucy Gray’s shoulders to make sure she didn’t get sick when we walked out of the train. Winters in the Capitol are particularly brutal thanks to the mountains it stands in. My private driver was standing outside of the train station waiting for us. I passed him the my heavy luggage and took note that Lucy Gray barely had anything. She left her mother’s dresses at District 12 for Maude Ivory leaving her with nothing but what the stylist gave her for her speeches. 

“We should go buy you a new wardrobe” I said to Lucy Gray while opening the door of the Car for her and getting in after her. 

“Oh are you sure? I remember you didn’t have much money….” She protested but looked around the car for a second “But I doubt that’s the deal nowadays. How did you manage to get all of this?”  Shit. No it’s fine she doesn’t know I betrayed sejanus only that we were friends and I felt responsible for his death because he stuck to me like a gum on a shoe! She would understand since she doesn’t know the twisted way I am basically using the parents of the guy I killed.

“Sejanus’s parents were heartbroken when they found out that their only son has died and as his best friend they decided to take me in as basically their son since I am an orphan.” I put a saddened expression on my face.

“I feel so sorry for them, I can’t imagine what kind of pain they went through when they got the news that their son was-“ She said while having a probably better saddened expression than mine. “I hope you are treating them well?”

“Of Course I give them my out most respect and thankfulness” I say while also adding in my head that it’s the least I can do after they so stupidly took in their son’s killer. I felt a sudden warmth on my hand and noticed that Lucy Gray took my hand in hers smiling while looking gorgeous in the city's light. I didn’t say anything, seeing her being so proud of me ‘for doing a good thing’ didn’t bring me joy. I adjusted my hand so I was the one holding her hand most to be more in control of the hand holding. I turned my head to gaze upon my home that I was absent from for a couple of weeks being stuck in the districts. At least I definitely got more famous with the tour thanks to it being mandatory to watch now and that I finally got my precious Lucy Gray in my possession once again. We stopped in front of a large skyscraper and got out of the expensive vehicle. I looked at Lucy Gray’s face and saw her already big doe eyes open wider.

“Is this your home” she asked when walked into the lobby.

“Our” I correct, pressing the button of the 12th floor of the building in the finally working elevator. 

“I have never been in an elevator before, it's amazing!” Lucy Gray said excitedly. It’s good that she likes it because I need her to like her new life so she will play along with her new image. I thought to myself and smiled at her and gave her a quick kiss. 

“There are a lot of things you should get excited for” I said to her while the door of the elevator opened to the penthouse. We were greeted by a couple of Avoxs who had to work all times of the day in shifts. I gave them our coats and led Lucy Gray inside away from the Avoxes she was staring at. “Welcome to our home! The whole family is asleep right now so you will meet them later.” I explained the emptiness of the people around as she looked around amazed. “You can stay in either my room or… you can take my parents room, nobody slept there in years” 

“Oh how dare I sleep in your parents bedroom. I don't know, it feels wrong to me somehow. I fine to stay in your room if you are okay with it, it’s not like our first time sharing a bed” she explained. Honestly I didn’t want her to be away from me but I had to mention the extra bedroom so she would feel like it was her choice to stay with me but in reality I would have found a way she couldn’t sleep there in the first place. I smiled widely and led her to my newly  refuneshed bedroom. I am so glad she didn’t see the bedroom before the plinths came. I thought to myself. 

“The bathroom is over there and I will order new pajamas to be brought” I pointed while putting my suitcase down on the floor “I think It will reduce stress from well everything”  Lucy Gray looked around the bedroom before landing on a wooden door in the corner of the room. She walked towards its and opened it slightly to check the inside and after confirming it was a bathroom she opened the door fully walking in.

“Can I use your soaps?” She turned her head to ask.

“Of Course! We will go get you your own that you will like after we are done with the party”  I say.

“When is the party supposed to be?” She asked 

“Tomorrow evening so you can sleep in tonight” I answered, Lucy Gray nodded and closed the door of the bathroom behind her. I sighed from exhaustion and started unpacking my suitcase. Suddenly I heard a knock on the door and saw Tigress walk in.

“You are back.” She said leaning against the door frame.

“Any you are not asleep” I shot back while not looking at her unpacking clothes from my suitcase.

“I am an early riser, I already slept” She answered and than glancing at the bathroom door where the water could be heard. “You really always get what you want.” She gave a slight laugh.

“You are correct my dear cousin” I stood up looking into Tigress’s eyes. She has been so petty lately but only to me, she is just as affectionate as before with everyone else. “Did you finish the dress?” I asked putting my suitcase away once I was done with it.

“Yes, but only because it’s for Lucy Gray and she deserves to look her best at the party.” She stopped leaning against the door frame and pulled out something out of her mother’s fur coat. “Here I know Lucy Gray needs pajamas, it should be her size, I made them myself” 

“Thank you” I say as I picked up the silky purple pajamas from her hand. “Lucy Gray will love it” I said while observing the fabric.

“I will go put final touch up on the dress to make it perfect for tomorrow night” she turned around and started walking away and than stopped and said “Good Night Coriolanus, I am glad you and Lucy Gray came back safe.” And she walked away. I closed the door behind her and walked towards my bed where I carefully laid the fabric down.

Lucy Gray came out 20 minutes later looking fully refreshed and smelling of roses like me. Walked towards me where I was sitting on the bed reading a book about Political Science. She glanced at me and then at the pajamas on the bed. 

“Tigress made you some pajamas” I explained not looking up from the book.

“Your cousin? That’s so sweet of her to do” She picked up the fabric looking at it from all angles “It’s Beautiful!”

“Yeah she has a talent” I finally said while putting the book down. “I will go take a shower as well and you can put it one while I am gone” I stood up, gave her a kiss and walked into the bathroom. While I stood under falling warm water I analyzed every possible guest that could attend the victory party and how I can get close to them to use them.

When I walked out I saw Lucy Gray already sleeping peacefully on our bed wearing her new outfit. I walked up to her sitting down on the edge of the bed gazing upon her beauty. I lowered my head and gave her a peck on her sweet lips that send electric shocks through my body. I layed down holding Lucy Gray in my arms. I know with Lucy Gray by my side everything will go well, she is my precious prize, a living example of my victory and success. Snow Lands on Top.

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Baird POV

Gem of Panem

Almighty city-

I was awakened from my slumber by a shining sunlight that managed to escape the curtains and an awful singing noise of Panem's anthem. I opened my eyes to figure out where the awful sound was coming from and only saw Coriolanus sitting right next to me shirtless with a book in his hand looking annoyed.

“Coryo…. Where does this awful sound coming from?” I asked with despair in my voice. Coryo looked at me with sympathetic eyes and brushed my curly hair with his hand.

“It’s my grandmother which we call Grandma’am. She is very old so most of the time she doesn’t understand what’s happening or what she is saying so please don’t mind her” He said and gave me a quick kiss on my forehead before standing up and stretching. I observe him for a while and then roll over on my back and sitting up. 

“So how many hours do we have before the party?” I stand up from the bed and walking towards the bathroom.

“About 7 hours” Coriolanus said while looking at the watch. I nodded while brushing my teeth and a thought hit me.

“Wait what will I wear to the party!? The stylist from the train aren’t coming, right?!” I asked urgently.

“Tigress, she made you a dress and she volunteered to do your hair and make up if you are okay with it of course” said Coriolanus calmly walking around the room reading a letter. 

“That is so kind of her!” I said with tears forming in my eyes from how touched I felt by Coriolanus’s cousin's actions so far to me. She was the one who gave her lavender soup and fixed up her mother’s dress during the games. She also cooked her food when they didn’t have much to give already. “I want to go meet her right now is that okay and thank her for everything she has done for me!” I said walking out of the bathroom towards the door that leads into the main hall. 

“Change out of your pajamas first.” Coriolanus said not looking up from his letter. 

“Oh! Right!” I remember and walk towards the closet. I did have a couple of dresses that I got from the stylist on tour. I picked a light blue ruffle dress that I wore in District 4 and put it on. I walked towards Coriolanus to help me zip up the back and then I was on my way. Through the long hallways of the penthouse. I finally found the dining room where I saw a beautiful tall woman with long straight blonde hair scrunched over a sewing machine that I presumed was Tigress. 

“Oh! Hello, sorry I didn’t notice you at first.” Tigress said after noticing me a couple of seconds later flinching.

“Oh I am so sorry that I scared you while you were working!” I said while waving my hands close to my chest. “Well I am very happy to finally meet you Tigress!” I say kinda awkwardly.

“Oh yes! I am also really happy to meet you! Sorry I couldn’t go see you in person during the games. I was a little busy.” Tigress said standing up and grabbing my hands in hers, apologetically shaking them. 

“No, don't apologize! I actually came here to introduce myself and thank you for your kindness during the games! You made my time in the game so much more bearable…” I say looking downward trying to get the games out of my mind. Than suddenly I hear a gasp from the right. I turned around and saw an old lady in expensive clothes standing in the doorway. 

“Tigress get away from her! She still isn’t cleansed from the district's scum!” An old lady yelled. So this is the grandmother I am supposed to not mind. I thought to myself while understanding what Coryo meant. 

“Grandma’am please don’t say such things! That is incredibly rude!” Tigress said while stepping in front of me like a shield. 

“I am just trying to protect you! She needs to adjust to the Capitol’s morals, the civilized morals and only then will it be okay to interact with her!” Grandma’am argued but before Tigress could retort a tall muscular figure walked in. Coriolanus. I thought to myself. For some reason he always played the part of a protector in my life and this is no different. 

“Grandma’am don’t ever talk to or about Lucy Gray like that because if you are disrespecting her you are disrespecting me” Coriolanus said in an incredibly cold murderous tone I never heard him speak in. He sighed as he saw an old lady shiver “Grandma’am let’s talk privately about this” he spoke in more gentler tone but still with a layer of coldness.  An old lady nodded and her and Coriolanus went inside her room where I heard mumbled whispering. I turned towards Tigress who was now massaging the bridge of her nose in annoyance looked at me with sympathetic eyes.

“I am SO sorry about her, she is old and refuses to change her ideologies from when she was growing up. You must be hungry! Let me tell the chef to cook you some breakfast while we sit and chat!” Tigress said.

“Yeah Coriolanus already warned me about your grandmother so I was prepared and yes I would like some breakfast.” I say as me and Tigress sit down at the dining table. 

“Do you want anything specific for breakfast? I know you enjoy sweets” She asked while an older man in white chief coat walked into the dining room.

“No, I am not picky but yes I do enjoy sweets!” I say cheerfully now. The man nodded and walked back into the kitchen. Is he also an Avox I think to myself. For the next 20 minutes I had a very natural flowing conversation with Tigress like it wasn’t our very first time meeting each other. I came to very like Tigress and considered her my first friend in the Capitol. When the chef came back with my breakfast I tasted one of the most delicious meals ever.

“Thank you so much for this delicious meal!” I said to the chef who smiled and nodded. I turned around towards Tigress and noticed Coryo finally out of the Grandma’am door talking to her. Tigress looked serious saying something about that ‘wretched devil woman’ and then nodding, turning around to look at me with Coryo.

“Did you enjoy your breakfast?” Coryo asked, smiling.

“Yes, it was delicious” I replied while walking up to the two cousins.

“So I was thinking it would be a good time to start getting ready for the party” he said looking at his cousin.

“I agree, to get you to the look like I have in my head without a rush, I think right now would be a nice time to start” confirmed Tigress standing up with a sigh and smiling. 

“Okay then, where should we start with than?” I questioned.

“I will start with your hair then makeup and lastly the dress with accessories” Tigress recalled out loud. I looked at Coriolanus who waved dismissively 

“And I can do it myself so don’t worry about me, you should go relax because Tigress can take care of everything, in the meantime I have to leave for a bit for some business”  He said and gave me a quick kiss and before I could even respond he grabbed a red blood coat from one of the Avox and basically running out of the door. 

“Well that was quick” I joked before I noticed a dark expression on Tigress’s face. “Is everything alright?” I asked concerned. 

She immediately changed her expression to a happy one, shook her head and led me to her bedroom. For some reason Tigress’s expression gave me a bad feeling but before I could process her reaction to what Coryo said I was blown away by Tigress' colorful room. There were fabrics everywhere and beautiful sketches of dresses on the walls. It looked like a designer’s dream room. 

“Wow, your room looks so creative! I love it!”  I said while looking around. 

“Thank you! It’s nice having fabric to use now that I went a little overboard with it.” She laughed pulling out a comfy chair tapping on it indicating for me to sit down in it and so I did. 

“So I will start with your hair first! I was thinking to leave you hair down do two small braids and pull them back clipping them down. What do you think?” She asked.

“I trust your judgment in fashion so you can do whatever you think is necessary” I answered smiling, already excited about what she has planned. She nodded and started doing her magic. With a span of minutes she managed to change  my wild hair into nice defined curls and made two nice braids clipped together by a golden snake clip. Then she moved on to my face removing my under eyes that I got from mouths on nightmares since the hunger games. Put soft rainbow shadows on my eyelids with golden eyeliner than did my mascara and did my lips. I looked at myself in the mirror and almost didn’t recognize myself. 

“I look so breathtaking thanks to you…” I say touching my face in disbelief.

“You always look like that. I just touched up some things and tada!” Tigress said excitedly. “But this isn’t the best part yet!” She ran up to a big black hanging bag and unzipped it revealing the most majestic gown I ever laid my eyes on. It was a silky, chiffon white dress that radiated slightly rainbow in the light but the most unique part about the dress was the golden snakes attached to it all over the dress. 

“The game makes requests for your gown in the Capitol to reflect your games and I decided to make something with rainbow snakes because they also matched your signature skirt.” Tigress continued to explain in very great detail how she managed to create this masterpiece but I was frantically not listening and just staring at every detail of the dress amazed. 

“Can I put it on?” I asked, interrupting Tigress’s rant.

“Yes of course! It was made for you” she said happily, not minding me interrupting her monologue.

I put on the gown carefully not wanting to damage even the smallest detail. When I finally got the whole outfit on with golden snake heels and more golden snake like jewelry with help from Tigress I felt invincible. Like I could confidently do what I desired and nobody could stop me. I like that feeling. Makes me feel less weak and useless.

“Well it’s almost time to leave” said Tigress, looking at the clock on her desk. “Let’s go show you to Coriolanus! I bet he will be so stunned with your beauty that he won’t be able to speak.” She laughed imagining his reaction while opening the door into the hallway. 

I heard Coryo’s voice in the living room talking with someone on the phone. While I Sneaked up on him from behind to surprise him.

“Yes Dr. Gaul….I understand……I will get on with that as soon as I have time……okay then thank you have a good evening” Coriolanus standing in a matching colored suit sighed putting the pole phone down on the cabin. Feeling someone behind him he quickly turned around but immediately stopped and just started with wide eyes.

“I called it, he is mute from how beautiful you are” Tigress laughed sitting down on one of the couches. 

“Coryo?” I waved my hand in front of his face to get his attention. He suddenly grabbed the hand I was waving and kissed it like a gentleman. 

“You look ravishing, a beauty not deserved for this ugly world” he said, pulling me closer and kissing me passionately. I pushed him away after a couple of seconds to not ruin the makeup up and because Tigress was sitting a few feet away. 

“Don’t flatter me like that, oh good sir!” I giggled imitating a reeaallly high society. 

“As much as you two are cute we need to leave if we want to get there at the appropriate time” Tigress said with a smile standing up from the couch and grabbing her purse.

“You are right, the president himself is throwing this party for Lucy Gray so we need to show our respect and show up early.” Coriolanus agreed, putting his hand on my back gently guiding me towards the door. The President's mansion is where I will make my first impression outside of the Hunger Game’s shadow.

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Baird POV

I looked outside into an alive city where people were celebrating  as I sat in the back of an expensive black car. Tigress refused to go with me and Coriolanus in the same car because ’the night was about us and not her’. I glanced at Coriolanus who seemed to be deep in thought looking outside of his window. 

“I am nervous…” I whispered while looking down at my tapping foot. Coriolanus looked at me and then at my tapping leg and sighed, stretching his hand gently pushing my head to look at him.

“You have nothing to worry about, you are perfect” he kissed me as we started pulling into the presidential mansion. We both looked outside of our tinted windows and saw a crowd of guests, paparazzi and others. We pulled up to the front entrance. Coriolanus walked out first with paparazzi flashing their cameras while he confidently walked around the car getting to my door and like a gentleman opening the door for me and extending his hand to help me out of the car. As soon as I got out of the car the flashes blinded me. I put on my best performance smile that nobody can outdo me in, wrapped my hand around Coriolanus’s and walked with him head high through the crowd. When I am in front of the crowd I always  get a boost of confidence and energy like someone switched me with someone else. 

When me and Coryo walked through the party absolutely everyone at least gave us a glance with either excitement or jealousy. All kinds of people tried to introduce themselves, telling me their stories of how they ‘supported’ me during the games of how they reacted to my song during the interview, complicated my look for today’s event and so much more that I practically forgot most of it, not really caring after a while of irrelevant stories. I still thanked them for their kind words and moved on with Coryo who refused to leave my side for some reason to the next person. I would also stay with Coriolanus to talk to some people he was desperate to talk to and to make ‘connections’ with. 

After a while of this whole socialization thing I got a little bit exhausted. I am used to talking and entertaining people but never once was the crowd this big. I managed to convince Coriolanus to let me sit down a couple of feet away in his sight while he spoke to a ‘very important man’. I sighed sitting in a comfy chair in the shadows of one of the perfectly shaped trees so nobody would notice me and try to approach me to talk to me. I closed my eyes trying to block out the noises from the crowd and suddenly noticed a familiar sound from above. I look up into the breeches of the tree and see a small brown bird sitting on a tin branch chirping away. 

“I love birds, they are such delicate creatures” a voice next to me spoke. I flinched from the sudden noise and looked at the source of the sound. “Always so full of life no matter where they end up” an older lady with silver hair said softly smiling at me.

“Oh yes, birds are beautiful creatures, they are in fact one of my favorite animals!” I blurred out not knowing what to respond with. The lady didn’t seem to mind as she nodded slowly, looking at my dress.

“Along with snakes I presume” the lady laughed slightly still smiling the same way. I look down at my dress and laugh a little.

“Yes! You presume correctly because I also love snakes” I laughed. The lady turned towards Coriolanus who was busy talking with someone a couple feet away and then towards me nodding. ‘What a weird lady’ I thought to myself.

“You are going to perform soon, I think you should start making your way to the front of the mansion where they are setting up your microphone right now.” She smiled more brightly than ever.

“I can’t wait to hear you sing again! I hope you won’t disappoint because I have a feeling you are going to revive the music and arts in the Capitol like before the war. Oh how I miss when there used to be operas, plays, clubs and so much more fun in the city, now it’s pretty quiet like people forgot how to have fun and if you can bring music back into the Capitol well you can consider yourself one of us.”  The lady said and before I could reply Coriolanus materialized out of thin air smiling with his best smile. He put one hand on his heart and bowed down respectfully to the older lady.

“Mrs Ravinstill, It’s truly an honor to meet the First Lady of Panem.” He said looking up at her. I quickly stood up from my chair realizing who I was so carelessly talking with.

“It’s also very nice to meet you Mr Snow, I was just having a nice chat with Ms Baird right here, wishing her good luck on her performance although I don’t believe she needs it” Mrs Ravinstill laughed putting a hand to her mouth. “Well I better get to my husband’s side when he will be saying his speech” an older lady nodded and quickly disappeared into the crowd. 

“How did the talk go with the First Lady?!” Asked Coriolanus urgently.

“I think it went fine! I didn’t know that she was the First Lady so I spoke to her like normal!” I responded a little shaken from the interaction with Mrs Ravinstill. Coriolanus bit the inside of his mouth and then spoke again.

“She looked pleased enough, what exactly was she talking to you about?” He asked.

“Well she was talking about how she loved birds and asked if I like them two then she said how she is excited for my performance and hopes I can bring arts back into the Capitol and if I do I can consider myself like ‘one of the’” I recalled the talk. Coriolanus sighed in relief and then smiled brightly again. 

“Well she is the one who requested you to sing so it’s pretty clear she has a good impression of you.” He said.

“She told me to go up soon so I guess we should start walking towards the front.” I suggested. Coriolanus nodded, pulling out his arm for me to hold and on we went. Once we finally managed to get through the crowd to the front several ‘game makers’ stopped us asking me to stand by so the president could make his speech and announce my performance. After a couple of minutes President Ravinstill was announced and the crowd went silent turning their heads to look at the president’s mansion‘s balcony where an older man with silver hair and a military uniform walked out with a couple of people behind him including The First Lady I talked with. 

“Tonight concludes the first victory tour in the Hunger Games but certainly not the last one!” Said the president in a loud voice that was filled with authority. He found me with his eyes and held out a cup of champagne. “I would like to congratulate and welcome Lucy Gray Baird the victor of the 10th annual Hunger Games! We hope that you will set an example for the victors to come with your ideals that mirror ours! And I will personally wish you good luck on your performance! May the odds be ever in your favor!” He said his last line with people cheering and with fireworks flying into the night sky exploding with bright colors I looked in amazement never seeing anything like this before, it was breathtaking. I gave the president an elegant bowl of respect and was told by the game makers to walk up stairs of the presidential palace where I was assigned to sing.I stepped into the light swiftly turning around to look at the big crowd smiling brightly.

“Hello Capitol! I have missed you all so deeply while I was away! Thank you President Ravinstill and all citizens of the Capitol for your kind words and a warm welcome!” I say not really meaning any of it but nobody knows that except Coriolanus. “To show my gratitude towards your kindness I have a couple of songs ready for all of ya!”  The big applause followed.

“The first song will be the last song I sang here in the Capitol when I was surrounded by the rainbow snakes similar to the ones on my dress!” I said laughing, twirling my dress with one hand and holding the microphone with another. The crowd cheered and I started.

You're headed for heaven

The sweet old hereafter

And I've got one foot in the door

But before I can fly up

I've loose ends to tie up

Right here in the old therebefore

I'll be along

When I've finished my song (Dr. Gaul, she won)

When I've shut down the band (it's over, let her out)

When I've played out my hand

When I've paid all my debts (why aren't they attacking her?)

When I have no regrets, right here (must be the singing)

In the old therebefore (it's calming them) (she can't sing forever)

I'll catch you up

When I've emptied my cup

When I've worn out my friends

When I've burned out both ends

When I've cried all my tears

When I've conquered my fears

Right here 

In the old therebefore

When nothing is left anymore

I'll bring the news

When I've danced off my shoes

When my body's closed down

When my boat's run aground

When I've tallied the score

And I'm flat on the floor

Right here 

In the old therebefore

When nothing is left anymore

When I'm pure like a dove

When I've learned how to love

Right here 

In the old therebefore

When nothing is left anymore

The crowd was silent and still right after I finished with my song and then erupted in cheers! I looked at the crowd and suddenly felt my beloved performer self returning to me. I haven’t sang in front of the crowd in so many months and never a size this big. I almost forgot how much I loved this feeling! After a minute or two I sang another song and then another until I almost sang every song I knew. People were cheering for me to continue singing but I was informed that it was getting a little too late and the president wanted it to end already.

“Oh what an exciting night today was!” I say with people cheering. “I will sing one more song for you to end the night with a nice note!” I looked around the crowd and noticed Coriolanus in the crowd staring at me like he was doing my entire performance and like every other performance I did. Then I immediately knew what song I wanted to play last. “The last song I will play is detected by someone who saved me multiple times and never gave up on me even when it seemed impossible” I took a breath and began to sing the lyrics.

Everyone's born as clean as a whistle

As fresh as a daisy

And not a bit crazy

Staying that way's a hard row for hoeing

As rough as a briar

Like walking through fire

This world, it's dark

This world, it's scary

I've taken some hits, so

No wonder I'm wary

It's why I

Need you

You're as pure as the driven snow

Everyone wants to be like a hero

The cake with the cream, or the doer not dreamer

Doing's hard work, but it takes some to change things

Like goat's milk to butter

Like ice blocks to water

This world goes blind

When children are dying

I turn into dust, but

You never stop trying

It's why I

Love you

You're as pure as the driven snow

Cold and clean

Swirling over my skin

You cloak me

You soak right in

Down to my heart

Everyone thinks they know all about me

They slap me with labels and spit out their fables

You came along and you knew it was lying

You saw the ideal me

And yes, that's the real me

This world, it's cruel

With troubles aplenty

You asked for a reason

I've got three and twenty

For why I

Trust you

You're as pure as the driven snow

It's why I

Trust you

You're as pure as the driven snow

I ended the song bowing down and ignoring all of the cheers, started speed walking down the stairs holding the skirt of my dress in my hands towards Coriolanus who was already standing in the front of the crowd waiting for me with the biggest smile I have ever seen on his face. I practically jumped into his arms and he held me close, not letting go for a long time as the crowd ’aww’ from the scene and paparazzi took photographs.

“How impressive Mr Snow, you actually managed to capture and keep your songbird” A raspy voice said to our right. I looked up towards who made the comment and saw one of the people who stood behind President Ravinstill. It was an old woman with crazy white hair and two different eyes colours wearing an insane red outfit giggling at me and Coriolanus.

“Dr. Gaul” Coriolanus said, letting go of me and bowing slightly down as a sign of respect. 

Chapter Text

Coriolanus Snow POV

“Dr. Gaul” I bowed down a little but inside wanted this crazy woman to leave.

“Mr Snow, why don’t you introduce me to your little birdy” She said, turning away from me, looking at the obviously uncomfortable Lucy Gray like one of her experiments. 

“Lucy Gray, let me introduce you to Dr. Volumnia Gaul she…” I didn’t want to introduce her as the head gamer to not freak Lucy Gray out “she is the head of the Capitol’s Experimental Weapons Division.” 

“AND the head game maker for our beloved Hunger games!” Dr Gaul added laughing. Shit. Why did she have to mention that. Well it was quite obvious why she is a sadist. She loves to see people suffer. I looked at Lucy Gray who had a neutral expression on her face but I could see in her eyes something else. 

“I can’t believe I met the game maker of the games. It must be a hard job.” Lucy Gray said after a long pause. 

“Oh not at all! If you enjoy your work it doesn’t feel like working at all!” Dr Gaul laughed loudly and observing Lucy Gray’s reaction but she didn’t get none. Just a long blank stare.

“I guess that is true for some people” Said Lucy Gray. I could tell that Lucy Gray was giving vague answers to not show her anger and disgust towards the crazy old lady. 

“The party is almost over now! I think me and Lucy Gray should head back now!” I said, trying to stop further conversation. Dr. Gaul finally took of her gaze off Lucy Gray and looked at me happy with herself.

“Well we certainly don’t want a bird to be out of the cage for too long. They get used to freedom and then wouldn’t want to go back but if you train them to enjoy the cage they will become attached to it not wanting to leave. That’s what I learned who my Jabberjays” Dr. Gaul said, smiling deviously, turning around and walking away like she definitely didn’t just talk about how she enjoyed killing kids.

The whole mood was ruined. I had such a good mood, getting a lot of attention, getting connections with powerful people and lastly Lucy Gray in general, how she perfectly acted like a real capitolist and her basically declaring through a song to the whole world of how she loved me and trusted me. I am her saviour. She was also in a good mood from her performance but now I could tell Lucy Gray was on the verge of breaking down but she still kept it together until we were out of sight. Once we were in the car and away from everybody she dropped her smile turning away from me and looking outside the car window. We sat in silence for a while before she spoke in a quiet voice.

“What is your relationship with that women?” She asked with a cold tone. 

“Who exactly?” I asked knowingly exactly who she was talking about just wanting to get a little bit more time to come up with something.

“Dr. Volumnia Gaul, The head game maker. What is your relationship with her? and do not lie to me.” She specified and asked again while this time turning around and looking at me with her big brown eyes. Think, think , think!

“She is my professor at the university.” I said. It’s not a lie, just not the whole truth.

“Do all capitol citizens urgently answer all of the calls and leave to do your professors every request even before an important party like today?” She said with a blank expression like the one she was talking to Dr. Gaul. 

“Sighhh….Dr. Gaul is my university professor but also kinda my boss. I got an internship…. as a game maker.” I revealed knowing if I lied she would just ask Tigress who would definitely tell her already not approving my internship and probably would like an ally to ridicule me. Lucy Gray’s face stopped being emotionless and turned into horror. 

“You are a game maker?” She whispered in disbelief. “How could you?” She had tears forming in her eyes that were filled with the pain of betrayal. I had to convince her that it was a good thing that I was a game maker before she shuts me off like Billy Taupe. Wait, even if I won’t be able to convince her she can leave me. She is stuck in the Capitol with no way out and no home except mine. Still I don’t want our relationship to get complicated because I still want her to love me and see me as her saviour so I should twist it to look good.

“No Lucy Gray! I am only doing this to help those poor kids! If it wasn’t for me they would be treated as cattle like in your games but with my suggestions I managed to make their last weeks be treated as heroes!” I said trying to hold Lucy Gray’s hand but she quickly jerked it back still with an expression of betrayal but also confusion.

“I suggested better, more humane transportation for the tribes. They will be provided with a real doctor, and won't sleep in a cage but in an apartment! I am doing this for the tributes!” I say to her with as much compassion I could muster. In reality I was definitely not doing it for them, I just didn’t want to waste their lives to die even before making it into the arena making the viewing experience less enjoyable. Still Lucy Gray can’t know that.

“Are you lying to me?” She asked. Yes I think to myself.

“No, Lucy Gray I wouldn’t lie to you, ever. You trust me right?” I asked but she didn’t answer and just stared at me like a scared animal. “Lucy Gray, remember when you trusted me during the games and I did everything in my power to protect you and even more, giving you a life where from now on you won’t have struggled to survive and can focus on thriving! You don’t really think I would do what you think I do?” I looked at her for a long time until she slowly shook her head. I sighed in relief. We sat in silence for the rest of the car ride. 

“Did you enjoy the party?” Asked Tigress as soon as we came back home.

“Yes, it was certainly a new experience” Said Lucy Gray taking off her snake heels.  I just nodded along walking into the apartment. 

“I barely saw you at the Party Tigress. Where were you?” Lucy Gray asked Tigress and her answering something about staying near her friend. I didn’t really care so I walked away from the conversation into my office. 

I needed to prepare an official paperwork to get Lucy Gray a permanent Capitol citizenship. I talked to Pluribus a couple of months ago knowing he had a couple of favors to pull asking for help to get Lucy Gray a citizenship. Pluribus immediately agreed saying how he would love to hear her sing all the time. I had the main paperwork done and just needed the minor things done and then I can send it to the Panem Citizenship and Immigration Services where hopefully they will accept it. I had the money (from plinths) and I had proven just how Capitol she was. There is no way they would decline the application. They didn’t decline the plinths who still act a lot like Districts, well Ma does. 

“Snow lands on top” I say as I lean back in my chair looking up at the ceiling. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. I sat up straight and say sternly “Walk in” 

“Oh Coryo, sorry to interrupt, I came to check up on you after the party and bring you some of my new desserts!” Ma came in smiling bright. ’Speak of the devil‘ I thought to myself as I smiled brightly at her.

“Ma, you didn’t have to worry, everything went well.” I said calmly to her. 

“Sorry I know, it’s just I am worried something will happen to you and-“ she took a deep breath “I wouldn’t know what I would do” her eyes watered. She was thinking of Sejanus again, how annoying. I thought as I got up and walked to her. I put my hands on her shoulders and smiled.

“I get why you are worried but please don’t be I am strong and resilient” I say with a reassuring smile. She nodded, whipping away her tears but then suddenly lit up.

“I just met Lucy Gray! She is just so sweet!” Ma said excitedly.

“You did?” I asked 

“Yes, when I walked in the apartment she was talking to dear Tigress. She was so kind, talking to me, asking me about myself and telling me a story of how she met Sejanus and how she was sorry about what happened to him, she was as sweet as sugar.” She explained happily. It’s good that Lucy Gray made a good impression, I just hope she didn’t speak too much about Sejanus even if she was thinking I had nothing to do with his murder.

“I'm glad you like her because she will be staying with us from now on.” I mentioned.

“Oh my really?! Did she get citizenship here? It’s very hard to do "said Ma.

“Well almost, it’s in the process of being done.” I answered a bit unsurely.

“Good! I am so happy that you are working hard to help that lovely girl! Although I do worry coming from the districts to live in the Capitol is quite a difficult change. And what if people won’t accept her here?!” Ma started worrying again as she started listing everything that could go wrong.

“Ma, it’s okay, people will accept her here because she isn’t really district, she is a covey, they are travelling musicians who don’t have an exact origins” I explained to Ma like someone who teaches a stupid child. Honestly if people wouldn’t accept which they did, I would make them accept her. I thought but didn’t say. Ma nodded in amusement.

“Wow, her origins seems very interesting! I can’t wait to hear more about it from her later if she would allow me to hear it! Where exactly will she be staying? If you guys don’t have enough rooms she can take the guest bedroom downstairs in our apartment!” Ma suggested. I haven’t told the plinths that me and Lucy Gray are a couple since I wanted to announce it at some fancy dinner but I guess what is the point of hiding it.

“She is staying in my room” I said and Ma got a confused expression on her face.

“She is staying in your room?” She double checked.

“Yes, me and Lucy Gray are a couple so it just makes sense for her to stay with me” I said, Ma gasped and then hugged me excitedly and practically yelled. 

  “OHHH I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU TWO!” She yelled while jumping a little in one place. “Well I don’t want to keep you away from your sweetheart, you should go to bed now! I left the banana pudding I made in the kitchen if you want or Lucy Gray wants it!” She ran out smiling brightly. No wonder Sejanus was so childish, it was his mother’s influence. 

I decided to take Ma’s advice and get to my bedroom. When I walked in I saw the most beautiful girl in the world. Lucy Gray was sitting next to the window looking out into the city. The moonlight was reflecting off her olive skin like the light on stage. I walked towards her quietly and put my hands around her. She flinched a little but then relaxed.

“You took a long time in the office….what were you doing there?” She whispered in my ear since my head was on her shoulders. I think she still thinks about the game maker thing.

“I was doing paperwork for your citizenship here, so you can stay here freely and not worry of being deported back to district 12 away from me and where the Mayor will hang you.” I whispered back truthfully. She stayed silent for a couple of minutes and then nodded. 

“I never seen so much light and life during the dead of the night” she said in a hushed voice looking down from the window. I let go of her and walked closer to the window to look where she was looking. We stayed like that for a while before she suddenly got up from her chair, pressed me against the glass window and trapped me with her arms looking at me with despair in her eyes. 

“Coriolanus, I love you, Please if you love me can you please tell me the truth. Are you really trying to help those kids in the Hunger Games or are you doing it to make it more entertaining for those Capitol folk?” She asked with a trembling voice. I didn’t know what to say. I was helping those kids maybe not out of the goodness of my heart, but who wouldn’t want to spend their last days on earth seen as a hero. 

“I am helping them. I am making their last days on earth be as less horrible as possible. They are being treated as heroes even though their parents were traitors and killers! And if they win they get a life of privilege? I am giving those people a second chance basically!” I retaliated.

“But those kids aren’t killers! Why do they need a second chance?!” She shouted.

“Everyone is a killer deep inside, even you. My heart, my one and only love, you are murder just like me. So are they, I am giving them a chance to get out of a life of despair by doing what they wanted to do anyway.” I said back calmly putting my hands on her face to make sure she looks into my eyes and understands me. She didn’t respond and just stared at me blankly. I sighed and picked her up in a bridal style, putting her on our bed. 

After I showered and changed I layed down next to her embracing her. She didn’t hug me back like usual but didn’t try to retaliate. It’s good enough for me right now. She just needs time and then I can make her think right. I went to sleep, but in the middle of the night I woke up because I heard slight sobs coming from her. I pressed her against me harder and stroked her hair until I stopped hearing sobs and instead a shaky breathing. 

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Baird POV 

“I have a day before my winter break is over. We should go shopping for you.” Coriolanus mentioned it in the morning while he was reading a newspaper. I wasn’t speaking to him much for the past couple of days. Just simple nods or shakes. I didn’t want to talk to him. I know he lied to me, or not really he actually believes what he is doing is justified which makes it even worse.

“Mhm” I nodded, eating one of the desserts Ma brought. They are so delicious! I think to myself that I can’t help but smile. I quickly went back to my stoic face as I noticed Coriolanus observing me and his words from the night of the party  flooded right back into my head. I am not forgiving him anytime soon and he should know that.

“I am glad you are enjoying Mrs Plinth’s perstories because she brings a ton” Coriolanus said, smiling at me sweetly as if he didn’t say something horrific a couple of days ago.

“She has a talent.” I say as I stood up, picked up my dirty plate and walked into the kitchen giving it to one of the Avoxes to wash. I thanked them and walked back into the dining table where Coriolanus sat staring at me.

“Honey, you don’t have to do all that, you can just leave those dirty plates here, it’s their job to clean and thanking them isn’t necessary since what they're doing is just their job. I don’t want you to worry about cleaning any more, you now live a life of privilege nor poverty” He said.

“I just thought it would be polite to help out a little and show them appreciation.” I blurred out, a little annoyed. He sighed.

“Just don’t do that in front of other people besides me or Tigress, people don’t like it when people do that here. I am just looking out for my love.” He said while finally putting down his newspaper and walking up to me lifting my face with his hand to look at him. He gave me a quick kiss and smiled. “ Well we better start getting ready for us to go shopping.”  

I mumbled something annoyed about the Capitol’s culture and just nodded while walking to our bedroom. ‘He is acting like he didn’t do anything wrong!’ I think opening the giant closet that was mostly empty, only having clothes from the Victory tour. He is right about one thing I need more clothes. I thought to myself as I took out the silky black skirt and a fur coat I wore in district 10. As I was changing Coriolanus suddenly walked in.

“Coryo, look away!” I yelled at him covering myself with the clothes I was putting on. Coriolanus glanced at me like I was a frightened bird and his expression seemed painful.

“I saw you before without clothes multiple times. What has changed now?” He asked, actually following my request and turning around. I took this moment to quickly get dressed and think of how to answer. Ha what changed now? I laugh to myself.

“I am still upset about your game maker internship…. and everyone is born with a killer inside them worldview” I confess sitting down on our bed watching Coriolanus change as well. I guess it was his time to not reply so I just tried to observe his body language for any clues. After what felt like forever he turned around with a stern and cold expression. Which shook me a little. I did see that expression on him a couple of times when he was a peacekeeper but he never looked at me like that before

“Lucy Gray, do not bring up my internship again. I already explained why I am doing it and I won’t quit, it's final and my world view cannot be changed because it has been proven true so many different times that nobody can say it isn’t correct” He said practically emotionless. Before I could even indicate mine unhappiness with this, Coriolanus turned around and walked out the door gesturing for me to follow him. I reluctantly followed him walking out of the apartment in uncomfortable silence.

“You can buy whatever you want, my love, don’t worry about the price ” Said Coriolanus with a sweet smile after ignoring me for the entire car ride. I nodded, kinda relieved he spoke to me. It felt like he was punishing me with silence. The tongueless driver stopped, indicating that we had arrived at the most luxurious shopping district in all of Panem.  Coriolanus opened the door for me like usual, that I didn’t get surprised any more, excepting it even.

The shopping district was huge with so many stores that I can’t see the end of it. I let out a gasp while looking around. People wearing fancy clothes were walking around chatting and laughing. Nobody seemed to notice me as I walked with Coriolanus through the streets. People were too busy looking at the store windows and discussing dull topics plus I wasn’t wearing bright colors this time which helped me blend in luckily.l

I was drawn into almost every store that had colors. In the beginning I was a little hesitant about buying myself new clothes. It felt wrong to spend money on my wants instead of needs but Coriolanus kept insisting for me to buy what I wanted so I slowly started buying little by little not caring about the price. It was fun. Almost a little too fun that I almost forgot why I was mad at Coriolanus. Is that what he wanted?

“What do you think of this one?” I twirl around in a warm orange dress that reminded me of a sunset.

“You look beautiful in everything you wear” answered Coriolanus looking at me with warmth in his eyes. I giggled from the compliment and went back inside the changing room. I walked out with a couple of dresses I tried and that I liked.

“That’s all for this store?” Coriolanus asked, pulling out a credit card. I nodded and stumbled to the register, setting down the goods. An older lady in a weird feathery hat stood at the counter looking at me with a weird expression.

“You look like a very familiar, young lady.” The older lady said as she scanned the clothes.

“Oh you must have mistaken me for somebody else” I answered not wanting to draw attention to myself. Coriolanus agreed as he paid but then suddenly a loud voice spoke. 

“Is that Coriolanus!? I haven’t seen you all winter break!” A tall bulky man with curly brown hair walked in with a beautiful blond girl by his side.

“Festus, long time no see.” Coriolanus said with a smile then he turned around to the pretty girl “Persephone you as well” 

“Keep seeing you on tv lately with you songbird!” Festus said and then seemed to finally notice me behind Coriolanus and smiled wider “Oh Lucy Gray I am so sorry I didn’t notice you which is weird because you are so unforgettable and hard to miss!” Festus laughed not realizing the girl next to him Persephone I think, was giving him a look of disapproval. 

“Thank you, I try to leave a lasting impression” I answered. 

“You sure do! The whole Capitol has been buzzing about you since the games!” Persephone finally spoke, smiling. Then she glanced at the many bags an avox was holding and then back at me “Shopping?”

“Yes, I thought it would be nice to take Lucy Gray on a tour around the Capitol since she is going to live here now and while at it I took her shopping.” Coriolanus answered, putting his hand around my waist.

“Oooohhh I see, well I knew you had a thing during the games! I see you are still doing strong!” Said Festus smirking. “You know, me and Persephone were planning to go to this really good restaurant that recently reopened and if it’s okay with my girlfriend and you guys we can make it into a double date, plus it can be a great way to introduce Lucy to Capitol food!” 

“I am okay with that, I want to get to know Lucy Gray more!” said Persephone. Coriolanus looked at me in a questioning manner and I nodded. I have never been on a double date before. I can find out more about Coriolanus’s friends and if they know what kind of man he really is. I think to myself.

“Sure, let's go on a double date” Coriolanus agreed.

Chapter Text

Coriolanus Snow POV

“It’s right around here” Festus said, pointing at the tall building we were walking up too. 

“It’s very good! I was there last week with my family and we loved it, especially the food!” Persephone said excitedly while clinging to Festus. I hope they won’t serve humans since Price’s liked the food so much. I thought as we walked into the lobby.

“It’s on the very top floor” Persephone pushes the button of the 12th floor. Persephone kept talking to Lucy Gray asking her how her first week in the Capitol was going and just being friendly in general. I just hope they won’t become close friends because I don’t want a cannibal near anything of mine. 

“Welcome to restaurant Buonissimo, is it a party of four?” A lady with a giant smile greeds us. We nod and she grabs 4 menus “Follow me to your table!” the hostess says, leading us to a nice table next to the window wall. 

“Thank you” said Lucy Gray to the hostess as she was walking away. We all sat down, me next Lucy Gray not wanting her to separate from me even just across the table especially when she seemed to forgive me in a sense.

“Aaahhhh I don’t want to go back to University tomorrow” said Festus while taking a bite of the buttery bread we were brought. 

“I know Muffin Cake! Just when you finally get to relax they drag you back in” replied Persephone while looking at the menu. I heard a faint sneer coming from Lucy Gray who seemed to find the nickname funny. I had to agree that Muffin Cake sounds ridiculous. Good thing Persephone didn’t seem to notice that me and my girl judging her taste in nicknames.

“So is there a story behind the nickname Muffin Cake?” Asked Lucy Gray, smiling sweetly, hiding her judgement. 

“Oh not really I was just eating a Muffin and Cake one day and I thought how sweet they were just like Festus” Said Persephone happily. Good thing she wasn’t eating humans. I thought to myself.

“That’s sweet” I say half hearted thinking it’s just stupid. I could see Festus got a little uncomfortable so I changed the topic. “I heard your cousin was at the hospital another day, how is she? what happened?” I asked, faking my concern. 

“Oh she is great! She went there because she felt sick but then it turns out she is pregnant!” Said Persephone excitedly. Pregnant, it made me think of Lucy Gray getting pregnant someday, and having our kids and little Lucy Grays and mes run around the president’s mansion because by than in my dream I finally achieve my goal and I am president and Lucy Grays is my First Lady. Hm how many kids would I even want? The more the better.

“Babies are such a blessing but such a big responsibility!” Said Lucy Gray most likely actually concerned unlike me. 

“Yeah but it’s better here than in the districts. My cousin has many maids and she can always hire a nanny so it would be a lot easier than to actually take care of a baby all the time!” said Persephone. “I really hope it’s a girl so I can dress her up in cute outfits!” 

“Wow, it sounds just like having a toy….” Mumbled Lucy Gray so quietly that I barely heard and definitely not them. 

“Hm? Sorry I was too focused on the menu. Did you say anything?”Asked Persephone innocently 

“Oh I just said that sounds amazing!” Lucy Gray lied perfectly. She was too good of an actress. That’s one of the reasons why she is my girl. I thought as I smiled at Lucy Gray proudly.

“Hello everyone, my name is Ceres! I am your waitress today! Have you decided on your meal today” a waitress asked. We said our orders and she walked away. 

  “So Lucy Gray do you have any plans for what you are going to do in the Capitol? Like are you going to sing somewhere like Pluribus’s nightclub?” Asked Festus while eating his pasta.

“I did want to sing, is that where I can?” Asked Lucy Gray as she was eating her meal with manners of a Capitol citizen. Another proof that she isn’t district at all. I can bet that she doesn’t have any district in her at all, she is civilized.

“Yeah, I wanted to tell you a couple of days ago that Pluribus wanted you to sing in his club but I couldn’t seem to find the time for that” I say referring to her silent treatment that I also gave her a taste of. She understood what I meant immediately giving me a disapproving look.

“Oh, I wonder why you couldn’t find the right time.” She responded. She is mad now, great, I just have to distract her from it somehow.

“Anyway, He said he would love for you to sing there when you are free. When would you like to perform there?” I asked, sipping my drink.

“Well I would like to meet him first and than I will decide” said Lucy Gray.

“I think you will like him! He is a nice dude!” Said Festus.

“You think he is nice because he serves you alcohol!” Said Persephone, a little annoyed. 

“I am sorry baby! I don’t go out drinking often now!” Begged Festus.

“Which is hard to believe, with your history” I say laughing.

“Like you any better should I tell Lucy Gray the alleyway story!” Said Festus smirking. He was referring to a story of when I was so drunk kissed a girl I didn’t even know in an alleyway, earning me a reputation as a player in school for a while. 

“Don’t you dare because you will regret it.” I say sharply not wanting Lucy Gray to know that embarrassing fact about myself. 

“Oh I want to know!” Said Lucy Gray excitedly. I shake my head indicating that he better not.

“Sorry Lucy Gray your boyfriend is looking at me like he is about to kill me or something! I will tell you later when he isn’t around!” Laughed Festus. Oh I could kill him and Lucy Gray knows that too so I don’t think she will ask him about it again. 

After another hour of talking we paid for our meal and walked outside into the cold winter night. Me and Lucy wished the other couple good night who kept saying ‘We should do this again sometime’ and walked away. There were still many people outside, not wanting For Lucy Gray to separate from me in the crowd. I found her little delicate hand that reminded me of a bird’s and held onto it. She can't fly away from me no matter what, so it will be better for her to just accept me as how I am, already.

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray POV

I felt like I was sinking into an icy bottomless ocean where I could never return from. I was trying at first, trying to move my limbs like I did in the lake but gave up letting the coldness and darkness consume me. My dream finally ended when I felt a soft peck on my cheek and Coriolanus getting up from our bed, rustling around the room. That’s right, he is going back to university today. I think to myself as I try to go back to sleep to avoid talking to him for a little longer. 

One thing I learned from yesterday is that I shouldn’t mess around with Coriolanus’s secrets. I saw the stare that Coriolanus gave to Festus, it was the same one he had when he shot Mayfair. He is not afraid to kill even his friend. Friend, kill his friend. Something in those two words clicked in me. Sejanus. The third death that Coriolanus ‘supposedly’ didn’t do on purpose. I have a feeling it’s a lie and I stupidly believed it, blinded by my view of my lover as my savior and hero.

I cracked open my eyes just slightly so that he couldn’t notice I was awake and stared at Coriolanus putting on his heavy blood red coat. Am I right about him killing Sejanus on purpose? Then he is living and using the parents of the friend he killed. That seems too cruel. No, I must be overthinking everything because of our fight a couple of days ago. Suddenly Coriolanus turned around and caught me staring.

“You are awake? It’s really early so I think you should go back to bed.” He said coming over to me, smiling softly. 

“I will” I say as he kneels down and hugs me. I hug back. For some reason I was afraid he will look at me like he looked at Festus. I can’t have him even imagine living without me. 

“I will be back by 6 or 7pm so don’t start dinner without me” He said pulling away. I held onto him like my life support.

“I won’t,….Please…” I say confused on what I wanted to say and then bladder out “don’t over work yourself” I smile as sweetly as I possibly can. It seems to work on Coriolanus because he is momentarily stunned and then kisses me, pulling away in the biggest smile I think I ever seen him have. 

“I won’t. I love you” He says.

“I love you too” I respond and he gives me one last kiss and leaves.

It’s true that I love him, but my trust is cracking. I tried to go to sleep but in the end couldn’t and didn’t really want to because I was afraid I would have the same drowning dream again. I stood up putting on a new robe I got and walked out the room. The apartment was quiet with only sounds of breathing from the avoxs and cars outside honking at each other. The entire apartment was covered in soft light from the sunrise. 

I sat down on a couch and turned on the TV I haven’t used myself yet, I saw Grandma’am use it everyday to play the anthem of Panem but I didn’t took interest in it myself because I had Tigress and Coriolanus to talk to but now both of them are gone to work/study so now it’s just me, a sleeping grumpy granny and a couple tongueless servants.

The tv had many different channels for all tastes. I was clicking and clicking until something caught my attention. On screen a certain club was getting promoted, Pluribus the one that offered for me to sing there. Now that I know how it looks, I can remember passing by it in the car. It was quite close that I could just walk. I should go today since I have the time. I think to myself as the chef hands me my breakfast. 

The tv kept playing showing the inside of the club and how lively it was, the band was playing energetic music. It made me think about the Covey. How are they without me? I should send them a letter telling them about my life here so they wouldn’t worry, also I need to figure out how to send them money since they were forbidden to perform for right now at least and I am afraid they wouldn’t make it with the money from the goat alone. But how do I send a letter to the districts?The Plinths, they are district! I am sure they send letters to two somehow.

I get dressed in a proper outfit and make myself look presentable. I did talk to Ma before but I wasn’t formally introduced to Mr Plinth so I would like to make a good impression since I am living on his money now. I walk down one case of stairs and end up right in front of a luxurious wooden door with a golden letters The Plinths. I take a deep breath, smile and ring the door. An avox opens the door and looks at me in confusion.

“My name is Lucy Gray and I would like to see Mrs Plinth.” I say politely. Avox nodded and opened the door wider for me to walk in. 

“Oh dear, hello, hello! What brings you here?” Ma walks out of the kitchen wiping her hands on the apron, smiling so brightly, it makes me question if Coriolanus could use a person as kind as Ma after killing her son. I must be wrong…right?

“I just felt like being in your company if that’s okay?” I asked.

“Yes, of course you can! It must be lonely being on your own in that apartment since Coryo and Tigress are out. I know how that feels. My husband is also out a lot working, like right now and since I have no friends I stay at home most of the time.” She blabbers on as she puts many sweets on the dining table gesturing for me to sit down. Her sweets are delicious. We talked about many different things before I managed to ask what I wanted.

“So I have a family back in Twelve and I wanted to send them a letter, do you know how I can do that?” I asked, sipping some tropical tea. 

“Oh yes, for that well you just write a letter then you take it to the special post office specifically for the Districts, then you pay extra since it’s not for the Capitol’s diplomats stationed there and boom you did it!” Ma explains. Then she stands up, opens a drawer and pulls out paper and a very pretty flowery envelope. 

“Here you go! I will be in the kitchen so I won’t intrude while you write” Ma says as she leaves. I stare at the page thinking of what to write and decide to not worry them.

For my beloved Covey

I have been living in the Capitol for the last week and it’s going pretty well. I went to a presidential party where I was allowed to sing which I was very grateful to do! I tried many different foods I never tried before and went shopping with Coriolanus. I bought many different outfits and then met some of Coriolanus’s friends. They were very nice to me so don’t worry and in general people were very welcoming in total unlike my expectations. How have you been doing? I am sending you many of my kisses and love!

From LG

I didn’t know what to write so it ended up written like a kindergartener wrote it. I wasn’t sure if they checked the letters that were being sent to the districts so I kept it brief, only saying the best about the Capitol. I really hope they understand why I kept it so brief and won’t write anything that would criticize the Capitol. I don’t want them getting in trouble. 

I stuffed the letter in the neat envelope and asked Ma for directions to the post office. She gave them as well with the money I needed to give them and asked me to be careful because she didn’t exactly know how to send letters since she usually asked her husband to send them. I hugged her and walked out. 

The streets were pretty empty since it was Monday noon and everyone was at work and only Housewives/ Househusbands with little children that weren’t in daycare were out. This time I was actually recognized by many since I was wearing a bright outfit and wasn’t in a crowd full of people. 

“Oh my family just loved hearing you sing during the games! You sing like a bird! Can we take a picture with you!” One lady with a baby girl asked. I really wanted to go but I smiled and agreed to take a picture with multiple people before I finally managed to make an excuse and slip away. I am lucky there weren’t many people out because then it would be hard to slip away. 

I finally walked up to a building with a big sign, The International Post Office. I thought it was ironic since there are no countries except Panem but I guess they see districts as something foreign. I pushed a button and after a couple of seconds a stained glass window opened up revealing a peacekeeper inside.

“Tell me your name and reason for visiting” he said, typing something in a boxy computer.

“My name is Lucy Gray Baird and I wanted to send a letter to someone in district 12.” I say 

“Lucy Gray Baird, do you have documents to show your identity?” Peacekeeper asked, typing out my name in a computer. Well oh shot, what did I even expect, I am so stupid. Maybe I can just try?

“No, but I am in the middle of getting them and I was wondering if you can check it if it’s on records.” I asked using my charm. The Peacekeeper finally glanced at me and then laughed. 

“Oh I know who you are! You are that songbird! I am not sure pets can even write!” He said laughing at his dumb joke. Oh how much I wanted to strangle him. I guess some people see me as just a pretty pet? Before I could respond he closed the window in my face with a slam. 

“Some people are just so rude.” A voice behind me suddenly spoke. I turn around in surprise and see a man in a bright yellow suit and long white wig smiling at me. “May I try?” The man asked, putting out his hand for the letter I was holding. I hesitated but gave him anyway. What harm can be done if I can’t send letters at all. 

The man rings the doorbell and the same peacekeeper opens it with a slam.

“Birdy go away-!” He yelled before he realized someone else was in front of him. The man pulled out some kind of card and showed it to him.

“May I send this letter?” Man in a wig asked. The peacekeeper nodded and grabbed the letter.

“It will be delivered, sorry I yelled at you by accident” Peacekeeper apologized to the man. The man just shook his head and pointed at me behind him.

“You should be apologizing to that young lady right there! She is a Capitol citizen by presidential order and a victor of the 10th annual hunger games. If you disrespect her, you disrespect the president's wishes!” The wigged man said. The peacekeeper looked at me and then back at the man.

“I am so sorry for disrespecting you Ms Baird but it is still true I couldn’t send your letter without your paperwork so I wasn’t wrong” the peacekeeper apologized unwillingly and closed the window. 

“Sadly only with time and probably power with money will make people here respect you properly.”  The man said, reaching out his hand “My name is Pluribus Bell! You probably don’t remember but I was the one who lended you guitar during hunger games!” I remember the guitar and also how he gave me milk while I was in the cage and sent guitar strings to me in Twelve. I eagerly shake his hand smiling.

“Of course I remember and I also remember other kind things you did for me! May I formally introduce myself, my name is Lucy Gray Baird! I am very happy to finally meet you!” I say excitedly. 

“I am sure I am more happy than you!” He says after we both stop shaking hands “You know, you have such a talent for singing I really hoped you would sing in my club if you want of course I am not forcing you into anything, I just thought it would be fun for you to sing in front of the crowd.” He said as we started walking in the direction of the snow’s penthouse.

“I would love to do that!” I practically yelled, I cleared my throat and spoke again “Coriolanus actually told me yesterday that you would like for me to sing in your club and I wanted to check it out actually when you have free time!” 

“If you want you can visit right now it’s right across the street from snow’s penthouse.” He said, I nodded to his suggestion and we turned the corner where I could see the big golden sign of the club. We walked through the back door so the customers wouldn’t think the club was yet open. We were greeted by a couple of avox’s maids who were cleaning up and a white cat who Pluribus introduced as Boa. The cat was very affectionate. 

The place was giant compared to the Hob. It had big ceilings and a second floor where there were balconies for special guests. The club had a long wooden bar with bottles of many different alcohols that I didn’t even hear about. The stage was giant and had many instruments for the band. In general it looked so much more impressive than it was on tv and definitely better than the Hob. Pluribus showed me the changing rooms and gave me one with a golden star because he said ‘You are the star of the show’. The changing room had new couches, a mirror and a table for me to do my makeup and hair before a show and anything I needed.

“Pluribus, this club is so impressive!” I say at the bar with Boa on my lap as Pluribus brings out a plate of cookies and tea.

“I am glad you like it, during the dark days I sadly had to use it as a black market, but now it’s less needed so I returned to its original use!” He said and looked at Boa cuddling me. “You know she also loves Coriolanus! Every time he visits she can’t stop following him around!” Pluribus said.

“That’s sweet” I say as I pick up Boa in my arms, rocking her like a baby. “I only had one pet in my life and it was a goat named Shamus.” 

“You should get one, it’s very nice to have a companion” Pluribus suggested.

“I am not sure I want to imprison an animal, I don’t know I like when animals are free and can do whatever they like” I say. Pluribus shrugged, not really seeing it that way. We talked for a little longer deciding that I should make my grand debut on Friday night so I have time to properly prepare. 

“Here, keep it” Pluribus said, giving me the guitar I played on during my interview. 

“Oh you don’t have to, I have the money to buy one now and I will feel bad if I take it while you can use it” I say.

“No, I insist, It’s a gift from me. It would be an honor to see you play it” He said, giving me the guitar. I reluctantly took it, thanking him a lot. He walks me to the apartment building and we wish our goodbyes. When I walked into the penthouse I saw Coriolanus walking back and forth.

“Coriolanus, you are home!” I say, taking off my shoes. He turned around with a worried expression.

“Where have you been?!” He practically yelled holding me by my shoulders. “You didn’t contact me or tell me beforehand that you will go somewhere! What if something happened to you and I wouldn’t know! What if someone took you?!“ he continued yelling.

“I am sorry, I just went to mail a letter to covey, I asked Ma beforehand. Then I met Pluribus, the one you were talking about and talked with him over tea!” I say trying to act calm but being afraid of Coriolanus. “I am sorry I didn’t think you would care if I walked a couple of blocks to the mailing center” 

“Of course I would care what happens to my girlfriend! I want to keep you safe, you are famous and that can come with downsides so I need you to always go with at least one peacekeeper or with someone I trust!” he said, calming down a bit and letting go of my shoulders. He pinched his nose, sighing. “Let’s go eat” he said, leading me to the dining room. We ate in silence with only Tightness talking about her day trying to make the mood better. In our room I decided to tune my new guitar while Coriolanus was busy reading some documents. After I finished tuning I felt guilty about worrying Coriolanus and also most likely being wrong about Sejanus and that he killed him on purpose. 

“Do you want me to sing a lullaby as an apology?” I say not looking at him. I heard a faint yes and decided that my first song on my guitar will be a meadow lullaby I always sang to Maude Ivory.

Deep in the meadow, under the willow

A bed of grass, a soft green pillow

Lay down your head, and close your sleepy eyes

And when again they open, the sun will rise.

Here it's safe, here it's warm

Here the daisies guard you from every harm

Here your dreams are sweet, and tomorrow brings them true

Here is the place where I love you.

Deep in the meadow, hidden far away

A cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray

Forget your woes, and let your troubles lay

And when again it's morning, they'll wash away.

Here it's safe, here it's warm

Here the daisies guard you from every harm

Here your dreams are sweet, and tomorrow brings them true

Here is the place where I love you.

I finish the song and put down my guitar carefully in its stand with Coriolanus clapping. I bow down slightly and before I could raise my head fully from my half bow he grabs me by my waist and pulls me close to him, kissing me brutally. Sliding my pajamas down. We didn’t sleep that night being entangled with each other but through the night I had one thought bugging me. Did I do the right choice in the woods?

Chapter Text

Coriolanus Snow POV

 3 months time skip

The sun was hitting my face while I was walking up the steps of the University. The spring is almost over with the last flowers on trees falling off turning into green leaves. Spring is coming to an end and the Hunger Games are coming closer. As an intern gamemaker I spent extra hours with Dr Gaul and other gamemakers planning out the games to make them more entertaining. 

“Dr Gaul, I brought you the report you asked” I say as I walk in her classroom. 

“Oh good my dear, give it to me and run to your studies!” She says, reaching out her hand. I handed her the report and turned around to leave but I was stopped in my tracks. “I heard your songbird is becoming a real star, every time she sings it’s like a magnet for people. They come from every part of our city just trying to get even a glimpse of her in that club she sings in”  Dr Gaul says with her ugly grin.

“Well she is my songbird so of course she is the best out of all” I respond turning around to look at Dr Gaul “Why are you bringing her up?” I asked, a little concerned. 

“Well I had an idea, people spend so much of their savings for just a glimpse of your girl imagine how much money they will pay to have her for the night” She said. 

“NO” I yelled and then tried to return calmness to my voice but the absolute rage was slipping out “Lucy Gray is mine and mine alone, there is no price tag on her because she already belongs to me” 

“HehEHehE” Laughed Dr Gaul “Well of course I knew you wouldn’t allow that to happen to your girl but think about the victors after her. What if we make the victors not just a separate class of people to make people in the districts envy them but what if we make them into celebrities, celebrities that you can buy” She says and it makes me think, as much as it’s on a wrong side of the line thing to do like Lucy Gray would put it, it does sound extremely profitable for the Capitol. 

“You do make a good point Dr Gaul, of course none of the victors can get to the level of fame Lucy Gray had but they will become celebrities by winning the games and making them seem desirable will be pretty easy. If you want, I can explore the way we can do that” I say but Dr Gaul shook her head.

“Let’s wait and see how well the next victor will be perceived and then we can decide whether or not to sell them, now go Mr Snow you need to get educated if you want to rise to power” She said waving her hand as a jester for me to leave. I walked out into the busy hallways and walked in the direction of my next class. Once I was there I looked around and found Clemensia who was waiting for me.

“What took you so long, the classs is about to start” Clemensia said once I sat down. Most of her side effects from the snakebite were gone just her eyes resembled that of a snake and her speech sometimes sounds like a snake hissing. I don’t comment on her speech since it didn’t bother me plus I hear a great voice everyday from Lucy Gray so it makes up for the other disgusting sounds I hear.  

“I had to talk with Dr Gaul” I whisper to Clemensia and her face immediately turns to disgust. She hates Dr Gaul for obvious reasons honestly who wouldn’t but I have to at least tolerate her for her usefulness to me. The class started and the professor started blabbering on about history. I payed attention like a good student riding down notes and asking questions. Everything was going great until a certain blonde bitch didn’t speak.

“So professor you are saying there is only 2 groups of people, Capitol the civilized people and Districts well, the uncivilized animals. What about the Covey? Is Snow’s slut just District under a different name?” Livia asked while giving me an evil smirk.

“Well I haven't really been researching the Covey much but if you want I can look into it-“ Professor said flipping through his notebook and I interrupted.

“May I add something, it’s quite obvious that Covey are Capitol. Lucy Gray is a great example of this, she has morals, manners, integrity and everything a Capitol has. Calling her a district is like saying we are like them. So Livia, are you calling us uncivilized animals?” I say, smirking at Livia who is now fuming mad. 

“You do make a great point Mr Snow, let’s get back to our topic if you want to discuss Covey please do it outside of class” Professor said going back to his lecture. Through the entire lecture I could feel the glare Livia was giving me. Does she have anything better to do? After a couple more classes I met up with Festus for lunch.

“What did you say to Livia? During my second period all I heard from her was curses on Lucy’s and your name!” Said Festus while putting food on his plate. 

“I just put her in her place” I say not wanting to bring up anything to do with Livia.

“And that means what exactly?” Asked Festus and before I could react Clemensia chimes in.

“She inssssulted Lucy Gray by calling her a district and Coryo ssssaid that she isn’t listed reasons why she is Capitol and told her if sssshe is calling her District she is saying we all are like them, basically humiliating her” Clemensia said taking a bite of an apple. 

“Honesty good for her, she needed someone to knock her back to reality” Festus said while walking to a table where Felix Ravinstill was sitting with yet another girl who is trying her best to get with him because of his uncle, President Ravinstill. Pathetic honesty. I think to myself as I slowly eat my meal. She clang to him acting cute before she noticed me and smiled weirdly 

“Hello, I am Claudia!” said the girl looking straight at me like she wasn’t just clinging to Felix “What is your name?” 

“Coriolanus Snow” I say politely, girls do come up to me often but I reject them smoothly but harmlessly for if I ever need to use them. 

“You are the one who won the 10th Hunger Games right?” Claudia asked, biting her lip. 

“Yes, with my girlfriend, Lucy Gray” I respond swiftly, rejecting any further advances. She made a weird face that I guess she was thinking cute and started pounding like a baby. We all looked at her in disbelief. She realized everyone was staring at her so she buried her face in Felix's arm hiding. He has the weirdest taste in women. I thought to myself and got up from the chair.

“I lost my appetite” I say which I did after seeing that whole thing play out.

“Wait, Coryo, I wanted to ask you if you had any plans this weekend?” Felix asked stopping me in my tracks of escaping this madness.

“Why you ask?” I responded.

“Well, I was just thinking of bringing a couple of friends with me to my father’s birthday celebration tomorrow and if you want you can bring a date” Felix said grinning and then turned around to Clemensia and Festus and invited them too. There might be important people coming to that party and I am always happy to get more connections and if Lucy Gray is allowed to come she can help me. She is a master of socializing. Plus I just like showing her off.

“Okay Felix, I will try to come” I say, Felix give me a thumbs up and I walk away only hearing an annoying voice of Claudia who asked to come too but was swiftly declined. I guess Felix does realize that she will definitely embarrass him there. I have a couple of more classes before I left to go to the Gamemakers meeting.

“Good afternoon Mr Snow” a couple of gamemakers greeted me and I greeted them back, sitting down in my chair. 

“My dear friends, The Hunger Games are a month away! We are going to be working extra hours from now on, to the Hunger Games!” Dr Gaul said walking into the meeting room with a weird mutation on her arms. “We need to check the arena, check the mutts we are going to send, make sure that this time the drones work properly, finish building the barracks where tributes will be stored, make sure the trains don’t have pests that could kill them before they are in the arena.” Dr Gaul said, reading a list.

The Gamemakers nodded along writing down what she said. I did the same. I wonder if I am going to have time to go to that party tomorrow? I am going to talk to Dr Gaul about it. Maybe she will allow it this one time. Dr Gaul stated assigning tasks for the Gamemakers to look over and when she got to me she smirked.

“And you Mr Snow, you will be working with me in my lab with mutts” She said with a humourless giggle after almost everyone was gone. Just like I expected honesty, it’s okay. I go to her lab almost every single day and even did some experiments on Avoxes to check my theories about humanity and how to govern them. So far Dr Gaul is mostly correct about humans. We are vicious  animals without the government. 

“Okay Dr Gaul, but I wanted to ask you permission to get a free day tomorrow, I was invited to Mr Ravinstill birthday party and I was thinking it was a great opportunity to get more connections for myself.” I say. 

“Hmmm Mr Ravinstill…the brother of the president, oh I remember, I was invited also but saw no point in going there when I could spend time with my children in the lab” She said giggling probably thinking of the tortures she did, picking up her mutt into her arms. Is she going to say no? Well what did I expect? “But! Since you are just rising in influence, I will allow you to go but you better work extra hours the next day” 

  “Thank you for your generosity Dr Gaul, don’t worry I will make up the hours” I said. Generosity my ass, she is the farthest thing from generous! I think to myself. She looks at me with coldness and calculating in her eyes as if she is trying to figure out how much time this party will waste.

“You better make them up, now go to your little songbird, before she is done performing for today because you probably won’t see it for a while” said Dr Gaul shooing me away. I take that order before she changes her mind and leave the building. I practically jump in the black car that was waiting for me and tell the driver to first stop at the mail and then speed to Pluribus’s club. Driver nodded and started basically flying through the night streets of the Capitol. 

We stopped in front of the international mailing center and I walk out ringing the doorbell of the office. A peacekeeper opened a tinted window and before he could ask any questions I pulled out my id and he immediately turned around and grabbed a letter under the name Lucy Gray. Lucy Gray and Covey had been exchanging letters so I took the responsibility of sending them and picking them up when they arrived. I said to Lucy Gray that I did that for her sake and that I didn’t want her stressing trying to deal with the peacekeepers again like the first time she tried to send. It was part of the reason why I send and pick up the letters but the main reason why is that I need to read them. I didn’t like the feeling of not knowing what Lucy Gray talked with Covey without me. I sat down in the car and carefully opened the letter so that I could quickly close it like it wasn’t ever opened. 

Dear LG

The times got better with spring’s arrival. We finally can properly feed Shamus with all the plants that have been growing in the meadow. With the money you were sending we bought a new boy goat that we named Snowy to hopefully make Shamus pregnant. We have been mostly keeping the money hidden and secret from the rest of District 12. We didn’t want them asking questions plus they don’t know that you are even alive and living in the Capitol. We felt like it would be better for your reputation here if they didn’t know since they think that anyone who lives in the Capitol are traitors. Anyway, less about the negative things, near the meadow workers have started building very luxurious houses. One of the peacekeepers who is a big fan of ours told us that they are building ‘The Victors Village’ . Do you know anything about it? We hope you are living your best life and will come to visit us soon!

With Love from Covey 

I read the letter mulling over the information. I guess soon District 12 will see Lucy Gray as a traitor. Honestly it’s a good thing, the more they hate her the more she wouldn’t want to go back to that trashy place. One thing I don’t like about this letter is that they named a goat after my great last name, such a disgusting way to use my last name but I guess they tried to use it in a flattering way. Still I didn’t like it. 

I put back the letter in its envelope and sealed it like it wasn’t ever opened. The car pulled up to the club and I walked out without a second glance to the driver. The crowd was massive with a line wrapping around the building. I didn’t bother standing in it just and just walked up to the bodyguard who looked at me and let me in without a second glance. Pluribus gave me a VIP pass and always reserved me a table with a perfect view of my girl on stage. I squeezed my way through the crowd to the stairs for the second floor that is only for VIP guests . I sit down at my usual table and watch Lucy Gray perform. 

She is perfect. She is dancing around the stage with her guitar playing all kinds of songs and smiling ear to ear as the audience sings along with her. Lucy Gray has an effect on even the most reserved Capitol citizens can’t help but dance and sing to her songs. She really brought the fun back to the Capitol. In the moment Lucy Gray finally noticed me and blew me a kiss. I pretend to catch it with my hand and than kiss my hand where I supposedly caught it. She giggled and continued sighing. I pulled out my homework and started doing it while listening to my girl’s angelic voice. 

l come to almost every single one of her performances. To remind everyone here including her, to who she belonged to. The only time I have to skip is when I have my Gamemakers duties and I get stuck with Dr Gaul in her disgusting lab. I probably will have to skip more often since the Hunger Games are coming up. I think to myself and already dread it. Plus Lucy Gray won’t approve of  me skipping her performance for such ‘immoral’ reasons like she would put it. I sigh as I finish up the last of my assignments as Lucy Gray also finished up with her last song for the night. She took a bow with the audience cheers. The band continued playing music while Lucy Gray tried to get to me through the buzzing crowd that kept stopping her and trying to talk to her but she eventually got to the stairs and escaped to the VIP zone. She ran up to me hugging me.

“How was your day today?” She asked after sadly letting go and sitting down on the chair next to me. 

“So much better after seeing you” I say putting my hand on her cheek and rubbing it. With my other hand I pulled out the letter from Covey and gave it to her. Her face immediately lit up and she practically ripped the letter out of my hands and opened it, reading it happily. I studied her face as she read through it to find out her feelings. She giggled at the goat with my name part and then her face darkened a bit with a traitor part and then got a curious look with the Victors Village part.

“So you guys are giving victors a better life and compensation for their suffering in the games just like you said” Lucy Gray said looking up from her letter. 

“What did they say?” I asked, playing dumb.

“They mentioned that they are building a ‘Victor’s Village’ near the meadow” she says, folding the letter and putting it back in the envelope.

“Yes, I thought it would be nice to give victors a better life for all that they endured in the games” I say trying to make this seem moral and not just another way of dividing the districts. I sipped a drink.

“Would I get a house?” Asked Lucy Gray and I start choking on my drink. 

“Why? You live here. Why do you need a house in the districts?” I asked still choking and a little angry. Is she trying to escape from me?

“Oh it isn’t for me but for the Covey, if I get that house, I can allow Covey to live there instead of the old half molding house. Plus if I ever visit them I could stay there” she suggested.

“Since you aren’t a citizen of District 12 no more I am not sure they will provide you a house but if you want I can try to make sure one of those houses will belong to Covey” I say relieved. “By the way, We were invited to a party tomorrow night for very important people” I mentioned.

“Another party? We go to like 10 every mouth and they always make me sing even when I don’t want to” said Lucy Gray, annoyed while grabbing my drink and taking a sip. 

“I know, I am also not a big fan of them but I need to go and make as many connections as possible for my career as a politician later and I need the love of my life by my side through it” I say putting my hand on hers. She sighed and nodded. 

“Fine, let’s go to yet another ’party’ ” she said and I smiled, kissing her. 

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Baird POV

“Another party?” asked Tigress as she was doing my hair.

“I know we went to like 3 this month alone. I get why but sometimes I think he is overdoing it” I say as I take out a red lipstick out of my make up bag and apply it.

“Done” Tigress says as she adds a golden rose accessory into my hair. I gaze at my beautifully done hair and smile.

“Thank you Tigress, you always make everything look so much better.” I say standing up and hugging her. 

“Aw don’t flatter me” she says, hugging me back. “Anyway let’s get you in your dress and I will let you go to suffer with the most stuck up people in all of Panem” She said, letting go of me and grabbing the dress she made. It was a crimson red dress with golden roses in prints on the bottom. 

“It’s beautiful like every other piece you created! No wonder you managed to open your own boutique in the cente!” I say picking up the gown and with help from Tigress get inside. I walk out to Coriolanus who is wearing a matching crimson red suit with golden rose on his chest. He always insists on us matching. He says it's just a cute way to show off our love but I have a feeling he has another reason for doing this.  A specific word he likes to call me My love, My girl, My girlfriend, My one and only. Mine, Mine, Mine. He always tries to claim me as his.

“You look breathtaking, my love” Coriolanus said, kissing my neck. 

“I know” I say giggling and grab on to his arm. “Let’s go?” I asked and Coriolanus nodded. We say bye to Tigress and tired sickly Grandma’am and go on our way. When we get to the party it’s held in a giant marble venue. Me and Coryo walk in the venue in perfect unison. People look at us and greet us and yap, yap, yap and I politely smile with a couple of nods and then I respond with something fitting. I make a joke and people laugh like they haven’t heard something funny ever in their lives. Over and over again after living in the Capitol for 3 months I figured out that I will have to do A LOT of pretending. I am an actress so I know how to act properly but sometimes it gets tiring to keep pretending to care about how someone’s dog didn’t go to the groomers on time. I DON'T CARE! I scream in my head.

“Wow! That was boring!” Clemensia said after the dog lady moved on to torture someone else with her talking. Clemensia is one of Coriolanus’s friends and is probably the most tolerable person in this party.

“Tell me about it” I say, smirking with her. Unlike Coriolanus's other friends who seem to treat me with outmost care like they are afraid to break me like a glass, Clemensia isn’t afraid to joke around with me. 

“I sssee you are twinning with Coriolanus again. Are you two playing ’try to find the difference between two pictures‘ game?” Clemensia said, looking at Coriolanus a few feet away and then sitting down at one of the tables in a corner. I laughed at her joke and joined her at the table. We talked for half an hour about some interesting gossip she heard. 

“Yeah like I heard Dean Highbottom didn’t just die from drug overdoses but he was actually poisoned!” Clemy whispered to me. At first I didn’t take gossip really serious just a funny conversation but this perked my ears. Dean Highbottom did help me by giving me money and apologized for the hunger games to me so I always had a soft spot for him and when I heard from Tigress that he died in October from drug overdose I was a upset because I couldn’t thank him for the money and for saving me from punishment for my cheating in the games.

“Where did you hear it from?” I asked, trying not to look too invested.

“Ssssso I was at the hospital for my check up for the sssickness side effect around the time he died and I was in the part of the hospital where all the shady stuff is happening for Dr Gaul and one of the doctors was walking by talking to her coworker about the dose of rat poison in Casca’s body” She said casually and put a grape in her mouth eating it. Rat poison. My weapon in the arena and a weapon that Coriolanus recommended to me.  I glanced at Coriolanus who was talking to Mr Ravinstill with Felix and thought, " Did his kill count rise? 

“Are you sure you heard them right?” I ask hoping she just misheard.

“Oh yea, my hearing has been extra good since the well my sickness plus the door was wide open, ssssuch idiots” She said while chewing the grape and then reaching for another. Before I could ask for more details an annoying voice spoke.

“Oh look it’s a not so district slut and half snake, seriously who thinks looking like a snake is attractive?” Livia said coming over to us with her stupid smirk. Since the first moment she met me Livia absolutely despised me with every fiber of her being while I don’t pay much attention to her. 

“Oh look here come Misssss no friends and no brains” said Clemensia who seemed to already be over her. 

“Ha funny, well it’s better having no friends than be friends with a district slut” She said harshly while glaring at me. “Look at you trying to copy your master like usual” 

“Well actually I wear what I want and he just insists on matching with me” I say smiling at her. 

“Keep telling yourself that but you should know he won’t marry you anyway right?” Livia said with a malicious smile. “You are just his ‘girlfriend’ and that’s hardly anything even close to official” 

“What are you even talking about Cardew?” I asked with rage building inside me. Sure, Coriolanus is murder and it’s good for me to try to escape him if I ever get the opportunity but for some reason I don’t want him being with someone else, he can’t love someone else. I thought and then the next’s second realised how insane I sounded, I shook my head a little trying to get that thought out of my mind.

“If you are so stupid let me explain. We the upper class of the Capitol only marry someone of the same status, so that our blood can stay pure from well the lesser kind of human-” Livia blabbered on as her ugly smirk started growing. I glanced at Clemensia who seemed to block out Livia’s lecture by twirling a bright cocktail in her hand. Okay so she won’t stop her. Next I looked at Coriolanus who seemed deep in a conversation with some politicians. I signed letting Livia continue her lecture about the purity of her blood. I wanted to shut her up but she was talking so much that I couldn’t even get a word in.

“And anyway even if the rumours are true that you are capitol by blood because of your ‘manner’ Coriolanus only finds you intriguing because you are fun. He will leave you once he finds someone who is rich, pure blooded and in general more elegant.” Livia said finishing up her lecture, I wanted to object to her stupid claims and bring her back to reality but Clemensia stopped me with a knowing glance. 

“Wow Livia, that whole lecture really ssssounded like just one big advertisement of you! Although I would argue it was falsssssee advertising because you are the farthest thing from elegant or pure.” Clemensia said, standing up from her chair and looking Livia straight in the eyes. “Are you perhapsss thinking that you would be better partner for Coriolanus?” 

Something inside me broke and my feelings towards Livia Cardew changed from annoyance to full blown hatred. I don’t hate many people, at most I dislike them but her, I don’t know why, I hate her! This feeling just got stronger when Livia’s face turned red. I wanted to rip her pretty golden hair out off her scalp but I knew I couldn’t because of my shakey position. If I hurt her in any way I would be called an uncivilized district who just by chance was mistaken for a Capitol because of her charms. Livia knows that's why she isn’t afraid to speak to me with disrespect, she wants me to ‘show my true colours as a district animal’. 

I hated her for that but I also had some other feeling that I don’t know what it is,wait no, I do know this feeling, Jealousy. Oh how much I didn’t miss this feeling. My mind went to Mayfair and Billy Tope and their betrayal but I was quickly taken out of my mind when I noticed from the corner of my eye Clemensia taking a hold of her bright cocktail. 

“You do ha! Ssssadly unlike me, Lucy Gray can’t do what I think you deserve.” Clemensia said smiling innocently, Livia’s expression showed pure confusion and before she could react a bright yellow cocktail was splashed on her head. “I am sssso sssorry, I think my hands are still ssshaky since my sickness”

Livia stood like a statue, not moving. Like she was processing what just happened to her. She stood there for so long that I started thinking she just wouldn’t react at all but I was proven very wrong because the next second the ground shook with the loudest scream I ever heard in my entire existence. She got everyone’s attention. 

Everyone was looking in our direction in total disbelief including Coriolanus. Then one of the men who Coriolanus was talking to suddenly ran up to Livia in total horror screaming ‘My daughter! Oh my poor daughter, what happened?!’  The whole party became very loud with everyone trying to figure out what happened between the three of us. Livia was sobbing on the ground as her father was wiping her dress from the cocktail, Clemensia was standing over her still with a cup in her hand looking victorious and I, well I don’t know how I looked like, at that moment I just wanted to disappear from everyone’s view. I couldn’t figure out what kinds of looks people gave me. Is it hatred, confusion, sympathy what those looks are! My head started spinning. 

“Lucy Gray what happened?!” Coriolanus asked urgently, holding me by my shoulders. I couldn’t tell him. It felt like someone shoved a boulder down my throat. I shook my head refusing to talk and felt like my eyes watered.

“Can we leave now, please?” I begged, grabbing his hands. Pleading with every fiber of my being. Coriolanus stared at me, trying to figure out what my reaction meant. Then he slowly nodded, lifting my arm over his shoulder for support while I wobbled through the crowd.

I felt dizzy from Dean Highbottom’s rat poison levels in his blood and how a man I am in love with might have killed not just 3 but 4 people now. The dizziness also increased with Livia’s whole lecture of how I will never be worthy enough to marry Coriolanus and her indirect confession of feelings for my Coriolanus and my reputation that I carefully built being tainted by the cocktail incident that Livia could easily spin against me and say that I am one of the attackers. But the thing that bothered me the most was pure jealousy. 

I hate this feeling, I hate Livia, I hate how Coriolanus might be continuing to kill, I hate how powerless I feel, how I couldn’t stand up to Livia myself because if I did I would be accused of being a district animal. I am powerless to leave the Capitol, I am powerless to stop Coriolanus from killing,I am powerless to stop the hunger games,  I am sure that I would be powerless to stop Coriolanus from leaving me if he were to wish for that. I am truly pathetic. 

“My love, what happened back there? Is everything alright? What did Livia do!?” Coriolanus asked when we got home and I fell face first on our bed. 

“I just realized…just how pathetic and powerless I am” I mumbled. I wonder what kind of face Coriolanus is making right now. Is he disappointed in me? I felt him sit down next to me and slowly trace on my back gently. It was comforting. 

“You won’t be powerless for long, I promise you that. One day people will have no choice but to respect and even obey you” He whispered in my ear. 

Chapter Text

Coriolanus Snow POV

I was standing in a cold lab with mutt eels swimming around in a giant tank while eyeing me through the glass. They were 3 times bigger than their normal counterparts, created specifically to blend in the dirty water of this years arena the Capitol zoo and eat people alive. 

“What do you think of my children? I think they might be my deadliest yet!” Dr Gaul said as she walked up to the tank and teased the eels by tapping the glass. 

“Well we have to test how deadly they truly are ” I said and turned around to one of the workers. “Bring the test subjects” I asked and then thought for a moment and added “teenage ones with different levels of swimming abilities” the worker nodded and ran to the other room. 

“Coriolanus, Coriolanus you truly impress me. I never had a student who learned so quickly as you!” Dr Gaul said giggling “You are completely right, we should check the survival rate based on their ability to swim!” 

“Thank you Dr Gaul, I always try to be exceptional.” I say. She nodded in agreement and then her attention shifted to the five avoxes of different sizes getting brought into the lap. We observed the test subjects who were all trying to avoid eye contact.

“You should do the experiment this time, I want to observe how you will handle it” Dr Gaul said, stepping away from the tank. I guess I will have to prove myself in front of her again. I turned around to the five avox who were shivering in fear like animals. Since they are so afraid of this place maybe they will be more willing to get out of it anyway they can. I cleared my throat making my voice sound intimidating and powerful.

“You five have committed a great crime against our nation! Such as stealing food, disobeying a peace keeper, trading illegally, some of you even tried to run away from Panem! Leaving your nation without an extra helping hand especially at such hard times as reconstruction that we all have to do because of your kind! The point is that because of your crimes you become even less than a district, you became animals who are expendable, but because the Capitol is so merciful to the likes of you, we give you a way to redeem yourself by taking one test.” I say and feel their presence become less helpless and more hopeful of getting out of Dr Gaul’s hands.

“The task is simple, you need to swim across this body of water, once you complete it, you will be moved to a better job in the Capitol.” I say and the younger two avoxes  who have stayed here for not long nod aggressively wanting to get out of this hell. While the older avoxes look cautiously at the tank knowing that getting out of this place doesn’t come so easily or ever. The water is pretty dirty and dark so they have no idea what awaits them inside.

The reason why I am even giving them a reward of getting out of here was simple, Dr Gaul has kept them in horrendous conditions and if any of them survive and will be moved to a slightly better life, will they be grateful to us? It’s an interesting concept, if it’s proven right, then I can use it on the districts to keep them in line when I become president.

I lined up all five test subjects next to the tanks opening. The avox who stayed here longer were more cautious and suspicious of the dark water, trying to observe what could possibly be inside. While the others were excited to jump in and get out of this lab.  A lot of scientists stopped their work and decided to observe the experiment I was conducting. Dr Gaul was standing with a blank expression not showing a single emotion just casually observing me and the avoxes different reactions.

“You have to jump in 3, 2, and 1!” I say and the first ones to be in the water are the littlest ones. The older ones had to be practically pushed in but they got in the water a couple seconds later. Everything was fine for the first few seconds but then a piercing child’s scream was heard. I saw blood from the smallest one that jumped in first. She was gone. That’s when the panic set in the test subjects, they started pedaling as fast as each could. The eels got aggressive and started attacking them viciously. In the end only one survived, a 17 year old boy. I would guess he was probably from district 4 based on his swimming skills. He came out bloody but alive, keeping my side of the bargain. He was patched up enough so he could work and be sent to work somewhere else. He seemed very traumatised but happy to be alive. 

“Wow Mr Snow, that was a very insightful experiment! I loved it! It really shows the longer people are in constant danger, more cautious they get. When you said you will set them free I was a little upset but then I thought about and realized that it was a smart idea for later observations of how our survivor will react. Will he be grateful and try to work harder to not go back here or will he be filled with resentment and wouldn’t work. Perfect experiment!” Dr Gaul said, clapping happily. 

“I am glad you saw the many layers I have in my experiment that really will show human nature. Those mutts are perfect for the hunger games this year! It will bring extra excitement into the games for the audience” I say as I look at the eel mutts who were enjoying their meal.

“What is my next task Dr Gaul?” I asked, the hunger games are only 3 weeks away so I was working day and night making sure everything would go smoothly. I found my job to be pretty honorable even if it’s messy. I am doing necessary for the good of Panem. Although I wouldn’t mind working longer, I want to go home and hold Lucy Gray in my arms.

She hasn't been feeling well since that awful party and with annoying Livia who keeps trying to spread rumors that Lucy Gray is responsible for her humiliation during that party. People aren’t taking them too seriously because a lot of people testified that Lucy wasn’t aggressive at all and was just standing by but some people are still saying that it must be the district’s influence. I will have to shut down all the bad rumors about her. 

  Hunger Games are also coming up and her ptsd is becoming more and more difficult to deal with. She now often wakes up in the middle of the night screaming and crying so I have to hold her and comfort her telling her she is safe until she falls asleep in my arms. I do enjoy being her savior and comfort even if it takes away the precious sleep that I need for right now’s work load. StillI don‘t allow myself to complain because I know I will have to deal with a worse work load once I am president. Keeping my love together and juggling all the work Dr Gaul puts on me is a great practice.

“I think you overworked every other Gamemaker, those useless people should do some work as well so I will allow you to go early today, but only for today” Dr Gaul said while looking at the ceiling like there was some kind of invisible checklist on there. I nodded calmly while inside I was jumping from joy. 

“Then I will take my leave Dr Gaul, I will see you tomorrow” I say walking away slowly then as soon as I was out of her sight I practically ran out of the Citadel jumping in the car and speeding home. 

I walked through the door as quietly as possible, wanting to surprise Lucy Gray. I imagined her reaction she will flinch but then realized it’s me smile and kiss me. Then she will pull out a book of poems and read them to me while I lay my head down on her lap exhausted I will try to not critique the poems much because she likes them and that’s what mattered to me. 

My scenario didn’t happen and instead I was greeted by no one. I checked in our bedroom hoping she was there taking a nap or something. Nothing. Then I checked the kitchen. Nothing. Then the dining room. Nothing. Living Room? Nothing. Where is Lucy Gray?!

My mind started to race with possibilities of where Lucy Gray was and why? She promised me that she would inform me of her plans beforehand! That she would always go with a peacekeeper for protection that I could later interrogate for all the details of her outings without her knowing. I wished I actually installed the cameras like I wanted so she couldn’t disappear without me knowing. I walked around the apartment and checked everywhere again, there was nothing. Then I remembered Grandma’am. 

She started staying in the house all the time, barely stepping out of the apartment even when the elevator was fixed. Her memory became worse and she couldn’t do much of anything anymore including singing, finally eliminating the daily badly sung anthem. Even though she doesn’t talk with Lucy Gray much she should know when she left due to her constant occupying the apartment. I ran towards her bedroom and tried to knock but as soon as my hand touched the door it creeped open. Weird. 

“Grandma’am do you kno-“ I asked before I realised. She was also gone. Where is she? Where is everyone!? I ran to the roof where she could have been and she wasn’t there either. The Plinths! I ran downstairs to their apartment and found it empty. I grabbed my hair with my hands raffling it in rage and confusion. What happened to everyone!?

“Mmmhhhm” an avox maid came up to me trying to signal something to me. I do like how they are silent all the time but right now this is inconvenient. The avox with its fingers made a figure then that figure weirdly moved and fell? Then another finger figure came and jumped? I have no idea what this weird creature is trying to show me. Trying to get information out of the avox is useless! 

“It’s okay, calm down Coriolanus.” I say to myself trying to calm down because if I am panicking I can’t think straight and what kind of future president does that. I looked around the apartment and noticed a phone on the table. I can probably reach Tigress at her boutique. I dial the number and wait as long beeping sounds sound, losing hope I get ready to put the phone down but then a young man’s voice spoke.

“This is Tigress’s Boutique, how can I help you!” A voice said. Finally!

“Hello this is Coriolanus Snow, cousin of Tigress Snow the owner of the boutique, can you put her on the phone?” I asked, trying to sound calm. 

“Oh she left a little while ago. She said that it was an emergency and that she couldn’t contact you since you were in a lab or something like that so she told me to tell you if you called, to rush to the Capitol Hospital, I don’t know anything else” the boy on the other side of the phone said dully. I immediately ended the call and rushed to the hospital. 

“Coryo!” Ma yelled with teary eyes as I ran into the hospital. 

“What happened?! Did something happen to Lucy Gray or Grandma’ma?!” I shouted, practically shaking Ma. I felt a hand on my shoulder trying to calm me down. I turned my head to find a stoic Mr Plinth shaking his head. The Plinths exchanged worried looks.

“Floor 7, room 374” Said Mr Plinth. I took that information and speed walked through the hallways. The Plinths didn’t follow me, which I was glad about. I don't want their district faces to see me suffering if something did happen. Their kind has brought me enough suffering for a lifetime. When I finally noticed the room with 374 above it I stood in front of it for a couple of seconds preparing myself for the worst after hearing Tigress’s cries inside. 

Once I finally pushed open the door I saw Grandma’am laying on the hospital bed with tubes attached to her. Tigress was sitting right next to her crying hysterically while holding our grandmother’s hand. Lucy Gray was also here, standing in the corner looking saddened. I was glad to finally know where she was but seeing Grandma’am like this took away any relief I felt seeing Lucy Gray.

I came closer to Grandma’am checking if she was alive. She was still breathing but her eyes were closed.I wanted to ask Tigress what happened to Grandma’am but figured she wouldn’t know full details because she was at work and I don’t think she can talk through so many tears so I turned around to Lucy Gray who was looking straight at me as if trying to figure out my reaction. I am saddened but Grandma’am is very old so I knew that she wouldn’t live for much longer. I was prepared for her death.

“Lucy Gray did you see what happened?” I asked.

“Well I didn’t see but heard. I was in the living room writing a letter to the covey when I heard a big bang from Grandma’am’s room. I went to check and found her on the floor holding her heart.” Lucy Gray responded, rubbing her hands uncomfortably remembering the memory. That’s what the avox maid was trying to tell me! “I called the ambulance and then Tigress and you but you didn’t answer” 

“I am sorry, I was…well working so I didn’t even know anyone was trying to reach me!” I said trying to avoid the topic of gamemaker internship but I knew she understood. 

“Anyway it doesn’t matter right now, go spend some time with your Grandmother because… well the doctor said she doesn’t have much time left” Lucy Gray said, pushing me slightly towards the hospital bed. 

I grabbed one of the chairs and put it next to Grandma’am’s death bed. I sat there looking at my fading Grandmother who helped me survive through the years and loved me. Sure there were some annoying habits she had, but it didn’t really matter now. We don’t choose our family and she is one of the last family members I have, well until I have kids with Lucy Gray. I thought how she wouldn’t be there for my wedding, for my children’s births, she wouldn’t see me become president like she always wanted. Okay maybe I am more than just a little bit upset. I grabbed her free hand and put it up to my forehead, staying like that for a long time.

“My Grandchildren…” whispered Grandma’am with a raspy voice. I flinched a little not expecting her to say anything. “I believe…that everything will… turn out well for you…even without me there to see it.” Once Grandma’am ended her very short speech Tigress burst out crying even more and nodding her head in the agreement.

“Yes…Grandma’am…” blurred out tigress through her endless tears “Snow lands on top!” I nodded with Tigress but less overly emotional and repeated our family saying. 

“And you…Lucy Gray…” Grandma’am whispered while moving her head in the direction of Lucy Gray who was trying to keep quiet in the corner not wanting to interfere “keep singing like a songbird…I believe that voice can only…belong to the Capitol citizens”  Grandma’am said and slightly smiled. It was revolutionary, Grandma’am accepting Lucy Gray! I looked at Lucy Gray to see her reaction, her face showed a mix of relief and frustration. Sometimes I wish I could read her mind and know what she is thinking about.

“…Thank you…I will keep singing until my voice is no good no more” Lucy Gray said after a long silence. Grandma’am nodded and looked at me and Tigress smiling weakly.

“Snow lands on… top” whispered Grandma’am to the world and closed her eyes never to open them again.

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Baird POV

The sky was gloomy, perfect for a funeral of an old grumpy lady. I stood next to her grave in black clothes with her family and friends by my side. Tigress and old ladies were crying and Coriolanus stood with a saddened expression trying to comfort Tigress. I felt so out of place. I barely knew her. She didn’t speak much to me, just when I would mess up she would blame it on my district upbringing which would make me upset because I cherished my time living with Covey even if it was hard. I was mostly under the impression she didn’t like me. 

Well sorta, we did have small somewhat sweet interactions, when I wouldn't go to sing at the club or going to annoying parties with Coriolanus, I would stay home and practice my singing. In the beginning I was alone when I would sing but over time Grandma’am would come out as soon as I would start and listen quietly, not disturbing, then she would leave as soon as I finished. She almost never missed my practices.

I looked up at the gloomy sky, the never ending clouds moved slowly and the air became moist. It’s going to rain soon. I think to myself as I look at everyone surrounding the stone grave, talking to the two cousins saying their apologies for their last family member’s death. No one was speaking to me, which I was very glad about. Its been an hour since the funeral technically ended but the people kept coming and talking.

“Coryo, is it okay if I go and explore the cemetery?” I whispered in his ear when he got a minute to breathe.

“Sure, just don’t go too far” he quickly said before another person came and started talking to him. I nodded and walked off. The cemetery was made entirely out of stone, there wasn’t a single plant in sight. Oh how I hope I won't be buried here. I always wanted to have a grave in the middle of nature with birds singing me to the forever sleep. 

After walking for a while I started reading the names on the graves imagining what their life was like. What was their favorite colour? How was their childhood? Did they love somebody? Was their love…evil and how did they deal with that? I walked and walked through this depressing place thinking until one specific name caught my attention. Casca Highbottom. I stopped walking and stood in front of his grave for a while. Was he murdered by Coriolanus? 

“What great potential he had but in the end just a big disappointment” a voice spoke behind me. I turned around and saw devil in the flesh. “I really hope your dear Coryo would be different from him”

“Dr Gaul, How nice of you to show up to the funeral. I didn’t think you would do such a thing” I said, turning back around to the grave. I heard her slowly coming up to me and stood right next to me but instead of looking at the grave she was staring me down. I am so uncomfortable. 

“Why? Because you think I am not capable of feelings?” She asked. Yes! I think to myself but I say something else.

“Oh of course not, just as a head gamer you would be too busy to attend especially with new games coming up” I say still not looking at her. Dr Gaul giggles and finally stops staring into my soul.

“You are a great liar, It’s one of your talents I guess. I personally don’t like liars.” She says. I sighed knowing I was caught. 

“Well it’s part of my job as an actress” I reply.

“It’s also your job to entertain,” Dr Gaul says. Where is she going with this? I look at her confused and she continues. “Which you are doing really well but I was thinking you could go beyond what you are already doing” 

“How?” I asked fearfully.

“Well I haven’t discussed this with Coriolanus yet, but I believe that people would love to see you throughout the hunger games, maybe hosting with Lucky or singing during the opening and the end. I have to work out the details but I know your outgoing presence will bring in more viewers” Dr Gaul said, smiling like a snake. 

“I don’t want to” I say truthfully, she did say she doesn’t like liars. Dr Gaul laughed so loudly that I even flinched.

“Oh I know you don’t want to but…what choice do you have?” Dr Gaul asked knowing we both know the answer to that question. I felt drops of rain fall down my skin and the rain started pouring. Maybe the raindrops cry for me because I can’t cry, I feel numbness inside of me. Somehow I have expected this.

“Lucy Gray we should go home before we get sick-“ said Coriolanus but suddenly stopped in his tracks when he saw who was standing next to me. “Dr Gaul, I was thinking you left early” Coriolanus finally spoke, coming closer to us. Putting an umbrella over my head.

“I wanted to talk to your Songbird about something before I went back to work” Dr Gaul said looking at me strangely “and I hope you would accept my ‘proposal’ Lucy Gray Baird” She smiled like a snake and walked off into the rain without saying another word.

“What ‘proposal’?” Coriolanus asked concerned. I sighed, looking one last time at Highbottom’s grave and started walking towards the exit of the cemetery. Coriolanus stayed behind for a couple of seconds observing the grave I was standing next to and then followed me to the parking lot where Tigress was sitting inside the car sleeping because of all the excessive crying and planning the funeral. The car ride was quiet with only the sounds of the rain hitting the car's roof. 

“This house doesn’t feel the same without Grandma’am” said Tigress during dinner a week later. “Her room and chair being empty just keeps reminding me that she is gone, I keep thinking that I can go into her room and find her there watching tv but the room is empty and quiet” Tigress’s eyes teared up and I started rubbing her back trying to comfort her somehow.

“Tigress I know it’s hard, but we will have to keep living without her like she wanted, it will take time but we can get through this” said Coriolanus.

“Well I can’t do it here! It feels like she is starting to haunt me here! Sometimes I think I still hear the anthem coming from her bedroom! I need to leave, I need to leave!” Yelled Tigress scaring me a little because she never raised her voice before. Even Coriolanus seemed surprised.

“You want to leave the Snow apartment? The apartment you spent your entire life in and the apartment we fought to keep?” Asked Coriolanus. 

“Tigress I think it’s just a temporary grief effect, those nightmares and seemingly haunting experiences will go away over time” I say trying to convince her to stay. Honestly her presence here made this apartment seem so much more welcoming and warm. If she leaves, it will be just me and Coriolanus with silent avoxes. Sure there are the Plinths on the bottom floor but they don’t come too often, only like once a day and pretty brief. 

“I am sorry but I just don’t feel comfortable staying here. Not only does Grandma'am haunt me here in general, I feel like I shouldn’t intrude on you two. You are a young couple in need of privacy and having a random family member around isn’t ideal” Tigress confessed a little more calmly.

“You aren’t intruding at all! If you are intruding then I shouldn’t even be here!” I said, trying to convince her to stay. 

“Lucy Gray you can’t force Tigress to stay here if she doesn’t want to.” Said Coriolanus camly “But Tigress, did you think over this decision?” 

“I did, even before Grandma’am’ death I wanted to leave. I only stayed for Grandma’am sake and well now the only thing that is holding me here is love and nostalgia of this place but I am sure I can make a cozy home somewhere else maybe closer to my butie” Tigress explained. I really didn’t want her to go but she seems set on her decision.

“Okay Tigress, you can go ahead with your decision just remember this is also your home and you can come back if you feel like it” Coriolanus said. I looked down at my dish sadly then I felt Tigress's hand on my shoulder, I looked up at her and she smiled with sadness in her eyes.

“I will come visit often” she reassured. In the next week Tigress found an apartment and moved out leaving nothing in her room. The apartment became colder even though summer had started outside. 

“Dr Gaul wants you to participate somehow in the Hunger Games, which she told me you already know” Coriolanus said to me one night. I was just staring at the dark ceiling numbly. “Lucy Gray?” Coriolanus looked at me in concern.

“I know.” I say and then I turn my head to look into his eyes pleading “Coryo is there anyway you can prevent me from doing this?” He stared at me for a while before slowly shaking his head. I chuckle looking back up at the ceiling “And you said you will make me not powerless no more”

“I said you won’t be powerless for long, getting to the position of power takes time, patience and sacrifice” Coriolanus argued.

“And murder of people who get in your way” I added not looking at him but I felt his shift “Coryo why did you kill Highbottom? I understand the reason why you murdered Sejanus, you were just looking out for your own skin but did Highbottom threaten your life?” I said, turning my head to look into my lover’s cold eyes. Will he try to lie to me again?

“Sejanus was a naive fool who almost dragged me to the grave with him so I did what I had to do to keep living and Highbottom well he deserved to die Lucy Gray. He was the creator of the Hunger Games that almost killed you, I was getting revenge for you…and also for all of his treatment of me over the years” Coriolanus confessed. He didn’t seem to feel sorry or regret at all. He was talking about his murders like you talk about the weather “Plus it was politically easier for me to get rid of him. Highbottom always tried to make me fail in life and having a powerful man keep pulling you down while you are trying to become president isn’t ideal” I stared at him for a couple of minutes from his confession to me and the fact that he isn’t lying to me for once even if the truth is horrific. 

“Do you regret killing them?” I asked hoping for a yes, hoping he isn’t as bad as I believe.

“No” he said bluntly then adds “I am not wasteful of life, I end it for a specific reasons that will help me, you and Panem to thrive” 

“I don’t understand how killing somebody will help anyone” I say. Coriolanus sighs, putting his cold hand that is covered in blood of at least 4 people so far on my cheek and kissing me on my lips before pulling back and smiling.

“I have a feeling you will understand sooner or later” he said practically ending our conversation/ his confession, laying down at his pillow, closing his eyes trying to fall asleep.

“Will you kill me one day?” I asked and that woke him up real fast because he immediately turned around to me with a frantically offended expression.

“NO” Coriolanus said, pushing himself up looking at me laying down. “You are one of if not the most important person to me, you are the only one I wouldn’t do that to” he said as the light of the full moon made face and his practically white hair glow. He looks like an Angel but in reality he is probably a fallen one instead. 

“Do you promise? Promise on all your hopes and dreams of presidency, of forever Capitol rule, of forever peace under your leadership. Promise me that you won’t end my life and discard me if you will stop seeing me as no longer useful to you” I said, pulling out my pinky to him. He stared at the pinky for a while and then at me and slowly wrapped his pinky around mine. We didn’t let go of each other’s pinkies falling asleep with them wrapped around each other. Please don’t end my life Coriolanus. Please let your confession be just a nightmare and not a reality because being with will make me feel like I am following you to the other side of the line.

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Baird POV

It was the reaping day. One of my most dreadful days of the year. Although this year is different from every other. I am not on one of those slips, instead I am sitting on a couch in an expensive apartment in the middle of the Capitol. A place that organizes this slaughter every year and this year I will be helping them make this public execution seem more fun. 

“I hate this” I said, covering my face with my hands because I couldn’t look at the faces of the kids whose execution I will be promoting. 

“I know you hate this but it’s a necessary evil to keep our country at peace” Coriolanus said while trying to comfort me by putting his cold hand on my shoulder but before he could I stood up not wanting his comfort when he is part of the reason why I am in distress. 

“I really don’t see how killing kids is keeping peace!” I yelled pointing at the screen “And I have to participate in this ‘necessary evil’!” I felt numb for a while now as if my brain was trying to keep itself together by not letting me the pain but it was too much and all of my emotions I was trying to keep in control start to slip out.

“Lucy Gray you barely have to, I worked tirelessly to make you only sing during the opening ceremony and at the end. Plus really short interviews in the middle that I made sure don't ask you to comment much about what is happening in the games themselves. You just need to be charming and say a couple things to promote people to watch the games and that’s it” Said Coriolanus while standing up and walking towards me. I tried to move back but he kept getting closer until I had my back hitting the wall. 

“Lucy Gray…are you scared of me?” asked Coriolanus with hurt in his eyes. After a while of silence I answered. 

“yes” I whispered, scared of how he would react. He stared at me for a while before coming closer, hugging me gently. 

“I promised that I would never discard or kill you so why are you afraid of me?” He asked, slowly hugging me more thighly that I couldn’t move my limbs.

“Cause I don’t believe you, you lied to me in the forest and might have lied to me before” I said trying to get out of his grip but couldn’t. 

“I couldn’t tell you the truth in the forest Lucy Gray because I knew how you would reacted and I can’t stand the thought of losing you” he pleaded, still not letting me move because I know and he knows I wanted to slap him.

“So you tricked me, how do I know you aren’t just tricking me again! Using me until I am no longer useful! Is that why you allowed Dr Gaul to use me to promote her fancy executions!” I yelled and managed to get my arm out of his grip and slap him like I wanted. The hit didn’t seem to faze him. Before I could hit him again he caught my hand gripping it tightly. 

“I am not using you Lucy Gray! If you weren’t here helping me I could’ve still made those stupid games popular and rose to power by myself but because I love you, I went through all the trouble of saving you and bringing you here! I don’t need to use you so why should I get rid of you if you won't be useful anymore?” He asked, practically holding me hostage. I was fuming mad from everything. I didn’t want to promote the games, I hated how he tricked me in the woods, how I can’t get out of his grip literally. So I spoke without thinking and regretted right away.

“Maybe you will get rid of me because I know your secrets that can ruin you!” I said and immediately felt my heart drop. Coriolanus’s face turned dark, he looked at me with such hatred. He slowly let go of my arms and for a second I thought he would walk away in anger or something but his hands found something else to get a hold on instead of my hands. My throat. 

“My love, I knew I shouldn’t have told you anything because the less you know the safer you are but no, you kept insisting on me telling you all my secrets.”  He whispered in my ear as he was holding my throat not enough to kill me or leave marks but enough to give me pain and to show his point. “It is true that I won’t discard you or kill you so you shouldn’t be afraid of me but your cherished ones should because I never promised them safety unlike you. I know that you will keep my secrets, forever secret because you are a lot smarter than most people. It's one of the reasons I love you so much” he whispered and then finally let go of my throat smiling like he hasn’t just almost choked me and threatened everyone I hold dear. 

I was coughing trying to regain my normal breathing. He sighs, dropping his fake smile and jesters for an avox to bring me water. I chugged it in on the couch as Coriolanus sat next to me massaging his head with two fingers. We stayed in silence as I was fighting back tears not wanting him to see my tears and know that he was right, I wouldn’t tell a soul because I have Covey that needs to be protected.

“Lucy Gray I didn’t want to threaten you like that, you should know better than anyone that you are the most precious person to me” he said and I thought to myself ‘aside from you self’ “but threatening me with the secrets you begged for, has crossed the line and I meant what I said, don’t do something stupid and impulsive. Don’t be like Sejanus” said Coriolanus and then stood up from the couch looking at his expensive silver watch “I have to go to Citadel for some work, I will send a Doctor for you to make sure you and your vocal cords aren’t hurt” He said, walking out of the apartment.

As soon as he left I let my tears finally burst out from. Those tears I was keeping in since I arrived in this city and the true nature of Coriolanus with additional threats to my family broke the dam of tears. I sat on the couch crying while I still could without showing my weakness ti the world. The Covey, my beloved Covey, could die if I say anything about what I heard last night.

Coriolanus is right, I shouldn’t have begged him for the truth about his murders and now it’s too late. I know about everything and will have to live with it as the guilt of me knowing and letting him get away with this. I heard a knock on the door. It must be the doctor Coriolanus promised to send. I stood up with my puffy red eyes and opened the door to find not a Doctor but Mrs Plinth standing with a pot full of warm soup. Please not her, not right now.

“Lucy Gray what happened to you!? Are you crying about the reaping? I know it’s very hard to watch every year” Ma said softly walked in, putting a pot of soup on the dining table. She turned around and looked at me with caring eyes raising her hands in a gesture of an embrace. I hesitated but then started crying again and walked up to her hugging her tightly. 

“It’s alright, It must be hard watching the hunger games for you especially” Ma whispered softly brushing my hair with her hand. Her actions made me sob even harder that we both sank to the floor and sat there while I sobbed in her arms. I feel so guilty that this saint of a woman who is comforting me, a person who knows that the man she gave everything to, took away the life of her son.

“I am sorry!” I sobbed and ma just kept hugging me and embracing me.

“It’s okay to cry, don’t have to apologize” she said softly. We stayed like that for almost an hour until I finally managed to get myself somewhat back together.

“Do you want some potato soup? It’s nice and warm and will fill you up”she asked and I nodded slowly sitting down at the dining table sipping a warm soup as Ma sat down next to me gazing at me smiling softly. Just like a mother looks at their beloved child. Please don’t look at me like that, I don’t deserve it. I won’t tell you about your son’s murder because I am selfish, I care more about my family well being than you knowing that you are giving everything to a monster. Knock, knock.

“I will get it, you sit and relax” said Ma as she stood up and ran towards the door. She opened it and on the other side stood an old man wearing a white doctor’s uniform.

“Hello, I am here for Lucy Gray Baird by request of Mr Snow” the man said in a monotone voice. Ma turned around to me confused.

“Oh are you feeling okay Lucy Gray? Does anything physically hurt for Coryo to send a Doctor?” Ma turned around asking. That’s right she doesn’t know about our fight and probably shouldn’t.

“Oh my voice has been really raspy this morning and Coryo just wanted to make sure it was alright”I said with a calm tone to not worry her. 

“Oh no! I am sorry I didn’t notice, you were just crying and-“ Before Ma could finish talking the old Doctor coughed trying to get attention back to him.

“Would you let me pass to the patient?” Doctor asked in an agitation.

“Please do! I am so sorry!”said Ma moving out of the way. Doctor rolled his eyes and walked past her without saying anything else. “Do you want tea or baked goods while you are here?” Asked Ma.

“No, but I would appreciate If you left the room while I am helping a patient” said the doctor without looking at her. His rude comments towards Ma annoyed me but sweet Ma just nodded with a saddened expression.

“I will leave you two then, sorry to get in the way” said Ma opening the door and walking out of the apartment. ‘District trash’ murmured the doctor and it made me furious. That woman is the sweetest person alive unlike you! I thought but didn’t speak up. I wanted her to stay but I knew the doctor will probably ask me about my throat and it will be obvious that it wasn’t like that from sickness or something.

“Ms Baird please Lift up your head so I can see the throat more clearly.” Doctor asked while putting on gloves. I did what he asked and lifted up my head. I felt his gloved hand touch my neck in the observation.

“Does anything hurt when I touch it?” Asked the doctor.

“Just slightly on my right side where Coriolanus' grip was” I answered, he nodded writing something down on the paper. He checked up on my neck for a little longer asking me to open my mouth wide for him to check inside by flashing the light and then asked me to sing a few notes to check my voice.

“Okay so there isn’t any permanent damage, just a very small bruise on your neck that you could easily cover up. Your voice is perfectly fine so you will still be able to sing during the hunger games.” The Doctor said putting away his tools in a bag. Oh how I wish Coriolanus did more damage so I would have an excuse to not sing for the hunger games sake in a couple of days.

“thanks” I said quietly before the doctor left. Now I was alone again. No Tigress, no Ma, no Grandma’am and no Coriolanus. I sighed leaning back in my chair covering my face with my hands. The sun started to set outside and the whole house got covered in a warm orange light. 

“I bet the roof is probably beautiful right now, Grandma’am was very proud of it…” I said to myself as I looked outside the window. That’s when a thought hit me ‘I never been on the roof before’ Grandma’am never wanted me to go up there even after Coriolanus begged her wanting to show it to me. Even after she died it’s just a subconscious rule that I can’t go up there. Well it is my house so why can’t I, who will stop me? Not avoxes for sure, they have no right.

I hesitantly walked up the stairs that led to the roof and pushed open a white door with a rose imprint on it. The strong scent of roses hit me and I walked into the most beautiful small Greenhouse ever. There were beautiful roses of different colors everywhere and they all looked like someone would imagine a perfect flower. I walked around touching the roses just slightly so I wouldn’t destroy their perfect structure. Then I noticed another door that led outside to the roof. The roof itself was also covered in roses but unlike the roses in the greenhouse the warm orange light from the sunset was hitting the flowers, making them glow.

“It’s Beautiful…” I said out loud from my astonishment. “No wonder Grandma’am didn’t want a ‘district infected’ girl to see this breathtaking view.” I said laughing a little while dancing around singing a nice melody under my breath. This garden has taken my mind of internal struggles and let me get sunk in the beauty of this garden. It feels like a good dream. I skip around the garden until I get to the edge of roof. I look down at the magnificent city that is covered in warm sunlight.

Oh how good will it be to just jump off, maybe ending my life right now will redeem me. I won’t be a traitor to the district by not promoting the games, I wouldn’t have to look into Plinth’s eyes knowing the truth about their son’s unfortunate death and if I am dead maybe Coriolanus won’t have a reason to hurt anyone I love…including himself. He will move on someday, probably will marry Livia since she is beneficial and she doesn’t mind it at all. Oh how much I hate that idea but at least everyone will be happier. I never wanted to die, I fought for my survival but maybe it was wrong of me to do so maybe I shouldn’t have made Coriolanus promise not to kill me. I slowly moved my legs closer to the edge but before I could get up the short wall and fall down I heard a loud voice behind me.

“STOP! WHAT YOU ARE YOU DOING?!” I look back and find Coriolanus huffing and puffing as if he ran the entire way here from Citadel. “DID YOU PLAN TO JUMP OFF!?” He yelled coming closer to me grabbing me by my shoulders pulling me away from the edge and sitting me down on the marble bench.

“Wouldn't that be better for you? The only person who knows your secrets is dead, you will be free to rise like you wanted since I am not very needed for that” I said with tears appearing in my eyes “Wouldn’t it be better for everyone if I just died like I was supposed in the arena a year ago” Coriolanus stared at me and shook his head in disagreement.

“Lucy Gray I do need you…maybe not exactly in my rise to power which you are still helpful at but more in…” Coriolanus said and got on one knee pulling out a small little red box opening it up revealing a silver ring in a shape of a snake with a giant diamond shaped as a rose in the mouth of the snake. I gasped realizing what he was doing after literally choking and threatening my family a couple hours earlier. He took out the snake ring and slid it on my finger.

“I need you by my side, when I rise to power, when I become the most powerful man in Panem, I need you to be by my side for all of my life” I stared at him in disbelief. This man before me, a man who has murdered and will keep murdering, a man who will commit many crimes, a man who the world will call a tyrant wants me there for all of it right next to him. I have no choice but to stay by his side,he made it clear by not even asking for my hand in marriage. I will go down in history as the wife of a tyrant, no better than him. But maybe one day someone will overthrow his rule and I will be there knowing all his crimes will be able to list them all so that he will be able to be punished for all of them. Then I will follow him to death just like he wants.

“Till death do us part?” I asked, reaching out my hand with a new ring on it. He gently takes it, kissing it then smiling at me.

“Together even beyond death” he whispered. And to that I only thought ‘to hell together we shall go’

Chapter Text

Coriolanus Snow POV

I was standing in the train station early in the morning waiting for a train with tributes inside. This time I didn’t have a rose in hand but a list of the names of the tributes I had to check arrived pretty unharmed and make sure they would all get to the barracks in one piece. I daydreamed of my first ever meeting with my now fiancé in this exact place a year ago. It really does seem a lot longer than just a year ago, probably because so much has changed since then. 

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a train pulling up into the train station. I don’t come close, observing from afar checking each tribute on my list off. I really don’t know why I have to do this job when it’s clearly beneath me. I guess Dr Gaul is trying to test my patience because instead of being with my Lucy Gray, preparing her to go up in front of the whole nation promoting the games she hates, I am stuck here counting animals. 

“Get them in the Van already” I say to the head peacekeeper who nodded and then started to shout to hurry up the tributes to the van. I sighed and put the completed list in a folder. My attention turned back to the tributes who were making extra noise. One of the peacekeepers shoved a boy from District 4 to hurry up making him fall on the ground with a big bang. The boy stayed down and Peacekeeper started yelling at him to get up and kicking him. I stared waiting a little bit before I would interfere. I need them alive and able to fight.  I started walking towards the peacekeeper to stop him but before I could, a certain figure appeared beside the peacekeeper grabbing him by his head and throwing him backwards on the ground.

A girl from District 4 stood looking down at the peacekeeper on the ground who was trying to figure out what just happened to him. A bunch of Peacekeeper came running up pointing their guns at her, demanding her to fall to the ground with her hands behind her head. She simply nods and goes on her knees staring right at the head peacekeeper then she moves her gaze at me since I visually stand out from the gray uniformed officers. 

“I was only making sure he wouldn’t kill him, you want him alive right? For your show?” Says the district girl to me.

“YOU ASSAULTED A PEACEKEEPER!” Yelled the peacekeeper that was hit. He tried to raise his hand again.

“Stop!” I commanded the peacekeeper “It was your job to get the tributes to the van in an okay condition but because of you idiotic actions we will have to use capitol money on a vet or even a doctor to patch him up.” I say to the peacekeeper who now looks terrified. Useless. I wave my hand in dismissal “Get the tributes to the van already!”

The peacekeepers finally hurried up and got the tributes to the van, the district 4 girl Mags Flanagan I think her name was from the list, quick stood up picking up her district partner and practically carrying him to the Van. She glanced back at me with a weird expression on her face before the peacekeepers closed the doors trapping her inside.

“The tributes are all in the van sir!” Said the head peacekeeper, I nodded in approval.

“My job here is done, make sure that they will be in the barracks by the next hour so the vet can look over them and stylists can take their measurements for the interview outfits” I say turning around leaving. Tigress is going to be one of the stylists this year. I was the one to convince her to do it, hoping it would make her a famous designer and in a way would reflect on me. 

“To the Citadel” I said bluntly to my private driver and he immediately started driving. Citadel was in chaos. People were running around trying to make sure everything was perfect before the games started.

“Mr Snow! Can you help me with this after the meeting?” Asked a young Gamemaker shoving paperwork in my hands. I looked at it for a second and gave it back to him. 

“I would love to help… but I am busy today and I really don’t think Dr Gaul would appreciate you not doing your own work” I said smiling and walking away in satisfaction after seeing his face drop in mention of Dr Gaul. He better work now.

I went to my office to avoid the uselessness. I sat down at my desk pulling out paperwork I had to do. As a little treat for me I opened my computer and pulled up the secret camera footage I installed in the apartment right after Tigress left. I usually put it in the background while I work. Some people might call this creepy but it really wasn't. I am just making sure that Lucy Gray isn’t in danger, which I was correct about because if I hadn't installed those cameras I would have lost Lucy Gray yesterday. 

I slowly completed all of the piles of paperwork I was given while listening to what Lucy Gray was doing and taking occasional glances at the screen. It was 6pm now and it means that the gamemakers’ meeting will start soon. I stood up putting my paperwork in neat piles, smiled and took one last look at Lucy Gray who was busy writing a song. I wish I could listen to it but I can’t skip work, I just ask her to play it for me later. I sighed, turning off the computer and walking to the game maker's office.

“You seem in a good mood today!” Said Dr Yads as I sat down in my seat in the game maker’s office.

“Is it obvious?” I asked.

“Well a little” She says smiling. Dr Yads is a nice looking older lady but don’t get fooled by her nice personality because she is one of the cruelest scientists in Citadel, she likes to experiment and create new poisons which really intrigue me since I think in the world of politics, poison is the more effective weapon, so I listen to her blabbering often finding out which poisons are better for certain ‘situations’.

“So is there a reason why you are so happy Mr Snow? Did something exciting happen or are you happy that the Hunger game is evolving into something new and greater?” She asked as she started writing something in her poison journal. 

“Both” I replied smiling.

“Ohhh what happened?” She asked looking up from her journal.

“Sorry Dr Yads, but you will have to find out with everybody else” I said smirking thinking of how in a couple of days Lucy Gray will go in front of the country singing the national anthem showing her loyalty to the Capitol and showing who she belonged to with that ring on her finger. I honestly didn’t need to propose so early but I wanted the people and the districts to know that she is mine. Some noisy ‘guests’ at the club have been interested in Lucy Gray’s night availability according to Pluribus, so putting a ring on her finger should mark that she isn’t for sale unlike Pluribus, another ‘beauties’.

“Hmmm is it has to do with Ms Baird-“ Dr. Yads asked, but got interrupted by Dr Gaul walking into the room.

“Today is when it all starts! The new era of Hunger Games! Last year was just a practice game but this year we will make it GRAND” said Dr Gaul walking around the office. “Our schedule as you all should know is that we take a week to get tributes ready physically so it will be more entertaining if they could all fight” she said walking around and then stop right behind my chair and put her disgusting hand on my shoulder “Then they will have an interview where Snow’s songbird will co host with Lucky, then tributes will have 3 minutes to sell themselves to the sponsors and finally the next day the real fun begins” 

We all nod in approval and discuss logistics of the games for a while until Dr Gaul finally gets ‘bored’ and ends the meeting. I quickly pack my things wanting to get out of here quickly so that I could be home with Lucy Gray. I walk into the night of my beloved city. I started walking in the direction of my car and then noticed a figure standing next to it.

“Lysistrata? What are you doing here in front of the Citadel?” I asked my old classmate who was staring at me with a saddened expression. I don’t have any classes with her anymore since she is in the medical field while I am in Politics so we started drifting apart lately but I still treat her as a friend.

“I am… I am just taking a walk at night since I couldn’t sleep and then I noticed your car and remembered you…work here.” Lysistrata said, looking up at the giant building behind me with a saddened look. “I just can’t watch the reaping anymore or even the Hunger Games. Every time I watch it I remember Jessup-“ she says and her voice breaks at the mention of her tribute.

“I know how important Jessup was to you, I know because of Lucy Gray, the only difference is that I got to keep her, I don’t know what I would have felt if I lost her then” I say trying to comfort her.

“Pain, excruciating pain that’s what you would have felt.” She said still looking at the building behind us “and it’s all thanks to Dr Volumnia Gaul our ‘humble’ head game maker” she said and then finally looked at me and added “A monster you work for”  I stared at her for a while not knowing how to answer to that statement accusation.

“Look Lysistrata I know you don’t like Hunger Games, but I am doing this job to help those tributes have less pain before death. You know that Dr Gaul won’t let those games die so why not make them less painful for them” I said lying through my teeth but she seems to believe because her eyes softened a bit and she nodded slowly.

“You are right, I am sorry for being out of place. You are a good person. I guess I should try to do something similar, I want to help the districts somehow, make their life easier” Lysistrata said going back to her robotic yet kind tone. Honestly I hope she won’t do that, she is beginning to sound a little bit like Sejanus. I like Lysistrata she was always kind to everybody so I hope she won’t go down that path.

“Just don’t go too far or you will lend yourself in some kind of trouble” I say putting my hand on her shoulder. She nodded but I could see the doubt in her eyes.

“How is Lucy Gray doing?I heard she hasn't been performing much lately. I hope she is doing okay?” Said Lysistrata changing the topic and honestly it’s one of the best topics, my love. 

“She is perfectly fine just taking some time off performing and relaxing before well, you will find out soon” I said. Lysistrata nodded approvingly.

“It’s important to take breaks for your brain to cool down and with the amount she was performing she really needed that. I hope to meet her sometime, I don’t go to parties or clubs so I don’t know where or how to meet her, I wanted to talk to her…” She says the last part in almost a whisper ”Well I think I been walking around for way to long and I am sure you have to get home soon I won’t keep you hostage here, It was nice catching up with you” 

“Yeah it was nice…are you okay getting home safe or do you want me to drop you off?” I asked, wondering how she is planning to get home.

“Walking is a good exercise so it’s okay I will walk home” She said and started walking away waving at me and disappearing behind a building. I didn’t wave back and just stared at her. I don’t think it’s a good idea for her to talk to Lucy Gray, she seems…different lately.

“Lucy Gray I am home” I say walking into an apartment. I find her sitting on the couch reading poems to avoxes who looked like their eyes double in size. “What are you doing?” 

“Oh Coryo, welcome home!” Said Lucy Gray looking up at me “I just got bored and decided to educate them in literature” She said, quickly putting the book down and standing up hugging me. I melt into her touch and my annoyance and tiredness throughout the day practically disappears but another emotion rises, jealousy. This emotion visits me quite often, I know that Lucy Gray won’t leave me but it’s like a gum on shoe, it is stuck. I hugged her tighter and walked towards the couch making us both fall on it. She laughed but I didn't. I just held into her quietly.

“What’s wrong?” She whispered.

“I don’t want you to read poetry to them. Do that only to me.” I said. She stayed quiet for a little bit and then finally replied.

“But you don’t even like poetry every time I read it to you, you always make remarks about how stupid they are” Lucy Gray said, sitting upright. She was right, I am not the biggest fan of poetry not seeing how such literature can help me in life. I like to read books about philosophy, political science, history, etc but I always let her read her poems to me just to enjoy her smooth voice and smiling face.

“I like when you read to me, I just read different genre of books during my free time but I am always happy to listen to your poems if you want me to listen to them.” She stared at me and then sighed grabbing her poetry book. I waved at the avoxes to leave out of my sight and laid on her lap listening to her voice as she read from the books. She read a poem after a poem explaining her thoughts on each one. I listened not wanting to accidentally say something offensive but since she wants me to be more honest with her I do comment sometimes, mostly about how the author is wrong or overthinks simple things like morning rain. I mostly didn’t think twice about the poems she was reading because they were either about nature or emotions until one that got my attention.

He was selected

From among the finest

Of all men

To carry the loads

Of millions of fathers.

He got hundreds of millions of children

With multitude personalities

Some are in the right wing

Others are in the left wing

Still others are moderates.

He holds great power

Vested by the millions

He watches over

Yet, his authority is clipped

With checks and balances.

He got noble intentions

Initiated reforms

For the good of all

Majority submitted to his power

Others desperately wanted him gone.

He reached the fork in the road

And he tightened his grip

To his power

Changed tactics

And ruled with an iron fist

Cut the tongues of his children

And broke their wings.

He tasted 

The absolute freedom to rule

Like a wine

He wanted more

Intoxicated by the desire

To be the first in everything

The one who has been told finest

Has turned into a beast.

“I don’t like this poem” I said blankly. Lucy Gray looked away from her book, moving her gaze at my expression. She closed the book and put it by her side.

“Why?” She asked, looking in my eyes as if studying me, trying to see through me. 

“Because the author called that man a beast! They themselves said that they had good intentions it's just some people weren’t letting him rule properly. So he did the only logical choice, he got rid of those who were in his way and not letting him rule freely” I explained as if trying to defend myself and not the man in the poem. She stared at me and then looked away as if thinking over the information. She took the book in her hand and opened it at the page where she left on.

“I thought you would say that. Let’s move on to the next one, maybe a little light hearted.” She said and started reading a different poem about some swamp potatoes but I wasn’t listening and instead I was trying to figure out what she meant by she thought I would say that but over time her angelic voice and the tiredness of the day finally got to me and I fell into a dreamless sleep on my love’s lap. 

“You have a week to train and learn skill of survival that will help you in the Hunger Games! We also recommend thinking of anything you can show during your interview that will help you gain support from sponsors and be remembered!” Said a trainer to the tributes. The game makes decided to give a week of training to the tributes to have them better perform in the games and not have them all die in 2 minutes.So we had to spend a little more money and build in the barracks an extra room for training and added a second floor for the game makers to observe. 

So now I am stuck observing kids who will die soon for a whole week straight. Honestly I would rather do something more productive. Most of the game makers are here since most of the preparations for the Games have been done so this has kinda turned into a party since now they are all relaxed not having to run around working constantly. I socialize a little but most of them can’t give me much contacts and influence so I prefer quietly reading something and glancing down at the tribute’s training. A couple have caught my attention mostly from districts 1,2,11 and especially 4. 

A girl Mags is extremely skilled with a trident so much that other tributes started avoiding her with an exemption of 1 and 2 districts but it isn’t why she has caught my attention there are plenty of kids who are skillful with a weapon, which really shows their true nature by the way, but the reason why she caught my attention is because she constantly stares at the game makers and especially me, the only one who actually pays attention to them plus she probably recognized me from train station. No matter the reason, her staring has made me a little annoyed.

“I really hope she doesn’t win” I say to myself.

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Baird POV

Film crew is running around trying to set up the cameras, lights and everything else you would need for a good show but this show is the farthest thing from good. It’s an introduction to the worst games ever and a former introduction to the unfortunate players of that game.

“You have to go on stage in about five minutes” said one of the crew walking into my dressing room. 

“We know!” answered Coriolanus for me, he was sitting behind me on the couch staring in annoyance at the intruder. The crew members quickly understood the hint and dismissed himself.

“Are you nervous?” Asked Coriolanus looking at me. I didn’t answer and continued putting rose powder on my face then I closed it, turned around and faced his cold but yet gentle eyes.

“I am never nervous to go on stage. I am more nervous of the consequences of when I will do it.” I say standing up.

“There won’t be any bad consequences though, only praise and admiration” he said standing up as well and extending his arm for me to hold. I do and we walk together to the back stage.

“Maybe in the Capitol but not in the districts” I mumble and feel Coriolanus get annoyed.

“You shouldn't worry about what the districts think, it’s not worth your time” he said and then gently held my face in his palms, for a second I felt a slight fear remembering his choking but forced myself to calm down. He won’t hurt me again, if I won’t say or do anything exposing his true nature.

“You're going to do great, don’t think of anything negative, just be your usual charming self and just enjoy the spotlight” he said, kissed me and added “I will be sitting with the rest of the game makers so if you get nervous I am right there” I nodded and breathed deeply calming myself.

“You have one minute,” whispered a scared crew member. I nodded and adjusted any imperfections I might have had. I straightened my dress with my hands  and noticed a snake ring I recently got. I thought the ring was breathtaking and definitely cost a fortune but it made me uneasy. It looked like a snake was wrapping around my finger not letting go. Coriolanus noticed me staring at the ring and smiled. He picked up my hand and adjusted the ring so that the head of the snake with a diamond rose was right in the middle.

“Make sure to show it off and say why you have it. No woman in the entire world has such a beautiful ring. I have to  go now to the rest of the game makers but if you need my support during any time of this interview just look up at me and pretend I am your only audience. You will be perfect my love” he said kissing my hand that had a ring on and walked away. I sigh as I turn around to the stage where I started hearing Lucky Flickerman, one of the most annoying people in the world starting the show.

“ WELCOME TO THE TRIBUTE INTERVIEW OF THE ELEVENTH HUNGER GAMES! I am your humble host Lucky Flickerman, a man who doesn’t need any introductions!” Yelled Flickerman to the audience. Does he realize he is introducing himself? I think to myself and hear him continue“and today I am being joined as my co-host by someone who definitely doesn’t need introduction! But if by some miracle some of you don’t know her let me introduce VICTOR OF LAST YEARS HUNGER GAMES AND AND PANEM’S SONGBIRD, LUCY GRAY BAIRD!”The crowd burst with cheers. I took a deep breath and put on my best performance smile and walked out confidently on the stage waving at the crowd gracefully.

“Hello Citizens of Panem! It’s just such an honor to be here on this stage to such a wonderful audience!” I say in the microphone as the crowd continues to cheer. 

“Well Lucy Gray I think we all are also honored to be here with you!” Said Lucky and the crowd cheered in agreement. “Lucy Gray I just had to comment on your appearance today! You look stunning, like usual!” He added with the crowd giggling “You look just like a bird and it is referencing you hunger game’s iconic rainbow dress that now everyone is trying to copy those days!” Lucky said complimenting my white silky dress with rainbow wings, which were made out of real feathers that Tigress colored personally one by one. 

“My beautiful dress was actually created by one of the stylists of the tributes and my future cousin in law Tigress Snow!” I said showing off my rainbow wings but what really shocked the audience was how I referred to Tigress.

“Your future cousin in law? You don’t mean that…you and Coriolanus Snow…ARE ENGAGED!?” yelled Lucky making a shocked expression to the audience who were going insane. Coriolanus sat at his seat grinning, probably happy to show me as his and get extra attention. People in the Capitol really eat up our tributes x metour star crossed lovers romance. I guess they are starved for any kind of entertainment, that’s probably why they are so excited for hunger games to become more fun.

“We are! Me and Coryo are engaged!” I said smiling raising my hand showing my ring to Panem. But what I really was trying to find was a certain face in the crowd, Livia. As much as I think my engagement is rushed and kinda unwanted the best part of it all is seeing red from anger and jealousy Livia’s ugly face. She was staring right at me in the crowd giving me the biggest glare. I locked eyes with her and gave her a grin, proving her wrong about Coriolanus not planning to marry me.

“Oh please tell us more about the engagement! We are dying to know!” Begged Lucky. Probably not dying like those kids tomorrow. I thought to myself. I simply shook my head while smiling. 

“Today’s show isn’t about me and Coryo but about remembering our nation’s great suffering and the tributes who tomorrow will do a great sacrifice to keep our nation in peace!” I say innocently trying to sound like I definitely think that those games are keeping peace. 

“You are right like always Lucy Gray! We should start our interview but please tell me later in full details about your engagement!” Said Lucky laughing with the audience.

“Of course Lucky! In full detail!” I said. As if I am telling you how it actually went. “Let’s start with our first tribute then! Let us introduce a girl who is precious like diamonds Diamonda from District 1!” I say and point at the entrance where a tall girl with short blonde hair walked in smiling awkwardly. 

“Hello, hello Diamonda! Do you have anything to show us that might want sponsors to help you in the games tomorrow?” Asked Lucky when she came to the microphone.

“Hello Panem. The reason why I am a good tribute to sponsor is because I am better fed than most of those tributes, I am good with a sword and I am loyal to the Capitol!” Said Diamonda in a not charismatic tone. That’s right, tributes don’t have mentors this year because the Capitol thought the academy students were making them look weak so the tributes this year only have help from trainers. 

“WOW! That’s super impressive Diamonda! Would you like to demonstrate your skill in some way? So our dear sponsors can have an idea of what they will be spending their money on!” I said, trying to act excited! Diamonda looked at me in confusion.

“How do I do that? I don’t have a weapon with me.” She asked and the audience laughed. I felt kind of bad for her because I am sure the trainers did a bad job explaining how to act during the interview and most people aren’t naturally comfortable on stage as I am. 

“It can really be anything but actual fighting, for example I sang last year” I explained and Lucky nodded in agreement adding how good it was.

“Oh okay well I can show how strong I am by picking one of you up!” She said and before Lucky could process I pointed at him with the crowd laughing. She grabbed him with two hands and raised him above herself with Lucky screaming from the shock of it all. The crowd roared in laughter while I was just glad I managed to avoid ’Lucky’s’ fate. Diamonda finally put Lucky on the floor and bowed. 

“That was an amazing show of strength everybody! You definitely don’t want to mess with Diamonda in the arena!” I said to the crowd who cheered with agreement. 

“I wouldn’t call it that amazing” whispered ’Lucky’ to himself as he was trying to straighten his bow tie. 

“Well Diamonda I wish you good luck in the arena tomorrow!” I say after a couple of seconds of waiting for Lucky to say something and extend my hand to Diamonda who took it and lightly squeezed it as afraid of hurting me. She reminds me of a soft kind bear who might die tomorrow oh how much I am starting to hate those interviews. Each kid that came up made me feel so guilty to be laughing with them while promoting them like an object the audience could buy. I have no choice plus I am helping them by making them look more intriguing. Yeah I am still not as bad as the people who watch this out of their free will right?! 

“Next on our list we have Mags from district 4!” Said Lucky introducing a girl with brown curly hair in a blue colored dress matching her eyes.

“Hello, it's a pleasure to be here.” She said softly, shaking my and Lucky’s hands. 

“No pleasure is all ours! So Mags would you tell us about yourself” I ask. 

“I have a pretty basic life till a week ago, I was born in district 4 in a house right next to the ocean so since the very young age I would swim and catch fish with hooks and a trident so I became very skilled at it and I also have something up my sleeve that might surprise the viewers!” Said Mags with confidence not showing a bit of nervousness. 

“Really!? I really want to know what your secret talent is?” Begged Lucky and the crowd agreed. Mags smirked and shook her head.

“Well if people in the Capitol would help me in the arena I would repay their generosity by putting on a great show with my secret talent! You two should know better than anybody that a good performer doesn’t reveal right away everything they have in their sleeves!” she laughed and then glanced at me “I can feel you are hiding something in those pretty sleeves of yours, Lucy Gray right?” She said laughing, She caught the crowds and even my attention. I like her, she is intelligent by giving people something to wonder about and making her be remembered. 

“Well I can’t lie and say you are incorrect!” I say pretending to hide my sleeves away from the audience who laughed then I added “Well Mags, one thing is true that if you will win, I am sure we will get along great!” I said giving her my hand to shake. She stared at my hand for a second, no she stared at the ring, then took my hand and shook it. We locked eyes and I could see sympathy in her eyes. Did she seem through my acting? At that moment the bell rang indicating her time was up and we had to move on to the next tribute. 

The rest of the tribute’s interview went pretty smoothly without any giant stand outs. I kept acting while inside I just wanted to leave the sight of cameras and cry. All those kids seemed too young, too innocent. They weren’t the ones who rebelled against the Capitol but now they have to receive an unjust punishment to remind the Districts of how powerless they are.

“Finally we get to district 12! Ladies first so let us introduce Phacelia!” Lucky announced and on stage walks in a small girl with two braids and light green dress. She quickly ran up to us and smiled shyly as Lucky was putting a microphone in her face. 

“I know you!” Was the first words that came out of the girls mouth as she pointed at me. “You are that singer girl who everyone thought died! Why are you here?” The crowd went silent as if they stopped breathing. I glanced over at Coriolanus who looked annoyed.

“Well my name is Lucy Gray Baird and I am alive and well as you see!” I joked trying to lighten up the mood of the audience being reminded I used to live in a district. “And I am here because that’s where I belong obviously but let me ask you the real question: why are you here Phacelia? What is your skill?” I ask her. I really don’t belong here but I don’t think Coriolanus would appreciate another response after his endless campaign of convincing people I am capitol.

“Well I am small so I can hide really well and umm I can sneak up on people, back home, almost nobody ever noticed me even when I stand right in front of them!” She explained proudly but in the end it sounded pathetic and sad so much that the audience even awed at her. I exchanged looks with Lucky and we silently decided that she couldn’t get sponsors by trying to be strong because there are definitely stronger candidates than her so we played on her pathetic side trying to get sympathy out of the Capitol citizens.

“Really no one ever notices you? Not even like your family or friends?” asked Lucky in a voice you talk to a cute small animal.

“Well my parents are busy taking care of another 3 kids so I am left alone most of the time and I don’t have many friends to say if I can also hide from them” explained Phacelia not realizing she is perfectly making people sympathetic towards her sad situation.

“Aw, maybe you win those games and once you come back your family will notice you more and you will find many more friends!” I said trying to raise the mood a little. I know that I am lying about her winning those game, sure I was also an underdog but the only reason I won is because I snuck rat poison inside, this poor little girl is not coming back home. She won’t even be properly remembered. 

“That’s sounds nice! I always wanted more friends!” She said excitedly and the crowd once again awed at her. The bell rang and she left the stage. One more and I will be done. 

“Our last tribute for today is Barnstone from District 12!” I said and a giant 18 year old boy walks in with a sour expression. 

“Hello there big fellow!” Said Lucky exitedly. Barnstone glared at him and didn’t respond.

“Well he is a talkative guy!” I joked and the crowd laughed. Barnstone finally turned in direction observing me and then something clicked in him because his expression changed from annoyance then surprise and finally absolute hatred.

“Traitor! Snuggling up to those greedy pigs!” He said in raspy voice. The crowd gasped from his accusation and an insult. My heart immediately dropped, I knew this would happen, I knew that will be hated by the districts but I wasn’t prepared. I took at glance at Coriolanus who shook his head slowly and I knew I can’t mess up with the response. I looked at the crowd then at him and grinned.

“I don’t why you are calling me a traitor because that applies like I was ever one of you but I never was. I was never a District. Plus it’s frankly rude to call those nice people who just wanted to help the tributes in the games greedy pigs, when they are spending their money on your kind!” I answered grinning and he frantically looked at me in disbelief probably thought I would try to reason with him trying to make out that I was in fact on the district’s side. 

“Anyway let’s resume. Barnstone is there any skill-“ Lucky tried to resume but Barnstone interrupted him by showing his middle finger at t the audience, gamemakers, me and Lucky and walking off stage with the crowd booing him. I shook my head in disapproval although deep inside I wish I could do the same. 

“What a way to end the night! But let’s remember some good parts!” Said Lucky trying to resume with the crowd being sour. I can’t let this interview end like this because it will reflect badly on me and in a way Coriolanus who definitely wouldn’t appreciate that. 

“I can’t let this wonderful night end in such disrespect to our great nation! So if you my dear audience will let me, I will sing our capitol anthem to remind everybody who feeds them and protects them!” I say into the mic and the crowd cheers in the agreement and the mood becomes better. I look at the Game makers who look at me in relief and gratitude, I take a deep breath and sing the awful song I pretend to love. 

Gem of Panem

Mighty city

Through the ages you shine anew

We humbly kneel

To your ideal

And pledge our love to you!

Gem of Panem

Heart of Justice

Wisdom crowns your marble brow

You give us light

You reunite

To you we make our vow

Gem of Panem

Seat of power

Strength in peacetime, shield in strife

Protect our land

With armored hand

Our Capitol

Our life

The Capitol crowd cheers and some start crying probably from the pride of their evil deeds. I take a bow and people stand up clapping. Then I looked at Lucky giving him a signal that it was time to end the show. He nodded and we both spoke in unison.

“THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TUNING FOR THE TRIBUTE INTERVIEW OF THE 11TH HUNGER GAMES! DON'T FORGET TO CONTINUE TO TUNING INTO THE HUNGER GAMES FROM TOMORROW MORNING!” We say and bowed down together with the crowd’s applause. 

“That was exhausting!” Complained Lucky as soon as we went behind the scenes. I was about to agree but before I could I got picked up by my waist and spun around by Coriolanus who looked extremely happy. 

“You did amazing Lucy Gray!” He said while spinning me around and then putting me down on the ground. 

“I tried” I said tiredly. 

“Congratulations on your engagement by the way” said Lucky that I already forgot was standing right next to me and Coriolanus. 

“Thank you” me and Coriolanus said in unison.

“I really need to interview you two about that! It will bring in numbers! Your romance is extremely popular in the Capitol!” Said Lucky as his assistant took out a  calendar. “When are you two free to do that?”  Before I could decline Coriolanus answered.

“Some time after Hunger Game will be fine!” Coriolanus said. Of course we now have to talk about this! But what did I even expect? Coriolanus will just propose and not use it for his advantage.I thought annoyed. 

Lucky nodded suggesting a date and Coriolanus agreeing, they talked for some time but I wasn’t listening being so tired that I was ready to fall asleep into the nightmares while standing around here. Coriolanus seemed to notice me drifting off because the next thing I knew was that I suddenly end up in his arms being carried in a bridal style through the studio. I was too tired to protest or get embarrassed at everyone staring it wouldn’t matter to him anyway so I just rested my head on his chest and drifted into one of the worst sleep of my life. The kids that will die tomorrow visit me tonight chanting one thing to me along with 

“Traitor! Traitor! Traitor!TRAITOR!

Chapter Text

Coriolanus Snow POV

It is a perfect day, the sun is shining without a single cloud covering it, people are walking around laughing and 24 tributes in shackles are being driven in a van to the arena of the 11th hunger games. 

“The tributes are almost at the arena Dr Gaul!” reported one of the game makers.

“Finally! A lot of tributes tried to resist, slowing down the start of the games! I guess they really wanted extra minutes of life. How interesting because why struggle so much just to have extra minutes of living when you can’t even do anything meaningful with it” Dr Gaul blabber on as we half listened busy trying to make everything go smoothly like the arena, mutts and the television broadcast where Lucy Gray will be co hosting.

“The broadcast seems to be going smoothly” I say looking at the broadcast where Lucky is trying to get people’s attention before the show starts. Lucy Gray is still not on screen, probably delaying going on camera for as long as possible. I know that stupid comment from a district 12 brat really got to her because the entire night I heard her murmuring in her sleep about how she is a traitor. I really need to change her view on the districts so she wouldn’t feel bad for them. The problem is how? 

“The tributes have officially arrived! They are being led into the arena right now!” Said a game maker.

“I will transfer that information to Lucky so he can start the games” I said contacting Lucky.  I looked at the screen where Lucy Gray was finally on screen with Lucky who got the message. The tv glitched for a  couple seconds but then came back to normal. Weird.

“Well our dear viewers the hunger games will start soon! I recommend calling right to the number on your screen to gamble on one of the tributes who you think will win!” Said lucky exited while playing with cards that magically started looking like the tributes portraits.

“Also don’t forget that once the Hunger games officially start you can call on the second number on the screen and sponsor the tribute of your liking so that they would receive food and water in the arena and have a better chance of survival!” Added Lucy Gray sitting across from Lucky on a comfy chair that you couldn’t even see behind her puffy lilac dress.

“Oh look Lucy! The tributes are finally all on their spots! Finally the 11th Hunger Games are about to begin! How existing!” Squealed Lucky pointing at the big screen in the studio. He grabbed a microphone and walked closer to the screen. “10,9,8,7,6,5,4,” at the next three numbers almost everybody in the audience counted with Lucky “3,2 and 1 LET THE 11TH HUNGER GAMES BEGIN” The bell rang and the Hunger Games officially began. Most tributes ran towards the middle where all the weapons were placed while others ran away from the fighting.

“The bloodbath has begun” said Lucy Gray sitting in her chair pretending to be fine but I could tell even though the screen, she wasn’t okay. I know how my songbird looks when she is terrified.

“Hahaha that’s a funny way to put it!” Laughed Lucky at Lucy Gray’s comment. “The ’bloodbath’ is at its most violent point! it seems like districts 6,8 and 9 are practically wiped out by other tributes!” 

“It seems like Diamonda from district 1 has the most kills right now with 4 kills with Khopesh from district 2 and Mags from district 4 following close behind with 2.” Observed Lucy Gray who stayed sitting. The blood bath ended a couple minutes later with only the higher district tributes left in the middle and the rest who survived ran away and hid in different parts of the zoo.

“Allies?” Asked Diamonda bluntly to the tributes left standing. Other tributes agreed after a while except for one, Mags. 

“I wonder why she isn’t accepting?” Commented Lucky, and I was wondering the same thing with the game makers.

“I think you all deserve to know that there is only one victor in this games and that we will have to betray each other at some point down the line and if it happens that I will betray you first I wanted to say I am sorry for ending your lives in advance” Mags said while the rest of the group stared at her in disbelief. I know they all knew that there would be betrayal down the line but nobody expected to say it out loud. The tributes stayed quiet while the crowd in the Capitol watched closely, interested in how they would respond. 

“It’s interesting how she decided to be truthful to them even though saying it out loud can bring immediate distrust of her and will make her the first target when the group will turn against each other” assessed Dr Gaul and then she looked at another screen and grinned “I believe your songbird lost her ability to move! Maybe you should go help her out with that and bring in some viewers with your romance as well!” Said Dr Gaul mockingly. Before I could respond one of the tributes spoke up on the screen.

“I am also sorry when I will have to betray you all” said Diamonda and the rest of the tributes apologized to each other for having to kill one another. 

“They are showing a bit of humanity even in such a critical situation” Dr Yads commented, observing the situation closely.

“It means nothing. They are just pretending so that they won’t be targeted first and even if there is some humanity in that act it’s small in comparison to their actual nature which is evil” I explain then stand up from my seat “ I will follow your order Dr Gaul and help my Lucy Gray.” I say and walk out. I walk down the hallway and get to the auditorium where the hunger games are being hosted. The gamemaker control room was specifically built close so that if needed Dr Gaul could make an announcement right away like last year. 

“Mr Snow! What brings you in today for our magical broadcast?!” greeted Lucky, noting me and doing a magical trick annoying me but I smiled and walked towards Lucy Gray who sat on her chair not moving just staring blankly at the screen like she was in a faze.

“I came here for my fiancé of course!” I said and kissed her temple. She seemed to just notice her spacing out and immediately went back to her acting mode.

“Oh Coryo!” Lucy Gray said, turning around and kissing me “ Did Dr Gaul let you relax?” She asked and I nodded and came close to her ear so nobody would hear us and whispered.

“Dr Gaul noticed your detachment and wants you to put yourself back together” I whispered and she nodded and whispered in my ear.

“I know, I am sorry it’s just hard to act when all the memories from my games keep rushing back plus seeing kids I casually talked yesterday die isn’t the best feeling” Lucy Said and I nodded, reaching my hand to her. She stared at it for a second and then grabbed it smiling. I could feel her putting weight on my hand using me as support as she tried to get up elegantly. 

“That’s what I thought, keep up the act until I can get you to the back stage where you can rest” I whispered and she nodded, smiling for real. 

“You two are such love birds, it makes people of all Panem envy of your two’s relationship!” Said Lucky coming over to us with a microphone.

“Well who wouldn’t?! Our relationship is like from pages of a….book!” Said Lucy Gray. I wonder why she didn’t specify the genre of the book? 

“I would even say we are soulmates, destined to find each other in every universe” I said and the crowd with Lucky awed from my sweet words. Lucy Gray read poems about soulmates and another romantic myths like red string theory but I don’t believe in such trivial things like written in the stars, but she does and the idea of finding her in every universe, loving her and keeping her close at hand seems appealing so I choose to believe in it even if its stupid.

“You right…you are a very ambitious person so I know you won’t ever stop looking for me in every single universe we end up in” Lucy Gray said squeezing my hand “Anyway today is about Hunger Games we can talk about our relationship during our interview after the games!” She said, tapping her fingers into my palm. I knew she wanted to leave and relax like I promised and she will do that…after a while.

“Yes we will have a deep dive of our relationship after the games in the interview with Lucky Flikerman but I am sure we have some time to answer a couple since it seems like the tributes are far away from each other!” I said and could feel Lucy Gray squeezing my hand in a painful way by stabbing her pretty lilac nails into my skin. I didn’t react though since I felt worse pain than this plus she needs to practice to be absolutely perfect on camera even if she is about to break down, because what kind of future First Lady can’t answer uncomfortable questions with grace even if she is mentally unstable. It can ruin my reputation since I want to be perceived as an absolute embodiment of perfection so that means my family has to be too.

“Great! We can’t have the audience get bored and your relationship did start because of the hunger games so it’s still related! Let me start on my first question then!” Said Lucky going through his seemingly endless list of questions. The question kept pouring and me and Lucy Gray handled them just fine with just occasional bits of pain in my arm. Finally after 20 minutes of this I felt Lucy Gray had enough with the amount of times she stabbed me with her nails. So I started looking for a way out.

“Well Lucky, I think a Mags from district 4 is doing something close to the pond so why don’t the viewers get your commentary on it!” I say pointing at the screen where Mags secretly separated from the group and is digging in the dirt trying to hide something.

“Oh! Interesting Mags secretly seeked away from the group! I wonder what her plan is!” Lucky said, walking closer to the screen. I took that as a way of escaping and led Lucy Gray to her changing room.

“Why did you let him question us like that!?” shouted Lucy Gray sitting down on the couch in exhaustion. I didn’t answer, knowing she would get more mad with my reasoning.

“I will bring you some water to cool down” I said and before she could stop me I walked out to look for an avox to bring some water but someone stopped me in my tracks.

“I can’t believe you are actually serious about that bird,” said Livia Cardew leaning on the wall.

“I don’t know what you mean,” I replied, knowing exactly what she meant.

“Oh don’t play dumb! I am talking about you marrying a district! Are you going to ruin your family blood with a district!?” She said coming closer to me glaring. “Imagine what your dead father would say about that!” Her comment about my father annoyed me. How would she know what he would have thought! But I had to admit from stories of people who knew my father he hated the districts and if I married a district he would be rolling in his grave. 

“Well it’s a good thing I am not marrying a district” I replied and her face turned red.

“I. Am. DONE with people who keep pretending she is one of us! She isn’t! She isn’t Capitol!” Livia wailed, stomping her foot on the ground like a child. This is why I always hated her but her reaction tells me something that I could use.

“Why do you even care who I marry Livia? It’s not your blood that is getting affected or is there something else you want?” I asked leaning closer and saw her face turn from anger to a blush but before she could answer someone else did.

“She cares because she is a noisy bitch” said Lucy Gray glaring at Livia and me. So Lucy knew about Livia’s feelings, no wonder she hated her so much and talked crap about her trying to make me hate her even more. Somehow this made me happy that I am not the only one who gets jealous in this relationship.

“Honey you should go relax before you are called back on stage” I said, coming close to Lucy Gray trying to lead her back inside but she refused to move from her place staring at the blonde woman before her.

“Well I tried to relax but her off-tone yelling hasn’t allowed that, it’s embarrassing” said Lucy Gray. Livia saw red and tried to charge at her to slap her but interfered stopping her hand mid air. 

“YOU KNOW WHAT REALLY EMBARRASSING!? IS THAT YOU THINK THAT EVERYONE ACCEPTED YOU! YOU THINK PEOPLE REALLY BELIEVE YOU ARE A CAPITOL!?  YOU HAVE NO PROOF THAT YOU ARE ACTUALLY A CAPITOL ASIDE FROM MEANINGLESS CLAIMS THAT YOU ACT LIKE US! YOU WILL NEVER GET ACCEPT! AND IF CORIOLANUS CAN’T SEE THAT THEN HE IS AS STUPID AS I WAS CALLING HIM IN ELEMENTARY!” Livia yelled then ripped her hand out of my grip and stomped away out of the building. There were some stage crew in the hall and they stared in shock and started whispering something to each other trying to get away from the scene. I looked at Lucy Gray who was standing unmoved.

“Are you okay?” I asked leading her inside the changing room. She gave me a glare, probably mad about me fake flirting with Livia. She stayed quiet taking off her heels without patients and plopped down on the couch staring angrily at the little tv in the corner. The slightly glitching Tv showed different tributes either hiding,killing,eating food from sponsors or digging in…dirt?

“I think she is setting up a trap” said Lucy Gray bluntly then she took the tv remote and turned off the tv, layed down on the couch and covered her head with a pillow. I stared at the black screen trying to figure out what Lucy Gray meant. 

“I completely forgot about the water, let me go get that for you” I said walking out of the room for the second time. I walked down the hallways and ended up in the nurse's office. I sighed and opened the door. They should have water here as well as some pills that can calm her down. 

“Coriolanus?!” Uttered Lysistrata hiding something behind her back. I noted that action.

“What are you doing here Lysistrata? I thought you didn’t want to watch Hunger Games?” I asked suspiciously. She looked at me nervously and then looked down.

“Well I needed to get an internship for me to graduate so I was assigned here as a student doctor” she explained. Her family can get her an internship in any hospital. Why would she choose to work here knowing this is where the Hunger Games are being controlled and hosted. She is lying about why she is here!

“Well…I need water and some medicine that can relax someone” I explained. She nodded and turned around, quickly putting something in her front pocket. She filled a water cup with lemon water and pulled out a pack of pills.

“Here, take only one because they are quite strong,” she explained, giving me a glass cup and pills. I nodded, thanking her and slowly walked out looking back one last time for any evidence she is doing something rebellious but she just stood there and stared at me leaving. 

I sighed and walked out. I knocked at the door and walked into the changing room. There was Lucy Gray sitting elegantly at her vanity retouching her makeup. I came close, kissed her on her temple and put water with pills in front of her. She thanked me and drank it. I gazed upon her thinking she is the embodiment of Capitol but Livia is right, she won’t be fully accepted, unless I can find proof…

“I was gone for 2 hours. I think I have to come back before Dr Gaul will start hunting me down” Lucy Gray says and stands up with a big sigh of dread. Then she remembered to put on her lilac flower shaped earrings that she took off to give her ears a break but suddenly the metal hooks pierced through one of her fingers “ouch!” 

“Are you okay?” I asked grabbing her hand in examination. A small drop of crimson blood appeared. Blood…maybe if we did a DNA test on her and showed results to the public she will be fully accepted and my reputation won’t be at risk. I started at the small wound for a while, lost in my thoughts only being taken out by Lucy’s voice.

“I am okay…it’s not even bad. If you are worried I can go to the nurse-“ she said with confusion.

“NO!” I yell and then realize I accidentally freaked out I quickly calmed down clearing my throat “You are right it’s not bad so there is no need for a nurse” I am sure Lucy Gray will meet Lysistrata someday since high society is pretty small and there is a high chance she can run into her at some event for our class but I don’t want her meeting her right now with Lysistrata doing who knows what!

“okay…I will go back on stage” She said, a little surprised by my not usual reaction. I hope that I won’t ever react like that again because only simple minded people let their emotions take control over their actions.

“I know you can get through those games, my greatest actress” I whispered and kissed her bleeding finger. 

“My blood gave you lipstick” giggled Lucy Gray and slipped her hand out of my hold and disappeared out of my sight. I licked my lips tasting Lucy Gray’s blood and decided to follow her example and go back to work. 

“Welcome back Mr Snow! It seems like the action is finally starting to pick back up!” Dr Gaul greeted me while looking at the screen. There was Mags running away from her 3 out of 5 ‘allies’ through the darkness. 

“What happened to the other 2?” I asked, Dr Gaul grinned and finally looked at me.

“She killed them,” she said grinning ear to ear. “And now she will kill some more like a vicious and sneaky animal” I stared at the screen figuring out her plan and suddenly Lucy Gray's words popped back into my mind ‘I think she is setting up a trap’.

“She made a trap” I whispered and Dr Gaul nodded. We watched as tributes chased Mags to the pond before she quickly dodged her trap letting her hand made net that she hid in the dirt activate trapping 3 tributes in nets. She then quickly ran, kicked their weapons out of their reach and watched them struggle before kneeling down and whispering something that the microphone didn’t pick up. She then slowly dragged them closer to the pond that was full of eels and dropped them in. The piercing cry came out of the dying tributes before they were finally silenced by their brutal death. Mags stood there like a statue for a long time before she dropped to her knees and started sobbing uncontrollably.

“That was an amazing performance from Mags from district 4! She really showed her promised secret talent of trap making!” Yelled Lucky with excitement to the audience who were just as excited as him. “I wonder if she will do that trick again?! It can work since she has successfully got rid of all the tributes who knew about her trap!” 

“Not all” said Lucy Gray and the audience looked at her confused as she walked closer to the big screen and pointed in the corner where a small figure with two braids stood. “Phacelia from District 12 who’s special talent of being unnoticeable was unnoticed by Mags! Now there is one tribute that knows of Mags’s secret weapon! Oooohhhh Hunger Games are getting more and more exciting! We hope you, dear viewers, will continue to follow this year’s Hunger Games because it’s something you DON'T want to miss!” Announced Lucy Gray with people cheering.

“You are always right Lucy Gray! But as far as we see, there aren’t many tributes close to each other aside from Mags and Phacelia so we recommend that you take a good night’s rest and come back to our live stream of the area as soon as you wake up!” Lucky said and pulled out a pillow out of nowhere and tossed at one of the people in the audience who looked exhausted with people dying laughing from his joke.

“Once again we your dear hosts Lucky Flickerman and Me Lucy Gray Baird-“

“Future Ms Snow” joked Lucky with everyone cheering.

“Yes, future Lucy Gray Snow will be here for every single day of the Hunger Games, commenting on the actions in the arena and giving you a good scale of how likely a tribute will survive to make your betting easier!” Finished off Lucy Gray and the broadcast to the studio finally finished leaving on the screen the view of the arena. 

“Nice job hosts! You can now rest for another couple hours and then come back to the studio at 6am sharp” delivered by the game makers into Lucky’s and Lucy’s ear microphones.

“Great day of Hunger Games! I need some of you to stay behind to monitor the arena” said Dr Gaul, then point and a couple of game makers including me and told us to stay.

I didn’t want to do this, wanting to be in Lucy Gray’s embrace but work has to be done and I never let emotions control me so I obediently stayed observing the arena. It was boring and unproductive staring at the never changing screen. It seems like the tributes decided to hide away from each other during the night so there was no action.

I stared at the screen not really paying attention going through every doctor I know that I can bribe into making a fake DNA test for Lucy Gray. Sure I can just have her take the test and she will definitely pass because she is Capitol because there is no way someone as exceptional in every way and such a superior human as myself would fall for a district scum. That’s just impossible…but something in me didn’t really want to find out for sure if she really is Capitol because…what if she isn’t, what would I do then? No! She is Capitol. I just think it will be more convenient to just get quick fake results and show it to the public.

“What is happening with the screen?” asked one of the younger game makers. I took a look at the screen and saw it get more and more glitches. What is happening with the screen!? The screen continued and we tried to find out why but there was no use. The screen stayed glitchy and people had to watch the games through the glitches. After a day of searching for a problem we discovered a weird signal that was coming from inside the building. 

“Do you think that the rebels planted some device to disturb our broadcasting!?” Proposed Dr Yads and a certain girl who doesn’t like Hunger Games but somehow ended up here with something in her pocket kept coming into my mind. 

“May I go check something out” I asked and Dr Gaul quickly dismissed me. I flew through the building getting to the nurses office and without knocking I  barged in. There was Lysistrata sitting in a chair staring and something little in her hand. She flinched and put it back in her pocket.

“Lysistrata. What is in your pocket?” I asked bluntly. 

“Oh nothing!” She said with a nervous laugh. I came closer towering over her in an intimidating fashion.

“Look Lysistrata for your good show me what is in your hand” I demanded and she bit inside of her mouth and pulled out a small portrait. I took it in my hand and recognized the person. Jessup. 

“I wanted to keep him by my side,” she explained nervously. I stared at the painting and then turned it around. The painting was made on a little wooden frame, big enough to fit a small device inside. I looked down at her big black scared eyes and saw a small girl I first met in kindergarten. I wanted to try to open inside the wood but instead hesitatingly gave her back the wooden painting. 

“Lysistrata, if you are doing anything treasonous, stop. I won’t save you if you get caught.” I said coldly, giving her the last bit of any affection I felt towards her from our years of friendship by not taking that painting and letting Dr Gaul examine it, I saved her from the death penalty, for right now. I told on a ‘friend’ before and I will do it all over again as long as I can keep climbing up the ladder of power but I owned Lysistrata for saving Lucy Gray in the arena by killing her beloved Jessup so I will let it go once and repay her favor.

The screen came back to normal after a while to everyone's relief.The games proceeded smoothly with having enough kills and Lucy’s with Lucky’s charms to keep the game entertaining. Finally on day 4 in the arena only two tributes were left alive. Mags and Phacelia who was following her around secretly and avoiding every trap Mags placed. After a while Dr Gaul announced to the 2 tributes in the arena that there is only one person standing in their way to freedom and that they are close by. The showdown became a game of cat and mouse as Mags walked around for any sign of Phacelia who now in fear hid behind a big rock unable to find a better place in time. Finally after a while Mags unknowingly walked up to the rock and being afraid of dying Phacelia took a small knife she had and tried to ambush Mags, but a district 4 girl reacted just in time and pierced a small girl’s chest with a trident.

“MAGS FLANAGAN FROM DISTRICT 4 IS THE WINNER OF THE 11TH HUNGER GAMES!” proclaimed Lucky as the crowd cheered. The peacekeepers went inside the arena to retrieve the victor and found her clauching a bleeding dead body of a 13 year old girl in her hands. Peacekeepers tried to get her to surrender the body but she had her grip on her so badly that only after they got her to the barracks did they manage to pull out Phacelia’s body. 

The next week there were many interviews done with Mags making her desirable for the rich Capitol who soon will be able to purchase her ‘company’. 

“I feel bad for her” whispered Lucy Gray one day watching one of the last interviews Mags did.

“Why? She is being treated as a celebrity who doesn’t want that?” I asked Lucy Gray, who stared at the screen with pity.

“She isn’t treated as a celebrity…more like a product you can purchase,” Observed Lucy Gray, and she was right she is being promoted, as just a product unlike Lucy Gray who is actually being treated as a celebrity. Mags Flanagan is just another thing on the market.

“Hm I think you are just paranoid since you are still shook from hosting the Hunger Games” I insisted. I can’t let her find out the truth until she is completely convinced of the district’s nature and won’t feel pity towards their kind. 

“Maybe.” She agreed looking at her ring then looked back up at the screen “I would like to get to know her since we are both victors. I would like to share my trauma in the arena to someone who relates” she explained and looked at me with pleading eyes.Silently begging to be let out of the cage for just a little bit. I gave in but only with a thigh leash around her.

“If I allow you to send her letters they aren’t allowed to have personal information that can hurt me or you if it gets leaked somewhere” I hesitantly agreed. I will also read them all just like with the rest of the letters. Lucy Gray was happy anyway, hugging me tightly and ran to start writing a letter. 

I walked towards my office but was stopped by a certain picture on the wall. There was my young father who I look creepily alike and my happy mother dressed in a stunning white gown on their wedding day. I gazed upon the picture for a while.

“I should plan my wedding for as soon as I graduate” 

Chapter Text

Lucy Gary Baird Snow POV

Early in the morning avoxes maids carefully washed my body with milk and rose petals as I read a new letter I got from Maude Ivory.

Dear Lucy Gray 

I hope this letter finds you well. We heard from your last letter that you are getting married soon and that we sadly didn’t get permission to enter the Capitol to attend your wedding. Please don’t feel bad about it. We are happy that we can see it on tv like all of your other many tv appearances. You are really living the dream, but the rest of District 12 doesn’t see it that way and have been bad mouthing you since your first appearance on 11th Hunger Games as a co-host. 

I am sorry we didn’t defend you properly! Clerk Carmine tried to defend you once but he was badly hurt after and Tam Amber with Barb Azure forbade us to speak on your behalf. They said that if we do, we will end up like Billy Taupe someday, dead.

On a brighter note I finally became the official lead singer since we were finally allowed to perform again. The folks don’t really like us but they sure like our music so they still come (also with the money you send, we don’t have to rely on our performances so we do it for fun now.)

Ps I am really excited to see your wedding on tv! I will be the last Baird. Barb Azure married a fellow not too long ago and became Barb Azure Everdeen and soon you won’t be a Baird anymore too, but instead a Snow. I hope that you will come visit us someday with Coriolanus (I hope he will bring some popcorn balls with him) because I miss you like all fire!

With love from Maude Ivory Baird 

I reread the letter until every single word was memorized. It was sweet with a hint of pain intertwined in between. I sighed getting out of the tub and put it in the pile of the letters Covey sent me through the 4 years I lived in the Capitol. At the start, all of the Covey members were sending me frequent letters but with more fame I gained from co-hosting the Hunger Games and singing like a songbird to the Capitol, less letters started to arrive from them. Except Maude Ivory and Clerk Carmine who’s letters stayed as frequently as always. From Maude I found out that my older cousin Barb Azure even got married since Barb Azure didn’t send me a letter in months. I honestly felt betrayed for being cut off like that! 

I picked up the last letters I got from Barb Azure and looked over it again for what it seems like a millionth time.

Dear Lucy Gray 

You haven’t been acting like yourself lately. I understand that you are being forced to host the games but even from across the screen I can tell your eyes have changed from how they were before. I know most people can’t tell the difference, including yourself but, I can. I hope that one day they will come back to how they were before. 

With sincere love Barb Azure Everdeen

When I first got this letter I cried over it for weeks straight that Coriolanus even took extra time from his new job as a head gamemaker to comfort me.

’I don’t know what Barb Azure even means by your eyes have changed?’ Coriolanus stated after I finally gave him the letter. I sat on our bed holding my legs together covering my face with my long dark curls as Coriolanus walked in circles around the room.

‘Did I change? I didn’t even realize I have changed.’ I whispered ready to sob again. I heard Coriolanus' footsteps stop in front of me and he reached gently pulling me into an embrace.

‘You changed and keep changing for the better Lucy Gray. You are no longer a starving girl, who’s only ambition in life is to put supper on the table. You can live now and not just survive. You can be happy not kneeling to nobody anymore. I think you are finally becoming what you are always meant to be.‘ He whispered in my ear while embracing me. What he tells me feels right, but should I really trust the words of a fallen angel?

Coming back from my thoughts and putting Barb Azure’s letter down. I got dressed in a comfortable light dress and stopped in front of the mirror to quickly check my appearance and a certain paper in a golden frame caught my attention. My fake DNA test. 

I looked at it for a second thinking of almost 3 years ago, when during a frantically forced interview with Lucky about our engagement, Coriolanus pulled out the results of a DNA test claiming I am in fact 100 percent Capitol. Everyone of course believed it, because they believe what they want to be true and nobody even questioned the sudden death of the doctor who did my test. I took my gaze off the paper and back to me quickly wiping any wrinkles I might have on my clothes. The bell rang and a head maid opened the door for my favorite and one of the most famous designers in the Capitol.

”Lucy Gray!” Tigress said, running up to me and hugging me tightly. “You will be the most beautiful bride Panem has ever seen! I swear!” She declared sitting me down on a stool. “If it’s alright with you I brought two of my assistants to make the process go faster”

“Yeah it’s fine with me, I had a lot more people work on my appearance before” I replied with Tigress laughing taking out her giant makeup box and other beauty products. Tigress got started on my hair while talking to me about her life lately. I listened patiently knowing she doesn't see people a lot, too busy with her endless work. The two assistants started on my pedicure and other things to make me look perfect for my wedding today. 

Today is my official last day of being a Baird. That last name has been with me throughout my entire hard life. When I was traveling with my parents and siblings, ending up in District twelve where I had to work hard to survive, Hunger Games where I had to actually survive and finally through my 4 years in the Capitol. I am already missing Baird. It is much softer sounding than Snow. 

“I am so happy you will officially become my cousin in law!” Told me Tigress with a warm smile while gently working on my hair. How is this woman related to Coriolanus?

“Me too…” I said smiling, reaching for her skinny hand and squeezing it. “I am happy you of all people will be my cousin in law” Tigress’s eyes teared up and she nodded. Tigress calmed my wild locks into nice curls and then put it up into a low big bun with a couple of curls coming out. She then added small rose shaped jewels in my hair and silver feathers. My hair looked breathtaking as usual but today of all days I think it’s the prettiest I have seen. 

“Tigress, are you sure you don’t practice magic?” I joked looking at my hair in the mirror Tigress gave me.

“Well even if I did I wouldn’t tell you” She joked and then took out her makeup kit. “So Coriolanus wanted something elegant but you are the bride, not him. So what would you want?” I thought about it for a second.

“I would too want an elegant look but I would add white eyeshadow and small white feathers on the corner of my eyes. I think it will match with my wedding dress and you know me I don’t follow the trends I start them” I replied, she giggled and started on my make up. The whole process of getting ready took about 3 hours which I was glad wasn’t filmed like the rest of the day because it gave me time to prepare myself and catch up with Tigress in privacy.

“You are all done! You look eternal!” Squealed Tigress and her two assistants. I looked at myself in the mirror and thought I looked like an angel. My wedding dress had intricate designs with many layers of different silks and pure white feathers and roses made of silver.

“It’s time to go-” said one of the filming crew walking into the apartment and stopping in their tracks at the sight of me. I put on my veil and with help from the assistants who were holding my heavy gown got myself out of the house and into the limo. The wedding is supposed to take place in the center of the Capitol glass garden. It was giant and a very beautiful place that I actually loved when Coriolanus suggested it. I found out later that he wanted to do our wedding there because the guest list is over 500 people who all are very important allies to have for when he runs for president. 

Covey’s weddings are usually somewhere in the wild, surrounded by flowers and family. There are many energetic dances, songs and colorful outfits. I sadly haven’t seen a covey wedding before but from stories my ma told me about her wedding with my pa I always dreamt of having a wedding just like that, but we can’t predict the future. My younger self would never have guessed that I would be walking down a long alley to classical music playing while 500 people I barely know are watching me and millions more from their screens. 

I walked with my head high, towards Coriolanus who was gazing at me with warm eyes that make you forget just how corrupt his heart is. He was stunning in his white suit and his now signature white rose on his heart. It was the middle of winter with a snowfall you can see from outside the glass garden, perfect for a snow’s wedding but not covey’s. The garden is full of flowers that aren’t supposed to grow anywhere near the Capitol especially during the dead of winter, it was a good way to show the districts the power of the Capitol. That they can take any flower and have enough energy to keep the temperature warm for such insignificant things like flowers unlike in the districts where they can’t even warm themselves up. 

“You look divine my love” whispered Coriolanus lifting up my veil revealing me to the world. 

“Welcome everyone to this joyous occasion as we celebrate the union of Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray Baird. We all have witnessed their love story unfold before our eyes and we now witness them finally interlink their lives together forever.” Announced officiant with the biggest smile on their face.  “The couple can now state their vows.” 

Honestly I was thinking that the officiant would just ask if I take Coriolanus as my husband and I would just say yes but a month ago I was informed that I would have to make my own vows. Coriolanus didn’t tell me why he changed it but I think it’s because he wanted me to announce myself to the entire world that my heart, my body and even my soul belonged to him. I knew what he wanted and what choice did I had but to do what he wanted. Even if half the Covey has cut contact with me and I resented them for it, I still cared for them. 

“5 years ago I would have never thought that I would marry a boy who greeted me at a train station with a white rose but here I am today marrying him in front of the best possible crowd” the crowd cheered at the mention of them. They are so self absorbed. “That boy I met on the train station turned into an ambitious young man who I love with my entire being. I know that our story was written in the stars and that it will never end. I promise to be your partner for life and to stay by your side until the very end.“ The crowd was tearing up from my vows but I didn’t even give them a glance, only looking at Coriolanus and his eyes, trying to see what he was thinking. “Coryo, I promise that I love you” the sad part is that I did love him, I love my Coryo, not exactly his corrupt and evil side but his soft and loving side that I can see glimpses of. 

“Lucy Gray, my love. You are the only one who can make my heart skip a beat. You own my heart and if something will ever happen to you, my heart will go with you so please don’t ever leave me. We are soulmates and we will find each other in every universe so that even death can‘t do us part. I find you the most interesting and beautiful woman in the universe. You are my most cherished person and I will give you everything you will ever desire that is in my power. I am so happy that out of everybody in this world, you will become my wife, the mother of our children and my life partner. You are my love” Coriolanus announced his speech, also never giving a glance to the audience and only looking at me. I appreciated it, that he told his vows to me and not to the audience. Even if there are millions of people watching it felt personal it felt like we were only saying it to each other. Maybe I did like that we made our own vows because it gave me an opportunity to also claim him, I showed the world that he is only mine.

“Now, Coriolanus and Lucy Gray, it’s time to exchange rings as a symbol of your eternal love and commitment to each other.” Officiant stated and a little girl wearing a light blue dress walked over with a silver box in her hand and opened it in front of us. Coriolanus picked a ring and slid it on my finger and I followed by placing one on him.

“I now pronounce you a husband and wife! You may now kiss!” pronounced the officiant moving out of the way. Coriolanus reached and held my head with his palms and kissed me for a long moment. The crowd cheered but I didn’t hear them.

The reception was stressful. Coriolanus used it as a way to make connections and I had to play the role of a sweet yet intelligent wife to show that standing next to the future president isn’t a stupid woman who will be an issue for his presidency and the Capitol.

“You seem like you know what you’re doing,” noted the First Lady, smiling at me.

“Madam Ravinstill what a pleasure to have you attend our wedding!” I greeted her with an actual smile. Madam Ravinstill frequently attends my many performances and always defends me in the media if news stations try to start any sort of drama about me. In general this woman has been very kind to me. And I am very grateful to have her on my side.

“Well how could I miss your wedding? I was looking forward to it since the day I met you my dear” the older woman giggled and then turned around and looked at Coriolanus who was standing next to the president talking about political issues. “And since you are going to secede my role sooner or later, I wanted to give you a word of advice,” the First Lady whispered, turning around towards me again. “The position of the First Lady comes with poisons disguised as sweets, don’t take in too much poison because it will be hard to get rid of”

 “What does that mean?” I asked, a little confused about what she means by this encrypted message. Does she mean that people will try to kill me by poison? I know that I might face assignation attempts so it isn’t very helpful.

“With time you will get it, my dear. Oh look, our husbands are coming over!” Said Madam Ravinstill.

“Madam Ravinstill you look well today! If it’s okay with you I would like to steal my wife from you for a couple minutes for our first dance” Coriolanus asked with his charming smile. The First Lady nodded and I walked with Coriolanus to the center of the ball room where we held our reception and started dancing gracefully with the music.    

“What did you talk about with the president?” I whispered as we danced. Coriolanus spun me away from the eyes of the camera. 

 
“Mostly about my job and my plans for the future” he whispered back as we danced. The dance was slow, unlike the energetic covey dances. “Are you enjoying our wedding?” He asked.

“I liked the ceremony part but this feels like yet another exhausting party where I have to please everyone” I responded giving a quick glance at guests who surrounded us in amusement. 

“I am afraid we will have to go to more often to those parties since I just found out that Mr Ravinstill is choosing to retire after this term so it’s going to be very important to attract more voters and supporters during this time,” Coriolanus explained, smiling at the cameras and guests. I tried to keep a happy expression but my face was slipping. Suddenly Coriolanus leaned my body down, grabbed one of legs and kissed me, pulling away whispering “After I get elected and you become the First Lady you won’t have to please them anymore, since then it will be their jobs to try to please you instead” 

“I would like that,” I giggled and kissed him again. The reception was going mostly smoothly If you don’t count one person glaring at me the entire time. Honestly the only reason why Livia Cardew is here is because Coriolanus wants support from her mother, the owner of the largest bank in the Capitol. Livia on the other hand is quite useless on her own and doesn’t have much to offer. She is nothing but a decoration, I kinda feel bad for her. I don’t know how I would live if I was as plain minded as her.

“I heard you got engaged Livia!” I remarked walking up to her when I was near her “Congratulations!” Livia’s face dropped at the mention of her engagement.

“thanks” she muttered, ready to walk away from me but a snake-like girl got in her way. 

“Yeah Livia, I heard you are getting married soon, why don’t you tell your friends some details” Clemensia said, eyeing her with the yellow eyes of a snake. After 2 years, everything that was left from the poison vanished except her eyes that refused to go back to normal. So in the end Clemensia just accepted her new snake look and went around saying it was a fashion statement which I honestly admired her for.

“You aren’t my friends” hissed Livia shoving Clemensia out of the way and stomping off. 

“Ouch, that hurt Livia” vocalized Clemensia that a couple of people looked at her and stomping away Livia. Clemensia then giggled when some people who started gossiping about Livia and turned around hugged me. “Ooohhhh I am so happy for you Madam Snow!”

“Oh you are too kind Madam Dovecote!” I joked, over the last four years I became very close to Clemensia because of our shared dislike of stuck up people in high society. Even Coriolanus approved of my friendship with his old classmate because it’s a good political connection.

“Why was she so upset when I mentioned her engagement?” I asked. Clemensia smiled and then came closer to my ear whispering.

“That’s because it’s arranged, her parents are basically selling her to some middle aged man who was known to pay people during the dark days to sleep with him. Imagine getting married to that!” Laughed Clemensia and I tried to giggle along but I was disgusted. 

“Haha…Clemensia I really need to go talk to somebody, I will see you later” I quickly excused myself and walked away from the crowd. I walked into the dark hallway trying to get somewhere I can be alone. When Finally I thought I was alone I heard a muffled sob from behind the corner that scared me. I looked closer and saw a piece of Livia’s golden dress sticking out from behind the corner as she sat on the floor sobbing violently. 

Livia is only 23 years and forced to marry a middle aged pervert and on top of that the media hasn’t been covering her in the most positive ways lately. I quietly walked up behind her thinking of comforting her but something inside me stopped my uprouch. I do think her situation is pitiful and the reason she is a person she is, is because of her parents but, something inside me changed because I know that only a couple of years ago I would have not hesitated to comfort someone even if I didn’t like them but now I can bring myself to do it. 

I quietly turned around and walked away from crying Livia Cardew forcing myself to not look back. After a while of searching I finally found a place where nobody was. I pushed open the doors that led to the balcony and walked out into a cold blizzard. The cold and clean snow swirled over my skin in a refreshing way. I stood on the balcony watching as the snowflakes materialized from the depths of darkness of the night sky. This has brought back a memory I shared with Covey.

‘Look at how many snowflakes are falling down from the sky!!!’ Yelled 6 year old Maude Ivory at the meadow. ’Would you like to catch some snowflakes with me, Lucy Gray?’ She asked innocently.

‘Sure! Let's catch them and see the interesting designs on them!’ I agreed and reached out my hands trying to catch snow in them but everytime it landed on my hands it would melt right away ‘aww I am sorry Maude Ivory I can’t catch any, snow melts before I can even look at it!’ I said going down to her height. Maude Ivory shook her head and then jumped on me hugging me tightly.

‘That’s because you are such a sweet and warm person that Snow can’t even touch you without melting!’ Maude Ivory giggled holding on to me. 

My mind came back from that memory and I decided to try to recreate it. I reached my hand out and caught some snowflakes but this time they didn’t melt. They stayed perfectly fine on my palm. Barb Azure’s words rang in my ears.

I can tell your eyes have changed from how they were before. 

Now I was desperate. Desperate to melt the snow, to prove to her and to myself that I am still a good person. I squeezed the snowflakes in my palm using all my grip and warmth to melt it. After a while I opened my palm and to my relief the snow melted. I sighed in relief, looking up at the sky in victory. I heard a knock on the door and saw an avox standing there. I guess it’s time to go back to my endless political wedding reception.

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Snow POV 

“Madam Snow, your husband has sent you a bouquet of roses and a new dress. Where would you like us to put them?” Asked the head maid as I sat on the rooftop composing music early in the morning.

“Again?! It’s like the 3rd time this week! I don’t have enough space for all the presents he sends me” I said, putting down one of my many guitars on the floor. Since I first came to the Capitol with Coriolanus he was giving me so many presents that I was getting overwhelmed. Later I figured out that after living in poverty and not being able to afford luxuries he developed a gift giving love language. So every time I wanted something I would get it right away which was kinda nice but over time became inconvenient. 

I walked down the stairs to my bedroom, where on the bed lay a big bouquet of white and baby pink roses and a matching satin dress with a small note on top. I picked up the note and read.

To my love 

A dress to wear to today’s important event 

From Coryo 

I sighed, tossing the note away in disappointment. Yet another importantevent that I have to attend and charm everyone at. Coriolanus is officially running for president now so he started to become more pushy about me constantly appearing by his side and acting like a perfect wife, perfect singer and a perfect candidate to become the future mother of the nation. Perfect, perfect , perfect. I stomped over to my endless closet that somehow didn’t have room anymore for any new clothes. 

“Take my old clothes that are out of style and throw them away” I commanded the avoxes maids, who hurried up and started grabbing my old clothes I didn’t care about and putting them in big black bags. I picked up the new dress and gazed at it. It was beautiful and elegant but doesn’t really stand out too much, perfect for a banquet tonight. I flopped down on the bed feeling a little dizzy. 

“Ma’am would you like for us to just throw them away or-“ asked the head maid but I interrupted her. 

“Throw away, burn, I really don’t care, just get rid of them so I have space to put new ones!” I bark for them to hurry up. Useless. I thought to myself and tried to get up but my head started spinning and I felt my stomach twisting. One of the avoxes caught me before I managed to completely fall on the ground.

“My lady!” screeched the head maid running up to me “Are you okay?! What happened!?” I couldn’t reply because it felt like if I opened my mouth I would just vomit. With the help of an avox I managed to trudge towards the bathroom and fall down next to the toilet where I puked all of my stomach fluids.

“I am going to call a doctor!” Uttered the head maid running to the rotating phone. I simply nodded sitting next to the toilet with my head spinning for a while.

“My dear! Are you okay?” Asked Mrs Plinth rubbing my back as I sat dizzy next to the toilet trying to comfort me. I didn’t even notice that she came. I was happy she was here but it didn’t feel right to show my weakness to anybody or even inform anyone that I have any weakness.

“I am not sure…maybe I ate something expired during a party yesterday” I mumbled, not even looking at her. She sighed while holding my hair out of the way while I was throwing up.

“I know Coryo is officially running for president now but I think he should allow you to rest sometimes and not worry about pleasing people every single day. It might be the stress of why you feel sick” Mrs Plinth suggested. She might be right, I have been so tired lately from performing concerts, attending numerous events, photo shoots for magazines and much more that I was left exhausted.

“Mrs Snow, the doctor has arrived” informed the head maid. I sighed with my hand to let them in as I got up from the floor with Ma’s help.

“So Mrs Snow, what symptoms have you been having lately?” Asked the doctor while putting on gloves and checking my pulse. 

“Well I feel nauseous and I puked. I have also been irritated lately but it’s probably because of my stress”  I explained and the doctor nodded while taking notes. 

“Did you perhaps start over sleeping and craving something you usually don’t eat? When was the last time you had your period?” Doctor asked to check the results of the pulse test. 

“A do sleep more often and eat a lot- wait, you think I MIGHT BE PREGNANT?!” I gasped understanding what she was implying. 

“Well with all of your symptoms it’s probably the only explanation, but I think you should take a pregnancy test just to make sure” she confirmed and took out a small box with a tester inside. I sighed and went into the bathroom to take it, coming back with it being indeed positive. 

“AAAA I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!” squealed Mrs Plinth rushing to hug me. “You are like a daughter to me so it feels like I am becoming a grandmother!” she cried hugging me “I wish my husband could have seen yours and Coryo’s children. He always wanted grandchildren” She whispered, tearing up remembering her late husband who supposedly died from a heart attack after eating bread almost a year ago.

  I had a feeling it’s a lie and when I asked Coriolanus one time about it he stayed silent and just did a quick nod instead of lying to me which I appreciated even if it hurts because I refused to live in bliss anymore. I need to know with whom I tied my life with, I can’t afford to be dumb and destroy my new life without knowing. I need to become a snake to survive a snake.

  “I am sure he is watching from a better place,” I said Comforting her. She nodded and then her eyes glistened.

  “We need to tell Coryo!!! Should we call him and tell him the good news!?” asked Mrs Plinth, already running to the phone.

  “NO-no, he is busy with his campaign so let’s not intervene and it would be better to reveal in person” I commented putting the phone back down. Mrs Plinth is very kind but sometimes she doesn’t understand social norms. 

“Oh yeah, you are right. Sorry, I got way too excited,” she apologised and then proposed “How about I will make you something that will be good for you and the growing baby”  I simply nodded and followed her to the kitchen. How should I tell this news to Coriolanus? How would he react? I know he wants kids but probably not during such a stressful time as this. I thought to myself sitting at the dining table writing a letter to the Covey and Mags, a district 4 victor. 

Me and Mags have stayed in contact since the 11th games. We usually send each other letters about tips to improve our mental health, relatable stuff from our traumatic experiences and important life reports. In general it’s a nice reminder that I am not alone with this trauma and there is someone nice I can talk about it with. 

“Here you go!” Mrs Plinth said, putting a warm soup in front of me. “Do you need me to help you figure out how to tell Coryo? Or maybe you don’t feel well? If you don’t feel well you can ask me to do anything! I can stay here all 24-7 if you need me too!” She blabbered excitedly. I appreciated her effort but her over flowing energy was making me feel exhausted again.

“Ma, thank you so much for worrying about me but I am okay, I have maids to help me. I don’t want to stress you out in any way but of course if I would need your help I would definitely ask you for it” I say as nicely as possible implying that I would definitely not want her clinging to be 24-7. I know she is coming from a good place but I just can’t have someone watching and being around me all the time, doing everything for me like I am a weak hurt bird. I hate being weak and powerless.

“Yes… you have to get some space and rest. I know you are strong. I just feel like I need to protect you so that nothing will happen to you like to my son and my husband…” she revealed with her smile dropping. Oh you poor woman, you wouldn’t be able to protect me if Coriolanus ever set his killer's eyes on me.  

“It’s okay ma, I will be okay“ I said taking a sip of the soup “It’s so good like all of your cooking!” I complimented the soup and she smiled again.

“Well I am going to leave you to rest, just remember if you need anything please don’t hesitate to just walk into my apartment” she said leaving the apartment and waving as she slowly closed the door. I waved back after she already closed the door. I sighed, lowering my hand. I glanced at the soup that I should probably eat but couldn’t find in me to eat. I grabbed the bowl and spilled it in the toilet, flushing it. A sudden thought caught my attention while I watched the soup disappear down the toilet. When did I become so wasteful? Back in the districts people are starving, not wasting a singular meal while here I am throwing away delicious meals and clothes I don’t like.

“Back in the day I wouldn’t have left a single spoonful of that soup and would have worn clothes until they had so many holes it was useless” I whispered to myself and the baby in my womb. I touched my stomach and smiled “I will try to raise you to be better than me” I walked towards the king size bed and just fell face first on it. My eyes and body become heavy. I decided to take a nap since the doctor said I needed to rest but the real reason why is because I didn’t want to start to get ready for the party. 

“My love” a voice woke me up. I opened my eyes to find Coriolanus sitting brushing my hair with his hand. His hand then traveled to my stomach and stopped there. “Our child will be beautiful like you and me” he whispered, smiling ear to ear.

“How do you know I am pregnant!?” I asked, shocked. Nobody knows except Mrs Plinth and the doctor and they swore they wouldn’t tell. How does he know!? Coriolanus’s smile dropped and he stayed silent thinking of an answer. “How do you know I am pregnant? Do not lie to me, you know how much I hate when you lie to me!“ I demanded coldly. 

“I can’t-“ He finally replied and stood up walking away “Anyway we need to get ready for the party” he changed the subject. An unpleasant feeling sank into my heart. I wasn’t satisfied with his answer, wanting to find out the truth but I knew right now isn’t the time for that. If I wanted answers I had to be slick about it.

“Do I have to? I am pregnant and the doctor recommended that I rest” I argued, not wanting to go. 

“Sadly we can’t afford to cancel this one, there are going to be a lot of people we need to get on my side in the election” Coriolanus shook his head not looking at my soar expression, grabbing my new dress and handing it to me. I reluctantly wore the dress and sat dejected next to the mirror as avox worked on my appearance. “There is only 7 months left of this and then I will fulfil my promise” whispered Coriolanus kissing my neck. 

“It feels too long” I wine and got up walking out with him. The party was draining. Everybody surrounded me, talking to me non-stop, asking me personal questions and practically begging for me to sing which Coriolanus gladly agreed for me. I sang, danced, talked and manipulated. I was cunning my whole life as a tool to survive but since my life in the Capitol it became a tool not to survive but to get things I wanted. 

“Congratulations on your pregnancy! When are you going to do the x-ray to check out the gender of your twins?” Asked Dr. Yads during one of the after party of Coriolanus’s rallies during my second month of pregnancy. Dr. Yads is a nicelady if you can say that about a game maker and one of many suppliers of poison for Coriolanus’s ‘accidental’ spices in the food of his opponents. I noticed a couple of times Coriolanus having blood in his mouth when I kissed him, worried I demanded to know why and reluctantly he confessed his murder tactics just like I suspected.

“Oh probably in a week since me and Coryo will have some free time” I replied. 

“How exciting! What gender do you want them to be?” she asked, staring at my growing stomach. She then tried to reach out to touch it but I quickly stepped back. This isn’t the first time people tried to touch my stomach without asking, which always makes me uncomfortable.

“Oh well I don’t have a specific preference but Coryo does think having boys is more ideal or something like that” I replied trying to not get too close so that there was no way she could touch me. She took a hint and put her hand down smirking like she was plotting something.

“Well Mrs Snow, I do hope you and your husband will be satisfied with whatever the babies genders will be” said Dr. Yads and started walking away before she turned around and added grinning “ Oh and if you don’t want people to disrespect you, you should learn from your husband and use not just your charms but also force. Show them that they can’t push you around!”

As Dr. Yads was walking away. I thought about what she said and sighed knowing for at least another 5 months I can’t afford to stand up for myself. I need to be sweetand perfect so that I won’t become a weakness for Coriolanus that he would like to get rid off like he did with others. I put my hand on my stomach trying to calm myself down for the twins before other people would appear and start sucking the life out of me. Next week finally Coriolanus campaign team finally let him have a weekend off and in extension to me as well. 

“I am so excited to find out the genders of the babies!” I said practically skipping through the hospital. 

“Me too, I hope they are boys so that we can have an heir” replied Coriolanus walking closely behind. 

“A girl can also be an heir” I shot back, annoyed. He cleared his throat sensing he messed up and added.

“I know girls can be smart and strong, you for example but I just feel like…anyway let’s just find out the gender and talk about it later” he deflected from answering and led me into the x-ray room. I clenched my fist in irritation but didn’t continue the conversation silently sitting down on the patient table. 

“Good morning Mr and Mrs Snow, you will find out the genders of your twins shortly” said the doctor setting up the x-ray machine. She put cold gel on my belly and started scanning and observing the screen with us “Well congratulations it’s two healthy baby girls!” Doctor announced, smiling. 

“Yay I am so happy!” I squealed and looked at Coriolanus who tried to keep a smile on his face but I could see he was disappointed. He then noticed me staring and leaned down kissing me.

“I am also happy, especially since they appear to be healthy. I do hope at least one of them will inherit your heavenly voice” he said. Inherit my voice, why because you need to use them somehow? I thought to myself. For the rest of the day I managed for once in months now, to choose what I wanted to do. 

“I want to start painting their room! Take us to the store where I can buy paints!” I said excitedly to the driver. 

“Why do you want to paint a room for them? We won’t stay in the penthouse for long. The longest they will stay in there is a month until I win the election” asked Coriolanus while looking at the x-ray pictures in the back seat. I shook my head and smirked.

“Well don’t be so sure of yourself my love, what if you don’t win?” I teased him. He took his eyes off x-ray and laughed like I said something ridiculous.

“Oh honey, I will win, it's a fact. Sure Mrs Cardew can try all she wants but at the end of the day she doesn’t stand a chance and if it comes down to it…well she will eat an interesting meal” he replied smirking. Livia’s mother, the owner of the largest bank in the company, is actually running for president and is Coriolanus's biggest opponent in this election. 

“Yeah, yeah but still I think even if it is just a month I want them to have an adorable first bedroom” I continued practically begging to decorate a room for them in the penthouse until Coriolanus finally sighed and agreed. 

“I want to make their bedroom walls look like the meadow back in 12” I said, picking a light green paint with many different colours for the flowers. 

“And why would you want them to see an awful place like district 12?” He asked, annoyed at my choice of what to paint the walls. Honestly I did suffer a lot in district 12 but the meadow was my escape place from all my problems. It was also the place where I felt free, something that even money doesn’t recreate sometimes.

“Meadow is also a place where we reunited after we were separated after the games” I made an excuse. He thought about it and smiled thinking of the memories of us together when I still believed like a fool of his pure nature. 

“Okay fine let’s paint it like a meadow” agreed Coriolanus and ordered Avoxes to transport the paints to the penthouse. 

“We have a whole weekend free so why don’t we paint it together? I think it will be fun!” I suggested giving him a paint brush when we were finally ready to paint. He looked at the paintbrush in his hand like it was something he had never seen before. I laughed at his confused expression and started painting flowers on walls. Daisys, Poppys, Asters, Katnisses, Primroses and…Roses? I turned to Coriolanus who reluctantly joined in painting flowers, specifically roses and giggled.

“Babe, roses don’t belong in the wild” I said pointing at the red roses he painted on the wall. 

“Well yes but every flower was once wild until they were cultivated and turned perfect” He explained, continuing to paint roses.  My hand stopped painting and I turned to look at him. Is he referencing me? He noticed my gaze but didn’t look back. “You know this wall reminds me of the Deep in the Meadow lullaby, why don’t you sing it to me and the babies”  Suggested Coryo. I sighed and pulled Coriolanus into a dance position. 

“Only if you will dance with me to it” I declared. He smiled and pulled me closer into the waltz position and started slowly moving as I sang.

Deep in the meadow, under the willow
A bed of grass, a soft green pillow
Lay down your head, and close your sleepy eyes
And when again they open, the sun will rise.

Here it's safe, here it's warm
Here the daisies guard you from every harm
Here your dreams are sweet, and tomorrow brings them true
Here is the place where I love you.

Deep in the meadow, hidden far away
A cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray
Forget your woes, and let your troubles lay
And when again it's morning, they'll wash away.

Here it's safe, here it's warm
Here the daisies guard you from every harm
Here your dreams are sweet, and tomorrow brings them true
Here is the place where I love you.

This moment when me and Coryo painted the room for my little girls together and danced while I sang was the happiest I felt in months. I felt so drained from all the expectations and politics that I really needed to have some peace but this peace didn’t last for long because soon I was once again dragged into Coriolanus’s political game. Once again I was reminded that until Coriolanus will achieve his dreams, I wouldn’t be able to live in relative peace. 

“So what are you going to name the babies?!”

“When will you have another concert?” 

“Are you going to do another charity event soon?”

“Can I touch your belly and feel the twins? What do you mean no!? I want to feel the babies move!”

“What do you think of the political state right now?”

“What do you think of the districts because I really don’t want someone who empathizes with them next to the president!” 

Blah blah blah. People never stop surrounding me and after I try to politely ask them to not touch me or my precious babies they get upset and call me prideful. Honestly I think they look in the mirror when they say that. How am I prideful? If anything I am the least prideful among them! They just can’t use their heads at all which kinda makes me pity them. I can’t imagine being that stupidly ignorant.

“Oh isn’t that Mr Snow‘s little songbird! How are the eggs cooking up?” Asked Dr Gaul sitting down next to me at one of Coriolanus’ political rallies. We sat in the high balcony where all of the VIP Coriolanus supporters were. The camera was there so I still had to always be on the lookout for when I am on camera and to act accordingly.

“Oh I am on 5th month and they are doing…fine” I said scorching away from the devil in flesh.

“Really? Because you know I used to be a doctor that delivered babies and you don’t seem like you aren’t making the best environment for your eggs to hatch properly” She said giggling and poking my stomach. I quickly glanced at the screen making sure I wasn’t on it and then slapped her hand away glaring.

“What are you suggesting?” I asked genuinely confused like I am always with this woman. Her face twisted in a sadistic expression and she just shook her head.

“You are pretty smart so I am sure you will get what I am warning you about. Also I would suggest checking where you live. Birds like you don’t like to live in cages but a lot of them are in one” She whispered and then turned back to watching Coriolanus manipulating the crowd in 

front of him and behind a screen to give them their vote and in the process their any kind of control. 

The camera turned to us and I was once again on screen but I couldn’t move and act. I sat looking down at my stomach and trying to relax myself for the babies in my womb and to not evoke Coriolanus’s fury of me ‘dragging’ him down but I couldn’t. My mind was racing because something in my head clicked together and I finally knew how Coriolanus almost always predicts what to ask me about my day and how he knows little things I haven’t told him and pregnancy. Finally after what seemed like forever I lifted my head up and saw my face on the screen and the eyes of the monster looking at me expectantly. Expecting me to act perfect. I didn’t this time. This time I stood up from my seat and practically ran out with a camera still pointing at me and the whole Panem seeing it. 

I ran. I didn’t bother to get in the car. I ran through the streets of the Capitol in everyone’s view. Finally I got to the Penthouse and burst in. I started rampaging through it like a maniac looking for the cameras.

“Ma’am! Please stop! You will hurt yourself and the children! Mr Snow will be very upset with you please I am begging you take a breath of fresh air-!” Begged the head maid trying to stop my rampage but I yelled out to her and the avoxes who were trying to do the same.

“DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH ME! I WILL MURDER ALL OF YOU IF YOU EVEN LAY ONE OF YOUR DISGUSTING FINGERS ON ME!” I cried out, shoving them away. I continued rampaging and destroying things until finally I found them. “Cameras…secret cameras…THERE ARE SECRET CAMERAS IN MY HOUSE!” I grabbed the little device and ripped it out, throwing it on the floor and desperately stopping on it. Then I pulled out another and another stopping on all of them. Suddenly someone’s hand grabbed my wrist tightly not allowing me to continue my hunt for cameras. I was about to yell treads at someone who dared to touch me but I couldn’t. I felt like my tongue was ripping out like one of avoxes and I couldn’t speak.

“Calm. Down.” Ordered Coriolanus in an icy cold voice holding my wrist so tightly after I finally ripped my wrist out had a red mark on it. “YOU MADE ME END THE RALLY EARLY WITH YOUR STUPID OUTBURST! YOU KNOW YOURSELF HOW THAT CAN HURT MY REPUTATION! We need to go back to the after party to show my voters that NOTHING happened!” He shouted dragging me to go back to those annoying people without even acknowledging why I had an outburst in the first place. My rage returned and I started crying and yelling.

“HOW DARE YOU INSTALL SECRET CAMERAS IN OUR HOUSE! ITS INVASION OF MY PRIVACY THAT I ALREADY BARELY HAVE! I AM NOT GOING BACK! YOU CANNOT MAKE ME!” I wailed, pushing him away from me. 

“It’s. My. House so I can put anything I want in it, and you are My wife so I can control how much privacy you get, who you can talk to, how you are presented to the world, when and where you are at. Your entire life is mine because you wouldn’t even have it if it wasn’t for ME!.” He grabbed my hair to make me look at him while he explained coldly like it was the most obvious thing ever. Tears rolled down my face that I couldn’t stop. 

“You maniac. Am I like everyone else to you, just your tool you will get rid of once no longer useful. Tell me Coryo, no Coriolanus, how much longer do I have tolive? When will you poison my tea?” I asked with a neutral expression with only my non stopping tears revealing my fear and weakness. He stood in one place staring at me with his expression mostly unreadable but I could tell from his fists letting go of my hair and his eyes pained. He didn’t expect me to say that. 

“We will discuss this after the party.” He declared, turning around to the head maid “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! GET YOUR MASTER TO LOOK PROPER!” He commanded, scaring the head maid with the avoxes once again.

“I AM NOT GOING-“ I tried to argue but he interrupted.

“It’s not up to discussion. We will talk about everything after the party” He said walking out of the trashed penthouse. 

“My lady, let us help you” whispered the head maid. Trying to get close to me. I glared at her and shook my head.

“I will do it myself!” I hissed and walked to the bathroom washing my face from the running mascara and putting my messy hair into a bun. I looked down at my wrist that was turning red and probably would leave a bruise. Oh how much I wanted to just walk out and show it to the public, breaking Coriolanus’s perfect image but it would also drag me down with him so I picked up long black gloves and walked out. I didn’t look as good as I usually do but my mind was racing with fears, rage and helplessness that I didn’t care anymore and for some reason my stomach started hurting.

The party was madness and I couldn’t handle it. I was bombarded with people asking why I left in such a hurry, why I ran down the streets of the Capitol in distress, Why I look in distress. My mind was hurting from everything and the only thing I could do was smile and think to myself. stop,Stop,STOP. 

The pain in my womb intensified and I couldn’t help but stop my fake smiling and clenched my stomach. A small cry came from my mouth and I felt something roll down my legs. I looked down and noticed what I hoped to never see again. Blood, My Blood. STOP, STOP, STOP!

People around started running around panic screaming for help. My pain was so bad that my vision became blurry and I crumbled to the floor in agony. People surrounded me but stepped back when a tall figure appeared with an alarmed and regretful expression. Coriolanus picked me up and bolted through the marble hallway to the nurse's room while calling 911 at the same time.

“SEND THE BEST DOCTOR NOW! I DON'T CARE IF SHE IS BUSY, PULL HER OUT OF THE SURGERY AND GET HER HERE NOW! I DON'T CARE IF SOME NOBODY DIES I NEED HER TO SAVE MY CHILDREN BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY MY WIFE, MY LOVE HAS TO LIVE! ” He yelled into the phone. I knew it was helpless. I could feel the lives of my precious girls sleeping away from me. I cried out in agony begging to not take my children away but it was too late. On the patient's bed I held two tiny bloody corpses. The nurses tried to take them away but I held onto them trying to convince everyone and myself that they were alive and soon will open their blue or brown eyes.

“THEY ARE ALIVE!” I cried as they finally got my children’s corpses out of my grasp “NO PLEASE, PLEASE DON’T TAKE THEM AWAY” I tried to reach out and almost fell of the bed if it wasn’t for Coryo pulling me back and keeping me in place. 

“They are dead… they won’t open their eyes…please Lucy Gray I beg you think about your well being first. I need you to be okay. We can have more kids later! Please, my love just stay with me. I am sorry. I am so sorry…” Coriolanus cried holding me down. Finally after some time I managed to understand that I won’t get my children back so I just sobbed as the doctors surrounded me examining my body. 

“Lysistrata how is she!? Will she be okay!?” Coriolanus questioned the doctor who was nodding trying to calm him down. I wish I was dead like my children right now. I blocked out all the sounds wanting to just go into the forever darkness but there is one voice that no matter how much I try isn’t blocking out. A voice that always brings the emotion of hatred into my heart.

“Hahahaha I am so happy that peacock lost her stupid children that she was parading! She deserves what happened to her” laughed Livia in the hallways near the nurses office. I knew she wanted me to hear her. She wanted me to know that she was laughing at my suffering because why would she walk away from the party and laugh about it here. My thoughts started to race again but now not from agony and pain but from hatred, that I used to gain sudden strength and get up from the bed. The doctors didn’t notice me getting used to me laying so still it looked like I was dead like my children. I wobbled into the hallway with doctors finally noticing my absence. 

Livia noticed my approach and smirked about to say something but before she could, my fist flew into her face and I heard a crack. She fell on the floor from the impact and held her nose in disbelief. After a couple of seconds she realized that her nose was broken and started wailing like a cow. I stood there for a minute looking at her making sure I didn’t show any emotion as the doctors rushed to get me back into the nurses office and to help her with her broken nose. I looked at Coriolanus who looked shocked from my action and smiled just slightly at my revenge on both him and her. I guess your wife punching your opponent’s daughter will hurt your perfect reputation.

Chapter Text

Coriolanus Snow POV

“Mrs Cardew went on national television and is using your wife’s ‘attack’ on her daughter against you. She is trying to convince people you aren’t as perfect as you make it out to be and that your wife is a bomb waiting to explode that will cause the Capitol's control, collapse” explained one of my campaign workers reading a report. I sighed in anger pinching the bridge of my nose while sitting in the conference room.

“Your wife should have kept her hands to herself! She is making it harder for us to win the presidency!” complained another campaign member. I glared at him and the whole conference room went so silent you can hear people blinking. “I-I am just s-saying that her grief shouldn’t have led her t-to-…I am sorry“ the campaign member tried to explain himself but stopped and bowed his head feeling my fury rising.

“If you ever talk about my wife with such disrespect again, I will make you regret it… because if you disrespect her you disrespect me.” I said coldly. The worker looked terrified, quickly nodded not looking into my eyes and became quiet as a mouse.  Lucy Gray is my trophy that will stand above others just not me,  so she will be respected and worshiped even. I coughed into my fist and continued the meeting. “My opponent doesn’t see the later effects of bringing this situation to light. We can easily turn Livia from a victim to a villain who finally got a justified punishment”

“Her daughter does have rumors about her being unpleasant to Mrs Snow. We can also blame your wife’s unfortunate miscarriage on the years of relentless bullying from Livia. Then the punch will be seen as an act of self defense and not out of aggression, making people more sympathetic towards you and your wife” proposed one of the campaign propaganda workers. Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Well get it on every channel and every headlines. Get people to hear only ours and our story only! Don’t allow them to override our narrative with theirs!” I commanded standing up from my armchair “I better see it tonight on the Capitol channel. This meeting is over.” I said walking out of the conference room with my assistant following closely behind. 

“How does my wife feel right now?” I asked my assistant as we walked through the halls and got into an elevator. She quickly pulled out a big case and opened it. Inside was a screen with different angles of the penthouse. 

“Not all of the cameras have been repaired but we are working on it,” she commented on the black square spots on the screen. “So according to the footage Madam Snow’s condition isn’t any better. She is refusing to leave the nursery room and didn’t eat anything for the past couple of days” she said, closing the case.

“Cancel my afternoon appointments; they aren’t too important. I am going home” I said as the guards opened the door. I heard the crowd outside and quickly decided on what kind of expression I should make. My wife had a miscarriage only 3 days ago so I cannot put on my usual charming smile. Instead I went for sorrow with a hint of grateful smile for all of the crowd's support.

“Mr Snow! What are your thoughts on the Livia Cardew incident!? What truly happened?! Is what Mrs Cardew saying true?! Is the Debate still going to be held in a week?! Why did your wife have a miscarriage!?” Yelled out reports shoving microphones in my face. I shook my head and put on an upset face.

“Yes, the debate will still happen on its scheduled time. All I want to say about the situation is that Mrs Cardew should be ashamed of her daughter. Livia has been bullying my wife for years which led my wife to lose our precious daughters. It really shows what kind of person Mrs Cardew is, if she raised such a monster and is now blaming my wife for standing up for our late children.” I explained looking straight at the camera. The people in the crowd gasped and started yelling out ’how they knew it was all Livia’s fault’. Thank you Livia for never being likable, it makes it so much easier to use you as a scapegoat. I thought to myself trying not to smile at the accusations being tossed around as I confidently walked away to my car. 

“Perfect response sir” whispered my assistant as we got into the protected vehicle. “Do you want me to move the appointment to another day or cancel them completely?” asked my assistant, giving me the copy of my schedule. I looked at it and pointed.

“Move this one and cancel the rest” I said, passing it back. I touched a small tube of poison and an antidote in my pocket and sighed. I wanted to assassinate one of my ’allies’ who was leaking information to my opponent but that can wait another day. She nodded and typed in a new schedule on the computer.  Finally I arrived in front of the entrance and I walked out of the car without waiting for the secret service to open the door for me. The crowd on the streets cheered seeing me and I quickly waved at them and walked into the private lobby where only the residents were allowed. Since I started running for president I can’t go anywhere without a Secret Service because of the risk of assination attempts from my opponents and rebels. Just a small price to pay for power. I think to myself while getting in the elevator with two agents by my side. 

“Master Snow” said the head maid with a trembling voice bowing down to me when I arrived.

“My wife didn’t eat or wash herself for the past three days. I ordered you to make sure she was taken care of and you can’t even do such a task?” I remarked with coldness while throwing my jacket at one of the avoxes. The head maid went on her knees and started pleading.

“Please, sir, forgive me! I truly tried! But Miss didn’t let us come close to her!” 

“I gave you an order and you chose to ignore it.” I responded and then turned around to the agent behind me “Take her away” the agent nodded and moved closer to the head maid who realized what was happening and started screaming.

“NO PLEASE! I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO IGNORE YOUR ORDER! No-“ she screamed as she was dragged away. I didn’t look back at her and walked towards what was supposed to be our daughters’ room. I tried to open the door but quickly realized it was locked. I looked at the avoxes gesturing to get the key. They quickly shook their heads and gestured that the keys were inside. 

“Lucy Gray, my love, please open the door…you can’t grief unborn children forever” I spoke softly pressing my forehead to the door trying to make her listen. After a while of no response I changed my tactic.

“Lucy Gray if you won’t open this door, I will have it broken down” I said with impatience. After another few minutes I gestured for the agent to come closer and open the door 

“Lucy Gray this is your last warning, open. the. door! You can’t keep me out forever! ” I said, after a minute I sighed and started counting down “5,4,3,2 and 1 Step away from the door if you are close” The agent started to kick the door and after a minute with a crash the door flew open.

I walked inside and saw my wife sitting on the cold floor emotionless looking at the wall we painted together. She has been here since she was released from the hospital. At first I thought she would cry here for a while and move on from this whole situation but for a third day straight she hasn’t come out of this cursed room, mourning our unborn children. I wanted to do something about this earlier but I had important meetings I couldn’t move or cancel if I wanted to win in two months.

“Lucy Gray you have to get out of this room and take care of yourself” I said softly, coming closer to her. She scooted away from me while still not looking at me directly. This annoyed me and my voice became colder “Lucy Gray Snow I won’t allow you to just lay here and starve yourself to death! In general you won’t die unless I allow you to”  I reached for her again before she could scoot away, I grabbed her by her arms and tried to lift her up but stopped for a moment when she finally spoke.

“I was looking at this meadow and it looks so real like you can just walk into it and be free until you notice the roses, that reminds you it’s all fake,” she whispered, staring at the wall. I turned around and looked at the same wall. 

“That meadow wasn’t freedom. Real freedom is what you have now” I responded. She finally looked at me and smiled in disbelief.

“This is freedom? This penthouse with cameras and listening devices always watching me and listening to me Is freedom? I bet you even read my letters as well! I noticed how most of them were in a weird state, they were closed but opened up way too easily. And every time I read a letter you always had a perfect question to ask to make me start talking” snapped Lucy Gray while trying to wiggle herself out of my grasp. 

“Look Lucy Gray I know you want me to always tell you the truth and I would have told you if you asked if I put cameras in the apartment! And I do read your letter because…I can’t not know what you are saying or doing! I do this because I love you! This is what love is!” I confessed and picked her up from the floor. She tried to resist but because she hasn’t eaten in 3 days she couldn’t muster enough strength. I took her to our bathroom where the avoxes maids drew a bath with rose petals. 

“I will bathe her myself” I told the avoxes who nodded and walked out. I slipped off her clothes and put her in the warm water. I grabbed a washcloth and started washing her body. She sat in the tub not reacting to anything, just staring at the water or something in it that she covered with her foot before I saw.

“What do you mean I have freedom now, if I am under constant surveillance like a prisoner?” She asked after a long silence. I stood rubbing her hand with a cloth and looked into her tired eyes.

“You have power. Power is what gives freedom. Sure I watch over you but it doesn’t mean it makes you less capable of doing anything you desire as long as you stay in my reach. No one, except me, can tell you what you can or cannot do” I explained as I moved on to washing and untangling her hair. 

“Can I go to district 12 and visit the Covey?” She asked. I stopped washing her hair and then shook my head.

“I said in my reach” I remarked and continued massaging her scalp.

“Well technically once you become president isn’t everything and everyone under your control, can I go then?” She said finding a loophole. I didn’t want to let her go to district 12 or specifically to the people she might love more than me. I want her to only love me.

“We will discuss that when I actually become president and if I do allow it, it will probably be in a couple of years, to settle my position with the people and not have controversy of the First Lady going to the districts” I replied and gave her a towel that she snatched out of my hand in aggressive way while mumbling how I am a liar. “I am not lying, I said if” I defended myself, helping her out of the bathtub. 

“Did you prepare something light for Mrs Snow? She can’t have heavy foods after not eating for 3 days” I asked the chef who nodded and put chicken rice soup in a bowl. 

“I don’t want to eat” mumbled Lucy Gray walking back to that cursed nursery. I grabbed her by her shoulders and with force sat her down on the couch.

“You are not going to starve yourself! Get this stupid idea of dying, out of your mind! You are not giving up just because you had a miscarriage and life isn’t what you imagined when you were a naive starving child in the districts! You are going to sit down and eat and you will continue eating 3 times a day everyday and taking care of yourself!” I raised my voice sitting down next to her and force fed her soup until she accepted that she couldn’t starve. 

Finally after hours of struggle I got her to a stable state where she didn’t constantly want to starve herself in a nursery. Part of the reason is that I commanded the door to the nursery to be locked and barracked. She was protesting of course but I wasn’t budging so she eventually gave up. Now she is sitting on the couch with a cup of chamomile tea and a defeated expression. I turned on the TV to watch the broadcast that my team promised to make all about Livia and her mother. On the TV was Lucky and a couple of other famous broadcasters were discussing the drama.

“It was obviously Livia’s fault! And I am not saying that because Lucy Gray is my co-host in the Hunger Games and a friend! I am saying that there is multiple proof that Livia was bullying Lucy Gray through the years and this ’attack’ was just our sweet friend Lucy Gray protecting herself!” Explained Lucky with the rest of the people nodding along with him. Lucky is a loyal supporter of mine and Lucy Gray’s so we didn’t even have to bribe him much to start blaming the Cardew’s in public.

I switched to a different channel and then the next where all of them were bashing the Cardews and blaming them for absolutely everything. Still there were some that Cardews with their endless money management to buy but it was significantly less than me so It shouldn’t hurt my reputation too bad.

“It’s funny how they are either blaming Livia or me and only mentioning the person who is truly responsible for my miscarriage to give their condolences or say that with me by his side Capitol will crumble” mumbled Lucy Gray putting the empty cup on the coffee table in front of us. It made me annoyed that she is blaming me when obviously I am just a small part of why she had a miscarriage. The real corporates are the public who soon will be bowing their heads to me and her. I suppressed my annoyance telling myself she is just unstable right now and that I need to get her back to her senses.

“I didn’t want our children to die but we can always have more kids so you can’t give up on life right now, especially when you will finally taste the real freedom that comes with power!” I said putting my hand on her cheek and rubbing it with my thumb. “My love, let's put this behind us and look forward. Soon I will become president and you will become my First Lady and then you will get what I am saying, no one will speak about you like that again” she was about to respond but a voice on TV interrupted our conversation. Livia and her mother standing in front of the cameras and microphones.

“My daughter has been a big fan of Lucy Gray Baird oh sorry, Snow for a long time but when she first met her Lucy Gray immediately started treating my daughter coldly! I am sure that Lucy Gray is just trying to unload her grief on my poor daughter!” Said Mrs Cardew into the microphone with an obvious fake sad expression. Oh it aggravated me that she purposely said Baird instead of Snow as if trying to say she isn’t my wife, as if she wasn’t mine.

“I never bullied Lucy Gray, she is just blaming me because she despises me and because my wise and kind mother is running for president against Coriolanus Snow but… I still believe that we can start fresh…and become friends with each other unless she refuses and wants to continue gossiping about me. I formally invite Lucy Gray to tea with me on wednesday so we can reconcile.” Blurred out Livia while trying to act like she wasn’t forced to say the friends part. 

“You don’t have to go, we can just say you are recovering from a miscarriage and who would believe their claim without proof-” I said turning to Lucy Gray but I stopped in the middle of my sentence when I saw her face. Lucy Gray was staring at the TV with a big smile and dark eyes.

“It’s fine Coryo, I will go and reconcile with her” she said turning her head to me with a fake smile that I loved when she used on other but hated when she did it to me “To the media I want you to make me out as a saint who just went through a miscarriage because of Livia and still decided to give her a second chance” She then stood up and walked towards her closet and looking for a dress to wear to the tea party

“Why would you do that? She made fun of your miscarriage and so much more!” I asked, walking after her. She picked a pure white dress with lace roses and turned to me.

“Trust me, I know what I am doing” She whispered, grabbing my palms in hers. 

“Trust with what?! That you won’t fall into a suicidal state again after seeing that witch!? Trust that you won’t fall to one of their traps I know they set!? There is no way the Cardews don’t have something up their sleeves!” I practically yelled, ripping my hands from hers and sweeped my blond curls back trying to calm myself. She was looking at me for a long time calculating and then walked towards a bouquet of roses in the corner that I sent her. She gently pulled out a rose in the middle and held it tightly. The thorns of the rose pierced her gentle skin and a drop of scarlet blood rolled down her arm.

“Coryo I promise that I won’t be deceived again”

Chapter Text

Coriolanus Snow POV

“Coriolanus Snow! We love you! Make the Capitol Great Again! Future President!” screamed the crowd as I was smiling and waving while walking to the Capitol News Center where the presidential debate would take place. The Secret Service agents were walking behind me making sure the crowd wouldn’t get too close.

“We have all the possible questions and perfect answers to all of them. I also made sure that there is a section specifically for any controversy about your sir” said my assistant Monica, giving me the packet of information once we were away from the camera's eyes. I took it and sat looking over it as a crew of stylists were perfecting my already handsome appearance for the cameras.

“I know you already know this but in front of the cameras you always need to stand straight, your face and reactions should not be emotional when Mrs Cardew will accuse you of anything, show emotion when you are talking to the audience and your policies-“ blabbered on a professional media training coach. I already knew everything he was telling me from Lucy Gray and my years of experience manipulating the crowd but I still listened carefully as a quick reminder.

“5 minutes until the debate begins!” Warned a crew member walking into my dressing room. I thanked my team and walked to the entrance of the marble stage. I heard the hosts' introductions and explanations of the rules of the Panem’s Presidential Debate. I looked down at a white rose on my chest and straitened it. Lucy Gray refused to come to the debate saying she didn’t feel well. Her excuse made sense, but gave me a bad feeling nevertheless so much that she noticed and gave me this white rose as a reminder she was watching closely. It all didn’t feel right.

“Monica, I need you to watch the cameras while I am debating and report everything my wife did” I said to my assistant and walked out onto the stage without hearing her answer. I smiled confidently at the camera and live audience. I looked at my opponent Mrs Cardew and extended my hand for a hand shake. She hesitated for just a second and quickly grasped it. We shook hands and walked to our opposite lecterns. 

“Welcome to you both! Today is a moment in history because we will have our first presidential debate since even before the dark days! So let’s get started!” Says one of the hosts as I nod in agreement.

“A lot of voters are concerned about your young age Mr Snow, you are only 25! You both have two minutes to talk to discuss why and why not you should run for president. Because of a coin toss Mrs Cardew you are going first” said the second host.

“Thank you, I would like to mention that Coriolanus graduated University only two years ago, he doesn’t have enough experience to run our great nation especially during such uncertain times! At max he only has two years of experience! He is too young, with his inexperience he will lead the Capitol into ruin!” spoke Mrs Cardew. I was looking at her while not showing even a bit of my emotions. I knew that’s what she will say so I came up with a perfect response. Finally 2 minutes later it was my turn and I smiled calmly at the cameras.

“I would like to disagree with my lack of experience. Even before I began my university I already began working as a game maker and was exposed constantly to the inside world of our government! If you count my years in University, military and my 2 years as a head gamemaker I already have almost 7 years of experience. It may be shorter than Mrs Cardew but doesn’t it make it more impressive of everything I accomplished in the last 7 years!” I explained confidently with the crowd shaking their heads agreeing with me “I would also like to add that my youth isn’t an issue but instead an opportunity to start beginning of Capitol’s golden age! I have many new ideas and I am not constantly stuck in the past! I look forward and that’s what will make the Capitol Great Again!” I recite one of my most popular logos with the cheers from the crowd. I glanced at my opponent who was trying not to show it but was worried.

“So the next question will be about the recent scandals that were surrounding Lucy Gray Snow and Livia Cardew. Mrs Cardew you mentioned in public that you blame the whole incident on Mrs Snow while Mr Snow is blaming Livia Cardew. Mrs Cardew why are you promoting that Lucy Gray Snow will ruin the Capitol? And Mr Snow, what is your response to the scandal? You each have two minutes.” Said the host.

“I would like to start by saying that my daughter has a very sarcastic personality. She says things she doesn’t really mean and as an actress who knows how people work, of all people should know my daughter's pure intentions. Lucy Gray is using my daughter for sympathy and more fame.” said Mrs Cardew. This time my face didn’t stay neutral because I was in disbelief. She really has no way of getting out of this situation without a mess. “But me and my daughter felt like maybe if we reconciled with Lucy Gray she would stop her accusations. So, I am very happy to hear that she accepted my daughter’s invitation to have a tea party!” added Mrs Cardew and her time was over. 

“Mrs Cardew just how shameless you have to be to just spit such obvious lies to the world. You admitted that your daughter’s attitude has been harsh towards my wife, proving her bullying. Also yes my wife is a great performer but it doesn’t mean she can read minds and know of your daughter’s intentions behind her harsh words. The only reason why I won’t press charges against your daughter for harassment that led to her miscarriage is because my wife decided to be gracious and give Livia a second chance” I said. Mrs Cardew smirked and asked.

“How could you accuse me of lying when you have no proof that I am wrong” 

“Who said I don’t possess proof? I can present all the proof that I need to put your daughter in jail.” I replied and the bell rang indicating the end of my time. Mrs Cardew kept a neutral expression to make my claim less valid but I could see right through her. She knows she messed up by bringing up the incident in the first place.

The rest of the debate went smoothly for both sides. There is a reason why Mrs Cardew is running for president. She is an intelligent woman who knows a lot about the economy since she runs the biggest bank in Panem. This is what makes her dangerous but she is lacking one thing that all of the Cardews lack. Charm. She says a lot of right things but without the right tone to it which is what made me succeed and unofficially win the debate.

“You did perfectly Mr Snow!” Cheered my assistant once I left the eyes of the audience. I took a cup of water from an avox and drank it.

“I know. What was my wife doing during the debate?” I asked, finally acknowledging my assistant. Monica nodded and cleared her throat giving me a computer.

“Mrs Snow was mostly not doing much. She sat on the sofa watching your debate with Mrs Plinth. She did get up during your speech once and rampaged through her jewelry collection” she explained as I watched the recordings myself. Indeed during one of my speeches she got up from her seat and walked to her jewelry chest. Opening it up and rampaging through it until she finally stopped seemingly finding what she was looking for. She sighed in relief looking at something out of sight of the camera then putting it gently back and closing the chest. What was she looking for? 

“Your political party is hosting a celebration for your success during the debate so we should get going” reminded my assistant. I nodded, closing the computer. 

“I will but first I would like to get home and see if my wife would like to join me” I said, rushing towards the exit. I quickly walked, waving my hand and smiling for the cheering crowd and got in my highly protected vehicle commanding the driver to take me home. Lucy Gray isn’t the only reason why I am going home, I was planning to poison my now former ally tonight and I need my poison that I accidentally left in my suit pant’s pocket while I was taking care of Lucy Gray a couple of days ago. Stupid of me! I need to be more careful with poisons! I thought to myself hitting my head with my palm.

“Honey, I am home!” I yelled walking into the penthouse. Out of the corner a figure ran out embracing me. It wasn’t who I practically wanted to hug.

“You did so great my son!” Cried Mrs Plinth hugging me tightly. I thanked and patted the small woman on the back while looking around trying to find a person I actually wanted to hug. Finally I found her sitting sipping tea looking at me. She put the cup down and started walking in my direction. I let go of Ma and ran to her picking her up and spinning her around.

“How did I do?” I asked after I finally stopped spinning her around and just held her in my arms. 

“Why should I repeat what everyone already told you?” She answered.

“Well your words matter more than all of theirs” I argued. She sighed and kissed. 

“You did great,” she whispered, pulling away. 

“Aw you too are sooo cute together!” squealed Ma “But Coryo, isn't usually a political party host a celebration after the debate, why aren’t you there?” 

“I actually am going there, I just wanted to ask if Lucy Gray would like to join me” I explained and turned to Lucy Gray for her answer. She glanced just for a second towards her jewelry collection and then at the tea cup shaking her head. 

“I need to preserve my energy for tomorrow’s tea party with my dear old Livia so I will stay,” she explained. Tomorrow will be hard for her so she needs to preserve her mental strength and I don’t want to deal with more of her breakdowns. 

“Yes, I think it would be for the best” I agreed and turned around to Ma asking her sweetly if she could make dinner for Lucy Gray. She immediately agreed and ran to the kitchen. I took Ma’s absence as an opportunity to go grab poison from my suit pants and get on my way.

“You really treat her like a servant” whispered Lucy Gray while sitting on our bed observing me going through my suit pants’ pockets for two tiny bottles of poison and an antidote. 

“We both know there aren’t any differences between her and a servant” I answered while relentlessly looking again and again through the pockets of my pants. Where is my poison!? “Honey, did you by any chance find two small glass bottles?” I asked, turning around to Lucy Gray, hoping that she would say yes.

”No,” she answered, shaking her head. I usually don’t leave any fingerprints on my poison bottle just in case something like this happens, so it does not connect back to me if it was found by someone, but I was rushing back home and recklessly threw them in my pocket without even wearing any gloves. 

I started pacing around the penthouse looking in every single place I was during Lucy Gray’s breakdown last week. I even opened the cursed nursery room but still there was nothing! What if an avox took it and sold that information for their freedom!? What if one of my secret servants betrayed me?What if Ma found it and figured out I killed her husband? What if Lucy Gray took it? Nonsense I watch her on cameras all the time. How could she hide it? Wait that’s right I have cameras in the house I can just go back and see where I dropped it. I pulled out a computer and started going through tapes of that day. I almost got to the part where I started bathing Lucy Gray when Monica, my assistant, started calling me non-stop.

“Monica is calling you. You should answer it.” said Lucy Gray who was sitting next to me observing the screen. Lucy Gray didn’t especially like Monica telling me she wasn’t good at her job but I knew she was jealous and even though I didn’t give a single crap about Monica I kept her around to see and feel my wife’s jealousy. I sighed and picked up the ringing phone.

“Yes?” I asked annoyed.

“Sir, you are extremely late! Your political party is not pleased! They are asking where you are and how dare you make them wait! Please Mr Snow I can’t keep making more excuses!” Pleaded Monica. Maybe Lucy Gray is right, she is pretty useless.

“It’s your job so deal with it until I arrive” I said and ended the call. I was about to continue looking through the footage when I felt a poke. I looked at my wife who was staring at me with nervousness.

“Coriolanus, It wouldn’t be wise to anger your political party so you should get going. I can look for it while you are gone” she said. She was right I can’t not care about their opinions, yet. 

“It's really important to find those two bottles because if they end up in the wrong hands it can end us both” I said putting my hands on Lucy Gray’s shoulders making sure she understood the importance of finding those bottles.

“Don’t worry those poison bottles won’t hurt us,” she replied with confidence. I sighed in relief and let go of her shoulders standing up and closing the computer, leaving it on the desktop in a hurry. I practically ran out of the penthouse not even acknowledging Ma who came out of the kitchen and drove off to the party.Celebration was a big boring blur and without Lucy Gray by my side it was even worse. 

“Mr Snow you came awfully late! Not exactly your style!” Laughed a man I was planning to kill tonight but it seems luck is on his side for the second time. I laughed with him pretending like I wasn’t planning my next attempt on his life at that very moment. Honestly, I didn’t even bother remembering most of the people's names in this tedious event, I only remembered them by what they can be useful to me. I walked around greeting people left and right with Monica whispering their names in my ear so I wouldn’t offend them. I talked about politics, my success, my Lucy Gray and so much more that once I finally managed to escape the endless cycle of fake cheeriness and hide away my anxiety from the poison incident, I fell on the bed and passed out from exhaustion. 

I woke up from the sound of ruffling. I creeped open my eyes to find Lucy Gray getting dressed in a pure white to the knees dress. She turned around sensing my gaze and smiled brightly coming over to me and giving me a quick kiss on my forehead.

“Why are you so excited to go to Livia’s tea party? Having to socialize with her for a couple of hours sounds like hell” I asked with a tired, raspy voice while pushing myself upwards. 

“Well I requested for somebody neutral to also be there so it won’t be just me and her for 2 hours straight” She explained, putting on white gloves on.

“Who is also going?” I asked, never hearing of this change before. 

“Persephone Creed, you know the nice cannibal” she answered laughing and walking towards her jewelry chest. That’s right I forgot to ask her why she walked away during my debate rampaging through it. As I was about to ask she answered. “You are probably wondering why I left in the middle of your debate and it was because I suddenly remembered the existence of this locket and wanted to make sure I didn’t throw it away!” 

She lifted up a silver rose shaped locket from the chest and put it around her neck. I gave her a lot of jewelry throughout the years but I specifically remembered that locket because it was the last thing I bought technically not with my own money but with Mr Plinth’s. A day after I ended his life officially transferring all of his wealth to my name.

“It’s beautiful. You are beautiful, ” I said with a smile. She smiled and spinned around showing herself off. 

“Do I look like an angel?” She asked. I nodded. She looked divine. “Well I better get going, I don't want to be seen as inconsiderate” she said turning around towards the door. 

“Wait, Lucy Gray, did you manage to find the bottles?” I asked. She stopped in her tracks and twisted the locket in her fingers turning around to look at me. She looked apologetic and shook her head.

“I didn’t find it yesterday,” she said and walked out another word. I sighed not liking the fact that the poison bottle with my fingerprints is out there somewhere. I fixed my tired appearance and went to yet another meeting. 

“Maybe we should have dragged this incident farther to get more hatred from the public towards the Cardews” suggested one of my campaign workers. I agree with him that dragging the Cardew through the mud farther, would have been ideal, but Lucy Gray chose to attend this obviously fake apologetic tea party probably wanting to put all of this behind her.

“My wife wants to put this behind her so I will allow her too” I replied. The meeting erupted in discussion. Some people agreed with me, others disagreed but my decision was final. I already decided to not use Lucy Gray until I am sure she could handle it, because I don’t want my trophy to break.

“The tea party is happening right now so we can’t do anything anymore anyway. I am sure the Cardews understand that it would be better to quickly resolve the conflict and move on to not further damage their faces and campaign.” Said another worker. Everybody agreed and decided to move on to another topic not seeing any more profit they could squeeze out of the situation. After a half hour suddenly while the campaign leaders were presenting their next political stant to get more support from the public, a rapid door knocking sounded. Monica opened the door to scold a person who was interrupting the meeting but he ran inside the room breathing heavily.

“Mr Snow! Your wife-“ a peacekeeper took a deep breath before muttering the most terrifying words I have heard “You wife was poisoned!”

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Snow POV

The sound of the commotion and the pain in my body forced me to wake up. As soon as I opened my eyes a piercing bright light flashed on me making me want to go back to sleep. I looked around the blurry room noticing many tubes attached to me with nurses rushing around. My body was hot and it felt like I was spinning in a microwave.

“She is awake! Mrs Snow is awake!” Yelled the nurse. Her voice echoed through the room and a couple seconds later a woman in a doctor’s coat ran in pushing through several people. 

“Mrs Snow, can you hear me!? Where do you feel pain?!” Asked the doctor while checking my eyes with a flashlight. My stomach twisted in agony and I turned around and puked blood on the floor. My body fell back on the hospital bed in pain and I looked at the doctor who wrote down something in her notes and politely asked the nurse to clean the floor up and bring some coal pills with some another medicines.

“Your body strangely didn’t get damaged by poison at all, just minor injuries to your intestines. Do you remember what happened to you on the day of the incident?” Asked the doctor as she was giving me coal pills with water. My vision became less blurry and I finally looked at my doctor properly. She was about two years older than me, had many braids that she put in a bun and beautiful black skin.

“You look familiar” I muttered ignoring the questions trying to remember where I had seen her before. The doctor looked at me surprised and then smiled softly with a hint of sorrow.

“I was the doctor who took care of you during your miscarriage. My name is Lysistrata Vickers, I am also Snow’s former…classmate you might have seen me in photographs from his academy years” answered Dr Vickers. Mention of my miscarriage shot pain through my body this time not from poison. 

“Thank you for trying to save my children“ I mumbled and drank more water trying to drop the temperature of my body.

“I am sorry I couldn’t do more to save them…” apologized Lysistrata. Her apology seemed sincere but it didn’t matter when my kids were dead. “You know I used to be a mentor during your games” she mentioned while preparing a needle of morphling. I remembered the first time I saw her.

When I first arrived in the Capitol zoo she was one of the first mentors to arrive with food for us. She also treated us not like human beings. The tribute she was mentoring was Jessup. For a person who has saved my life I sadly didn’t think about him much, being too busy with my new life. A sudden guilt rose in me but it quickly disappeared once Lysistrata inserted a dose of morphling into my veins to ease my pain.

“Jessup was your tribute, right?” I asked indifferently. She nodded and pulled out a compass that also acted like a locket. She opened it and revealed his portrait inside.

“I carry a little bit of him with me, as a reminder of why I am doing this job,” she explained, she then looked around and whispered with determination in her eyes “I wanted to speak to you for a long time now but couldn’t because…Coriolanus didn’t allow me to. I wanted to ask if you would like to help justice to occur in this country?” She was about to say something else but a man in a messy suit and red eyes from crying barged in, hugging me so tightly that I couldn’t breathe.

“Coryo.. I can’t… breathe”I begged. He released his grip just enough to not kill me but kept hugging me. I heard a sound I never heard from him. Sobbing. Oh what a satisfying sound it was. I wanted him to be in pain. All of the doctors including Lysistrata left the room feeling uncomfortable seeing a powerful man like Coriolanus Snow shedding tears while holding his favorite prisoner.

“I told you that you will not die unless I allow it” he said through his tears. Then why are you crying, unless you weren't sure if I would die. I thought to myself while slowly raising my hand to his cheek and catching his tear. I admired it like the most rarest jewel. I let his tear dry on my palm before I noticed tv quietly playing in the corner of the room. I couldn’t contain my facial expression anymore and I finally smiled after seeing on screen how Livia Cardew was getting arrested for attempting to murder me. Just like I planned.

A week ago

“Lucy Gray, my love, please open the door…you can’t grief unborn children forever” whispered Coriolanus behind the locked door. I sat on the freezing marble floor not listening to a single thing Coriolanus or the staff told me. I stared at the painted meadow on the wall and was trying to remember what led me to this moment in time. I thought about my childhood, traveling and singing with my loving parents and siblings. Life was good, until peacekeepers rounded us up, murdering my family when they tried to speak up. Since that day my life was all about survival and taking care of the Covey, the last family I had left. 

It all changed after I was unfairly chosen for the Hunger Games where I met my future warden. He locked me in a comfortable cage called the Capitol that I slowly became attached to because of endless attention and expensive gifts I was getting.  I didn’t realise at first that the only family I had left was Coriolanus himself. This realization made me even more excited about my pregnancy, wanting to have someone else beside Coriolanus I could call family. 

Now here I am sitting on the floor of the nursery that my twins should have been using, starving myself while looking at the fake meadow in front of me. I heard the door flying open and Coriolanus walking closer to me saying something I didn’t bother understanding. I scooted away not wanting him to touch me, when he is one of the reasons why I lost my twins. He violently grabbed my arm pulling me up. 

“I was looking at this meadow and it looks so real like you can just walk into it and be free until you notice the roses, that reminds you it’s all fake,” I said camly, instead of showing him he was hurting me. He looked at the wall and scoffed.

“That meadow wasn’t freedom. Real freedom is what you have now” he responded. I looked at him in disbelief of his audacity to say I was free.

“This is freedom? This penthouse with cameras and listening devices always watching me and listening to me Is freedom? I bet you even read my letters as well! I noticed how most of them were in a weird state, they were closed but opened up way too easily. And every time I read a letter you always had a perfect question to ask to get me to talk about it” I yelled trying to wiggle myself out of his firm grip. 

“Look Lucy Gray I know you want me to always tell you the truth and I would have told you, if you asked if I put cameras in the apartment! And I do read your letter because…I can’t not know what you are saying or doing! I do this because I love you! This is what love is!” He confessed, picking me up off the floor. I cried trying to get away from this love but I couldn’t and will never.

I sat in the bathtub ignoring Coriolanus as he gently washed my body with a washcloth. I was thinking about how all of this is getting recorded as I noticed something falling out of Coriolanus’ pocket into the water. He didn’t seem to notice and before he could, I covered two bottles with my foot and asked a questions to distract him.

“What do you mean I have freedom now, if I am under constant surveillance like a prisoner?” I asked, actually being curious what is going on through his head. He stopped washing for a second and looked into my eyes.

“You have power. Power is what gives freedom. Sure I watch over you but it doesn’t mean it makes you less capable of doing anything you desire, as long as you stay in my reach. No one, except me, can tell you what you can or cannot do” he explained as he moved on to wash my tangled hair. I thought about what he said for a while. My parents used to teach me that freedom was when you can go anywhere and everywhere but Coriolanus had a point.

When the covey used to travel we couldn’t afford much of anything and lived where the kind strangers would let us. Sometimes people weren’t so kind and we would end up sleeping on the streets or in the wild. It was fun but unreliable. I remember how frequently the adults fought trying to figure out where our small amount of money should be spent. We traveled everywhere but the lack of money constantly reminded us from the growling stomachs. My mind wandered the memories and I started to wonder how the covey is without me. I send them money so I know their stomachs aren’t empty but how they are mentally is mostly unknown beside’s rare letters from Maude Ivory.

“Can I go to district 12 and visit the Covey?” I suddenly asked. He stopped washing my hair in surprise and then shook his head.

“I said in my reach” he remarked and continued massaging my scalp. I thought about it for a minute and found a loophole.

“Well technically once you become president isn’t everything and everyone under your control, can I go then?” I asked again. He stayed quiet for a couple of minutes and I knew he wouldn’t allow me.

“We will discuss that when I actually become president and if I do allow it, it will probably be in a couple of years, to settle my position with the people and not have controversy of the First Lady going to the districts” he finally replied while giving me a towel. I snatched it out with one of my hands aggressively and with another grabbed two small tubes he dropped in the tub and hid it in my fist. 

“You are such a liar” I mumble, putting the towel around me and with a fist that contained poison I held my towel up so it wouldn’t be suspicious why my hand was always in a fist. 

“I am not lying, I said if” he argued. So in other words you are lying. I thought to myself walking out of the bathroom. He followed me and started commanding the avoxes to make me food. I didn’t want to eat since the poison will work faster on an empty stomach. I wanted to go back into the nursery and drink this poison I am holding to finally reunite with my family and twins. I also wanted to show to Coriolanus that he can’t fully control me and that I will die when I choose to. 

“I don’t want to eat” I mumbled walking towards the room I chose to die in but Coriolanus grabbed me by my shoulder and forcefully sat me down on the couch. He had pure rage in his eyes that made me tremble. He never jokes about his commands.

“You are not going to starve yourself! Get this stupid idea of dying, out of your mind! You are not giving up just because you had a miscarriage and life isn’t what you imagined when you were a naive starving child in the districts! You are going to sit down and eat and you will continue eating 3 times a day while taking care of yourself!” He yelled sitting down next to me and force fed me soup. I tried to resist but years of being under his control creeped back in me and I gave in. 

Coriolanus became paranoid that I will go back to sitting in the nursery and ordered for it to be barracked. I protested wanting to die there but he didn’t budge. The nursery was closed off to me as well as my dream of my ideal death. 

After a long time I finally finished the stupid soup and went back to our bedroom as Coriolanus took a business call. I turned away from the camera view and looked at the poison in my hand and considered just taking it here but hesitated. I was scared and dying right now felt like I hadn't accomplished anything. I quickly threw the bottles into my jewelry box when I heard Coriolanus’s footsteps. I was hoping to find a more poetic time to die. He walked on me changing and sighing in relief probably feeling something off with me. After many years together I am sure he could tell most of the things I was thinking, most.

“Chef prepared you chambolie tea, you need to drink it for you to get better” he said, leading me back into the living room. I sat down grabbing the tea, reluctantly drinking it as Coriolanus turned on the tv. 

“My propaganda crew has been working hard to turn the Cardews into villains in the incident, so don’t worry our reputation will be alright.” He said watching tv where almost every single one of the channels spoke about how it’s all Livia’s fault for the miscarriage and she actually even planned for my miscarriage to happen. The lengths Coriolanus takes to not take accountability is astonishing. 

“It’s funny how they are either blaming Livia or me and only mentioning the person who is truly responsible for my miscarriage to give their condolences or say that with me by his side Capitol will crumble” I commented, putting the cup on the table. His facial expression shifted from satisfaction to irritation to gentleness.

“I didn’t want our children to die but we can always have more kids so you can’t give up on life right now, especially when you will finally taste the real freedom that comes with power!” he said, putting his hand on my cheek and rubbing it with his thumb. How dare he just not care about our twins anymore and thinking already about having more babies! 

“My love, let's put this behind us and look forward. Soon I will become president and you will become my First Lady and then you will get what I am saying, no one will speak about you like that again” He said. I was about to respond with my dissatisfaction about everything but a voice on TV interrupted our conversation. 

Livia and her mother were standing in front of the cameras and microphones talking about how I should have known better and read their minds or something since I am an actress. Oh how much I wanted to take their oversized ego and destroy it. Wait, maybe I can. I thought to myself as I smiled at the tv for the first time. 

“You don’t have to go, we can just say you are recovering from a miscarriage and who would believe their claim without proper proof-” said Coriolanus turning to look at me. No, I needed to go and make Cardews and you pay. I thought to myself while putting a sweet smile on.

“It’s fine Coryo, I will go and reconcile with her” I said, turning my head to look at his confused expression. Why would I go if it doesn’t benefit me or her? He probably thinks. “To the media I want you to make me out as a saint who just went through a miscarriage because of Livia and still decided to give her a second chance” I explained as I stood up and walked towards my closet looking for a dress that would match my innocent persona. After a while I decided on a white dress to my knees. White often associated with purity and the blood stains will be more visible. 

“Why would you do that? She made fun of your miscarriage and so much more!” Shouted Coriolanus in confusion while following me around the room. It was cute seeing all knowing Coryo so confused and stressed that it made me want to comfort him.

“Trust me, I know what I am doing” I whispered, grabbing his palms in mine, comforting him.

“Trust with what?! That you won’t fall into a suicidal state again after seeing that witch!? Trust that you won’t fall to one of their traps I know they set!? There is no way the Cardews don’t have something up their sleeves!” He practically yelled, ripping his hands from mine. He then messed up his perfectly placed curls making him look like the boy I met at the train station. I looked at my Coryo and even felt sorry for making him go through pain but Coriolanus deserves it, for once I will not be the one crying.

I walked towards the bouquet of roses that Coriolanus sends weekly and plucked out the middle rose that I noticed beforehand wasn’t trimmed from thorns. I held it tightly, making my hand bleed. 

“Coryo I promise that I won’t be deceived again” I promised while holding the rose with my bloody hand. I will no longer just be a victim of the Capitol, Cardews or Coriolanus. I will be stomping on people who stomped on me first. I will act like the victor I am. 

The next few days I dedicated myself to planning out how I will use my newly acquired poison. I have two bottles, one consisting of deadly poison and another with an antidote to it. Coriolanus usually poisons himself and the victim making it hard to figure that the victim was poisoned because Coriolanus looks unaffected. In reality he does get affected because the antidote he drinks right after can’t fully cancel out the poison leaving him to have small wounds in his mouth. It’s actually why I know exactly how he kills his opponents because while kissing him I could taste the blood leading me to interrogate answers out of him.

Coriolanus found an effective way to kill his enemies but I can’t just do it his way. If I just murder Livia, there are no witnesses to prove I was eating out of the same snacks as she was, making it easy to figure out my involvement in her death. Plus if I just murder her it won’t affect the rest of the Cardew family and I wanted to make all of them pay. I need a witness of my ‘innocence’. I walked towards the phone and dialed the number of a gullible woman.

“Persephone! Hey, this is Lucy Gray!” I said into the phone. 

“Lucy Gray! It’s been sooo long since we talked! How are you feeling? I know what happened with your pregnancy, me and my husband give you our condolences!” Said Persephone through the phone. I am friendly with Persephone but I wouldn’t call us too close mostly because of Coriolanus’s stories of her cannibal past. 

“I've been feeling better, but going to Livia’s is making me nervous. I am scared to go alone because what if she will do something to me.” I mentioned trying to make her take the bait. 

“Oh no! What if I go with you! I am sure the Cardews will understand!” Proposed Persephone. Yes! She took the bait! 

“You will do that for me?” I asked with gratefulness and concern in my voice. 

“Of Course! We are friends after all!” Confirmed Persephone. If it goes as planned I won’t even care about your cannibalistic past and actually be your friend. I thought to myself. We talked for another hour so it wouldn’t seem like this is the only reason I called her. 

The day of the Tea party came and I went over the plan in my head multiple times, making sure that not a single part of it would be forgotten because if I mess up anything, it wouldn’t succeed. I got up early before Coriolanus woke up. I wanted to leave as fast as possible so he couldn’t question if I found the bottles I promised to find. Coriolanus finally figured out that his poison was missing which made me uneasy because if he found out I had it, it wouldn’t end well. I did manage to erase footage of me where you can infer I had the poison because after the debate Coriolanus rushed out leaving the computer behind.

I picked up white long gloves I decided to wear to not leave any fingerprints behind just in case. I sensed a predator’s gaze. I turned to find Coriolanus staring at me. I quickly smiled coming over to him, kissing his forehead, trying to act normal.

“Why are you so excited to go to Livia’s tea party? Having to socialize with her for hours sounds like hell on earth!” He asked in a raspy voice. Oh don’t worry because soon Livia will be in actual hell. 

“Well Persephone is also coming so I won’t be there alone!” I answered while trying to leave faster. I opened my jewelry chest and pulled out a silver rose locket. It was a perfect place to hide the poison in. Ironically the day after I received this locket Coriolanus poisoned Mr Plinth. Ever since then, this locket gave me a bad feeling, like death was surrounding it, that’s why I never wore it until now. I put on the necklace and checked my appearance in the mirror.

“It’s beautiful. You are beautiful” whispered Coryo while smiling sweetly. After years of this awful marriage, somehow Coriolanus still found a way to make my heart flutter. I spun around showing myself off.

“Do I look like an angel?” I asked, knowing I will become just like Coriolanus if I follow through with the plan. A fallen Angel. He nodded and I knew it was time to go before he could ask any more questions. I quickly said bye and turned around to leave when he asked the dreaded question.

“Did you manage to find the bottles?” He asked. It’s fine, just act normal. I thought to myself calming myself down while I twisted the locket in my hand.

“I didn’t find it yesterday,” I replied. It wasn’t a lie. I in fact didn’t find it yesterday, I found it days ago but he can’t know that fact. Finally after the small interrogation I left the penthouse and went on my way to the Cardews. I arrived in front of the Capitol’s GreenHouse that Cardews kindly rented for this tea party. I walked out of the limo to the flashes of the cameras. The Cardews wanted to capture this event for everyone to see just how altruistic they are. Well I will make sure that everyone will see today’s events.

“Lucy Gray! It’s so nice you accepted our invitation to have a nice and relaxing tea party!” Mrs Cardew greeted me, making sure she had the best smile on as she extended her hand to me. I took a different approach. Instead of matching her confident smile, I smiled slightly but made sure I had a hint of fear that the audience could also see when I shook her hand. Mrs Cardew noticed and immediately stepped aside, now ironically wanting less attention on her. She looked behind her with a smile but her eyes were cold.

“Well come on Livia, go and make Mrs Snow feels welcome!” Mrs Cardew said to her daughter who was quietly standing behind her like a shadow. She nodded and led me inside the GreenHouse. We silently walked through the greenery. As we walked I was looking around making sure there weren’t any cameras. My eyes fell on Livia and I noticed bruises that she was covering with gloves of her own. All of the reporters were left outside so that the two of us had privacy, well almost two. Persephone was already there, sitting patiently observing the lab breaded butterflies flying around. She then noticed the sound of our heels and took her eyes off the butterflies.

“Lucy Gray! I accidentally arrived early so sorry I couldn’t walk with you through all those reporters outside” apologized Persephone as me and Livia sat down. Before I could say a word to Persephone, Livia interrupts.

“Anyway I am pleased you decided to overcome your ego and join me for tea today” Livia said, staring at me to see my reaction. Oh, I see what they are doing, they want to prove that I am violent and a threat to the Capitol if I become the First Lady. No wonder they agreed so quickly to Persephone coming, they also wanted a witness. Persephone is known to be very gullible so she can be used against me. Well won’t I give them what they want. I have been playing the games of society since I was born, I know how to appear anyway I want.

“I came here to hear your apology for all the vicious acts you did against me so that we can be more civil with each other from now on” I said, smiling softly. I noticed from the corner of my eye Persephone nodding eagerly at my statement. Livia coughed in her first and changed the topic quickly.

“What are you just standing around! Go bring some tea and pastries! Don’t make us wait!” Yelled Livia at the avoxes that were standing around. Avoxes shivered in terror and rushed out to bring in everything. Livia then messaged her temples and then looked at Persephone.

“Useless aren’t they!” Livia jokes. Persephone awardly nodded and looked in my direction and then at Livia.

“Livia, you should apologize to Lucy Gray. You were kinda mean to her the entire time she lived in the Capitol and I don’t want you two to fight anymore” said Persephone. Livia looked at her like she betrayed her and then at me. I smirked slightly, so only Livia would notice and nodded to what Persephone said. Livia glared at me and then took a deep breath calming herself down.

“I. am. sorry. ” she mumbled through her teeth. I smiled sweetly, taunting her and nodded.

“Thank you.” I responded. Livia rolled her eyes and then turned to look at the avoxes who were bringing in tea with very extravagant pastries. “I order the most expensive pastries in the Capitol so you Lucy Gray will try them for once in your life” explained Livia. Persephone kicked Livia under the table, making Livia apologize again. 

“Oh you didn’t have to worry! Coryo gets me pastries from there often! I didn’t even know they were expensive from how many he gets me!” I giggled and took a bite of a macaron. I noticed Livia tense up at the mention of Coriolanus. 

“That’s so sweet! You two seem like such a happy and perfect couple!” Remarked Persephone clapping happily like a seal. Seems is a keyword. I can get anything I desire in exchange for my privacy and freedom. Truly like a deal with the devil. I thought to myself but kept smiling.

“Yes, our marriage is perfect! Coriolanus is so caring and thoughtful, always wants to know everything about my day, takes me to restaurants and places around the city, listens to my poems, buys me everything I want-“ I continued listing as Livia was getting more and more red. Finally after a couple of minutes I asked her a question “So Livia how is your marriage going?” Livia immediately started choking on one of the pasties as an avox tried to help by hitting her on the back. Livia stood up from her seat and pushed away the avox with so much force that an avox toppled to the ground.

“Don’t touch me with your dirty hands!” Livia yelled at the avox on the ground. Livia then turned around and tried to smile “My marriage is good” she replied with a shaky voice. Her marriage was in fact not good, she was arranged to marry off to a man 20 years older than her, who was also known to pay young girls during the dark days to keep his bed warm. Livia hates her husband so much she even refused to take his last name so people wouldn’t associate her with him. 

“Oh I am so glad it is! I wouldn’t want you to be unhappy!” I said as I pulled out a handkerchief to ‘blow my nose’ but in reality I was using it as a distraction to  pull out a small bottle of poison from my locket. I carefully hid the bottle in my handkerchief and with a switch move a drop of poison flew in my cup of tea. I then lowered my handkerchief with the almost empty bottle and threw the bottle on the ground making sure it rolled directly to where Livia was sitting at. 

“I would like to make a toast for the new beginnings and a hope that from now on, peace will prevail amongst us” I said, lifting up my cup. Persephone followed my example and also lifted up her cup. Livia stared at me trying to figure out what I was up to, but gave in and also lifted up her cup. The rococo styled cups clanked with each other and we all took a sip. 

At first I didn’t feel anything but after a couple of minutes I felt a sudden pain in my body and I started coughing violently. Scarlet blood stained my white gloves and dress. Persephone and Livia gasped and ran to get help. I really felt like I was dying. Maybe I should die and just choke to death with my blood but something in the back of my head was telling me to live, see where our world will go. I pulled out the second bottle from my locket and drank it, putting it back quickly. I continued coughing up blood and my vision blurred. My body became weak and I fell to the ground. 

“Lucy Gray! Please, just stay strong! Help is on the way!” Persephone’s words were the last thing I heard before I completely lost consciousness. Please make this plan be successful.

The plan was successful. I watched Livia Cardew get arrested as Coriolanus was crying in my arms. I haven’t felt so happy and alive in years. After about a week in the hospital where the best doctor made sure every single drop of poison was gone from my body, I was released from the hospital. 

“Please be careful, don’t put too much pressure on your body yet” said Coriolanus helping me up from the hospital bed. “Are you sure you don’t want to be in a wheelchair?” 

“No, I can handle it. I don’t want to be seen as weak” I responded slowly walking out of my hospital room while holding onto Coriolanus just in case. I drank the antidote so my body wasn’t in a critical condition but it still took a hit because I took the antidote later than it should be and I never drank any poison before unlike Coriolanus, so I had no immunity from it.

We walked to the waiting area where all doctors and even half dying patients were looking at me. My poisoning is the only thing that is on the news right now, putting me in a spotlight that I always belonged in.  As Coriolanus's secret service opened the glass doors of the hospital I could already tell this was one of, if not the biggest crowd of reporters I ever saw. Reports tried to interview me but the secret service agents kept pushing them away. I stopped and looked at the reporters with a tired expression and came closer with Coryo’s and agents' protests.

“Mrs Snow, what would you like to say about your poisoning? What truly happened? Is your health okay? Will you be able to continue your singing career? Will they put Livia Cardew on a death road?“ reporters were asking. I put my shaking hand on my heart and spoke softly.

“She has bullied me for years and I was just ready to move on with my life. So when Livia Cardew said she wanted to reconcile and become a better person, I reluctantly agreed to meet her. I had a bad feeling about her sudden change but thought what is worse thing she can do to me. My instinct was proven right when she poisoned me and almost ended my life.” 

“So do you think she deserves the death penalty that your lawyers are pushing for?” Double asked the reporter. I looked down trying to act like it was a hard thing for me to say but then I looked up and nodded.

“I think she does. If she can do such a thing to me, I am sure she would do it again to someone else. I don’t want someone else to become a victim. Plus if we let someone like that live it’s like showing to the districts that we are violent like them.” I said and was about to leave when one question caught my attention.

“Do you think Mrs Cardew was also involved in the attempted murder seeing you as a threat to her campaign?” Asked a young woman. I turned around and smiled.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she was.” I said and walked away. I stayed home for another week while watching the updates on the news like a hawk. Tigress after years decided to finally visit the penthouse again. Taking care of me with Ma while Coriolanus was away working to my dislike. Coriolanus came back one day in the middle of the night, waking me up by turning on the lights. I looked up at him to complain about the lights but what he was holding in his hand sent a chill down my spine.

“You poisoned yourself didn’t you?” asked Coriolanus while holding the rose locket and the antidote bottle that was inside. After I drank the antidote I had no time to get rid of it properly before I passed out so I put it back into my locket praying nobody would open it. 

“Did anyone else see that?!” I asked urgently. If it was found by anyone other than Coriolanus I am doomed. 

“You haven’t answered my question. Did you poison yourself?” Asked Coriolanus, coming closer to me. I looked away, staying quiet. He grabbed my face, forcing me to look at him. “Did you poison yourself?” He repeated harsherly. His grip started to hurt and I nodded to make him let go. He finally let go and I messaged my cheeks from the pain.

“You lied about not finding the poison” He declared, crushing the glass bottle in his hand and throwing the pieces on the floor. “You promised to not lie to me” 

“I only did because you lied first! I had the right!” I argued. He scoffed walking to the alcohol counter, grabbing the most expensive whiskey and pouring it into a cup with a round ice ball. I walked over to him jumping over the glass piece on the ground from the tube. He drank the whiskey in one go and then looked at me with cold amusement.

“I see what you did. You wanted to cause me pain as revenge” he said unusually calmly. Suddenly he pushed me, making me fall on the ground. He stood over me, looking at me as if I was dirt on his perfect shoes. “Sure if you die I will be upset but in the long run it won’t matter. I can easily find some women with higher status than you, to be my wife and bair me children. To me you're just who I would enjoy more in being my wife, but even you can be replaced. So my dear, my love Lucy Gray, do you want to hurt me more?” His words hurt me deeply but didn’t let it show. I am not weak.

“Haha Coryo, you always had such an ego. You weren’t my target at all. I faked poisoning myself to make sure Livia would die and her family lost everything. I didn’t expect me almost dying to bring you pain. You told me before that I am not that important to you so I didn’t expect you to actually shed tears.” I said standing up while maintaining eye contact with him. “Coryo, my beloved liar” I whispered, putting my hand on his cheek and smiling victoriously while my sharp nails pierced his cheek “Your words and actions gave you away. Not only am I important, I am irreplaceable and you know it”  

Coriolanus stared at me in shock, not expecting me to call him out. Then he began laughing but not a spiteful laugh but a laugh of joy. Then he suddenly picked me up and threw me on the bed climbing over me. “You changed, you are no longer a powerless woman from the districts, chasing the wrong freedom. You finally realized freedom is power.” he said, kissing the back of my hand as he stared at me below him. “You can continue with your plan, I just want you to promise me that if you would like to kill somebody again it won’t involve hurting yourself in the process and that you will tell me beforehand” 

“I will think about the last one” I replied. He glared at me again and I reluctantly nodded. Coryo then smiled softly and kissed me.

The next two months consisted of many trials, interviews with the press, Persephone testifying and all of the procedures of sentencing Livia to death. Finally the last trial came and I knew that Livia Cardew is not going to leave this room proclaimed as innocent. Cardews had money but they won’t be able to buy out their daughter this time. She will die.

“The verdict of the Jury pronounces you Livia Cardew as guilty! You are sentenced to a death penalty for the attempted murder of Lucy Gray Baird and additional charges!” announced the Judge and hit the table with his wooden hammer. Livia Cardew started sobbing and screaming how she was innocent, how I was the one who set her up and blah blah blah. She was dragged away by 5 policemen while she was trying to get out of their grasp and plucked my beautiful eyes out who kept staring at her with joy in them.

The rest of my face didn’t show it though, I looked calm and composed which you couldn’t say the same for the rest of the Cardews. They weren’t even upset about their daughter’s death but instead about how this ruined their reputation forever. Now Mrs Cardew surely will lose the election and people might not trust to put their money in Cardew’s bank. That’s what they truly were sobbing about. Truly disgusting behavior. You can really tell they are Livia’s parents. 

“I want to talk to Livia before she gets executed” I whispered to Coriolanus as we walked out of the courtroom. He thought about it for a moment and smiled sadistically.

“I can make it happen so nobody will know” he replied and waved for his assistant Monica who I slightly dislike to come over. They talked about something for a couple of minutes mentioning a specific captain of the prison where Livia should spend her last months at. Finally after sometime Monica made a couple of calls and gave a thumbs up. 

“You can go a day before her execution, all the cameras will be shut down and you can get in secretly through the back door.” Explained Monica. I nodded along while thinking of what exactly I should say to Livia, something that will finally crush her ego into small pieces before she dies. Her sentence is going to happen two weeks before the new president (Coriolanus) officially takes office which is in a couple of months.

Months passed and Coriolanus officially won the election making me officially future First Lady of Panem. I enjoyed even more increased fame while Livia was rotting away in a cell. January came and so did the Inauguration Day when Coriolanus will take an oath of allegiance to the Capitol and take the office he will never let go of. 

“Madam Snow, would you also like for us to start packing your jewelry?” Asked the new Head Maid. I stood looking out of the window enjoying the high view trying to take it all in before I would have to leave it behind for the presidential mansion. I lived in this house for 6 years growing to enjoy its cold charm. 

“Start with my clothes first,” I answered without giving the maid a glance. 

“As you wish Madam” said the head maid and started commanding the avoxes to hurry up and start packing up clothes. The bell rang and I hurried to open the door. Monica stood there with a stone expression and nodded at me. It was time. Time to see Livia before her execution tomorrow morning. I quickly grabbed a dark jacket and a scarf to cover up my appearance. We got in an unremarkable vehicle without a license plate and drove off to jail that was on the edge of the city out of sight of most people as a way to hide the flaws that exist in the Capitol society. The head warden let me in through the secret door and led me through the hallways.

“Please don’t get too close to the prisoner. If you feel like you are in any danger please press this button and guards will immediately intervene.” Explained the warden giving me a small red button. “Nothing is getting recorded and the walls are soundproof so you can speak freely” I nodded and he slowly opened the big metal door. They are really keeping her like she is the most dangerous criminal out there. I thought to myself as I walked in a highly protected room. The room was small and dark with the only furniture inside being a narrow bed. The only source of light was the full moon seen through the tiny window with bars. 

“Enjoying your last moon?” I taunted the woman who throughout her life hasn’t done a single thing to make me or anyone else be sympathetic towards her. Now she is laying on an uncomfortable bed with her once golden hair covering her face. She slowly moved her hand and lifted up her messy hair from her eyes to check who was talking to her. At first she looked at me bewildered but then her face twisted in fury.

“YOU! WHAT… DID YOU COME HERE TO TAUNT ME!? TO SHOW OFF HOW YOUR ‘BRILLIANT’ PLAN WORKED!?” Yelled Livia standing up and immediately falling on the ground. It seems she didn’t move for a while. I walked towards her as she was trying to lift herself up and grabbed her by her hair making her look at me again.

“I don’t have to since you are experiencing my plan right now” I say joyfully and let go of her hair. “So Livia do still believe you are a superior human being? Oh, how many times you claimed you are smarter than most people but here you fell for my trick! Pathetic really!” I waited for her response that I believed would be a violent one based on her past actions but I was wrong. She sat on the cold stone floor and just began to sob. 

“Who cares what I believe anyway! I will die tomorrow without even a last name to me because my own parents disowned me trying to save their precious image, like always!” Cried Livia. I stood there watching her sob uncontrollably. I didn’t do anything to comfort her. This is what I wanted, but I didn’t feel satisfied. I wasn’t the one who caused her the greatest pain, it was her parents. 

This visit is quite disappointing. When a person it’s raging it’s easier and more satisfying to taunt them and crush their egos but Livia is already broken. Her ego is broken, her life is broken. I turned around to leave her cell but I stopped in my tracks when Livia spoke again in a raspy voice as she was wiping away her tears.

“Lucy Gray…Hahaha, an all perfect angel that can do no wrong. Lucy Gray is perfect, her life is perfect and everything around her is also perfect. That’s what you want people to think and they blindly do, but the truth is that your heart is dark. I saw your morality disappear the longer you stayed in the Capitol. Money corrupted you.” mumbled Livia on the floor. I slowly turned around to look at her and shook my head.

“Are you trying to compare me to you? The two of us are completely different! You never had to see your whole family die in front of you, you never had to starve for days, you never had to use your charms to get by, you never had to actually fight to survive! You grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth. The only thing you were worried about is your riches and how to make your parents love you.“ I argued and turned around to the door.  “I am doing what I have to do, to never go back to the life I had before! It’s all necessary.” I said and opened the metal door. 

“You know we are similar, you just don’t want to admit it! You are a liar!” was the last thing Livia said before I slammed the door shut, leaving her alone to wait for her death. I walked through the hallways at a fast pace. I hate to admit it but she got to me. I didn’t want to be like her at all and I wasn’t. I am a victor while she is a loser of life that is losing it tomorrow. Lying is literally my job as an actress! I thought to myself while I was covering my face with the scarf and getting into my unremarkable car. 

“How was the visit, Mrs Snow?” Asked Monica. I just rolled my eyes and looked outside as we drove through the streets of my city. The next day came and I didn’t watch Livia's execution on television. I didn’t want to see her face for another second, preferring to have her to get lost in people's minds, never to be remembered. Two weeks went by and I couldn’t sleep a day before the Inauguration Day so I decided to take a walk around the Capitol in the middle of the night. Of course I had to go with at least two peacekeepers but I already got used to it. I just tell them to stay out of my sight when they follow me so I at least feel like I am alone. The streets were full of people celebrating a ‘new era’ that Coriolanus promised them. I didn’t want to be recognized so I put on a scarf over my head and sunglasses as I walked through the crowd. 

After a while I got annoyed from constant noise all around and started looking for a quiet place. I still didn’t want to go back to the penthouse. I walked and walked until everything went dead silent. I was standing in front of the black metal gates of the graveyard. Why not go visit my in-laws. I thought to myself as I strolled past stone graves. I found the snow family’s grave plots located in one of the nicest parts of the graveyard. There was a lot of space left for future generations to lay and rot. I stared at the graves of Coryo’s parents remembering stories I was told of them. I wouldn’t want to meet Crassus Xanthos Snow but his wife seemed so kind and gentle, reminding me of my own. 

“I am sorry, I should have brought flowers” I whispered, while I gently cleaned off the fallen snow off her grave. I turned around and reluctantly did the same to Crassus’s grave as well. Then I decided to do the same to every grave around. I wasn’t sure why it’s just something inside me that wanted to give the dead respect. It’s funny how the First Lady of Panem is working as a janitor. 

After a while I got to an unremarkable grave. It seemed less expensive than other graves in the area. It also didn’t have many flowers unlike every other grave I cleaned with only one half wildered poppy on top of it. I cleaned the grave off snow and the name that was revealed made me step back. Livia. It didn’t have a last name, just her first name but I knew it was Livia Cardew. I stared at it for sometime thinking about how I was the one who sent her here. 

“It’s quite a pity what happened to her,” said a voice that appeared next to me. I turned around in surprise to find Dr Lysistrata Vickers. She was standing next to me with a poppy in her hand staring down at the grave in front of us.

“She got what she deserved,” I answered. Lysistrata then kneeled down and put another flower on Livia’s grave.

“I knew her since we were in our diapers and I watched her slowly grow up to become an egoistic person who everyone remembers her as, but Livia wasn’t born evil. No one is born evil and maybe if she lived a little longer she would have changed” explained Lysistrata while getting up and cleaning snow off her knees. Her belief reminded me of my old self. Now I don’t even know what I believe in. 

“What did you want to talk to me about in the hospital?” I asked. Lysistrata rubbed her hands and then shook her head.

“I am not sure you would like that offer anymore” 

“You said you wanted to bring justice to this country. What makes you think I wouldn’t want that?” I asked suspiciously. Lysistrata immediately started shaking her head.

“Oh it’s not that you wouldn’t want it! It’s just…you aren’t ready for it” she reached down in her pocket and pulled out her compass she showed me in the hospital and gave it to me. “I have a feeling that one day you will be ready and when you are this compass will guide you” I looked at the compass in my hand and then back at her but she was already walking away. She is a rebel. It was stupid of her to reveal that to the First Lady of Panem. Does she expect me to betray Coriolanus? I wanted to just throw away this stupid compass but I couldn’t so I reluctantly dropped it in my pocket. I took a last look at Livia’s grave and sighed. I still don’t feel guilty for what I did since she deserved it but…maybe she could’ve changed if she was given the opportunity. 

“I have to go home now. Inauguration is in a couple of hours”

Chapter Text

Lucy Gray Snow POV

The crowds around the Capitol Building cheered loudly for the upcoming inauguration ceremony. I stood on the balcony, elegantly waving at people below while trying to smile. I haven’t slept and the night walk that was supposed to help made it all worse because of Lysistrata’s words to me. Not ready to be a rebel. Her words hurt me for reasons I didn’t know. Lysistrata was right, I didn’t have any plans to join her shady organization and betray the life I built. Covey were never rebels so why start now? My thoughts were interrupted by the loud announcement on the speaker.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the president elect of Panem, Coriolanus Snow!” the wide door opened and Coriolanus walked out with pride in his expression. This is what Coriolanus always wanted, this is what he so dreamed of while starving on the cold ruined streets. He walked down the marble steps while shaking hands of many government ministers. Finally he walked down to where me and the lectern stood. He gave me a quick kiss and sat down next to me while his vice president was swooning in. Finally it was his turn. Everyone stood up and I was given a book that Coriolanus put his hand on and raised his right hand to swear.

“I Coriolanus Snow do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of president of Panem and to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend my nation” swore Coriolanus. Everyone cheered not knowing what snake they elected into office. But I knew. I knew what kind of person he was but didn’t say anything. Which makes me almost as bad as him. No, I was as bad as him. I murdered somebody, not out of survival but because I wanted to. Coriolanus noticed my expression being down so he quickly gave me a hug covering my face from the cameras.

“Pull yourself together, you are on camera” he whispered and let go to shake hands. I nodded and smiled brightly. After a long speech from Coriolanus about how he will make sure the power of the Capitol will grow and how the nation will be in perfect order the ceremony ended and the after Inauguration ball started. It was a tradition for hundreds of years to start the ball with the President and his First Lady dancing together. 

“Why did you look upset when I became president?” Whispered Coriolanus while we danced in front of everyone. I shook my head and smiled.

“It’s just I was a bit exhausted since I didn’t sleep last night and my face showed by accident” I whispered back. Coriolanus kept smiling but I could tell from his eyes, he knew I wasn’t telling him the whole truth. He suddenly spinned me and dipped me. 

“Okay, you won’t take night walks anymore since it’s no help” said Coriolanus and pulled me up. I wanted to protest but like he said before we were on camera and we can’t show our enemies anything that they can use against us. So I just laughed like he told a funny joke and continued our dance. After a long day of fighting the urge of falling asleep to all the boring speeches that were made, I was allowed to escape into my new home. 

I walked up the long stairs while looking around the beautiful giant front yard of the mansion. It had fountains, bushes that were perfectly cut and statues that looked like they came off the history books page’s of great nations’ arts that no longer exist on maps. Rome and Greece I think they were called. I have been at the president’s mansion a couple of times before, during the annual victory tours party but was always too busy socialising and making connections that I never fully looked around. I finally got to the giant intricately designed entrance where two peacekeepers stood like statues in the garden. Once they saw me they immediately opened the door revealing the magnificent corridor that had a look of a palace. 

“Mrs Snow, welcome to your new residence! Please let me show you around” greeted the head maid. I agreed to her offer and followed her as she showed me around. The mansion was so huge that it took almost 10 minutes to get from one side of the building to another. It had everything, inside and outside pools, a couple of saunas, many living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, an inside movie theater and even a bowling alley. 

“This is a music room created specifically by the President's request for you” explained the maid as we walked into a padded room. Inside held many different instruments, some I never even heard of before. I looked around excitedly playing a little bit of everything. This room was great! A little too great that for some reason it gave me a bad feeling. I am overreacting probably because I am so exhausted, why wouldn’t Coriolanus install a music room for me?

“Let’s move on to the next room, it’s a library.” Suggested the maid but I shook my head. 

“I am exhausted. Please show me to my chambers and we can finish this tour tomorrow” I said walking out of the music room. The head maid quickly followed me out and started leading the way. Once I finally reached my room I collapsed on the giant bed and fell deeply asleep in seconds. My sleep was interrupted by Coriolanus hours later. I looked up to find him laying next to me looking at the ceiling with a blank expression. He noticed my gaze and his icy eyes fell on me. After a long and silent stare I spoke up.

“Your dreams are achieved, you are president! Now you control the whole world, just how you always wanted.” I whispered while not taking my eyes from his. He didn’t answer for a while, making me feel uncomfortable, like I did something wrong. Finally he smiled and put his hand on my neck, rubbing it slightly. 

“I am still not finished. I have a couple of more dreams and one of them is loyalty. I need to figure out who is loyal to me and only me. Then those who will be proven disloyal to me will be eliminated when they become useless, right my love don’t you think that’s fair?” He said, smirking and turned away from me to sleep. He is talking about me! I lied, I hid things from him. He doesn’t trust me anymore which puts my life that I fought so hard to keep in danger! I need to save myself! I shook Coriolanus awake in a panic.

“How can a person prove their loyalty?!” I asked, trying to act calm but failing miserably. Coriolanus looked at me and laughed coldly.

“Maybe she should tell me the truth and deliver information that she heard that will help me, you know, act as a little cute Jabberjay” He replied and with a sigh pulled me in his embrace. I layed in his embrace that felt like a suffocation, thinking of what he wanted from me.

“If I die…what will you do? Will you actually just get a new wife and forget about me?” I whispered.  Coriolanus thought for a moment and then shook his head.

“Like you said before, you are irreplaceable so I will probably keep your beautiful body in a tank where it won’t rot, so I can admire it forever and ever but of course it won’t happen to you before you bair an heir.” He said like it was the most obvious answer and drifted off to sleep. His answer sent chills through my whole body. I felt like I couldn't breathe and that my heart would break my ribs from how fast it was beating. I was disgusted and in need of a way to prove my loyalty to avoid this disgusting fate. 

After that night I was trying to find the way to prove my loyalty and to save my life but nothing came up and my nerves couldn’t take it anymore so in an attempt to make myself relax I ordered a driver to take me to Pluribus Bell’s night club to sing my emotions out. I left a message to Coriolanus of my plans since I knew that if I didn’t it wouldn’t help me in providing my ‘loyalty’. When I got there, I walked in through the back entrance like I usually did and went into my changing room only to find it occupied. I was a bit confused and walked around until I found Pluribus.

“Madam Snow!? What are you doing here?!” Asked Pluribus surprised as he bowed his head to me. 

“Oh please you don’t have to call me Madam Snow, we are friends!” I said and then pointed at the door of my changing room “I was wondering why my room is occupied by someone else?” Pluribus stared at me confused and then shook his head.

“Coriolanus called and informed me that you will no longer sing here anymore so I gave your room to my upcoming star.” explained Pluribus. I stared at him in complete shock. I wanted to scream and tell him that I will continue singing but I knew I couldn’t. 

“I…will see you later” I was barely able to say in a calm tone before I turned  around and drove back to the presidential palace. I practically ran to Coriolanus' office through the never ending corridors. I was stopped by two agents in black coats standing in front of his door emotionless. “I need to see my husband!” I said coldly, trying to get through them. One of them stepped in front of me.

“I am sorry Ma’am, but President Snow is unable to see you right now” 

“I am sure he can make a couple of minutes for his wife!” I said, trying to push him away unsuccessfully. 

“Like I said Mrs Snow, President Snow is busy, he has a meeting” 

“Can you at least deliver that I am here!” I asked demandly. 

“He knows you are here ma’am.” Said another agent. The first agent looked at him as if telling him to shut up and then looked back at me reaping his memorised lines. 

“Oh I know he knows I am here and would even bet he knows why!” I said and then looked back to where the seating area was. I stomped there and sat down. “Then I will wait for my husband to finish his stupid business until he can see me, however long it takes!” I declared. I sat for hours unmoving. Many maids tried to convince me to at least drink something or go for a walk in the garden while I waited but I refused and stubbornly sat not moving nor responding for hours. Finally after about 5 hours, one of the agents came up to me and told me that Coriolanus allowed me to come in. 

“How dare you starve yourself again to get my attention?” Said Coriolanus not even looking up from his paperwork as I walked in the room. 

“Because I knew the only way for you to listen to me is to hurt myself.” I replied standing firmly in front of his desk. “Why did you tell Pluribus that I won’t sing there anymore?” Coriolanus sighed, putting his pen down and finally looking up at me.

“Because you won’t sing there any longer or at any other place like Pluribus’. You will now sing in public only during special events like national celebrations or holidays” Coriolanus answered. He then took out a glass bottle with cold water and poured it into a glass pushing it towards me. I didn’t even acknowledge the drink I was being given and stared in disbelief at my husband.

“Why not!? You promised me that I could do whatever I wished! Why are you taking away my right to sing!?” I yelled. 

“I always said you can do whatever you want as long as I allow it. So I didn’t break my promise unlike you and besides you are the First Lady, Mother of the nation and my wife. A person of your status should not give away such a gift of your voice to a common person without any special reason. I gave you a whole room filled with any instrument of your desire. Sing as much as you want in the mansion.” He explained and raised a glass of water to me smirking “Now come on drink something, I can’t have you be dehydrated, it can affect your singing, my songbird” 

I stared at the water debating if I should just spill it on him and all of his documents but I stopped myself in time realizing this is what Coriolanus is testing. So instead I reluctantly grabbed the cup and drank all of the water inside, setting it back on the table. “Is there any way to change your opinion on this matter?” I begged. Coriolanus stared at me for a while before shaking his head. 

“Then…I will cherish the opportunities I do have, to sing in public. I will take my leave now” I said, trying to hold back the pain that was slipping through my throat. I then turned around and left without hearing the last words Coriolanus spoke to me. I locked myself in my giant walk-in closet and sat on the floor thinking of what I would do now that I can’t even sing in public anymore and my death was approaching if I didn’t prove myself loyal. 

l decided to look over all of the things I have acquired since I moved to the Capitol as if trying to figure out what I was focusing on the past few years. Fancy dress, heels, purses, makeup, jewelry all seemed nice but useless. I noticed the small compass that Lysistrata gave me weeks ago. I picked up the compass of morality in my hand trying to figure out how it will direct me in what I have to do to maybe go back to the right side of the line that I stepped over a long time ago. After looking to where it was pointing at and not finding anything that would guide me I put the compass back and walked out of the closet to get some rest.

The next morning I realized that I would not be getting any rest for the next 9 months since the appearance of morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms has become frequent. Coriolanus was overjoyed with this news, wanting an heir for a long time. I, on the other hand, was less excited. I was happy that I managed to get pregnant after my miscarriage a couple of months ago but now it means that after my child is born I wouldn’t be useful anymore making that awful fate Coriolanus bestowed upon me closer. 

“How am I supposed to prove my loyalty to you if I have no opportunity to do so? You are just sending me to die!” I cried one day during breakfast with Coriolanus. He looked at me crying for a while until he finally spoke in an unbothered tone.

“I will give you an opportunity, you just have to recognize it and take it”

“When?” I asked hopefully. He shook his head while chewing his black caviar toast. 

“I want you to figure it out.” He responded while continuing eating. After a couple minutes of silence he spoke again “Anyway I want you to stop worrying about it because it can in danger the child and if you are truly loyal to me it will surely be proven. How are you feeling by the way, any pain or feeling of sickness?” I am feeling sickened by you. I thought to myself.

“No, I feel mostly fine if you won’t include my constant anxiety, lack of communication with basically everyone and morning sickness” I replied. Coriolanus nodded along to my complaints before adding.

“I just don’t want you to be exposed to outside social pressures like last time so I would like you to stay inside the mansion’s property. I was thinking of limiting you going out even more by bringing in doctors to us instead. You will have top doctors in the nation close to you at all times to make sure the pregnancy will go smoothly and you are healthy” I nodded, not wanting to fight anymore and make my situation worse. 

The next day while I was playing my piano several doctors were introduced to me. They will be staying in the mansion for several months, checking up on me everyday until I give birth. I barely gave them a glance from my keyboard, not caring for their presence but one doctor in particular made me do a double take. Lysistrata stood before me looking terrified and uncomfortable. Why is she here!?I know she is one of the best doctors but I can’t have her tempting me to join her revolutionary movement, not right now! I waited a couple of weeks before we managed to be left alone during one of the daily checks to confront her. 

“Why did you come here? Are you trying to convince me to join your…you know!?” I whispered in a hushed voice while she was checking my pulse. I didn’t know where all the listening devices were but managed to find a couple and this part of the house has the least so I hope the conversation wouldn't be heard. Lysistrata shook her head and whispered back.

“I don’t know why I was chosen to be your doctor. Coriolanus was suspicious of me for years so I didn’t think he would allow me anywhere near the mansion where most of the government intelligence is at. Honestly I am confused why I am still alive because I don’t think being his old friend would matter.” Her answer made me realize what she hasn’t yet. She is the opportunity of honesty Coriolanus promised to give me. I didn’t want it to be like this! I didn’t want to hurt Lysistrata, she unlike Lydia never did anything wrong to me. Yes I was rude to people before even if they didn’t fully deserve it but killing without a long provocation, I have never done. But if I don't do this, I will die. 

“But I am glad I became your doctor,” said Lysistrata, smiling warmly.

“Why? We aren’t too close to each other for you to care whether I am constantly in good health” I asked.

“Well I always wanted to get closer to you, since the moment I saw how you treated Jesup, not allowing him to die alone even if it endangered you. You were my icon, an example of bravery of doing something right even if it’s scary. This is why I am glad and able to help you through your pregnancy and keep you healthy.” Explained Lysistrata before realizing how high my pulse rate became “Oh my my your pulse tripled! Are you feeling unwell or did I upset you?!” I quickly waved my hands.

“No, no I am fine! It wasn’t you! I think I am just tired. I will take my leave now.” I quickly said, ripping off the pulse oximeter and speed walking out of the room. I locked myself in my bedroom and felt like I was finally able to release the pressure from my chest. I walked over to my mirror and tried to make myself look calm and composed but my persona fell again once I spotted the silver compass sitting nicely in my jewelry drawer. I tried to reach for it but stopped midway through once I noticed a figure sitting in a fancy scarlet couching chair observing me with his cold and calculating eyes. 

“Coryo!? What are you doingo here during this time of day? You have work!” I asked, surprised to find him here. He simply shrugged and walked towards me. He gently rubbed my growing stomach in silence. 

“I just wanted to check on my wife and see what is on your mind” he answered finally, moving his eyes from my stomach to my eyes. We stared at each other for a long time until I finally blurted out.

“You are on my mind.” I said and smiled sweetly but his face stayed cold. 

“Really? Because it really doesn’t seem like it” he replied. I took a deep breath before I spoke again. I know what he wants from me and I have to do it now.

“Yes, and that’s why I will confess something even if it’s hard because I want to protect you in any way possible” I said and finally I could see that my words peaked his interest. “I noticed weird behavior from one of my doctors, Lysistrata Vickers. I believe she is part of the rebels and tried to recruit me as well but I declined.” I blurted out. Coriolanus finally smiled nodding.

“I am glad you still have your senses. Don’t worry everything will be alright from now on. You just go relax, maybe buy yourself something expensive to make you and the baby happy and I will take care of everything” said Coriolanus, gave me a kiss and walked out of the room. I sank down on the floor holding my stomach. I am safe. I won't die once my child is born. I should feel happy but the only thing I felt was overwhelming regret over all of my choices in life. 

Lysistrata disappeared from the mansion the next day. I asked another doctor what had happened to her but they gave each other nervous glances and denied knowing anything. A couple of months later my child was born. It was a boy with blond hair like his father’s and luckily my brown eyes. I wanted to name him in covey tradition, after a ballad and a color. Coriolanus argued that the child wasn’t a Covey but a member of the Capitol’s elite class so he should bear the name of Roman origins. After begging and pleading, Coriolanus gave in partially allowing for the middle name to be a color as long as it will be so rare and unknown that nobody would even recognize it as a color. In the end my rainbow baby was named Canus Rufous Snow. 

“Congratulations on giving birth! Where is my sweet little nephew?” Said Tigress walking to me in the mansion’s garden a couple days after I was released from the hospital. She was so busy with her work that she couldn’t come visit me in the hospital. Well that’s what she told me but I had a feeling it wasn’t entirely true, due to her and Coriolanus seemingly distancing themselves from each other. 

“Thank you, my little boy is finally sleeping in the stroller” I whispered to Tigress as she sat down next to me on the stone bench. 

“Aww he is so cute. He reminds me of Coriolanus when he was young and innocent” she said in a hushed voice. She reached to gently touch his little hands, admiring her nephew. While she was doing that her long sleeved pulled up revealing tiger like stripes tattoos.

“You got tattoos?” I asked, surprised I had never seen them before.Tigress nodded uncomfortably pulling up her sleeves to reveal them.

“I got them not too long ago to try to…stay relevant which worked. Coriolanus hates them though, he said ’that I am embarrassing the snow family with those tattoos’.” she explained, laughing nervously. 

“ I can relate.” I said not thinking. Tigress looked at me surprised but smiled and asked me to explain further. I didn’t want to share with anyone my feelings but keeping it all inside me made me break my barrier for a moment and I decided to tell her some of it. “I mean can relate to changing yourself to fit in with the Capitol society and people’s expectations of you. SometimesI feel like my old self was stolen from me and I didn’t even realize it until much later, when the cage became too tight waking me up from my fantasies.” 

I continued explaining how I felt like a trapped animal in a cage expected to be satisfied with my life if my owner (Coriolanus) just gives me attention, food and expensive gifts. Tigress sat quietly listening intently. I only realized that I started crying once Canus, feeling my emotions, started crying with me. I quickly wiped my tears away and picked him up in my arms, calming him down. 

“You might feel weak but I know that you aren’t. You managed to survive so much which not everyone could” Tigress finally said after my rant. 

“Well I hope my children are stronger than me and might do more than just survive” I commented and kissed Canus’ cheeks. 

At night I was staring at the ceiling not sure of who I am anymore. I felt Coriolanus finally getting into bed after a long day of work and moving closer to me. He wrapped his hands around me like he did every night and tried to go to sleep before I took him out of it.

“I will never betray you” I whispered. At one point it was the truth but right now it was a complete and outright lie. 

“I know you never will,” he replied, hugging me tighter. I am glad he trusts me because if I ever join the rebels it will be easier to hide.