Worst Fear (Dark Coriolanus Snow X Reader)

The Heiress Of Panem (Coriolanus Snow x reader)

(Summary: Some people look down on you for having your first born be a daughter but you don't let it bother you and neither does Coriolanus.)

Masterlist : Request info

Word Count: 480

(A/n: Another short and sweet one :) also can you guess what photo is my favorite of him😅)

(Warning:disrespect for feminism, slight angst, fluff fluff fluff!)

~~~~

  Opening the door to the bedroom he shares with his beautiful wife, Y/n. They knew each other since they were little, through their parents, and since then they remained best friends, but during the Academy, Coriolanus confessed his love for Y/n.

  Through what they went through together, their relationship remained close and loving even during the period when Coriolanus was away in District 12 as a peacekeeper. They always found methods of communication, on the phone, letters.

  He scans the room to find her not there so he goes to the only place where she could be and he was correct as he saw her with the other person who makes him smile even in the hardest moments, their beautiful daughter, Marie Snow. He leaned against the door frame watching his love with their beautiful daughter.

  Not many people were too keen on their first born, the heir being a girl. Some who were still very old fashioned. Grandma'am who they both loved was unfortunately one of those people who had constantly reminded the couple that it should've been a boy a perfect heir and gem of panem. Even some reporters had comments but they weren't a worry anymore. 

Comments from others like:

'Aren't you ashamed of your first born, Heir of Snow beings a girl? And not a son?'

'At least our first born was a son. We aren't putting shame on anyone.'

Stupid pathetic comments that had Y/n in a rut even more during her postpartum not long after she had Marie. He remembered finding her hidden away crying in their shared bedroom the one day.

"I just... don't fully understand why they won't accept her.." Y/n whispered with tears streaming down her face.

"Some of them need to come to times with things.."he said. Y/n wiped off her tears. Coriolanus came over to her pulling her into a comforting hug.

  Even with people against it. Coriolanus couldn't have been more happier. Which both you and Tigris were grateful for.

"A boy would be the gem of Panem.." Y/n whispered, looking down at her daughter in her arms.

"But you Marie Ambre Snow.. Shall be mine." She cooed at her daughter with a smile kissing her head as she rocked her in her arms.

"Ours my love..." Coriolanus said as he admired her and their daughter. Y/n looked over at him with a smile.

"Yes. Ours." She replied as she put their daughter now asleep in her crib.

Coriolanus came over wrapping his arms around her and kissing her head as they both now admired their daughter together.

Imagine you being Will’s and Jonathan’s Sister:

and Vecna/Henry/001 takes a liking towards you..:

SOMEBODY PLEASE WRITE THIS!

Also your Jonathan’s twin!

MASTERLIST

Snap Out Of It (Henry Creel/001 x Fem! reader)

"I wanna grab both of your Shoulders and Shake, Baby say snap out of it.."

Masterlist : Request Info

(Summary: You start Dating a guy named Lucas and Henry gets jealous.. well because you are his and his alone and he doesn't like to share.. things get steamy..)

Word count: 1.7k

(Warnings: Not PROFF read, bad writing, Jealousy, smut, possessive)

~~~~

You were 20 when you started at the lab or well was forced, so that you could be one of the nurses. You were highly trained and freshly out of college being only at a two year school that had been year round school you had no breaks except a few weekends or for special holidays. Which was stressful but got the four years you needed to become a nurse before you ended up in this hell whole.

But there was a upside you had made good friends with the other nurse close to your age Shelly Wheeler she had helped you getting to know the office space. But there was one person that helped you the most and that was Peter/Henry you had met him on your first day. He had shown you around and since you both had grown a very deep connection..

Neither you or Peter/Henry expected this to happen especially not Henry, but he could sense something different about you. You didn't treat him differently than the others at the lab.. you weren't like the others at the lab at all.

Not like the other pests of the world..

Their was connection so deep that it went as far as sneaking into each others rooms late at night when you would have to stay late, long deep conversations, lingering touches, all the way to making out in the nurses office or one of the empty closets, and well also...

For months until, Brenner was starting to get suspicious. Which resulted to you not staying at the lab and instead going home immediately after your shift for. While he even had one of the orderlies walk you out as soon as your shift was over. To having one of them walk you everywhere. He had even threatened you with both of you getting hurt and even your family as well as friends.

So you had asked Henry to meet you slipping a note in 011s file handing it to him. He had came during everyone's lunch break and you told him that you guys couldn't do this anymore. That you couldn't do this anymore. You couldn't let him or your family and friends. He had tried to tell you that he wouldn't let anything happen but you knew or so you thought he couldn't do anything about it.

He guessed he had to try and wait ever so patiently for you to snap. out. of. it..

Before, he had left you kissed one last time or so you thought . Since then your days had been lonely and boring so when your one friend Alison out side of the lab said something about her setting you up with someone. You had excepted.

You, Alison, and Shelly were all very good friends so the night before your big date they had helped you pick out a stunning dress that you could change into after work before your date. You remember that night so well.. it was after your shift and you were just about to leave.

You were just finishing up a few finishing touches. Before the door open, you looked over your shoulder to see Him.

"You look stunning." Henry said , quietly coming up to you. You turned your head away sighing.

"What are you doing here?" You asked, trying not to get pulled in.

His fingers traced up and down your arm. You had grabbed his hand softly before turning around still holding his hand, before lowering it and letting it go.

"We can't do this.." you stated, while Henry eyes were flickering from your face to your body, taking in your form.. everything about you.

He hated that you of all people couldn't trust him and that you kept denying your wishes.. he wished he could grab both of your shoulders and shake snap out of it. And That you would snap out of it.

Before you had left, you told him you had a very important dinner to get too. He had grabbed your wrist spinning back to him before kissing you possessively then bring his lips to your ear whispering.

"Don't forget who you belong too..."

His voice was so dark and sinister like. Completely unlike the soft angelic voice he has. It made you shiver before you got your purse and left.

It turns out that Alison had set you up with Lucas. You had both been hanging out with each other a lot recently lately but never got to the date part.. well until now..

After that night, you both hit it off really well it was the perfect first date. You both had started dating.

Now, it's a few weeks later and here you are on your lunch break with Shelly gushing over your relationship.

"I can not believe you are dating Lucas! I mean you told me that you had hangout but how or when did that even start?" Shelly one of the nurses at the lab asked.

"I-I honestly don't know how or even when. It just happened. We just started spending a lot more time with each other just never got to the point of a date.. well until Alison." You replied, with a slight nervous laugh. While you could practically feel a certain someone's eyes burning into you.

  Henry was furious he overheard Shelly talking about you being in love or well near enough.. He just wanted to grab both of your shoulders and shake you to snap out of it. You were his and his alone.. the thought of another guy being with you or around you. Drove him wild..

  He was going to get you back.. and teach you who you belong too and make sure this time he doesn't let you out of his web..

  Once your lunch break was over you said goodbye to Shelly and started walking back to the office before you were dragged into a room that had been abandoned that you were passing. And Shoved up against a wall with harsh possessive lips attached to yours. You pushed them away already knowing that it was Henry. You looked into each other's eyes both filled with lust and want.

Snap...

  Before, your lips attached again harshly and passionately while he picked you up legs wrapping around. Arms held up. Clothes discarded. Henry's lips went down to your neck nipping biting sucking leaving marks all over you. While one hand went down to your slit and started rubbing in a circular motion earning those beautiful sounds he loves..

"It's time to show you who you belong too.. for good." He whispered in a dark husky tone, which almost sent you over the edge.

  Henry wanted to tear you apart. Make you his. Make sure you never think about another guy. Never let another guy touch or make you feel the he made you feel. He wanted to you to know who you belonged too. He wanted to snap you out of whatever you had with this guy Lucas. leaving him. Denying him.

Out...

  He ripped you off the wall and onto the floor before removing the rest of your clothes and thrusting into you at a hard fast pace making you cry out in both pain and pleasure. You got used to it quickly. Fluttering eyes shut before he grabbed your face making you look at him then making you look down. Making your eyes go wide and blow with more lust as he made you watch he fucked you. He lifted your head back while you breathlessly  moaned eyes fluttering shut eyebrows furrowed.

  While you took him in feeling as his cock stretched you perfectly feeling how far he was in you feeling him hit your cervix. He moved a hand and presses down where the bulge of him in your abdomen. You gasped, in pain while he pulled your hair.

"Yeah you feel that?." Henry asked you whined.

"That's my spot.."

"I own it..."

"own all of it..."

"I own You.." Henry growled with each thrust. Making Your eyes rolled to the back of your head.

Of...

    He went faster up till the only sound was skin slapping noise coming from both of you and panting. You were about to come before..

"Nuhuh. Tell me Y/n who do you belong too?"

  Henry knew exactly what he was doing and he wanted to make sure you knew. Exactly. Who. You. Really. Belong. Too.

"Hmm? Tell me darling." He said with a hard thrust with his hand around your neck.

"Uhh.. you.. always you."

"No I want you to tell me who you belong.." he growled while biting your spot on your neck that gets you the most. You gasped in pain and pleasure.

"You! Henry I belong to you.." You cried out.

"P-please let me cum.." you begged. He smirked while slamming in and out.

"Come for me darling.." He whispered.

  You let out a pornographic moan loud enough he put his hand over your mouth as the knot in your abdomen burst sending a huge wave of pleasure and relief. He helped you carry out your high, while still chasing his high.

"Going to cum in you. Hmm.. you that you me to fill you up? Hmm?"

  You cried out.

"God your perfect." He started to slowly slow down thrust getting sloppier. Shoving himself deep inside you spilling his seed. Marking you as his once and for all.

And he finally made you Snap Out Of It..

It...

Fucking BAWLING MY EYES OUT💔😭

jj maybank, you deserved better.

Taking Back What’s Mine…

Henry Creel/001 x reader

(Summary: Peter/Henry/001 has come to take back what's his...)

Masterlist

(Warning!: Possessiveness, Dark!Henry, Manipulation, Yandere Themes, Forced Relationship, implications of violence and murder.)

   When you first met Peter/Henry you thought he was sweet kind caring.

  When you both started to call it a 'relationship' he became very different.. he became very possessive, Manipulative, and dare you say Jealous no matter who you talked too. Whether if it was one of the other faculty members or one of the children.

  The one orderly you used to talk to all the time was Lucas, he was the first one you met in the lab, he showed you around as well as helped you when ever you needed it. One day, after he helped you with some files. You were called to Brenner office be told the god awful news that he had an accident in one of the experiment rooms and passed away.

  You knew that it was an 'accident' you knew that someone had done it and you had the very suspicion that it was your 'boyfriend' Henry. You started to become, nervous...scared even, you didn't know what to do, so you went to Brenner... or tried to. Before, you could get to his office somebody wrapped a hand around your mouth, with a cloth wrapped around it, and dragged you into a room.

  When you woke up, all you could hear was screams, gun shots, and the blaring of alarms. You opened your eyes to see a little girl with her knees to her chest not just any girl but, eleven. She looked even more terrified than you.

"011?" You asked to make sure it's her. She looked at you with teary eyes. You quickly got up and went over to her. "What happened? What's going on?"

"It's all my fault.. I trusted him.. b-but.." "Hey, eleven you need to calm down for me for a second and tell me what happened... please." I said, looking at her with pleading eyes.

"T-the blonde orderly... he said that him me and you would escape. I-I took the thing out of his neck so that we could a-and he has powers as well and k-kil-killed the men and brought me in here and showed me that he's 001. A-and now I-I think he's killing everyone else e-ev-even the other siblings." She explained with a shaky voice, and tears rolling down her eyes.

  My breath got lodged in my throat. I knew it was him... "Eleven, did he show you a way out?" I asked, she nodded going over to a pipe. "T-this is where he said I could escape.." she said.

"Okay, eleven I need you to go in there and meet me outside okay.." "N-no I don't want to leave you here." She said. You sighed.

"O-okay. I need you to wrap your arms around my neck and also hide your face into my neck okay. Please do this for me. I'm going to get us out of here.." She nodded as I lifted her up and did as you told.

  You took a deep breath and opened the door, as soon as you did you could have instantly gotten sick or fainted when you were faced with the smell of blood, seeing it everywhere along with bodies of staff members, guards, and the other children. You heard elevens breath hitch you put your arm on her hand whispering,"it's okay don't look.."

  You began walking towards the office to get your keys, seeing more and more bodies blood, you came across the testing room where 010 and Brenner that was next to where you needed to get your keys, seeing both of them gone. You tried to stay as calm as possible for eleven but she could tell you were just as terrified. You quickly and quietly opened the door, got your keys and closed it. When you came back out, you heard a horrible high pitched scream not that faraway from where you were. You hesitantly looked over to see the bodies ended near the rainbow room. Your breath hitched.

Without another thought, you took off speed walking to get to the stairs so Eleven and you can both get out safely. Trying your best to not make any noise while you had eleven in your arms. Not looking back for a second you made it to the door to the stairs. Used the key card pushed the door open and took off running not caring how loud the door slammed. You ran as fast as you could with Eleven in your arms until you got your car. Putting Eleven in the back seat and you in the front, driving as far as possible from the awful place.

(Two years later)

After, that night at the lab you took Eleven to your home. You both decided you wanted a fresh start so you did or at least tried until El came across a group of kids looking for their friend Will Byers. You both decided to help them as well as Joyce, Jonathan, Nancy, and Hopper. Unfortunately the lab had found both of you but thank the heavens the demogorgans got them.

After, that huge fiasco Hopper let you both stay at his cabin in the woods to protect El and you. You couldn’t be more grateful the three of you became close it felt like an actual family. It was peaceful for awhile. Until, their was more problems going on with Will and more demogorgans. El going missing or well to find her true parents, to reuniting with everyone, to closing the gate to the upside down, and to Now, Eleven was currently hanging out with the gang and her newest friend Max.

While, you were peacefully reading on the porch of the cabin. You got up to start some cleaning to help hopper out a bit when you suddenly heard a all to familiar voice behind you..

“Y/n..” You slowly turn around to see him.

“W-what h-how d-“

"Oh, Y/n I told you I'd come back for you.." He took a step closer, which made you back up into a wall. "Didn't I?"

You still couldn't believe he was right in front you after all this time, thinking you and Eleven had gotten away. Of course, you were wrong.

“I’ve missed you so much. I tried to find you ever since.” He said, caressing your cheek.

You slapped his hand away and tried to push him away but because of his damn mind powers he kept you in place.

“I went back to the room but you weren’t their… you left.. without me…” he wrapped a hand around your neck forcing you to look at him. “We’re you just going to leave me their? Hm? After all of our plans we had made?”

“T-those plans changed after, I found out who you really are and for what you have done!” I snapped.

“I did it for us baby. So that we could be free.” “What about the children? They didn’t have to die.. you didn’t need to kill them..” you said tears streaming down.

“Oh.. but I did.. the hurt you and Eleven. Why do you still cry for them Y/n after everything they to the both of you? You think you need them, but you don't. You don't. Oh, but I know you're just scared. I was scared once too. I know what it's like to be different. To be alone in this world.” He said, wiping away your tears.

“Come with me.. Come back to me…” He said.

“A-and if I don’t come with you..” you asked.

You saw his eyes go dark with a sinister look.

“Then, I will make sure everything for you hell. Either way you will be coming with me with or without your permission..” he showed you what would happen if you didn’t (which is pretty much everything that happens in seasons 3 and 4) he grabbed your jaw so that you are now fully looking at him. “Your Mine! You belong to me! And I’m not letting you go this time!”

“I-i will come with you.. but please leave them alone.. I will do anything, I won’t run, I won’t get help, I will give up everything… , just please just leave them out of it… please. No more..” you asked with tears. He looked at you for a moment debating then smirking.

“As you wish darling.”

And, with that you packed some of your things and left both Hopper and El letters. Before, taking Henry’s hand and leaving.

You’d be lying if you didn’t still have any feelings. Those just don’t just go away. You knew he’d find you and bring you back to him. Tho it hurts you for what he has done and leaves you feeling guilty and a bit disgusted. But, You had no other choice to save your friends family Hawkins. You had to do it. You had no choice.

You knew you could never escape him.. like Henry said you were his so he took back what’s his…

Word count: 1542

(A/n: Oop! I have chills anyone else?😂 I hope this story makes sense also, let me know if I should do a part 2 too this! I’d be up for it! Also let me know what y’all think! Talk to y’all soon bye!)

THIS IS SO GOOD!!!

District boy

Pairing: young! Coriolanus Snow x fem!Capitol! reader; doppëlganger! Finnick Odair x fem!Capitol! reader Summary: You and Corio were very close (best) friends. Young Snow had a crush on you for a very long time. But he wouldn't let anything distract him—not until he got his family out of their financial troubles. And then comes the 10th Hunger Games, in which you get to be a mentor for a very handsome tribute... Coryo isn't happy about it at all. Requested by: Two anonymous. I hope you will like it! 😊💙🖤 Warning(s): jealous Coriolanus Snow; (doppëlganger) of Finnick Odair; the author doesn't care that it is impossible; Coryo being simp for the reader; reader flirts with Finnick; quote from 'My tears ricochet' by Taylor Swift; Words count: 7k Taglist: @aoi-targaryen @il0vebeingdelulu @chelseyyouraverageluigi ~•♤♤♤•~ Coriolanus Snow's Masterlist ~•♤♤♤•~ Main Masterlist

Coriolanus did not remember the exact moment when this happened.

Everything that had to do with you came to him very... naturally.

Before he knew it, one joint project for one of your classes turned into daily discussions in the cafeteria. You entered his very small circle of 'friends' like you should have always belonged there and unknowingly became the best friend to young Snow.

And then you started staying in the library after classes, talking about various things (Coriolanus hated himself for wasting his time when he should have been studying on pointless discussions with you, but he always ended up in the library at the end of the day anyway).

And so one day he realised that you were wonderful when you laughed at his jokes. That the smell of your perfume made him hungrier than the baked goods that spread from the bakery he passed by every day on his way to the Academy. That he was missing something as he basked in the glow of your attention. That he would like you to be with him at all times, not only within the walls of the Academy, cafes (he never ordered himself anything, trying to stop his stomach from growling as he watched you eat the cake, occasionally offering him a bite), or the park. That he would like to have you completely to himself and hide you from the eyes of other people who, in his opinion, were not worthy of an ounce of your attention.

He remembered snapping at Festus when he asked him if you were seeing anyone. As if Coriolanus' claim about you wasn't obvious enough to him.

Although you also remained blind to his obvious feelings, which Sejanus said were as visible as an approaching change in the weather in the Rocky Mountains. By the way, he wondered when Sejanus would forget those catchphrases from District 2. They were very tiring and boring to listen to.

But Snow decided to let you stay in the dark for a little longer and admire you in silence, from his place next to you as your best friend. He promised himself that when he won the Plinth Prize, he would conquer not only the world but you and your heart. After all, he couldn't imagine anyone else being his First Lady than you.

He knew that his fascination with you was gradually turning into an unhealthy obsession. But what else could he do when you took his breath away just by existing? And Coryo wasn't used to not having control over his emotions. But with you... you could do whatever you wanted with him. And he was terrified, both by the fact that you had such power over him and by the fact that you were completely unaware of it.

However, everything was going according to his plan. He stayed by your side, guarding you like a gardener's dog and waiting for the moment when he would finally be worthy of you and make you his. And you seemed to obediently dismiss every admirer.

Until the 10th Hunger Games came along.

And a certain district boy stole too much of your attention for Coriolanus' liking. After all, you were HIS. Even if you didn't know about it yet.

"Hello, petal." He whispers in your ear, walking up to you from behind.

Surprised, you choke on the champagne you drank in secret from your parents and other participants in the reaping party at the Academy. He smiles in amusement, gently patting your back and discreetly placing the glass of champagne on the table for you.

"Coriolanus Snow, someday I'll put a fucking bell around your neck like my mother's cats have." You say, coughing. He laughs softly, offering you his arm, which you take once you've recovered.

"I thought you considered it brutal?" He replies sarcastically, glancing at the dress you were in, which hugged your curves perfectly.

A white dress that Tigris made for you 'coincidentally' matched perfectly with the outfit he was currently wearing. He had never been more proud of his cousin than he was now.

"I'm surprised that you think you're on an equal footing with my cats. You're no match for them, Snow." He rolls his eyes at you, but he can't help but smirk a little at your laugh.

"We will see." You snorted at that. You notice Sejanus in the crowd talking to his parents.

"I'll go say hello." You say, nodding towards Sejanus. But before you can take a step towards him, Coryo's grip on you tightens. You give him a questioning look, focusing your gaze on him.

"Stay with me. You know I don't like talking to them all by myself. Especially with Arachne. Sejan will be joining us soon." You sigh, rolling your eyes at him, but you don't try to fight his grip or let go of his arm as he leads you towards the group of your classmates.

"I spoil you too much, Snow."

"Nonsense, you could do better." You laugh in amusement, and he smiles at the sound of that.

But his good mood and relaxed demeanour quickly turned into a stoic expression. You feel him tense slightly and straighten, as if preparing for a fight, when you approach your classmates.

"Snow and Y/L/N. As always, together. You could finally make up your mind, darling, and choose one of them instead of hanging around him and Plinth." Arachne greets you, as always, nicely, at which you laugh artificially.

"Why should I when I can have both?" You reply with a shrug, making some of them laugh. However, you are most pleased with Arachne's grimace and the small smile on Coryo's lips.

"Usually it's the district girls who act like whores." You feel Coryo tense next to you, his eyes turning a cold, icy shade as he stares at the girl in front of you. If looks could kill, Coryo would become a serial killer. However, he could certainly make someone feel insecure and intimidated.

"Usually inheritance hunters don't complete their education and end up marrying some rich fool at the earliest opportunity, even before they turn 18. And yet here you are, Arachnie. I think that makes us both surprised then." You reply before Coryo can react. Festus shakes his head and stares at the both of you in amusement as you sinisterly glare at each other.

"Ladies, why all these quarrels? We already know who Y/N will end up with."

"And who is it, Festus?"

"Me." You shake your head at that, amused. However, Coryo, standing next to you, doesn't share your humor. He pulls you slightly closer to him, giving you a fleeting glance before focusing on Festus.

"For now, she's not on your shoulder, Creed."

"Enjoy it while you can, Snow. We'll see how things go when we enrol in university." You see Coriolanus tighten his jaw at his remark. You squeeze his arm slightly tighter, making him shift his gaze to you. You smile as he relaxes slightly under your attention.

"You made it to the graduation, Festus. You shouldn't set higher expectations for yourself than that." Sejan's voice echoes behind you. You snorted in amusement and turned around in Coryo's embrace; somehow you managed to get out of them enough to wrap your arms around your friend. "Y/N. You look as beautiful as always. Arachne, who are you trying to fool with this white outfit?" You hide your face behind Coryo's shoulder, trying to hold back a burst of laughter.

You feel Sejanus wrapping his arm around you. Now, you are held by your two friends, and the one with the lighter hair is definitely unhappy about having to share you with Plinth, but you are not able to notice it since the reaping is finally starting.

A murmur of women's whispers echoed throughout the room as a very handsome man emerged from the crowd. You leaned forward slightly, taking a closer look at the tall, athletic, and chiselled man with tanned skin and bronze hair.

With just one look into his stunning sea-green eyes and after seeing the huge, charming smile he sent for the cameras, you knew that whoever got this man was going to be the winner. Because no tribute ever made as much money from sponsors as a sinfully hot man usually did.

And this one was a special sight for the eyes. The reaction of most of the female part of the room and the jealous and furious looks of the men at the reaction of their other halves confirmed your suspicions.

"This boy from 4 belongs to Miss Y/N Y/L/N."

You licked your lips, smiling wolfishly, and watched your tribute on the screen. You were so lucky.

"You damn lucky dog." Persephone whispers in your ear and slaps your shoulder playfully. You give her a half-smile and shrug as the cameramen spend a little more time showing your tribute.

"What can I say... maybe I'll only attract hot men from now on? I hope his muscles aren't just for good looks, because that would be a shame." She shakes her head at your words, holding back a laugh. You smile and involuntarily glance at Coriolanus.

He immediately looks away from you. His jaw is set, and his leg bounces slightly. Anyone else would think he was relaxed and calm. But you knew him too well to assume that.

He was already nervous the moment Clem took your seat, and you were forced to sit in the second row, away from him. Coriolanus doesn't like it. He would rather hold your hand, feel the warmth of your body close to yours, and smell the faint scent of your perfume than sneak glances over his shoulder to keep an eye on you.

Sometimes he knows he can be painfully obvious, but he thanks fate for at least being kind enough to keep you unaware of his feelings for you. He would have you. Just not yet. First, his tribute had to win the damn Hunger Games so he could win Plinth's prize. Then he could make his move without fear of you discovering his family's financial situation. Finally, snow lands on top. And he spent many sleepless nights imagining that he would land on top of you.

You catch his gaze, but you don't have time to analyse his attitude. After a while, Lucy Gray appears on the screen, and you see that your handsome guy will have some competition for the Capitol's favour.

And the possible competition with your best friend makes you feel very uncomfortable. So much so that you don't notice the hateful glare Coriolanus shot at your tribute as the operators once again showed off the likenesses of this year's tributes.

Finnick Odair. A new obstacle in his plan that he had to eliminate. And not just to win the Hunger Games...

You haven't spoken to Coryo since then. Which was an extremely strange phenomenon because you were usually attached to each other at the hip.

Although you had seen him briefly during classes and now, when most of the mentors had gathered around the cage at the zoo to find their tributes and give them something to eat or drink, he didn't even spare you a second glance as he was fully focused on Lucy Gray.

Something was wrong with him.

Especially after his little stunt at the train station and his conversation with Dr. Gaul. Because of which, now (and mainly because of Sejanus' statement), you stand nervously near the bars, looking for your tribute.

And you couldn't help but wonder what exactly the Hunger Games were for. The more you thought about it, the more you started to side with Sejanus.

The First Rebellion may have done you great harm, but was it any wonder that the people of the district rebelled? After all, if any of you were born outside the Capitol, you would probably do what they did. So what was the point of murdering 23 of the young unfortunates who had been singled out for slaughter?

“You seem lost.” A voice next to you pulls you from your thoughts. You turn around, seeing your tribute leaning against the bars and watching you carefully. If he was hot on TV, he looked gorgeous in real life. His cheekbones and jaws look like they had been carved with chisels by the best of the artists. And his eyes... you wonder how such men could be born and live in any district. "Unless you're looking for something. Or someone, if I may boldly assume."

"Y/N Y/L/N. Your mentor." You say, reaching your hand out towards him through the bars. He takes your hand, placing a kiss on the back of it. You can't help but notice how soft his lips are against your skin. You blush slightly, and you can almost feel Flickerman's eyes and cameras behind you.

"I figured it out. Fate must be a little kind to me after all. Giving me the most beautiful of mentors as my guardian angel."

"You'll be able to say that when you win the Hunger Games." You reply, taking your hand from his and pulling food and drink out of your bag for him.

"When?" He asks, taking the cookie from you and immediately biting into it. That view is squeezing you with sadness, seeing how hungry he is. Despite everything, he still carries himself with grace and is extremely charming. You hope that the cameras will show him often. "How can you be so sure?"

"You are handsome. You attract women's attention. If you maintain that charming attitude of yours, you will probably earn quite a lot of money with those pretty eyes and smile. At least enough to not die of hunger or dehydration in the arena." You reply, searching for something else in your bag.

"Under different circumstances, I would be grateful for so many compliments, angel." You look up, meeting his gaze. And something inside you tells you that, in fact, if the circumstances were different, you would be talking about something completely different right now... or doing something much more enjoyable.

"When you win, who knows? Once a tribute stayed in the Capitol after winning." You say, handing him your cousin's old white sweater that he found in the closet.

"Sorry, honey, but I doubt I'd want to stay in the Capitol. Even for such a nice view." He says this, unabashedly taking off the slightly torn and dirty shirt he was wearing.

He soaks it in the water you gave him and rinses himself off, putting on a show for the entire Capitol audience to watch thanks to the cameras trained on him and the people in the zoo. You lick your lips, trying not to openly stare at the muscles on his chest and act rude (or, in this case, like a horny teenager).

"You're behind bars." You clear your throat, reminding him that there are probably no good views from the cage. You took the courage to look him in the eyes again only after he got dressed.

"And I look at a beautiful girl, what more could I want?"

You laugh loudly and honestly at this. He joins you, and the other mentors and the rest of the tributes look at you like you're crazy. You're too busy looking at the handsome man in front of you to notice Coryo giving him a dagger glare and clenching her fists in anger.

But Lucy Gray does it.

And she perfectly recognises jealousy in the eyes of others. Especially pure anger and the beginnings of forming a plan for revenge. After all, that's how she ended up here.

The day before reaping, Mayfair Lipp had a similar look in her eyes.

Which makes her come to the conclusion that maybe her mentor isn't as good a person as she initially assumed.

"Excuse me for a moment." Snow mutters to her as he walks towards the two of you, leaving her to the children who came to look at her dress.

You and Finnick chat casually about things completely unrelated to Games. Coriolanus notices that the boy from the district reached through the bars for your hand, showing you different lines on it, probably doing some trick or foretelling stupid things.

But what added fuel to Snow's anger was the fact that, in addition to the district's underdog daring to touch you, he also made your face blush. Something Coriolanus has never managed to do.

"Y/N." He says, interrupting the conversation between the two of you. Seeing that he is watching you, you move away from the boy, calming down his anger a little. "We have to get back to the Academy. We have another class soon."

"Oh. Yes." you say, the disappointment is very audible in your voice, which makes him even more angry and jealous.

Why on earth would this piece of trash from the district deserve your attention, or maybe even affection, when Coriolanus was standing right next to you?

"I'll be back again. If you need anything, I'll get it for you." You say, giving a soft smile to your tribute. Coryo almost growls in anger, knowing full well that this worm doesn't deserve your kindness.

"Everything's fine, angel. Don't worry too much." He replies with his charming smirk, making Coryo want to impale his head through the metal wires of his cage.

He wraps his hand around your waist and catches your gaze as he nods towards the exit of the zoo. Taking advantage of your moment of distraction as you watch Arachne torment her tribute, Coriolanus gives your tribute a cold look and squeezes your waist a little tighter. Odair looks at him impassively, but the slight tightening of his jaw tells Snow that the boy got the hint.

No matter how hard he tried, he would never be able to touch you like Coryo was doing right now.

Coryo shouldn't be concerned about a boy from the district, especially one who competed in the Hunger Games, but he couldn't just let that bastard flirt with HIS girl.

Your terrified gasp brings him out of his thoughts. He automatically places his hands on your shoulders, pulling you closer to him and looking around for whatever scared you. And she sees Arachne's tribute grab her by the neck and pull her towards her, holding a broken bottle in her other hand.

He feels you try to break free from his grip, but instead of letting you go and running towards Arachne and her tribute, he spins you around and presses your face into his chest just as Arachne's neck pierces the glass of the bottle.

He feels you tremble in his arms, hearing the screams and shots of the Peacekeepers, who open fire too late and kill the crazy girl from the district.

"You're safe. Nothing will happen to you. Not with me." He whispers to you as he feels your tears soak his shirt, and he falls even more in love with you, seeing you cry even for a bitch like Arachne.

He places a kiss on the top of your head and leads you out of the zoo and to your car. He glances briefly at Lucy Gray to make sure they didn't shoot her by accident. He angrily accepts that your tribute is also unharmed.

He feels a little better, though, when he sees how your tribute shoots a jealous, angry glare at him, holding you close to his chest. And Coriolanus can't help but wink arrogantly at him.

"Focus." You tell the tribute in front of you as you discuss plans to build the Arena with him. Finnick, however, prefers to play with the bracelet on your wrist.

"Rose quartz. You know you don't get things like that from just anyone?" He asks, examining the stone. You remove your wrist from his grasp and raise a questioning eyebrow at him.

"My friend gave me this."

"That creepy blonde? Adorable. If he took his eyes off you for more than 5 seconds."

You roll your eyes at him and turn your gaze away from him to glance at Coryo. He's talking to, or rather listening to, Lucy Gray as he stares blankly at the pen and paper in front of him. He senses your gaze and turns around. You give him a soft smile, and he nods at you and goes back to listening to his tribute.

"Coryo doesn't like being alone among people he doesn't trust or know. And after yesterday, he's… more caring. It's natural."

"And does this Coryo of yours often give you old bracelets with a stone symbolising love?" You frown, examining the bracelet he gave you for your 18th birthday.

"It belonged to his mother. He probably thought it was pretty and that's why he gave it to me. It does not mean anything." You explain to him, at which he just shakes his head in disbelief, apparently not trusting in the good intentions of your friend. You want to go back to discussing your arena survival plan with him, but he won't let you say a word.

"Hmm... if I hadn't been chosen in the reaping and we had met under different circumstances, and if I were rich, I would have given you a necklace with pearls and pieces of angelite."

"Why?" You ask curiously, hoping that once he says what he wants, you two will go back to discussing plans. But you wonder how the hell he knows the meaning of the stones.

"Pearls are a symbol of wisdom, calmness, integrity, and serenity. They also remind me of the ocean. How old fishermen told us stories about beautiful sirens who attracted them by singing."

"Like Lucy Gray?" You ask with a smirk, thinking he might like the female tribute.

"I was thinking of another beauty." He says his fingertips are brushing against yours as much as the cuffs on his wrists would allow.

You blush when he flirts with you. You can't say that it bothers you or that you are indifferent. After all, he was very handsome. You don't see Coryo frown, staring daggers at the place where your hands lightly brush against each other.

"What about angelite? Why it?"

"It's a kind of peaceful crystal. Some believe that it helps to bring a guardian angel closer to you. After being chosen in the reaping... I wasn't quite at peace. And then I looked at you, and somehow..." He pauses, staring at your hands. You grab his hands tight, making his sea-green eyes look back into yours in surprise at your sudden gesture.

"I promise I will do everything in my power to make you survive this. You don't have to trust me, but trust in this."

"Because you want the prize?" He asks suspiciously, and you shake your head with a slight chuckle. You're not surprised that he's distrustful. After all, most mentors had this in mind. The prize. Not a human life that was in their hands.

"Because I can't stand the thought of someone like you dying in the arena." You admit it. You unconsciously lean into each other as you stroke your fingers over the back of his hand, drawing little patterns on it.

"Someone like me? Underdog from the district?"

"A handsome man with a good heart. Do not look at me like this. I saw you sharing water and food with that sick little girl—Dill and the other one... Wovey I think? You are a good man, Finncik Odair." You say with confidence.

His eyes light up for a moment, and for the first time, you see his real, unforced, warm smile. He didn't play the charming boy. Not this time.

"I guess that makes two of us, angel. I saw someone giving her medicine last night and extra food. I doubt it was their mentors."

"I have no idea what you are talking about." You both laugh at your answer. And somehow you can't help but blush—the flutter in your stomach that's caused by the way he looks at you and that damn beautiful, genuine smile—that's nothing compared to his charming façade.

Someone's burning gaze focused on you, which you feel on your temple, makes you let go of the tribute's hand, embarrassed. You look around discreetly, noticing Coryo's cold gaze that makes you shiver. He's never looked at you like that... at least not in your direction. It takes you a few seconds to realise that his gaze isn't on you at all, but on the man sitting across from you.

"Can you get me a trident? And some nets?"

"Trident?" You ask distractedly, making a note of his request anyway.

"To the arena. To put on a show and collect more donations." You nod, your thoughts fully returning to Finnick. You tell yourself that you're making something up. After all, Coryo is just your friend.

"I'll see what I can do. You also need to think about what you will do on tomorrow's TV appearance." You remind him, writing down in your notebook the things you should provide him with before he goes on air. Maybe a suit? You're sure he'd look drop-dead handsome in it on stage.

"I have already got some idea. You'll probably like it." He replies with an arrogant smirk, causing you to giggle, which, for some strange reason, you're unable to hold back. His smirk widens.

"Y/N. Can I take you away for a moment?" Coryo's voice and the fact that he's right behind you surprise you. You didn't notice him sneaking up until he spoke. You wonder how many times he has managed to do this without your knowledge.

"Go, angel. I'll see you tomorrow at the arena." Finnick says, giving you another of his trademark smirks. You nod to him and accept Coryo's hand as he helps you up. He takes your bag from you, and you both walk out.

You go with him as his emotional support to Dr. Gaul's laboratory. He tells you enthusiastically about his new ideas for the Hunger Games and how the woman was interested in them, but you only half-listen, your thoughts still with Finnick. And Coriolanus doesn't like it that you so brazenly ignore what he says.

"You two are rather close." He says, getting your attention. You raise a questioning eyebrow at him, not understanding who he was talking about. "You and your tribute."

"We are. It's my job to take care of him."

"You do it rather willingly and with a smile on your face." He remarks with a strange tone of voice. You stop and frown at him, not understanding what his problem is.

"Are you suggesting something?"

"No. No. Not at all. I'm just warning you. People are talking."

"They always talk." You snap at him, furious that he's playing that card. He lectures you as if you were a little child and did something wrong. Besides, who cared? You could flirt with anyone you wanted.

"Y/N. He's just a district boy. I don't want your reputation to suffer just because… you see him as a human being."

"Are you serious? He IS a human being. Like each one of them." You say, angry at him for even saying such a thing.

"You sound like Sejanus." He says it coldly, giving you an unreadable look. You don't know what he's thinking, but you know by the way his jaw is set and his hand is nervously playing with the strap of his bag that it's not good. And you wonder. Because Sejan is your friend after all. And he was also a district boy.

"Maybe because he's right." You respond to his remark by crossing your arms and staring at him defiantly, tilting your chin slightly upward.

"Are you really going to let some district scumbag ruin your career and future? Everything you've worked for so far? They hate us, Y/N. Each one of them. Behind that charming smile of his, there is a devil who gossips about you and laughs at your naivety behind your back."

"They are not monsters, Coriolanus."

The use of his full name makes him flinch. You see it and immediately regret not using his diminutive, but that's okay. You were incredibly frustrated and angry that he thought the way Dr. Gaul and the rest of the rich snobs of Panem did. That he didn't see these people as... people. People like you were.

"They killed my father, and because of the rebellion 10 years ago, my mother and sister, whom I never got to know, are dead, and they might have been alive if those district rats hadn't turned the Capitol into a battlefield. You, Tigris, and my grandmother are all I have left. And I won't let anything happen to you or anyone take you away from me." He bursts out, keeping his voice cool, but you can clearly see the storm of emotions in his icy eyes.

"I'm not going anywhere, Coryo. The rebellion is over. We are safe. But they are not." You decide to back out of the argument with him.

"They don't deserve to be safe. Not after what they did to us, petal."

You don't say anything at his words. You just sigh and go to hug him.

He relaxes a little in your arms, wrapping himself around you just as tightly as you wrap around him. You are enveloped in his warmth and the delicate scent wafting from the rose he had pinned to his red jacket.

You know how Coryo suffered and how he sought an outlet for his pain. And you can't be surprised that he blamed the people of the district for his family's fate. That he hated them... but you didn't know how deep that hatred had grown inside him.

And how much it had grown the moment he found out from Lucy Gray that you had promised to make sure Odair won.

When he found out you chose that district boy above him in The Hunger Games, he fully understood what Dr. Gaul wanted him to say when she asked him about the meaning of the games.

Now he had to make sure that HE would become THE VICTOR. And not the underdog from 4 who tried to steal HIS woman.

"I hope I haven't caused you any trouble?" Finnick asks with that smile of his that makes you weak in the knees as you both walk around the arena.

You blush slightly, remembering last night.

"Here. Put this somewhere and change it when we get back from the arena. Then you two will be on TV." You tell him, handing him a bag of clothes through the bars. It is midnight. You shouldn't be here, and you might as well have given it to him in the morning, but... something pulled you to him. "If you are as charming as usual, you will win the hearts of the audience." You say, not knowing that he only cares about ONE heart.

"You're too good, angel. But I have something for you too." he says that and hands you a small bundle. You frown at him.

"I… I shouldn't…" You say, surprised, but he pushes the bundle into your hands anyway.

You look at him in a daze for a moment and unwrap the fabric. You gasp when you see the necklace. It is an ordinary black leather strap with a silver pendant with a fish that swallows its tail, thus creating a circle shape. There was a tiny pearl inside.

"If I were a rich man, I would give you something else... as a souvenir. But I'm not... but I really wanted for you to have something that will remind you of me. Please say something, or I might start talking nonsense that we'll both regret later and..."

You silence him by leaning in and kissing him through the bars. It's a gentle kiss, as tender as the tiny passage between the bars allows, but somehow he manages to grab your hand and cup your cheek carefully, brushing your skin with his thumb.

You feel tears welling up as you think about what it might have been like in another life, where there were no divisions into better and worse districts and the Hunger Games would never have existed... but this small moment stolen in the night between you two will have to be enough. That gentle brushing of your lips.

"No. Not at all. Do you already know what you're going to do on TV?" You ask, changing the subject, trying to keep from blushing as the two of you walk around the arena while you make mental notes of the best places to escape.

"Yes. I will recite a poem. Or, rather, a song. I will not compete with our dear Lucy Gray, and I will not sing. Want to hear?"

"Sure." You reply with a shrug, completely unprepared for what he had in store.

He clears his throat. He catches your eye and begins with a tone of voice so velvety and pleasant to the ear that it's impossible for you to perceive anything other than him. And certainly not the way your blonde friend was staring daggers at you with clenched fists, ignoring the scared look Lucy Gray was throwing his way.

"We gather stones, never knowing what they'll mean Some to throw, some to make a diamond ring You know I didn't want to have to haunt you But what a ghostly scene You wear the same jewels that I gave you As you bury me I didn't have it in myself to go with grace 'Cause when I'd fight, you used to tell me I was brave And if I'm dead to you, why are you at the wake? Cursing my name, wishing I stayed Look at how my tears ricochet."

You shiver as he finishes. He was only a small step away from you as he inched closer with each line he spoke, never taking his eyes off you. You are speechless. All you can do is look him in the eyes, watching as he gently brushes away your hair from your eyes.

"It's... it's beautiful. Did you write it?" You ask, snapping out of your daze.

"No. No, I don't. I believe this is 'My tears richochet' by Taylor Swift."

"Taylor Swift?" You repeat it stupidly, swallowing and trying to calm your rapidly beating heart that aches with the desire to kiss him. You know you can't. Not in the light of day. Never in plain sight. And it hurt you that you wanted a man who could never be yours.

"In another life, I would be a London boy." You laugh with him about it. Suddenly he looks around seriously, and when he sees that Coriolanus is the only one watching you, he takes a step towards you and gently strokes your cheek with his thumb. "You're... I didn't expect anyone in the Capitol to have a heart. And certainly not as pure as yours, my sweet angel."

You shiver, unable to move away from him.

He leans down and steals you a quick but more passionate kiss than the first you two had shared under the cover of the night. His hand tangles in the hair at the back of your head as he opens your mouth with his tongue, swallowing your moan. Common sense screams at you to step away, but you can't. You cup his cheeks in your hands, pulling him closer to you, stealing another moment with him as he pushes you against a pillar, hiding you from anyone's view.

Before anyone can notice that you two have disappaired, there's a loud bang in the arena. You scream as you feel a warm gust of air make you fall onto your back. The combined scream of both Coryo and Finnick's calling your name and the pounding of your head is the last thing you hear and feel before you pass out.

Consciousness comes back to you very slowly. At first, you think you're dead, but the ringing in your ears and headache wouldn't be symptoms of a dead person on the other side.

That's why you open your eyes slowly and very reluctantly.

You hiss as the light from the hospital lamp hits your eyes. You cover them with your hand when suddenly you feel another one on yours.

"Everything's fine, petal. You are safe with me. Move slowly, take your time."

"Coryo?" You ask, pushing both your and his hands away from your eyes as you narrow them at him. You sigh with relief and hug the blonde, who is also in a hospital gown. You managed to notice a few scratches on his face before you cuddled up to him shakily.

"Shh... it's okay, my petal. Your parents were here. They waited through the entire surgery, and when the doctor told them you were stable, they went home to get clothes for you. They should be back here soon. Together with Tgiris and Sejanus."

"Surgery?" You ask in surprise, only now feeling the grip of the bandages on your head.

"They put a few stitches on your head. Fortunately, it wasn't as deep a wound as we thought it was. You scared me. And the others." He says, pressing a kiss to your forehead as he wraps his arms tighter around you... like a snake.

"The arena... Finnick. Is he alive? What happened? Where is Finnick?" You panicked, moving away from him and ignoring his more affectionate than usual gestures. All you can think about is a district boy that you have grown to... to love in these few days when you got a chance to know him.

You don't see the anger rising in Coriolanus's eyes, nor do you recognise his fake tone as he pretends to be concerned. You're more concerned, scared, and distraught that you don't feel the weight of Finnick's necklace around your neck.

"He is dead. I'm sorry for your tribute, my petal." He says, slowly stroking your bare arms.

From the side, it looked like he wanted to comfort you, but he was only doing it because he wanted to feel your skin under his fingertips. Enjoy his reward. As well as that snow lands on top.

"What?" You ask in shock, not feeling his touch at all. Your world stopped. As if it were dying. You don't feel anything. Nothing at all.

"There was an attack of rebels. He didn't survive." He repeats it more emphatically, watching you carefully.

"No... no..." You shake your head, feeling tears welling up in your eyes. Tears that you don't even try to hold back. Just as your whole body trembles.

"It's not your fault, honey. You did an excellent job as a mentor. It could have happened to anyone."

"You do not understand! This isn't about stupid games! This is about him! About human life! How can you be so selfish and myopic?!”

You shout angrily, slapping your hands against his chest. Your tears are blurring any vision; you're still weak from the surgery, so when you get tired, he pulls you into his arms and presses your head to his chest, rubbing your back as you cry into him.

Into a man who took the opportunity to get rid of the inconvenience of your tribute. Along with the necklace he gave you. Coriolanus was furious when he saw it on your neck as he carried you out after pushing Odair right into the spot where, a second later, a large piece of debris fell from the ceiling.

Once again, Coriolanus' perceptiveness worked to his advantage.

And now you were his. Only his. He made sure there were no traces of Finnick Odair left. After all, his First Lady couldn't be sullied by a district boy.

"Don't cry over him. We are all we need anyway, my little petal." He whispers against your skin as he kisses away your tears.

You're too busy mourning your tribute and too drugged to do anything. So he uses this to his advantage and fucks your face with kisses before finally leaning in to taste your lips.

He moans into your mouth, not caring about the slightly salty taste of your tears, and gently wraps his hand around your neck. You mumble something into his mouth, pressing your hand against his chest to push him away.

But he doesn't give up. He sits you on his lap and places kisses on your neck. You gasp, clinging to him. He rests his forehead against yours and kisses you once again. He lifts your hands and makes you tangle them in his hair. His other hand wraps around your waist, pulling you in until your chests are pressed together.

He ignores Lucy Gray's singing echoing through the private room in the hospital your parents bought for you to get better and holds you close to his chest, pressing tender kisses to your cheeks, lips, nose, forehead, and neck—everywhere his greedy, eager mouth can reach.

You can't move. Because of the drugs they drugged you with, so you can't feel pain, or because you don't want to move, you don't know yet. In some strange way, the feeling of closeness comforts you, and your stupid brain and heart try to trick you into thinking it's right. After all, Coryo saved you, and he always saved you. He was always there for you. Always close to you. Unconsciously, you start kissing him back. He moans contentedly, rubbing himself against you.

He refrains from doing anything more and pushes you off of him, keeping your head on his shoulder and his arms around you as he places small kisses on your temple and tenderly, occasionally reaching up to kiss your lips as the painkiller drip he unscrews a little makes you melt and surrender completely to him.

He holds you as you fall asleep in his arms, thinking about how he can make sure his songbird wins. He reduced her competition anyway by hastening Odair's death, but he must be sure that he wins Plinth's prize so he can finally claim you fully for himself. He wouldn't endure another district boy near you.

Coriolanus knew that hope was dangerous. Love was fatal and destructive if you didn't control the one you cared for. And jealousy... jealousy brought out people's primal, animal instincts.

Just like the Hunger Games.

He looks at your sleeping, peaceful form, and he presses a kiss on your lips. He smiles, seeing how cuddled up to him you were and how you were in need of his warmth and touch, of the security he provided and will always provide for you. You were worth every sin. His petal. His little angel. His future First Lady and mother of his children. He will adore you. You'd forget about this district underdog once he won; he was sure of it.

After all, he was the only victor Panem could have.

Tragedy In Admits of Happiness(Coriolanus Snow x Fem!reader)

(Summary: Pregnancy supposed to be one of the most joyous moments in life, knowing you're going to be parents. Turns into Coriolanus's nightmare.)

Word Count: 1.3k

Masterlist : Request Info

(A/n: Working on Beauty & The Beast au rn!!)

(Warnings!: Rough pregnancy, talks of abortion, LOT OF angst but with a happy ending! Maybe slight ooc Coriolanus, he actually loves you!, cute moment with Tigris!)

~~~~

"I have something to show you." Coriolanus said taking your hand, you smile as he walked you towards a door. You stopped at the door eyebrows snitched together.

"Hey you okay?" He asked looking at her with slight concern. Y/n nodded smiling slightly. "Hmm morning sickness again?"

"Y-yeah I think- ah!" you shouted slightly as suddenly a sharp pain going through you your hand going to your stomach as you start to crumble to the floor in pain.

Coriolanus's eyes widened as he wrapped his arms around you. He held you as you gripped onto his shirt.

~~~

Coriolanus opened the door once you got home. His arm wrapped around you.

"I want to see the surprise." You blurted out. Moving his arms from around you and walked towards the room you were previously at before..

"You need to rest-" "I want to see it." You said sternly looking at him Coriolanus looked back at you his jaw clenched as you turned away from him going into the room eyes widening as you saw a nursery.

"I had the avoxes work on it all week..." Coriolanus said at the door way.

You walked over to the crib picking up a small onesie that said 'Moms the best.' You bring the onesie up to your chest. Tears filled your eyes.

"I just need a minute.." Y/n sniffed leaving the room. Coriolanus looked around banging his fist against the wall before going after her.

Coriolanus felt like he was losing control. His worst fear ever since losing his mother was now becoming a reality in a cruel twist of fate for him and his beautiful darling wife. And he'd be damned if he lost his girl to the same fate his mother had faced. He found her looking at a picture.

"We can take a day before we go back to the doctor." Coriolanus said. Leaning against the wall slightly. Y/n sat the picture down.

"For an abortion..." She whispered, looking off to the side. Coriolanus jaw clenched.

"That's not wh-" "That's what it is!" Coriolanus looked at her eyes widened a bit at her outburst. She turned around looking at him.

"If you want to say anything about it Coriolanus. Then call it what it is." She said sternly. He ran a hand through his hair.

"How did this happen?" He whispered. She looked away slightly guilt.

"I-I had some pain earlier in the pregnancy.." She admitted. Coriolanus eyes shot up face Turing into one she never wanted to face and looked at her.

"How could you not inform me of this?" He asked anger slowly rising.

"Because I went to the doctor and they said it was nothing.." She said as tears slipped down her cheeks.

"T-this isn't nothing!" Coriolanus said coming in front of you.

"M-maybe it is.." She whispered. Coriolanus eyed her in disbelief.

"What does that mean?" He asked she looked at him. "It means whatever happens.. Happens." Coriolanus backed away angrily.

"You have some nerve.." He spat. Her eyebrows stitched together "excuse me?"

"We are not continuing this pregnancy. I'm not going to lose you because of it." Y/n came up to him.

"It's not an it. Alright? You saw its heart beat and the little tiny fingers and its toes." "Stop!" "No im not gonna stop okay?!"

  Coriolanus looked at her eyes filling with tears whether it's from rage or what she's saying.

"T-this is our baby Corio. It's you and me." She said taking his hand. "Are we really going to let them place odds on us? After everything that we've been through? Kidnappings, District 12, peacekeeping, the games, my family?" She exclaimed. Coriolanus looked at her with sad angry eyes .

"I can't lose you.. not li-" Y/n cupped his cheeks "you're not going to lose me like your mother. We are going to be fine.." she said taking one of his hands and placing it in her bump. "All three of us."

"Plus if I go. I will haunt your ass to make sure you never slip." She joked.

"How the hell can you joke about this and be so calm?" He asked but more liked seethed at her. She took eyes off her bump and looked into his eyes.

"Cause I'm scared." Y/n said with tears slipping from her eyes. Coriolanus eyes softened before eloping her into an embrace.

"But I have to believe that the odds WILL be in our favor this is not where our story ends.." She whispered, forehead pressed against his.

~~~~

7 months later...

~~~~

You were now very heavily pregnant at a gala that the doctor okayed you to go to Coriolanus was by your side all night. Checking on you as you were both congratulated as people gushed over the two of you bringing a baby. Into the world.

Now, you had just gotten home and Corio was walking you to the bedroom. A peacekeeper came up to you bowing his head.

"Mister Snow sir, I'm sorry to interrupt but you have an important call." A peacekeeper said.

"What ever it is. Im sure it can wait." Coriolanus said coldly. The peacekeeper gulped before taking a deep breath and saying who it was. Coriolanus sighed as he gave you a hesitant look.

"Go, I'll be fine." Y/n said giving him a small smile. He gave you a kiss on the head.

"This won't take long." Coriolanus said you nodded as he walked off with the peacekeeper.

You continued your walk to the bedroom before you felt a sharp pain and felt something slip down your leg to see blood. Your breath hitched as your body crumbled to the ground not hearing her name being called in a series of panic.

Tigris rushed into the hospital wing seeing Coriolanus with his head in his hands. She gulped walking over to him placing a hand on his shoulder. He looked up with teary eyes.

"I can't lose her Tigris.. not like.." Tigris shushed him as she brought him into an embrace. It was the first time since before the 10th anual games that she saw the actual him.

"You're not going to lose her Corio, y/n is strong a lot stronger than we know." And she was right.

  The odds did it in fact fall in their favor a few moments later Elorie Rose Snow was born the both of you healthier than anyone could imagined. Coriolanus practically rushed into your room seeing you sat up holding the small baby in your arms looking as beautiful and alive more than ever. You smiled at him as he came closer looking at you then down at his.. daughter. He let the last tear slip as he embraced you kissing your forehead and wrapping his arm around you.

"Oh y/n she's beautiful.." Tigris cooed at the very healthy new born resting in you arms.

"Would you like to hold her?" She asked. Tigris froze for a moment before nodding her head.

"Ellie this is your godmother and best aunt Tigris." Y/n said as she handed Elorie over to her.

Tigris looked at Coriolanus surprised and he nodded. Tigris eyes welled up with tears as she held the baby looking down at her now goddaughter.

"Are you-" "I'm fine.. im more than fine Corio." Y/n said looking at him as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Taking a deep breath as she smiled looking at their daughter and Tigris. Coriolanus kiss her forehead as Tigris handed Elorie back to Y/n.

"I'll let you two have a moment." Tigris said as she left the room.

"She's perfect.." Y/n said looking down at the newborn with pure platinum blonde hair.

   Coriolanus looked at Y/n then to his daughter. She looked like the perfect mix of the two of you. His heart swelled looking at her. He knew then that he could never truest hate her even when he almost lost you but he didn't. Here you three were okay and safe.

I Look Like Her…

(Summary: you and Henry are 011 real parents. Henry not knowing but, 011 reminds him of you..)

Masterlist Request info

(Part 2 of Like her!) Part 1: Like Her

(Warnings: NOT Proofread, Subtle dark situations, bad writing! Typical Stranger Things themes., Think that’s it?)

‘I Look Like Her…’

———————

"Do I look Like her?" 011 asked, looking at Brenner.

Brenner paused trying to remember what you looked like. "Well yes. I suppose. Why do you ask?"

"He always talked about her and..." 011 paused her eyebrows furrowing sadly. Like yours did.. "That day w-when I set him free he said that I looked like her.."

....

"But then a woman that I had never seen before had showed up. It turned out Papa forced her to work here too. She was trapped just like I was..." Henry said, looking off sadly. 011 scared but confused.

"Papa had found out about us and took her away.. I never saw her again... but I knew.. know that Brenner-Papa killed her..." 011 looked wide eyed as scared but almost felt sorry for him..almost..

  Henry was now in front of her. His eyebrows furrowed sadly for a moment. "You look like her.."

...

Brenner sighed. Looking at her but before he could say anything the alarms of the lab started going off and sounds of gun shots echoed through the hallway. Similar to that day those 5 years ago.

Brenner grabbed 011's hand and pointed up to a ladder. "Go up you'll be safe.. it'll help you get free." He instructed.

011 stared at him for a moment before climbing the ladder and opening the door to freedom. She was starting to make a run for it. Until she heard gun shots around her. She paused for a moment realising that they were shooting at her.

She quickly started trying to redirect the bullets while trying to find the source to see a helicopter in the sky with two men. She used her freshly renewed powers to make the helicopter crash into part of the lab. 011 collapsed using energy that she hadn't used since 4th of July at the star court mall. Not knowing that somebody picked her up until she heard gun shots fired that brought her back to see papa fall as she was in his arms. A group of men in a circle surrounding them using more energy 011 surged her power making them fly back hendering them unconscious.

  011 went over to papa holding his hand in his final moments.

"I-I am sorry 011.." Brenner said in a shaky voice. Before pulling out a small envelope and handing it to her. "It h-has everything you need to know.."

  011 took it. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion before she was brought out of her thoughts hearing a vehicle she turned around ready to face them only to come face to face with her family. She me Will half giving him a big hug and taking Mike's hand and leaving to Hawkins after she had explained almost everything.

"What's that El? In the envelope?" Mike asked, curiosity getting the better of him and Will would be lying if he said he wasn't interested too.

"I-I'm not sure.." 011 replied.

  Before slowly opening the envelope to reveal multiple photographs, a note, and her actual birth certificate. Mikes and Will's eyes widened in shock at all of the stuff that was in the small envelope.

  Will picked up a photograph that had fallen his eye brows stitching in confusion.

  "Who's this? Do you recognise them?" He asked, giving el the picture. 011 took it looking at it in shock it was her parents...

...

"Come on Henry. Let's take a picture!" Y/n said, cheering quietly.

  Y/n had found the camera in one of the storage room that was full of film. She moved closer to Henry, while holding the camera out smiling.

  Henry looked at her smiling a real smile. Before putting his arm around her and smiling slightly.

...

  The old photograph worn now laid in their daughter's hand. 011 turned it over to see writing in the back.

'February. 25, 1970

The day I truly fell for you ~ n/n'

"I-it's... my real parents..." 011 said. Will and Mike looked at her in shock before she handed them photo.

  In the pile of photos 011 was going through one particularly caught 011s eye. It's has picture of just her... Y/n.. her mother. Mike and Will sat next to her looking at the photo.

...

"Look what I found." Henry said, pulling out the camera that they had found year prior to this one.

  They got caught with the camera and got it taken away as we as punished for having it or having had 'stole' it as one of the guards accused since he was missing a similar one.

"Where did you find it?" Y/n whispered, jumping up her eyes sparkling.

"In the storage closet again." Henry said, y/n reached out for it but he pulled it away. She gave him a confused look.

"Sit." Henry demanded. Her expression widened slightly as she sat down.

"Now look here.." He instructed towards the lens. She laughed slightly a small blush creeping on to her cheeks. She smiled softly as the flash went off.

...

"She looks just like you.. your mom.." Mike says, Will nodded his head in agreement. 011 looked at it noticing some features. Her doe like eyes, her smile, the little furrow in her brow.

  It was true.. she looked like her. She kept looking through the photos. 011s mind racing with a question lingering: Did her actual mom put this envelope together or was it just another file papa had kept?

— Time Jump —

  "You were different... like me.." 011 said,As she hung from the vines in his layer. Trying to get Henry's attention away from Max but it didn't work once she saw his long claw like hand go over Max's face.

"I know what happened to her!!" 011 yelled. "The lady you told me about... the one you said i looked like.."

  Henry froze stopping what he was doing as he slowly retracting his hand but keeping max in place unconscious. As he turned around to fully look at 011.

"After, papa found out about you two... theirs a reason why I look like her.." 011 said, her eyebrows furrowed tears spilling from her eyes at the thought.

   Henry looked confused before his eyes widened and his mask slipping in the slightest way as he realised what she was implying. The memories he hadn't thought of in the past 4 years all came back and his heart ached.

"N-not long a-after she had me. She got sick.. really sick.. papa tried to help her.. but i-it wasn't e-enough.." 011 said, tears streaming down her cheeks. Henry's mask quickly came back his face hardening.

"He may have not killed her but he took her and everything from me... including you.." Henry turned back to Max lifting up his hand.

"Would Y/n have wanted this? Would she have wanted you to do any of this?" 011 shouted, in pain and anger. Henry hesitated only slightly before his expression turned more dark.

"She's gone.. and has been for a long time." Henry spoke.

  Before, his claw like hand latched onto Max's face and that's when 011 realised you were the only light in his life. Now, no one not even his own daughter could help stop him from his own deranged ways.. even if 011 looked like her..

Tag List:

@zealousdazementality

@believeinthefireflies95

YESS I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR AGES!!! THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!! @obxmxybxnk

unplanned - day out

unplanned masterlist

w/c: 1.3k

desc: you and JJ despised each other, getting into arguments whenever you bumped heads in the street. you were a kook, he was a pogue. what would happen if a baby came between you?

warnings: PART NINE, jj maybank x reader, teen pregnancy, swearing, sexual innuendos, mentions of the pogues,

a/n: i am so so sorry this has taken way over a month to write. i've had no motivation or inspiration for it AT ALL so here's this super boring chapter lmao🥺

parts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,

seven months pregnant

jj's arm wrapped around your shoulder while you sat at the chateau. the rest of the pogues were all sat around the hammocks, deep in some random conversation that you had no interest in joining at 10 in the morning.

your life was finally looking up. you had the father of your baby ready to support you and his child, you had your friends surrounding you, prepared to help tackle anything that came in the way of your little family. but you also had no parents. no boyfriend. no real family.

the fear of everyone in outerbanks finding out youre carrying a real life human being inside of you stays in the back if your mind 24/7. obviously, at this point, you look heavily pregnant to the point where you cant even hide it. so for the past month, you've either been at john b's house, or your own. you were terrified for anybody to see you out in public and spread the word of you being a whore.

honestly, you were very pleasantly surprised that rafe hadn't told everybody.

that should've been the first red flag for you.

"you okay?" jj's voice whispered in your ear. concern filling his expression. you just smiled up at him and nodded, not close enough yet to talk to him about what was worrying you.

you were so, so relieved that you and jj were becoming something, but sometimes it still felt awkward and different. it was a huge change from his mean, cruel ways to get used to.

"hey, don't you still need to buy baby clothes?" john b abruptly pulled the two of you back into their circle, and your eyes bulged open, snapping your head to jj.

"shit! i have everything except clothes, i completely forgot." you mentally face palmed yourself, how can you be a good mom if you forget the baby essentials?

"it's fine, we can go out and get some now. do you have money?" jj asked, and you nodded, although your lips turned upside down for a moment.

"i haven't checked my bank account in a while. my parents might've taken all the money out already." you told him. you'd been living off the funds you'd taken out previously, which was only about a third of what was in it before. dread filled your body at even the thought of being left broke by your cruel, putrid parents, taking all your well deserved money after endless jobs of babysitting, waitressing and dog walking even after your parents practically handed you their credit card whenever you needed even a cent.

"we better go quick then."

the two of you waved goodbye to the pogues and climbed into the van, jj in the drivers seat. there was a shift in the air as you and jj still weren't quite used to not filling silence with petty arguments or glares. it felt nice though, a good change that you were thankful for.

after a few minutes of strangely comfortable quietness, jj pulled into the street that the bank resided in, turning to you with a small smile on his face.

the building towered above you, ancient bricks seemingly going on forever. the wide, double doors pushed open and the fluorescent light of the room opened up to the two of you. jjs azure eyes scanned the room enthusiastically because, to be honest, he'd never stepped foot in a bank before. he never needed to, not with the money he owned. all the money jj had could probably, just about, fit in his jean shorts pocket.

you grinned at the lady behind the glass barrier and told her your name and details as she typed away on her (loud) keyboard. she grinned back at you as she nodded, telling you the money is in your bank and that you just need to use your credit card to access it.

after hours of sitting in the side office, across from a very professional man who spoke words niether you nor jj understood, you finally were given a new card with a new password so that your parents had no say in the money that went in and out of your bank account. you were officially, completely and utterly, your own person. no chains to your family any more.

freedom.

jj grabbed hold of your slightly sweaty hand and led you out of the building, now a huge smile on both of your faces, your expressions only showing ecstasy and exhilaration.

"hey, let's get some baby clothes now, yeah?" you nodded at the boy who's slender fingers were still entangled with yours as he pulled you through the noisy crowds of bustling tourons in the town centre, away from the beach that gave you comfort and solace. the shops that surrounded you were similar to the ones that were on the mainland, except these were more affordable and less fancy (more pogue like).

"there's a baby shop!" you exclaimed, jj nodded as he pretended to listen to you. but instead he was staring at your features. he loved the little flecks of hazel in your y/e/c eyes. he loved the quirk in your smile when you got enlivened by something. he loved the way your nose scrunched up as you accidentally brushed against somebody on the street. he loved how your skin was now decorated a pink hue as you had caught the blond, reckless troublemaker red handed.

"you coming?" you teased, trying not to show how flustered you were by his ogling (but he could already tell.)

the shelves inside the shop held teeny t-shirts with phrases like 'daddys lil' soldier' or 'i love my mom'. they were awfully cheesy and stereotyped but you could see the way jj's eyes lit up every time he read the cute words that were directed for the father. his heart swelled up at the thought of a human being that he helped make wearing a shirt saying they loved him or looked up to him.

the pogue boy reached out and gripped hold of a navy blue sweater that was decorated with cute baby pink squiggles while you grabbed some denim dungarees and grass green shoes.

"i want this." "lets get these." you both spoke at the same time causing giggles to erupt from the two of you. in the end, you threw both outfits into the basket because- why not?

the rest of the day was spent with laughs, jokes and sarcasm. you could feel yourself slowly falling for jj as the hours went by. your heart was quickly sinking because, well, this was jj maybank. a name that all the tourons learned by heart after moaning it out night after night. all the girls on the entire island had slept with him and all the boys had fought with him. he was a fuckboy and a fighter. jj would never want to be with you when he had a choice of every other girl in outerbanks.

suddenly, you felt a odd pain in your stomach. a strange sensation that felt like a pulsing beat, it took mere seconds to realise what it really was.

"jj! jj!" you called, and his head nearly snapped off by how quick he turned to you, panic struck across his face. his feet rushed towards you as he looked terrified for your wellbeing.

"what? are you okay? are you in pain? do you need a docto-" you cut the teenager off by holding his hands and moving them to your belly, letting him feel the kicking for himself. you watched as the trepidation washed from his expression and instead was replaced with euphoria and glee.

"that's my child? they're kicking?" his ears fogged up as tears collected in the bottom.

"she's kicking, jj." his circular movements stopped as his blue eyes shot up to look into yours.

"she?!"

the realisation of what you said settled in and your lips moved upwards slightly. you let the gender slip. whoops.

"she."

taglist: CLOSED

@dpaccione @talksoprettyjjx @inlovewithjjmaybankk @danicarosaline @obbx-tings @andievgs @obssesedweirdo @obx-saltlife @eppipphany @p0gue420 @k-k0129 @hopebaker @lanelessdolan @tangledinsparkles @cutiecolbsss @shreyaodedra06 @k-iraa @jellyfishbeansontoast @ahhireallydontknow @teamnick @afterglows7b-tch13 @whoseblogsthis @hello-therree @tovvaf @ilikealotofpeople-younotsomuch @outerbongs @drewstarkeyobx @infinityspacesuniverse @perfektionsmakel @lolitstiana @deathcompass @freshprincessofwakanda @gwsparker @impossiblekidtrashwagon @sleepingalaska @1-800-holland @starkeybaby @kamcrazy123 @allie-mcginn @lonely-kermit @adorkableboys @little-blue-fishie @a-brooding-bird @butterfliesinthenightsky @coloradogirl07 @poguesnobx @princessmugglecup @yeehaw87 @teenwaywardasgardian @5am-cigarette @jjsbaebae @beth-winchester21 @microwaved-timmies @prejudic3 @jnkgloss @fanficsrmylife

Shadows of Affection

warnings: death

slow burn Coriolanus Snow x reader, slight Felix Ravinstill x reader

Chapter 16: Aftermath

You wake up feeling dazed, disoriented. The ceiling above you is unfamiliar, high and intricate with golden detailing carved into its moldings. The bed beneath you is too soft, the sheets too smooth, like silk against your skin. You shift slightly, trying to sit up, when an arm tightens around your waist. Your body stiffens.

What the fuck?

Panic shoots through you for a second before last night’s memories come flooding back. The exhaustion. Felix insisting you come home with him. Falling into bed before you could even think twice about it.

Oh no. No, no, no.

You groan internally. You were tired, sure, but how could you have let this happen? Felix’s house. Felix’s bed. Felix’s arms wrapped so tightly around you that escape feels impossible. And when you get home—if you get home—Quincy is going to have a field day. He always does. Though lately, he’s been too busy. You don’t see him as often. You don’t sit down for dinner together. You try to come home after everyone’s asleep and leave before they wake. But he’ll know. He always knows. And you have no explanation to give him.

You shift again, trying to pry yourself from Felix’s grasp, but he groans in annoyance and only pulls you closer.

“Felix,” you mutter, voice still rough with sleep. “I have to go.”

He buries his face against your shoulder. “No, no we don’t have to go anywhere,” he mumbles sleepily. “Stay. Let’s get breakfast. Let’s take the day off.”

You shake your head. “I can’t. I really can’t.”

Felix sighs, rubbing at his face before propping himself up on one elbow. “Why?”

You sit up, already scanning the room for your clothes. “I have to talk to Dr. Gaul. She’s going to be expecting me.”

His expression shifts, his easygoing sleepiness fading into something more tense. “Why do you always have to leave?” His voice is sharper than before, tinged with frustration. “Why can’t you just stay with me?”

You glance at him, confused by the sudden shift in tone. “What are you talking about? You know I’m busy. So are you. I can’t just take a day off.”

Felix scoffs, running a hand through his messy hair. “Is it Coriolanus?”

You freeze for a second before rolling your eyes. “Oh, please. You’re being dramatic. This has nothing to do with Coriolanus.”

“It always has something to do with him,” Felix presses, his voice darkening. “I saw it. The way you looked at him.”

You push against his chest, trying to create space between you, but he doesn’t let you. “Felix, you’re blind.”

“Then prove it,” he says. “Stay.” His grip tightens on your wrist. “Stay with me. Stay in bed.” His voice softens. “Please.”

You inhale sharply, heart hammering. “No. I can’t.”

Felix exhales slowly, finally loosening his hold. But even as he releases you, his fingers remain tangled with yours. He always does this—always finds a way to touch you. Whether it’s a hand on your knee, fingers brushing against your wrist, his presence always lingering.

He sits up, watching you as you move around the room, aimlessly searching. “Where are my clothes?” you ask.

“I had them thrown away.”

You turn sharply. “What?”

“They were filthy,” Felix says simply. “They were torn. You weren’t going to wear them again, so I had the maids bring you something new.” He gestures lazily. “They’ll bring it to you in a minute.”

You let out a slow breath, trying not to get more frustrated than you already are. “Fine.”

Minutes later, the maids arrive, carrying a neatly folded dress. You take it, holding it up in front of you. The fabric is luxurious, softer than anything you’d normally wear. The cut is modest—but just barely. If it were any shorter, it would cross the line from refined to provocative.

And it’s white.

You frown. White. You never wear white. It makes you feel like a child bride. And you know, without a doubt, that Felix picked this. He didn’t choose something you’d like—he chose something he would like to see you in.

You slip into the dress, brushing out your hair, trying to ignore the way it fits too perfectly, like it was tailored for you overnight. You stare at yourself in the mirror, lost in thought, when Felix moves behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist. His lips brush against your neck. “Stay,” he murmurs against your skin. “We could be comfortable. Come back to bed.”

You stiffen. His kisses become sloppier, more insistent. You know exactly what he’s trying to do.

“No,” you say firmly, stepping out of his grip.

Felix’s hands drop to his sides, his face darkening. For a second, it looks like he might argue, but instead, he lets out a heavy sigh. “Fine.” His voice is flat. “Call me later.”

You nod, barely listening.

“Call me tonight,” he repeats, watching you carefully. “We’ll go to dinner.”

You exhale. “Okay.”

Felix calls your driver, and soon enough, you’re slipping out of the house, walking through the eerily silent halls of the President’s mansion. It’s strange—so many people live here, so many servants, so many visitors from powerful families, and yet it always feels... empty. Hollow. Like the walls themselves are absorbing all the life inside them.

Finally, you step outside, into the fresh air, and climb into the car waiting for you. As soon as the door shuts, you let your head fall back against the seat and sigh.

You moved quickly through the corridors of the Capitol, your footsteps echoing off the pristine marble floor. The peacekeepers at the entrance barely gave you a glance before granting you access to the underground levels, where Dr. Gaul’s true domain lay.

The air grew colder the deeper you went, the artificial lights casting long, eerie shadows. As you descended, the scent of raw fish curled into your nose, unmistakable and putrid. A sharp chorus of squeals rang out—feeding time. Then, silence.

You swallowed thickly, keeping your eyes forward, pretending you didn’t hear, pretending you didn’t know what happened in these halls. You had always done that, because fear made it easier. Fear kept you from wondering too hard about what went on behind the reinforced glass or what kind of creatures lurked in the shadows of Gaul’s twisted creations. Fear reminded you that if it ever came down to you or them, you would always choose yourself.

When you reached the lab, Dr. Gaul was standing over a steel enclosure, dropping chunks of flesh into it. A wet, slithering sound accompanied each drop, followed by quick, greedy gulps. Your stomach twisted, but you forced yourself to remain composed.

Dr. Gaul turned to you, her smile wide and unnatural. “Oh, my little dove,” she cooed. “How was your little excursion last night?”

Your spine stiffened. “Eventful.”

“Eventful, she says,” Gaul chuckled, tilting her head. “Come, let’s check you up.”

She stepped forward, her gloved hands reaching out to examine you. Cold fingertips brushed against your wrist, then your jaw, tilting your head side to side as Gaul’s grin stretched wider, inspecting you like you were just another one of her projects. You forced yourself not to recoil.

“I started out as a medical doctor, you know,” Gaul said conversationally, stepping back. “Sterile. How awful, you must imagine, to be the first thing a baby sees in this world.” She sighed dramatically. “Parents always expect reassurances, but what can I possibly tell them? How could I know what their children would face?”

You said nothing, but you knew where this was going.

“Like you, last night,” Gaul continued, voice filled with an eerie amusement. “Who would have imagined the darling daughter of Lason Royce, fighting for her life in the Capitol arena? Not him, for one.”

Your lips parted slightly, but you had no response. You barely remembered your father anymore. His face was always a blur, shifting in your memory like a phantom you could never quite catch.

“What was it like?” Gaul asked. “The arena?”

You met her gaze, unwavering. “Terrifying. Just like it was designed to be.”

Gaul let out a laugh. “Yes, indeed.”

You exhaled sharply.

“What about the tributes?” Gaul smirked. “What about them?”

You hesitated.

“What did you think of them, now that their chains were removed? Now that they tried to kill you, not because they had to, but because they wanted to?”

Gaul’s eyes gleamed. “Ah. You’ve seen it, haven’t you?”

You thought back to the escape, to the sheer bloodlust in the tributes’ eyes even after they were free. “I felt like an animal. Like prey being hunted.”

“But you weren’t.”

“No,” you admitted. “But I always am. No matter where I go, I’m always prey.”

Gaul let out a delighted hum, as if you had just said exactly what she wanted to hear. “Mission accomplished, then.”

She walked over to a counter, idly flipping through a file. “That little one from Eight—Snow beat him to a pulp. Now we’ll have to fabricate some lovely tale for Flickerman to spin. What a wonderful opportunity for you.” She glanced up, her grin sharp. “Transformative, wasn’t it?”

You felt the phantom sensation of blood on your skin, the memory of Coryo bashing into that boy’s face over and over again. The sickening crunch, the shiver down your spine. It brought back too many memories—war, home, the never-ending cycle of violence.

Blood. Blood. Blood.

It was all you ever saw.

Gaul tapped her fingers against the counter. “Wasn’t it more than you could’ve hoped for?”

You inhaled slowly. “You needed me to get Sejanus out of the arena, obviously. But you also wanted me to… what? Experience it?”

Gaul’s grin widened.

“Even if it killed me?” Your voice tightened.

“That was a risk.”

“Without the threat of death, what’s the point of a lesson?” Gaul mused. She gestured vaguely. “What happens in the arena, my dear, that is humanity undressed. The tributes. And you. How quickly civilization disappears. All your fine manners, your education, your family background—it all falls away in an instant, revealing what you really are.”

Your stomach twisted, but you weren’t surprised. “And? What was the point? I already knew all this.” Your voice sharpened. “I’ve always known. I’ve seen it before.”

Gaul let out a pleased hum. “I thought you might need a reminder, little dove.” She stepped closer, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I don’t want you going soft.”

Your jaw clenched.

Gaul tilted her head, watching you carefully. “I need you to realize where you are in this world… and where you will stay if you don’t change it.”

Your breath hitched.

Gaul’s voice turned saccharine, condescending. “You can’t stay my little dove forever.”

Your fingers curled into fists at your sides. You had nothing to say to that. Because deep down, you weren’t sure if you wanted to argue.

Gaul simply smiled and turned away.

The conversation was over. But the lesson lingered.

The main student body had been told to report at 7:45, so the early arrivals consisted of active mentors and a few aides tidying up the hall. You couldn’t help but throw a guilty glance at Juno Phipps, who sat discussing her strategy, knowing she could’ve just slept in. Your thoughts wandered to how they would announce Bobbin’s death and how Coriolanus would react—but you doubted he would care.

Everything from yesterday had already been set up, and since the crowds hadn’t arrived yet, you decided to join Festus. The only thing being served in Heavensbee Hall was tea, which brought grumblings from Festus. “If we have to be here early, you’d think they could at least feed us,” he muttered.

“You’d think,” you replied.

Coriolanus sauntered up beside Festus, casually joining the small group. “What happened to your face?”

“Bike accident,” Coriolanus said loud enough for everyone to hear, his eyes briefly glancing at you. He tossed a bag containing a roll to Festus.

“Thanks, this looks great,” Festus said, digging in immediately.

Conversations continued around you, but you barely paid attention. Your mind drifted, replaying the events of the past few weeks. Your life had suddenly become a living nightmare with the start of the Hunger Games, and it didn’t help that Coriolanus kept making eye contact with you. As the rest of the school arrived and took their seats, you chose to separate from the group, heading toward the game makers’ station to observe behind the screens.

The monitors showed little change—except for the disappearance of Marcus’s body. No one seemed to question it. You assumed it was still by the barricade, where Coriolanus and Sejanus had abandoned it last night, just out of range of the cameras.

At the stroke of eight, the anthem played, and everyone stood. You weren’t much of a singer, so you remained quiet as Lucky Flickerman appeared on the screens, welcoming everyone to Day Two of the Hunger Games.

“While you were sleeping, something pretty important happened,” Lucky announced. “Let’s take a look, shall we?”

The feed cut to a wide shot of the arena before slowly panning in on the barricade. As you expected, Marcus’s body lay nearby, but your stomach twisted when Bobbin’s battered form came into view. He looked much worse than you had imagined—his limbs twisted unnaturally, his swollen face barely recognizable. Coriolanus had really done that to another boy—a young boy. You stole a glance at him, but all you saw was the back of his head. Even from there, you knew he was nervous. He might have seemed like a good liar to everyone else, but you always knew better.

After a long look at the bodies, the show cut back to Lucky, who pondered aloud who might have committed the act. His mood abruptly shifted. “One thing we do know is that we’ve got something to celebrate!”

Confetti rained from the ceiling as Lucky blew wildly on a plastic horn. “We’ve just hit the halfway mark! That’s right—twelve tributes down, only twelve to go!” A string of brightly colored handkerchiefs shot from his sleeve as he swung them around his head, laughing and cheering. When he finally calmed, he adopted a somber expression. “But that also means we have to say farewell to Miss Juno Phipps.”

A man approached Juno’s side to escort her out, but she suddenly spoke up. “Something seems off to me,” she said. “I mean, what’s he doing over there with Marcus’s body? Who moved it? And how did Bobbin end up dead? I can’t even imagine a likely scenario.”

The reporter, intrigued, pressed further. “What exactly would qualify as foul play?”

“I don’t know exactly,” Juno admitted. “But I, for one, would really like to see a replay of last night’s events.”

Good luck with that, you thought. But then the idea lingered. Maybe a recording did exist. Maybe there were two versions—one for the public and another kept private. You’d have to look into it later, though you doubted you could access it or that Dr. Gaul would even keep such a thing.

Juno was dismissed with a patronizing pat on the back, still sparkling with confetti. Lucky, oblivious to her frustration, leaned toward the camera with barely contained glee.

“And now, I suppose you’re all wondering about our extra big surprise! Especially if you’re one of the twelve remaining mentors.”

Your eyebrows furrowed. What the hell was he talking about?

Before you could dwell on it, Lucky bounded across the stage to reveal two men sitting side by side—his father, Strabo Plinth, whose stern expression was as immovable as the granite of his home district, and Sejanus, looking hollow-eyed and stiff.

Lucky took the host chair and patted Sejanus’s leg. “I’m sorry we didn’t get a moment with you yesterday to comment on your tribute’s… unfortunate demise.”

Sejanus merely stared, uncomprehending. Lucky seemed to notice his injuries for the first time. “You look like you’ve been mixing it up yourself.”

“I fell off my bike,” Sejanus rasped.

Two biking accidents in twelve hours? That seemed highly unlikely.

“Ouch! Well, I guess you’ve had some pretty big news to share with us,” Lucky continued, nodding encouragingly.

Sejanus hesitated, while neither he nor his father acknowledged each other. A silent battle raged between them. Finally, Sejanus exhaled. “The Plinth family would like to announce that we will be awarding a full-ride university scholarship to the mentor whose tribute wins the Hunger Games.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Several mentors gasped in delight. You rolled your eyes, knowing that most of them didn’t need the money nearly as much as others did.

As the interview dragged on, your thoughts churned. Sejanus had been right—his father was trying to cover up his son’s disgraceful behavior with a generous bribe. Not that it didn’t merit damage control. You hadn’t heard much gossip about the outburst with the chair yet, but you suspected stories were already spreading.

As the interview ended and the Games were broadcast once again, nothing particularly interesting happened throughout the morning. The tributes seemed hesitant to make any bold moves. Coral and Mizzen roamed together for a while, collecting food and water from their mentors, Festus and Persephone. The two mentors had been strategizing together, and it was clear that Festus had a crush on Persephone. It wasn’t exactly breaking news—he’d harbored feelings for her for a long time. Still, every time you looked at Persephone, you couldn’t help but think of Coriolanus and the story he had told you about her war time stew.

Would you tell one of your close friends that their crush was a cannibal? It seemed unorthodox, even cruel. For all you knew, Persephone herself might not even be aware. But the thought lingered, unsettling you as you moved through the uneventful lunch period. At least, this time, when people sent food or water, the drones didn’t crash. You had one of the other Gamemakers bring you whatever was being served—a small sandwich, nothing remarkable.

Later in the afternoon, You had the Gamemakers reduce the mentor seats to twelve, leaving only space for those whose tributes were still in the Games. “It makes it easier for the audience to keep track of who’s still a contender,” you told them, instructing them to keep removing seats as more tributes fell. A grim game of musical chairs, but with real consequences. The decision seemed to make livia even more bitter, if that was possible. You felt a twinge of sympathy—but only a small one. What caught your attention more was how this change forced Coriolanus closer to Clemencia, who remained scaley, snake-like, and entirely focused on him, her glare never wavering.

As the afternoon stretched on, your exhaustion caught up with you. Your head grew heavier, and at one point, a fellow Gamemaker had to nudge you awake—twice. Perhaps it was fortunate that so little was required of you today, given how last night had nearly killed you.

Tributes remained mostly hidden until late in the day when the Hunger Games finally delivered the kind of action audiences expected. The girl from District 5—a wiry, forgettable thing whose name escaped you—was caught wandering the arena. Lucky Flickerman managed to connect her to her equally forgettable mentor, Iphigenia Moss, the daughter of the man who oversaw agriculture and the distribution of food across Panem.

Contrary to expectations, Iphigenia always seemed on the verge of malnutrition. She had a reputation for giving her school lunches to classmates, sometimes blacking out from hunger. Festus had once mentioned that it was her only form of revenge against her father, though he refused to elaborate. True to form, Iphigenia funneled every bit of food she could to her tribute. But even as the drones made their long trek across the arena, the trio of Coral, Tanner, and Mizzen emerged from the tunnels, hunting.

After a brief chase along the bleachers, they surrounded the District 5 girl. Coral ended it with a trident to the throat, making you cringe.

“Well, that’s that,” Lucky said, unable to recall the girl’s name.

When prompted, Iphigenia had already left the dais. “Her name was Sol. Or maybe Sal,” the reporter said with a shrug.

“Not much more to tell.”

“Nice job getting her to the second day, alibina,” Lucky added.

“It’s Iphigenia,” she corrected over her shoulder as she exited, not bothering to glance back.

“Right,” Lucky continued smoothly. “And that means we’re down to just eleven tributes left!”

Thank God, you thought. I’m one step closer to finally going home.

The rest of the day passed without much excitement, and as you were finally being dismissed—something you were immensely grateful for—Lucy Gray made an entrance.

You groaned aloud as she sprinted out of a tunnel, her braid unraveling, her hair flying wild behind her. In your head, you were already hoping that one of the trio—maybe Coral—would kill her just to get this over with. Then you could finally go home.

But before you could even guess what was chasing her, Jessup staggered out of the same tunnel. At first, you thought he was wounded—maybe he’d been protecting Lucy Gray. They were from the same district, so it made sense that they would have formed a pact. But if they were allies, why had she run?

As the cameras zoomed in, it became clear that Jessup wasn’t injured—he was sick. Stiff, feverish, twitching with erratic movements. He swiped at the sun, crouched, then sprang to his feet again in an unsettling cycle. His behavior made your skin crawl.

Your first thought was poison. Had Coriolanus’s little songbird found a way to get rid of her own ally? But that seemed unlikely. Jessup was a valuable protector, especially with those other tributes prowling around. Any number of things in that arena could have sickened him—contaminated water, spoiled food.

But then, you saw the telltale foam bubbling over his lips.

Oh, God, you thought.

Jessup had rabies.

Rabies had made a comeback in the Capitol during the war, with doctors needed in the field and medical faculties and supply lines compromised by the bombings. Medical treatment had been sketchy for humans, and for a lot of people, it had become essentially nonexistent. Pampered pets were no longer a priority when people couldn’t even afford bread.

How it began remained a matter of debate—an infected coyote from the mountains, a nocturnal encounter with a bat—but the dogs spread it. Most of them were starving, abandoned casualties of the war themselves. From dog to dog, then to people, the violent strain developed with unprecedented speed, killing over a dozen Capitol citizens before a vaccination program brought it under control. You remembered the posters alerting people to the warning signs in both animals and humans, adding just one more potential threat to your world.

And poor Jessup had been bitten—by what, you weren’t sure. But it was on the neck. The quicker the virus reached the brain, the quicker you died. And of course, he was half-starved and weak. Poor Jessup, you thought. Even his death had to be horrible.

The recognition of Jessup’s illness put the audience on edge, setting off a wave of comments thick with fear and revulsion.

“Rabies? How did he get that? Must’ve come from the district.”

“I bet he’s gonna infect the whole city.”

“A little unprecedented, but not after seeing it spread through the city once.”

“The Capitol should just put him down. They knew he had it before he tried to spread it around like some apocalypse.”

The students seemed to draw back into their seats, not wanting to miss anything, but the murmurs of unease were unmistakable. The disease dredged up childhood memories of public warnings, and no one wanted to see its horrors play out again. You stayed silent, watching Jessup zigzag across the arena in Lucy Gray’s direction. There was no telling what was going on in his mind. Under normal circumstances, maybe he’d protect her, maybe not. But he had clearly lost his reason. If she had any sense, she’d run for her life.

The cameras tracked Lucy Gray as she sprinted across the arena, scrambling up the broken wall into the stands. The press box occupied a midway position, somehow spared in the bombings. She stopped a moment, panting, considering Jessup’s erratic pursuit. Then she made for the debris of the nearby concession stand. The skeleton of its frame remained, but the center had been blasted to bits and the roof flung thirty feet away, strewn with bricks and boards. It was an obstacle course as she traveled until she planted herself at the top of the mess. The Gamemakers took advantage of her stillness, zooming in for a close-up.

Much to your delight, she looked like hell. You didn’t know why you disliked her so much—you just did. And you weren’t sure you were ready to tackle the whole of that dislike just yet.

An order for a bottle of water came through from Coriolanus, which you approved with little interest, sending a drone out. Jessup, meanwhile, had made his way across the arena, climbing into the stands after Lucy Gray. His balance wavered as he entered the debris field. He fell twice, with such force that he opened gashes on his knee and temple. The second wound produced a fair amount of blood. He sat, somewhat stunned, reaching a trembling hand toward Lucy Gray, his mouth moving, but only foam dripped from his chin.

Lucy Gray remained motionless, watching Jessup with a pained expression. The scene created a strange tableau—rabid boy, trapped girl, bombed-out building—a tale that could only end in tragedy. Star-crossed lovers meeting their fate? A revenge story turned inward? A war saga that took no prisoners?

Just die already, you thought. Enough with the dramatics.

A drone carrying the water flew into the arena. Lucy Gray lifted her face, tracking its wobbly progress. Her tongue flicked across her lips in anticipation. However, as it passed over Jessup, something in him registered the sight. A shudder raked through his body. He swung at the drone with a broken board, and it crashed into the stands, the water pouring out of the cracked bottle. That was when he truly lost it.

Suddenly, five more water orders came through from Coriolanus. Then ten. You approved them absentmindedly, wondering what he was trying to do. And then it clicked. Hydrophobia. Rabies victims couldn’t swallow and went wild at the sight of water.

Clever, you thought, glancing down at the screen where Coriolanus seemed to be arguing with Sejanus. You couldn’t make out what they were saying.

Lucy Gray had worked herself into a tight spot. To her left was the high back wall of the arena; to her right, the thick glass side of the press box. As Jessup continued his pursuit, she made several attempts to escape him, but he kept cutting her off. When he came within twenty feet, she spoke to him, holding out her hand in a soothing manner. It stopped him, but only momentarily before he lunged again.

Across the arena, the first bottle of water began its flight toward her. The machine was steady and true in its course—a rare feat that disappointed you, given the drones’ tendency to crash. The small fleet that followed was more unpredictable. As soon as Lucy Gray spotted them, she stopped retreating, patting the ruffles of her skirt over a pocket, checking for something. Then she pointed at the drones, shouting, and succeeded in turning Jessup’s attention toward them.

Jessup froze, his eyes bulging with fear. The drones closed in. He batted at them but failed to connect. Then they started releasing the bottles of water. The impact of the first smacking into the seats sent him into a frenzy. When the contents of one splashed onto his hand, he recoiled as if burned by acid.

He turned to flee, bounding down toward the field, but another dozen drones arrived and bombarded him. Since they were programmed to deliver directly to the tribute, there was no escaping them. He flew toward the front row seats, his foot caught, and he tripped forward—hurtling over the arena wall and onto the field.

The sickening crack of snapping bones filled the speakers. The audience gasped. Even you felt queasy. Jessup had landed in a rare pocket of the arena with good audio. He lay on his back, motionless except for the heaving of his chest. The remaining bottles rained down on him, his lips curled back, his eyes locked unblinkingly on the bright sun glinting off the water.

Lucy Gray darted down the steps and hung over the railing. “Jessup!” she shouted.

You weren’t interested. You were tired. You wanted to go home. So you did. You told the Gamemakers to keep things running until the students left, then dismissed them as well. And with that, you made your way out of Heavensbee Hall.