The Ballad of Roses and Reputation

Chapter 2

Trigger warning; mention of suicide

Coriolanus Snow

"Wake Up Corio!" Tigris urges.

"Ok ok I'm up" I respond shoving her off of me as she continues to shake me.

"Mr. and Mrs. Plinth are waiting downstairs to take you to the academy today." Tigris mentions as she turns to walk out the door.

The guilt bubbles up as I remember what I did to their son. Stop it Coriolanus, I can't let guilt weigh me down today, especially considering what is at stake.

On the way to the academy, I revised my notecards ensuring they were perfect for my presentation for Dr. Gual. I needed to impress her in order to claim a spot in the group of students she was to select to assist her in making the 11th Hunger Games.

I walked into the large academy doors searching for a familiar face, suddenly she appears in my view.

"Clemmie!" I over to Clemensia.

"Corio!" She happily responds.

She had no idea the events that happened between Sejanus and I, and I intend on keeping it that way. I couldn't let her know the biggest secret I had. She would never forgive me and frankly I wouldn't really care, however, I need allies in this school and she is the easiest target. She's also my longest friend, and even after the events of last year and the lizards, she is still supporting me and my ideas for the Hunger Games which I appreciate and wants to do anything she can to assist me in the process of my ambition to become Head Gamemaker.

"So" she starts "Ready for the big day?"

"Yes of course" I had been planning this for months so it was my top priority to ensure success.

"Do you have my notecards?" Clemensia questions.

"Yes here they are" I said while handing the notecards I had prepared for her.

We did this as sort of, well how do I say this, It was supposed to be a "collaborative project" but I did all the work like always. I'm not complaining though, I love having all the control when it comes to projects. Others just seem to get in the way of things more than help me.

"Do you want to run through the presentation once?" She asks.

I oblige and we make our way to the library. Clemensia, being the friendly one of us, waved to familiar faces as we pass them. Many students decided to attend the academy even if they had to pay the full price for it. I however did not have that luxury last year, so thank whatever god is up there for Dr. Gauls agreement to still allow me to receive the winnings. Now, the Plinths will happily pay for whatever my heart desires no matter how frivolous. I am constantly reminded how I was Sejanus' "only friend" and "protected" him when he went crazy and broke into the arena last games. Although the guilt I feel is present, I have learned to push it away and make it almost nonexistent, almost. The Plinths' treat me like their son and I don't even try to argue. My life was back on track. No Sejanus, no peacekeeping, no Highbottom, no Lucy.
No lucy.....

"Corio! Are you listening?" Clemensia snaps me out of my faze and I force my mind to be present and push all lasting thoughts away.

"Yes sorry. My mind is on, other things." I state not daring to admit what I was really thinking about.

"Okay..." She responds with a tone of suspicion.

"Anyways, let's get back to the notecards" I say confidently. I will NOT let people in on my weaknesses and inner thoughts.