❝ It annoyed me that I could act like such a carefree child, and it made me want to lash out at the weeds, who knew nothing but to grow taller. I wanted to try to be a good girl.
coriolanus snow x fem!oc
academic rivals to lovers
I wanted to be chosen, maybe loved. I wanted out of my life, out of my skin
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Tempest's looked a whole lot better than the last time he had seen her. The weight of the world seemed to lift off his shoulders as he laid eyes on her familiar face.
It had been a long and emotionally draining day, filled with heartache and despair.
Consoling his cousin and grandmother after the accident had taken a toll on him, leaving him feeling helpless and overwhelmed. The tears that had streamed down his face in the solitude of the shower had provided a temporary release, but he still found himself bounding down the streets just to see her.
Coriolanus attempted to justify his unexpected visit to Tempest's doorstep by citing the proposal they were supposed to write for Dr. Gaul. "I doubt she'll be understanding of the situation," he explained. However, to his astonishment, Tempest led him directly to her room and revealed that she had been working on it all along.
She clarified, "Arachne's demise inspired me." As Coriolanus raised an eyebrow, she let out a sigh. "I understand if you believe I'm insane. That's alright."
"No, I'm merely intrigued," he explained away. "Elaborate, please."
As she held the paper in her trembling hands, Coriolanus couldn't help but notice the exhaustion etched on her face. The blood had been cleansed from her body, but her fingernails still bore the stains. Tempest found solace in keeping them, as they served as a constant reminder of the profound realization she had experienced hours ago.
"Why did Arachne die?" She poses the question. Coriolanus flinches at her harshness before pondering the question.
"She was taunting her tribute."
"Wrong," Tempest hums. "That was the district girl's motivation. By why did she die?"
Coriolanus finds himself struggling to articulate his thoughts. He is unsure if he is unable to comprehend her inquiry or if her mind is a complex enigma that he may never fully grasp.
Tempest soon alleviates them from the silence. "Because she bore a moment of weakness," she explains. "While Arachne was distracted, proudly taunting her tribute to the audience, she unknowingly gave the girl an opportunity to seize the knife and end her life. That is the answer."
"I don't understand," Coriolanus admits.
"Of course you don't," Tempest laughs. "I thought someone like you, who seemed so determined to be powerful, would grasp it. Nevertheless, let me clarify it for you. Power is about having control. It means being ready to sacrifice others to protect yourself. It's about instilling fear in those who can never predict your next move. If the peacekeepers hadn't shot her, do you think any of the tributes would have dared to challenge her in the arena? Absolutely not. In that single moment, she became truly powerful."
He was motionless as her words sank in. It was his rival, the girl, his girl, small yet mighty, who held the answer all along. Instead of opposing her and scrutinizing her every action, he should have joined forces with her. Her intellect was unparalleled, with a mind as sharp as it was merciless. Her values were as ambiguous as the murky waters she was christened in. Tempest was willing to trample anyone in her path to success, and Coriolanus was eager to accompany her on that journey.
"Okay," he nods, as if he understands. Because he does understand now. "So, how does this manifest in the proposal?"
He can't help but be drawn to the brilliance and audacity of her ideas. The way she seamlessly combines the concept of betting with the provision of food for the tributes is ingenious. It not only satisfies the Capitol's desire for entertainment but also ensures the tributes loyalty by keeping them well-fed.
As they continue to discuss and refine their ideas, Tempest's hand starts to cramp from the constant writing. Without hesitation, Coriolanus takes over, eager to contribute and alleviate her discomfort. It's a small gesture, but it speaks volumes about their growing partnership and mutual respect.
Finally, after an hour of deliberation, Tempest proudly presents the paper she had been working on before Coriolanus's arrival. He is astounded by the depth and creativity of her ideas. The paper is a masterpiece, filled with intricate details and innovative strategies to captivate the Capitol and maintain control over the districts.
Tempest explains the core concept behind their proposal, emphasizing that it's not just about entertaining the Capitol but also about exerting control over the districts. She reveals the dark truth behind their plan - the deliberate dehumanization of the tributes through extravagant costumes and staged performances. It's a sick and sadistic approach, but one that is necessary to maintain the Capitol's power.
Despite the twisted nature of their ideas, Coriolanus finds himself captivated by every single one. The skill assessments, the ratings. He can't deny the brilliance behind Tempest's vision. It's a risky and morally questionable plan, but it's also the only way to ensure their success in impressing Dr. Gaul.
As they continue to work together, their partnership grows stronger. They complement each other's strengths and weaknesses, seamlessly switching roles when needed. Tempest's creativity and attention to detail combined with Coriolanus's strategic thinking and charisma make them an unstoppable team.
Together, they refine their proposal, incorporating feedback and suggestions from their peers. The final version is a testament to their hard work and dedication. It's a comprehensive plan that not only guarantees the Capitol's entertainment but also solidifies their control over the districts.
After completing their task, Coriolanus notices a faint smile forming on Tempest's face as she reviews the papers once again. While he is lost in his thoughts, she breaks the silence by softly remarking, her eyes fixed on the blend of their handwriting, "You know, we actually make a great team. It's just a shame that I can't stand you."
Coriolanus raises an eyebrow, taken aback by Tempest's unexpected comment. He leans back in his chair, studying her face for any signs of sarcasm. But her expression remains sincere, her eyes still fixed on the papers.
A mixture of confusion and curiosity fills Coriolanus' mind. How could they make a great team if she can't stand him? He had always sensed a certain tension between them, but he had never imagined that Tempest harbored such strong feelings of dislike towards him.
Unable to resist the urge to delve deeper into her statement, Coriolanus leans forward, his voice laced with curiosity, "Why can't you stand me, Tempest? What have I done to deserve such animosity?"
Tempest's gaze finally lifts from the papers, meeting Coriolanus' eyes. There is a flicker of vulnerability in her expression, a hint of pain that he had never noticed before. She takes a deep breath, as if gathering her thoughts, before finally speaking.
"It's not about what you've done, Coriolanus," she begins, her voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and sadness. "It's more about who you are. Your arrogance, your disregard for others' opinions, your constant need to be in control... It's exhausting to be around someone like you.
