EVERMORE ⎯⎯⎯⎯ CORIOLANUS SNOW

v. a friendly alliance

-ˋˏ [ EVERMORE, ] ˎˊ-
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
❛ A FRIENDLY ALLIANCE. ❜

     WHEN SELAH ARRIVED HOME LATER THAT EVENING, SHE WAS EVEN MORE ANGRY THAN SHE WAS WHEN SHE LEFT THE STATION. Not only had Coriolanus abandoned her, but he somehow managed to wind up inside the tributes cage at the zoo. He looked like an udder fool and Selah found herself ridiculed with second hand embarrassment. She had shut her TV off the second his shock ridden face had popped up on the screen.

     On top of it all, she had missed the tea session with Elly and her Mother. After a very angry surprise visit from Elly herself, Selah was able to settle the fuss with a deep apology and offer up her next free day as a rain check.

     Now, the auburn haired girl sat lazily on her couch, staring blankly at the wall across from her. She wasn't sure how she was suppose to make Charli open up to her. And from the way she reacted today, when Selah was in her best of moods, it was going to take a lot of charm and persuasion.

     "Selah," A deep voice cut through the silence. She almost jumped, not expecting her Father's voice to cut through the peaceful environment. "I thought you went out for the day."

     Marco Ravens stood tall in the living room doorway, examining his daughter. He was still in his work attire, an all black suit, letting Selah know he had just arrived home. He had papers in his hand, rolled up so Selah could not see the contents of them. Suppressing the urge to roll her eyes, Selah turned to face him with a gentle smile.

"I did earlier this morning," She explained, walking over to him and placing a small kiss on his cheek. He leaned into it but made no point in smiling. "Went to see my tribute. Wanted to get a head start, maybe up my scale of winning."

"You and I both know that's not likely." Her face dropped but she knew he was right. "A young girl like her could never be a match to the older, skilled tributes. They're fully trained for the Games by now. They know what to do, and how to do it." Marco's voice raised at the end causing his daughters shoulders to tense.

"Yes, of course, daddy," Selah whispered. "Would you like anything to drink? I was just fixing to to put on some tea." She wanted out of his presence and out of it fast.

Marco Ravens was a man of many wonders. Aside from having investments in district 4, no one was too sure of what he made so much money from. Many speculated it was illegal business from within the capital—that he did all of their biding and dirty work.

To be frank, Selah never cared to find out. She figured it was his business and his only—not something that was up for discussion. Plus, she wasn't sure if she wanted to know the truth or not. Not everything that glitters is gold.

     "No," He said, making his way back to the front door. "Your mother should be arriving shortly, and I've got a meeting to attend. I just dropped by to pick up some paperwork. If you leave again, do make sure to leave a note."

     "Yes, Father."

     He was gone with seconds, not bothering to mutter a goodbye. Selah sighed as she opened the cabinet to grab a mug, then turning to pull out the kettle from an adjacent cabinet.

There was terrible feeling in the pit her stomach. It made her feel extremely nauseous—almost to the point where she wanted to shove her fingers down her throat and force herself to throw up, that way she would feel better. She wasn't sure where the feeling had originated or why it was even there.