DARK LOVE, Coriolanus Snow

IX, Fight

- It's stupid, you know that? I whispered to Coriolanus while we stood only a few meters from the arena. Especially since there can only be one Plinth prize, so one of us won't get it...

I sigh, crossing my arms over my chest as I arrive in front of the large gates of the arena. Earlier in the evening, Doctor Gaul told us to come and get Sejanus who had entered the arena to see Marcus, telling us that with a little luck we would return unscathed and that she would give us praise on Father's loan. from Sejanus, giving us an advantage for the price...

The peacemakers opened the gate for us, and we advanced into the arena. My breathing became heavy with fear, as did my heart which was beating far too fast in my chest, threatening to leave it with each new beat.

- I know, Erato... Coriolanus whispered softly to me.

We crossed the electric gates which made the voice echo through the loudspeakers and I closed my eyes in frustration.

- My God... I said with a trembling voice as I walked towards Sejanus, still kneeling in front of Marcus.

When the sound of glass breaking and cracking under Snow's shoes, the brunette still knelt down and turned towards us, sighing.

- I thought they would send my mother. Sejanus confessed.

- I would have preferred. Replied the blond next to me.

Sejanus stood up and faced us.

- You have to leave.

- I would love to, I swear, but we promised to get you out. Snow replies.

I swallow hard and swallow the lump of reluctance that has formed in my throat.

- Can we go now? I ask in a small voice. It's way too dark in here, and it's... Scary...

- Why did you come?

I sigh and clench my fists to not let the panic get the best of me.

- Because you are my friend, our friend! Snow retorts.

- Sorry, but I have to do it while the cameras are rolling! Sejanus replies.

- Do you think people are looking at you? Snow asks. Gaul interrupted the broadcast, they will come and kill you and she will say that you died of the flu!

In the distance, we hear the sound of a knife being sharpened and my blood runs cold.

"Please, we have to go..." I whisper, panic audible in my voice.

Coriolanus looks at me and nods, his fingers brushing mine as if to reassure me... A bit like the time we visited the arena...

- You have to decide, right away, do you want to fight these tributes or fight for them? If you really want things to change, you already have to stay...

- Do you want me to change things? The brown one cuts it.

- You are rich, you are caring and intelligent... You are the only one who had the guts to face Gaul in the class.

The sound of a metal bar in the distance caught our attention and I took a step back.

- If you want to live, we have to leave, and now guys! I whistle in a low voice.

- Come with us, spend your father's money doing good around you or become another corpse in Gaul's watch... Please, trust me! Snow said looking Sejanus straight in the eyes.

A cry rings out then suddenly, a boy comes out of the shadows and rushes towards us.

- Run! Coriolanus shouts.