Love comes in all shades | Coriolanus Snow x OC |

1. Sejanus' Birthday

Another day and another lavish party that Coriolanus absolutely hated, yet had to attend if he wanted to belong. People around him were snobbish and proud with few exceptions to that rule, but not enough to allow himself a break. No, he had to look the part, unless he wanted to be written off that society's grace, exposing himself for derision. That would be of no use to him nor his already poor family. The only ones that would profit from his humiliation were those who were rich and privileged. Those who could spend their time chatting about nonsense and gossip about everyone who didn't meet their standards. As for Coriolanus, he was balancing on a thin line. One bad move and he'd find himself on the street amongst those that he hated so passionately. Those who were failures.

The glass was clattering, accompanied with cheerful conversations that people held, not caring about anything. They came here to party. They wanted to celebrate the heir to the Plinth fortune - Sejanus. No one in their right mind would refuse to come as it was one of the wealthiest families in the whole Panem. And a generous one too. Rumor had it that they felt guilty for their incredible wealth and for getting even richer due to war, while some other families, including the Snow family that Coriolanus belonged to, lost their money and hence creeped up on the poverty line constantly. That's why they were more than eager to fund a stipend for the best student in the Academy, so they would be able to further their education. A perfect way to clear their conscience. It was...weak of them, as Coriolanus thought. He was grateful nonetheless, as getting the Plinth prize was the only way for him to improve his life. Alas, he knew that if the tables were turned, he wouldn't think twice about becoming a charity. He'd rather invest in his own family members, making sure that the brightest of them would shine ever more in Panem, becoming the most important and influential members of the society. That way his descendants would only have to compete with other rich people, not caring about poor, but smart ones.

Of course, back in time, before the war flipped their lives upside down, there were more families that were able to challenge Plinth fortune's status, but nothing productive came out of thinking about it. No one was able to turn back time and alter the past. They could only look forward and try to improve the future. Still, Coriolanus resented their family nonetheless. Especially Sejanus. That boy had everything he could ever wish for - money, safety, great access to education and a promising future without even trying. And yet, he wasn't happy. Constantly nagging about the unfairness of the world that they lived in. It was embarrassing, really. How could he complain when he had everything that others, including Coriolanus, could only wish for?!

"Coryo!" He was snapped back to reality right away, when he heard the familiar voice of his classmate.

"Sejanus!" He put on his best smile as he greeted him excitedly. "Happy birthday, my friend." They hugged, a little too long for Coriolanus' liking, but he had to allow it. The only reason why he got the invitation for this party was because of his friendship with Sejanus. That one acquaintance helped him a lot in terms of getting seen and building connections. Connections that would quickly dissolve if the friendship ended, thus he'd do a lot to ensure his place in the elite. "I brought you something," he said as he handed him a small package that his cousin Tigris wrapped in the best paper she'd found on the market. "It's not much," he added humbly, even though it was much. At least for his wallet.

"You shouldn't have," Sejanus shook his head, almost causing him to click his tongue in disgust. He should've just accepted it without making a scene. Snow was sure that young Plinth wouldn't react the same way to one of his rich guests' gifts, which further irritated him. Alas, he couldn't let him know that he was angered. For now he watched as Sejanus unwrapped the present and carefully studied the book that he gave him. "Thank you, Coriolanus. It's going to be helpful with my studies," he smiled at him and hugged him one more time. He was genuinely happy about the gift. Although, he'd be happy even if Snow brought him a pencil and a piece of paper. He appreciated the thought and effort rather than just money. So out of touch with this world, so unprepared, so...naive , Coriolanus thought to himself.