THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES | Coriolanus Snow

part I: the mentor | 13

The afternoon light streamed through the window when Coriolanus finally woke. To his surprise, Grandma and Tigris were leaning over him with concerned expressions. A wave of warmth and reassurance washed over him as he realized he was no longer in the arena, he was safe.

"Hi, Coryo," greeted Tigris. "It's us."

Coriolanus attempted a smile. "Hello."

"I was so worried. It was terrible knowing you were going through it all alone", Tigris remarkt.

"I wasn't alone," Coriolanus said, struggling to recall the events clearly. "Lupinia was there with me. She and Lucy Gray saved my life, I think."

Tigris squeezed his hand. "I'm not surprised. Lucy Gray is obviously a good person. Right from the beginning, she tried to protect you from the other tributes. And Lupinia, she had always cared about you even if she claimed to hate you."

Grandma needed more convincing of his tributes' goodwill. After Coriolanus patched together a timeline of the bombing for her, she reluctantly acknowledged, "Well, like as not she decided the Peacekeepers would gun her down if she ran, but still, it shows some character. Perhaps, as she claims, she is not really District."

Suddenly Coriolanus's thoughts were consumed by Lupinia. He remembered leaving with Lucy Gray in the direction of the exit, but Lupinia had fallen. Did she get out? Was she okay? His concern was evident as he urgently inquired, "Is Lupinia alright?"

"She is getting medical care, some medics got her out of the arena. But that's all I know. Nobody wanted to tell me about her current condition. They say I'm not family," Tigris explained, adding her worry about not having seen Lupinia's parents either.

As Tigris filled him in on every other detail he had missed, Coriolanus realized the extent of the impact this event had on the Capitol. The uncertainty surrounding the bombing frightened citizens, not knowing who was behind it or where the threat originated.

Then a doctor entered the room, introducing himself as Dr. Wane. He sent Tigris and Grandma home, providing Coriolanus with a quick checkup and explaining the nature of his injuries - a fairly mild concussion and burns that were responding well to treatment. However, Coriolanus's primary concern was Lupinia. He needed to know about her condition, and he couldn't shake the worry that she might be badly injured or even worse in a critical condition.

"How is Lupinia I mean Miss Evergreen?" he asked, hoping the doctor would provide some information.

However, the doctor's response was clear: "I'm sorry, Mister Snow. You aren't related to Lupinia, and I am not obligated to give you any information. Lupinia is not your concern right now. Your concern should be to get well, and for that, you need some sleep."

The uncertainty surrounding Lupinia's condition gnawed at Coriolanus, preventing him from finding any peace. Sleep was out of the question - the only thing he needed was to know that Lupinia is well. He couldn't bear the thought of being kept in the dark about her well-being.

After Dr. Wane left his room, Coriolanus decided he couldn't wait any longer. The need to see Lupinia, to assure himself that she was okay, overpowered any physical discomfort he felt. Despite the lingering pain from the burns, he stood up carefully, suppressing a slight noise that escaped his lips. Determined, he left his room and embarked on a search for Lupinia.

As he wandered through the medical facility, his eyes finally fell upon a door with the inscription "Lupinia Caitlyn Evergreen" on some documents hanging beside it. Without hesitation, he cautiously entered the room. Inside, the atmosphere was quiet, with only the subdued light from the window and the soft hum of machines surrounding Lupinia's bed.

Coriolanus approached cautiously, his eyes fixed on her figure. Moving closer he was able to see her beautiful face. Lupinia looked peaceful, her features softened by the tranquility of sleep. He felt a mix of relief and anxiety, desperate to know more about her condition.

Coriolanus took a seat beside her on the bed, his gaze lingering on her bandaged foot. He wished he could take away her pain, the pain she endured because she had helped him get out of the arena. He couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility, a desire to protect her from the harsh realities they were facing.

Lupinia slowly stirred, her eyelids fluttering as she became aware of Coriolanus's presence. A faint smile graced her lips.

"Coryo-," she managed to whisper, her voice barely audible then her dry throat interrupted, leaving her to swallow uncomfortably.

A surge of relief washed over Coriolanus at the sound of her voice. "Hey Lupinia," he replied, his voice tender and filled with genuine concern. "How are you feeling? Are you okay?"

Acknowledging the pain with a slight wince, Lupinia reassured him, "It hurts, but I'll be fine."

As she attempted to sit up, Coriolanus lent his support, bringing them face to face. His hand gently cradled her face, his fingers brushing over her cheek. His gaze briefly fell to her lips, noticing a minor cut. Returning his attention to her emerald-green eyes, he continued to stroke her cheek.

"I was so worried about you," he confessed, his touch conveying both tenderness and concern. Lupinia met his gaze, a sense of uncertainty in her eyes. "I thought I lost you back in the arena. I couldn't bear the thought. If I had lost you, I think I'd have gone crazy," he admitted, the genuine terror and concern reflected on his face. A moment of quiet lingered between them.

"And I would have regretted not doing this sooner," he finished, leaning forward. Now their faces were once again just milimetres apart. Both of them could feel the breath of the other warm on the face. Then his lips eagerly yet passionately met hers. After a brief moment of shock, Lupinia responded, kissing the boy back with equal intensity. Their kiss sent shockwaves through Coriolanus's body, and Lupinia felt like her whole body was on fire. The intensity of the moment made her forget any pain she might have felt, leaving only the passionate moment of intimacy between them.