Light the Way

Chapter Twenty Nine

Content warning - death (minor character)

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Reaping Day had been gnawing at the back of Olivia's mind ever since the gala, keeping her awake at night. Returning to the Districts wasn't on her bucket list, but at least it would only be to District Four. They'd made their decision in the morning, informing Dr. Gaul who gave them one of her classic bone-chilling smiles. They were her favourite lab rats who successfully stole the piece of strategically placed cheese.

It was almost enough to distract her from the events of today – of the execution planned in the next few hours. Everyone was nervous to an extent. Even Coriolanus, who was better at hiding it than most, had that flicker in his eye while they practiced their speeches.

The Capitol hadn't expected them to draft up their own recounts of their time in Three, but had provided them both with an approved script. One that promoted unity while managing the downside. To deliver the voice of strength and promise of a better future. A simple task well suited for the pair.

The memories of the past funeral he attended stung Coriolanus though. He thought back to the previous games and the anthem he was asked to sing in memory of his fallen classmates. The crane carrying the dead rebels still had a permanent place in his mind, no matter how hard he willed himself to forget it. He hoped this year they used a different piece of machinery.

He and Olivia were dressed alike today, at President Ravenstill's request. Black slacks, a white button-down shirt with ruffles near the neckline, and a deep crimson pea coat. Olivia failed to hide her disgust for the outfit, making a joke that they looked like they were headed for their own funeral instead. Coriolanus reasoned it was to commemorate the President's dead son, who a year prior, fell victim to the rebel bombings. Or more likely, Highbottom's attempt to stop the games, still falling under the purview of being classified as a rebel.

Maybe it was also meant to symbolize their youth and their purity, he wasn't entirely sure and he didn't really care. Once it was done and over with, they'd be packing and heading to District Four to pick out some names.

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The execution was being held out front of the President's mansion. A beautifully landscaped garden led the way up to a grand staircase, a podium situated in the very middle, overseeing the crowd that had started to gather. Down below in the centre, a space had been left, where Coriolanus presumed the execution would occur. Cameras and the beloved Lucky Flickerman were getting set up, his hair coiffed into a high spot on his head, his chicklet veneers catching light in the afternoon sun.

Olivia and Coriolanus were led up the steps, quick to avoid the camera crew and Lucky's incessant politeness. They'd deal with him during the games and prayed their paths wouldn't cross after that.

"Have you memorized your speeches?" Dr. Gaul asked, more out of formality than genuine interest. Her attention had already been captured by the foliage surrounding the President's home as she moved to pluck at some dead flowers that had begun to wilt.

"We're prepared, Dr. Gaul." Coriolanus answered, feeling silly because she was already past caring. It seemed she wanted this day to be done quickly too. Probably so she could get back to planning the rest of the games.

The sound of large doors opening captured their attention, and even the people down on the main grounds looked up to the entrance of the building. Watching and waiting as President Ravenstill left the safety of his mansion.

Dr. Gaul perked up, continuing her assault on the dead flowers. Picking them off and tossing them down into the bushes. Her eyes trained on the President as he made his way down, and as he neared closer, Coriolanus could see the tinge of red around his eyes.