❝ It annoyed me that I could act like such a carefree child, and it made me want to lash out at the weeds, who knew nothing but to grow taller. I wanted to try to be a good girl.
coriolanus snow x fem!oc
academic rivals to lovers
It was terrifying, the idea that we could fall asleep girls, minty breathed and nightgowned, and wake up to find ourselves wolves.
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After "lunch", Satyria escorted the mentors to the Capitol News station in order to familiarize them with the inner workings of the Hunger Games. The Gamemakers conducted their operations from a few run-down offices, and although the control room assigned to them was adequate, it appeared somewhat cramped for the annual event.
The booth was filled with activity as they inspected the remote-controlled cameras, which had been a staple during the days of sporting arenas. Several Gamemakers were diligently testing the miniature drones that were specifically designed to deliver gifts from sponsors. These drones utilized facial recognition technology to locate their intended recipients and were capable of carrying only one item at a time.
Lucky Flickerman, basking in the glory of his triumphant interview, had been handpicked to assume the role of host, accompanied by a select group of Capitol News reporters. Tempest experienced a surge of exhilaration upon discovering her placement at the hour of 8:15 the following morning.
However, her elation was swiftly tempered when Lucky uttered, with a hint of macabre amusement, "We deemed it imperative to feature you early on. The citizens of the Capitol are devouring this love story! Should your tribute fail to captivate their hearts..." His finger traced a deliberate path across his throat, causing him to wince involuntarily, "...well, you know."
Unfazed by this melodramatic display, she nonchalantly rolled her eyes. After all, Reaper possessed an indomitable spirit, rendering him an impeccable contender for the game. Yet, this did not imply that he would be coerced into residing within the confines of the Capitol if he should win, merely to portray this fantastical narrative they had concocted!
Coriolanus stood impossibly closer to Tempest, looming over her shoulder, his urgency had not gone unnoticed. It appeared that her earlier words had ignited a spark within him, making him believe it was an invitation showcase their allegiance to the world.
She found herself filled with regret over her previous submission, as it was a complete departure from her usual demeanor. Throughout her entire acquaintance with Coriolanus, she had always maintained control and held the upper hand. The manner in which he skillfully reversed their roles and enchanted her into speaking words she would never have uttered, caused her to recoil in embarrassment every time the memory crossed her mind.
However, before she could ponder the potential aftermath of this impulsive act, a wave of apprehension washed over her, engulfing her in a sea of dread. The consequences of Reaper's interview hung overhead, casting a shadow over her thoughts.
If the esteemed Capitol truly believed in their portrayal as "star-crossed lovers," one couldn't help but wonder what grand expectations they held for them in the event of Reaper's triumph.
Coriolanus delicately grazes his fingertips against the softness of Tempest's hand, leaning in closer to her, his lips barely grazing her earlobe as he whispers. "Love story," he scoffs, his voice a mere whisper, his warm breath caressing her delicate skin. "How utterly pitiful they perceive you to be."
As Tempest's mind becomes a whirlwind of contemplation, she endeavors to free her hand from Coriolanus' vice-like grip. However, despite her persistent attempts to shake him off, it becomes increasingly evident that he has no intention of releasing his hold anytime soon.
"What are you doing?" She whispers disdainfully to him. Tempest frantically scans the surroundings, ensuring that no one has witnessed their intertwined hands. This situation has the potential to be utterly mortifying!
"They hold such a lowly opinion of you," he persists, his voice caressing the contours of her neck, causing a shiver to cascade down her spine. "You, Tempest Galdur, the epitome of excellence, the daughter of the Secretary of Defense, entangled in a forbidden romance with a commoner? How could you allow them to tarnish your reputation in such a deplorable manner?"
And in an instant, it is not the manner in which Coriolanus clasps her delicate hand that evokes her repulsion, but rather the dissemination of this notion by the Capitol news. "It is an utter falsehood," she vehemently whispers. "You are well aware of its falsity."
"The knowledge I possess holds no significance," he counters. "Is this the perception you desire the Capitol to behold? Oh, Tempest, I had always believed you aspired for power. Yet, how powerful can a mere schoolgirl be, who surrenders her heart to a humble boy from a lowly district?"
By now she is sent reeling. Coriolanus allows her to pull her hand from his grip and retreat with the weight of his words. Suddenly, it is like Tempest does not even know herself.
With the mere utterance of her last name, she once effortlessly commanded the undivided attention of every room she graced. Tempest, a force to be reckoned with, consistently achieved exceptional marks on all her assignments, leaving her competitors crushed in her wake. She even managed to outshine her adversary Coriolanus!
However, how the tides have turned. Dr. Gaul, in front of her entire class, shamelessly exposed the errors in her essay, leaving her classmates to cast pitiful glances at her wounded pride. The Capitol, in their misguided beliefs, now perceives her as frolicking in the dirt with a boy from the districts. To add insult to injury, her once rival has cunningly reversed their roles, leaving her utterly powerless and at his mercy.
This is utterly inconceivable! It is unequivocally intolerable, and she is utterly disgusted by the entirety of it.
And she was determined to demonstrate to each and every one of them the sheer magnitude of her prowess.
They wanted to see power? They would regret the day they ever underestimated Tempest Galdur.
