An Ode to Her - Coriolanus Snow

Chapter 7

The Ring's funeral was uneventful. President Ravinstill gave a stoic speech regarding their deaths, and how they will not go unnoticed. The districts have always been jealous of the Capitol's resources, he said, and they will do anything, even kill innocent children, to gain attention. Coriolanus thought this to be ironic, since the Capitol's income and resources came solely from the districts, and each year they pull two children from each one to fight to the death. It was all confusing, really.

After the service was done, Coriolanus took a look at his Mentor Assignment slip from Dean Highbottom and decided to cross out the Ring's and their tributes. Gaius Breen, too, since his tribute was shot in the arena. He also remembered the boy from 3, because Io was positively enraged about it. That leaves only 18 other tributes that Carolina needed to worry about. And even then, the only real threats were Reaper from 11 and Coral from 4. If she can outlive them, then she can win. It's just a matter of sponsorship now.

The Games were here. Finally, Coriolanus thought. But he was feeling nervous as he strut his way to the Academy, unsure of what was waiting for him behind the school's doors.

He did not expect to see Clemensia Dovecoat glaring at him with a smug expression.

"Bet you'd never see me again," she sneered.

"Clemensia! You're back!" Coriolanus went to pull her in for a side hug but she rejected him, pushing his chest away with two solid arms.

"No thanks to you!" She snapped. "Why didn't you visit me, hm? You are the only one who knows what really happened!"

Lysistrata appeared by Coriolanus's side, a puzzled expression sitting on her dark skin. "We all tried to see you, Clemmie." She must not have heard the last part of Clemensia's retort. "But the doctors wouldn't let us. They said you were too contagious."

Clemensia scoffed. "I'm sure they did, I'm sure they did! You know what, I don't need this. I have a stupid tribute to mentor." And with that she stomped off, whipping her ebony hair in Coriolanus's face.

"I wonder why she's so upset..." Lysistrata mumbled as she walked away, presumably finding her spot in the auditorium where the Games would be broadcasted. But Coriolanus knew why she was unlike herself. The blood-shot look in her eye, the purple veins popping form her neck, and her uncharacteristic outbursts can only be a sign of Dr. Gaul's doing. He shuddered to think of what his peer went through in that lab, but he supposed she were lucky enough to come back at all. Some weren't so fortunate.

As Coriolanus entered the auditorium, he was shocked to see how many students had shown up to support. They lined the stands, and although there were a few empty seats, for it being the first day, it was not a bad turn out, also considering this was the first time people could watch the Games from their homes. Coriolanus smirked at it all. This was his idea; to force people to watch them, and in turn gain viewers. His plan was working accordingly.

"Mr. Snow." Dean Highbottom's monotone voice almost earned a groan, but Coriolanus suppressed it to face the man, giving him a tight smile instead.

"Hello, sir," he said, folding his hands neatly in front of him.

Highbottom looked around as if he had a secret to share. His voice was low when he muttered, "Tell your friend there, Sejanus, to grab a seat by the door."

Coriolanus didn't understand but nodded, and went to find his own seat. By the door? What did that mean?

Lucky Flickerman was smoothing his gelled hair back with a comb in the center of the room. He called for Coriolanus to join him for a moment. Then he pulled in Sejanus, and made the two boys pose for a picture.