HEART OF GOLD | CORIOLANUS SNOW

𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 94

They awoke to see Marlin's alphanumeric code, G4, grayed out on the matrix overlayed on the top right corner of the screen, allowing the audience the convenience of tracking the tributes' progress through the Games. The death, however, would not be replayed until half past ten. Although the program began later on Sundays to cater to the Capitol's lifestyle, Gamemakers (and their apprentices) were still required to report at eight to take over for the night shift.

While Athena and Olympia headed straight to the control centre, Lilith lingered in the hallway, holding Snow's coffee. He stood at the other end, in a navy waistcoat and matching trousers. He had not granted her access to his wardrobe, but she opted for something she was certain he wouldn't—yellow.

Embroidered with a floral crochet pattern, hers was likewise a two-piece set. If she had worn it as is, at least an inch of her midriff would be exposed, which was not a problem on regular Sundays. Lilith was actually quite proud of her toned, and now tanned, torso, but revealing skin at work wasn't professional in her book—unless you were a model. Since she most definitely was not, she styled the cropped top as an outerwear, letting it hang open and loose over a form-fitting white camisole that was tucked into the high-waisted pencil skirt.

Snow's arms were folded in front of him like he was cold rather than angry—though he was angry, Lilith thought. She could tell from his body language, from all three men's. He was conversing with Mr. Pryde and the commander of the Peacekeepers assigned to the guard the tributes. Their deep frowns and urgent hisses suggested an undoubtedly serious exchange, and Lilith was conflicted whether to advance. Whatever was going on, it seemed way out of her depth even as a mere listener. Then again, the passage was practically deserted and she was as bright as the sun.

Hearing footsteps behind her, Lilith spun around and was surprised by the sight of Archie coming through. Seeming almost as stunned, though she couldn't think why, he halted. His bead-like eyes surveyed her outfit, but they loitered on her longer than usual that she panicked.

"What?" Lilith scanned herself for something amiss. "What's wrong? Do I have—?"

His hands on her shoulders interrupt her. His legs were incredibly long indeed for him to be in front of her already.

"Nothing's wrong, Lil," said Archie softly. "You look fine. Great, actually."

She beamed, and his hands fell away as she dropped into an exaggerated curtsy.

"Why, thank you," she replied, and they both chuckled. "What are you doing here so early? The mentors don't arrive until ten."

Archie checked his watch.

"Apparently, they're already here. I got a call from Marcella half an hour ago saying they'll be here by eight and that I should come as soon as possible."

This was news to Lilith, and she frowned. It didn't make sense for them to change the schedule all of a sudden, though that would compose part of the explanation for Snow and company to be huddled outside the mentor's box.

"Did she say why?" asked Lilith, and Archie shook his head.

"She apologized for being last minute, so I don't think she knows."

Something behind her caught his eye.

Suspecting Marcella and that it was time for him to leave, she blurted out, "How are they doing?"

When Archie hesitated, Lilith knew it wasn't because he didn't know who she was referring to, but that he was reluctant to speak.

"Just tell me."

Heaving a heavy sigh, he said, "They don't want to be here. They don't know why they still are when their tributes are dead."

Although Archie stopped here, his expression hinted he had something to hide, and Lilith filled the silence with her own words: