𝐖𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄 [𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫] 🔞

ᴛᴇɴ: ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡɪɴɢ

[A/N]: Smut warning this chapter

Your head was resting against his chest, and you could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. You felt his chest rise and fall beneath your head in soft breaths. His scent was a subtle mix of roses and cologne that suited him. You could not help but savor it, pressing your nose against his shirt. Smelling him stirred a fluttering feeling inside of you.

Coriolanus for one enjoyed this peaceful silence that had settled after watching the television. His fingers idly traced patterns onto your back as he laid there holding you against him. Everyone once in a while, he would press a light kiss on your temple, a silent display of affection.

"You're so comfortable." He murmured quietly, breaking the silence as easily as it had settled over the two of you.

You had your eyes closed up until you heard his voice, the sound instantly making you open them. You laughed softly, your mouth tugging into a small smile. "You are too... I could fall asleep here."

He looked down at you fondly, contentment washing over him. You looked so small and sweet in his arms.

"You can fall asleep if you want," He says, his hand touching the small of your back. "I'll be here."

"I know I just... can't though. Not yet anyway." You admitted to him, your voice laced with guilt and sadness.

You felt beyond guilty that you were cuddling with Coriolanus, being lovey dovey while Sunny and the rest of the tributes...

Coriolanus picks up on the slight hint of guilt in your voice. He knew you well enough by now to know that something was bothering you right now. Gently, he pulls away from you so he can look directly at your face, his gaze filled with worry. "Hey," He says softly, concern evident in his voice. "What's wrong?"

He continued to move his hand against your back, a gesture meant to comfort you.

"I feel... horrible," You say, your voice cracking as you attempted to hold back your tears. "I feel like a terrible human being for being here, living my life while all of those kids have to go in the arena tomorrow and die."

"That's not true," He protests. "You're not a terrible person, [Y/N]. You care. That's more than what most people do."

You sucked in a shaky breath, blinking rapidly as you fought back tears. "I know... but I feel like I don't deserve to be here. Well fed and happy while they all have to go in that place and... I wish I could do something.."

He drew in a slow breath, his heart aching at your statement. How could you think such a thing?

"You have a kind heart, [Y/N]," He tells you softly. "You feel for them, for their suffering, that's a good thing. It's not your fault. You didn't create this system. Whether you believe it or not, you are helping. And you can continue to help these tributes until the games are abolished someday."

His hand moved to cup your cheek, wiping away an escaped tear with his thumb. You closed your eyes tightly, finally allowing your tears to fall willingly. You released a small sob, burying your face back in his chest.

"Shh, it's okay..." He says in a soft, soothing tone. He presses a soft kiss on the top of your head. "You can cry. Let it out."

He continued to hold you in his arms, allowing you to cry as needed. He hated seeing you like this, so distraught about the games. But he also felt honored that you treated him enough to show him this side of you. His arms tightened securely around your trembling form.

You cried against Coriolanus for what seemed like an eternity. His arms encircling around you like this made you feel safe. You felt almost like your inner child was making a brief appearance and was being soothed by his touch. Your cries began to slowly die down until coming to a complete halt. You occasionally sniffled.