REIN and SNOW ∞ louis & tom au

Chapter 10

The audience at the zoo must have been bored with the other mentors' and tributes' efforts to keep them entertained. Once Coriolanus Snow and Louis Rein arrived, all eyes were trained on them, and the people cheered for them. Neither of the boys could help but smile as they walked into such a warm welcome.

They love us. This is our time to shine. Let's give them another show.

As if Louis could read Coriolanus' mind, he grabbed his hand, intertwining their fingers, and lifted them high in the air to signify that they were a team. The audience cheered louder and chanted their names.

The Capitol News anchor signaled the cameraman to quickly move over and capture footage of the boys interacting. A little girl came over to greet Louis with a handshake, and the crowd was shocked to realize that he had no shackles. An audible gasp was heard in waves and Louis immediately stepped back from the girl. Coriolanus acted fast and reassured everyone that there was no need to be alarmed. Louis has proven that he is as civilized as a gentleman of the Capitol, and that alone calmed everyone down.

Would the Peacekeepers allow him to walk freely with a student at the academy if he was dangerous?

Coriolanus noticed a little boy hiding behind his father's legs while holding a baked potato. He gave him a wave of the hand. The boy looked up at his father, who nodded approval. He cautiously walked over to the older boys, still keeping his distance.

"Would you like to meet my tribute, Louis Rein?" He asked.

"Yes. Papa and I were waiting for him to return so I can give him this." He held the baked potato wrapped in foil with both hands. "I saved it from dinner. I was going to eat it, but I wanted to feed him instead," the boy said quietly.

Louis frowned. He didn't appreciate the way this kid spoke about him, as if he were a stray dog in need of food. In fact, he didn't like how the child was speaking directly to Coriolanus as if he was Louis' owner.

"Go on, then," Coriolanus encouraged the young boy. "He doesn't bite. Use your manners."

"Of course, I don't bite." Louis grinned as the boy timidly approached him. "Hi, there. What's your name?"

"Timothy," said the boy. "I saved you my potato."

"That's very sweet of you, but I'm okay. Please. Save it for your next meal."

The boy was confused as was Coriolanus. Those in hearing distance started to murmur.

"Aren't you hungry?" The boy carefully held out the foil-wrapped potato to the older boy.

"I'll be alright. But thank you for the offer."

This was awkward.

Coriolanus cleared his throat and accepted the potato from the young boy. "My tribute had a pleasant meal, but I can assure you he will enjoy your offering as a snack later. Thank you very much."

The boy smiled. "You're welcome! Bye Louis." He waves to the older boy before running back to his father.

"Why did you lie?" Louis whispered.

"Why did you turn down food?" Coriolanus hissed, his tone laced with disdain. "Weren't you the one who suggested people bring something from home?"

Louis remembers suggesting that everyone should be generous enough to help the starving tributes, but not if it meant being treated like actual zoo animals. He would rather starve to death than lose the last shred of dignity he has left.

"Look, if you want to be picky, that's fine. But don't turn down offers—it's a bad look on both of us."

Coriolanus is right. To win the Capitol's favor, Louis must portray himself as the charming boy from the district. He apologizes to Timothy, gives him a warm embrace, and commends his father for raising such a sweet young man.