Gray Snow

The trek

A full day had passed by since the couple had cooped up in the lodge, and now they were on the move. Coriolanus thought back to the previous day, where after the meal of fish they's fallen asleep, huddled together as the rain fell. But he's dreams were far from happy, despite he's good fortune, filled with mockingjays and nooses. Before he had awoken in a cold sweat he'd seen the face Sejanus had made while being lead to he's death.

He hadn't mentioned the dream upon Lucy Gray's waking, only saying it was time to move on. She'd agreed, and after filling up some containers with water they'd headed out. The air around Coriolanus now felt damp and heavy, heat beating down on him as the temperature seemed to only rise. Lucy Gray had taken off the gifted orange scarf, instead tying it around her waist with a rueful smile.

They stopped in a small clearing after a few hours of walking, much to Coriolanus' relief. He was happy to be with Lucy Gray, but he's hatred towards nature seemed to only grow. Meanwhile he's sweetheart looked none the worse for their travels. Or maybe it was just he's love for her that made her so beautiful. Either way, he relished in the embrace she bestowed upon him as he sat with a huff.

"Don't worry, darling. We can rest easy for a while." She'd said, giving him a container of liquid, which he gratefully accepted and took a few sips from. "The Capitol can only reach so far. After we get through 7, we're home free." Her smile was contagious, but worry stirred in Coriolanus' stomach.

"Maybe this was a mistake." He blurted the words out, nut was quick to elaborate. "I mean, being with you is all that matters to me. But even if we don't stay in District 12 we could move to a different district. It could take some time, but..." he trailed off, unsure of what he was trying to say at that point.

Lucy Gray looked hard at him, creasing her forehead. Then she let out a sigh, shaking her head with a sad smile. "It wouldn't matter what District we were in. Sure, I'd be free from the mayor, but it wouldn't be real freedom." She looked at him, still with that sad smile. "If you want to go back, I won't stop you. But I won't be going with you, either."

Coriolanus looked at her, once again considering he's options. Staying with Lucy Gray meant he's happiness, there was no denying that. But to return...that meant something else entirely. It was unlikely they'd discovered the weapons, since non of the peacekeepers seemed to know about the lone building by the lake.

He's resolve to leave wavered when the face of Sejanus entered he's vision, unbidden. He closed he's eyes tight, but couldn't block out the sight, nor the cry he let out before...no, he couldn't go back. He needed to figure out how he truly felt first. He felt a soft hand land on he's cheek, calloused fingers stroking the hair just behind his ear.

When he opened he's eyes, her face was inches from he's own. Now was he's chance to answer, leave or stay. The answer came when he closed the gap, pressing he's lips to hers. The only feelings he could be sure of were he's feelings for her. She trusted him, and he, in turn, trusted her.

He was the first to pull away, leaning he's forehead against her as he caught he's breathe. "You are mine, Lucy Gray. Now and forever, I will always be by your side." The smile that spread over her face was filled with affection and thanks. "And you are mine," she responded softly, moving in for another kiss. "Coryo."