#The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

slaymitchabernathy · 1 day ago

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Small but Mighty

Walking home on a brisk fall evening, Soarynn finds herself humming one of her favorite songs, a song her father used to sing to her when she was little. There's not much time for singing now that she's an adult, but when she's by herself, it comes naturally to her.

The sun is beginning to set and Coriolanus, her husband, promised to make a big dinner for them tonight. Even though it's just the two of them. Sometimes, Soarynn wishes their small family could get bigger, but she's had pregnancy troubles for years now. They've gone to countless doctors and had countless consultations. All giving her the same answer.

No chance of having a baby.

Soarynn tries not to let it bother her. People have it much worse than she does. With a loving husband and a beautiful home, it's hard to feel bad about yourself but she can't help but wonder sometimes what it would be like to have a family with Coriolanus.

Her imagination gets the best of her and she nearly trips walking back home. "Sorry," she mutters to those she passes by, hoping she doesn't look like an absolute lunatic. She had gone to get her nails done a little later than she usually does, but it was a last-minute decision.

Coriolanus always encourages these decisions since Soarynn can be quite rigid when it comes to her schedule. She doesn't like surprises, she doesn't like unplanned events popping up and ruining her own plans.

Soarynn Snow is not a spontaneous woman.

So getting her nails done on a whim is about as crazy as it gets for her.

She admires her nails and the beautiful wedding band on her left hand, sparkling like a star. Coriolanus truly spoiled her when it came to the wedding, letting her have complete control over every little detail. He really knew the way to her heart.

The Corso is in her sights, the richest street in the Capitol so it's no surprise that Coriolanus has lived there his whole life. He claims that she is the one who made it a true home once she moved in with him, though, bringing in her eye for detail.

Her eye catches something else when she spots something white running across the alleyway. Soarynn stops in her tracks, peering down the darkened area. Coriolanus has always told her to avoid alleys in fear of her getting robbed but all caution goes out the window when she sees it again.

She just doesn't know what it is.

Soarynn slowly walks into the alley, scanning the littered ground for any signs of life. Maybe it was just a bird or some trash. There are several trashcans and old boxes lying around, waiting to be picked up on trash day. "Hello?" She asks softly, readjusting the strap of her purse on her shoulder. Coriolanus will be wondering where she is soon if she doesn't leave soon.

Deciding it was nothing, Soarynn turns on her heel to walk back. She jumps when she feels something sharp swipe at her ankles. Then, a loud meow is directed at her from below. Soarynn looks down at the ground and gasps at the sight of a little white kitten.

"Oh! Oh, my goodness, what are you doing here, sweet thing?" The kitten meows some more, taking a few steps back before running towards her again. It's as if the small cat can't decide whether or not Soarynn is to be trusted. To make herself appear less threatening, Soarynn crouches down and holds out her hand.

"It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you."

The kitten cautiously approaches Soarynn, sniffing her hand. It's a small little thing with matted white fur that clearly hasn't been washed in weeks. "Where's your mother? Are you all alone out here?"

Thunder rumbles from above, she didn't know it was going to rain tonight. The kitten didn't either and trembles at the loud noise, frightened by the storm. "It's okay, don't be scared," she says gently, reaching out to pet its back.

Another rumble rolls over the city and the kitten turns around and runs to the trashcans. Soarynn sighs, she should be getting home if she doesn't want to get caught in the rain. But she can't just leave this kitten here! She follows the kitten to the trashcans and discovers an old cardboard box, sagging from how old it is. The kitten runs right inside. This must be where it sleeps.

Soarynn can feel her heart breaking into a million pieces. While she's been sleeping safe and sound at home, this poor little thing has been alone, and for who knows how long?

Coriolanus won't like it, but Soarynn has to take it home with her. At least for the night. The poor thing might get swept away with the storm, and if the storm doesn't get it, then it'll be carried away with the trash.

"Alright," Soarynn says, "you're coming home with me."

She easily scoops up the small thing, holding it tightly to her chest. Soarynn expected it to put up a little more of a fight, but the poor thing is clearly exhausted and goes limp in her hold. Soarynn quickly walks out of the alley and towards her home, making it to their apartment building right before it starts to rain.

"Good evening, Mrs. Snow," the doorman greets her. Soarynn flashes him a kind smile, "Good evening." The man eyes the kitten and raises a brow, he's worked here since Coriolanus was a little boy. Even he knows how much Coriolanus despises animals. "It's just for tonight," she explains, although she doesn't know why.

Maybe she's just preparing for her husband who will put up much more of a fight.

"Good luck, Mrs. Snow."

Soarynn swallows, stepping into the lobby. The elevator arrives quickly, and thankfully, no one else is in it. The kitten lets out a few quiet meows, looking around the strange room. "I know, I know," Soarynn sighs, "we're almost there."

They arrive at the twelfth floor in less than a minute and Soarynn still doesn't know how she's going to explain how she left to get her nails done and came home with a kitten.

The maid lets her in and the woman's eyes widen at the sight of the feline. "Don't tell Coriolanus anything," Soarynn whispers, hanging up her coat, "I'll handle him."

"Yes, Mrs. Snow. He's in the kitchen."

Soarynn hums and makes her way towards the kitchen, kitten in hand. "If he doesn't like you, then I'm sure we can find you a nice home." But Soarynn already feels so strongly about the sweet little thing. It's fate that she found it when she did. It must be a sign. A sign from the universe.

"Soarynn? Is that you, darling?" He calls from the kitchen.

Soarynn braces herself, pushing open the swinging door with one hand. Coriolanus stands behind the counter with an apron tied around his neck. He looks terribly handsome while cooking. The food smells amazing.

"I'm home."

He grins at her, setting down the knife in his hand. "There you are. I was beginning to worry. What's that in your hand, darling?" Soarynn opens her mouth to explain, but the kitten beats her to the punch, letting out a loud cry.

His eyes instantly widen at the sight of a dirty kitten in his wife's hold.

"Soarynn, what is that?"

"It's a kitten," she tries sweetly. Coriolanus wrinkles his nose at the mere sight of an animal in his home. "I can see that, darling, but why is it in our home?"

"I found it. I don't know if it's a girl or a boy," she admits, "but it was in the alley and it got scared by the rain so I brought it home with me."

Soarynn takes a step towards the counter, leading Coriolanus to take a step back. "So you found it on the street?"

"Yes."

"And brought it into our home without knowing where it's been or what it has?"

Soarynn bites her lip, it sounds terribly irresponsible when you put it like that.

"...yes."

Coriolanus sighs, shaking his head. "Darling, it has to go. We can't have a cat."

"Why not?"

"Because! Because, because, I don't want an animal in my house. And certainly not a dirty one."

"Well, it needs a bath," Soarynn defends the kitten, "and it's hungry and tired. Wouldn't you want someone to help you if you were all by yourself?" Tears form in her eyes, probably due to the fact that her period is due any day now and her hormones are a little crazy at the moment. "It was all alone, Coryo. No family. Just like us."

His eyes soften the tiniest amount but anything counts with her strict husband who rarely lets anything slide unless it's with her. He knows how hard it's been for her trying to get pregnant, especially since neither of their parents is alive anymore.

"Let me give it a bath, first," she says, "everyone feels better after a nice bath, don't they?"

Coriolanus eyes the kitten again, clearly not thrilled at the idea of any animal living under his roof. "Fine." Soarynn gasps excitedly, bouncing on her toes. "Oh, thank you!" She doesn't even try to hug him. As long as she has the kitten in her arms, he won't come anywhere near her.

"Take it to one of the guest bathrooms," he tells her. Of course, he doesn't want her to use their bathroom. It's better than nothing so Soarynn doesn't put up a fuss. She goes to the nearest guest room and gently places the squirming kitten in the empty bathtub.

"Looks like you're in luck," she says, turning on the water. They don't need much but Soarynn makes sure the water is nice and warm. The kitten lets out a few alarmed meows when the water laps at its paws, and tries to run away and climb the slippery walls. "Oh, don't do that darling, it's okay."

Soarynn scoops some water into her hand and pours it onto the kitten's head, laughing at the face it makes. "Someone isn't too fond is bathtime, hmm? I'm sorry, but you do stink a little, and you can't win over Coriolanus if you smell like a wild animal."

The kitten, clearly offended by the bath, swats at her but slips and misses. "You're feisty, aren't you? I bet you're a girl," Soarynn chuckles, reaching over to grab some soap. "We really need to brush through your fur when we're done, these furballs just won't do."

After some soap and positive coaching, the kitten calms down, allowing Soarynn to wash away all the dirt and grime it got from living in the alleyway. "The vet will have to give you some shots," Soarynn murmurs to herself, "and you'll need some cat food. We don't have any at the moment, but we do have some fish." She figures anything is better than starving to death.

What did the kitten eat before Soarynn rescued it?

Coriolanus comes in when Soarynn is drying the kitten off. His arms are crossed, not swayed the slightest bit at the cute sight. "Is it a girl or a boy?" Soarynn flips the kitten onto its back, "A girl." Coriolanus rolls his eyes when the kitten meows again. "Great, just what we needed." Soarynn nudges him with her elbow. "Be nice to her, Coryo. She's just a baby."

Her husband scoffs at those words of defense. In his eyes, this kitten is a home invader, stealing Soarynn away from him. "Where is she going to sleep tonight? Because it won't be with us."

"I'll find somewhere to put her. Maybe your study?" She teases and Coriolanus glares down at her. "Not funny and absolutely not. Put her in the coat closet by the front doors. Nothing she can ruin in there." Soarynn frowns at the idea of leaving the kitten all by herself and in the dark, no less. Thunder shakes the building, scaring both girls.

"She needs a haircut," he observes, "and some manners."

"We should name her," Soarynn suggests, but she's shut down quickly. "Once we name it, then you'll get attached," Coriolanus reasons, "I'll go find a box to put her in."

Soarynn does her best to get all the knots out of her fur while Coriolanus searches for a box. The kitten grows sleepy in her hands and falls asleep before she can finish. "Poor little thing," she whispers, holding it to her chest, "she must be so tired."

When Coriolanus returns, he has an old cardboard box in hand, probably from when they moved all of Soarynn's stuff into the apartment. Soarynn lived by herself before they got married, not ready to part with her childhood home. But once they got married and it was socially acceptable for them to live together, the moving process began.

Coriolanus clearly underestimated Soarynn and how much she was bringing with her, more specifically, how many clothes she was bringing with her. It's a good thing they have a big closet.

"I added a blanket," he tells her, tilting the box so that Soarynn can peer into it. "Because I'm just so nice." Soarynn grins at her husband who despite his cold demeanor, can be very sweet when he wants to be. At least with her, he's sweet.

"I was thinking of Petunia," Soarynn whispers while gently putting the kitten into the box. The small thing doesn't even wake, far too tired from the day she's had. "Petunia?" Soarynn drags a finger up and down the kitten's back. "Mhm. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"

Coriolanus makes a strangled sound like he's fighting down words that aren't so nice. "I don't think you should be getting so attached, darling. We don't even know if this kitten will make it through the night."

Soarynn frowns but he's right. Petunia could have some sort of sickness, or perhaps she's been apart from her mother for too long. Or worse, she belongs to someone else who's been desperately looking for her.

"We should leave her with some water," is all Sosrynn says, brushing off his words. Coriolanus takes Petunia to the coat closet and Soarynn fills a small dish with some water in case Petunia wakes up in the middle of the night.

"You're sure she'll be alright here? What if she gets scared of the dark?"

"Cats can see in the dark, darling."

"Well...what if she gets lonely?"

"She's been alone all her life, one more night won't make any difference."

Coriolanus turns off the light and closes the door before Soarynn can give any more protest. "She needs to rest," he says sternly, grabbing her shoulders, "and you need to eat." Soarynn sighs, too tired herself to argue with him. She lets him lead her back to the kitchen where they have a lovely dinner. The rain doesn't let up through dinner and only gets worse when they retire to their bedroom for the night.

"Do you think the vet will have any openings tomorrow?" Soarynn calls from their bed, already cozy under the covers. Coriolanus pokes his head out of the bathroom. "For a Snow, they'll make an opening," he assures her. Soarynn often forgets about her last name and the power it carries with her. She's never been on to try and break the rules, but being a Snow opens up many doors she never knew existed

Coriolanus climbs into bed a few minutes later, shirtless and smiling. Soarynn smiles back, allowing him to slip a hand under her nightgown. With the weekend upon them, it's no wonder he's in such a good mood despite their new houseguest.

They spend far too long exchanging heated kisses and touches and then one thing leads to another...

An hour later, Soarynn is sound asleep in her husband's arms, thinking about the kitten down the hall.

What is she going to do about Petunia?

꧁ ꧂

The next morning comes with newfound determination, from both Soarynn and Petunia.

She was wide awake when Soarynn came to get her, meowing at the top of her lungs. Soarynn brought her to breakfast despite Coriolanus and his request not to.

"If I find a single cat hair in my food, she's gone," he warns, eyeing the white furball in her lap. Petunia hisses at him which is not helping her case right now. Soarynn gently smooths down her raised ears, trying to calm both of them down at the same time. "You won't," she promises, "and today we'll see what the vet has to say."

Coriolanus swallows down some more of his pancakes, wearily watching Petunia who keeps trying to climb onto the table. "Hopefully they'll tell you that they have room for her in the back. So they can take her off our hands."

"What if they don't?"

Coriolanus squints at her, "Darling, I'm trying to be nice right now, but I really don't think we need a cat. Espeically not one who was living in the garbage."

Petunia swats her paw at him, clearly not a fan of him either. This is not going to work the way Soarynn hoped for. "She can't help it," Soarynn comes to Petunia's defense, "and I'm sure that after the vet looks her over, she'll have a clean bill of health."

Kittens, like children, are resilient. If anything, Petunia will need some shots and to get her nails trimmed. That's what Soarynn will tell herself.

꧁ ꧂

"You found her in the trash?"

Soarynn nods while trying to hold Petunia still on the table. The vet had an opening and Soarynn only had to wait twenty minutes before they could see Petunia.

"Yes, she was all alone. You don't think she might have had other siblings, do you?"

Coriolanus shudders in his seat at the thought of more kittens infiltrating his home. He came along with Soarynn for what he claimed was "moral support" which Soarynn knew was a lie. He only came to make sure that Petunia didn't come back home with her.

"No, it looks like she was the runt of the litter." Soarynn wisely ignores her husband's snort and focuses on calming down Petunia. She doesn't seem to like the vet or the cold metal table she keeps slipping on. "The poor thing. We gave her some fish this morning, I'm afraid we don't have any cat food."

"I'm sure anything you gave her is better than what she's been eating by herself. But she looks good considering her circumstances." Petunia lets out a meow of agreement. Soarynn smiles, anxiously looking over at Coriolanus who's watching her like a hawk. "Is she...is she someone else's cat?"

"We can scan her for a chip, see if she belongs to anyone."

"Good idea," Coriolanus cuts in, "I'd hate for her actual owner to be missing her."

The vet takes Petunia to the back despite her meows of protest and Soarynn takes a seat next to Coriolanus, torn up about this whole thing. "What if she doesn't have an owner? Then what?" She whispers even though they're the only ones in the room. Coriolanus sighs, grabbing her hand, "Then I'm sure a very nice family will come along and adopt her, darling."

Soarynn can feel her lip trembling. "But we're a nice family," she sniffles. It's a cheap card to play, bringing out the tears but Soarynn is desperate to bring Petunia home with her. And she can easily see the resolve breaking in her husband's eyes. He knows how desperately Soarynn wishes to start a family, and a cat would be the perfect first step.

The vet returns with an agitated Petunia in hand, doing her best to jump from the woman's arms. "Well," the woman sighs, "no owner. We can try to put her up for adoption, but she's very..."

Petunia yowls and breaks free from the woman's hold, leaping onto the floor. She licks her paw and then hisses at the vet, swiping in the air. "Very annoying," Coriolanus finishes for her.

"Yes," the vet sighs, "kittens aren't hard to find homes for, but Petunia is...special." Petunia holds her fluffy tail high in the air, padding towards Soarynn who gladly reaches down for her. "She seems quite taken with you, Mrs. Snow," the woman notes, "are either of you allergic?"

Coriolanus clears his throat, able to see where this is going. "I can be."

Soarynn nudges him with her elbow, he's not allergic to anything. Except opening up his heart and home to this poor little kitten. "I think she'd like to come home with us, wouldn't you, little lady?" Her question is met with quite the excited meow and Coriolanus is forced to fold in the tents. Shots are given although Petunia nearly bites the vet's hand off while she administers them.

They pay a hefty bill at the front counter, furthering Coriolanus and his despisement towards Petunia who is already turning out to be quite expensive. "What's her name?" The secretary asks, creating a file for Petunia. Soarynn answers for all of them.

"Her name is Petunia Snow."

꧁ ꧂

It's been about a week since Petunia came home with them and Coriolanus has already threatened to throw her out the window if she continues to terrorize him. Soarynn thinks he's just being dramatic, Petunia isn't terrorizing him, she's just trying to play with him.

She plays with Soarynn all the time. Soarynn bought her a mountain of toys along with a proper bed and collar. Pink, of course. Petunia is the best thing she's ever found. Besides Coriolanus, obviously.

Even now she's being so sweet. Petunia loves to chase around a piece of ribbon Soarynn tied around a stick, batting at it with her little paws. Soarynn giggles when she rolls onto her back, paws in the air.

"Look at you," she coos adoringly, "so smart, like a tiger!"

"I thought we agreed to keep her off the bed, darling."

The sound of her husband's voice is more than enough to make Soarynn smile even bigger. Coriolanus is home from work.

She turns to look at him while sitting atop their bed, guilty as charged. Coriolanus had written up a list of sorts, with rules pertaining to Petunia. She wasn't allowed in his study or on any of their nice furniture. She also isn't allowed on their bed.

"I was doing laundry," she says sheepishly, "and then I got distracted."

Petunia meows for attention, pawing at said laundry that still hasn't been folded. Coriolanus often reminds Soarynn that they have maids to do the laundry but Soarynn enjoys the mindless task. It's rewarding.

"I see," he chuckles, walking over to the edge of the bed, "and Petunia was helping you?"

Soarynn feels a blush crawling across her cheeks. "...yes." He smiles and leans down to press a gentle kiss to her lips. Soarynn eagerly responds by leaning into it, allowing him to fully take charge. Between his work schedule and her social schedule, it's hard to find time to enjoy each other's company.

But it's rudely interrupted when Petunia jumps onto Soarynn's lap and swipes at Coriolanus. He swears under his breath, barely dodging her attack. "He's not hurting me, darling," Soarynn tells Petunia who doesn't quite look like she believes her. Petunia has grown to be very protective over Soarynn and she hates when Coriolanus gets a little too touchy.

"But if I swipe at her, it's a problem," Coriolanus complains, standing up straight. Soarynn rolls her eyes at the small fight. These two can't stand each other, which is rather unfortunate considering their circumstances. "Be nice to each other," she warns, shooting both of them nasty looks which neither of them appreciates.

Petunia climbs off her lap and back onto their bed where she can run freely. Soarynn worries that one night she'll sleep in their bed and won't ever go back to her own cat bed. Coriolanus will be thrilled when that happens.

"Look how clever she is," Soarynn says proudly. Petunia lunges at one of his socks, sinking her teeth into it. "So clever," he sarcastically replies, "you know, she left me a little surprise in my shoe this morning."

Soarynn does her best to hide her smile. She heard all about it when Coriolanus let out a few choice words on his way out the door. Petunia is still learning how to use the litter box and she clearly fancies nice leather shoes instead.

"She didn't mean it," Soarynn says, batting her lashes to soften the blow. "She's just a baby, Coryo."

Coriolanus grumbles, sitting on the edge of the bed in case Petunia comes back to attack him. "Will you be using this argument when she's an old lady? Because it's already getting old, Soarynn. Just admit it, she's uprooted our lives and they'll never be the same again."

The kitten runs back over to Soarynn causing Coriolanus to stand back up. "I think of that as a good thing," Soarynn murmurs while stroking her fut, "life will never be the same now that we have Petunia."

"No nice shoes," he mutters, "scratches on the furniture, hairballs in bed. Next thing you know, she wants to play while we're having sex." Soarynn shoots him a look, there's no need to talk about sex in front of the kitten.

"Language," she warns, covering Petunia's ears. "She'll adjust to us. Once cats get older, they prefer to be left alone."

"Great, how much longer until she's older?"

Soarynn honestly doesn't know. Kittens grow up so fast, and Petunia is already too big to just fit in her hand anymore. "A month." It's best to give him something to look forward to. "Although, she won't get much bigger."

Petunia purrs while rubbing her head against Soarynn's hand, a sweet little thing she is. "She is quite small," Coriolanus says, a trace of a smile on his lips. Soarynn agrees, as the runt of the litter, Petunia will always be a bit smaller than an average cat.

"Yes, she is," Soarynn agrees, lifting Petunia up, "small but mighty."

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