#avox au

[sleepy-gee]

avox!coryo who wants to kiss you and be with you so badly but he can't because he's a servant and you're his master and it would be wrong :(

avox!coryo who's in such agony because he can't express his feelings for you with words (which he's so good at) so he has to resort to writing you little poems and sonnets, coming up with a fake persona to sign off with in case anyone happens to find them

avox!coryo who truly follows you around like a lost puppy. his eyes tell you he is one, too. you're all he has left and he isn't ready to let you go.. nor will he ever be.

avox!coryo who knows his feelings are so, so wrong and beats himself up over it. he's tried to get over you so many times but he can't.

[faebriel]

brrrr rainduo hunger games au

mad shoutouts to bee, beans, daisy and cherry for hopping on the rainduo hunger games bandwagon kdhkdjd

okay so nonnie i have a bit of hunger games knowledge (have watched the first two movies with some pals in the last month, various clips on youtube, etc) so i decided to take this one to my friends in clout farm to bounce some ideas around. niki and wil as tributes? niki as a tribute and wil as an estranged old friend who won the games five years ago and then was swallowed up by the capitol? two coworkers in the world's worst subminimum wage job? then bee comes in with the sledgehammer

for everyone else who also thought oh god i need to google that: avoxes are rebels, traitors or deserters who had their tongues cut out as punishment, and are forced into servitude by the capitol.

alright so. wilbur and niki are two kids in district 12 in the midst of a potential regime change - and they're kids, around ten and fourteen each. to-be-president schlatt is shoving around president dream and it almost seems like this might be a window for change, something wilbur is so passionate about

and then that wrong person overhears, and wilbur is gone.

niki assumes that wilbur is dead. (and tries not to think about how he got taken, because of nothing more than sheer bad luck, and she didn't.) it's awful, but seven years pass and she does her best to cope with it. and then her name is called at the reaping, when she is seventeen years old.

niki has absolutely zero intention of playing along with the games - she thinks they're horrible, just another way for the capitol to terrorise the people of the districts, even if she's learned by now the consequences of actually saying that out loud. she meets her mentor, jack - a year younger than she is, district 12's only remaining victor. he came out of the coal pits at thirteen, with just enough charisma and confidence to win over the sponsors and just enough grit to outlive every other tribute in his games, despite his age.

unfortunately for jack, niki is stubborn as hell when she makes her choices, and she's chosen not to play. fuck the capitol - fuck acting as their entertainment while they burn her entire fucking world down. fuck smiling how they want her to and acting sweet. why should she? she should she, when they've ripped her away from everything she had to lose? niki can hold her own, but not like this - and if she is going to go to her death, she refuses to act pretty about it.

and then she encounters wilbur.

it's one of the dinners for the tributes - one of the early ones, right after they're paired off with their stylists (niki doesn't entirely know what to make of hbomb, who asks her what colour hair dye she'd prefer in one breath and then lays out the most cynical, how-to-get-ahead guide to the games in the second, and then exalts the benefits of a kitty ear motif in the third) but before the interviews and grading. they're eating the fanciest food niki has seen in what is probably her entire life, although it tastes like nothing more than ash in her mouth, and pouring the tributes and their mentors glasses of expensive wine - never mind that almost all the tributes are underage, because when else will they get the chance to drink, hey? niki is still silently fuming, pushing her food around her plate and refusing the sixth damn offer to refill her wine glass and she finally looks up and behind the mask he's wearing, behind the unrecognisable silence, behind seven years of thinking one of her best friends had been horribly killed (and being entirely unable to process that fact) - she sees wilbur.

she immediately asks, wilbur? - not that he responds, and now hbomb and jack are giving her weird looks as hbomb informs her it's just an avox and jack goes oh, yeah, they don't have them in the districts, but -

none of their words matter, because half of niki is solidly trapped in this space between reality and dreams and her worst nightmare - she's only able to pull her shit together once jack has dragged them all back to the district 12 tribute spaces, and gives her the whole spiel about what an avox is, and by extension, what happened to wilbur.

niki is horrified. to think she mourned for all those years, and wilbur was alive - not just alive, but mutilated and tortured at the hands of the capitol. niki didn't think she could become more furious, more enraged with them. she was wrong.

the problem now, then - if niki wants to help wilbur, actually help him, she has to play. she has to win.

(and yes, she does set the forest on fire. she has to win, after all, doesn't she?)

this post is getting so so long so i am putting some more miscellaneous thoughts about The World and more details about niki's games under the cut ⚔️

okay so dream WAS president but was overthrown by schlatt in a "peaceful transfer of power". this was around when niki and wil were 10/14 each - and naturally uprising resulted in a peacekeeper crackdown in the districts, leading to wilbur's capture and arrest :(

2. haven't really nailed down other tributes in niki's reaping (i'm already handwaving the guy from district 12. he doesn't exist to me he is stock image steve) besides uhh ranboo who niki makes brief friends/allies with and then dies horribly. i was thinking aimsey and guqqie because from what i've seen of their content they love a tragedy? but yeah idk

3. sam is the gamemaker for this arena! he was a former victor and has decided to use this knowledge in the worst way possible.

quackity is Also a gamemaker (young upstart with no experience yet in the arena or out of it) and they have terrible workplace drama. is he hooking up with the president? i will not say yea or nay.

4. rest easy in the knowledge that, as a servant to the capitol, wilbur got to see on live television the moment niki was reaped :']

5. niki does, in fact, win the games - by the skin of her teeth. while she is so full of fury at the capitol, i feel like she'd Actually kill like, one career and then feel Extremely ill about it. unfortunately, she has too much on the line to lose. this isn't just about surviving, or going home - she needs to get herself and wilbur home in one piece. she Cannot Afford To Fail.

she ends up winning by setting the arena on fire with use of a match donated by jack and some sponsors he managed to twist the arm of, plus probably some clever digging around in the arena itself to find something flammable (maybe some kind of fuel to power the arena itself?) this fire ends up killing off the remaining few tributes at that point - at least one in front of niki herself - and damages the arena too. niki, already injured before the fire started and now barely clinging onto life past her burns, doesn't even hear the sound of the cannon shots as her victory is announced - she only realises that she's won once the hovercraft descends, perfect steel against a fiery, smoke-filled artificial sky.

she can't really stand the sight of flames after that. unfortunately, fire becomes her new branding.

6. district 13 Is a thing. Eventually. can't overlook niki's beloved anarchist friends :3c

and finally:

[iamrizaka]

[warning Implied/hints of sexual violence].

Hermes is the owner of Will, Kayla and Austin.

They are one of his many domestic slaves-Avoxes.

He's not a bad host by Olympic standards.

But Apollo's children hate him much more than usual avoxes their masters.

After all, Lee Fletcher spends almost every night on his bed.

Now that I remember the blonde angel nickname for Will I get so, SO bothered. Hermes, what are you planning to do????

[idksmtms]

The Prettiest Trophy - Capitol Elite!Aegon II Targaryen x Games Winner!reader (Hunger Games AU)

Summary: You never thought you would make it out of the hunger games, but now you have another fight ahead of you. What do you do when one of the most powerful citizens of the capitol has chosen you to be his? 

Word count: 3.5k 

Trigger Warnings: 18+, she/her pronouns, AFAB reader, profanity, innuendo, Dub-con due to power imbalance, coercion too ig (???), some angst (reader talks about survivor’s guilt from the games),  p in v s*x, unprotected s*x, oral f receiving, degradation (constantly referring to lesser status of districts), objectification and ownership,  (please let me know if I missed any) 

Rating: 18+, MDNI

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood characters. I do not claim to own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood characters. I do not own any pictures used nor do I claim to do so. 

Always appreciate comments, likes, and reblogs :) 

AN: Aaaaa my first fic finally! Didn't mean to make it this long but I got a bit carried away! I hope you enjoy! (Side note: I was imagining his hair as the style in the black and white pic, just with Targaryen white, Side note 2: I def realise the references to the way Gollum talks about the ring, IT WAS ON PURPOSE)

You never thought you would leave the arena. Every second could have been your last and you still didn’t quite believe you had made it out, that you were standing outside the President’s mansion at a lavish party, dressed in silks and jewels. No one told you how to live after the games were over. It had taken you three days just to be able to get out of bed and move around again after leaving the arena. Being at this party? It felt like a betrayal to all the people who had died so you could live. You sipped from the sickly sweet drink that almost seemed to glow in the night, and looked around the garden. 

Most people had finally left you alone thankfully, though you could still see eyes turning your way, whispers and conversations pointed toward your presence in the garden. At least no one was trying to force you into a picture like some capitol celebrity anymore. 

People in the most lavish costumes customary of the capitol milled about, talking, whispering, cackling like witches in their modified bodies with their modified voices. It was a horror show. The gardens had been decorated with delicate yellow fairy lights strung up in the trees and over poles around the tables. You assumed they wanted to give it a warm and welcoming look with the yellow lighting but it only cast grotesque shadows on the building that was not only the backdrop to this party, but to all your nightmares. There were tables set up with stark white tablecloths draped over them, an area cleared away for a dance floor, and more noise coming from the entrance to the mansion. Avoxes walked around carrying trays of food and drink between their hands, heads bent low, and shame began to rise inside you. What were you doing here? Why were you forced to be here?

There was someone behind you. You didn’t know when you had become so aware of any presence, probably somewhere between fending off humans and wildlife alike in the arena, and you could distinctly feel someone behind you. A slight shadow fell over your shoulders. A small touch rustled the train of your dress. Someone cleared their throat. You turned around, hands quivering, and looked at the man smirking broadly at you. Your first thought, shamefully: was he even real? 

His hair was so blond it was white, cut short and combed back so perfectly he could be no less than an aristocrat. He wore a suit of dark grey over a black shirt, one of the less eccentrically dressed people at the party. But his shoes were lavish. Black and shinier than anything you had ever seen, embroidered with gold thread, gold jewellery dangling from the laces and gems stamped into the fabric. Surely this man was of the richest of the rich, because even in the capitol people were wont to have shoes so lavish. You stared at his shoes for a good minute, whole body frozen, when he cleared his throat once more. You looked at his eyes. You couldn’t tell if they were more blue or grey, like ice had formed over a stormy ocean. 

“And who might you be?” He asked, mouth still smiling, before he brought his glass up to his lips and took a drink while waiting for your answer. 

“You don’t know who I am?” You asked, almost taking a step back. That couldn’t be true. Viewing was mandatory, your face had been plastered across every screen in Panem for weeks, it couldn’t be true that he didn’t know you. And yet… for a moment… it felt so good not to be recognised. You were just some other girl, lost in the crowd at a party, who hadn’t gone through what you had gone through. 

“Well, I may know of you, but I don’t know you know you,” his smile had softened and he stepped closer until his elbow lightly brushed yours and you were both looking out at the party.

“I suppose that’s true,” you answered quietly, still watching his face. His skin was almost as dangerously pale as his hair, and sallow, like he was never quite in the best of health. Though you couldn’t deny the truth, he was a handsome man regardless of his slightly ragged appearance. 

“Aegon Targaryen the second,” he held out his hand, running his eyes over your face like he hadn’t gathered enough of it the first time, “and you?” 

“Y/n L/n,” you breathed out, reaching out an unsteady hand to limply shake his own. He gently clasped your fingers and brought your hand to his mouth, pressing his lips to your knuckles before releasing your hand. It was such an odd sensation, his hot breath brushing over the back of your hand, his fingertips slightly rough - but not enough to suggest any sort of manual labour - clasping the skin of your palm. Your cheeks went hot, the tips of your ears tingling, and you continued staring at this enigma. 

“How has the capitol been treating you?” He asked, chugging the rest of his drink and depositing it on the tray of an Avox as they passed by like some well-practised dance. You didn’t want to reply. “Well, I suppose you haven’t had the time to truly enjoy it. At least, not the truly fun bits anyway,” he shrugged, tilting his head and looking at you like it was a particularly amusing thing he just said. 

You couldn’t understand this at all. Who was this man? What was this interaction? What did he want with you? Why was he acting so mundane, like this was normal?! None of this was normal. 

Noticing the look on your face, Aegon chuckled and reached forward to push some hair over your shoulder. It took everything within you to hold in your shiver. 

“Ah, you must be confused about who I am! I shouldn’t have assumed you would understand the name Targaryen. We may be famous in the capitol but who knows what goes on in the districts,” you swallowed hard and nodded, trying not to flinch at the dig. “Our family works in all sorts of sectors, for example, my uncle Daemon is responsible for manufacturing arms for the state, my younger brother Aemond works under the president in some position or other - god knows he never shuts up about it - and my father currently runs the peacekeeper program. Of course I’m expected to step up to that eventually but- I won’t bore you with the details.” 

You didn’t really consider that work. You had seen the way your parents toiled in the factory every day, had seen the way every member of your family slowly became a hunchback from their work. But you weren’t going to say anything to him. 

“What does your family do?” He asked, and again you almost moved out of surprise. His face seemed so sincere as he watched you, waiting for an answer. 

“I’m from District 8, so my parents work the looms,” you answered slowly. You almost sounded condescending, like you were talking to someone who couldn’t quite understand your words, but Aegon understood it was the shock of him speaking to you. After all, it had only been a week since you had left the arena, he understood how difficult it would be to gain your confidence. It didn’t mean he wouldn’t try. And Aegon was a firm believer that flattery could get you anywhere, especially a girl’s bed. So he decided to change course. 

“Do you see that man over there?” He pointed discreetly to a spot just to your right and you shuffled back so you could look over without being noticed. You sipped from your glass as you noticed the man, an older gentleman wearing a full fursuit topped with a lion’s mane going around his head. Even his face had been painted with fur and whiskers to resemble a lion with the body of a human. You nodded to Aegon, turning away from the man. Something about that picture made you uncomfortable in a way you had never been before. “Well, rumour has it that he wears that entire get up, face paint and all mind you, every time he fucks.” You gasped, staring at Aegon with eyes so wide they started to hurt. 

“You can’t be serious,” you whispered sharply. 

“I am the most serious, dearest. Why would I lie to you?” He smirked, leaning closer once more. He draped his arm over your shoulder and you stiffened for a moment before continuing to listen to his next story. 

You were slowly beginning to relax in Aegon’s company as he continued to chatter to you. He no longer asked questions or expected you to speak, just pointed out people in the crowd and made colourful commentary that had you hiding your face in his shoulder and giggling against the fabric of his suit. He gazed at you with sparkling eyes full of mirth and shared his ever-full glass of whatever drink they were serving at the time. You couldn’t help but be charmed. Maybe, just maybe, not everyone in the capitol was as bad as they seemed. 

“D’you wanna go somewhere quieter?” He finally asked after completely relieving another stranger of their dignity. You took a moment to catch your breath and looked at him, at the sudden darkening of his eyes and the way his tongue poked out to lick his lips. He watched you like a tiger readying to pounce. You nodded without a second thought. Though he had made the party bearable, anywhere would be better than here. He smiled and reached down, sliding his fingers over your inner wrist, then your palm, then grasping your hand in his own. “Come on.” 

Aegon led you into the house and up the stairs, nodding at random people (who sometimes you could barely recognise as people), skilfully dodging attempts at conversation. Up and up the lavish stairs you went before walking down a large hallway and stopping in front of a wall. Aegon pushed at the wall and it gave way, revealing a spiral staircase in the dark that led up into an abyss. 

“Um, are you sure you know where you’re going?” You asked, pausing at the entrance to the rather dingy looking chamber. 

“There are some perks to having been at the president’s mansion practically since I was born. One of those being secret access to the roof, now come on!” He dragged you into the dark and shut the door behind him, before ushering you up the first steps. 

The staircase really wasn’t all that tall. In fact, you could see the top and light bled down from the opening. Your heels clanked against each step and you almost toppled back into Aegon more than once. Then you were at the top. Then you could see the whole Capitol. Oh it was breathtaking! The whole city, laid out before you like a miniature scene to play with. There were lights glimmering in houses and cars on the roads and life! There were signs of life everywhere. Oh you couldn’t believe it. You almost believed you could see to the very edges of Panem. 

 “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Aegon asked, and you turned to meet his eyes. Both of you had moved right to the edge of the rooftop so you could look out over the party, and he moved to stand directly behind you. You could feel his chest press into your back. The fabric of his shirt rubbed against the skin of your back and he was a solid pressure behind you, like the comfort of a wall at your back when you slept. “Hm?” He asked again, bending his head down to run his nose up your neck. You shivered, the light graze was just ticklish enough to start a spark inside of you. 

 “Yes,” you breathed out, clenching your hands on the concrete to stop yourself from leaning back into him. You didn’t know him. You didn’t really know him. You didn’t know him at all. 

 “You know,” he began slowly, hands going to your shoulders and turning you around to face him. “When I first saw you on the television, the day of the reaping, I knew you would win.” Your breath caught in your throat. Your mouth was so dry. You wished you hadn’t discarded that sweet drink so quickly. “And look at you now,” he leaned in closer, cupping your face to force your eyes to meet his, “you’re the winner, the greatest person in Panem, to come out of the districts anyway.” He gently kissed your right cheek, warm lips on plush skin, and when he pulled away the breeze cooled the hint of saliva he had left behind. “You’re the greatest treasure one could possess, you know?” He kissed your other cheek, firmer this time, like he was trying to leave the imprint of his lips on your skin. “Everyone knows the winner of the Hunger Games, and to say you own them? To parade them on your arm for everyone to see, saying you own the very concept of survival?” He seemed to groan in pleasure, and then everything was moving. 

His lips were on yours, slightly wet and forceful. His tongue was delving into your mouth, tasting like sugar, too much sugar, and you wanted to pull back because it was so overwhelming and everything he had just said and and and… and it felt so good too. It was warm, and desperate, like no one had ever been for you before. 

A hand moved into your hair and grasped the strands at the back of your head tight, pulling slightly to tilt your head back so you had to look up at him. He was almost leaning over you so your spine bent over the edge of the roof, and the skin of your back scratched against the unpainted concrete. He huffed against your mouth then pulled back, his other hand coming up to trace your mouth with his thumb. You stared into his eyes but he wasn’t looking back at you, not really anyway. He was watching his prize, the reward that no one but him deserved. 

You whimpered, a small and pathetic sound that only seemed to make his skin hotter, and he let go of your hair to begin pulling the straps of your dress down your arms. It was a heavy thing, and it felt good to finally be rid of the weight, but you were keenly aware of the cold night and the party in full swing just underneath you. If someone in the garden decided to look up, they would surely see you bent over the edge. 

“Wait-” you began to protest, but Aegon was past listening, past caring. He just shoved the dress under your breasts and down your legs, before grabbing your face and bringing your mouth to his own again. His hands travelled over your neck, then caressed your shoulders. He gently pressed the red indents the straps of the dress had left and you sighed into his mouth, leaning onto his chest. Your nipples rubbed against the fabric of his shirt and you gasped into the kiss before moving your chest slightly. The warm little tingles travelled all the way through your torso and you clung to his arms. 

Aegon kissed sloppily over your cheeks, your neck, pausing to bite into it until you grunted with pain and pushed at his shoulder. He licked all the way down to your chest, his tongue warm and wet, then the slick trail of spit suddenly cold. Your legs felt unsteady, and you leaned back against the barrier as he began mouthing at your breasts, little circles of warmth formed everywhere he kissed, and then his mouth closed over your nipple and you clenched. It was so… weird. A wet suction formed over your nipple and it seemed to make the inside of your breast spark, your stomach jolt, and the space between your thighs tingle and turn to mush. 

“Come on precious,” he mumbled against your skin, “you can be louder,” and he bit the flesh. It really was a live wire attached to your skin, so easy to spark, so easy to create a fire that spread all throughout your body. 

Aegon was quicker with the other nipple, licking over it like a dog with a bowl of water, before making his way down to the apex of your thighs. He seemed to be in a hurry with the way he dove his face between your legs. A cry left your lips, loud and shriek-like, at the overwhelming activity. His nose slipped between your lips and pressed to your clit, his tongue out and flat and lapping against the sticky slick that covered the puffy folds that hid your hole. He was ravenous, pressing his face in in in until you stood on your tiptoes and half your weight was balanced against his face. The contours of his face pressed at your hole, his nose rubbed at your clit, and he moved his face back and forth so his tongue could poke inside of you then slip back into his mouth. He began speaking into you, rumbling words you couldn’t understand over the rushing in your head. 

“Come on, cum on my face,” he huffed, grabbing your thighs and licking at your clit until it was puffy and swollen. “I wan’ you to cum on my face, give me what I want.” He pressed his tongue inside you. In. Out. He licked your clit. In. Out. He sucked it into his mouth, and your legs shook so much that you would’ve fallen onto the floor if you weren’t practically laying on the barrier already. It was a release. That’s all it could be called. Every muscle clenched then released. Even your mind felt like it had slowly been clenching and now it had been unravelled and was slowly dripping out of your skull. 

“Fuck, that’s right,” Aegon mumbled as he pulled away, standing to full height and pulling your hips against his own. His hair had fallen forward into his eyes and his mouth and nose glistened in the low light, but he didn’t seem to care one bit. He had leaned over your body again, pressing his face into your neck. The slick on his chin stuck to your skin and squished whenever he moved. He humped into you a few times, grunting and groaning, before hurriedly reaching down and fumbling with his belt and zipper. You could hear the clanking of metal, the rustle of fabric, and then something warm pressing to your thigh. 

There was no waiting with Aegon. His body simply didn’t contain the patience for it, and really why would you wait when the prize you had so long coveted lay bare before you, just ripe for the taking? A shift here, a push there, and he caught at your entrance. He finally pulled away from your neck and looked into your eyes. He caressed your cheek, and you could tell all he saw was a trophy he had just won. 

Then Aegon pressed into you, and his veins rubbed at your slick insides, pressing against your walls and sliding against your own textured flesh and you were leaning back to moan into the night sky, chest heaving. He kissed your breasts and pushed into you again, his lower stomach pressing your clit. Again, he moved into you and the sparks flashed and you clenched around him, onto him, and he moaned against your ear, hot breath fanning the shell. 

“Fuck yes, you’re my precious little thing aren’t you? Huh? You’re my special little prize?” His hips slapped against yours and the sound echoed over the roof. His mouth biting into your neck sent sparks through you. Back and forth and back and forth and back and forth and oh god it was too much! You clenched onto him and screamed into his neck, open mouth pressed to the sweaty skin. You clenched and unclenched onto him as waves passed through you, melting your flesh and your bones. It was over too soon yet it lasted too long. He pushed once more, twice more, and you could feel him quiver against you, even as you tried to push him away from the pulsing flesh of your insides. You could feel the spurts inside you, hot and gushing. You felt it trickle out of you, slide down your thighs in warm rivulets and you shuddered. 

Aegon still lay on top of you, huffing heavily into your neck. You didn’t know what to do, so you stayed still, waiting for guidance, waiting for the other shoe to fall. He slowly pushed up on his arms so his face hovered above yours, and he smiled a dazed and delirious smile. Was it always there, or had it just appeared, that insanity in his eyes? 

“Oh my precious,” he sighed, cupping your cheek, “we have so much ahead.”

[jhkfan123]

money power glory| coriolanus snow

pairing: coriolanus snow x fem!reader

in which: coriolanus, your classmate since forever, keeps eying you from across the academy ball. while you talked to him daily, in class and whatnot, the two of you were merely acquaintances. until now.

warnings: kind of stalker-y coriolanus snow, but not too bad. other than that nothing

wc: 1.7k

au: snows never lost their money,

the academy ball was the event of the year. funded by mr. strabo plinth, it was always extravagant. and this being you senior year at the academy, you weren't going to let yourself down.

you decided on a very sparkly, floor length gown, that shimmered with each movement. it included a very high slit that ended just above your thigh. you decided on strappy heels that sparkled just as much as your dress. your hair was half up half down, with a white bow securing the upper portion.

this year, you decided you weren't going to commit to a date. you had gone with different people over the years, but being free from a date allowed you to dance with anyone you wanted, and you liked that freedom.

the ball was always held at the swan house. it really had only started ten years ago when the war ended, but with the elegant decor and abundant flowers, you would have never known that a war was not far gone.

when you arrived at the ball, your driver helped you step out. there were many lights on, and you could hear the chatter and the music from outside. you weren't technically late, as there wasn't a formal start time, but you certainly weren't early.

when you walked in, you took in your surroundings. the dim lights, the slow music, the avoxes walking around with trays of hors d'oeuvres. the entryway had a coat check, and a seating arrangement chart, though no one was seated for too long. anyone at any given time was either dancing, chatting, or hooking up.

however, you made your way to your seat anyways, allowing you to put your bag down and have a place to come home too. then, you looked around for someone to talk to. eventually, you laid eyes on sejanus plinth, your classmate. you made your way over with a smile on your face. on the way there, you were offered a glass of champagne, and took it gladly.

"enjoying the party?" you snuck up on him. he looked over at you, breaking him out of his people-watching trance. you took a sip of your champagne.

"hardly. these extravagant parties shouldn't even be happening." you always noticed that sejanus had something to say.

"and why's that?" you asked.

"because out in the districts.." you rolled you eyes, he always seemed to mange to bring this up. "...they have nothing, not even flowers. and look at us, using them in our drinks as a garnish." he gestured to the drink in his hand, a flower floating atop it.

"c'mon sejanus, it's our senior year. you need to enjoy this party at least once." he scoffed. you looked at him, then out of your peripheral vision, your eyes set on a boy, staring over at you from the other wall.

you recognized him as your classmate, coriolanus snow. his head was slightly higher, and he seemed to be looking down at you. you flashed a closed mouth smile, not really sure what to do. he didn't return it, only lowered his head for a brief moment.

"maybe you're right. but being capitol is going to kill me." he replied. you looked back at him again.

"you know that you'd have a higher chance of dying in the districts, right?" you joked. you realized it may be a little insensitive. "i'm sorry."

"it's alright. don't worry. go enjoy the ball. i can see i'm being a mood killer." he said. you nodded, tapped him on his arm, and walked away.

you didn't get far before festus creed approached you. he was the certified asshole of your class. you rolled your eyes before he could even talk to you.

"need a dance partner?" he asked. he took your hand

"i'll find a different dance partner." you tugged your hand out of his grasp. "go find some girl to hookup with."

"i'll do that later. for now, as our last year, dance with me." he moved closer. " you felt bad for him, having to act like this to get any attention.

"you get one dance." he made a fist with his hand and cheered in the air. he escorted you to the dance floor. you reluctantly took his hand, and danced with him. you could tell he was really taking in the moment. this was not what you wanted to spend your time doing. you waltzed with him for a moment, constantly having to position his hand where you thought acceptable.

"i'll take her now, festus." you heard behind you. you saw festus gain a look of annoyance. he dropped you and walked away. then, you saw coriolanus snow. he took your hand, placed a hand on your back, and began to dance with you, picking up the same rhythm as you had with festus.

"hello." you said. for some reason, you weren't even half as reluctant to dance with him. must be the fact he rescued you from festus.

"i could tell he was annoying you." he commented. he was definitely right.

"thanks for rescuing me." you replied back. he raised one side of his mouth into what could almost be seen as a smirk.

"you know, i couldn't help but notice you have only spoke to men all night. trying to make something out of your last ball?" he asked.

"in my defense, two of them trapped me into conversation. you being one of them." you sarcastically replied.

"you don't want to talk to me just say the word, doll." you couldn't help but get flustered at his comment. he seemed to have a gentleman like attitude to him, which you hadn't noticed until today.

"how'd you get festus to listen to you? he listens to no one." you were genuinely curious to know how he managed to get festus away from you.

"he knows better than to not. i beat him up in 9th grade, got me a two week suspension." he responded. you were learning new things about him with each question and answer.

"i never knew that."

"there's a lot about me you don't know. but i'll tell you anything you want to know." now, he wasn't looking at you, but up around you, at your surroundings. "people are looking at us." he commented. looking past him, you noticed his statement was completely true. you could point out at least ten girls with a jealous rage on their face. you knew coryo was not very committal, but he didn't need to be. all girls wanted was one night with him.

"i wonder why. i'm pretty sure i'm the only girl in our grade you haven't slept with."

"you're wrong." he replied. "i'm not as much as a dick as you think i am." he continued. you glanced up at coryo, who was now looking down at you again. you couldn't help but get a fluttery feeling in your stomach. a feeling you hadn't got in a long time.

"i want to talk to you. and not here, outside the ballroom." he nodded at you. then he placed his hand on your back and escorted you out of the ballroom. you heard girls whisper around you, you assumed they thought you were leaving to go hook up with him. you just scoffed.

when the two of you made your way to the entryway, next to one half of the grand staircase.

"look. i've been seeing you eye me like a stalker for the past few weeks, and now you come and dance with me? what's going on?" you asked.

"i have been. less noticeably in prior years than more recently. i know that soon, we are going to university, and anything could happen there. but i've been looking at you." he noticed how creepy that sounded just as soon as you did. "i'm sorry, that sounds creepy." you nodded quickly.

"yeah, it does. look, if you just want to hook up with me just say that." you had assumed that's what he was getting at. with his current reputation, you didn't think anything more.

"no. i don't just want to hook up with you. but i won't deny the fact that your the most beautiful woman i've ever seen, and i have to say something now before it's too late." you blushed more than before. could you really believe what he was saying?

"oh, wow, thanks. y'know, you're much more of a gentleman than i thought you were." you added. he finally smiled.

"anyway, i just wanted to say something, before it was too late." he seemed defeated that you hadn't said much more. but you took a moment to think.

this was coriolanus snow. the son of one of the most famed generals in the war. coriolanus snow, the boy with the highest grades in the class, the top contender for the plinth prize. not like he needed it. this was the coriolanus snow that had just confessed everything to you. and maybe that was what you liked. you felt like you had power over him.

"coryo," you saw him melt a little at you sounding his name. you repeated. "coryo, i-" you weren't sure how to tell him you were willing to take a chance on him.

"just kiss me." was all you could get out. he made no hesitation in following your order. you saw a smile on his face. he immediately crashed his lips into yours, with an urge to make up for the years he had been admiring you. you didn't feel tense anymore, you just felt bliss. "coryo-" was all you could get out in-between the kisses.

you couldn't believe what was happening. you promised yourself you wouldn't give in to anyone tonight, but you just couldn't resist.

when he finally released you, you looked up at him. then, you were silent for a minute. you thought. clearly he wanted more than one night with you. and his family was powerful. and rich. and if you actually managed to get more than one night with coriolanus snow, you would be glorified. maybe he'd treat you right. besides, it was senior year. if there was any time to take a chance on him, it was now.

he was clearly waiting for you to say something. instead, you pulled him back into another kiss.

[thisisourlovestory]

Safe and Sound

Finnick Odair x reader soulmate AU

Summary: you are a victor from district 4. The Quarter Quell has just been announced. How will you cope with the turn of events coming your way.

Wordcount- 3.9k

Notes- okay so this has taken a lot longer than I thought it would but it’s here now finally. And I have changed my url so I’m sorry if you thought this was some random person tagging you

Chapter 6

I woke up the next morning sprawled across my bed and tangled in the sheets. I stumbled up and made my way into the dining area, only bothering to wrap a dressing gown around myself so as to not expose my arms. Unfortunately Lysander greeted me much too cheerfully the second I stepped foot in the room, with a wide grin and loud words.

“Good morning!” He trilled. “Sit, sit and eat. You have an important day ahead of you.” I slumped down into a seat and grabbed an apple, biting into the crisp red skin and sinking my teeth deep into its flesh.

“So what did you get up to with the lovely Megara last night?” He inquired as an avox served him a plate of toast piled with eggs and cheese and ham. I judged his choice in food for a moment and then almost snorted as his words registered in my mind. He certainly wasn't being subtle at all I thought as Finnick and Mags entered and seated themselves. I took another bite out of my apple and grinned.

I stepped out of the bathroom in a pair of silk pyjama shorts and a loose top. Megara was sprawled across my bed, shovelling ice cream into her mouth as fast as physically possible. She noticed me and smacked the bed.

“Sit.” I sat. “Now spill. You and Finnick flipping Odair.” I sighed.

“Pass me a cupcake. No, not that one. No, no, yes. Thanks.” I peeled the case off and bit into it, the rich chocolate and caramel spreading across my tongue. “I found out when I first got it.” I showed her my wrist and she inspected it closely. “We were, well we were friends I suppose. After I won that is. I saw his once, it was an accident. I don’t think anyone else really knows he even had one.” I took another bite of my cupcake. “We kinda stuck together for a couple of years. He helped me through the aftermath and the nightmares and everything.” She looked at me curiously.

“So what happened?”

“Annie Cresta happened. When she won everything changed. You know how the boy she went in with that year was decapitated and she lost it?”

“Everyone knows, though the Capitol tries to brush over it.” I laughed quietly.

“Well when she came back she was absolutely broken. She couldn’t function by herself. So Finnick helped her. At first I knew it was necessary, she probably would have offed herself otherwise, but the days passed to weeks and weeks to months. He had just,” I breathed, “He had just left me and gone to her.”

Megara's mouth opened in a shocked expression.

“You would’ve been fifteen?”

“Almost sixteen.”

“And he just, what, abandoned you?” I shrugged.

“Love is weird. It comes and goes at the most unexpected of times and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.” She placed a hand on her forehead.

“Okay, sorry for interrupting. Please continue.”

“The nightmares came back, I spiralled, I spent I think two months here. Doing shows, staying as far away from them as I could. I mainly talked to Effie and Haymitch.” I smiled fondly. “They were really something. Always bickering and picking at each other like an old married couple. They made me laugh a lot, the only thing I laughed at really. Then it all changed again. But that’s not relevant.” I ignored her look and powered ahead. “I stopped talking to anyone, unless I had to, I wouldn’t say a word. I sang at shows but nothing more. And that was my life I guess. Not happy, not sad. It just was.”

Megara unexpectedly leapt across the bed and engulfed me in a hug.

“I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had to go through that.” She pulled away. “I can't imagine if I met my soulmate and then had to pretend like they meant nothing to me.” I smiled back at her sadly.

“Like I said, love is weird. And why would he want me when he has her.” With that I flopped down in bed and curled up in a ball. “Goodnight.”

“We didn't do anything interesting. I ate a bit then fell asleep. I was tired.” I smiled tightly at Lysander, a glint of challenge in my eyes before my gaze slipped to my plate and I took a second bite out of my apple. It tasted like ash in my mouth. “What's on the agenda today?” With that his eyes lit up and he beamed.

“Training.”

As it turned out, training was in fact the only thing on the agenda. I walked into the room and was greeted by the sight of the majority of the other tributes already showing off. My eyes flicked around the room for a second, Finnick was already bothering Katniss, the girl looked extremely unimpressed at him showing her how to tie a knot in the rope and didn't even try to hide her disgusted expression as he pretended to hang himself. I made my own way over to the survival skills section, I immediately picked up two pieces of wood and began to rub them together to little effect. Just as I was about to give up a shadow appeared above me.

“You have to rub quicker, and lower down.” Katniss took the sticks from me and demonstrated. “See.” I nodded slowly.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.” With that she turned and made her way to one of the compartmentalised training rooms, grabbing a bow and a sheaf of arrows along the way. I watched from a distance as she put an arrow through each glowing hologram that appeared. I started as I saw one holding an axe and it immediately disintegrated, a small bolt of fear shooting through me. Were they supposed to represent us? My question was answered as another showed up holding a trident and resulted in the same fate. The closer I watched, I could see more similarities between the holograms and all the people stood watching. Johanna and Finnick were obvious, two appearing next to each other and reacting in sync, Cashmere and Gloss, one with long, sharp nails that none of the others had, Enobaria. A really burly one, Brutus and a couple of spindly ones, the morphlings.

Bile rose in my throat as Katniss annihilated them all. Then just as everyone thought the simulation had ended, a final hologram appeared. Smaller and thinner than all the others and it threw a golden blaze at her which she ducked and suddenly an arrow was lodged in it and it dissolved like all the others. It was clear that it was supposed to be. All the movements of the other holograms had been techniques the corresponding victors used in their games, the weapons they were most famed for using. And the Capitol had simply taken those moves and projected them into the simulation. But for me, the only moves I had back then were throwing that one knife and then my shoes. So that was what they had to use. I stayed frozen in my spot as the others stared at Katniss, contemplating looks in their eyes. I could see the cogs turning in their brains, they wanted her as their ally, who wouldn't to be honest. She was the favourite to win at the moment- perhaps also Finnick- and she would get sponsors upon sponsors. I watched her gaze pass over all of them to settle on me; I stared back at her blankly for a moment before she looked over to Peeta who stood watching her from the camouflage station, his arm covered in detailed paintings of rocks and tree bark. He smiled slightly and turned back to his work.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see a grinning Finnick.

“Quite the spectacle she's put on wouldn't you say?” He asked and I hummed in response. “She'd be a good ally.” I shrugged.

“I guess.”

“You guess?” He scoffed. “With an aim like that she could take out all of us in a matter of seconds.” My lip quirked upwards at his words. He didn't know just how true they were.

“I suppose, but if she was your ally, one wrong move and you'd be six feet under. But by all means, ally with the girl on fire; when she decides to kill you- don't say I didn't warn you.” I spun on my heel and strode away from him, my shoulder tingled where he had touched me and I felt a tug in my chest at the growing distance. It was as if the more time we spent around each other the more the- well I suppose the word that the Capitol used to describe it was a bond- the more the bond seemed to recognise us as soulmates and tried to drag us together. It was the only reasonable explanation for why he was talking to me.

I walked with my head down, stepping to the side to avoid bumping into other people. I made my way to a station where the two from district 3 had settled themselves at after struggling to light a fire and were fiddling around with wires and bolts. I sat myself down and picked up a few thin pieces of bronze metal. I twisted them together, intricately weaving them in a complicated pattern so they formed a pin of sorts. I twisted my hair up and stuck it through, the metal scraping along my scalp as I shook my head to make sure it was secure.

“The gamemakers won't be too impressed with that.” Beetee spoke quietly from beside me and I made a face.

“I don't really care. They're the ones hiding behind a forcefield.” His gaze sharpened.

“How do you know that?” I shrugged in response.

“The shimmer in the corners. Makes it look a bit like glass but they don't want us to know they're afraid of us and glass is too noticeable. Next best thing is a forcefield, I mean it uses a lot of the energy in this place. Zaps it like,” I snapped my fingers, “that, but most people won't know how to recognise it at all so they can keep up their pretences without worrying about one of us trying to murder them where they stand.”

Beetee stared at you for a second before a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

“A scholar I see.”

“Just curious.”

“Not even some adults back home would be able to tell me that.” Beetee murmured. “You've done your research.” I looked up to the gamemakers.

“Well,” I spoke softly, scratching at my wrist absently,”you never know what they'll throw at you and it's always good to be prepared.” He hummed in assent as Wiress tugged on a loose strand of my hair, babbling nonsense under her breath. I gently extracted myself from her fingers and wished them a pleasant day, a hint of sarcasm in my voice, before I left them to fiddle with their little toys.

I found myself wandering through the huge building, mindlessly gazing around. My eyes flitting over the white surfaces, shining brightly in the even whiter light from the ceilings. All of a sudden I heard voices. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion, was that Finnick and Haymitch? Talking to Plutarch Heavensbee? I listened intently, pressing myself against the wall next to the tiny crack in the door to hear better. My eyes gradually widened with each sentence that left their mouths, I couldn't believe it myself, I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't been hearing it directly from the source. They stopped talking and I ran. I sprinted down the corridors and to the lifts, frantically pressing the buttons as I entered and running out just as quickly. I didn't slow down until I slammed the door to my room shut and launched myself onto my bed, clutching a pillow so hard my knuckles started to turn white. They were planning to get Katniss out of the games and start a revolution. A revolution. My mind repeated those words for minutes, my mouth moving to spell it out in disbelief. Slowly the disbelief I felt faded into determination. They clearly hadn’t been about to tell me anything about it, I wouldn’t be included in their alliance. But I could sure as hell help.

Throughout the next couple of days, I woke up as early as possible to train without anyone watching me. I would take my ballet shoes down with me and wear them as I threw knives at the holograms, rise onto my toes and dance around them in circles until my feet were bleeding and bruised. The pain only made me work harder, if I could fight with my feet broken beneath me then I could run forever and wouldn’t feel a thing. On the last day before the games would begin I did the same as I had been. But when I had destroyed the holograms a hundred times over I didn’t stop, I dropped the daggers in my hands and closed my eyes as I spun and leapt. For the first time in years no one was watching me and I could just dance. Even on the train there had been cameras pointed at me but in the interest of not wanting anyone to get mad and try to kill them the gamemakers had left the training room cameraless. So I danced as if I was a child again and my mother was watching me from the door of the house cheering me on. And then I fell. My ankle gave out beneath me and I crashed to the floor. I landed on my side, my arms crossed to hold my head off the floor. I pushed myself up and undid my shoes; pulled them off my feet and stood up. When I fell I had accidentally pressed a button and holograms had appeared again. I reached down to grab the daggers again as they advanced towards me.

“You wanna play?” One of them threw the knife they were holding at me. It skimmed my cheek; I lifted a hand up to touch it. My fingers came away red and I laughed quietly. “Fine, I’ll play.” With that something inside me cracked and I leapt forward. I was like a hurricane as they all rushed at me and I weaved through the gaps leaving bloody footprints wherever I stepped. I rained down blow after blow on them, if holograms could bleed I would have been covered. But they couldn’t bleed and they couldn’t die, they just disintegrated into orange sparks whenever my blade hit home in their rib cages only for more to take their place. I dodged and threw and stabbed until I thought the simulation ended and I stood in the centre of the room. The air moved and in the blink of an eye I spun and struck, the last thing I saw of the hologram was the trident in it's hand. Then I heard the clapping.

I turned around quickly to see Johanna watching me. I quickly stepped outside.

“What do you want?” She grinned.

“Who knew you could fight princess. I’d actually be quite impressed if I didn’t think you’d payed for some poor Capitol bastard to teach you.” A hysterical giggle forced itself out of my throat and for a second an unreadable expression passed over her face like a cloud. I picked up my shoes by the ribbons and let them dangle by my legs as her eyes went to my feet. “Aww did standing up by herself for a moment make the princesses feet hurt?” I swallowed.

“You don’t know me Johanna Mason.” I spat. “You don’t know anything about me so do not make assumptions about things that you do not understand.” She watched me walk away, yelling after me.

“See you later princess.” I ignored her, focusing on not leaving a trail of blood back to the room.

A few hours later, after I had bandaged up my feet, I headed back down for the evaluations. The others were already there and I sat down at the end of a bench. Feeling eyes on me I looked up and locked eyes with Katniss, she stood up and made her way over to me. She sat down silently and I looked at the pin she had on her top.

“A mockingjay.” She looked up at me surprised.

“Yeah. How did you know?” I laughed.

“Some members of the Capitol have them as pets. Ones they managed to catch after the jabberjays bred with mockingbirds. They domesticated them and have them sing all day every day.” My voice turned sharp. “They don’t like being reminded of their failures so they turn them into spectacles.” My head turned as the robotic voice spoke ‘Y/N L/N report for evaluation.’ I stood up slowly and walked past Finnick who was exiting and into the training room. I was greeted by the sight of the gamemakers laughing and talking with each other, completely ignoring my presence as I made my way over to the weapons stand. One of them spared me a glance before dismissing me. They knew who I was and they didn’t think I was a threat. I took a step forward, narrowing my eyes and realised something. The force field was strong if it was concentrated, but it was only being held together by four balls that it was projected out of, one in each corner creating a screen. So it was strong at the outside but where it all met in the centre would be weaker. I grinned at my revelation and practically skipped back to the table with the knives on. I picked one up and balanced it on my finger, I quickly looked around and grabbed a long piece of rope, tying it around the handle. I twisted the end of the rope around one hand and pirouetted, as my head whipped to the front I let the knife fly through the air, right through the centre of the forcefield. It embedded itself in a piece of watermelon and then the wall. I gripped the rope harder and yanked towards me, I caught the knife and raised the dripping red fruit up to my mouth to take a bite as I curtseyed deeply, dipping my head and letting my foot slide as far behind as possible. I smiled sweetly at their horrified expressions. You can almost see the thoughts running through their heads I mused as I walked calmly out of the room, head held high.

I was waylaid by Lysander who dragged me back to the room and made Finnick and I sit until the scoring was announced hours later, I was almost falling asleep in my chair. Yawning widely and eyes drooping until the music sounded and I bolted up. The second Gloss’ photo appeared on screen with a score of 10 flashing under him my heart sank. My little outburst would probably not have gained me anything other than a low score. The rest of the careers had predicatably high scores, Brutus an 11 and Finnick the same. Lysander screeched happily at his score, patting him on the back furiously and I murmured my congratulations. Then it was my turn. My face appeared on the screen and a bright bold number 12 flashed underneath it. I spat out my water in shock and blinked rapidly as Lysander gaped at the screen. Mags patted me gently on the shoulder, giving me a small smile; Finnick leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.

“Congratulations angel.” The nickname shook me out of my trance.

“Angel?” He shrugged and gave me an easy smile.

“Yeah, you looked like an angel on the chariots and you certainly act like an angel, especially with that little girl.” His voice turned serious. “But something tells me you aren’t such an angel as everyone thinks you are.” My lip twitched and I forced it to stay in a straight line.

“Maybe you’re right.” I turned around, my back to him, his eyes searing into my skin as I whispered. “But some things cannot be determined with a passing glance.”

The next day was the day of the interviews. I was slumped in a chair, clad in a silk robe, as my prep team scoured my body. They perfected every imperfection they could find until my skin was like a blank canvas. All the while they chattered, asking me not so subtly about my evaluation score and even less subtly if I had a soulmate- thankfully they didn’t question my insistency that I covered my wrist while they ‘cleaned me up’. I ignored them for the most part until Priscilla began to waffle on about Finnick. I clenched my fists and tried to block her out, waiting for her to finish. But she wouldn't stop, she went on and on about him, his… relationships with Capitol women and then what a shame it was that he might die. My fingernails dug crescent moons into my palms until I felt pinpricks of pain and saw tiny specks of blood beading on my skin. I settled for fiddling with the robe until they left. The girls walked through the door giggling with each other as Quintus turned around to me.

“I understand how you feel.”

“What?” I asked confused.

“You have a soulmate yes?” I nodded slowly. “But he either doesn’t want you or doesn’t know about you.” I nodded again.

“The second.”

“I had a soulmate once.”

“You did?” I mumbled.

“It was about 15 years ago. I had just started working here for the games and she was a tribute.” He laughed slightly and ran his hand through his hair. “She hated me, I tried to get her to run away with me before the games could start but she wouldn’t let the kid from her district die even if it meant she lived. They only lasted 5 days in the arena.” He smiled sadly. “But those last couple of days she was alive and I got to see her were the best couple of days in my life.”

“What are you saying?” I whispered.

“Don’t waste time. Every second with the ones we love is precious.” Just as suddenly as he had begun the conversation he left the doorway, leaving me in silence.

Soon enough Megara came in, laden with bags upon bags containing god knows what. She dragged a chair over and sat down opposite me. She pulled out a teapot and two cups before setting them down on the table ignoring my incredulous look. She poured tea into the two cups added a splash of milk and sugar to one and gave me an inquisitive look. I shook my head, clearing my thoughts as I poured milk into the cup and spooned 3 teaspoons of sugar into the cup.

“So honey, how are you feeling about the interviews?”

“Honey? Aren’t you younger than me.”

“Nope,” she popped the p,” I’m 24.” I sighed.

“They can only go so badly right.” She grinned; took a sip of her tea, placed it down, stood up and walked over to a huge bag hung up on the door.

“I suppose we’ll see then.” She unzipped the bag and I gasped.

Taglist:

@nekee-lilac02 @hinata7346 @bambikitten @the-lonely-abyss @mxacegrey @m-maxie-ie @not-aya @camatchoum @maw1dk @avoxrising @meri-soni-meri-tamanna @somdreamy @thehairington86 @millzluvrs @val-writesstuff @erindiggory @reader-bookling123 @elisa20beth @maxinehufflepuffprincess @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @mystargirl-interlude @ponkaniee @missunicorn @thatonegayloser616 @livibbu @cherrsnut @honethatty12 @miserablebl00d @yourmumstoy @wonderland2425 @fairy-alix @purplelavin @user123453226780536 @littleanubis21 @abbersreads @tenshis-cake

[catindabag]

That’s it. Here are my personal Top 10 favorite TBOSAS fanfics to read on the weekends.

PS: Most of them were published even before the trailer for the upcoming movie premiered.

So here are my recommendations:

1. The Plinth Prize by Redex

This oneshot is a certified classic angsty Snowjanus/SnowPlinth fic. And honestly, this is why I support my fellow SnowPlinth shippers, cuz this story could definitely replace the last 3 chapters of TBOSAS and I wouldn’t even question it.

2. Nothing to lose by HopelessRomantikk

This oneshot is another Snowjanus/SnowPlinth fic. However, this one is quite romantically sweet as cinnamon with lots of kisses. Just play the song Say Yes to Heaven by Lana Del Rey in the background and you’re good to go.😘

3. Reflections of the Garden by madzdolin

This one is an angsty SnowBaird fic that actually gives you one of the best bittersweet endings ever. It also gave the readers a proper closure to Coryo’s relationship with both Lucy Gray and Sejanus. You might even cry a little when you read the last chapter. Just saying~.😚

4. Saving Each Other by flipflop_diva

This oneshot is one of those unique SnowBaird fics that gives the readers a good “What if” scenario to seriously think about, cuz in this AU, Coryo doesn’t escape the Arena with Sejanus. So he’s basically stuck with Lucy Gray as another “tribute,” until they both won by waiting and poisoning everybody else. And yes, Reaper was not amused.

5. You Complete Me by gaytriforce

This oneshot is another classic Snowjanus/SnowPlinth confession fic. Moreover, I really loved the simple way of how they got together. And to be honest, this short fic could replace the whole Peacekeeper arc and I wouldn’t even notice the change.

6. Pursuit Predation by evaerobics

This oneshot is that rare Snowjanus/SnowPlinth AU fic that deserves another 50 chapters. It basically gives the readers a “What if” scenario where Coryo was chosen to Mentor District two’s male Tribute, Sejanus Plinth. And yes, Sejanus kissed Coryo in front of his classmates before entering the Capitol Arena.

7. The last two loves of his life by boneslen

This one is a good bittersweet angsty SnowBaird/SnowPlinth fic. Basically, Lucy Gray was forced to become an Avox by Dr. Gaul. Sejanus is still dead. And Coryo is busy having a mental breakdown every second of the day. The newly elected President of Panem just really wants both his girlfriend and boyfriend back, ok. The Bi-panic is real with this one.

8. Roses and Nutmeg by PliaPlia

This Snowjanus/SnowPlinth oneshot features a very stressed out malnourished AF Coryo, who became quite ill because he keeps giving away his food to a very busy Tigris. Seriously, somebody give the poor cabbage boy some soup. Sejanus, call your Ma and feed your future boyfriend.

9. Feverish Dreams by Cordeliadumaurier

Let’s just agree that this long ass SnowBaird fic has the craziest story of the season. I mean, the revenge plot alone is amazing, and every single character is insane in their own way, even Lucy Gray. Moreover, everyone is just borderline obsessed with Coryo’s dead dad, Crassus Snow. Even dead Dean Casca Highbottom was freaking in love with Snow’s dead dad! So yeah, they’re all obsessed, depressed, and crazy. Everyone needs therapy, but Snow still lands on top. #Crasca4ever

10. The Sound of Snow Falling by PRES_CS_HGT

This HG/TBOSAS fic is one of my personal favorites. The plot alone is great and unique in its own way, because it features a very young and confused 5’4 and a half Coryo Snow waking up after the end of the Second Rebellion. Also, the new President, Alma Coin wants to place him inside the Arena as a Tribute for the crimes he doesn’t even remember committing. And his assigned Mentor, Katniss Everdeen hates him for some reason. And what the heck happened to Tigris?! Why is she so old?! And why does she look like a literal tiger?! Who knows, Coryo Snow.

Special Mention:

1. I’m so sorry, Coryo by HopelessRomantikk

Basically, this features Sejanus Plinth’s angsty POV in TBOSAS, and how he was secretly in love with Coryo Snow since forever. However, he still meets the same fate here.

2. The needle in the brain by Sweetlit

This TBOSAS AU fic is already wild and spicy like some Lana Del Rey album. The plot alone is great and full of mysteries. Moreover, this story’s “What if” scenario features a very desperate and depressed Coryo Snow seducing a heartbroken Dean Casca Highbottom to let him stay in the Capitol after winning the Hunger Games. And let’s just agree that if ever Crassus Snow reads this fic, he might as well burn Panem to the ground.

3. The Hanging Tree by SirFanfic

This oneshot features a regretful Coryo Snow, who decided to have a last minute change of heart and saved Sejanus from being hanged.

[snowjanuscentral]

Omg there so much potential Even sejanus reading into things that aren’t there and like thinking Coriolanus likes him more than he actually does and making a romantic move on avox corio lol

Literally I have so many thoughts about Avox!Coriolanus, I have a fic outline but i'm gonna treat you to some headcanons, i'm Not Okay about this

Setting:

(In this au, Gaul is even more psychopathic than she is in the book - she cares so deeply about the perpetual state of war, and a twisted fairness in the games, that she perceives Coriolanus' actions as unforgiveable, and effectively discards him. She can always find another star pupil to take under her wing)

Coriolanus is accused of being a traitor to the Capitol due to his aiding of Lucy Gray in the games. To preserve the sanctity of the games, Lucy Gray is pardoned, as she has been 'manipulated' by Snow's evil rebel tendencies. In reality, she takes a deal to return to District Twelve by throwing Coriolanus under the bus.

The footage of Coriolanus attempting to rescue Sejanus from the arena is heavily edited to make it appear as though Coriolanus snuck into the arena and killed Bobbin to give Lucy Gray an unfair advantage.

Sejanus' role in the arena break-in is forgiven due to Strabo making a sizeable donation to the games.

The Snow family reputation is irrevocably destroyed - thankfully, the Capitol public holds great pity for Tigris and the Grandma'am, as they appear to be such fragile and pathetic creatures.

Plot Points In My Brain That Will Not Leave Me Alone

Coriolanus is utterly broken by the whole situation. Even when he was almost destitute, he could rely on his wit, charisma, manipulations and lies to get him out of trouble. That has all been stripped away. His own selfishness and hunger has ruined everything

Mr and Mrs Plinth are offered Coriolanus by Dr Gaul, and they agree to take him, albeit for different reasons; Strabo, to teach Sejanus the lesson he still hasn't learned about the Capitol, and Mrs Plinth, to try and give Coriolanus an easier life than he would experience elsewhere. They keep this acquisition to themselves.

Coriolanus stays in a room at the end of the servants quarters. In the first week, he doesn't come out of his tiny box room. Sejanus visits him on that first night, but Coriolanus doesn't even acknowledge his presence.

There are other Avoxes in the Plinth household, of course, but they hardly interact with Coryo. He isn't obedient, he isn't anything bar borderline catatonic, and they've learned the hard way what that leads to.

Eventually Coriolanus is coaxed out into the greater Plinth residence, and Sejanus treats him nicely enough, but Coryo cannot bring himself to eat. It's too painful on his throat, the food given to him far too rich, Sejanus far too sweet. He cries.

They settle into a new normal, but Coriolanus struggles to pick up the sign language the avoxes use. Not that Sejanus would understand it. Sejanus procures a notepad and pen for Coriolanus to write out his thoughts. It is confiscated by Strabo.

Sejanus misinterprets Coriolanus' eventual acquiescence to his circumstances as comfort. He thinks Coriolanus is becoming content in his company; instead, he has allowed the overwhelm to consume him. Coriolanus feels safer in Sejanus' presence, but not safe.

Coriolanus has nightmares often, and sleeps poorly. It is late one night in Sejanus' room, and he is reading a book, Sejanus reading out the words. They are sitting next to each other, and Coriolanus tires, eventually nodding off with his head on Sejanus' shoulder.

Sejanus begins to enjoy having Coriolanus at his beck and call, just as Coriolanus becomes accustomed to following orders.

It is another late night when Sejanus' hands begin to wander. It is not something Coriolanus has anticipated. He lets it happen anyway.

(I literally have so many thoughts and feelings, I WILL WRITE THIS FIC I PROMISE!!)

[maysrinn]

are coriolanus and clemensia still friends in your au?? (just curious since you mentioned an augustus dovecote!) love your art style!!

YES THEY ARE 🤲

The Dovecote family being the closest associates to the Snows without being politically active. Our girl has best friend privileges, which means that she is quite often a guest in the presidential villa to sit with Lucy Gray and go over the latest gossip while drinking tea or wine depending on the hour of the day. Augustus of course always coming along for play dates with Rosie UwU

———

Clemensia: oh you’re gonna love this, Aurelia Decimus

Lucy Gray: oh no…

Clemensia: who accused you last month of adultery with one of the peacekeeper guards

Lucy Gray: a peacekeeper? *sips wine* classic-

Clemensia: oh yes and guess what, turns out her husband cheated on her with not one or two but three different avox servants for several months, supposedly knocking one of them up in the progress.

Lucy Gray: …o0o

Clemensia: I wrote her a condolence card

Lucy Gray: CLEMMIE NO!

Clemensia: and I’ll do it again-

________

[evita-shelby]

Peaky Blinder

Part of my hunger games au

@justrainandcoffee @call-sign-shark @peakyswritings @emotionalcadaver

I know i had a whole thing for Tommy but i ended up changing my mind rereading mockingjay and learning castor and pollux(the one who was an avox) were lower class Capitol citizens

No one truly knows where the Shelby family hailed from before the Dark Days forced them all to live in the squalor of the Capitol's crime alley.

They had been Covey, part of that colorful birdlike tribe that traveled all over Panem like their ancestors, the Romani, had done before the end of the world.

Their father had turned to crime as his father before him, and Tommy Shelby and his three brothers were forced to do the same to survive.

The Peaky Blinders rose to new heights under his leadership, and the Shelbys had become rich enough to live in country mansions and penthouses while escaping justice and their rivals, the Black Hand.

Tommy is not content with this; he works with the rebels and the government alike as he buys his way into polite society. Grace may be his wife, but even she doesn’t know he is aiming not for just Luca’s crown. He is aiming for Snow’s as well.

Too bad his rise will take all he holds dear.

[bonesandthebees]

Hi bee!!! Trick or treat 🎃🎃 Hope you had a fun Halloween :)

aaaaa hi laurel!!! my halloween was eh but I celebrated on saturday so I don't mind. I hope you had a fun halloween :))

for your treat you get a snippet of a small bit i wrote of @faebriel 's rainduo hunger games au after the two of us brainstormed the idea of wilbur as an avox and niki as a tribute. don't consider it canon or anything to his au it's just something I wrote for my own self indulgence lol

Nausea rises in the back of Niki’s throat as she looks over the three avoxes still standing with their heads bowed, as if they were closer to statues than human beings. The girl on the left doesn’t look that much older than her. In contrast, the man in the center could be her father. And then the boy on the right- Wait. No. The Avox boy on the right is tall. Taller than anyone else in the room. He’s long-limbed and lanky in a way that gives Niki a sickening sense of deja vu. Although his face is partially obscured by his bowed head, his dark, curly hair is unmistakable.  “Niki?” Eret asks, furrowing their brows. “Are you alright?” Hearing her name, the Avox boy lifts his head the tiniest bit. Brown eyes the color of damp earth meet her own, and Niki stumbles back in shock. “Niki!” Jack exclaims, reaching out to grab her arm. “What’s wrong?” Niki can’t breathe. She’s sucking air into her lungs but it’s not doing anything as she stares in horror at the corpse standing on the opposite side of the room.  Because that’s what he’s supposed to be. A corpse.  Not here. Not in the Capitol. Not silent.  Wilbur.

happy halloween!

[sleepy-gee]

crave - avox!coryo x rich!reader┊ao3 ┊masterlist

instead of being sent off as a peacekeeper as punishment for cheating, coriolanus got his tongue lopped off and was sold as an avox. your family bought him, not knowing your history, and you can't help but feel bad for him.

a/n: hhh i love this au might make a longer fic out of it,,,

word count: 1.2k

trigger warnings: little bit of angst

No one had heard a word from the boy since his tribute won the Hunger Games- He vanished just as she did. Did something happen? He wasn't there at graduation, nor was he there for the after-party. The party made sense, but the big graduation ceremony, where the announcement of who got the Plinth Prize took place? That was unheard of. To everyone's surprise, the prize money was distributed evenly between the top remaining students. How nice?

You and Coriolanus had a certain.. History. You could be seen as rivals, but there was a lot of underlying tension that said otherwise- And a certain drunken incident behind a club a year back. That was in the past, though. Neither of you mentioned it, no badly how much you wanted to.

Still, your mind couldn't help but wonder. He wouldn't miss something as big as this unless something happened..

It still felt off to you, but you brushed it off and decided to call it an early evening, already feeling tipsy from the posca you had consumed earlier. Your mansion was surprisingly bustling when you arrived home, Avox’s raising up and down the stairs. That was odd. Normally, it was only ever this busy when you had company, and you weren't aware of anyone coming over. Surprise change of plans?

“Mother?” You called out, slipping off your coat and hanging it up.

“Ah! There you are, darling.” Your mother entered the foyer, wearing her iconic bright smile. “Sorry about all of the.. Commotion.” She gestures to the tongueless servants running up and down the stairs with a hint of disgust. “We're getting your graduation present in order.”

“Aw.. Mom, you didn't have to do that.” You smile, and she pulls you into a hug.

“Nonsense, darling.” She pats your shoulder as she pulls away. “You've done so well, worked so hard.. It's the least we can do. You just go rest now. We'll take care of everything.” She kissed your cheek before dismissing you.

You wove your way between a few servants before finding yourself in your room, and you drift off to sleep nearly the second your head hit the pillow.

***

A few days later, your gift was ready. After a lush breakfast, your mother took your hand and led you to the servants quarters- Where the maids and Avox’s resided. 

“Mother? What are we doing down here?”

“You'll see.” She said in a sing-song voice, leading you down an unfamiliar hallway. The chemical-y smell in the air gave away that it must be new. She paused in front of the door and turned towards you again.

“You're starting to truly become your own person, and that's a lot to handle on your own. Yes, you have help around the house, but… You need something a bit more personal. Someone who caters to your needs and your needs only, so..” She trailed off, grabbing the door knob and pushing the door open.

“Surprise!”

Oh, what a surprise indeed.

A boy sat hunched in the corner, shackled to the wall by his ankles with his knees pulled up to his chest. The light from a window on the wall opposite of him highlighted his blond curls and sharp features. Was he more than skin and bone at this point?

You took a step closer, only to find yourself face to face with him.

Coriolanus Snow.

“.. Oh my God.”

Your breakfast threatened to reappear.

Coriolanus’ head snapped up, and you got a better look at him. Sunken eyes, hollow cheekbones, chapped lips.. What had they done to the poor boy?

You were never a big fan of him to begin with, but.. This was just wrong. You took a hesitant step forward, and the boy flinched, cowering like a wounded animal.

“I'll leave you two to talk.” Your mother said a bit too cheerfully before leaving. How was everyone so okay with this?!

You kneeled in front of Coriolanus, watching the way his jaw tensed. “.. What the hell did they do to you?”

His chapped lips parted for a moment, like he was about to say something, but they quickly closed again. Oh, right, he can't say anything. The boy would live the rest of his life in silence.

You swallowed down the bile rising in your throat, turning your attention to the shackles around his ankles. The cuffs were far too tight and restrictive, leaving bright blue and purple splotches against his pale skin. There were a few marks around his wrists, implying further restriction, but they must've been removed earlier.

"Those look bad.” You muttered, reaching out to touch one of the bruises without even thinking about it. Coriolanus yanked his arm away from you, eyes narrowed in annoyance. “Sorry..”

You backed a step up before looking around in search of something to free hum. Nothing. Damn it. Your gaze traveled back to the blond. “.. I bet you're hungry, huh?”

He nodded after a moment, Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed awkwardly. Was it always that prominent? “How does some broth sound?”

A flash of life returned to his eyes for a second, extinguished by the reality of the situation. It nearly made your heart flutter.

You smiled softly. “Yeah? Alright.. Just give me a moment..”

***

You returned around 10-15 minutes later with your very own ‘Avox-Care-Kit’, complete with water, broth, a blanket, and general first aid. You still couldn't find the damn keys to his shackles. 

Coriolanus almost looked relieved when you stepped back into the room, looking up at you like a puppy begging for food. How adorable.. Almost. It's a sick thought, but when he couldn't speak, he was almost bearable.

You draped the knitted blanket around his shoulders before setting the bowl of broth and water down in front of him. “I don't know how you are with solids yet.. We'll start small.”

Coriolanus mouthed a small ‘thank you’ before picking up the bowl with shaky hands and taking a sip. You watched as he swallowed, his face shifting into an expression of discomfort. He'd have to relearn how to eat.

The discomfort seemed to be somewhat tolerable as he downed the entire thing fairly quickly. The boy had never been that buff to begin with, but you'd certainly remember if he was this thin.

“.. So, uhm.. Can I ask you something? Or at least try?” Coriolanus nodded, looking puzzled. “Uhm.. Okay, how about..” You pulled out a sketchpad and pencil from your care-kit. Good idea, right? Until you found another way. You handed it to him.

“Okay.. What the hell did you do to end up as an Avox?” He cringed at the question, picking up the pencil and staring down at it in disdain before writing a sloppy answer and passing it back to you-

“Cheated. Don't ask.”

“Cheated..” You clicked your tongue. “Ah. Guess Highbottom wasn't kidding when he said cheaters wouldn't have a future, huh?” You joked. Coriolanus shot you a glare. Clearly, he didn't appreciate that. “.. Sorry.”

You cleared your throat awkwardly before standing back up. “I should probably go, uhm.. I have homework, and you need to rest.”

Coriolanus’ eyes widened a little, his brows creased with displeasure. He looked upset to see you go. In what world did Coriolanus Snow want you to stay by his side? The boy despised you.

Then again, this wasn't the same boy from the Academy. That playfully sinister glint in his eye was gone. This.. Was Coriolanus in his most vulnerable state. One where he couldn't say no. One where he had to listen. The tables had turned, for once.

Maybe you'd have to take advantage of that in the future.

[faebriel]

Re: that hgs au, I feel like Wilbur has lots of traits that the Capitol would be fairly interested in him over (obviously he’s a natural leader/charismatic person) but it’s also the question of would they dislike or like me more because of that??

Despite that I am so excited to hear what you guys have. Done to this

(this ask is from before the big au megapost with all the screenshots and stuff!! that one is in the hunger games au tag)

yeah!! wilbur i think is one of those characters where if he was on the capitol's side, he would be an absolute weapon - he's clever, he's charismatic. he builds narratives and people believe them. but if he's not on the capitol's side, he'd be a fucking nightmare.

wilbur has a weird relationship with ambition. depending on where he lives, i could see that intersecting kind of weirdly with the capitol, depending on his upbringing - but as district 12 with his friends and his brother, well. no one is going to be able to drag him away from championing the underdog now. and that is how he becomes a threat

[iamrizaka]

How many titan side demigods survive the hunger games? Do you think the gods accept more than one winner? I can't imagine that there's a lot of them. And there are a lot of gods interested in the winning demigods.

I like to think that there've been seven games in total, from each game one winner.

Right now we know about Lee, Alabaster and Ethan. I haven't thought about other winners, but they are here too.

[rubyreduji]

eat your young | the after pt 1

tags: hunger games!au, fake dating, angst, fluff

warnings: mentions of weight loss, limb loss, mentions of death and slight gore, survior's guilt, ptsd, they're being idiots again [pls tell me if i missed anything]

wc: 6.5k

an: FINALLY IM BACK BAYBEE HEHE ahh okay getting in the after stuff hehe wooo

m.list

When Jihoon wakes up, he’s surrounded by pure white. It hurts his eyes.

The room consists of four large walls, a bed, and no doors. Jihoon looks around confused.

He glances down at his body. He’s hooked up to a few tubes and machines but other than that he’s completely naked under the blankets. His skin is clean any dirt or blood and all of his minor imperfections have been healed. He would almost believe the whole game a bad dream if it wasn’t for the large healing scar over his stomach.

The last thing he remembers is being put in the hovercraft and being separated from you. He screamed and screamed as they took you away and suddenly he was being injected with something and passing out.

Jihoon jumps a bit when part of the wall opens up and an Avox walks in. He keeps his head down as he places a tray on Jihoon’s lap and puts Jihoon’s bed in a sitting position. Jihoon wants to question him about everything, but he keeps his mouth shut. The boy leaves and Jihoon stares down at the food in his lap.

It’s not much food. The sponsors honestly have you and him better meals in the arena, but he’s sure it’s another trick of the Capitol for some reason or other. He eats what was given to him before sitting back again.

Finally with a peace of mind he starts to think and it makes his stomach turn.

God, are you even alive?

Both of your legs were damaged and you were barely hanging on when the hovercraft came to pick you two up. There’s no way the Capitol would let you die after proclaiming you a victor. They would resuscitate you a million times before they would tell the country you died after leaving the arena. At least Jihoon hopes.

That’s how Jihoon’s next few days go. He sleeps, he eats, and he thinks. He thinks about you and going home and how things will go after he leaves this room.

Then finally the day comes when Jihoon is released from his bed. Sitting at the edge of his bed is a completely clean set of the arena uniform. Jihoon glares at it in disdain but still puts it on so he isn’t naked anymore. As he’s getting dressed, he notices the large scar on his stomach has already almost faded.

Right, Capitol technology. He has to be perfect now that he’s a victor.

The clothes burn against Jihoon’s skin and he’s already itching to get out of it when the door to his room opens. When Jihoon steps out of his room he’s greeted with a large empty hallway. Are you going to be stepping out of your room as well?

“Y/N?”

“Jihoon!” Jihoon turns at his voice, hoping to see you, but instead he’s greeted by Jennie, Junhui, and Soonyoung standing in a chamber at the end of the hall. It’s not you, but the sight still makes him take off in a mad dash.

“Jihoonie!” Jihoon launches himself into Soonyoung’s arms and he clings to the older boy as Soonyoung cries into his hair, petting the back of his head. “You did it Hoonie. I knew you could.” It takes another minute or two before the pair of best friends let each other go. Jihoon gives a small hug to Junhui and even allows Jennie to pat his back.

“Wh-where’s Y/N? They’re okay right? I-”

“The Capitol wants a live reunion at the ceremony,” Jennie tells you and Jihoon finally feels like he can breathe properly for the first time since waking up. You’re okay. You and Jihoon are both alive and okay and going home, together.

“Junhui is going to get you ready, but we’ll see you later, okay?” Soonyoung says and Jihoon nods. Soonyoung squeezes his shoulder one last time before Junhui leads Jihoon away.

Jihoon is swept into a whirlwind of being bombarded by his prep team and then being bed and then being thrown into the fitting room with Junhui.

Jihoon is stripped down to just his underwear and he stares at himself in the mirror. He’s gotten skinny. Skinnier than he already was. His face has lost some of his baby fat, but that’s only due to not eating enough. His hair is longer than when he went into the arena and his skin is tanner too.

Junhui comes whisking into the room, holding a dusty green shirt and a pair of brown pants. Like a tree. Jihoon doesn’t care that much though, he’s too focused on seeing you in just a couple hours.

“Jihoon-ah,” Junhui whispers as he puts the finishing touches on the outfit. His lips are right by Jihoon’s ear. “Remember to stay safe.”

The words puzzle Jihoon for a second. Stay safe? He just got out of all of the danger.

It isn’t until he’s walking with Junhui to the stage when he realizes what his stylist really means. He just tried to kill himself in front of the whole country. The President cannot be happy with you or Jihoon. You two may have won the games, but that doesn’t mean you two aren’t still playing.

Jihoon waits anxiously under the stage alone, his team already having rose to the stage for their introductions. There’s a wall splitting the underneath area in half and Jihoon assumes you’re on the other side. He has half the mind to break the wall down right now just to see you.

Jihoon doesn’t have to though because suddenly his plate is rising up on to the stage. It reminds Jihoon of the plates rising into the arena. He guesses it’s not that different.

The crowd is deafening as they roar for you and Jihoon. Jihoon looks to the side and there you are, right in his line of sight.

You look different. Your skin is clean and your hair is styled and you don’t look like you’re five seconds away from death for once. You look beautiful, but you don’t look like you. Even back home it was rare for you skin to not have some kind of dirt on it from working in the woods all day and all of your hard earned scars have been erased from your body and it makes Jihoon a bit mad.

Jihoon can’t focus on those thoughts though because you’re looking over at him and your eyes meet with his and both you and Jihoon move at the same time and it doesn’t take more than a second for you two to be in each other’s arms.

Your lips find Jihoon’s easily and the world around him falls away. Your fingers dig into Jihoon’s checks as you hold him against you like if you let go, he’ll disappear. Not that Jihoon has any plans of doing that. It isn’t until Boo Seungkwan clears his throat and all but pries you two apart that Jihoon remembers what’s happening around him.

Seungkwan ushers you and Jihoon over to the loveseat set out for you two. Jihoon gets a good look at you now. Your outfit is also glaringly plain, but Jihoon supposes that’s not a bad thing in a situation like this. Paired with your outfit is a silver stick that Jihoon can recognize as a walking stick. No matter how amazing Capitol technology is, they still couldn’t fully fix your leg.

You sit down first, but once Jihoon sits you don’t hesitate to cuddle into his side. It’s comfortable and familiar after spending three weeks curled into each other’s sides. Jihoon feels himself relax, just a bit, at your touch. Just knowing you’re here with Jihoon makes him feel worlds better than if you weren’t.

Seungkwan makes a few comments before the stage lights go dark and a screen lights up. The three hour recap video starts up and Jihoon’s hand finds yours.

Periodically he can feel you tense up and he squeezes your hand. You do the same for him. Grounding each other, just like you did that first day on the chariot.

The story line being told this year focuses heavily on you and Jihoon’s romance. Jihoon doesn’t know how he feels about having to watch multiple clips of you and him cuddling and holding hands and even kissing with the full five minute clip of your first clip being played. Jihoon cringes through the whole thing.

Despite the focus on the romance, it doesn’t take away from the clips being shown of all of the deaths. It’s sick and seeing it on the screen makes Jihoon’s stomach turn.

The Capitol must think they’re funny because they even devote a chunk of time to highlight the relationship between you and Hansol. Jihoon feels your tears drip onto his arm and all he can do is squeeze your hand tighter.

At some point Jihoon finds himself not watching the video anymore, just staring at you. He wants to comfort you, but he can’t, not here, not now. He just opts to pull you closer into him.

The video ends with the clip of Jihoon just being put onto the hovercraft, screaming about you being taken from him.

After the video ends you and Jihoon both rise to greet the President who presents you both with the crown. There’s a sinister look on his face and it leaves a bad taste in Jihoon’s mouth. Jihoon can tell you sense it too by the way you don’t let up your grip on his hand.

The banquet ensues afterwards and it’s a blur to Jihoon the whole time. The only thing he can remember even happening is your arms around each other the whole time. Finally, when the sun is just starting to appear, you guys are allowed to go back to your floor in the Training Center.

Jihoon is exhausted but he knows he’ll have to be up soon to do the post games interview. Jihoon stumbles into his room and falls onto his bed. He frowns. It’s too big and it’s too cold without you.

When Jihoon gets up to go and find you though, his door is locked. It shouldn’t surprise him as much as it does. The Capitol controls everything, including this. Jihoon sighs and moves back to his bed as he lays down. It seems like he’s not going to be getting any sleep at all tonight.

Junhui comes and gets him to get ready for the interview. This time he puts Jihoon in a beautiful blue suit that fits him like a glove. When Jihoon looks in the mirror he doesn’t think he’s ever looked so regal before.

Jihoon is brought to the room where the interview is taking place. He’s arrived before you and Boo Seungkwan is sitting in a seat. He stands when he sees Jihoon enter.

“Lee Jihoon! Great to see you again.” He shakes Jihoon’s hand eagerly and Jihoon nods politely. Thankfully you walk in right then so Jihoon can remove himself from the awkward interaction.

Jihoon’s breath is taken away when he sees you. You look stunning. You’re in a sleek, silver outfit that Jihoon can’t describe as anything over than “sharp”. It takes him only a few seconds to realize it’s modelled after the blade of an axe. Your cane is still in your hand and when you move your hem lifts a bit to reveal shiny metal under the fabric.

Your leg has been replaced with a new one. A prosthetic.

The idea makes Jihoon’s mouth go dry. They couldn’t save your leg at all.

Jihoon can’t say anything to you though as the cameras are counting down to start rolling and you get cozy next to Jihoon on the love seat.

“Hello Panem!” Seungkwan says when the cameras start. “Welcome to our Post Hunger Games Interview with this year’s winners, Lee Jihoon and L/N Y/N, from District 7.” Jihoon waves awkwardly at the camera and you do the same. “Well, first thing to address, you two look lovely. The amazing work of Xu Minghao and Wen Junhui! Care to tell us more about it?”

“Ever since I was born I’ve been using an axe, and it’s one of the fundamental things that got me through the arena, so today Minghao wanted to honor that,” you say. “It shows that I’m more than just someone who uses an axe. The axe is an extension of my person as whole.”

“Well, that’s beautiful. Minghao did an amazing job at conveying that. And you Jihoon, tell us about this look.”

Jihoon’s mouth opens but he doesn’t have any words come out. What does he even say?

“He’s a songbird,” you say.

Oh. Jihoon didn’t know that. He guesses the blue color makes sense now.

Jihoon can work with this. “In the same way that swinging an axe is so fundamental to Y/N as a person, that’s me with singing.”

“Ah yeah, a songbird, I can see that now. Songbird, that’s what Y/N calls you, is it not?”

“It is,” Jihoon confirms.

“That is quite adorable. Tell us more about you two and your love story. You told us that you two were only dating for a short while before going into the arena, but it seems your bond has grown even more since then with even experiencing your first kiss while in the games.”

The romance. The thing that drove the whole games this year, including the joint win. It’s crucial you two don’t mess this up.

“I think I’ve been secretly in love with Jihoon ever since I first heard him sing,” you tell Seungkwan. “It was during a choir performance the school was putting on and Jihoon has a solo and I never really noticed him before, but in that moment, he grabbed my attention and never let it go. It’s the most beautiful thing you could hear in the world.”

Jihoon stares at you. Is that true? It sounds too real to be fake, but you’ve proven before you’re good at thinking on the spot.

“I didn’t actually admit my feelings for him until he approached me though, I think I was too scared to confirm I had feelings for him incase he didn’t like me back.”

“Y/N is kind of a celebrity in District 7,” Jihoon jumps in and you scoff and shove him a bit. “Everyone knows them and they are very well loved. I was always a bit afraid of approaching them, so when I finally did, I wasn’t expecting them to respond so positively. I think our fate was sealed then.” You lean in and press a kiss to Jihoon’s temple.

“My, my, you two are cute. What is the plan for you two now that you’ve both been named victors. I know Y/N, you didn’t have plans on winning so what does the future hold for you?”

“I think I’m going to spend my time loving Jihoon.” You squeeze his hand. “We have so much time now.”

“I’m taking Y/N and putting them somewhere safe,” Jihoon says, and he means it. “No more injuries anymore. You’ve had enough for one lifetime.”

“Oh, that’s right. You’re sporting a new leg these days aren’t you Y/N?” Seungkwan asks like it’s been months since you got your leg and not a couple days ago.

“Yes I am. It’s been taking me a while to get used to, but the Capitol is a remarkable place that can do remarkable things,” you say and Jihoon just knows you’re trying not to throw up in your mouth.

“Now, I have to ask. You two were very emotional at the end. Jihoon, what was going through your mind?”

Fuck. Jihoon was hoping to avoid this topic, but of course they can’t. Jihoon has to put on the show of a lifetime if he wants to save your asses.

“I was thinking that I can’t live without them. We promised each other that we would leave together, and I couldn’t bear the thought of doing anything but that. In the arena I realized that I’m in love with them, and they mean the world to me. It was such an emotional moment that my only thought was that I need them, and if I couldn’t have them, there was no reason to live.”

The words flow easily for Jihoon, as there’s a hidden truth to each of them. He really wasn’t thinking in that moment. He didn’t expect them to announce them both as winners, he just knew he couldn’t leave without you.

Boo Seungkwan coos at Jihoon’s word and he signs off the broadcast, but not before it catches Jihoon pressing a kiss to your lips. When it’s all over you and Jihoon both take a breath and say goodbye to Seungkwan before being escorted back to your rooms. The interview brings the whole month of the games to an end. You and Jihoon can go home now.

“Y/N?” You look up to see Soonyoung standing in the doorway of your compartment on the train. The train took off just a little bit ago and you’ve just finished changing out of your Capitol garb and into something more comfortable.

“Soonyoung?”

Soonyoung steps further into the room. He walks all the way up to you and pulls you into a hug. You allow him to, burying your face into his neck. The hug is the second most comforting thing you’ve felt in the past month (the first being Jihoon’s hand presses against yours).

When he pulls away you want to pull him back in, but refrain from doing so.

“Thank you,” Soonyoung whispers.

You chuckle. “I think Jihoon saved me more times than I saved him.”

“He wouldn’t have been alive to save you if you didn’t have him first. I’m not talking about Jihoon though. Thank you for staying alive yourself.”

“Oh.” That’s not what you were expecting.

You don’t know how else to respond so you just follow Soonyoung into the dining room for dinner. Jihoon is sitting there and you slide into your spot next to him. You two may have developed some separation anxiety, but it doesn’t bother you at all. You like knowing Jihoon is close to you and safe.

That’s why you don’t bat an eye when Jihoon follows you back to your room after dinner. You’re actually glad he does. You know it’s going to be difficult to fall asleep at night without him by your side, but soon you two will be moving into your own houses in Victor’s Village and will sleep in separate beds. That’s why you want to make the most of it while you can still sleep tangled up together.

You and Jihoon both seem to breathe easier now that you two can finally lay down and rest, out of the public eye.

Your eyelids feel heavy as you sink further into the bed. It’s been a long month and all you want to do is go home and see your family and be left alone. You know it won’t be that easy, but you can at least dream.

It doesn’t take long for Jihoon to fall asleep in your embrace and you pet his hair lightly. What’s going to happen between you two? You two haven’t talked about it yet and you’re not sure what’s the best way to approach it.

Once you get back to District 7 you two can cut back on some of the obvious affection, but you’ll still have to keep up with it a bit due to the Capitol’s watchful eye. That’s not the issue though. The issue is that you don’t want it to end.

You don’t know how Jihoon feels though, and that’s the scariest part. Was this all an act for him? Does he actually like you back? Should you ask him out?

You feel ridiculous worrying over this. You just survived the Hunger Games and the Capitol is going to do everything in it’s power to get it’s revenge for what you and Jihoon pulled, but your mind is only plagued with your thoughts of Jihoon.

You’re still awake, pondering all the questions in your mind, when Jihoon starts to thrash in his sleep. He’s muttering something unintelligible. You’re not sure what to do. You’re still confused on what to do when Jihoon wakes with a gasp.

“Ji?”

Jihoon sits up and looks around wildly, his chest heaving. It isn’t until he lays his eyes on you that he finally relaxes a bit, but it’s clear he’s still shaken up.

“S-sorry,” he mutters, laying back down on the bed. His hands find your body under the sheets and he pulls you closer to him. You allow him to bury his face on your chest.

“Hey, it’s okay. Are you okay?”

“Just a nightmare,” Jihoon mutters. “About losing you. I’m okay now, though. Now that I know you’re safe.” Jihoon picks his head up so he can look at your face.

You haven’t slept since you were in the recovery room where they knocked you out to go to sleep, so you haven’t had to experience any nightmares yet. You’re scared that they’ll start once you finally do go to sleep.

“I’m safe, we’re safe,” you tell him. You cup his face and rub your thumb over his cheek.

“Did I wake you up?”

“Uh, no. I wasn’t asleep,” you admit. You want to bring up why you weren’t asleep, you want to ask him about you two, but you don’t. The words close up in your throat and you can’t get them out.

Jihoon doesn’t say anything else. He just cuddles back up to you and you two lay there, holding each other, clinging on to whatever this is between you two. You don’t sleep that night. Maybe that’s a good thing.

When the train pulls into the District 7 train station the next day, it’s packed. You expected a good turn out, but nothing like this. Especially when District 7 just had a winner two years ago with Soonyoung. You guess this is quite literally a once in a lifetime situation.

Peacekeepers stand on the sidelines, ready to take control of the situation if they see fit. The crowd is packed together and everyone starts to cheer when the train doors slide open to reveal you and Jihoon standing there.

You were clinging to Jihoon’s arm, but you let go and stumble towards the three familiar figures as soon as you set your eyes on them. You fall into your dad’s arms, tears already streaming down your face as he scoops you up. When he lets you go you pull your sister in a hug, kissing her forehead as you do. She’s crying as well. It takes her longer to let you go but when she does you turn to the final person waiting to greet you.

“Shua,” you sob out as he pulls you close. Your fingers grip the back of his shirt in your hands and you cry into his shoulder. His hug is fierce and you want to meld your body to his forever but you eventually have to let go.

Before Joshua pulls away totally, he leans in to whisper in your ear, “You better tell me all about Lee Jihoon later.” You choke a bit but nod.

Speaking of, you search the crowd for where Jihoon went. You catch sight of him on the other side of the train platform, talking to his parents and Beomju. Jihoon looks over at you right at that moment and you shoot him a smile and he smiles back, his eyes softening.

You take a moment to just stare at him. A month ago you two stood on the stage of the Justice Building, shaking hands, ready for one or both of you to die. Jihoon looked different back then. His hair has grown out and his skin has gotten more hardened. Rather than the soft, doughy boy he used to be, he’s now tanned and starting to grow some muscle. You remember the intimidated look he gave you when you two shook hands, and now he stands a few feet in front of you, with soft eyes and a fond smile.

You want him to smile at you like that all the time.

Before you can stare at Jihoon anymore, you’re being bombarded by the masses; people talking to you, cameras shoved in your face, people crying. The rest of the day goes by in a blur and you’re not able to fully recuperate until you’re resting on the couch in your (new) living room.

The week spent between your victory and your home coming, your father and sister moved all of your family’s (very little) belongings into your new house in Victory Village. Your house is right next to Jihoon’s, but you’ve yet to see the boy since the train platform.

The new house is…nice. It’s big. It almost reminds you of the Capitol, but it has a homey District 7 feel to it. It’s strange to have multiple rooms to inhabit. You are used to being in close proximity to your father and sister, but now you can all sit in your own rooms and do your own things.

Right now, you’re not alone though, because Joshua sits across from you, on a separate couch. You don’t know what kind of house needs more than one couch, but you guess that’s how rich people live.

“You look…thinner,” Joshua says. His eyebrows are furrowed as his eyes trail up your figure.

You snort. “I mean, I definitely wasn’t gaining weight in the arena.”

“No…I guess not,” Joshua mutters. You can tell he doesn’t know what to say to you. You’re not sure you would know what to say if the roles were reversed, so you don’t blame him.

You decide to put him out of his misery and start a conversation. “So…Jihoon.”

Joshua perks up a bit at this. “Right. You weren’t going to tell me that your little crush is now your boyfriend?”

“Oh please,” you laugh a bit, ignoring Joshua’s dig about your previous maybe-crush on Jihoon. “I would have told you if I knew.”

“So I’m guess that was all Jihoon’s idea?”

“Yes. A very smart one though.”

“The people love you. I bet it won some Jihoon some brownie points around here too.” You cock your head at Joshua, a bit confused at his words. “The town outcast now in love with the town heartthrob? The people around here love you, if you think Jihoon is fit enough to dating, they’ll respect him as well.”

You…never really thought of that. Huh.

“So, what now? Do you two have to keep fake dating or is there some big public break up planned?” Joshua asks. That’s…also something you haven’t thought about.

You don’t want to break up with Jihoon though. You don’t want to keep faking it either. What you want is the real thing. You want to call Jihoon yours. You’ve yet to tell anyone that though. You suppose now is your best chance though.

You stare at your best friend staring at you expectantly and you take a deep breath.

“I think I love him,” you tell Joshua.

“Oh?” One thing about you and Joshua is that he has always been able to tell when you’re lying or telling the truth, even without you having to tell him. He has to know you’re not lying right now.

“I know, it’s crazy, but…there’s just something about him that makes him perfect to me. For me.”

“Aren’t you scared?” Always.

“Of what?” Is what you say instead.

“That this is just some kind of trauma bonding thing. You two just went through a very physically and emotionally demanding situation and you were all each other had for a month. Are you sure you’re not just trying to hold on to something that was once comforting to you?”

Josh’s words hurt more than you expect them to. “No, no, it’s not like that. Being with him is a whole different thing in itself. C’mon Josh, you know I’ve always been a bit…infatuated with him.” You hate using that word, but that’s how Joshua would always describe it when he caught you staring at Jihoon for prolonged periods.

“I know, I just, I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“I won’t, I promise. I can handle my own.”

“Oh, of course, I don’t worry about that. That I know,” Joshua chuckles a bit. “I just don’t want you suffering anymore than you already have. You’re my best friend and I want to protect you. You’ve fought so hard and-” Joshua chokes on his own words, and you can finally see the hurt on his face. His eyes are starting to water and he has to look away so he can wipe his tears.

You knew this had to of been hard on Joshua, but you don’t think you ever realized the actual emotional turmoil he must have gone through. You two are best friends, closer to each other than anyone else. Of course watching you fight to live everyday must have been hard, especially when you declared you weren’t going to make it to the end anyway.

Without saying more you stand up and move across the room to sit down next to Joshua, pulling him into your arms. You’ve never been one to show too much physical affection to your loved ones, but maybe spending so much time holding Jihoon has changed your opinion on it.

“I missed you so much,” Joshua sobs into your shoulder. “And I was so scared. I know you’re all big and strong, but you’re still my best friend and I wanted nothing more than to just through the screen and come and save you. To put myself in your place.”

“Shua…”

“I don’t know what I would have done if I lost you. I can’t even explain how much you mean to me and if you didn’t come home? I don’t think I would have been able to take it.” The pain in his voice stabs knives into his heart and you hug Joshua harder, burying your face in his hair.

“I’m sorry,” you mutter. “I’m so fucking sorry. I thought of you every day. Every damn day, you were on my mind. I promise I won’t ever leave again.”

“Good, because I won’t let you go,” Joshua tells you.

You don’t know how long you and Joshua spend there, holding each other on the couch, but you don’t really care, just happy to be back in the safety of your best friend’s comfort.

The next time Jihoon sees you after being whisked away at the train platform is later that night, at the district wide celebration of your home coming. It’s not much, just a small potluck and some drinks, but Jihoon appreciates the effort nonetheless.

When Jihoon sees you you’re dressed in a pair of work boots, nice slacks, and a plain long sleeve shirt. You look a lot more like the old you. You make eye contact with Jihoon and your face softens. Jihoon meets you halfway and you’re quick to slip your hand into his. The gesture is familiar and Jihoon squeezes your hand tight.

“Hey neighbor,” you say teasingly and Jihoon chuckles slightly.

“You’re demoting me from boyfriend to neighbor?” Jihoon asks, without much thinking. Neither of you have really talked about your situation, aka the fake(?) dating. Maybe it’s because if you two don’t talk about it, it won’t have to end.

“You can’t be both?” You ask him with a grin and Jihoon flushes.

“I- have you ate yet?” Jihoon changes the subject and you shake your head.

“I just got here a couple minutes ago. You?”

Jihoon also shakes his head and you two head over to where a large display of foods has been laid out by various district citizens. You and Jihoon both grab some food and move to sit a table that’s been set out as well.

Several people fill up the town square, mingling and enjoying the happy energy of the day. A large bonfire has been started and Jihoon can see your dad helping tend to it. Jihoon doesn’t know much about your family, other than the passing of your mother and the fact that your father works as a lumberjack like you. Jihoon pulls his eyes away to look at you, only to find you already staring at him.

“Are you settling into your new house, okay?” He asks you.

You nod. “Yes. It’s nice, just very large. I didn’t know that a house could have that many rooms, at least not in the districts. I’m sure that my sister will find a way to decorate it nicely for us, though.”

The rest of the night is spent the same, glued to your side. At some point you and Jihoon get up and mingle with everyone, and you even introduce Jihoon to your father. The man is intimidating, just like you, as he sizes Jihoon up and down. It isn’t until you smack your father with your cane that he breaks and a smile spreads on his face. He thanks Jihoon for taking care of you in the arena before ruffling your hair and turning to go back to tending the fire. You roll your eyes but there’s a soft grin on your face as well.

When the night ends you and Jihoon walk back to Victor’s Village together, hands still clamped together between you two. You two stop outside of your house and Jihoon realizes he doesn’t want to let you go. He has to though, so he release your hand, but not before pressing a kiss to it.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, right?” You ask Jihoon and he’s surprised for a moment before nodding.

“Of course.”

The smile that spreads across your lips makes Jihoon heart warm and it makes him feel better about letting you enter your house. He makes the (short) trip over to his own house and walks in. His parents are already in bed as he climbs the stairs to his new room.

His motions are slow as he gets ready for bed, not ready to lay down and close his eyes. He tries to not think about the horrors that wait for him in the dark. He can feel his eyes start to droop from tiredness though and he submits to his body, finally climbing into bed. He doesn’t turn the lights off though, opting to sleep with the lights on instead.

He lays in bed and stares at the ceiling until he can’t hold his eyes open any longer, finally slipping into sleep.

“Jihoon! Jihoon!” The scream is piercing as Jihoon whips his body around, searching and searching. Plants whip at his body as he runs through the jungle, trying to find you. Your screaming continues, hurting Jihoon’s ears and heart.

No matter how far he runs, he can’t find you. Your voice sounds so close though. Where are you? Jihoon keeps running, trying so desperately to find you. It isn’t until the screaming stops that Jihoon stops running as well. No, no, why did the screaming stop.

He stumbles a few more steps until he feels his foot hit something. When he looks down, he nearly throws up. Laying at his feet is your body. Your eyes stare up at him, but there’s not life left in them. Your whole body is mangled, blood and broken and ripped apart.

“N-no, please, no,” Jihoon mutters. His throat is closing up and he can’t scream despite wanting to. “Y/N…no.”

He falls to the ground, his hands shaking as he reaches out to touch your face.

“You couldn’t save them.” The voice makes Jihoon’s head whip up. He blinks as he stares at the figure of Hansol. Sweet little Hansol with his round baby face and tears in his eyes. “You let them die! Just like you let everyone else die. Just like you’re going to let me die.”

“N-no.” Jihoon reaches out, trying to touch Hansol, but he’s just too far away. “I- I don’t want anyone to die. I-”

“Shut up,” Hansol spits. The sadness in his face is replaces with fury. “You’re so selfish Jihoon. I hate you. I hate you and so does Y/N and so does Seokmin and Wonwoo and everyone else. Why does everyone else have to die just so you can live?”

“Hansol please,” Jihoon begs. Tears start to grow in his own eyes. “I-”

Before Jihoon can even get his next word out, a spear flies through the air and hits Hansol right in the heart. The boy chokes before falling to the ground. Jihoon screams, barely registering the spear sticking out of the boy’s body as his own.

Jihoon’s body shoots up. There’s sweat running down his face and tears in his eyes. His heart clenches in his chest and he can’t stop the tears from flowing down his face. His body shakes as he tries to erase the dream from his mind. As hard as he tries though, he can’t get rid of the sight of your dead body on the ground or the screams of Hansol ringing in his ears.

Jihoon throws the covers off his body and climbs out of bed, taking shaky steps all the way downstairs. He pours himself a glass of water but it’s still not enough. Without thinking much, he leaves out the front door, his body making its way to your door before he can really realize what he’s doing.

Before he can even knock on the door though, it’s being opened. You stand on the other side, a bit stunned at the night of the boy standing in front of you.

“J-jihoon,” you breath out.

“I- hi. I’m sorry I just-”

“Couldn’t sleep?” You ask and Jihoon nods. “Yeah…me too. I haven’t slept in a couple days, and the nightmares were…worse than expected.” There are dark bags under your eyes and Jihoon reaches up to cup your face. You nuzzle your cheek further into his touch.

“I dreamt that you died,” Jihoon mutters. “I was so scared. I just had to check that…that you’re still here.”

“I’m still here,” you mutter. “I promise I’m still here.”

You reach out and pull Jihoon’s whole body into you and he sinks into you. The smell of wood floods his nostrils and his body relaxes, the shaken feeling in his bones starting to disperse.

“Hey Jihoon?” You whisper and the boy hums in acknowledgement. “Would you maybe…sleep with me tonight? It’s just so hard to sleep alone and-”

“Of course,” Jihoon answers. “Whatever you need.” It will also probably help Jihoon sleep better as well, and he can’t deny that the idea of his body cuddled up to yours brings him immense comfort.

You quietly thank him before leading him through your house and up to your bedroom. The two of you silently crawl into your bed and Jihoon situates the covers over you two before pulling you into his body. You lay your head on his chest, your whole body enveloping his.

Jihoon doesn’t know how long it takes him to finally fall asleep, your fingers brushing through his hair lulling him to sleep, but he does know that he sleeps through the whole night without any more issues, your presence protecting him from any nightmares lurking in the back of his head.

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[bohemian-nights]

Favorite AU for Dettles?

Oh gosh, there are honestly so many great au ideas for them. I think my opinion on this fluctuates depending on my mood.

Right now though, because of the Hunger Games resurgence, I really like the idea of mentor Daemon with mentee Nettles.

Like, imagine he’s a bit disheartened by life in general. year after year seeing his mentees die takes its toll.

To top it off, he pulled some trick like Haymitch to win his games which landed him on the president's naughty list. His entire family(including his wife who was pregnant at the time) was murdered as a result. He’s pretty much checked out and self-medicating at this point.

Then Nettles games come along. Just by looking at her, he’s like She’s gonna die within the first couple of minutes if not by the end of the first day. She’s small for her age and clearly malnourished. She’s an orphan, a social pariah(lol she made an enemy which is why she got reaped in the first place), and she’s been crying ever since she’s gotten on the train to the capital.

Lol, the fact that Nettles’ story is already suited for the Hunger Games💀

Her male counterpart(Addam of Hull or Jace who is book!Jace not the wimpy show version) shows some promise. However, he's also very self-sacrificing. Daemon can easily see him trying to help out one of the weaker tributes early on in the games(like Nettles) and losing his life because of it.

He knows they both won’t last long. The career pack is going to make a meal of them if nothing else so why even bother with them?

The career pack includes Ulf and Hugh 🤣 Let’s just say they aren’t the smartest career pack which is partially why Nettles is able to win her games😏 I mean she has some skills, but they made it easier for her.

Addam(or Jace, IDK pick your poison) tries to interact with him and pick his brain, but he’s totally non-receptive. He’s rude and crass. He smells of booze and he keeps bringing up how they are going to die.

Addam: How do we get sponsors?

Daemon: You won’t need sponsors, you’ll be dead from helping her out(points to a crying Nettles who has almost reached her breaking point). There is no we in the arena. That was your first mistake.

Addam: 💀

Nettles:😭😡 I’m not dead yet you drunk🤬

By this point, Nettles has had enough. She understands that she’s not in the best shape. She knows what will happen if she can’t pull herself together. She understands that out of the twenty-four children reaped only one is walking out of there alive.

She knows she’s probably on the lower end of the pack and even though Addam admittedly has better odds than her he is unlikely to win, but she doesn’t want to die. She certainly doesn’t want to die without a fight.

While Daemon is in mid-rant telling Addam all the ways the careers can and will kill them she picks up a knife at her side.

It’s a small thing. A butter knife really. It won’t do much damage, but she doesn’t want it to do damage. She just wants him to stop it and be their mentor, and not see them just see them as if they were already buried six feet under.

So she chucks the knife at his head.

The knife ends up grazing his ear before sticking into the door behind him. A nearby avox flinches. Even Addam is freaking out when Daemon moves his hand up to his ear and pulls it back to reveal a bit of blood on his fingertips.

Nettles is too busy yelling at him to stop attacking like their lives mean nothing to really feel any fear, but he interrupts her when he starts laughing.

He looks her square in the eyes(she almost wants to look away but she holds her ground) and tells her that she needs to work on her aim. She tells him that her aim was fine and that if she meant to hurt him she would’ve aimed for something more vital which only causes him to laugh some more.

They both know that it’s a lie. Nettles did mean to get his attention, but she had not been aiming for him.

It’s not until then that he actually takes notice of her.

Nettles is very small. She needs to get some meat on her bones(he almost immediately starts pilling onto her plate food and telling her to eat). She could surely use some dressing up and training, but she’s not hopeless. She’s got gumption which is more than the tributes before her had.

It’s then that he realizes that the little runt girl just might make it out of this thing alive.