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poisonlove · 5 months

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To trust.... you? | Lucy Gray

Lucy gray x fem reader

The gray of the sky reflected in tense faces and streets still marked by war marked the tenth anniversary of Capitol's Victory over the districts. Ten years of oppression that still echoed in the open wounds of society.

That year, in the insidious game of the Hunger Games, the 12 districts found themselves facing amplified cruelty. No longer were two tributes randomly drawn, but an intricate and ruthless tournament with separate female and male competitions in arenas.

In this special edition for Capitol City, each district had to send not one, but two tributes of both sexes, bringing the total to 48 tributes. The stakes were higher, and the air was tense as the boys and girls from District 12 faced an even more uncertain fate in this game orchestrated by Capitol cruelty.

Y/N Y/S and Lucy Gray were the girls destined to fight in this arena.

Y/N Pov's

My breath is ragged as I stare anxiously at the Arena screen. Every countdown from the charismatic host Lucky Flickerman tightens my heart, creating an atmosphere laden with anxiety. Each second lost in those numbers is a step closer to the unknown, a uncertain dance with destiny.

I quickly shift my attention to my District 12 companion, Lucy Gray. The only thing I knew about her is that she's an excellent singer, as she demonstrated during the tribute selection.

I see her on the other side of the Arena, eyes as black as coal gleaming with challenge as she watches the screen. Her ruffled, colorful skirt stands out remarkably in this dark and colorless environment, making her almost a visible beacon to the enemy.

And speaking of enemies, there's no doubt that the girls from Districts 4, 2, and 7 are the most dangerous. Not because of social matters, slightly better off than ours, but due to their impressive physical presence. They are robust, muscular, and in this lethal context, their strength makes them formidable adversaries.

"I just need to run and hide," I mutter distractedly, recalling the words of my mentor Coriolanus Snow. Lucy Gray, with her mentor Sejanus Plinth, prepares for the sound of the gong, and the fierce struggle among the girls begins.

I find myself almost disoriented in that area, intimidated by the cries and the sounds of swords and knives among the girls. I widen my eyes and throw myself to the ground, seeing a trident flying in my direction.

"Please, don't do this!" I exclaim in terror.

The girl from District 6 walks determinedly toward me, retrieving the trident she had thrown. "There's no room for mercy here. We survive or die, and you're in my way," she declares venomously.

I retreat in fear, dragging my palms on the arena ground, aware that my end might be imminent. The girl from District 6 raises the trident, ready to strike when suddenly a knife lodges in her neck. Her gaze instantly fades, and I find myself staring at the scene in wide-eyed surprise.

I quickly get up, ready to flee, when a sharp pain in my leg stops me. With gritted teeth, I turn and see the girl from District 11, with a sly look and a barely perceptible disappointment for missing the shot.

"You'll be mine… girl from 12," she murmurs with an unsettling smile, announcing my imminent death sentence.

I pull out the knife and, with the other hand, apply pressure to my leg.

With determination, I begin to walk towards the underground, trying to avoid further unpleasant encounters. The pain in my leg is a constant reminder of the brutality of this Arena, and my determination ignites as I seek refuge in the darkest recesses of the hostile environment.

I sneak into a room, the escape from the Arena's fury etched in my tired eyes. I slump near a wall, feeling the weight of exhaustion and the throbbing pain from the leg wound. The room offers a moment of respite, but the labored breath reveals physical and mental fatigue.

To my surprise, Lucy Gray is there, also seeking refuge. Our eyes meet in an instant, a palpable tension in the adrenaline-charged air.

I shaky point the knife at Lucy, eager to defend myself. In a gesture of surrender, she raises her hands.

"I don't want to hurt you," Lucy whispers, her gaze fixed on the knife in my hand.

I flash a sarcastic smile. "And how do I know that? We're in the Hunger Games; you can't trust anyone," I murmur, holding back the pain in my leg.

"I understand… but I have no reason to attack you… of course, if you do, I'll be forced to defend myself," Lucy says, cautiously advancing in my direction.

"Stop right there," I state seriously, the hand still unsteady.

Lucy looks at me with eyes sparkling with curiosity. Her gaze lands on my bleeding leg. "I could help you," she murmurs softly. "It doesn't look like a good wound," she adds, grimacing.

"Don't even think about it," I retort through gritted teeth.

"We come from the same district… can't we have a truce?" she asks, sounding annoyed.

I consider her proposal, recognizing that help would be advantageous at this moment. "We're destined to kill each other sooner or later, but maybe we can make the journey a bit more interesting," I exclaim, looking at her carefully, my vision starting to blur from the effort.

"You made a wise choice, girl from 12. We're stronger together," Lucy exclaims with a small smile on her lips.

"Y/N," I murmur, shaking the knife, pointing it at Lucy. "If I die, at least you'll know my name," I confess, and she looks at me attentively. "Lucy," she whispers, and I chuckle weakly.

"I know who you are, Capitol's songbird," I murmur and suppress a groan of pain, feeling a new stab in my leg.

It's the first time we've spoken since we were drawn from the urn.

I lower the knife, allowing Lucy to approach. The truce, uncertain but necessary, casts a strange shadow on the competition. Lucy kneels, examining my leg carefully. "I need the knife," she suddenly exclaims.

"You can forget about that," I assert with determination.

Lucy huffs and looks up at me, her eyes staring into mine with intensity. "I just told you I don't want to hurt you," she retorts firmly.

I huff in return and hand the knife to Lucy. In the gesture, our fingers brush, generating a shiver that runs down my spine. Cheeks tinged with red as I avert my gaze toward the knife, watching her cut a piece of her ruffled skirt.

"What are you doing?" I ask with curiosity, and she continues to cut the fabric of her dress.

"I'm trying to keep you alive," she whispers weakly. "I had to ruin my mother's dress… but I think it will help with the wound," she continues, wrapping the fabric around my wound to stop the bleeding.

The silence shatters with the sound of screams from outside. The fierce competition continues, but in this room, our moment of truce is a fragile flame burning against the cold reality of the Hunger Games.

***

Three relentless days have passed since the games began, and now, in the dark theater of the arena, only four of us remain. Me, Lucy, the unstable girl from District 11 with an obsession to kill me, and the fierce one from District 2.

Lying in our refuge, I feel my body slightly heavy from fever and the pain in my wounded leg. Lucy, with her determined kindness, has taken care of me as if I were precious. I find myself playing with a small pebble, wrapping my fingers around the cold stone as I wait for Lucy's return, each moment growing longer.

The Capitol's nightingale had gone out to fetch water and food, but her prolonged absence fuels my concern. The sound of approaching footsteps grabs my attention, and my heart flutters at the thought that other tributes might have discovered our hiding place.

I rise to my feet with cautious timidity, brushing my hand against the knife at my belt, preparing for the worst. Tension creeps into the air as I wait in silence, eyes fixed on the iron door. I release a sigh of relief when I finally see Lucy's figure emerge through the door, holding a water bottle in her hands.

Her genuine smile and the sparkle in her eyes reassure me in an instant.

With graceful steps, Lucy approaches, but the unusual light in her eyes doesn't escape my notice. "Why did you get up despite the fever?" she asks with a slightly reproachful tone, but her gaze reveals genuine concern. "I was worried there might be another tribute nearby," I reply with a faint smile.

Lucy nods, understanding my unease.

Lucy comes closer and sits beside me, looking at me curiously. "Sit," she says gently, indicating a space next to her. Reluctantly, I obey without complaints.

With a small smile, Lucy rests my head on her lap, gently stroking my hair. "I feel useless," I confess in a low voice, "I haven't done anything in these three days," I add timidly.

Lucy looks down at me with unreadable eyes. "You kept me company," Lucy murmurs gently, smiling sideways. She leans down and kisses my forehead, a gesture that makes me blush. When she pulls away, Lucy widens her smile. "Well, the fever is gone," she breathes a sigh of relief. "How do you know?" I ask curiously, and Lucy smiles widely, "Your forehead is cool now. Sit, and I'll change your bandage," she murmurs sweetly.

I obey without hesitation, feeling grateful for Lucy's care. As she changes the bandage on my wound, our silent dialogue continues, and in that moment in the heart of that ruthless arena, I find comfort in Lucy's kindness.

"Done," Lucy murmurs weakly, lifting her head. Her smile fades when she notices the proximity between our faces, her eyes relaxing, looking at me seriously through long lashes.

Lucy bends down shyly, and my heart begins to beat faster as she gently places her lips against mine in a sweet and unexpected kiss. A thrill of emotion runs through my body, and for a moment, the arena and the cruel reality around us seem to fade, replaced by the sweetness of that unexpected gesture.

Lucy withdraws shyly, almost instantly breaking the kiss.

"Don't you think there's something wrong?" I ask breathlessly, still stunned by the effect of the kiss.

Lucy tilts her head sideways, curious. "Because we're two girls? If that bothers you, no one is seeing us..." Lucy murmurs softly, almost disappointed by my reaction.

"No... it's not strange for two girls to kiss... but the fact that sooner or later we'll have to kill each other," I exclaim with terror.

Lucy sighs and firmly grasps my face, looking at me with bright eyes. "In one way or another, you and I will get out together," she whispers almost against my lips.

Her thumb gently strokes my lower lip as she bites her own before leaning in again. Our lips meet in a quick movement, a kiss that conveys a promise and a challenge, all within the context of that merciless arena.

After our kiss, I notice that Lucy's black hair is tousled, and a radiant smile paints her lips. It's a moment of sweetness and vulnerability, as if for a moment, we've stolen from the brutality of the Hunger Games a fragment of normalcy.

"And what if we got out, put an end to these cruel games?" I suggest with vibrant voice.

Lucy nods, her eyes tired but determined. "Yes, it's time to end all of this," she responds with a firmness that betrays her exhaustion but also her desire for freedom. The agreement between us forms in silence, a tacit understanding that in this distorted world, our union is our only salvation.

"We'll face whatever awaits us together," I say, trying to convey hope. "Our bond can defy the rules of this arena, offer us an existence beyond this cruelty."

Lucy, with eyes reflecting a mix of weariness and resilience, replies, "Yes, together we can make it."

With Lucy's smile as our guide, we prepare to conclude this struggle, aware that the strength of our union is our ace in the hole.

Lucy grasps my hand, intertwining our fingers with a grip that conveys solidarity. The sensation of her hand in mine brings a smile to my face, a ray of comfort amidst so much uncertainty. Timidly, limping due to the leg wound, we move together towards the entrance of the arena.

We walk slowly through the dark tunnel, our figures moving cautiously like blurred shadows. The sound of our footsteps resonates dully against the cold, damp walls. Lucy, with her determination, leads the way, while I, with a mixture of anxiety and hope, follow.

When we finally emerge from the darkness of the tunnel, I am blinded by the glaring sunlight. I raise a hand to shield my eyes, accustomed to the dimness of our illuminated refuge, but not to such intensity. The light, so bright and vivid, is almost a surprise, a revelation after days of darkness.

My figure emerges, outlined by the sun's glow, and for a moment, I stand still, as if the outside world is a new and unknown place. The arena's landscape unfolds slowly, and the warmth of the sun is like a caress on my skin, a welcome after days of cold and dampness.

Lucy, with a radiant smile, tightens her grip on my hand even more. Together, with determined steps, we head towards the uncertain destiny that awaits us, ready to face whatever comes next, but determined to do it together.

"Here's a sweet surprise in the arena! It seems a new love has blossomed in this bloody period. Ah, love, how beautiful even amidst arrows and knives!" Flickerman's surprised voice resonates in the arena, noting our intertwined hands.

The host's voice catches the attention of the girl from District 11, just coming off the killing of the tribute from District 2. When her eyes meet ours and see our intertwined hands, she genuinely smiles, savoring the hunt.

Lucy Gray watches the girl from District 11 closely.

"But look at that, two lovers in the arena. It will be a shame to separate you," says the girl from District 11 with false innocence.

"Better focus on what matters now. Survival," Lucy Gray murmurs venomously.

The girl from District 11 pushes Lucy away with a determined gesture and charges towards me. With a swift move, she manages to disengage from me and, surprisingly agile, positions herself astride my legs.

Lucy Gray, distant but watching attentively, rises from the abrupt fall she experienced earlier. Her eyes scan the scene with concern, our alliance now put to the test.

I try to recover from the surprise, feeling the pressure of the girl from District 11's legs over me. Her axe glints threateningly, and the awareness of vulnerability pushes me to find a way to defend myself.

"Looks like love doesn't protect from everything, does it?" the girl from District 11 murmurs with a sneer. Her laughter is sharp, and my struggle to recover is hindered by her skill. I watch Lucy Gray with a silent look, hoping our connection is strong enough to face this threat together. The situation becomes critical, and my hope focuses on every resource I can exploit to turn the tide of this ruthless battle.

I raise my arms, skillfully avoiding the descending axe. I look at the girl from District 11 with concern, ignoring her cutting remarks.

"Better focus on yourself now, don't you think?" I murmur firmly, giving a quick glance behind the girl from District 11.

Lucy, with determination, thrusts the trident into the back of the girl from District 11, the prongs emerging from her chest. A hiss of pain blends with the silence, followed by a final breath. The fight was short but intense, and the body of the girl from District 11 gives in, overcome by the fierceness of the clash.

The voice that echoed in the arena proclaimed: "The games end with the victory of the individual district!" The voice belonged to the strategist.

I turn to Lucy with overwhelming joy. My smile widens to 32 teeth, and in her black eyes, I find the same pure happiness. The awareness that I no longer have to try to kill my District 12 companion translates into a tangible relief that permeates the atmosphere.

Ignoring the pain in my leg, I rise and stride with long steps towards Lucy. The trident is thrown to the ground, the metal still damp with the blood of the fallen tribute. Lucy, aware that only the two of us remain, launches herself into my arms with a mixture of fatigue and triumph.

From the euphoria of victory, Lucy firmly takes my cheeks, the warm contact of her hands contrasting with the cold of the trident just used. Her eyes shine with happiness and relief. Without words, but with an intense connection, Lucy kisses me with a passion that conveys the weight of the just-survived struggle. It's a moment of joy and survival, a celebration of a connection that has withstood the trials of the arena.

Lucy's hands, covered in dirt, firmly rest around my cheeks. Despite the dust and the fatigue of battle, I feel a strange sense of comfort.

Lucy, with eyes shining with vibrant intensity, looks at me as if she wants to read every emotion crossing my gaze. "It's just us two left," she says with a warm voice, a mix of emotion and relief.

I respond with an intense look, gratitude palpable in the air between us. "Yes, Lucy. We're still here."

Her hands move slowly from my cheeks, descending along my neck and delicately settling on my shoulders. "We've overcome all of this together."

"Also you, Lucy. Your strength has been my guide," I reply, smiling slightly as I feel the warmth of her hands on my skin.

Lucy, with a radiant smile, nods. "I couldn't have done it without you." Her hands move away, but only to grasp mine, intertwining our fingers in a gesture that underscores our connection.

Our gaze locks onto each other, and in our eyes, there's an awareness of what we've faced together. "Now that we're alone, we can make it, Lucy," I say, trying to convey the determination I feel inside me.

Lucy nods with seriousness. "Yes, y/n. We're strong together." With a sudden movement, her hands return to my face, and she kisses me again, this time with gentleness and gratitude. It's a gesture that speaks more than a thousand words, confirming the bond we've built through struggle and survival.

#the ballad of songbirds and snakes #district 12 #lucy gray baird x reader #lucy gray baird #lucy gray x reader #female #lesbian kissing #War #ribelli

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andcorde · 3 months

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Talking in your sleep

Summary : you woke up during your sleep, thirsty and hear your husband talking in his sleep about a girl.

pairing : young!president Snow x f!First Lady!reader.

warnings : physical and psychological violence (strangling and swearing iykyk), smut (not REALLY explicit), Coriolanus is his own warning, toxic!relationship, dark!reader, possessive!reader (if there’s more lmk please !!)

a/n : first fic posted here, I’ve got the idea from the song « talking in your sleep » by the romantics (you should know them, at least if you’ve seen the FNAF movie :)). It’s a late valentine day post btw.

Hope you’ll enjoy it !

dividers by @saradika-graphics !

Your throat just feels completely dry which wake you up. You sigh in annoyance, having to get up without waking up your husband, which is a tough task, just to take a glass of water. It happens often, but you were really tired of this dangerous mission of not waking up the lightest sleeper in the world.

Coriolanus Snow, the young President of Panem and you, his First Lady, married since a year and a half, are the most important and influential people in this place. Everybody was either jealous of Coryo or you because of how charming and affectionate you are.

You slowly lift the duvet and get out of bed as gently as possible, not waking your husband, only making him sigh before turning around. You walk as quietly as a mouse as you make your way straight to the bathroom you both shared.

Your marriage seemed like a pure fairytale, full of love and happiness, even if none of this was true to you two. You just accepted together, like a contract between individuals seeing the economic benefits and also the popularity of both of your families to get married. None of you were even slightly attracted romantically to each other, but on the sexual side…it was otherwise.

Even if Coryo agreed to not giving you a heir for a couple of years, it doesn’t mean you don’t have fun, straddling his cock time to time, letting him eating out your sweet and soaked pussy just for him.

You reach the bathroom with a smirk at your thoughts, opening it silently and entering in it, closing the door and turning on the soft light. You brought a glass and gently run the water into it, crossing your fingers that the sound alone isn't enough to wake the sleeping platinum blonde. Well it already happens before, so now you’re careful.

You get out of the bathroom as quietly as you get in, sipping your glass of water, not seeming to have woke him. He seems pretty asleep, which is really rare, you thought to yourself. He seems to dream, seeing his facial expressions slightly changed from the calm and relaxed one.

His lips parted slightly, he seems to say something. You never see him like that, so profoundly asleep, you keep looking for a few seconds before stopping you from acting odd and put the water on the nightstand.

« …Lucy Gray…please » He whispers. So low you could have misheard.

But no, you were sure you heard those words coming from his most sleepy and pathetic voice. You feel yourself being totally freeze for a few seconds, as if those simple words as awaken something completely uncontrollable in your body.

Anger. Even more devastating than any other feeling. The possessiveness of Coryo wasn’t a one-side thing, both of you were pretty possessive to the fact that you were his, and he was yours. None of you could denied that, getting pretty dangerous when people approached a bit too much one of you.

You blink a few times, motioning yourself to get back in bed like nothing happened. You let yourself be more loudly, because he seems so asleep and dreaming of things you don’t want to imagine or you might just strangle him in his sleep.

The marathon in your body seems to calm a bit as you find your sleep once again, but you absolutely know what’s waiting for your husband tomorrow morning.

As you wake up, you noticed that Coryo seems to have started breakfast without you, which happens more often when you woke up in the middle of the night. You emerged from your bed rubbing your eyes, as the events of earlier just hit you like a bus. Standing in the middle of the large and richly decorated room, you take a deep breath, calming yourself and also making a good figure to just destabilise even more your husband. You don't change your clothes, which was part of your sordid plan.

You make your way through the dinning room, being greeted by some of your domestics in the way, responding with a polite smile and nodding, wearing a black nightgown, too sexy to go outside of your bedroom. But at this moment, that’s exactly what you wanted to show him. Your body was his as long as it was mutual. And his little whispering was making you thinking it wasn’t completely the case.

You enter in the dining room, greeting the Mute that was passing, in this soft and warm voice that makes Snow’s head lift up to lock his eyes on you. You feel his gaze travelling your body, and you already feel the point of his ego touched by this personal attack for him. You gently make your way to the long marble table, not giving him a look, only a small “good morning”.

Only you knew how to piss him off so easily by doing mostly nothing. His hands clench into fists while clenching his jaw, taking his time to talk as low as he can.

« Can you explain me what the fuck you’re doing dressing like that outside the bedroom ? » his tone was infuriating and his eyes wanted desperately to met yours.

You smile slightly, putting down the tea cup and turning your head to him. Your lashes fluttering innocently.

« Oh dear, you’re really asking those stupid questions that late in the morning ? » you simply answer as you get up.

Teasing him was a bad idea, but your mind couldn’t think of something else than those words. He scoffed with a dry and short laugh.

« Yes, and my wife has to answer me. This provocation will end really bad for you and I don’t think you want to see that. » his voice just seems impatient and you know that he will not be as ‘nice’ in a few moments if you don’t start talking.

You just get up, walking and closing the doors of the dining room, now all alone and without some curious ears passing by. Coryo is still sitting on his comfortable chair, one hand still in a fist while the other one takes the coffee cup to take a few sips of it. His eyes didn’t look away from you. Those icy blue and somewhat terrifying eyes. Back facing him, you take a deep breath, trying to not smirk and not sounding too angry, controlling your voice being much easier than your body, lightly shaking.

« You talked in your sleep this night. » you state while turning to lock your eyes with his, seeing a surprise look passing through them. « And unfortunately for you, I was awake. And I can say that between the two of you, you’re the one who’s fucking provoking the most. »

You walk towards him, your eyes looking down to him, seeing a small change in his attitude. Apprehension ? No. Curiosity with a sweet melt of guilt. You get just in front of him, your husband sit and look up for you, lips parted, and if you weren’t that fucked up, you’ll kiss him and let him making out with you on the marble.

« What did I say ? » his voice seems still a bit infuriate but more low, close to the whisper. He knows he fucked up somehow and seeing his wife reaction, it must be an absolute disaster.

« Guess. » Your eyes just won’t listen to show how the toxicity of your feelings were affecting both you and Coryo. « I’ll give you a hint, think of the birds I hunt every Sunday in the forest nearby. »

And it hits him.

Lucy Gray Baird. His face changed a bit, being white as snow as he blinks twice, getting the information in his brain. Then, Coriolanus shakes his head.

« You must have misheard I was asleep— »

« I can assure you that you said her fucking name in your disgusting pleading voice, with a ‘please’ that just screams how painful your nightmare must have been. » Sarcastically finishing your sentence, you notice you clenched your teeth so hard that they grinded slightly.

He suddenly gets up, his right hand taking your cheeks firmly, bringing you even more closer to him, as his eyes glanced down at you now, angry at your words. For you, he just seemed scared to be caught.

« Shut up. I didn’t say her name…and even if it was the case, you have no right to act like you do. And you better not talk to me this way, ever. » His words are meant to hurt. To scare and threaten you.

In any other cases, you would probably have squeeze your thighs together and nodding like a good girl. But not this time. It was her. You try to talk through his grip, your eyes furiously locking with his.

« Yes I can, Coryo. Because you’re mine. Not hers, not anymore and never ever again. You’ll react the same way as me if it was my case. But guess what ? I never loved anybody in this world, so you can't attacked me about it. » your voice is filled with jealousy, doubting on the only thing you ever agreed of. You are his pretty good wife, and he is your jealous handsome husband.

Coryo cannot stop looking at you, trying to arranged his thoughts. He knows he would have reacted even worse than you if he was hearing you whispering the name of any other men than him. He didn't even remember his dream to be totally honest. But he doubts you'll believe him. So his hands takes gently your cheeks moving you so your back hit the buffet, blocking your way.

You see his eyes looking every inch of your face before sighing loudly. He opens his blue eyes and nod.

« I'm yours, y/n. I can promise you that, and I already did, didn't I ? For me, and for everyone else, Lucy Gray is dead. Nobody cares about her and so do I. You can hate me or not trust me, but it's the only thing you can be sure that will never change. As long as your mine, I'm yours. » his low and profound voice will always do something in your body. As you look at him, you know for sure he's not lying.

What Coriolanus deliberately left out is that even if one day you no longer want him, you will still be his, and you will never be able to escape from his grasp. His firm hands between your cheeks, thumb gently rubbing them, was something new for you. Those kind of interactions were nearly non-existent. Except maybe an aftercare from a tough round. So you can't help but blushing a bit to this unusual contact and feel suspicious too.

You finally nod, letting him getting closer and starting kissing you, softly but desperately needy. You jump on the buffet, your hands behind your back as you let yourself go completely to his touch and his possessiveness from your body. Your breathing accelerate as his hands let go from your cheeks to touch every part of your body, from top to bottom, stopping to your thighs. Squeezing it, he lets a small groan before putting slightly away, whispering.

« You're fucking mine, all of this body and this little shitty personality of yours. » and you just nod while biting your lip, like a pretty good girl. He grins to your sudden submissiveness.

Well, you were now going to know for sure who is his wife.

#coriolanus snow #coriolanus x reader #coriolanus x you #young coriolanus snow #young president snow #first lady reader #tbosas #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #lucy gray baird #fem reader #smut #female manipulator #i'm weak for him

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summerdiphylleia · 5 months

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The next right thing

Chapter 1: The 74th Hunger Games

Summary: Felicia has always been succesful at overlooking the tributes' names and faces, but ignoring Katniss Everdeen was proving to be a rather difficult task. And she hated herself for it.

pairing: coriolanus snow x wife!oc

Prologue / Chapter 1 / Chapter 2

*******************

“Are you ready, my dear? Our guests are arriving.”

Felicia stood against the bathroom counter, staring at the mirror. The same mirror that had been looking back at her for over twenty years. Two decades, wasting away in that mansion. It was hard to believe so many years had passed, but the reflection in front of her reminded Felicia of all the years gone by. There were wrinkles around her eyes, and the skin sagged a little around her cheeks and her neck.

She was often offered ‘enhancements’, as they liked to call it in the Capitol, but she refused all of them with a polite smile. She liked the way she looked, worn down as she was. Her eyes remained the same tender, amber brown, although they carried more wisdom and worry than before. Her hair still bore hints of the soft, buttery blonde colour she kept from her youth, but was starting to get lost within the handful of grey hairs she’d grown in the last couple of years. She usually had them fixed by her hairdresser, but didn’t brood on it so much. She took pride in carrying sixty years of age, and she didn’t mind showing it.

She turned around, and found her husband waiting with a hand extended for her. He also showed signs of ageing, even more so than her: his once impeccable blonde hair had turned completely white, and his face looked withered down; like her he had declined any offers of going under the knife.

But he had kept his height —he still very much towered over her— and every so often, when the Games were far off and politics sat low on his mind, Felicia could swear she got glimpses of his younger self on his eyes: on the way they curved into a smile after she teased him, on the way they shone whenever they discussed a subject he was keen on, on the way they kept on sharing that spark, that boyish grin, with a man from her past that hadn't been as yearning for power, as corrupted by it.

“Your bowtie is not properly fastened,” she chuckled, reaching towards him, “let me get it.”

He studied her, while she worked on fixing his tie, leisurely scanning her from top to bottom. She wasn’t wearing anything too fancy, a simple maroon dress embroidered with small golden flowers, and a pair of small heels matching in colour. Her hair was half up in a bow, and makeup sat simple, not at all too extravagant, on her face. “You look ravishing, dearest.” He whispered, lovingly. She kept focused on straightening his bowtie, but she could feel her cheeks turning the colour of her dress. She wished he wouldn’t say such things so often. It sounded so real.

Felicia simply hummed in response. “Arabella called,” she explained, in a soft voice, “she told me Max and her wouldn’t be able to attend today’s… gathering.” He stiffened at her words.

“As they couldn’t last year. And the year before.” He remarked. Felicia briefly glanced at him, and returned her gaze to his collar. “There,” she mumbled, patting on it, “all fixed. You look very handsome.”

He didn’t reply to her, and simply adjusted his suit. He didn’t share his words with her, but she could guess what kind of thoughts raced through his mind. Every time they drifted onto that particular issue, her mind replayed one conversation they had many, many years ago.

“What exactly are you accusing me of? Turning our infant children into rebels?” She snickered, chasing after him at an amused pace, but Felicia quickly regretted her words. Coriolanus went still, and when he turned around, the look on his face made her flinch. That was the only time she ever felt truly afraid of him. He didn’t just convey rage through his eyes, his whole body swelled on it. He suddenly grew inches in height, and his expression darkened, and she was nothing but a little girl once again. She felt all of her boldness flush away at the sight of him, regretting having allowed herself to yield into such insolence.

He strode towards her, eyes narrowing in a viperous manner, “don’t joke with that,” he hissed. She raised her gaze, her eyes met his, and anger dropped from his face all at once, and he swiftly glanced around. “Don’t say things like that out loud, you know better than that.”

She lowered her head. She did know better than that.

She hated losing her temper. Every time she lost control, he took it.

Felicia pursed her lips. “I’m sorry,” the words dragged out of her mouth, “but I’m setting my foot down on this. I don’t want them watching that… that thing.”

Irritation flashed through his eyes once again, then he turned his back at her, and started walking away. “Fine.”

That was the first time, but not the last one, that an orange pill found its way into her nightstand.

Felicia blinked the memory away. “Don’t dwell on it, darling,” she sighed, “they’re too busy with work, that’s it. I’ll call them and arrange dinner for the five of us some other time, alright?”

It was his turn to simply hum in response.

***********

The day went by in a blur. Felicia put on the same act she does every time she’s surrounded by such a crowd: she smiles, and laughs and comments on everyone’s gowns, and makes sure no guest ever has to stand with an empty glass on their hand; and she keeps close to Coriolanus and kisses him and pretends they are a perfectly loving couple. Surprisingly, that remains the easiest part of the facade.

She doesn’t really pay attention to anything in particular during those days, rather she seeks a void within her. To her, the reaping was nothing but an affair she needed to get through, as cautiously as possible. She doesn’t focus on any of the tributes, she always tries to ignore their faces; they would all die anyway. All but one. One lucky Victor. A lucky child she would get used to seeing in most of the pretentious parties she attended, usually accompanied by a disturbingly older man from one of the high positions in society, who didn’t need to care about keeping his hands to himself. Only seldomly she wouldn’t see said Victor around in such gatherings and, not long after their absence was noted, she would hear the news of their family passing away in some tragic accident. Those nights she went to sleep concluding she’d made an art form out of turning a blind eye.

The reaping came and went, and before she knew it she found herself in front of the whole Capitol, watching along the parade of the twenty four tributes. Once again, Felicia forced herself into haziness, avoiding to stare at any particular tribute. But the cameras kept on focusing on two of the tributes, though, and their faces were shown on the screens more often than not, even during the President’s speech. She recognised them, they were the two tributes from District 12. Felicia remembered her reapings. That girl… Katniss Everdeen, she’d volunteered for her sister, a little girl whose expression of fear made it obvious it was the first year her name was on the bowl.

Felicia scolded herself for remembering her name. It would hurt so much more when she ultimately learnt of her death.

***********

The gardens were in full bloom that time of the year, and Felicia often found herself walking around them, buntal hat on her head, and a pair of pruning scissors on her hand. That morning she was being accompanied by her husband, and Theodore, their youngest son. He was a tall boy, with piercing blue eyes, just like his father. His older brother, Maximus, had also inherited most of Coriolanus’s appearance. It was Arabella, the marriage’s only daughter, who looked the spitting image of her.

They were strolling around the rosarium, tending to the flowers, when Ivan, Coriolanus’ personal bodyguard, a big, brooding man with eyes of a hawk, approached them in a soft trot. “Mr. Crane is here to see you, sir.”

“Ah, yes,” her husband nodded, putting his scissors on Theo’s hand, “I’ve called for him.” Felicia turned her gaze towards him, annoyance creeping on her mien, but didn’t say anything. She forced her face into a welcoming expression, as Ivan brought the younger man to them.

“Seneca,” she greeted him in a kind tone, with a warm smile while offering her hand to him, “how lucky of us you’re visiting us.”

“Mrs. Snow, you look as exquisite as always.” He addressed her, leaving a kiss on her hand. He bore a worryingly stiff grin on his face. “Sir, young man.”

“Do tell me you’re joining us for lunch?” She urged him, with a cadence only her husband would be able to recognize as fake. “The cook is making some delicious salmon bites, you would be a lunatic for missing them.”

“I’m afraid I’ll have to decline, Felicia, the Games don't run all by themselves.”

She turned her lips into a cheeky pout, and then her face split into a grin. “Then you’ll have to let me invite you over some other time, so I can properly commend you for the wonderful job you’re doing on them.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He smiled.

Coriolanus and Felicia shared a brisk glance, and she took Theodore by his shoulder. “Come on, sweetling, let’s keep our path. There’s a rosebush over there that desperately needs our help.”

They waved the gamemaker goodbye, and moved on with their way. Theo looked at her like he wanted to say something else, but she discreetly shushed him, guiding him into a more isolated spot, away from the two men and prying ears of the greenkeepers.

The pair sat on a bench, next to a particularly unkempt bush, and she showed him where the plant needed to be trimmed and neatened.

“Mom, why do you hate Seneca?” The boy asked, cautiously, while indifferently working on the roses.

The question caught her by surprise, and Felicia couldn’t help but giggle, until she saw the serious expression on his face.“What makes you think I hate him?” She questioned him, puzzled.

“It is because he’s in charge of the Games, isn’t it?” He muttered, “I don’t like him either.”

Felicia put the scissors away, and gently stroked his hair. “Sweetheart, where is this coming from?” She asked.

“They make us watch the Games at the Academy, did you know?” He explained, meeting her gaze. She nodded. Of course she was aware. She knew it was only a matter of time before he started commenting on it. “Most of my classmates think it’s some kind of… show, like it’s nothing but entertainment.”

It pained Felicia to see the defeated look on his face, but she couldn’t help but think of how lucky she was to be having such a conversation with her son, condemning the Games from their very privileged position. She couldn’t bring herself to imagine what mothers in the districts were forced to tell their children. Once again, a sneaky thought crept into her mind. “What if you killed him?” She blinked it away.

“Well, you can’t blame all of them, honey,” she sighed, “it’s what they’re instilled.”

“I know,” he murmured, “I guess I’m just glad you taught us better than that.”

Felicia smiled, and wrapped him in a hug, leaving a kiss on his head. “You know you can’t say that kind of thing around others, right?” She whispered into his ear. He nodded. She grimaced. She had taught them right.

***********

The rest of the week went by just as fast. Felicia was demanded to be in the front of the crowd for the tribute interviews, and she did it gracefully. Despite her efforts, she couldn’t help but notice the tributes from District 12. They had bewitched all of the Capitol citizens, especially after the boy had come forward with his crush for Katniss. For the girl, she reminded herself. Everyone swooned over the star-crossed lovers, but Felicia could tell a performance when she saw one. And she had to recognise, it was a very smart one indeed, surely it was securing them with a good amount of patrons.

With the interviews gone by, and the tributes already within the arena, Felicia could finally numb the rest of the Games out. They were the only thing everyone in the mansion and the Capitol could talk about of course, but she had always found it easy to disappear into her tasks. She answered correspondence, decorated the mansion, went for fashion fittings, attended charity events, visited her two oldest children, occasionally helping them with their work at the hospital. It felt nice reminiscing about her days as a surgeon, when she actually felt useful for something.

She had Lan, her trusted bodyguard for over twenty years, update her on any news about the Games, in case she found it necessary to discuss such events with anyone of political importance, and day after day she was surprised she felt relieved to hear the District 12 tributes were still alive.

One day, she heard Cesar Flickerman come into television, announcing that if two tributes of the same district were the last remaining survivors, the two would be declared winners. And for the first time in over thirty years, Felicia sat down and watched the Hunger Games.

******

so, this might be turning into a series after all! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!

#coriolanus snow #coriolanus snow x wife!oc #coriolanus snow x wife #the hunger games #tbosas #coriolanus snow x reader #coriolanus snow x oc #president snow #president snow x wife!oc #president snow x oc #lucy gray baird #katniss everdeen #peeta mellark #coriolanus snow wife #coriolanus snow x original female character #coriolanus snow imagine #coriolanus snow fanfiction #the hunger games fanfiction #coriolanus snow x y/n

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bumblesimagines · 5 months

Text

Imagine:

Meeting Snow

Request: Yes or No

~~~

After a long, drawn-out, and exhaustive game, your beloved friend was back home in District 12 where she belonged. She'd returned looking tired and almost fearful in her slightly torn homemade attire that still had the grime and blood from the game she'd participated in. Dirt, blood, sweat, and tears coated her tawny-brown cheeks but the minute her eyes found the Covey awaiting in the crowd, a wide smile appeared on her dry lips and she flew toward them with arms extended. They'd each embraced her, long and hard, tucking her in the safety of their arms as Maude Ivory cried out words muddled down to gibberish from the overwhelming emotions.

After getting cleaned up and into fresh clothes, Lucy Gray recounted how helpful her mentor, a handsome young man by the name of Coriolanus Snow, had been all throughout. She spoke of him with a gentle, longing smile, the same smile that'd adorned her face during her relationship with Billy prior to his pathetic relationship with the mayor's nasty daughter. No one made any attempt to ask about the games, for the look on her face had been telling enough.

It'd taken a day or two for Lucy Gray to settle back into the old routine and with the people's favor and love, the Covey returned to playing at The Hob. It hadn't felt right to perform without her, without their singer and closest friend. Countless nights were spent with members pacing or quietly humming to keep themselves occupied from the knowledge Lucy Gray had a slim chance of returning home. But with her return and a guitar in hand, she sang through the night and everything finally felt normal again, until Billy shoved his way through the crowd and escalated things until fights broke out and they were forced to leave before on-duty Peacekeepers arrived. Lucy Gray had pulled on your arm on the way home that night, excitedly telling you about how she'd seen Coriolanus in the crowd.

So, you weren't surprised when Maude Ivory called your name out the following morning, exclaiming a Peacekeeper was at the door asking for Lucy Gray's whereabouts. You approached the front door and nodded for Maude Ivory to head back inside, eyeing the young man from head to toe. Lucy Gray had described him as a handsome pale, blue-eyed kid with blonde ringlets. Like all Peacekeepers, he'd taken to shaving his hair but he otherwise matched the description.

"I'm here for Lucy Gray. I was her mentor-"

"I know. She told me all about you." His posture straightened and the ghost of a grin passed over his lips. You would've found it endearing had it not been for an odd feeling pricking at your gut. "Coriolanus, was it?"

He gave a firm nod. "Yes, that's right."

"Pleased to meet you, Coriolanus. My name's (Y/N) Everdeen. Come inside. I'll take you to Lucy Gray after breakfast."

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bishopsbeloved · 3 months

Text

something holy

lucy gray baird x female reader

Lucy Gray Baird has had you under her spell the entire time you’ve known her. She’s a creature not of this world, something gorgeous, something holy.

3k words, fluff, mild angst

Lucy Gray Baird is the sweetest girl you know.

You’ve known her for a while, now, but you’ve known of her for even longer. You’ve only ever lived in District Twelve, a Seam girl born and bred, but you remember more vividly than anything that colourful day the Covey were rounded up and forced to settle in your home. Even then, you felt a draw to them. Sure, everyone was intrigued by them, even more so once they stepped into the spotlight and made a name for themselves. You knew you weren’t special, you were one of many in a crowd of admirers, but that didn’t stop you from wanting to know them. You wanted to know the dark-haired girl your age, who you’d occasionally glimpse through a crowd or across a plaza. This hunger, barely sated by scraps of fleeting encounters across the span of years, would only grow with age.

Twelve is the district furthest from the Capitol, and it’s the most neglected, to be blunt — it still has the lowest Peacekeeper to population ratio in the entirety of Panem. A blessing in disguise, you consider it, but it often renders the Seam a relatively lawless place. When the Covey arrived, the best part of a decade ago, it was even worse. The Covey kids were never forced to attend Capitol-mandated schooling in the way that the rest of the Seam kids were because they weren’t really Twelve. They didn’t really didn’t bother anyone, for the most part, and so long as that remained the case there were more important rules to be enforced elsewhere.

For the first few years of their inhabiting a crumbling little red-brick cottage at the edge of the Seam, overlooking the woods, the Covey were like daylight ghosts around town. They wove flowers into each other’s braids every morning, wore long billowy clothes even in the coldest winter snow and communicated more through melody, or strange noises, than they did words. (For a good few years of your childhood, you’d stumble down to their ends of town once a week to offer clumsy good-wish bundles of flowers and herbs, and even ribbons when you could get your hands on them. You’d be met with wide smiles or hummed tunes or, towards the end of this practice, even a beamed thank you, sweetness from Lucy Gray herself, but nothing more, and so eventually you stopped.)

At night, though, they were ghosts no longer; they’d come alive, lighting up the whole Hob with foot-stomping tavern thrashers. As you grew older, more capable, and still more captivated by them, you found yourself more and more often in attendance. That’s how you ended up meeting her; a fight broke out in the pit one night. You were close to the stage as could be, how you were whenever you got the chance, and in a whirlwind of movement and noise you found yourself caught up in the conflict. A pitcher of ale ended up being emptied onto you and you yelped as the lukewarm amber seeped into your dress, whilst its former owner cursed the loss of his drink and angrily swung the empty pitcher at the head of the whoever knocked him into you. The music halted as chaos ensued, and you scrambled to escape.

“Alright, y’all, that’s enough,” said a forceful voice from the stage, a voice you’d recognise anywhere. “You want to fight, you can go outside t’do it, I hear there’s a hell of an audience in uniform out there too.”

Billy Taupe, by this point the size of a man with the broad shoulders to show for it, set down his accordion and leapt down from the stage, forcefully breaking up the conflict, with the lean Tam Amber quick to follow. You were practically swept up onto the stage, and in an effort to de-escalate Lucy Gray reached out her hands to lift you up and into safety. She was stronger than she looked, and you marvelled at the moment, surely gaping like a fool.

“Learn to behave, folks,” she playfully chastised the crowd as Billy Taupe and Tam Amber wrestled two men out the door. You stood stiff as a board beside her, still dripping head to toe. “I’m’na give you ten, and when I get back y’all better have sorted yourselves, alright?” She jabbed a finger playfully at no one in particular before wrapping an arm around your shoulders and guiding you backstage, Maude Ivory and Barb Azure hot on your heels.

“Are you alright, sweetheart?” she asked you the moment you were out the crowd’s earshot, “we been watching that whole thing —”

“— they nasty out there tonight,” chimed in Maude Ivory.

“— sure we got an old dress o’ Lucy Gray’s milling around somewhere, get you outta that thing,” Barb Azure offered kindly.

“— come here, into the light, poor thing, are you hurt? Let me see it,” Lucy Gray fretted. Seeing your features properly for the first time under the flickering of the oil fixture on the wall, she paused. “I know you.”

“I been here before,” you offered, finally summoning the courage to speak.

“No,” Lucy Gray mused, “you… you done used to bring us flowers, didn’t you?”

You froze, flushing. “Guess I did. Didn’t think you’d remember.”

“Aw hey now, I’d never forget a pretty thing like you,” she scolded you. Your cheeks burned with colour the same shade as her lips. “Why’d you ever stop? We used t’love your visits.”

“She ain’t kidding,” added Barb Azure, eyes twinkling, “Lu would doll up real early on Sundays and wait around for you.”

“Oh, shut it, you big grass,” Lucy Gray muttered, dark eyes never leaving your face. Your breath caught in your throat. “Look, we ain’t sending you back out there. How’s about we’ll find you somethin’ to change into and you’ll sit pretty with us, alright, sweet thing? What’s your name, baby?”

After that night, she kept finding reasons to be near you. Despite the draw you felt to the Covey you were scared stiff of bothering them. You’d rather die than cause them any trouble. But you and Lucy Gray, and then the whole Covey, fell into a close friendship so quickly you couldn’t help but wonder if that feeling was mutual. For a while they would tentatively invite you to picnics at the lake or bonfires in their back garden, but once they found out you could play the pan flute you were as good as one of them.

Lucy Gray began to consume your every waking thought. Lucy Gray, Lucy Gray, Lucy Gray. It’s been the same old for a good few years now. You spend every moment you can with her, whether that’s taming snakes or catching butterflies or whispering to each other late at night. She’s hardened like brandy and fiery inside, and you preen hopelessly under the light she casts on you. Lucy Gray Baird is what makes the world go round.

Yeah, she’s the sweetest girl you know. And, unbeknownst to you, she’s sweeter than ever on you.

The Covey are a superstitious people. There’s nothing they’ll heed more attentively than the whisper of fate. Lucy Gray doesn’t remember much from her childhood pre-Twelve, but she remembers when her momma would try to teach her how to see future in the way that the earth breathed. She knows to pay heed to the shape that the tea leaves at the bottom of her mug take, and where the first drop of rain falls. Everything, everything, including her heart, pushes her to you. She’s sure of it. It’s something bigger than her that connects the two of you, something cosmic, something holy. She’ll count bluebells on her walk to you — she loves me, she loves me not — and take note of the birds in the sky. She spells out love confessions to you in the chords of her guitar. She whispers poems into your morning tea before she brings it to you, careful hands cradling a mug full of love.

She knows it’s the string of fate that’s drawn her in to you. Why, why else would her family end up in Twelve?

Barb Azure teases her endlessly for the affections she harbours, and Lucy Gray will swat away her cousin with flaming cheeks and hiss half-baked threats but she’ll never deny it. There’s no denying it. There’s no denying the love she has for you, more certain than anything. She knows she loves you like she knows that the sun smiles in the sky. She’ll do anything to be around you.

“What’re you gonna do about it?” Barb Azure asks her casually one warm summer’s evening. The two are side by side in the little stone kitchen of the Covey cottage, occasionally brushing elbows as they chop vegetables in unison. It’s a comforting touch, domestic, homely. Golden-pink sun streams in through the mottled windows, and Lucy Gray basks in it like a snake. The back door is pinned open so that the children, and the strange shaggy dog Clerk Carmine’s brought home, and Maude Ivory’s goat can all trot in and out as they please. In the distance, she can see you all playing, wrestling, giggling freely, hear CC’s shrieking melodious laughter. Lucy Gray’s so at peace in this moment that she forgets she’s been asked a question.

Barb Azure’s bare foot nudges her shin gently. “Lu. What’ll you do? ‘Bout her?”

She shrugs. “Same thing I’ve always done. Keep on loving her, and take what I can get.” She seems perfectly at peace with it, and Barb Azure sighs.

“You’ll get a whole lot more if you tell her how you feel,” she chastises.

“Why, and ruin a perfectly good thing?” Lucy Gray retorts, elusive, half-mirthful, a twinkle in her eye but a weight to her words. “No, I don’t think I will, Barb Azure.”

“Aw, hold your tongue now,” Barb Azure grumbles, “cause it’ll be this old dog who’s wipin’ your tears when the belle finds someone else.” She nudges Lucy Gray good-naturedly before moving over to the stove, but Lucy Gray stays frozen, blood running cold. She hasn’t even thought of that, but it’s true, you could find someone else. Who, she wonders? What kind of person would you go for? You’ve been one of the Covey for years, you eat here and sleep here and make music with them and the rest of it, and you don’t really talk to anyone else. Would you go for one of the boys? Tam Amber, or Billy Taupe? The thought of anyone else all up on you like that makes her shiver. She can live with never being able to have you, she’s done it this far, but she’s not sure she’d handle it if someone else could.

The thought weighs heavy on her mind, and she’s quiet for the rest of the night.

It’s only a handful of days after that you’re out gathering berries with some of the others. Lucy Gray comes with for a while, but she’s not really there, she’s not herself, and after finding a few wild apricots she feebly murmurs about going home to pit them. You watch with concern but she’s gone before you can say otherwise, walking off with her head lowered, and you decide to respect her wish to be alone.

You try to ignore the loss of her at your side as you laugh and joke with the others. You never feel content when you’re not with her, though — she’s the only one who can soothe your temples and still your thoughts.

“You okay, Y/N? You been starin’ at that bush for the better part o’ four minutes,” grins Tam Amber.

“Nay, she’s just mopin’. Gets all moony when she’s away from her Lu,” CC butts in, before tossing a blackberry into the air and catching it in his mouth.

“My Lu?” you ask, caught off guard.

“Well, yeah. So much pinin’ you could build your own forest.”

“I ain’t— I don’t pine for no one,” you tell him shakily.

He just shrugs. “Coulda fooled me. You been lookin at Lucy Gray like she hung the stars in the sky since day one.”

You frown, mulling his words over. Is that true? You love Lucy Gray, more than anything, but it’s never really occurred to you that your love for her could be like that. Sure, she’s the prettiest girl you’ve ever met, you’d do anything for her. She’s so kind, so gentle and sweet, but she’s so quick and so fiery. She has a fierce wit to her that’ll send you rolling and reeling in equal measures. She’s always, always on your mind. Sure, your mind goes straight to her when you hear a love song, but— oh no.

“I think you broke her,” Billy Taupe observes.

“I’m, uhm,” you feel your palms grow clammy as you’re overwhelmed with the need for a moment to yourself, “I’ll head back home, and— and start sorting through this,” you look down at your half-filled basket and begin to hurry away. No one stops you, but you feel eyes on you long after you’ve rounded the corner.

You’re a mess. Your hands are shaking, your eyes blurry, your mind spinning as you grapple with this newfound information. You’re in love with Lucy Gray. It’s so obvious that the kids have clocked it before you. God, you’re so stupid. Of course friends don’t love each other like this. You don’t feel this way about Barb Azure or Tam Amber. This could ruin everything, if you ever let it escape you. No, you determine resolutely, you are not going to ruin the only family you’ve ever had. Having Lucy Gray in your life at all is something so impossibly holy that you refuse point blank to risk ever losing it. You will not lose the Covey. You’ll take this to the grave.

Your feet have carried you home before you know it, and you stumble into the kitchen, panting. There are tears streaming down your face, you realise, and you shakily wipe them away only for more to appear.

“Y/N?” says a soft voice at the door, one you love more than anything, and you look up to see the girl you’re agonising about. Annoyingly, you want nothing more than to crawl into her arms. “Hey, baby, you okay?”

“M’fine,” you murmur, hastily brushing away more tears, but she’s stepping towards you with outstretched arms, and then you’re in them and you’re safe.

“Shhh, sh sh sh,” she soothes you, guiding you into the room you share with her, running her fingers through your hair. “What is it, sweet girl, what’s bothering you?”

“It really is stupid,” you tell her thickly. “CC said something, I guess it freaked me out, ‘n got to me a bit.”

Lucy Gray lets out a surprised little laugh and it’s the most beautiful sound you’ve ever heard. “And why’re you givin’ a shit about what he’s got to say, huh? Clerk Carmine’s a twelve year old boy. Can’t get more insensitive than that.”

You nod tearfully, gratefully accepting the comfort of her pressing her forehead to yours and toying with your fingers.

“What’s he said to get you all wound up, baby?” she asks you. You hesitate, reddening, and look away.

“Really was stupid,” you mumble.

“You can tell me,” she promises, eyes dark and soft. You bite your lip.

“Just… that I treat you different to the others, I guess,” you admit, words flowing like butter. She could get anything out of you. Lucy Gray stiffens a little in surprise. “Or like, I love you different.”

“Yeah? How’d you mean?” Her words are soft, gentle, and you feel no less soothed than before. Cautiously, you continue.

“He… said I’m pinin’ for you,” you confess, mere minutes after swearing to yourself those words would never reach her ears.

“And are you?”

You stop up short at the bluntness of her question. Her gaze is unreadable, and you inwardly curse her poker face. “I— uhm, what?”

“Are you pinin’ for me?” Lucy Gray repeats.

“I…” You lamely gape like a fish. “I mean, I guess, I don’t know.”

“If I kissed you, d’you think that’d be something you could enjoy?” she asks you. Her tone’s shifted into something different now, and you can’t quite identify it but it has liquid heat pooling in your stomach. Your breath is caught in your throat, you’re scared to make a sound and break this moment, and so you nod wordlessly.

Her hands meet at the nape of your neck and toy with the hairs there as she slowly brings her lips to yours.

Lucy Gray Baird is soft when she kisses you, gentle. She kind of cradles you, her touch delicate, the way she is with her snakes or that fawn she nursed once — as though you might startle at any moment. You don’t know whether to close your eyes and savor the moment or keep them open and commit her to memory forever. You’re utterly beside yourself.

The kiss doesn’t last too long, she keeps it short and sweet, pecking your lips one final time before resting her forehead against yours contentedly.

“You okay, baby?” she asks after a moment, feeling you shaking against her. She leans back to get a better read on you and her brow furrows at your distress. “Sweet girl, I— did I overstep? Oh god, I’m so sorry, I —”

“No,” you manage to choke out. “No, it’s good, I just— this is a lot— I think I’ve loved you forever.”

Lucy Gray melts at that, pulling you in close and letting you rest your head against her chest, soothing her fingers through your hair. “Shhh, sh, it’s okay. Let it out, baby. You know, I always felt like there’s a reason the Covey was brought to Twelve,” she tells you. “I’m so sure it’s always fate, you know? And my momma was too. I always wondered what it was, I’d feel whispers of things at the edges of towns, I spent so long lookin’ for signs I’d never find. And then you brought one to me, you brought me flowers and ribbons and handfuls of love… and then I wasn’t looking for signs anymore. I was seein’ em everywhere I went, and you was bringin’ em to me every Sunday. And it was the holiest thing I ever felt.”

“You’re everything,” you manage, breathless. “I’m not— I’m no bard like you, Lu— you’re everything.”

“I love you,” she tells you, the intensity of her dark gaze setting you alight, “I love you sure as there’s stars in the sky.”

You lie in Lucy Gray’s arms long into the night, and she holds you, whispering to you how much she loves you. When morning comes, you know the stars will still be there, even if they can’t be found. And you know that when she rolls out of bed later than usual on Sunday, her day of rest, and you bring her flowers and ribbons held together with love, she’ll beam brighter than anything and you’ll have a sky full of stars in your arms.

#lucy gray baird x reader #lucy gray baird #lucy gray baird x fem reader #lucy gray baird x female reader #lucy gray baird x you #lucy gray #lucy gray x reader #tbosas #the ballad of songbirds and snakes

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melminli · 4 months

Text

Not Toxic For You, But With You

pairing: young coriolanus snow x fem. reader

summery - you and coriolanus never had a healthy relationship, but that didn't mean that you two would ever break up. neither you nor he would ever allow that to happen.

word count: 2.6k

contains: post peacekeeper coryo, toxic behavior, dark themes, suggestive language, arguing, talk about cheating, sexual themes

You were happy for Coriolanus when it was announced that he was part of the mentoring program for the 10th Hunger Games and also just so incredibly proud. If anyone deserved it, it was him, and you were convinced of that. That's why you continued to do your best. To be a supportive girlfriend and helped wherever you could - with encouraging words, with homemade treats or simply with your presence.

Unfortunately, your presence seemed to be the least in demand. You weren't necessarily happy about it either, but now that he had this big responsibility, he also had less free time available. That included hanging out with you, whether you liked it or not.

However, you believed that you could manage it. No problem. You just hoped that, like the last nine Hunger Games, the tributes would drop like flies so that the whole thing could be finished as quickly as possible and you could go on cute dates with your handsome boyfriend again. That was the case in the end, except that meaning that the games were over didn't mean that you could have Coriolanus all to yourself again. On the contrary, it seemed as if you had lost him during the games, and he wasn't even a tribute. At least you thought he wasn't.

When it was announced that Coriolanus' tribute would be the girl from District 12, you were a little disappointed along with him. Simply because he seemed to have got hold of the worst one there was. Your friends were initially worried that your jealousy would cause problems, but you reassured them (as well as your boyfriend) that you certainly wouldn't feel threatened by some covey girl from the lowest district.

At least, that was before Coriolanus gave you a reason to feel that way. He started showing up on TV with her, sneaking glances at her from the side, even going so far as to rig the games so he could save her from a gruesome death. You hoped that he would burn in hell along with her.

"Honey, I know you told me not to open the door for him or let him in if he ever shows up, but..." Your mother began to say in a gentle tone after she opened the door to your room. She knew you were sometimes a bit difficult to handle and you hadn't really told her what had happened between you and that Snow boy, but in her eyes, he always seemed to take good care of you. She complied with your request at first, but it had been several weeks since you had barricaded yourself in your room, and she was starting to get seriously worried about her only daughter. "...but that won't solve your problems either, and I think that - "

You interrupted your mother with a loud, annoyed sigh and straightened up in your bed to meet her gaze at the door. "Stop it, mom. I never want to see his face again. Let him get shot by a rebel on the side of the road for all I care. Hope he bleeds out painfully and everyone watches him breathe his last breath in his miserable state." You spit out one word after the other as if they were poison.

Unexpectedly, the person in question was able to contribute something to the conversation. "You really hurt me deeply with your cruel words, my sweet girl." Coriolanus said as he entered your room with a bouquet of white roses.

Your eyes widened in shock as you climbed out of your bed to stand upright, and before you could realize that he was standing in front of you, you looked angrily at your mother. "I can't believe you did that!" You exclaimed, feeling betrayed. You wanted to add a lot more, but in the brief moment you tried to gather yourself, Coriolanus quietly asked your mother to leave you alone for a while and she followed his request and closed the door behind her.

You looked up again when you heard the noise and had to stop yourself from pulling your hair out of your head. "You've got a lot of nerves showing up here. What's going on? Were the woods in District 12 a bit too tough for the city boy? Did you get tired of fucking the cheap pussy of a lower class girl?"

Coriolanus didn't really respond to what you said and placed the flowers he had brought you on your desk before taking off his red coat and placing it over your chair. You really could have a bad mouth when you were angry. He sometimes seemed to forget that. "There was nothing going on between me and Lucy Gray."

You let out a slightly maniacal laugh and could swear you were finally starting to lose your mind. "Oh yeah? And your cock is bigger than Rufus'." You said in a sarcastic tone before your smile fell from your face. "Don't take me for a fool, and don't you dare say her name in my presence!"

This time your words seemed to have hit a sore spot. You could tell by the slight twitch of his eyebrows that he was irritated. "Who's Rufus?" He asked in a serious tone, trying to remind you not to cross a line.

You had long since stopped worrying about what he wanted. "I think you know who Rufus is." You said challengingly, and with that, Coriolanus lost his patience faster than planned as he came at you with quick steps until your back was against the wall, and there was no way for you to escape. His hand tightened its grip on your jaw and angled your head so that your fiery gaze met his. "I was already expecting you to not be on your best behavior while I was gone, and you know what? I was willing to forgive you for that." He announced, his eyes wide with anger and his own jaw tensed as he tightened his grip on yours. "But fucking some boy behind my back while I thought about you day and night? Sleeping in those fucking barracks with four other soldiers and slaving away like I was just another dirty lower class citizen?"

You laughed when you saw the sadness in his eyes. "Stop whining at me with your shitty sad stories. You deserve so much more than that."

You could feel Corioalnu's breath on your skin as he still looked deep into your eyes, hoping to read somewhere in there that this wasn't the truth. That it was just another lie you told with the intention of hurting his feelings, and it did. "Your mother told me that you never read the letters I sent you." He whispered out, wanting to hear it from you.

He could have that. "I told her she was welcome to burn them."

She's driving me crazy, I'm really about to lose it. Calm down, Coriolanus, you're better than that. She's waiting for you to do that. He said to himself as he took a step away from you so that he wouldn't completely lose his temper and make the situation even worse. He was here to make you believe that everything could go back to the way it was, and it would. "So what? You want to break up?" He asked like it was the most silly thing ever. "Don't be absurd."

"No, of course not." You exclaimed, getting louder and louder. "I want to strangle you with my own hands first and then go to that stupid District bitch and tell her she can never have you, understand?! And then I'm going to beat her until she's green and blue, because you know what?! You're better off dead, than having to see you with someone else that isn't me! You're mine! You hear that?! Mine!" You shouted as you dragged him by his vest and then started beating his chest.

Coriolanus grabbed your arm with one hand to stop you when he felt like it was enough and the other in your hair so he could smash his lips against yours. He couldn't help it. He'd been thinking about it since he'd seen you, but he didn't want to upset you any further by interrupting you in mid-sentence. As much as he craved it, he knew you needed to get things off your chest to make you feel better, and he owed you that.

You had imagined your first kiss with Coriolanus, after all that shit to be just as aggressive as it was right now. With his tongue trying to taste as much of you as it could and with a longing that he didn't really give you or himself time to breathe. His body steered you towards your bed until the backs of your knees gave way, and you fell back onto the soft comforter of your bed. He followed you, taking care to support his weight with his arms. He took short breaths as your kiss was interrupted and rested his forehead against yours while he listened to the ones you let out. "I guess you can understand me then when I tell you that I'm going to kill that Rufus guy. Don't think I've forgotten." He whispered to you as he stroked your hip with his thumb, again growing bitter at the thought.

You smiled. "Of course, and I haven't forgotten how you're still lying to me how there was nothing between you and...her." You spoke up and had to stop yourself from putting your hands around his neck. You decided to play with the short hair on his neck instead. "Tell me the truth and never lie to me again. We never lie to each other, isn't that right, Coryo?"

It took him a moment to answer you. "No, we don't." He finally replied and thought about how best to approach the matter. The feelings between him and Lucy Gray were real. How briefly they may have lasted, and he couldn't deny that. Of course, he could never tell you that either - if he wanted another chance with you, and he did. At the end of the day, Lucy Gray and he were far too different from each other. Only with you could he have the future he craved here at the Capitol. A District girl could never grant him that wish.

"We've shared a few intimate moments together." He finally admitted, feeling your gentle hand on the back of his neck grow harsh. "We may have kissed once or twice, but it could never go beyond that. There was nothing between us because it could never become anything. She could never give me what you do."

That's right. She never could even if she wanted to. You hugged him and gave him another kiss. "You're a little different than you used to be. Your time as a Peacekeeper seems to have changed you. You seem more like a man than a boy." You complimented, showing that this was the end of the matter. You were ready to move on because even if you weren't ready to forgive him for his brief secret romance, you were ready to forget.

A seductive grin stretched across his face. "Oh, you think so?" He asked you as he leaned slightly to his side and nestled his one arm under your head while his other slowly moved further down to reach under the waistband of your pants and play with the fabric of your panties. "Do you like it, my dear?"

You returned his grin. "You know I do."

The reactions from your body would betray you if you gave him any other answer than that. You felt yourself getting wetter with the feel of his fingertips on your skin and your vision blurred by your need to feel him. "Please, touch me, Coryo." You begged him, knowing it was the only way to get him to do what you wanted. At least in the bedroom.

He let out a grunt at your current submissive behavior. She really is a devil when she gets angry, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't like that side of her, too. As long as it doesn't come out too often. "What is that I hear? Looks like you haven't forgotten your manners, huh? Are you gonna be my good girl again?"

He looked at you nodding at him with dreamy eyes. "Always Coryo, always your good girl."

His fingers tugged a little harder on the side of your panties this time. "No. I don't think so, my dear. Because if you were, you wouldn't let some stupid boy fuck my pussy, would you? Do you know what kind of girls do that?" He asked you in a sugar sweet voice that was laced with disappointment and that made you draw your eyebrows together. "Sluts who can't be satisfied with one cock and therefore spread their legs for everyone."

Seems like Coriolanus is still angry about that, but you didn't expect it any other way. After all, that's why you did it, because if he made you the other woman, you'd make him the other man. For a little bit, anyway. "I'm sorry, Coryo. Please. I love you, only you." You tried to apologize to him and move your hips so you could get more of his touch.

"I know you do." He replied, deciding not to tease you too much for once. Maybe some other time, he'd be a little harder on you and punish you appropriately, but right now, he'd much rather hear your sweet voice crying and pleading for him. He did really miss you, after all.

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etfrin · 4 months

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ꜱʜᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇꜱ ᴀ ʙᴏʏ! ɪ'ᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀ ʙᴏʏ — ʟᴜᴄʏ ɢʀᴀʏ ʙᴀɪʀᴅ ♡

☆　ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: SFW | mentions of canon typical death

☆　ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ: Lucy Gray x fem! Capitol! Reader

☆　ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ: you confess your feelings to Lucy Gray by a song and the aftermath of it

☆　ᴀ/ɴ: this was inspired by She Likes A Boy by nxdia! Give the song some love! And i used the lyrics from that song!

masterlist | navigation

You were a Capitol citizen too. But when you heard Sejanus Plinth, your best friend was volunteering to be a medic, you didn't hesitate to do the same. You didn't know the actual reason why he had done so, but things got clearer when you saw Coriolanus Snow on the same train.

Then came Lucy Gray Baird in District 12. She with her mockingjays and snakes. The victor of the annual Hunger Games. She was different from what you saw on TV. Prettier for starters, her voice softer, her accent thicker when she talks to you. She explained the beauty of twelve so simply that the Capitol seemed boring to you.

It didn't take much for you to fall in love with her. It wasn't just her songs, but everything about her. Her knowledge about nature, the way she cares about the Covey. Everything about her made you devote yourself every day.

Even though you volunteered to be a medic, Lucy Gray was healing you.

You also knew that Lucy Gray and Coriolanus Snow were together. You don't regard Coriolanus as a good man. His eyes are too hard and sharp, unlike the boy you knew in the Academy. This is a man, a demon in the flesh. You avoided him as much as possible, but sometimes it's impossible too because he was always near the songbird. Keeping an eye on her, being jealous of any man near her. You were lucky you were a woman otherwise you probably would have been shot by now.

It was a day when Coriolanus Snow wasn't present in the hob that you decided to spill your heart to the songbird. In the morning, no one was present, you and Lucy Gray had volunteered to clean the space for some quick change after a party. You take time cleaning mopping the floor, wondering if you should walk up the stage and sing the pathetic song you wrote about her.

You knew you couldn't outright confess to her, that you would get rejected on the spot. So, music was the only way because you can lie about its origins. You walk up to the stage and Lucy Gray doesn't notice. The mic was on and you swallowed your palm sweating. You were so, so nervous.

And then you begin singing,

“She likes a boy!

She likes a boy!

and I'm not a boy!

and I'm not a boy!”

Your voice is awkward, but it gets her attention so you continue,

“she’s covey with a pretty face

strawberry lips, oh it’s wasted

on this dumb boy who likes the chase”

You meet her eyes and she knows this song is for her despite the fact your singing isn't very good and your eyes are watering because you want her, you want her, you love her. She doesn't feel the same.

“Fuck that guy!” You finished screaming, in a similar manner Lucy Gray had when her name was spoken in the reaping. You wipe the tears that had fallen and you want to run, not wanting to face the inevitable fallout of your actions.

She walks up to the stage and turns you around so you can look at her. She holds both of your hands. And you begin to speak, being ready to lie straight from your teeth that the song is not about her.

“Lucy-”

“Shush,” she whispered, her doe-brown eyes looking into yours. “Let me…” she whispered before she leaned in to kiss the tears still falling from your eyes. She does it with a few teardrops, with each kiss her lips are closer to yours. You stopped crying, your heart beating out of its ribcage out of anticipation.

She doesn't kiss you, much to your disappointment. She pulls back and doesn't say anything. She doesn't have to, the silence is her answer. You run out of the hob, ignoring her yell for you. The next day, Sejanus Plinth is dead. Your best friend is dead because he was a traitor. The mayor's daughter is missing. Everything is a mess. And you find comfort in nobody, your heart sure that Coriolanus Snow had something to do with it.

Early in the morning, Lucy Gray comes to you whispering about the North. And you agree without even thinking (anything for you, my love). You asked if Coryo was coming and the beautiful songbird shook her head. And, oh, that just cemented your promise even further to go with her.

Within the hours, you travel and travel along with your love who doesn't quite love you back yet to the North, hoping to find paradise.

Years later when you sing the song again. It's sung with joy and a past bitterness. It doesn't matter whether you're a boy or not. Love doesn't work that way. She loves you all the same. The way Lucy Gray smiles at you, she would never do the same with that snake.

You have your North and it's Lucy Gray ♡

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ballad-of-birdy-lamb · 4 months

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i literally NEED more Lucy Gray content. I wake up and go to bed every day STARVING for it. May I please request Lucy Gray x fem!reader fluff where they explore 5he woods or something?? Please<3

You're so real, there is literally NOTHING for her, which is crazy since she's one of the main characters.

Lucy Gray x Fem! Reader exploring the woods together.

Summary: romantic headcanons of Lucy Gray takes fem! reader out to the lake with the rest of the Covey and goes exploring for food with them in the woods. __

It was a spur of the moment question, simply because she liked you so much. "Do you want to go to the lake with the Covey and I?" Lucy Gray asked as she kneeled on the quiet stage. The Hob had emptied a while back, leaving you standing near the stage while Lucy Gray kneeled above you.

Her eyes bore into you, waiting for you to answer her. "Sure, I'd love to go with you." You return with a smile. Lucy Gray nodded and leaned down just enough to kiss you.

Lucy Gray was ecstatic at the idea of taking you to the lake with her. It was so special to her. It was one of the first times she got to spend alone time with you. And it was even better because she got to take you to the lake, away from the stresses of Panem and from District Twelve.

The walk to the lake consists of Maude Ivory singing one of the songs she memorized while Lucy Gray pulls you along, holding your hand in hers.

She'll spend a lot of the day in the lake with you, holding you close as you sit in the cold water, just close enough to smell the waters scent on your skin.

At some point, she'd need to go searching for food in the woods. It's not always that she gets to find wild berries and they never sell wild berry jams in town. Lucy Gray will claim you coming along will help your survival skills but it's also because she wants to take you on a little date in the woods.

Pulling you along, she'll talk about her family taking her to the lake when she was young and how it was so nice taking you with.

She is extremely smart when it comes to wildflowers and berries, knowing which ones she can and can't pick. She will infodump about it the entire time you search for the plants.

Lucy Gray will tell you not to eat all the berries you find but won't immediately tell you off when she sees you sneaking a few for a snack.

The entire time won't be finding food, part of it will go to sitting with you, alone in the woods. Lucy Gray will take many opportunities to give you a kiss or give you flowers she thinks you'll like.

Once your baskets are full, she'll remark that you don't have to go back so soon and that you both should stay in the woods for a bit. "We'll be fine, maybe we'll find something else we can make into jams." That's not fully true but she's slightly honest. What if you do find something else? It's good to stay and search more.

Of course, Lucy Gray will hold your hand a lot, nearly the entire time she's with you.

So sorry it took so long to make!!

My tbosas masterlist

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m4tthewmurd0ck · 4 months

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Tom Blyth x Actress!Reader

TBOSAS Vogue Interviews — You + Josh

no descriptors other than reader being shorter than tom but i use she / her. click [HERE] for the table of contents for all things tom x actress!reader, and click [HERE] for Tom + Rachel’s interview! little reminder, tbosas has been out for a month when this takes place so they are allowed to mention spoilers. this interview takes place the same day as rachel and tom’s, so you don’t know any of their questions or answers yet. little reminder, your character in HOTD is named juliette.

Like Rachel and Tom’s video, the first bit shows short clips of some answers, but no context as to what the questions are.

You burst out laughing. “That is absolutely not what happened and you know it!”

Josh thinks, then snaps his finger and points to you. “Lover, or Evermore.”

You and Josh fist-bump as you look at the camera and say “Willem Dafoe” at the same time.

THE INTERVIEW —

The actual video begins with you and Josh trying, and failing, to stop laughing.

“I’m sorry we’ll stop,” you promise as you attempt a serious face. “Hi Vogue, I’m Josh Andres Rivera.”

Josh looks at the camera with a straight face as he introduces himself using your name. “Today we’re here to ask and answer questions rapid-fire style! I have the first one, can you give us any spoilers for season two of House of the Dragon?”

You burst out laughing again. “That is not the first question… is it?”

Josh shrugs, “no but the people want to know.”

You look at the camera, “sorry I love my job too much, the people will have to wait. We are completely finished with the filming but I may actually get fired for revealing everything. However I will say if you thought the first season was crazy, you have no idea what’s coming. Where my character is involved, remember she doesn’t know that Lucerys is dead, or that Aemond is directly responsible. And he’d just convinced her that he would change and do better for her before he left, so you have her finding out to look forward to.”

“Not a spoiler like I hoped but I will accept your answer, and I can’t wait to see Juliette kick Aemond’s ass! Okay the real first question, what songs did we sing first when we went and did karaoke as a cast?” Josh raises his eyebrows. “Someone did their research. Oh God I honestly have no idea what the first song was. I definitely sang one too many though. Do you remember yours?”

You nod, “Style by Taylor Swift.”

“Oh yeah that’s right!” He looks at the camera, “that was the day I found out I’d be working with Taylor Swift’s number one fan.”

“The real question is do you remember what I said my favorite album of hers was?”

He thinks for a minute. “Fuck — oh sorry can we swear? You just told me the other day too!” After a few more seconds, he snaps and points to you. “Lover or Evermore right?”

You do a slow clap. “I’m impressed! At my core I am a Lover girly but right now my favorite album is evermore.”

Josh grins at the camera. “Major bff points right there. Okay my turn to ask a question. Oh I bet Rachel and Tom got asked this too. Most difficult scene to film and why?”

“Ooh that’s a good one,” you think for a moment. “Physically, for sure the big scene I have with Tom. Emotionally, I think Sejanus’ execution. Obviously because that’s an emotional thing in itself, but it was the most difficult emotionally just because of how much I had to cry. From the moment Sejanus is led to the tree, to the moment my character falls to the ground sobbing once he’s dead, it started out as tearing up and by the end I had to like I said be full on sobbing. I’m just thankful we got that scene in a few takes,” you laugh.

Josh nods, then points to you as he looks at the camera, “if you guys haven’t seen the movie yet, she’s incredible. I had a hard time with that scene but I can’t imagine how difficult it was for you. It was so cool to see the final cut.”

“If you don’t say your most difficult scene, that was so sweet I may actually cry right now, thank you!”

“Okay okay, emotionally I’d also say my characters execution. Physically, escaping from the arena with Tom. We tripped a few times, it was also hard because we had to coordinate with the actors who play the tributes to make sure they wouldn’t actually catch us.”

“What do you think Rachel and Tom said their answers were?” Someone asks off camera.

You and Josh are both quiet for another moment as you think.

“I think Rachel said the hardest scenes physically were the games because she missed stunt training in the beginning.”

Josh mimics your slow clap from earlier. “That was my exact answer too. And Tom… I think his answer emotionally was yours for physically. I know he was a little nervous to film the fight scene with you in the cabin.”

“My heart,” you put your hand over your heart and smile at the camera as if he’s right there, before turning back to Josh. “Yeah neither of us wanted to rehearse it very much since we couldn’t meet with the stunt coordinator until the day we shot the scene. He was so worried about hurting me. Okay sorry we took so long just for that one question. Describe each others characters in three words.”

“Badass because… hello that whole scene with Tom, kind because she puts everyone else before herself, and cunning. I like that she can think on her feet.” Josh sits back, satisfied with his answer.

You high-five Josh. “Nova May appreciates that. And now I definitely have to top that. Loyal. I know it’s almost to a fault but Nova May really loves that about him, congenial because I feel like it’s really easy to love Sejanus. He’s not like the others who grew up in the capital. And… sweet. He didn’t let having money get to his head.”

“Sejanus also appreciates your answers. Okay my question, name three characters from other franchises that you think would do well in the games.”

“I love this! I swear this isn’t because they’re shows I’ve worked on, they genuinely are the first characters to come to mind. Aemond Targaryen because he clearly has no problem with murder,” you laugh and look at the camera, “love you Ewan! Hmm, Paul Atriedes just because I really wanna see Timmy film the arena scenes. And Joel Miller because I am a Last of Us girly and I know he could kick ass.”

Josh nods, appreciating your answers. “I probably should’ve spent just now thinking of my answers, shit. I’ll say… King T’Challa because he’s overall just a badass and he can fight. This is also in the MCU but Kate Bishop because a bow and arrow are good for long distance kills, and then… just because I’ve been watching The Last Kingdom a lot, Uhtred Ragnarsson.”

“Who plays the best movie villain?” You ask. You and Josh look at each other and grin, having just discussed this a few days ago.

The 2 of you fist bump as you look at the camera and say “Willem Dafoe.”

“There will be no elaborating. Two words: Green Goblin. The ones who get it, just do,” you shrug, and the camera then zooms in on Josh who just nods.

Someone off camera motions for you and Josh to get to the last 2 questions.

“Advice for aspiring actors?” You ask. “I’d say don’t give up. You may get a hundred no’s, but if this is really what you want to do just keep working, keep auditioning. That one yes after a hundred no’s could be the role that changes everything.”

Josh points to you again, “I completely agree. Even if you feel like the only option is to give up, if this is your passion and genuinely what you want to do, don’t quit. You never know when your big break might come. I think I’ve got the last question. Favorite part about filming The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes? I know what she’s going to say,” he points to you and laughs. “Name starts with a T and ends with om,” he looks at the camera again. “You guys she was all heart eyes the moment they met.”

You can feel your face getting warm, but in the end you nod. “That is absolutely not what happened and you know it!” You sigh, then admit defeat. “Alright it’s true. I don’t know that Tom and I would’ve met if it weren’t for this film. Although I had already watched season one of Billy the Kid, that was released I wanna say a couple of months before I booked this movie. So I was already a fan of his.”

“And we all know my love for Dune and House of the Dragon,” a voice speaks up from behind you.

Immediately you get out of your chair and Tom pulls you into his arms, hugging you tight as he looks down at you. “Alright my love?” He asks. After a minute you return to your seat and he greets Josh.

“What are you doing here?” You ask, still surprised.

“Just thought I’d come surprise you,” he smiles. “And I sort of tricked you. That dinner meeting your agent mentioned is actually dinner with me,” Tom turns to Josh. “Rachel says she’s free if you both want to join us.”

Josh agrees and pulls out his phone, saying he’ll let Rachel know.

You swear if your heart could beat out of your chest, it would. No one has ever made you this happy.

Someone off camera asks you all to film the outro for the video.

“Thank you to Vogue for having us!” Tom stands beside your chair and puts his arm around you.

“We hope you enjoy our film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” you smile at the camera.

“It has been in theaters for a month now but you can still catch it for a limited time,” Josh finishes.

“Bye guys!”

TOM BLYTH x ACTRESS!READER TAGLIST —

@callsignwidow | @spencerstits | @coconut-dreamz | @daenerysqueenofhearts | @inf4ntdeath

if you’d like to be added let me know!

#tom blyth x f!reader #tom blyth x fem!reader #tom blyth x actress!reader #tom blyth x you #tom blyth x reader #tom blyth x female reader #tom blyth fluff #coriolanus snow x fem!reader #coriolanus snow x you #coriolanus snow x female reader #coriolanus snow x f!reader #coriolanus snow x reader #lucy gray baird #lucy gray #sejanus plinth #josh andres rivera #tbosas #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #coriolanus snow fluff

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edb954 · 4 months

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Idea

Imagine Where it’s Coriolanus snow x fem reader and they have known each other for a long time and maybe even dated (until Lucy gray) and somebody says in a speech:

“A Toast To Y/n always the second love, never the first..”

Or something like that and yes it’s inspired by the quote in corpse bride..

(Like honestly how would he react? How would the reader react? What would happen?)

#angst #fluff #coriolanus snow x reader #female #coriolanus x y/n #coriolanus x you #coriolanus imagine #corio snow #coriolanus snow #lucy gray baird #sejanus plinth #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #tbosas #thg series #angst with a happy ending #coriolanus x reader #Coriolanus angst #imagine ideas #story ideas

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bookishcarmela · 2 months

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Shadows of Affection

warnings: none

Coriolanus Snow x reader, slight Felix Ravinstill x reader

Chapter 7: The explosion

authors note/ Hey everyone, Sorry for disappearing for a bit. I've been stuck with writer's block, but I'm getting back on track. Chapter 8 is in the works and should be out soon. Also, sorry if the last chapter was short. Sometimes, ideas come in small packages.Thanks for being patient and supportive. I'd love to hear what you think of the story so far and what you'd like to see in future chapters. Do you prefer Reader with Felix or Corio? Let me know in the comments.

The explosion ripped through the arena, hurling you off your feet and sending you crashing to the ground. The thunderous boom echoed as chaos erupted around you. You grappled to keep your balance, clinging to the trembling earth, desperately trying to push back the rising panic.

Memories of past horrors flooded your mind—the blood, the cold, the fear. You longed for home, for the reassurance of your father's presence, the soothing words that nothing could harm you. Curling into a ball, you sought solace in a moment of vulnerability, praying for the chaos to cease.

Amidst the turmoil, hands reached out, wrapping around you protectively, pulling you close. A voice whispered softly, reassuringly, promising safety in the chaos. Though the thick haze clouded your vision, you recognized the voice instantly. It was Felix.

His presence was a lifeline in the turmoil, a comfort that shone through the darkness. With his arms encircling you, he murmured words of solace, assuring you that you would weather this storm together. And in that moment, his presence felt like a refuge in the midst of chaos.

The deafening silence deceived them, luring them into a false sense of security as you cautiously began to rise. However, the illusion shattered with a final explosion that ripped through the stands above, sending debris, flames, and chaos cascading down upon you.

you stumbled, disoriented, attempting to regain your footing when a force pushed you, sending you sprawling to the ground. The impact slammed your head against the unforgiving surface, sending you spiraling into unconsciousness. In the haze between consciousness and oblivion, you caught fleeting echoes of someone calling your name.

When you emerged from the void, you found yourself in a starkly bright room, disoriented and groggy. But before you could make sense of your surroundings, darkness enveloped you once more.

As you gradually came to, the afternoon sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the room. Despite the light, your body ached, and each movement was a struggle. An uninjured Sejanus sat nearby, concern etched across his face. When he asked how you were, you attempted to sit up, wincing at the pain.

"Where's my mother? Did she come?" you inquired, scanning the room with a glimmer of hope.

Sejanus shook his head, his expression turning solemn. "No, Y/n. I'm the only one who's been here."

your heart sank at his response, but you pressed on, asking about Coriolanus.

"He took a hard hit, but the doctors are optimistic. He'll pull through."

When you inquired about Felix, Sejanus' demeanor turned even graver. "He's not doing well. He's in surgery right now."

you felt a pang of guilt, realizing that Felix had saved you, or at least you suspected he did. "He pushed me out of the way," you whispered, a mix of gratitude and concern coloring your words.

Sejanus explained the aftermath of the explosions, the chaos that had unfolded. "They didn’t know what triggered the bombs. The losses shook the Capitol. The casualties... they're devastating."

Your heart weighed heavily with the toll of the event. "How bad is it?" you asked, bracing yourself for Sejanus' response.

"District 6 tributes are gone. The Ring twins too," he recounted with a grimace. "Androcles Anderson and Gaius Breen are in critical condition. Gaius lost both his legs. It's a mess, Y/n.”

If Dr. Gaul wanted a makeover for the Hunger Games, she’d gotten it. You thought, Shortly after Sejanus departed, the doctor arrived with news about your injuries. According to them, the blow to your head required monitoring but wasn't too severe.You also had a bruised rib, prompting them to recommend a few days' stay for observation.

The following afternoon, a parade of well-wishers started with Festus, who bore a sling on his arm and a few stitches on his cheek from a shard of metal. He shared the news that the Academy had canceled classes, but students were expected to attend the Rings' funeral the next morning.

After a while, Sejanus made another appearance, this time with a stack of his mother's delicious meatloaf sandwiches. He stayed for a brief visit, offering comfort in the form of familiar homemade food, before taking his leave.

after a while of sitting in your hospital room and thinking you decide its finally time to do what you've been avoiding

As you entered Felix's hospital room, you found him lying there, seemingly in a peaceful slumber. Despite the visible cuts and bruises on his tan face, the nurse had informed you that he had already undergone surgery but had yet to wake up. A mixture of relief and uncertainty washed over you—glad that he wasn't awake to witness your vulnerable state, unsure of what to say to him even if he were.

You approached the bed and settled beside him, your hand reaching out to gently brush his dark hair away from his face. The tenderness in Felix's nature had always struck you, a stark contrast to your own soul tainted by the deeds and pain you had encountered. Though you cared for Felix, you grappled with the complexity of your feelings. Did you truly love him, or did you just love the way he made you feel.

You sat there, your lips forming a soft frown, eyes brimming with unshed tears you were determined not to let fall. "Oh, Felix," you whispered.

As you sat in silence, the sterile hospital room offered little solace as your thoughts drifted back to a time when everything seemed simpler. You reminisced about the days when You and Felix were just children, blissfully unaware of the harsh realities that awaited them in the years to come. Felix, always the sweet boy, had been a constant presence in your childhood. You thought of the innocent days when he used to pick pretty flowers for you, a gesture that somehow always went unnoticed.

You remembered how Felix would blush, a rosy hue spreading across his cheeks whenever you talked to him or merely glanced in his direction. Back then, You hadn't paid much attention to those signs of affection. After all, your focus was firmly fixed on Coriolanus Snow, Your childhood companion.

Your families had been close, Your parents best friends, and the idea of marrying the two of you seemed almost inevitable. You once overheard conversations between your fathers discussing the possibility of a future marriage between the two of you. It now seemed like a silly notion, a relic from a time when life was uncomplicated.

As the war unfolded, your visits to the Snows' penthouse became less frequent. After Coriolanus's mother passed away, those visits ceased altogether. Your own father's death marked a turning point, a moment that shattered the illusions of a carefree childhood. The memories of those simpler times clashed with the harsh reality of the present, leaving you lost in contemplation within the sterile confines of the hospital room.

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layla4567 · 5 months

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Until the birds stop singing 🐦

Young!Coriolanus!Snow x OC!Fem!reader

Summary: Soleil come from district 8, the textile district and she have been chosen for the hunger games. When she hear her name she hesitates whether to approach or not but since she have no other option she go up to the podium. What the girl don't know is that from the screen sapphire eyes are observing her carefully, wondering if she will be his tribute or not. Warnings: Everything is probably too inaccurate with the Hunger Games universe because I have no fucking idea what the movies are about, I've never seen them, sorry!-- I have a lifeguard complex so Coriolanus may not be such an asshole in this fic-- the typical "i can fix him" (no you can't)-- first time using an OC and not Y/N-- basically Soleil replaces Lucy--not proofread--english isn't my first language--injuries and blood--spoilers I think Wc: 4.6k

divider not mine, credits to whom it may apply (I don't remember the user, sorry)

Coriolanus was with his body upright and tense in his seat, staring at the screen and trying to maintain a calm breathing. Next to him, Sejanus looked at him askance, but his classmate didn't return his gaze. It was an open secret that everyone was tense about the hunger games and knowing what tribute they would get, everyone wanted the prize and others needed it more than others. But Coriolanus would never admit it, he preferred to starve before saying that he needed money, he didn't want to compare himself with the poor of the district.

The screen showed people from different districts, all of them standing in rows according to their number. Some mentors had already been assigned his tribute except for Snow, he felt nervous and lightly rubbed his fingers on his thigh to calm the anxiety and stress. Suddenly the presenter put the microphone to his lips and uttered words that someone wished they didn't hear.

"From District 8, Soleil Allen!"

The young girl's blood turned cold as ice and she felt her breath hitch for a second. On the other hand, Coriolanus leaned in his chair, approaching the screen without being able to believe what he saw and heard. Soleil was behind a tall woman so the camera couldn't capture her.

"Come on Miss Allen, don't be shy and come closer"

She sighed deeply and with hesitant and trembling steps she moved away from the rows and slowly approached with almost ceremonial steps towards where the presenter was. People watched her pass as they watch a bull pass to the slaughterhouse. The closer she got, the slower her steps and the more distraught her face became. Her clothes drew attention wherever she went, you could clearly see that they were sewn by hand, for some reason she came from District 8. The camera focused on her worried face and on the screens Snow looked at her for a long time, she had soft and sweet features as a fairy, but her upward frown gave her the look of a scared puppy

When Soleil gently climbed the stairs her gaze went straight to the floor, scared and ashamed. She definitely didn't want to be there, she didn't want to be chosen, she was just unlucky.

"aww is the girl scared?"

A girl who was close to Coryo mocked Soleil, pretending to be compassionate, but her laugh sounded poisonous. Coriolanus looked at her frowning for a second and then turned his face to the screen swallowing nervously, if that girl was his tribute he would be doomed.

"Alright Soleil Allen do you have anything to say to the civilians or the camera? We are recording you right now!"

Soleil kept looking at the floor and wringing her hands like a little girl, some citizens laughed at her and others looked at her with pity. Suddenly she slowly raised her head and looked at the people and then at the camera. Coriolanus on the other side didn't know why but he felt that those eyes were looking only at him. Soleil's eyes showed regret and pain like those of a sheep in danger. Suddenly she approached the presenter and looking at him begged him.

"Please take care of my mother, she is alone…please"

The girl's request and the urgency in her voice caused the presenter's charming and bright smile to fall for a few seconds. Coryo through the screen frowned in confusion while he kept looking at her. Why would she ask for something like that? Doesn't she know that's not possible? Seriously, would she be so delusional to think that someone from here would care about someone from a district? Even Coryo knew that deep down he considered the people of the districts inferior, like animals. Around the room where young Snow was sitting there was also confusion.

"Uhmm well Miss Allen I'm afraid that won't be possible, but thank you for your suggestion!"

The look of sadness that the girl's eyes expressed caused something in Coryo, a certain discomfort that he couldn't identify but the situation bothered him and he didn't know if it was because of the girl's request or because of her reaction when it was rejected. The presenter smiled again as usual and some men took Soleil by both arms, dragging her like a sack of potatoes, she moaned fearfully and looked at the camera again as if she were looking for help, and again Coriolanus felt that she was asking him for help even though she didn't know him.

Young Snow remained still in his seat watching as the girl was taken away until she was just a blurry dot on the screen. The tributes continued to be announced but Coriolanus was not paying attention, his head was somewhere else, very far away. He couldn't stop thinking about what had just happened to his tribute, he didn't even seem to notice when they announced the tribute of his friend Sejanus. For the first time Coryo felt that the situation was slipping out of his hands. He who always felt prepared for any adversity now felt like he was losing control and the games hadn't even started yet. The room began to empty little by little and only Snow was left standing in the middle of the room with his gaze fixed on the already turned off screen, even so he could continue seeing Soleil as if it were on. Sighing, he slowly walked away with languid steps and went outside.

Coriolanus Snow in his scarlet red uniform was standing in the middle of the train station alone. He had decided to receive the girl with a welcome and a white rose, a rose that he now held in his hand, turning it over thoughtfully and anxiously. After thinking about it for a while and analyzing what he had seen on the screen, he said that Soleil needed to trust someone and that someone was none other than his mentor. If he did not achieve this he risked losing the opportunity to win the Plinth Prize. Snow had to achieve a favorable and calm environment to calm the waters, she is probably scared and confused now so he will be her anchor, her lighthouse in the storm.

Meanwhile, Soleil was sitting on the floor of the train car with her knees bent up to chest height and her hands clasped in front of her legs. She had her chin buried in her knees and her gaze was empty and lost. She made great efforts not to cry, but she told herself that she was not weak or cowardly and that no matter how ugly things looked, she would always know how to find the light. Precious and sweet memories of just a few days ago came to her mind, she and her mother sewing dresses together singing happy songs of yesteryear. Or years ago when she was a girl of only 10 and her father was still alive and taught her to dance, but since she was very short she always ended up resting her feet on his while her father made her spin around until she burst into laughter. These memories were like a balm for her heart and she allowed herself to smile shyly. She looked around at the people next to her in the car, poor, dirty-looking men and women who were in almost the same situation. Their faces did not reflect any comfort or joy in all this that was happening. You couldn't even make friends because in the end in the arena it will be a pitched battle of all against all. And to be honest, even if it had been possible to establish some kind of friendly relationship with those people, she would not have been able to due to her introversion.

Suddenly a little girl looked at Soleil, at first shyly but then she smiled warmly and Soleil couldn't help but smile too. The girl approached her walking slowly due to the constant rattling of the train. When he was close enough he greeted Soleil.

"Hi!"

"Hey.."-She smiled, speaking softly.

"You're Soleil Allen right?"

"Yeah I am"

"My name is Wovey."

Now the little girl smiled with all her teeth, causing her eyes to narrow in a tender way. Soleil smiled more calmly, at least of all those people there was someone kind enough to introduce themselves.

"What a cute name"

Wovey seemed delighted and thanked him while bowing slightly.

"Why did you say about your mother?"

Soleil's smile faded little by little as she remembered her little "speech" and she became sad when she remembered her mother. The girl had a huge heart and great compassion and she couldn't think about anything other than that her mother was okay. Since her father left, the two of them had learned to be alone and take care of each other and Soleil couldn't imagine how empty her mother must feel now without her by her side.

"I- well...uhm.."

Soleil's eyes felt wet again and she looked away so they wouldn't see her crying, she hated crying in front of everyone. Wovey's face turned serious, fearing that he had made a mistake by asking that question.

"Come Wovey, leave her alone"

A man in a beret took the girl's hand and led her away from Soleil until he returned to her side and sat with the boy. As the train shook faster and faster, announcing that it was about to reach its destination

Young Snow grew impatient as he waited for the carriage and turned the rose faster and faster between his fingers. Suddenly a familiar beep woke him up from his daydreams and he saw the train loaded with passengers stopping right in front of his eyes. The young blonde tensed and adjusted the folds of his suit. A peacekeeper grabbed his hand on the car door and roughly slid it open. A few people got out, men and women of different ages. Coriolanus looked frantically around the train car hoping to find you. When I was beginning to lose hope, a somewhat short and thin girl with short brown hair down to her collarbones emerged from the car cautiously. She walked with slow but elegant steps, looking at everything around her in surprise as if she were on another planet. The peacekeeper snorted irritably and impatiently.

"Are you getting off the train or not? I don't have all day."

Soleil blushed embarrassed by the reprimand and nodded timidly. First he sat on the wagon and then jumped down, bending his legs and shaking his clothes. Coryo, who was a few meters away from her, noticed that she was even prettier in person than what the cameras showed. Her clothes seemed timeless, a shirt with long, puffy sleeves that left her shoulders exposed, a tight corset tied towards the front adorned her chest and highlighted her waist and hips, the flowered pattern looked like a rustic fabric. At the bottom she wore a long soft pink skirt that reached just above her knees and on her feet she wore simple brown boots. Yes, you could definitely tell that girl was pretty. Young Snow saw that the girl was looking everywhere lost trying to look for someone, when she was about to walk away he walked in her direction calling her.

"Soleil Allen, wait!"

The tribute turned around abruptly upon hearing her name and among the crowd of people she saw a mop of platinum blonde hair and beneath that hair the bluest eyes she had ever seen in her life. A tall boy dressed in red approached her confidently, pushing his way through the crowd. Who was that handsome and distinguished boy who had called his name? What did hers want? Despite being a girl who does not think badly of people, at first a small distrust settled deep inside her being.

Now the rose that Coriolanus was holding began to tremble slightly in his hand at the side of his body, he had made a little speeches about what he would say to his tribute but now when he had it in front of him and looked into her eyes he fell silent and his mind remained silent. in white. If he had the bluest and most crystalline eyes, she had the brownest eyes I had ever seen, almost the color of honey, or the golden sun when reflected in the water. And her thick, long eyelashes seemed to simply complete her look. He suddenly felt his palms sweat, and he wished she didn't notice.

"I'm Coriolanus Snow, welcome to the Capitol"

The boy raised his arm and brought the flower to her face. Soleil's face transformed completely, first she frowned in confusion and then her face relaxed until her lips formed a big smile. She inhaled the perfume of the rose with her eyes closed, even though it was not open, the smell was still sweet. Coriolanus seemed relieved that he liked the white rose and smiled softly as well. Soleil opened her eyes by gently batting her eyelashes and looked at the blonde boy.

"Thank you very much, it's beautiful"

Soleil tilted her head, still smiling, and lovingly massaged the petals of the fragile rose. Snow couldn't stop watching her movements, always delicate like those of a princess and smiled even more, something inside him tingled and for a moment he forgot what he really thought about the people of the districts. But he decided to suppress those thoughts and emotions that he didn't know where they came from and he didn't want to find out, the people of the districts were still inferior to him, this was just a gesture to gain the trust of his tribute… right?

"Umh maybe you don't know it but I'm your mentor, I'll help you win the hunger games"

"To win? and how exactly?"

"Well with strategies I guess, we'll see about that later"-He tried to look confident but quickly scratched his neck.

Soleil nodded when suddenly two uniformed men grabbed her by both arms, lifted her off the ground and took her away, leaving Coryo surprised and confused. She kicked and screamed while in the air without her feet touching the ground. In the midst of all the commotion she dropped the rose into her hands. Young Snow rushed to grab it and chased after the men.

"Stop! Don't take her, I'm her mentor!"

Other peacekeepers quickly did the same with the other tributes. They were dragged as if they were light as feathers and were pushed onto a garbage truck-like transport. Screams and commotion echoed in the air and deafened Coryo's ears but he followed your trail closely. He couldn't lose his last ticket to win the prize. At a time when the men dispersed to catch more tributes Coriolanus quickly climbed onto the truck and entered without hesitation. The doors closed and before he realized it he was already fully in the lion's den. Soleil was scared to see his mentor there, his bright clothes made him see a red ant in the middle of warm and dark colors. Soon the other tributes rose from their seats or the floor and looked at him with frowns. Soleil was afraid that they would do something to the blonde boy so before anyone else could move she approached him.

"Why did you get on the transport? You shouldn't be here!"-She said with a thin voice

"Well, I'm your mentor, I can't leave you alone…"

Coryo's gaze moved nervously around the place and became more uncomfortable when he saw that a robust guy was approaching dangerously towards him.

"And who is this clown?"

Young Snow was going to say something but Soleil quickly did it for him.

"He's my mentor, he's supposed to help me win the games."

After saying that, the girl quickly realized that she made a serious mistake. Now others will think she was cheating or something like that. She closed her eyes and bit her lower lip, wishing the earth would swallow her. The other tributes looked at her offended and murmurs of disapproval arose. The sturdy guy behind her moved even closer to Coriolanus and pushed Soleil away with his arm, which displeased the mentor.

"So the rich kid is going to help the 8 win huh? And what the fuck is going on with the rest of us?"

The man had Coryo cornered against the wall, yet he cleared his throat and did his best to maintain a calm attitude.

"I promise you that everyone will have a mentor who will help you"

The guy laughed sarcastically, looking at the others who also started laughing as if Coryo had made a great joke. Suddenly the robust man turned around to look at him, this time completely serious, and grabbed him by the lapels. Soleil, scared, put a hand on the boy's arm, trying to calm him down to no avail.

"Well, I think the pretty boy is lying."

Before anyone could say anything Coriolanus received a strong punch in the face, leaving his lip split and bloody. As if a spring had been activated in her system, Soleil shouted No! and with one jump he climbed onto the back of the man who had hit his mentor. She clung to him like a circus monkey and placed her hands on his head and eyes, preventing him from seeing or moving.

"Leave him alone!!"

The man turned and made great efforts to get the girl off of him but it was useless, she held on tightly as if her life depended on it. Coryo, recovering from the shock of the blow, looked at his tribute with amazement and some admiration. He began to think that maybe you weren't so weak and useless. Soon the other tributes approached helping their companion and trying to remove Soleil and without thinking it all turned into a small fight because Coriolanus separated the others as best he could so that they would not hurt his tribute.

Out of nowhere a strong shock like an earthquake caused everyone to fall to the ground with a thud. The transport was moving from left to right as if it were going to overturn and the people inside were pushed like potatoes towards the walls, causing several bruises. When everything seemed to get worse the door opened and everyone was thrown like garbage into a zoo. Soleil tried to grab onto something and reached for his mentor's hand, who was still clinging to the door, refusing to fall, but another jolt caused the tribute and mentor to fall silent, hitting rocks and scraping their hands as they passed. The fall was hard and the girl felt her palms burning and when she looked at them they were red and she had some cuts with blood.

Soleil felt the veins in her temples throbbing strongly and her face felt hot from the shock. Gasping and squeezing his eyes shut, she stood up slowly and unsteadily, trying to maintain her balance and figure out where she was. She shook the dust off her clothes and to her horror saw that they were locked in a kind of zoo with thick iron bars. Did they really see them as animals?

The girl with light brown, almost hazel eyes looked around at the other people who were with her. Some were still injured on the ground and were getting up as best they could or with the help of someone, but there was one thing in common, and that was that no one knew or understood why they were in that place. The young tribute looked everywhere for her mentor but gave up on that idea when she saw the girl from the train who had greeted her sitting on the floor crying with her injured knee. Soleil felt her heart sink and she didn't hesitate for a second and trotted towards where the little girl was.

"Hey, are you okay? I'm here."

Soleil carefully wiped away the tears that were rolling down Wovey's cheeks and tried to smile so that the girl would understand that everything was going to be okay…or so she hoped.

"That's it, that's better. Now, would you like to tell me where it hurts?"

Wovey with a pout pointed a little finger at her knee. Soleil moved the fabric of her skirt and saw the bruised skin. It was scratched and red and bleeding a little. She quickly tore a piece of the hem of her skirt and gently cleaned Wovey's wounds. She then improvised a bandage by wrapping the cloth around the knee. At all this Coriolanus found her tribute first after looking and searching everywhere, he saw her crouching helping the girl on the train and tried with all his might to suppress a smile but he couldn't. He decided not to get closer but watched her from afar.

"There, this should be enough."

Wovey looked at her bandaged knee and could smile, Soleil saw her finished work with satisfaction and pride. It wasn't the best bandage but at least it would help prevent the wound from opening further. The girl smiled warmly at Wovey and stroked her chin.

"I wanted to see that smile, you are very brave, you know that?"

The little girl giggled in response, which infected Soleil. Suddenly a clearing of the throat behind her surprised her and she turned around to see blue eyes looking down at her in amusement. She stood up quickly happy to see her mentor but then her smile faded when she saw Coryo's busted lip, she remembered the brute man who had hit him and frowned. Coriolanus noticed that she was looking too closely at his lips and became nervous.

"What's wrong?"

Soleil did not respond and instead placed her hands on the sides of Coryo's face and moved closer to get a better look at the wound. His first instinct was to back away but he suppressed it.

"Your lip is bleeding"-she said running her thumb slowly over the cut to which he grimaced-"I'll see if I can heal it…"

The tribute grabbed her skirt again and was about to tear the fabric when Coriolanus's firm hand stopped her.

"No! You don't need to ruin your clothes for me, besides it doesn't hurt that much"-he lied

She was going to protest but a grimace of pain prevented her. Suddenly a burning sensation in her hands reminded her that she was hurt. She looked at her palms that were red and full of dirt. Frowning in concern, Snow pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and offered to clean her hands. Coryo's eyes were on her hands but Soleil only saw his eyes. When he finished he looked up smiling satisfied and she looked down embarrassed not wanting to be caught looking at him.

"Thanks…"-she mumbled

"No problem"

Suddenly he remembered something and raised his index finger in a sign of waiting and took out of his jacket pocket the rose that had fallen earlier at the station. It was a little crushed but still just as beautiful. He looked at Soleil and gently placed it behind her ear. Her honey eyes pierced his ocean blue ones. She thought he was just being nice and wanted to gain her trust because he was her mentor and she was supposed to help him win the prize and in turn he was supposed to help her win the games. But still she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her stomach.

The sound of a microphone startled them both. A man was talking to a camera held by another man. The one holding the microphone seemed excited to broadcast live what was happening on the other side of the bars, as if the tributes were aliens who had just landed on earth. Soleil didn't like all this at all, she felt helpless and vulnerable and instinctively sought the protection of her mentor as if it were her father. She wrapped herself in his arm and clung to him like a little girl. Coriolanus Snow frowned in surprise and confusion but then he saw her scared face and placed a hand on the back of her.

The presenter was still talking to the camera when he turned around and saw Coryo. It was so easy to spot him, his clothes bright red not only because of the color but because he dressed more elegantly than the other people there.

"Excuse me, little boy, yes, yes, the blonde in red. What are you doing here young man and what is your name?"

The camera got dangerously close to Coryo who began to sweat and stutter slightly. He looked for help in his tribute's eyes but she was as mute as he was. Coryo cleared his throat and simply said

"I'm Coriolanus Snow but why don't I introduce you to my tribute, instead?"

The blonde boy pointed at Soleil with one hand and invited her to come closer to the camera. She looked at him scared but he winked at her. He knew this was the best way to start winning over the public.

"Excellent, excellent!"-exclaimed the man enthusiastically

And quickly he brought the microphone as close as the bars would allow to the girl's face.

"Tell me, you're Soleil Allen, right? The one from District 8."

Soleil swallowed and, trying not to look at the camera, answered.

"Y-yeah, it's me"

Coriolanus squeezed her arm to give her courage and to make a good impression and she thanked him with a smile.

"Oh, but what do I see here! Is that a rose you're wearing behind your ear?"

The girl blushed and quickly took off the flower and squeezed it in her hand. The man with the microphone seemed happy with the nervous gesture of the tribute.

"Oh ho ho and may I know who gave you that rose? Was it your mentor?"-he winked mischievously

Mentor and tribute were getting nervous when some children of 5 to 6 years old approached the bars to say hello, they were like angels sent from heaven to save them from the embarrassing situation. The girl approached and placed her hands on the bars.

"You're pretty"-she said to Soleil in a childish voice

Soleil Allen crouched down to the little girl's height and smiled with all her teeth.

"Thank you sweetie, so you are"

Coryo looked proudly at his tribute, with her natural charm and genuine kindness she was winning over the crowd even before the games began. The girl ran her fingers through the tribute's blouse.

"I like your clothes"

"Oh really? I made it"

The presenter looked at the camera again, smiling like never before.

"What do you think of that? Soleil Allen, the girl from 8, is tenderly earning the trust of two little children!"

Soleil looked at the boy who had his hands in his pockets.

"What's your name?"

He hesitated before answering. "I'm Pontius"

"And I'm Venus, his sister!"

"What beautiful names"-she smiled

Pontius looked at Coryo for a long time and then said innocently

"Your girlfriend is pretty"

Soleil opened her eyes and blushed as she looked at the boy. Coriolanus just smiled

"Thank you"

Soleil looked at him confused and he smiled calmly again. The presenter kept talking to the camera.

"Very well we will continue to report on the other tributes later, don't miss the 10th annual Hunger Games!"

With this the man said goodbye and left the zoo. While a peacekeeper led Coriolanus by the arm. Soleil, worried about being alone, clung to her mentor's hand. It was becoming a tug-of-war when another peacekeeper abruptly removed Soleil's hand and pushed the girl aside. Snow wanted to protest but they mercilessly dragged him out of the zoo. Soleil quickly approached the bars and gripped her hands on them as she stuck her head out through a gap.

"Will you come back? Promise!"

"I promise you"

Coriolanus's cry echoed as they took him away and Soleil felt emptier than ever, even more than when she had to leave her mother alone at home.

#oc #oc female #oc fic #the hunger games #coriolanus snow #coriolanus x oc #coriolanus x oc fem reader #fanfic #tbosas #lucy gray baird #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #tom blyth #young coriolanus snow #thg #the hunger games fanfic

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