Chapter Text
Coriolanus tried to ignore his nerves as Dean Highbottom found his way to the podium. Everything he had worked for had been for this moment. The Plinth Prize was his. Everyone knew it. As he fantasized about what he would do with the money, Sejanus took a seat next to him.
“There's been a change of plans,” he whispered.
Coriolanus’ heart dropped, “By that, you mean..?”
“You're not getting the Prize, Coryo. I’m so sorry.”
As Coriolanus opened his mouth to protest, the Dean finally spoke, “Before I speak, I would like to welcome Dr. Gaul to the podium. She has an announcement to make.”
The students murmured their theories as to why she was there. The only thing Coriolanus could hear was a sharp ringing in his ears.
“In order to regain public viewership,” Gaul’s booming voice knocked him out of his trance, “this year's Hunger Games tributes will be reaped from our very own Capitol Academy students. Our twenty-four highest potential graduates will be fighting to the death in a brand-new arena, live on television for everyone to see."
Coriolanus stood in a panic, "What? The Hunger Games were created to punish the districts, not us! You can't do this!"
"If the districts believe us equal, they will not revolt. This is for the good of your Capitol, Mr. Snow. Sit down," Dr. Gaul dismissed his outrage.
"Y-you can't! My parents will kill you!" Felix cried.
"Yeah! Nobody here wants to watch their own kids die anyway!" Festus joined in.
Dean Highbottom sighed, "I'm afraid your guardians have all agreed to it already.”
How the hell did anyone agree to that?
“But,” Dr. Gaul chimed in, “unlike previous games, we have given you an easier chance of survival. Capitol citizens will be allowed to donate funds to give you supplies. Majority of your families have already donated large sums to help you in the arena.”
“As well as that, the games will last fourteen days. Whoever is alive at the end of the fourteen days will be let out, one victor or not. If there is only one victor, the leftover money from the donations, along with the Plinth Prize, will go to them,” Dean Highbottom explained. The room erupted in conversation, but the newfound tributes stayed silent.
“Excuse me,” Arachne raised her hand, “you said ‘majority of our families.’ Who didn't send any money?”
“Yeah, who would leave their child to die like that?”
Dean Highbottom brought his looking glass to his eye, “Well, I believe it was Mr Snow’s family. Whoever would have thought? Last male of your name, Coriolanus. You'd better fight in there.”
He felt his blood run cold. His classmates looked at him, some astonished, some pitiful. He turned quickly on his heel and walked out of the hall.
Coriolanus felt his breathing quicken, putting a hand to his heart and leaning against one of the pillars in the entryway to the school. He pressed into his chest, attempting to stop his lungs from moving so fast. It was no use. He was going to die. He knew they wouldn't compromise not to kill each other, and even if they did, he hadn't enough fat on his body to last very long without food.
“Coryo? Are you alright?” Sejanus’ voice echoed through the entryway. Great.
“Go away, Sejanus.”
Sejanus’ hand gently touched Coriolanus' shoulder, “It's going to be fine, Coryo. We’ll all just agree to wait it out. And then the Games will end for good! They can't get away with this, you know.”
“You really think they won't kill you? You're District. You should be terrified right now.”
Coriolanus felt a pang of guilt as Sejanus’ soft smile fell. The kindness in his eyes vanished for a brief moment, then it returned, “I have faith in our classmates.”
Coriolanus always knew Sejanus was dumb, but this was astonishing, “You're going to get yourself killed thinking like that.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. I guess we’ll see,” Sejanus started to walk away. Coriolanus swallowed as his breathing slowed.
He couldn't help himself, “Sejanus?” He called.
“Yes?”
“Are you going to kill me? In there?” He felt embarrassed by the vulnerability he was displaying.
Sejanus shook his head, “I would never do that, Coryo. Would you kill me?”
Yes. If it came to it. “No.”
“Then at least we’ll have each other, right?” Sejanus paused and waited for Coriolanus’ response. He gave none. Sejanus kept walking.
—
Coriolanus’ head hurt when he stepped into the penthouse, “I’m back.”
Tigris came running forward, wrapping him in her embrace, “Coryo! I just heard. Why would they do something like this?”
“I don't know.” He wanted to feel angry. He did feel angry. But he also saw this coming. Of course he wouldn't be able to graduate. Of course he wouldn't win the Plinth Prize. He had done everything for nothing. He had worked so hard just to die at eighteen.
“Why did Grandma’am sign it? Do you think they paid her?” Tigris’ voice was shaky.
“No. She just didn't read it. You know how she is. Besides, they wouldn't give us money regardless. Dean Highbottom is perfectly content to watch me die in there, from how it sounds.”
“You're going to be fine, don't say that. Your classmates won't kill you, Coryo.”
“You don't know them like I do,” Coriolanus sighed and took a seat on a cold wooden chair, “I don't think they would even hesitate.”
“Well, the Dean did say that you get money if you win, right?”
Coriolanus looked up to see Tigris with a grim expression on her face, “He did.”
“So win it. If they're as savage as you think then they’ll kill each other quickly and you just need to hide until everyone else is gone. You don't have to fight anyone to survive.”
“I’ll starve before the end of it.”
“Well, what about Sejanus?” Tigris asked.
“What about him?”
“He's rich. His parents have money. And you two are friends, I’m sure he would share some food-”
“If you're suggesting-”
“I’m not saying you should betray him. I’m saying maybe the two of you could get out of it together.”
Coriolanus sighed, “I’ll see what I can do. Can I have time to myself right now? To strategize.”
Tigris kissed his head, “Don't let yourself feel down, Coryo. I’m here for you. We still have a few days before you go.”
“I don't want to say goodbye yet, Tigris. There's still time, you gave me good ideas.”
Tigris rubbed her thumb on Coriolanus’ cheekbone, “You won't have to say goodbye. I believe that.”
She's too sweet for her own good. “Yeah. I do too.”