Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Coriolanus, did you hear?” Junius bursts into their dormitory. Coriolanus was writing a letter to Tigris, apologizing for everything, even if now it didnt matter anyway.

“Hear what?” He said as he raised his blue eyes to look at Junius who had a shocked expression on his face.

“Sejanus is in jail, one of the jabberjays caught him explain a plan to someone, a rebel plan. Commander Hoff is fuming right now and i believe Strabo Plinth is on his way here. His arrival is expected tomorrow.” he stuttered rapidly .

Coriolanus attempted to act shocked and scared at first, but then he tried to brush it off as something unimportant “I dont think we should worry, Mr Plinth is on his way, he will probably talk to someone and save Sej.”

Junius was surprised as how calm Coriolanus was acting “They could hang him, you know it right?! The other people caught in this plan are already on for the death penalty tomorrow. This is serious, he was planning an escape from Panem with those people.” Junius said, trying to catch his breath.

Now Coriolanus was shocked. Death penalty? Hanging? No, no one in the Plinth family would allow this fate for their beloved Sejanus, his “ma” would die of heart attack just at the thought of this. Plus, didnt Junius say Strabo was on his way? Yes, everything is going to be fine. Or at least he hoped.

“Junius, i know his family, they wont allow this. Sejanus is going to be fine. Can we see him or talk to him?” Coriolanus said biting his lips from anxiety. Could they really punish Sejanus like this? Now he regretted recording him using that Jabberjay.. oh god, what if Dr Gaul was going to punish Coriolanus now? No, he didnt do anything, just his duty.

“No, Smiley and Bug tried already but Commander Hoff said no one will speak with Sejanus until things are settled. Dont know that things to be settled exactly but thats what Smiley told me.”

“We just have to wait then.” Coriolanus said, almost without care. But deep down he was scared, more for himself than for Sejanus.

𐬾𐬽𐬾𐬽𐬾𐬽𐬾𐬽

After Coriolanus sent the letter, he sneaked out in hopes to find his songbird, Lucy Gray.

He went at the Covey’s house. Moonlight was shining on the wooden door, he didnt want to wake up Maude Ivory, since he assumed she was the only one sleeping right now.

He slowly knocked on the door. No one answered so he knocked again, louder this time. Still no answer.

Was no one home? Were could they be? …. Oh right,probably perfoming at the Hob.
He rushed to get there.

Once there, he noticed the amount of people, maybe two dozen? Not a lot. they mustve heard the news about the hanging tomorrow.

On stage was Tam Amber and Clark Carmine singing on their instruments a sad song. He recognized this funeral song, of course he did.. Lucy Gray sang it in the arena.

Coriolanus realized the rest of the Covey must be in the backstage so he rushed there. As he was walking along the small hall leading there he noticed that the blood prints still didnt come out of the ground. Oh right, couple of days ago he killed someone here. But wait, it was to save his songbird and Sejanus. yes.
He tried to forget about it quickly and looked for Lucy Gray.

A slight hum creeped from on the backstage rooms, he slowly knocked.

No one answered but the humming stopped. He knocked again.

“Yes?” a familiar voice echoed from behind the door.
Coriolanus slowly opened it, to find Lucy Gray get ready to leave.

She sighed of relief at his sight and went to embrace him. Coriolanus burried his face in her neck, he inhaled the lavender scent from her hair, calming him down.

“I heard what happened. You dont have to tell me” She whispered quietly.

Coriolanus tried to hide the fact that a tear just brushed down his cheek. “I’m so terrified of whats going to happend to him, Coryo.”

Tears rolled down his face now. Lucy Gray noticed and attempted to wipe them off his pale face. He didnt know why he was crying, but it wasnt because of what could happend to Sejanus. He was really scared of his future now.

“Lucy Gray, I have to go now, i just wanted to see you. His father will be here tomorrow, probably bribing someone to buy his son’s freedom.”

He noticed a change in Lucy Gray’s expression. He gave her a slight bit of hope. “This is good news, right?”

“I think so.”

He pulled her in for a kiss before hugging her goodbye and quickly walking District 12’s streets to return to his dormitory.

Chapter Text

A slight gust of wind that entered their room woke Coriolanus up. The morning light didnt yet arrive, and neither did Sejanus, his bed was still empty.

Coriolanus changed his clothes quickly and went to the canteen for breakfast.

“Gent, here!” said Junius, pointing to the seat near him.

“Morning. Any news about Sejanus?” asked Coriolanus looking at his roommates.

“His father arrived earlier. I think he’s talking with Commander Hoff right now.” Smiley answered.

“Is there anything we can do?” Bug asked.

“Just hope.” Smiley replied, looking at Coriolanus.

★ ° . *　°　.　°☆ 　. * ● ¸

After breakfast, they all had training. Right as Coriolanus was finishing his workout, a short male, already dressed in his uniform, came and presented himself to Coriolanus.

“Hello, do you know a Coriolanus Snow? I’m Commander Hoff’s assistant.”

“That’s me. What’s going on?”

“He requests your visit to his office. Please change into your uniform and come right away.”

“Ok, I’ll be there.”

He locked eyes with Junius before heading to the showers, only to see a worried expression on the man’s face.

★ ° . *　°　.　°☆ 　. * ● ¸

A large hand was placed on Coriolanus’s shoulder as he was arranging his uniform along the halls.

He quickly turned and saw Strabo Plinth’s worried expression.

“Mr Plinth, what a surprise! I didnt expect to see you here-“ he stuttered. Oh god…

“Mr. Snow, everything has been fixed.. Sejanus is going to be safe." Strabo replied locking eyes with Coriolanus. He noticed how the young man's shoulders loosened up after hearing the news.

"Thats great. Sejanus is lucky to have you as his father, Mr Plinth. How is Mrs Plinth?'' he asked even if he didnt care. After all, the Plinth family has got him his Academy diploma, without them he wouldnt have graduated.

''She was devastated upon hearing the horrific news.'' Strabo answered. ''Mr Snow, i have to go back to the Capitol now. I wanted to ask if you could keep an eye on Sejanus? We don't want anything like this to ever occur again... And as his friend you know how he can be and how he is. Please, Coriolanus."

Yeah thats exactly what he needed right now..

''Yes, of course. You have my word." he promised

★ ° . *　°　.　°☆ 　. * ● ¸

Coriolanus was very anxious and tense to speak with Commander Hoff. What could he possibly want right now? Does he also want to ask him to keep an eye on Sejanus?

„Come in.” A deep voice answered after he knocked his office door. Coriolanus entered quietly and did the military salute.
„Good morning, Commander Hoff. You requested my presence.” He said looking straight.

„Indeed. Coriolanus you will be moved to District 2. Your position will be one of a greater salary, and your time is going to be shortened by 10 years if you fulfill your duties.”

What?! This cant be possible.. district 2? Why? What about Lucy Gray and .. Sejanus?

Coriolanus froze looking in the void. Thoughts were racing into his head.

„Coriolanus this is a great oportunity.” He woke up from the freeze and looked at Commander Hoff. „Your train leaves in a week.”

He realized he needed to say something now. „Thank you.” He muttered.

★ ° . *　°　.　°☆ 　. * ● ¸

As he was looking around him he didnt notice Sejanus. The hanging tree was behind him, peacekeepers were tying the noose around 3 necks. He didnt feel sorry for them, got what they deserve for being rebells.

In front of him was a mourning crowd. Pathetic.

Mockingjays were now imitating their hopeless screams. These birds were really iritating.

★ ° . *　°　.　°☆ 　. * ● ¸

„Coryo!” A familiar voice called out while entering their dormitory. It was already evening, maybe around 7pm? The chilly air coming from their window made Coriolanus’s hair raise on his arms. He looked over to the door and there he was. Sejanus looked very tired, heavy eyebags and a pale face.

„Sejanus!” Coriolanus exclamed while going to embrace him. „I told you not to do anything and be careful.” He said in his shoulder.

„Its not fair, they didnt deserve to die. Coriolanus, I stand by my beliefs. This is beyond wrong and cruel.” Sejanus whispered while breaking up the hug.

What has he going to do now? Sejanus will clearly do something impulsive and ‚right’ after this.

„You could have been killed! Think about your parents, your mother! You can help people other ways, Sejanus.” Coriolanus almost added something regarding how this couldve affected his own image before Sejanus interupted him.

„Those are innocent people being punished, I cant just stay on the side and watch it happend.” His brows were not furrowed in frustration.

„Let’s not discuss this right now. I’m just reliefed that you’re okay.” Coriolanus replied looking at Sejanus, attempting to calm him.

They both sat down and silence wrapped the room for a couple of minutes.

„Do you want to go to the Hob? The other guys left just before. I waited to see if you would come.” Lie. He only stayed because he was tired after today but now he didnt really want to stay alone with Sejanus in a room. He was afraid he might confess what he had done.

„You’re a good person, Coryo. Thank you. Yes, let’s go.” Sejanus replied with a faint smile.

★ ° . *　°　.　°☆ 　. * ● ¸

Coriolanus left Sejanus with Smiley and Junius, both relieved that he’s ok. He went backstage to look for Lucy Gray.

The blood stain was still there. He felt a weight in his stomach, where were the guns?

„Coriolanus!” Maude Ivory called out, running to hug him. He shifted his attention to her and hugged her back.

„I heard Lucy Gray say something about Sejanus. Is he okay?” She squeaked looking at him. Her long blonde wavy hair was falling on her small shoulders.

„Yes, dont you worry, he’s fine, he is here, he came to watch you perform.” He copied her smile. „Where is she? Lucy Gray?” he asked.

„Right in this room. I have to go now, my turn is next!” she said walking away. „See you, Coriolanus!”

„Lucy Gray, are you here?” he asked while knocking.

„Yes, come in.” She answered.

As he stepped in the room, Lucy Gray’s eyes locked into his in hoped for good news. She quickly got up.

„He’s alive and he’s okay.” He replied, noticing the visible relief that washed over her face.

„Coriolanus, I have something to talk to you... but not here.” She went and took his hands in hers. „We’re going again at the lake tomorrow. Do you think you can make it?” she asked him with hope in her eyes.

„Yes, of course. I’ll finish everything i have to do by noon and come to your house. Is that okay?”

„Yes, yes it’s good.” She said pulling him in for a kiss before leaving to go on stage.