Chapter 2: Drawing Lines
Commander Coriolanus Snow was pleased with himself as he sat in President Blud's sun-filled solar watching the old man shift in his throne-like chair. He complained bitterly about his back in a mumbling fashion before turning to the commander with a critical eye. A large desk sat between them and despite the amount of paperwork on it, none of it required Snow to be present. The commander wasn't called in for protocol or security. Snow knew exactly what Blud wanted to discuss.
"I hope you're done with her," he said bluntly.
"Actually, no," Snow replied coolly as he leaned back.
"There are others waiting for her. You know you can't have her all to yourself," the president drawled, stating the obvious.
"Oh yes, that would be a terrible shame if you had to disappoint them. Then again, it would also be a shame if my peacekeepers were negligent in any of their duties," Snow's mouth turned into a confident smile as President Blud's face soured.
"You would not dare," he hissed.
"You have many other victors still to pass out. Consider this an investment in your well-being," Snow got up and allowed his height to loom over the decrepit old man. Blud had to know his time was coming to an end. It was time for new leadership.
"Next thing you'll say is that you plan on running for president," Blud spat angrily.
"What if I did?" Snow's grin turned cruel as his eyes narrowed.
"You would never live to see the day you take office, my friend," Blud replied. Snow laughed short and hard.
"The power you once had is gone, Blud. The peacekeepers are mine. Their loyalty belongs to me, and you will consider yourself lucky if I allow you to live in your retirement," he said before turning to the door with a confident stride.
…
Thankfully Commander Snow did not show up the next day for her answer and it allowed Sage a quiet meal with Geri and her mentor Carter. Neither had been any big help to her during the ordeal, but at least they never seemed to leave her. It was a quiet comfort to know she always had Geri there to usher her around to the right place while Carter's hollowed eyes followed her. They had not been so hollow since she won, but there was still a sadness in them as if he knew what would come next. Unfortunately, he spoke little of the parties or of what she should be doing in the Capitol. Both Geri and Carter seemed to be treading in unknown territory along with her as new traditions popped up left and right.
"The train will be leaving tomorrow for the tour," Geri perked up amidst their silent breakfast.
"So soon?" Sage was surprised that Snow and President Blud had been able to pull things together that fast.
"They're eager to prolong this victor parade," Carter grumbled with a mouthful of eggs. Geri gave him a side glance through heavily decorated eyelashes.
"I think it's delightful. I think these traditions will stay and you'll always be remembered as the first to conduct them. Just think how wonderful it will be to see the many different places all the while traveling on such a luxurious train. I even hear that Commander Snow might join us as well," the sound of a fork dropping to a plate was heard, but it was not Sage's. Carter had stopped eating and was suddenly getting up from his plate.
"I need some air," is all he said as his chair whined from being pulled across the floor. Sage looked to him, but he did not turn back. She turned to Geri instead to see her give an awkward shrug. Once he was out of earshot she continued.
"He's one of those silent types. Honestly, I thought he would come out of his shell once you won. He certainly was of little help to you when you were in the arena. If it weren't for that silent sponsor you wouldn't be here now. The sponsor sought Carter out, you know? You should have seen me, I was completely livid with him for not actively trying to garner other sponsors! We were so lucky," Geri shook her head and turned back to her breakfast. Of course Sage could not expect much more than a Capitol attitude from her. She was concerned in the only way she knew how; as if this were a simple game and a teammate was not pulling his weight.
"Perhaps it's time I had a real talk with him," Sage got up. Carter had mentioned something about the silent sponsor, but nothing more than how lucky they were that he had deep pockets, although, he didn't look that relieved. His gaze seemed constantly fixed on some far off spot down a hallway or across a room. Sage wondered if he was seeing into the future since nothing ever seemed to surprise him.
She found him up on the rooftop. Someone had started to put a garden up there and it was a mess of flowers and equipment. Carter stood against the edge. His hulking form seemed like a pillar that was out of place and Sage wished he was more like one. There were times when she stormed off to her room to rage against the man who seemed to do little more than nod and say yes or no. If he was any help, Sage never saw it.
This was a man who had won based on the odds and perhaps that was all he knew. Back then, districts 1 and 2 had yet to develop their academies and it allowed a fairer reaping. Carter had been a strong and capable 18 year old who was known in his district for finding a way to hunt outside the borders. He had won because the odds actually were in his favor. Sponsorship had also developed since he won and that seemed to tip the scales even further to the advantages of the stronger districts. Maybe Carter could not understand how Sage could ever win? Now that she has, he is adrift in this new uncertainty of what is to come.
"Carter?" she started softly. He didn't respond so she sucked in a breath and squared her shoulders. "Whatever is on your mind, you better say it for once!" she barked at him. He quickly turned to see her and stepped away from the edge. He walked over and corralled her back around some equipment.
"They watch everything, and they hear every word," he whispered to her. Sage was surprised a moment, but then suspected she should have guessed so much from the Capitol.
"And here?" she asked in a hush voice.
"I think it's safe so long as we stay quiet," he said.
"What's going on?"
"I heard about last night, with Commander Snow. He's more than fond of you and he's extremely dangerous," he said.
"Why though? This whole city is full of…," she tried to search for the word.
"Fakes," Carter added and caught her attention. "This is a man who must have the real gem, not the glass one. It started when you began poisoning the other tributes. He came to me and told me to make you win no matter the cost," he said.
Sage took a step back as she put it together. Snow was the silent sponsor. He had made it so she could win. Carter took the moment to continue.
"When he saw you had it in you to win, he had his mind made up. That's why I could send you the food, the medicine, and everything else. He has laid some claim to you and I don't think you can escape him,".
"What should I do?" Sage asked.
"Agree,.. agree to his terms. You don't understand Sage. The arena was horrible and death waited for you, but there will be more suffering now. If not for Snow, you'd find yourself forced into the company of others. You're very lovely, and it's a curse now," he said with a solemn look.
"There's no other choice?" Sage felt like she was on the verge of tears. The dawn light was beginning to illuminate their shadow and she wiped them away.
"Make him want to hold on to you. Don't let him tire of you. He could turn cruel or cold in a heartbeat and then you will be tossed back into the throng," Carter replied as he laid his hands on her shoulders tenderly. Only once before did he embrace her as she was about to enter the games. This felt like yet another goodbye. She was slipping out of his hands and into yet another arena.
Carter allowed a moment to go by before walking out of the shadow commenting about flowers and the beautiful view. Sage found it hard to add to the faux conversation, but she did her best. He continued on as if they had been arguing about the name of a flower sitting in the shade of that shadow, but Sage didn't have the strength to continue the deception for long. They soon traveled back down into the apartment where Geri quickly had Sage carted off to see Jakob for her tour wardrobe.