CHAPTER 2 : HER NAME

"Wake up !"

Corionalus, along with all the other soldiers, immediately jumped out of bed. The commander came every morning to wake them up with metal objects. Luckily for the blond, he was not having problems getting up. Those who showed resistance were punished, flogged or worse killed. Joining the peacekeepers were the last lifeline for those who had failed at the Capitol.

"I want you all in the classroom in thirty minutes !" No latecomers will be accepted !"

Giving his soldiers one last sharp look, the commander left the dormitory. The boys immediately hurried to get ready. Coriolanus, organized by nature, replaced his sheets to make his bed before heading towards the common bathrooms. When he observed the other students doing their hair, he felt happy to no longer have to take care of his.

Walking straight, the blond moved towards the military building alongside Sejanus. Clearly in favor of the districts against the Capitol, he had been expelled to the peacekeepers. Coriolanus thought he was fearful and too weak to display such ideologies. Ever since their first meeting in a playground when they were both eight years old, the blond continued to cover him. His judgment of Sejanus, however, began to change. He did not want to be affiliated with him.

"Do you think something happened ?" Sejanus asked, worried. "The commander looked in a hurry."

Coriolanus had also noticed it. But, the surroundings seemed too calm. If an accident had occurred, many more soldiers would be preparing to go to the front. So, the blond remained emotionless. Recently, he could not feel anymore anyway. His chances of getting a recommendation to attend University were shattered. And, on his way, he had condemned with him the death of his tribute.

In silence, the young soldiers sat down. Coriolanus looked at his comrades, some of them were as anxious as Sejanus. They were probably afraid of having to fight. Still, that was why they were here. They were all condemned to stay at least twenty years, without permission to marry or have children. So, they might as well die for a good cause.

Commander Hoff positioned himself in front of his students. With a more serious air than usual, he spoke :

"I summon you today to ask you to be careful. District twelve has still not digested the recent events. Several attacks have targeted our soldiers and they have all been organized by the rebels."

As he continued to describe the attacks within District twelve, he showed images on the screen in the middle of the room. Bombs, guns or even knives. The rebels were merciless. Coriolanus tried to understand their reaction. Lucy Gray Baird was dead, despite her victory at the Games. What was the point of the Hunger Games if there was no winner ? What was the point of even watching ? But, the blond was certain of one thing. The rebels were wrong to start a new war that they clearly could not win.

"I can't take away your personal time," continued the commander, "but I suggest you to stay focused. These rebels would be ready to target you."

"How can we defend ourselves outside the camps ?" asked one of the students.

"From today, you will exceptionally have the right to carry a weapon. Use it only if your life is in danger. They are just as armed as you."

At the end of his speech, the young soldiers left the classroom. When Coriolanus got up to leave, Commander Hoff raised his hand to stop him. With a discreet glance towards the door, he checked that they were alone before confiding in the blond.

"You're one of my best students," he whispered to him. "I trust you. I have never seen the rebels so aggressive towards the peacekeepers before. There are several people behind these attacks, probably a whole organized network. I entrust you with the mission of obtaining information on their actions and reporting them to me. Do you think you can do it ?"

Coriolanus frowned slightly at his request. He was only a novice, only on the camp for a few months. However, the commander was giving him cards that he could play in his favor.

"Are you asking me to infiltrate the rebels ?" he questioned him, uncertain.

"I ask you to sympathize with them. You are young, charming and intelligent. You will know how to find them and domesticate them."

"How to find them ?"

"They are everywhere. In the forest, in the basements, in the streets and maybe even watching us right now. Don't be fooled by their tears, they are criminals. You know that the death of the girl in District twelve was a necessity, right ?"

Hesitantly, the blond stared at the commander for a moment. Playing a soldier was easy, being a spy was another matter. As for his question, Coriolanus preferred not to answer it.

"What's in it for me ?"

Facing the ambition of Coriolanus who never failed to respond, the commander let out a smile. He moved closer to him before whispering in his ear :

"I will do my best to get you back to the Capitol sooner than expected."

Confident, the blond showed his hand. He had nothing more to lose, nothing more to sacrifice. Proud to see his student's determination, the commander shook his hand.

Later in the evening, Coriolanus was leaning against the wall of the dormitory. It was dark, most of the soldiers were already in bed. He had gotten into the habit of waiting for Sejanus before going to bed. Not because he wanted to protect him, but because he was aware of his actions. The later he returned, the longer Sejanus had spent his day with the rebels.

"Still awake ?" Sejanus suddenly approached him.

"I was wondering where you were again."

"Oh," he said surprised. "I was at the Hob. I really like the atmosphere there."

Coriolanus narrowed his eyes slightly. If Sejanus was close to the people of District twelve, perhaps he could help him to get to know them better.

"Have you made any friends yet ?" the blond asked him, interested.

"I wouldn't go as far as to call us friends but I got to know several of them, they are nice people."

"By any chance, do you know the waitress from last night ?"

"Her name is Erin," Sejanus told him slightly embarrassed. I haven't really had a chance to talk to her, she's very popular. Why do you want to know her name ?"

"Because she knows mine," Coriolanus said a little coldly, "thanks to you."

Mouth half open, Sejanus remained silent at first. He probably thought his friend was being too suspicious. He quickly excused himself before telling Coriolanus that he wanted to go and lie down. The blond stayed against the wall. Crossing his arms, he raised his head to observe the stars. Commander Hoff had just offered him a way out, a way to return to the Capitol. The only thing left that mattered to him was his family.