Coriolanus Snow, 74
President of Panem
A light summer rain dripped down on the black-clothed flock of people, pattering against the umbrellas and soaking everyone's shoes. Snow's delicate hand rested on Celeste's shoulder as the little girl clung to his coat. Gentle funeral music filled the air as Randolph Farrow led a procession through the cemetery.
Four men dressed in all black carried Rose Snow's coffin. About a month ago, his daughter died in a violent car crash. Authorities said the driver who hit them had been intoxicated, and had also died in the accident. His identity was that of a minor actor who was known for his love for alcohol and parties.
President Snow knew the truth. Arion Madix was a celebrity with a penchant for a good drink, but the man's accident was orchestrated by Elizabeth, Snow's most skilled assassin. After shooting out his tires, she was able to ensure his vehicle careened into Rose's, eliminating them both. After all, Arion was funding mining safety reforms in District 12. Two birds with one stone, as the saying went.
Snow did feel sad for his granddaughter. Growing up without a mother was challenging. But his son-in-law was a doting father - despite having very little brains - and the President would not let Celeste suffer. She was the light of his life.
The funeral procession came to a stop and Rose's coffin was lowered into the ground. As the four men began to dig, Randolph began his speech.
"Rose Snow was an intelligent and driven woman. Her positive impact on our country cannot be denied, and her love for her people was strong. Rest in peace, my love."
'Good man', Snow thought. Randolph wasn't intelligent, but he knew how to play the game. The news of his formerly pending divorce would never reach the light of day. Even little Celeste did not know.
His granddaughter sniffled and fisted his coat in her little hands.
"It will be alright," Snow said. "Your mother is in a better place now."
"I miss her," Celeste whimpered.
"I know," he said softly. "But you still have me. I will always be with you."
And he forced back the bloody cough forming in his throat.
Hello! Yes, I am technically writing another SYOT, but this one is a little different. It's a collab with a bunch of amazing authors such as LadyCordeliaStuart, Willuna, 4everlark, and quite a few others. We're working on it as a follow-up for our previous collaboration: Organized Chaos. I wrote mine as the 55th Hunger Games, and this second story will be the 67th (in my universe). The name for this collab is 'Chaos Reigns', which I already used, so I'm titling mine 'Everything Everywhere', which is a reference to the movie Everything, Everywhere, All At Once. I haven't actually seen it, but my mom is obsessed.
I don't believe any tribute spots are currently open, but there might be a waiting list. The planning doc is a bit of a mess... but if you ask I'll probably be able to find out if you can get a slot. We'll see, but don't get your hopes up.
Also, I apologize for the super short prologue. I won't be focusing much on Snow and his drama, so I figured it was okay. I promise the rest of the chapters will be more substantial. So, please leave a review and let me know what you thought of this brief beginning, and I hope you come along for the ride!
Have a nice day, be kind to each other, and never stop reading!
- Fiona