XXXVII. Let It Snow
My power flurries through the air into the ground
My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around
And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast
I'm never going back, the past is in the past
It's rather unfortunate that Coriolanus couldn't attend Sapphira's party.
He would've loved to go, honestly, but alas, duty called. Aaron Ravenstill hasn't been seen outside of his manor in months. Once Coriolanus found out the old man would be attending the event, he knew this was his only chance at doing what needs to be done.
For the record, Coriolanus hardly considers himself a bad person for doing this. Ravenstill's been on death's doorstep for a while now. He's actually doing him a favor by accelerating the process. He's doing the whole country a favor too — giving them sixth whole months to get used to his presidency before the Twenty-sixth Games commence.
He's gotten rather annoyed by people asking him what he's going to do to make these upcoming Games better than his precious Quell. In all honesty, he has no idea — that's going to be the girls' job.
The Twenty-fifth Games were far from perfect. On paper they were a good idea but lord were they difficult to execute. He still has headaches from when he had to deal with certain incidents. He's glad that people were pleased though. It makes Coriolanus' ascension to the throne feel even more natural.
(Sapphira Starlett is far from perfect. On paper, however, she's everything the Capitol could want. Much like these Games, a victor of this caliber will be hard to replicate. Coriolanus can even have her draft up a new national anthem for him. It's not like she'd have a choice in the matter when he's is the one who created her.)
Breaking into the manor definitely could've been easier, but it wasn't the most difficult thing in the world. In a way, it was like Ravenstill was inviting somebody inside. Is there a chance he knew something like this would happen? Worse, is there a chance this is what he wants?
Why anybody would yearn for death is something that has always baffled Coriolanus. When Sejanus died, his last expression was one of relief. He may have seemed scared as first, but Coriolanus can still pinpoint the moment fear turned into acceptance. One of the other Peacekeepers joked that "at least he's free," which Coriolanus didn't understand either.
Life is meant to be lived. How would death ever be an improvement. That's why there's the inherent tragedy of the Games — lives are cut short. It's the ultimate punishment.
There are so many things that Coriolanus will never understand, but that hardly even matters. What does matter is that he has his finger on the pulse of his nation and will be a better ruler than Ravenstill ever was.
Even he, however, can admit that the old man's manor is very nicely decorated. It's not ornate enough for Coriolanus' tastes, but there's still a nice cohesion of colors displayed throughout the rooms. Briefly, he wonder's what he'll do to the place once it becomes his home. Will that even be the case? Really, Coriolanus won't know until the deed is done.
Thus, it's best he doesn't waste much time stalling. After all, he has no idea when Ravenstill will return from the party. If Coriolanus is quick enough, he may even get to say a final farewell to him — not that he particularly wants to.
He probably should go back to the party anyway though. People are going to want to see him, especially Sapphira, Lysistrata and Clemensia, and then also his wife, he supposes. They've been married just a few months now and honestly Coriolanus is already a bit sick of her. It's no big deal though, if she gets too annoying he'll get rid of her the same way he gets rid of any people he dislikes.
Vita was kind enough to be more subtle with the poison she provided him this time. Instead of poisonous berries or pills, she provided him with a small tube and a syringe. It's a much stronger poison than the nightlock as well as being clear and harder to notice.
When Coriolanus finally arrives to Ravenstill's bedroom, he hardly has a care in the world. He knows his plan will work and that the results will be to his liking. In fact, it's kind of humorous just how calm he is in comparison to the way he trembled when he killed that kid during the Tenth Games.
(So much has changed from then, but so much has also stayed the same. The people have a victor to cherish and a Gamemaker to champion and they couldn't be more excited about the future of the Games. Even better, he knows Sapphira wouldn't dare to cause him problems.)
Ravenstill has a large glass of water for taking his various medications. With great ease, he pours some of the poison into the water and mixes it with the back of the syringe. Once the water is crystal clear, Coriolanus takes a deep breath, smiles, and walks out of the room.
Even after closing the door, Coriolanus doesn't feel a thing besides sheer excitement. After all, he's just hours way from getting what he's always wanted.
(He just knows how hard his father is smiling up at him.)
Finally, the whole country will know that Snow always lands on top.
Fin.