Chapter 2
The opulence of the Plinth estate did little to erase the memories of District 12. Coryo Snow sat in a high-backed chair in the sitting room, the golden light from a chandelier casting shadows across his sharp features. Across from him, Tigris lounged on a silk-covered loveseat, her eyes flicking between him and the fire that crackled in the ornate marble hearth.
"You want to bring her here?" Tigris's voice was quiet but tinged with disbelief. "To the Capitol?"
"Yes," Coryo replied, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "It's the only way to keep her safe. Lucy Gray can't survive in District 12. Not with her name, not with her past. She's a marked woman there, Tigris."
Tigris tilted her head, studying him carefully. "And what makes you think the Capitol is any safer for her? This place is poison, Coryo. It's not exactly a sanctuary for people like her."
Coryo's jaw tightened. "It will be safe because I'll make it safe. I'll use the Plinths. Their power, their money. She'll have everything she needs here. And she'll be with me."
Tigris raised an eyebrow. "You mean she'll be under your control."
"That's not what I said."
"But it's what you meant."
Coryo scowled, his fingers curling into fists. "She's different, Tigris. You wouldn't understand. I made her a promise, and I intend to keep it. I owe her that much."
"You owe her?" Tigris leaned back, crossing her arms. "What exactly happened in District 12, Coryo? You've told me bits and pieces, but you're not being honest. Why does she matter so much to you?"
Coryo hesitated, his mind flashing to the stillness of the lake house, the weight of the gun in his hand, the defiance in Lucy Gray's eyes. He shook his head. "She saved me, Tigris. In more ways than one. And I—" He stopped himself, swallowing the words that hovered on his tongue.
Tigris sighed, her expression softening. "Whatever it is, I hope you know what you're doing. The Capitol isn't kind to outsiders. And Lucy Gray is nothing if not an outsider."
Before Coryo could respond, there was a sharp knock at the door. A servant stepped in, bowing slightly before speaking. "Master Snow, someone from Dr. Gaul's office is here to see you. They said it's urgent."
Coryo felt his stomach tighten. He stood, straightening his jacket, and gave Tigris a small nod. "We'll talk later."
Tigris watched him go, her brows furrowed with concern.
The hallways of the Plinth estate were grand, but they paled in comparison to the cold, clinical corridors of Dr. Gaul's laboratory. Coryo followed the messenger in silence, the air growing heavier with each step. When they reached the door to Gaul's office, the messenger stepped aside, motioning for him to enter.
Coryo pushed the door open, the faint scent of antiseptic assaulting his senses. Dr. Gaul stood at a long steel table, her gloved hands meticulously arranging vials of a greenish liquid. Her silver hair was pulled back tightly, and her expression was one of detached curiosity.
"Ah, Mr. Snow," she said without looking up. "Do come in. Shut the door behind you."
He obeyed, his heart pounding in his chest.
Gaul finally turned to face him, her piercing eyes boring into his. "How are you adjusting to life in the Capitol, young Snow?"
"It's… an adjustment," he replied carefully.
She smiled, though there was no warmth in it. "I imagine it is. The Plinths have taken you in quite generously. A remarkable opportunity for someone of your… background."
Coryo stiffened but said nothing.
Gaul stepped closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "You've done well, Coryo. Very well. The Hunger Games, your performance in District 12, your quick thinking—these things do not go unnoticed."
"I appreciate the recognition, Dr. Gaul," he said, his tone measured.
She chuckled softly. "Oh, I'm sure you do. But let's not mistake recognition for approval. The Capitol is watching you, Snow. Watching very closely. And so am I."
Her words sent a chill down his spine.
"You've been granted a rare opportunity," Gaul continued, her tone turning almost conspiratorial. "You will be starting university next week. I will be your mentor, guiding you through the intricacies of what it means to truly serve the Capitol."
He blinked, caught off guard. "You'll be my mentor?"
"Surprised?" she asked, her lips curling into a smirk. "Don't be. You have potential, Coryo. Great potential. But potential is meaningless without guidance. Without… direction."
Her gaze was sharp, unyielding. Coryo felt as if she could see straight through him.
"I won't let you down," he said finally.
Gaul's smile widened, but it was anything but reassuring. "Oh, I know you won't. You've already proven you're willing to do what it takes. Haven't you?"
The room seemed to grow colder, and Coryo forced himself to nod.
"Good," Gaul said, turning back to her vials. "We'll speak more soon. For now, go. Prepare yourself. University will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine."
Coryo left the room, his mind racing. The Capitol was a game, and he was a player now. But if he wanted to win, he'd have to be smarter, faster, and more ruthless than anyone else.
And he'd have to do it for Lucy Gray. For them.
