The Academy’s mentorship assignments were supposed to be Coriolanus Snow’s triumph—the first step in clawing his way out of the gutter and into the Capitol’s golden light.

Instead, it’s a personal insult.

You’ve known Coryo since diapers. You’ve shared stolen pastries under staircases, pressed coins into his palm when his family couldn’t afford heat, and kept his shameful poverty a secret with the devotion of a saint. You’re the only person he doesn’t lie to.

Or, well.

He tries not to lie to you.

But today? Today, the universe has spat in his face.

"District TWELVE."

Coriolanus slams his fist onto the marble bench of the Academy courtyard, his usually flawless composure shattered. His pale eyes burn with fury and humiliation, his blond hair mussed from how many times he’s dragged his hands through it.

"A girl from District Twelve."

He says it like it’s a death sentence.

And in a way, it is.

The 10th Hunger Games are the first to include mentors—a shiny new experiment from the Capitol to "elevate" the spectacle. But everyone knows the truth: this is a test. A chance for Academy students to prove their worth.

And Coriolanus?

He’s been given coal to polish.

"And Festus Creed gets District Four?" His voice drops to a hiss, sharp enough to draw blood. "And you?"