I had spent all morning obsessing over my appearance, making sure there wasn’t a hair on my head out of place, not a speck of lint on my shirt. Growing up poorer than most in the Capitol, I’d gotten used to pretending.

I straightened my shirt out as I walked into the foyer with my cousin, just as Grandma’am came to pin a small white rose against my chest on my waistcoat.

It was my first day attending the Academy, and while I was grateful and excited for the opportunity, I was more nervous than anything. I’d have to fit in with all those rich, snobby kids.

Running my hands through my hair one last time, I walked out of our apartment and began to make my way towards the Academy. As I marched up the marble steps of the Academy, my mind was racing, constantly reminding myself to appear as anyone else did. Charming, polite smile. Shake hands. Greet everyone.

“Good morning! You’re new, yes?”

I’d been so busy thinking, that I hadn’t even seen you standing by the entrance. A young girl, dressed up all prim and proper in your school uniform. You wore a pleasant smile, your eyes bright with a hint of something underneath that I couldn’t quite pick up on.

“Yes. I am.” I finally answered with a practiced smile. “Coriolanus Snow.” I introduced with a soft nod. I watched as your smile widened, and I almost could’ve sworn I saw your eyes travel up and down my body, as if you were examining me.

“Coriolanus Snow.” You echoed softly with that same smile, standing up a bit straighter. “Welcome to the Academy.”

I smiled as you greeted me, the corner of my mouth ticking upward into a lopsided grin.

“I promised Dean Highbottom I’d offer tours of campus to any new students.” You explained with that almost sickeningly sweet voice, taking a slight step closer.

A deeper chuckle escaped my throat as I shook my head with a smirk. “Well I couldn’t possibly pass that up, could I?”