#didnt want to admit that they were capable of such cruelty

[devotedlystrangewizard]

thinking about patch during lightfall being hesitant to use strand because they got really awful while using stasis but its just there to help them grow as a person

[livingbecauseofwriting]

Hi all! So here’s the first requested fic! Yay! It took me a while because 1) I got really carried away with it and 2) I didnt know how to end it and it took a while. I still don’t really like the ending, I feel like it could be smoother and offer a better resolution but I honestly had no idea what else to do with it and I really wanted to get it out. Anyway so I hope you guys like it! Keep sending stuff in! Love y’all! (I’m posting this from my phone instead of a computer so if the format is weird let me know)

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Requested by @diana-24-world

“Can you write what it would be like to be married to Draco Malfoy if Voldemort won the war.”

I don’t know if this is exactly satisfies what is requested or what you were looking for but I hope you enjoy it anyway! If you don’t like it I can try to write up something that better follows the request. Thank you!

Ps. There’s a lot of backstory....I really like back story...sorry not sorry

In this together

No one ever expected life to be like this.

When the war started, everyone had so much hope in Dumbledore’s army. There was no way Voldemort would win.

But then it happened. Harry Potter was actually dead.

When you walked through those large doors of Hogwarts for the first time over 10 years ago now, you could have never expected that your life would have turned out like this, Voldemort controlling the whole magic world and you married to the one person no one has expected...Draco Malfoy.

Draco caught your eye in your first year. You would have never admitted it and with you being in Gryffindor and he in Slytherin any chance with him was doomed. He was never outright mean to you, which was always kind of odd seeing as you were friends with the golden trio. He would mock and criticize them but when he got to you, it was almost like he was trying not to be as harsh, trying not to hurt you but still wanted to look tough to his piers. This went on for almost two years.

Your romance started that summer before your third year. Your father recently started working with Lucius at the ministry so you found yourself suspending a lot of time close to Draco and despite how hard you both tried to deny it, something drew you two together. Draco has never experienced anything like it and it terrified him, but you took it slow and showed him that he was worthy and capable of love.

When you went back to school, you both knew you had to keep your romance a secret. Draco occasionally yelled at you in the halls as you walked with the trio, trying hard to cover up the stutter and hesitation in his voice as he called after you with some “supposed to be insulting” comment. However, he would always seek you out later in the day, pulling you into some unoccupied classroom or a dark hallway to kiss you and apologize reassuring you that he didn’t mean it and you’d always laugh and assure him that you knew he didn’t and you still loved him.

Your secret rendezvous didn’t stay a secret for very long. Professor Lupin has come in as the new D.A.D.A and turned everything on its head when one day you all arrived at class to find the desks and chair pushed aside and a wardrobe sitting in the middle of the room. Hermione, of course, was quick to answer the question of Boggart and you were quite intrigued by the lesson. You didn’t know what to expect when you stepped in front of the boggart for your turn. Anything would have been better then what you saw.

It was Draco. He stood there in front of you, that cocky ass smirk on his face, the one that made him look like he thought he was better than everyone. You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion along with the rest of the class who were whispering and chattering behind you. Draco too was stunned as he watched the scene in front of him unfold, slowly pushing through the crowd to you.

You just starred, looking at the boy you loved in front of you. You weren’t scared of him how could this be your boggart. But then he opened his mouth. Vile, cruel words pushed past his lips like a flood. The boggart slowly inches closer to you as he spoke.

“Now how could you ever believe I’d love something as pathetic as you...a mudblood at heart. A traitor to the pureblood name. How could anyone love such a horrid person? You are nothing. Nothing compared to me. A disgrace to the magic world, and a burden

On all those around you...why are you even still here...”

Tears began silently falling from your eyes as words continued to pour from

His lips as he walked closer and closer and standing just inches from you he rose his hand ready to strike you but before he could his eyes went wide and the light flooded from them. Blood soaked his shirt and the boggart Draco gasped for air collapsing in front of you. He was dying. And even with his last breath, he spoke nothing but cruelty towards you, yet you still loved him. Collapsing by his side you screamed in agony at his dead body. It was all so real that you jumped when Professor Lupin interfered and changed the blood-soaked Draco Into a cloud of bubbles that drifted away.

You lifted your tear-filled eyes to finally meet the stunned class in front of you, Draco standing in the front, mouth agape. You got up as quick as you could a ran out of the classroom, Draco close behind.

You turned down a dark hallway and collapsed to the ground when you felt like you were far enough from everyone else. Draco soon came and fell down next to you, cradling your shaking figure in his arms.

“Shhh..shh I’m here love. I’m here. I’m ok....”  He whispered in your ear as he caresses the top of your head softly, just letting you cry into his robes for as long as you needed. He felt so stupid. You spent so much time assuring him that you still loved him and that he was worthy of your love that he didn’t even think that maybe you needed to hear the same. You always told him that the fake insults didn’t hurt, and yes you knew it wasn’t real but deep down you latched on to them and let them consume you, but never showed it. He had no idea and he hated himself for it. You were terrified of losing him..but worst of all losing him and him never having cared about you.

When your cries finally turned into soft sniffles Draco pulled away, cupping your cheeks in his hands and tilting your head up so he could look you in the eye.

“I’m so sorry...Darling...I need you to know that I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here with you until the very end. I love you sweetheart...and I always will...I have never felt like this before...not even with my own family. You make me want to be good, want to be a better person. You make me want to defy my parents and be better than they’re trying to make me....you make me a better man...I’m not going anywhere...I’m sorry love but you're stuck with me...and if you ever doubt that...if you ever feel that fear of what we just witnessed in that classroom, then I will be here to tell you it’s not true....I’m in this forever...if you’ll have me....”

He chuckled and you smiled kissing him deeply. You say there for a while just in each other presence. The teachers had been informed of the incident and knew not to worry or go looking if you didn’t show up to class, you needed time to process.

Lupin found you later and sat down with you and Draco to make sure everything ok and assured you, you didn’t fail the lesson. But that’s not what worried you. It was your classmates. The next few days were tense. The trio walked on eggshells around you but you could tell they were upset. Hermione has to keep the boys from voicing there opinions and disapproval. It took a while for everyone to accept and get used to it but it happened. Obviously, Draco didn’t suddenly start hanging out with all of you and become best friends with the trio. There was still a lot of tension there and despite your pleads, there were still quite a few fights that happened between them.

The worst of it came during your 6th year. Draco was...off. You had barely seen him all summer and when you both finally got back to school he was very closed off and even avoided you at times. You didn’t take it well when one night Harry in the dorms Harry accuses him of being a Death Eater. Hermione yelled at him quite a lot for having just said that to you when there was no evidence. You knew his parents where Death Eaters but Draco had tried so hard to NOT be like his parents, you just couldn’t believe it.

But one by one, things started happening at Hogwarts. First the necklace than the wine Ron drank. Draco was fully on avoiding you at all costs and it was taking a toll. When the trio came into the dorms one day to find you distraught and crying over him, confused because he refused to talk to you, they knew something was wrong. As much as they disapproved of Draco, they knew he’d never treat you like this...unless he had no choice.

You were the first person he came to after the fight in the bathroom with Harry. His blood covered clothes scared you half to death. He was distraught. He looked sick...like he hadn’t eaten or slept in days. You collapsed in your arms a began telling you everything. When he was done you were crying as well. You tried to reason with him, beg him to stop, and you knew he wanted to, but you also knew there was nothing either did you could do.

You were relieved when he couldn’t go through with it, heartbroken that Dumbledore was gone, but so thankful it wasn’t by Draco hand, that would have destroyed him.

You see, no one saw the real Draco, they only saw who he wanted them to see. The tough, powerful pure lips who didn’t have a heart or empathy. But you knew a different Draco. No one saw the boy who felt everything but refused to show it, burying it deep inside only letting it come out when he was alone. No one saw the boy who crumbled under the pressure to live up to his father’s impossible standards, despite every fiber in his being telling him to rebel. No one saw the boy who just wanted to be recognized and loved. The boy who just wanted to make his family proud despite what it did to him. No one saw the boy who would take a curse for you, the boy who would lay down his life for you. No one saw how deeply he could feel, and how much he cared for the ones he loved. No one saw any of it, except you.

Recovering from the events of that year took time. Especially with Voldemort on the rise and the war rising at an alarming rate. Draco wanted to run away with you, get away from everything and just be together, but you refused to leave your friends.

During the war you let the tears fall as Draco walked over to his Parents standing outside of Hogwarts with Voldemort and the other Death Eaters. His eyes were so sad, so ashamed with himself. He knew you wouldn’t join him and it broke his heart but the control his family had over him was unbearable. He was like a puppet in their show and not even you could save him from it.

Your heart tore in two as Harry’s lifeless body dangled in Hagrid’s arms. It must be a joke you thought, some part of his plan. Any minute he would wake up and save the day.. everyone waited..but nothing happened.

Voldemort had won.

The world was never the same after that. Voldemort has destroyed Hogwarts and most of Dumbledore’s army. Ron and Hermione fought to the last second but managed to get away when it was clear there was no hope. They lived off in some small house on the coast out in the middle of nowhere, where no one could find them. They made do, refusing to be apart of a world controlled by Voldemort.

Amidst the fight, Draco has managed to pull you away, dispirited your protests, and led you to safety. You stayed in hiding with him and his family for a while and a lot came to light. Despite what everyone thought, the Malfoys weren’t evil. Lucius was kind but refused to show it. He had been corrupted by a life of fear and servitude to Voldemort. Narcissa had never wanted any of this but she loved her husband and would follow him to the ends of the earth even if it meant being on the wrong side, not to mention the family she grew up in. But as much as they wanted to get away and run from this new world. They wouldn’t. They couldn’t. Lucius would continue to follow  Voldemort and work in his new ministry of magic to help slowly destroy the muggle world. Draco refuses to be a part of that. While the fear and pressure his parents may have bestowed on him was heavy, he was learning to be his own person. But, not being able to break away completely, he accepted a small job within the ministry but was determined to keep his personal life with you untainted but the dark world Voldemort had cast upon them.

Draco and you got married a year after the war. It was at the Manor and wasn’t big as most of your friends and even your family were either killed or in hiding.

Draco had bought you a small house out in the country, just far enough from the city to make it feel like it was its own world where nothing bad could happen. It wasn’t easy but you made do. Draco worked at the ministry but promised never to bring any of his work life home with him. You stayed at home mostly, and you and Draco had a hand in some rebel movements, helping to bring resources to those in hiding and help hide those who needed to be hidden. It was extremely risky for Draco, given that he was a member of the ministry, but he wanted to do some good for once, even if it meant risking everything. These were dark days, but you and Draco survived and were happy together.

Days like these, when Draco didn’t have to work, were your favorite.

You both were lying in the bed as the sun softly trickled in through the windows.

You smiled softly at his sleeping figure lying beside you moving some of his platinum blonde hair from his eyes. It was longer than usual but he refused to grow it as long as his father’s.

He stirred slightly and slowing opened his eyes adjusting to the light before looking at you, pulling you closer to his bare chest.

“Darling what are you doing up? It’s too early. On my days off we like to sleep in remember?” Draco stared groggily as he shit his tired eyes again slowing running his fingers up and down your bare arm.

“Believe me I’d love some sleep. But your child has other ideas.” You retorted scoffing softly with a smile and you ran a hand over your 7-month baby bump.

When you a Draco found out you were pregnant it was quite a shock. You were both terrified and excited. Draco, of course, thought he was going to be a terrible father seeing as he didn’t have much of a good father figure growing up.  You were quick to assure him he would be a far better father than his father ever was and their child will be the luckiest on the earth. Once those fears were resolved, you were both left with the very real fear of bringing a child into the world at its current state. This was never how you had imagined raising a child, in a world of so much fear and darkness, but you were determined to make sure this child was loved and taught how to see the light. This child was your light, it was your beacon of hope in these cruel times.

Draco smiles and brought his hand to rest on yours on your bump. It was his favorite thing he loved to feel his child and to be as close to you both as possible. You rest your head just under his chin and he kisses your head softly.

You lay like the for a while longer before Draco finally pushed himself up despite your groans of protest and got out of bed slipping on just a pair of sweatpants. He kissed your lips softly before disappearing into the kitchen to make breakfast. That was another thing that had wildly changed in his life. With everything becoming so hectic, you and Draco wanted some simplicity in your life, and despite Draco’s complaints, you convinced him that you didn’t need a house elf. You wanted your home life to be simple and just the two of you and after a while Draco adapted, he even learned how to cook..with the help of magic of course…

You soon join him in the kitchen, your red silk robe draped over your shoulders with one of Draco’s casual t-shirts and a pair of sports shorts underneath. You duck under the fresh plate of pancakes levitating onto the dining table and wrap your arms around Draco’s bare torso kissing his shoulder as he finishes making some coffee.

You watch as he waves his wand to open the fridge and make the pancake toppings fly to the table, all of your favorites, especially the pregnancy favorites. Chocolate, strawberries, blueberries, peanut butter, and syrup, even the pickles you craved so bad. He turned in your arms and smiled sipping his coffee. You shift and reach out to make yourself a cup but Draco is quick to stop you, swatting your hand away which earns him a nasty glare from you.

“Coffee is bad for the baby. I read about it in those books mum sent. I’ll make you some tea though darling” He says kissing your parted lips as you stare at him in disbelief.

“If you want what’s best for me, the baby, AND YOU, you’d move out of my way. Or else you will be dealing with a very cranky pregnant woman in about three hours.” You threaten. Draco couldn’t help but stifle a laugh as he shrugs. You were trying so hard to be threatening and serious, but you just looked so funny and cute. You hit his arm and groan turning to go sit at the table. Draco shakes his head smiling as he makes you the tea and brings it over setting it infant of you before sitting down as well.

You both ate and chatted here and there. It was perfect and peaceful, almost making you forget of the horrors of what lies beyond your little home in the woods. However, in this world, happiness never lasts for very long, destruction and hurting are always right around the corner waiting to strike.

Draco started to clean up and put away the dishes as you went to put on something a little more appropriate for the cold weather as you and Draco hoped to take a walk down to the lake for some fresh air. You had just finished putting on your clothes when you heard Draco groan and curse loudly in the kitchen. You walked out and furrowed your eyebrows as you saw him standing there clutching his forearm.

“Draco, darling, what's wrong?” You asked worried, walking over to him. He winced and closed his eyes singing softly.

“I don’t know…I think...I think it’s the mark..” He said looking down at the dark mark on his forearm.

You looked at him shocked and scared. He hasn’t felt anything from that mark in years, they told him he was out, that they didn’t need him anymore. They made a deal. He wasn’t a Death Eater despite what some may think.

Draco looked at you, his mind going a million miles a second. “Love, listen to me. Go in the bedroom, hide, and don’t come out no matter what. I need you to be safe…I need you both to be safe.” He said panting softly as he placed his forehead against yours and his hand on the back of your neck.

“No. I won’t leave you. Either I’m staying here or you’re coming with me.” You protested making Draco groan. He always hated how stubborn you were.

“Love I can’t. They’ll find me. No matter where I go they’ll find me.” Draco whispered, his voice cracking softly. He was a slave to this, no deal in the world would ever keep him from this reality.

Before either of you could speak again a dark shadow was cast over the house, the once blue sky outside filling with dark thunder clouds. There was a high pitched ringing that made the furniture shake slightly right before the windows shattered. Draco moved around to shield you from the glass The black clouds of smoke rushed into your home one by one taking the shape of a man until finally 3 Death Eaters were standing in front of you. Draco stood infant of you hoping that whatever they were here for they’d leave you alone.

“What do you want?” Draco spoke venom in his voice as he stood his ground pointing his wand at the men. He might have been one of them but he will always despise them, especially when they come in like this and threaten his family.

All the men were cloaked with masks and you couldn’t make out who anyone was but the man in the middle stepped forward chuckling deeply.

“Well now Draco, is that any way to talk to your guests? We just want to have a little chat.” He spoke. He sounded so sinister and you both knew there was more to this than just a ‘little chat.’ He slowly paced the small lounge area right outside of and open to the kitchen, running his fingers over furniture as he walked.

“You see Draco. We’ve stumbled on some rather interesting information and the Dark Lord was very insistent that we bring it to your attention immediately….You see, it is our understanding that there’s been a recent uprising of rebel movements. Some of Dumbledore’s army that has survived the war and others that have turned against the Dark Lord are receiving help and relief to hide or stay hidden.” HE explained, drawing out each word and sentence as if he had been put in slow motion. Goosebumps rose on your skin and Draco’s grip on your hand tighten slightly as he spoke, your stomach twisted and you knew nothing good was going to come from this.

The Death Eater stopped in front of the fireplace and stared at the portrait of you and Draco on your wedding day for a bit before continuing.

“You see we were recently able to bring in one of these rebels and at first it was quite difficult to get her to talk. It always is, you know how it is, they never want to be the one to tattle on their friends…but…when you give them no choice..say the life of there child is on the line…people tend to tell you whatever you want to know..and then some.” He chuckled and returned back to his original spot standing across the kitchen from you, playing with the wand in his hands. A lump welled in your throat and your eyes brimmed with tears as he opened his mouth to speak again.

“Most of the information she had to share came as no surprise to the Dark Lord…however right before we got to see the life drain from her eyes, she told us something rather interesting….It seems that these people have been receiving not only help...but help from inside the ministry…a traitor…now you can imagine the Dark Lord’s shock when he heard this. I mean we simply can not have that in his close chambers. The ministry, the people he trusted to be at his right hand. It simply cannot be.” He took a step forward slowly making sure to stare you both right in the eye. Draco shifted back until you hit the counter, not being able to move back any further.

“You know Draco…your father is a good man, always been so loyal to the Dark Lord. And in turn, we gained quite a respect for you. I mean let us not forget who the Dark Lord trusted to be the one to kill Dumbledore….even if you did marry a mudblood…He’s always had such great respect for you, thought of you..well.. like a son…So just imagine…his absolute shock to find out that the traitor within his walls….was you…” The Death Eater was now only just 2 or 3 feet infant of you. The look on his face was dark and sinister, he grinned devilishly and lifted his wand.

“Such a shame your child will have to grow up fatherless….AVAD-“

But before anything could be done you quickly grabbed Draco and apparated out of the house and the next moment found yourself in the middle of the woods but far far away from your home. Draco gasped when you appeared and you sighed softly. You’re lucky he wasn’t hurt as he hadn’t been prepared to apparate.

“I'm sorry love, but we needed to get out of there..and we need to keep moving.”You said hugging him tightly as you briefly let a few tears fall as you both knelt there in the middle of the woods. Draco her you tightly trying to come to grips with the reality that he wasn’t dead.

“It’s no use…They’ll find me…as longs I have this mark, they’ll find me…you’re not safe with me.” He said sternly looking you in the eyes and carefully wiping away your tears with his thumb.

You melted into his touch and kissed the palm of his hand softly. “I already told you Draco…I’m not going anywhere without you...We’re in this together.”

He sighed and kissed your forehead once more before standing and helping you up as well. You set off through the woods towards a secret rebel location hoping to find allies and friends to protect you and help you figure out how to get rid of the mark so Draco could finally be freed of the slavery that it forced him into.

There was no clear path ahead and you were both terrified but as long as you had your little family, you knew you could overcome anything, even Voldemort himself. 

[abusedapricots]

I JUST finished The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. WOW

I really enjoyed it, though not sure if I’ll feel the same way in a week when the book high has worn off, we’ll have to see.

*UPDATE: its meh, I dont regret reading it but I wouldn't recommend it to a friend. Honestly this book didnt need to be a thing but its not the worst.

I’ll admit, at first I was skeptical. I thought this would be a cash grab returning to an old world with guaranteed readers. I was worried that Panam would feel phony, after 10 years away from the original trilogy I didn't think it would feel real. I was quickly proven wrong. Coriolanus Snow definitely had his own story. The post-war capitol felt real even district 12 felt real. This book surprised me. Though my expectations were low I’m really happy about TBOSAS.

CORE-E-O-LAN-US or CORE-E-O-LANE-US?

I just quickly typed this up for some unbiased thoughts before I watch/read some reviews. As I'm sure there are lots of typos grammatical errors, and sloppy writing, I'll be back in a week to revise this review once I've let the books simmer.

Spoilers Ahead

I loved Coriolanus’ story. LOVED IT. He was smart, reserved, calculating, only ever giving away what was needed of a situation. Maybe it was the narcissist in me but I loved being in his brain. I liked how this book dealt with the other side of classism. How the once-revered Snows had fallen and Coriolanus need to keep up appearances, refusing to let the snow dynasty die. I like how thought-provoking the three C’s, chaos, control, and contract were. I liked how Coriolanus didn't have hard-set opinions, they changed as he grew. I find that a lot of the times with YA novels characters had a very strict world view of what is good and what is bad. Coriolanus’ view of humanity is never really clear until the end. He teetered on good and bad. Suzanne wrote a great villain, Snow was always able to justify his actions. He says it himself, he’s a capitol boy and he decides to play the game of fame and fortune instead of rising against injustice.

Coriolanus’ Superiority Complex

I think my favorite aspect of the book is how unattached Coriolanus was. Every time Coriolanus had to do anything he always weighed his options. He never rushed to help because it was the right thing to do, he did it to preserve an image. He’s all about his image. In the beginning, when he and Lucy Gray begin their relationship, Coriolanus never felt fully in it. Suzanne Collins writes in a way that obscures his motivations. He would often do and say things that made me believe that Coriolanus was really falling for Lucy Gray but then shortly after Coryo always mentions how he could benefit. He’s ‘love’ for Lucy Gray came from the want of the prize, the full ride to university, to bolster him and his family name, I don't think Coryo ever did anything out of pure intentions. He was never blind with love, he could still clearly see the options in front of him and every move was calculated, always self-serving. This is why him switching up on Lucy Gray wasn't very surprising, he saw a better opportunity and he took it. He never really loved her, he loved what she brought him, fame, attention, a chance at the prize, freedom once he used her up he had no use for her. Sure he was drawn in by her charm but in the end, he never really knew her, he had been too self-involved to ever really get to know people.

I think his lack of attachments was best represented in his unwavering distaste towards Sejanus. While he and Sejanus grew close (even just by proximity) Coryo never failed to look down on him, he never seemed to acknowledge that Senjanus’ worries were valid rather, he brushed them off as Sejanus being a district kid, never worthy of respect. When it came to it he was ruthless in his betrayal. Returning to the capitol and having the Plinths care for him as their own only solidified Snow’s heartlessness. I don’t think Snow was a psychopath, lacking all emotion, I think he definitely could have teetered over to the good side, but his superiority complex kept him from doing so. His classist need to divide and look down upon only grew as he goes on to become president. He has a very us against them mentality, a rich vs poor outlook where if you were born district that's all you'll ever be despite proving otherwise. Call it old fashion or heartless? He even had to convince himself and the capitol that Lucy Gray wasn't ‘truly’ a district kid, much less from district 12. He couldn't bear it, to be into someone from the lowest rung of society. It wasn't he style, not for the exceptional Coriolanus Snow. Funny how during the game when choosing which of the remaining mentors to eat with he thought “cannibal over cutthroat” while he was the most merciless himself.

Thoughts On Lucy Gray

I didn’t think she was anything special. Sure she was that cool, quirky™ girl but I’m not head over heels for her. I wasn't ever super invested in her. This might be because I’m reading in Coriolanus’ head, not seeing her as more than something to be used. I liked that she was nothing like Katniss though.

I liked it when Coryo saw her as a killer. When he had found the guns when his heart decided to kill her then. Lucy Gray knew the future too when she saw the guns, she knew it before Coriolanus knew it. She was smart, maybe reading from Coriolanus’ point of view shrouded her intellect as he refused to see anyone being better than him. He justified killing her by thinking of her as a killer. He altered his thoughts of her arena killings as a must for survival to cold-blooded. He no longer saw her as a ‘Poor Lamb’ but instead the “clever, devious, deadly girl”.

It was a shift for both Coryo and Lucy Gray. This showed that Lucy Gray wasn't without fault, she too could be cunning and ruthless, when need be of course. These few pages of the book were monumental in proving why Coriolanus was a bad person. It allowed the audience to see that everyone had this malice in them yet the majority chose not to listen and do the right thing while Coriolanus lead his life with that voice. He actively chose to do the wrong thing to move up in the world. His behavior was not special to him, his up growing, experience, and hardships didn’t make him an evil person, Coriolanus’ choice to choose evil at every turn to do good made him an evil person. Everyone has this malice in them but the majority chose not to act on it while Coriolanus welcomed it.

For Coriolanus, it showed that in his head, he could justify any action despite how cruel. I think this is where Coryo lost any last bit of humanity. He refused to see the world and its people to be good, to be capable of free thought. He saw the world to be controlled. These few pages were my favorite out of the book, I feel it to be the catalyst of his tyrannical rule. He couldn't trust the girl he “loved”, much less the district people.

Concluding Thoughts

This book made me think about responsibilities to preserve humanity vs our individual need to survive and be successful. If this what it takes to be president then so be it? how can you stop someone's pursuit of success? At what cost is someone's dream. At least we know that Coriolanus knows that the hunger games are wrong, he knows but to him its worth the cost of keeping the district complacent.

I think the cruelty of Dr. Gaul was needed to make Snow seem like a halfway decent person. With the addition of Dr.Gaul, it softened Coryo’s shitty behavior because what Coriolanus thinks and does pale in comparison to what Dr. Gaul thinks and does. Without Dr. Gaul, Coryo would have been the only one with these sick cynical thoughts, amplifying him to be the bad guy. I think it would be interesting to re-read this book while writing off Dr. Gaul’s action just to see just how evil Coriolanus is without the comparison of Dr. Gaul’s cruelties. I wonder if I would still be as understanding towards Coryo and if Dr. Gaul’s character had that large an impact to make Coryo seem not too bad.

Though I am left wondering how Tigris was left in the dust by the end of Mockingjay. It seems unlikely that Coryo would have just left Tigris to fend for herself given how fondly he spoke of the sacrifices she made for him and the family name. I wonder how she ended up with a failing fur undergarments business by Mockingjay. Had Coryo betrayed family? Coriolanus is callous but he still had loyalties, his family, Pluribus. It just doesn't seem like his style to leave the few he actually cared about to fend for themselves while he had the means to help. I mean even as peacekeeper Coryo sent most of his money back home. Maybe Tigris was the one that left Coryo as she was made out to be kind and caring, lacking the grandiose nature Coryo possessed. Also given that Tigris is older than Coryo, and him being a pretty old dying man in Mockingjay I can't seem to see Tigris being alive much less as active as she was in helping Katniss (and crew) in killing Coryo. Maybe it was her capitol surgeries that allowed her aging to slow?

I think its interesting that in the end Coriolanus still saw what he had with Lucy Gray as love. Maybe to him what he had was his version of love, being able to use someone and for them to be used so willingly. I wonder if he knows the difference between the two and what real love looks like. I wonder what he thought of Katniss and Peeta, stupidity? what's the point in being with someone if they dont benefit you?

Some stand out quotes:

“Oh, no. You don’t like it?” he exclaimed. “I can try and bring something else. I can-” Pg. 85. When Coryo brings Lucy Gray the bread pudding Tigris made. Coryo’s care of Lucy Gray’s taste preference was sweet. She hadn't had food in a while, having this bread pudding should the highlight of her day. The fact that Coryo cared that she didn’t like it and was quick to offer something else was very sweet of him. Ugh, image the type of gentleman he could have been if he had been genuine and not so rotten.

I like how Suzanne Collins didn’t try to get the audience to love and sympathize with Coriolanus. Instead, she makes it clear that Coryo activity chose to do the self-serving thing at every turn.

I genuinely really enjoyed this book. Maybe my second favorite out of the entire Hunger Games books (bold ranking!!! but it might change once the magic of being nose deep in a book for 3 days has worn off). I think this book works great as a stand-alone, I wouldn't be afraid to recommend it to those who haven't read the trilogy.

UPDATE* woah my post book high is bad. DEFINITELY NOT second favorite??? HUHH?? what was I saying? what was I thinking?? (my deep seeded resentment towards mockingjay is showing) this book in no way supersedes any of the trilogies, yes including mockingjay 😒.

I’m not gonna lie, I did start developing a crush on Coryo in the beginning. Him being so smart and driven, so gentlemanly, caring about the little things like handkerchiefs SWOON. Buuuuut he quickly became an ass.

I said that the title “The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes” was a ripoff of “A Song of Ice and Fire” before reading the book. I thought Miss Collins just wanted a super sick book name but as I have finished the book, I would like to formally apologize and retract my statement. The title does fit this book.

SNOW LANDS ON TOP