#handmaidstalexhungergames

[slaymitchabernathy]

House of Balloons

| “...you're in my world now, you can stay, you can stay. but you belong to me, ooh, you belong to me...this is a happy house, we're happy here in a happy house, oh this is fun, fun, fun, fun...” |

| based off a request for a handmaid's tale meets the hunger games universe | this series contains themes of noncon |

Sometimes one must focus on something less significant to address something more significant. In this case, Coriolanus Snow, current President of Panem, chooses to focus on the ticking clock on the far wall.

The sound grounds him, but it also reminds him of how little time he has left to fix this, to fix all of this. He lets the other noises around him bleed back into his ears. It’s mostly his advisors throwing out more stupid, pointless ideas to fix their current issue, a rising epidemic at this point.

The Capitol doesn’t have enough children.

His generation has failed to reproduce due to an increased amount of infertility in women. Any woman from the age of twenty to thirty has been struggling to get pregnant for the past two years. Successful pregnancies have quickly ended in traumatic miscarriages, causing women to be put off by the idea of even trying in fear of suffering a similar fate.

Even his own wife, Livia, has succumbed to infertility.

Not even the President of Panem is safe.

Coriolanus called for this emergency meeting so that they could discuss possible solutions to this growing issue. It’s imperative that people begin having children again, the Capitol needs children. They’re such a precious resource and the Capitol is known for being rich in its resources.

"...taking children from the Districts might solve the issue," someone says and Coriolanus shakes his head dismissively, bringing District children into the Capitol is worse than having no children at all. "Absolutely not," he shoots that idea down, "no children from the Districts will be brought into the Capitol under my authority."

He's met with several displeased looks, they've been going at this for hours, throwing out solutions, "They will not think that they can be one of us," he continues, "nor will their children. I will not have my citizens raising children who grew up in poverty."

Quintus, one of his more trusted and less annoying advisors perks up, "What about the women? Young women from the Districts who have already grown up."

Coriolanus creases his eyebrows, confused as to what Quintus is referring to, "The women?"

Quintus grunts, tapping the table, "They could be of use to us, bring them to the Capitol as surrogates if they're fertile enough, test every woman from the age of eighteen to thirty to see if they're capable of getting pregnant. These women might be our greatest untapped resource."

The room quickly fills with grumbles and whispers, leaving Coriolanus to mull over the possibilities of this proposal. He never even thought about using women from the Districts to solve their issue but perhaps Quintus is onto something.

"They'll be taken care of," Quintus continues, "given a warm, dry place to sleep with three meals a day to ensure successful pregnancies. If anything, we're doing them a great service by giving them something to do rather than starve to death."

Well, when you put it like that.

Coriolanus sighs, bringing hundreds of District women into the Capitol will be no small task. They'll need to be inspected, vaccinated, cleaned, and taught how to behave and conform to Capitol norms.

"This won't be an easy task," Coriolanus points out, "there will be several tests and background checks, I'm not just bringing anyone into the city." Quintus smiles, nodding as if he already anticipated this pushback, he's worked with Coriolanus for years now. "Of course, we want our Capitol citizens to be safe, if these District women act out then they'll be punished, sent back, and reprim-"

"They'll be executed," Coriolanus finishes for him, a definitive tone in his voice leaving no room for arguments, "I will not have them thinking that they are above the others in the Districts simply because they are carrying our children."

Several men nod in agreement, "Excellent idea sir," one of them chimes in, older with a warbly voice, "shall we bring this idea to the board?"

"Let me come to a final decision," Coriolanus decides, "I'll have a definitive answer tomorrow. Meeting adjourned." Everyone rises from their seats, sighing and shuffling out the door but Coriolanus and Quintus remain, "It's a risky thing you're proposing," Coriolanus tells him once the door to the board room closes, leaving the two of them alone, "suppose these women fight back and injure our own wives?"

Quintus shakes his head, giving Coriolanus a tight-lipped smile, "If any one of those women tries to start a riot then we'll make an example out of her, cut out her tongue, cut off a finger, they won't even think about fighting back once we're done with the training and testing."

Coriolanus rests his forearms on the table, leaning forward, "It's not a bad idea," he mumbles, "Livia will be furious but it's not like she's been a big help for the issue."

The moment his wife learned that she was a part of the infertile population, she was beside herself. The First Lady of Panem couldn't give her husband a child and instead of sulking, she chose to lash out at him, snapping at everything he said, throwing out snarky comments.

He's had just about enough of her awful attitude, so maybe something like this will be just what he needs to remind her of her place. Coriolanus didn't marry Livia for love, no, neither of them is capable of loving each other. He married her for status, for power and she married him for the same reasons.

Maybe they do deserve each other.

꧁ ꧂

After mulling over all the endless possibilities of ending the childless epidemic, Coriolanus decides that bringing in District women is the best route of action. He breaks the news to Livia in his study so that no household staff will have to bear witness to their screaming match.

"Are you insane!?" She shrieks, giving him an incredulous look, "Because I can't give you a child, you want to bring a bunch of District whores into the Capitol?! Why not bring the men too so at least they can fuck me the way I deserve to be fucked."

His nostrils flare and his eyes flash with anger, Livia is too good at pushing his buttons, hitting him where it hurts. Fortunately for him, after four years of a miserable marriage, Coriolanus has a few tricks up his sleeve.

"I understand your frustration darling," he says calmly, "which is why I'm offering you a solution, a way out of this mess if you will."

Livia stands by the windows that overlook the gardens, arms crossed with a distrusting look in her eyes, "And what is that?"

Coriolanus smiles, a sly, venomous smile, "A divorce."

Livia is unable to keep her jaw from dropping, divorce is unheard of in their elite circles, unless it's a case of abuse, couples do not separate. For the President and First Lady to get a divorce would be the scandal of the century and they both know that the woman always gets the brunt of the hate.

"Over my dead body," she hisses, stalking towards him, seething with rage, radiating it in fact, "just admit it Coriolanus, you just want the free excuse to fuck some younger cunt from someone more willing than me." Coriolanus remains unimpressed and unthreatened by her hateful words, "I want a child Livia, now you can either stay by my side or leave, the choice is yours but I'm addressing the nation about my decision tomorrow."

He rises from his seat, looming over his wife who hates him so much, "I would recommend that you sleep on it," he whispers, brushing past her on his way to the doors. He catches only a glimpse of her puzzled face as he closes the doors, leaving Livia with a difficult choice to make.

Will she stand by her husband's side while he fucks someone else? Or will she for once in her life, put herself first?

To him the answer is obvious, but Coriolanus has learned that it's important to make women think that they have a choice, have power.

It's easier to take it from them that way.

꧁ ꧂

"Citizens of Panem, I am here today because our beautiful Capitol, a shining beacon of hope and prosperity, the Gem of Panem has come across unforeseen challenges. Panem is known for its vast resources, children being the most precious. This is why we will be screening all eligible women in the Districts, from the age of eighteen to thirty years old for the great opportunity to serve our great nation as surrogates for the Capitol. This is the greatest honor that could possibly be bestowed upon you, do not squander it or hinder with your doubts, this is a great honor. To be trusted with the job of bringing Capitol life into this world is the greatest thing you will ever be able to do, and we look forward to seeing you carry out your jobs with a smile and humility. Panem is a great nation and we shall not falter. Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem forever."

The camera turns off and the room full of reporters and news channels break into a frenzy, all desperate to know exactly what this means.

"President Snow, what does this mean for the women of the Capitol?"

"President Snow, will children carried by District surrogates be considered District or Capitol?"

"President Snow, will you be taking a surrogate into your own home?"

"President Snow, what does your wife think of this?"

Coriolanus wears a neutral expression, he anticipated a plethora of questions and pushback, it's natural for humans to be curious about sudden change. He wonders what the women in the Districts are thinking right now. He already ordered a heightened Peacekeeper presence in all of the Districts to control and contain any possible outbursts with the news.

"The women in the Capitol will continue to flourish," he answers calmly, resting his hands on the sides of the podium, where he always stands behind when addressing the nation. "Capitol women are cherished by all and by bringing in surrogates, they'll be able to fulfill their destiny in becoming mothers and raising up the next generation."

This announcement has been made to everyone in Panem, Capitolites included which also leads him to wonder how the Capitol women are going to take the news. Livia nearly killed him and then herself so it probably won't blow over well.

"Children fathered by Capitol men will be naturalized, born as Capitol citizens," he clarifies, "they'll be raised in the Capitol and taught Capitol customs. The only discrepancy between a natural birth and a surrogacy is the woman carrying the child."

He knows that some men might be uncomfortable with the idea of sleeping with another woman who is not his wife, but it's for the good of the Capitol, and once they're done with training these surrogates, it'll be as normal as going to the doctor to get a vaccination.

"My wife and I are fully prepared to take a surrogate into our home, Livia stands by my decision as we are both eager for a child. We will be no different than any other Capitol couple bringing a surrogate into our home."

Coriolanus answers a few more questions before Quintus takes over since this is his big great idea. They still have to work out a lot of the kinks, it won't happen overnight but it's better than nothing.

It's all to safeguard their future.

꧁ ꧂

Four months later, the Handmaids are ready to come to the Capitol.

Quintus was the one who suggested the name, arguing that these women would be handing the Capitol a bright future, all while behaving meekly as a maid, quiet and unnoticed until needed.

And it sounded better than just referring to them as surrogates.

As expected, the Districts were greatly perturbed by this idea, this order that a significant population of women would be taken from their homes and shipped to the Capitol to be surrogates. A few riots broke out, shots were fired, things calmed down.

Screening took longer than expected, many women had one issue or another that disqualified them from the Handmaid Program. Too thin, too big, not strong enough, too strong. Coriolanus didn't want just any woman carrying a Capitol child, there were certain physical qualifications that a Handmaid had to meet. He didn't need these Handmaids to be models, but he didn't need wretched creatures either.

Some women were also infertile which caused the herds to thin more and more as screening continued. Other women were mentally ill, and they couldn't have those traits being passed down to Capitol children.

At the end of the day, the Capitol was looking for the perfect woman. With good physical and mental attributes, someone who could listen and learn quickly, someone who wouldn't cause any trouble.

They ended up finding about one thousand in total.

Only half of them would be brought to the Capitol while the others would remain in the District holding centers, waiting for an opportunity to help and serve their country.

It's a cold day when they all arrive on the trains but Coriolanus stands on the train platform, unshaken by the wind or temperature. Quintus stands to his right and Livia to his left and they watch the first train pull into the station. They decided on livestock trains since it would allow for the easiest transportation with the least expenses.

Coriolanus catches Livia glaring at him but pays her no mind.

This isn't about her. If it were, then she'd be able to give him a child but as they've previously established, she can't.

The train whines to a stop, allowing Peacekeepers to approach and open the sliding doors, locked from the outside with a padlock and chains.

Coriolanus watches women begin to descend from the train, all dressed identically with one another in their red dresses. Well-crafted, uniform, and simple. The Handmaids keep their heads lowered, pleasing Coriolanus, he had worried that their training might not be effective. It wasn't his first choice to use cattle prods on them but it seemed to drive the message home.

The Handmaids shuffle in a single file line towards the entrance of the station where they'll be taken in for one more examination before they're delivered to their assigned households.

"The new generation has begun my friend," Quintus grumbles. Coriolanus eyes his advisor, Quintus already had children so he will not be receiving a Handmaid, but he's been more than pleased with his idea coming to life.

"Let's just make sure none of them have fleas," Livia snaps, wrapping her arms around herself, "they look filthy." Coriolanus suppresses his tenth sigh of the day, Livia always manages to work on his last existing nerve. "They'll be thoroughly examined and cleaned before they're brought to their households Livia," he reminds his wife, "or did you forget that part of the briefing?"

Any eligible family who would be receiving a Handmaid was required to attend a briefing that would help prepare them for the change in their lives. Coriolanus and Livia were obviously in attendance, to show support and to prepare themselves for the inevitable change that their household would undergo.

Livia huffs and he can see her breath in the cold, bitter air, "Don't make me upset before noon."

Coriolanus lets a smile curl across his lips as the next train pulls into the station, "I wouldn't dream of it."

꧁ ꧂

Soarynn POV

It's cold when they arrive at the Capitol.

But then again, it's been cold since they were pushed into the train like livestock, and that was two days ago. Soarynn keeps her head lowered, focusing on the woman in front of her, taking one step after the other. It's easier to focus on small things when bigger things are at stake.

Soarynn didn't think her life could get much worse. Living in District Twelve, the arguably poorest District in Panem was already difficult enough. But then President Snow came on the television one day, talking about how Capitol women couldn't get pregnant so they were going to take District women from their homes to do it for them.

She was horrified. She thought about running away and never coming back. Her friend Jett, someone she thought she might marry one day was all for running. "We can get a head start on them darlin', they won't even know we're gone till it's too late," he had said to her.

But she couldn't leave her home, and despite all the odds, Soarynn was hopeful that she wouldn't be selected for the Handmaid Program. All eligible women were screened inside of the Justice Building. Soarynn remembers her best friend Dorothea going in before her and not coming back out.

When it was her turn, she had to tell the Capitol doctor all about her medical history. He asked her questions about her daily life, how much she ate and slept. Then he weighed her, measured her, and eventually, had her get completely naked. Soarynn had felt so ashamed, so exposed in front of this Capitol man.

"Better get used to it," was all he said about that.

He poked and prodded at her, taking some blood and saliva samples. Then she had to pee in a cup, he took that sample too. He filled out page after page about her until all the results came back.

She was perfect.

Soarynn only shed a single tear when she was told that she would be escorted back to her home to collect a few personal belongings before she'd be taken to a holding center.

Two Peacekeepers watched as she grabbed the few things she could not live without, the stuffed cat she's had since she was small, her colored pencils and sketchbook, the ribbon her mother always wore in her hair, and the pretty marble Jett bought her one day from the Hob.

Oh, Jett.

She didn't even get to say goodbye to him, to anyone.

It's not like she had any living family, in fact, it probably made her the perfect candidate, she was leaving behind virtually nothing and no one. She couldn't even bring her clothes since those would be provided for her.

The training was the hardest part, adjusting to this new life she'd be living was a scary thought.

Only one hundred women from Twelve passed all the screenings and made it to the holding center along with Soarynn. She was by far the youngest at only nineteen but no one seemed to care. Age was only a number for these people. She slept in a large room with all the other women, on a small cot with no privacy.

District Twelve got its own 'Aunt', a woman who would be in charge of looking after her "girls" as she liked to call them. Aunt Eudora was a force to be reckoned with. She was from the Capitol and was sent to prepare all of them to become Handmaids.

She taught them how to speak, how to address people in the Capitol, and how to act around people in the Capitol. Then she taught them how to conduct themselves in their assigned households. "Those women will not trust you," Aunt Eudora had once said to all of them, "they will think that you're going to steal their husbands away from them, bewitch them. But you girls, my girls, will do no such thing. You will conduct yourselves with decorum around the Lady of the House, for you will be carrying her child."

Learning how to act around the Man of the House was much easier in Soarynn's opinion. She would hardly interact with him, only for the bedding and that would be that.

They learned how to take orders, conform to a new way of thinking, and inevitably, prepare to have sex against their will. That was the one thing that terrified Soarynn, she was still a virgin and now that would be taken from her by a complete stranger, all so she could give him and his wife a baby.

They stayed in the holding center for about four months until it was finally time for them to leave.

Aunt Eudora promised to meet them in the Capitol and warned them that any misbehavior would end in punishment or execution. "You'll be under the Capitol's jurisdiction," she told them, pacing back and forth in front of them, "what you want, think, and feel does not matter anymore."

꧁ ꧂

Soarynn can't help but look around the large room she's currently sitting in. She heard one of the Peacekeepers say something about a bee and a hall but she didn't catch the entire thing. She supposes that it doesn't really matter anyway.

There are rows and rows of chairs, filled with Handmaids from all Twelve Districts, all dressed the exact same. Soarynn had almost forgotten that there were eleven more Districts training women like her to become the same thing. For a while, it felt like her holding center was the only one in existence.

One by one, they've all been called to separate rooms for one last screening. Her row has become empty, she is the last one.

"Nightingale."

Soarynn quietly stands up, allowing a Peacekeeper to lead her down the aisle and into a hallway. She keeps her eyes trained on the floor even when she hears a familiar voice. Aunt Eudora's.

"Look at me dear."

Soarynn slowly raises her gaze until she's staring into Aunt Eudora's green eyes. Aunt Eudora is very pretty in Soarynn's opinion. It's a shame that her job makes her and her personality ugly.

Aunt Eudora chuckles softly, resting her hands on Soarynn's face, holding her in an almost endearing way, "My dear, you have been given the greatest honor one could be given."

What the hell is she talking about?

Soarynn keeps a neutral expression, one she's been trained in.

"But first, we need to do one last screening, come, come, right this way."

Soarynn lets Aunt Eudora guide her into a small room, it's beautifully crafted with wood and marble carvings, even the ceiling has ornate designs. Is everything in the Capitol this fancy?

The fanciest building Soarynn had ever been in before this was the Justice Building but just this room alone puts it to shame.

There's another Capitol man waiting for them inside but he looks nicer than the other doctors she'd dealt with in the past. "This is her?" Aunt Eudora nods for Soarynn since nothing she says matters anymore, "Yes, this is her, one of my best girls."

Even though this is all horrible, and Aunt Eudora is a terrible person, Soarynn feels...honored to be considered one of her best. She never really caused any trouble at the holding center, too scared to try anything. There were other women however who caused a lot of trouble. Soarynn remembers poor Lucy Gray, always speaking out and trying to escape.

One day she just vanished from thin air, no more disruptions. Others whispered how she must've been sent back to town, too much work for such a small girl. But when they arrived at the train station to leave for the Capitol, they saw exactly what happened to Lucy Gray.

Soarynn couldn't believe what she was looking at used to be Lucy Gray. Her beautiful tan skin was pale, her rosy lips blue, and her throat was swollen and bruised from the noose tied around her neck.

Aunt Eudora doesn't seem too bothered by this loss.

"Very good then, let's have you strip and we can inspect you one last time."

Soarynn does as she's told, silently undressing until she's fully naked. She's become numb to being nude. Aunt Eudora has seen her naked body millions of times by now, mostly because she wanted Soarynn to put on a few pounds before coming to the Capitol.

Soarynn lets the man measure and weigh her. Then she sits on a small table while he checks her eyes, nose, and throat. He takes more blood but she doesn't have to pee in a cup this time. Soarynn almost jumps when he takes a firm hold of her breasts, squeezing her nipples between his cold fingers, "She's on the small side," he says to Aunt Eudora, "but she's responsive enough."

"Well, she'll fill out once she gets pregnant, milk does wonders for the breasts."

Soarynn says nothing.

The man finally lets go of her breasts and clears his throat, "Lie down."

Soarynn stares up at the ceiling while he spreads her legs apart, biting her tongue so she doesn't cry or say anything that will get her in trouble. Because she's a virgin, she's never been fully inspected. Something about keeping her as pure as possible. Whatever that means.

The man touches her down there for only a few minutes, saying a few things to Aunt Eudora who replies as if they're having dinner, not prying Soarynn apart.

"She's in perfect condition," he announces, patting Soarynn's hipbone, "you've done a wonderful job with her."

Little vines are carved into the marble veiling. Soarynn wonders if someone had to lay on their back like her right now to carve out the stone, or if the stone was already carved and then they put it up there.

"Sit back up dear."

Soarynn pushes herself back up, swinging her feet back and forth anxiously. She's going to get assigned a household now.

"I'm sure he'll be more than pleased with her."

The Man of the House.

Soarynn shivers at the thought of who will be in charge of everything she does and it's not even because she's naked in a very cold room.

"Oh yes. Soarynn, you have been given the great honor and privilege of carrying President Snow's baby!"

Soarynn looks up at Aunt Eudora, unable to care about her manners right now. Not once had she thought about the President needing a Handmaid, and certainly not the possibility of her becoming one for him.

"Why?" She whispers, gripping the edge of the table to steady herself. Soarynn was already prepared to be given a smaller, less important household due to the District she originated for. She's been told that District doesn't matter, but she knows it does.

District always matters.

Aunt Eudora looks puzzled, confused by Soarynn's confusion. "My dear, you have been selected out of hundreds of candidates to serve our President! Above all odds, you have come out on top. You should be thrilled!"

The man who just saw her most intimate parts stands behind Eudora and that's when Soarynn realizes that she's still being screened right now. If she doesn't act right, she'll be punished and assigned to a different household.

Isn't the President's household the best one to get?

It must be, is what she decides so she forces a smile onto her face which feels odd. Soarynn hasn't smiled in a long time, "I can't believe it," she forces out, doing her best to sound thrilled, "the President wants me to carry his baby?"

Aunt Eudora lets out an excited laugh, bouncing up and down on her feet, "Yes, yes he does and I know that you'll make me proud my dear."

Aunt Eudora keeps rambling about how exciting this is going to be for Soarynn, how honored she must feel. Soarynn tunes her out, only doing as she's told and putting her clothes back on. Aunt Eudora fusses with her hair for a moment, tucking it behind her ears and smoothing it down.

"I'll come with you," she says when they leave the room and walk back down the hallway, "help you get settled, introduce you to the Snows but then you'll be on your own Soarynn."

They walk back into the large room, more Handmaids are still sitting in their chairs, anxiously waiting to find out their fate. Soarynn looks straight ahead, it'll be easier if she just focuses on herself.

They get to go inside of a car. Soarynn can't believe that she gets to go inside of a car. Aunt Eudora takes them outside and down the steps and a shiny black car is waiting for them. "You're in for quite the treat, crystal chandeliers, beautiful gardens." Soarynn looks out the window once the car starts moving, eager to see the Capitol with her own eyes.

The car ride is quick, too quick for her liking but Aunt Eudora talks the whole time. They pull up to iron gates, guarded by Peacekeepers who nod and the gates start to open. Soarynn has only seen the President's Mansion on television but it's so beautiful in person, even she can admit that.

The car rolls up the gravel path until it stops at the side of the Mansion.

"Now remember, eyes down, closed mouth, best manners," Aunt Eudora reminds her, opening the car door. Soarynn nods meekly, she knows what happens to Handmaids who talk back. If it's a minor infraction, you could get resssigned to a new household. If it's something major, it's execution.

The Capitol has little tolerance for misbehavior and Soarynn plans on being as perfect as possible, even if it costs her a part of her soul.

꧁ ꧂

Coriolanus POV

Coriolanus gazes out of his study windows, a glass of bourbon in his right hand. It's cloudy right now, but still sunny enough to only need a light winter coat if he were to go for a stroll outside.

His Handmaid arrives any minute now.

Through careful selection and screenings, his advisors and the heads of the Handmaid Program were able to find five perfect candidates.

He went through each of their files one night, deciding it was best to leave Livia out of the decision-making, she'd be none the wiser and he would have something pretty to look at throughout the day. Three out of the five candidates were too old for his liking, older than his wife which immediately turned him off.

A man like him deserves ripe, fresh fruit for the taking.

The remaining two candidates were like night and day. One Handmaid who went by the name of Clemensia, a raven-haired girl with smooth skin and a sharp look in her eyes despite the training she's gone through. Some spirits just can't fully be broken when it comes to looking into the windows of the soul.

The other Handmaid, Soarynn, was in complete contrast to Clemensia. Her skin was covered with freckles and she had light blonde hair with bright blue eyes. And he could see that her spirit was long gone.

She was perfect.

He read over the rest of her file, nineteen, without a family, a virgin.

She'd be wide-eyed and bushy-tailed when she got here but Livia would quickly whip her into shape, he knew that much.

There's a knock at the doors, "Coriolanus? It's time, they're here," Quintus calls from outside. Coriolanus sighs, downing the rest of his drink in one go, he's going to need a few drinks these next few weeks with all the problems these women will bring with them. Despite the training, he knows they'll try and fight back.

It will be a learning curve for all of them, District and Capitol alike.

He and Quintus walk silently down the great hall, passing by several large portraits of the Snow family over the years. They used to be a great, strong family with many children.

Now it's just him and he cannot afford to let his family go quietly into the night.

This Handmaid determines his entire future.

Livia is standing by the grand staircase, out of sight from anyone standing in the foyer, peering around the corner. "They're inside?" Quintus asks once they reach Livia but all he gets in return is a nasty glare.

Coriolanus might have let it slip that this whole thing was really from Quintus, effectively shifting a majority of the blame onto him. He did it to himself really, and Coriolanus needs all the help and grace he can get when it comes to controlling his wife.

"Let's not keep them waiting then," Coriolanus decides for the group, forging forward to the foyer where he sees an Aunt and his new Handmaid quietly chatting with a Peacekeeper, or well, the Aunt is chatting. His Handmaid is silent with her head lowered.

He only catches the last few words of their conversation, "...truly honored to be a part of this," the Aunt gushes, a hand over her heart. Her green eyes meet his blue ones, widening in admiration, "President Snow, it is truly an honor to meet you, sir, we are deeply humbled that you would bring one of our very own District Twelve Handmaids into your home."

Livia makes a noise of disgust from behind him, "District Twelve? You didn't say she'd be from Twelve."

Coriolanus keeps his gaze on the woman in front of him who he already likes much better than Livia, "It doesn't matter Livia. One, Twelve, they're all the same in the end."

The Aunt bobs her head along with his words, "I can assure you that none of my girls will cause you any trouble, Mrs. Snow."

Coriolanus turns his attention to the young Handmaid standing by her Aunt, eyes trained on the floor.

"This must be Soarynn."

"Yes, Soarynn dear, I'd like you to meet President Snow, and his wife, Livia Snow, the First Lady."

Livia finally steps forward and he can feel the hatred and arrogance radiating off of her body, "Look at me," she orders in a haughty tone. Soarynn slowly raises her head and only for a moment is he genuinely taken aback by her natural beauty.

Yes, he made the right decision by choosing her. It's always nice to have something pretty to look at.

"This is my house," Livia says, "my house and my rules, I expect you to conform and follow them without any issues, am I clear?"

"Yes, Mrs. Snow," Soarynn answers softly, her voice is smooth like honey.

Livia looks Soarynn up and down, sizing the girl up no doubt, "My husband is a very important man, he doesn't have time for little whores trying to seduce him." Coriolanus gives Livia a warning look but she's on a roll now, "When you're not spreading your legs for him, you'll be bending over backward for me, doing what I need since I shall soon be a mother."

"Yes, Mrs. Snow."

That must be what Livia was looking for, compliance and submission. "I'll be upstairs, don't let her come up there."

The small party remains silent as she walks away, only her high heels on the hardwood floor make a noise until Quintus clears his throat. "Well, we're more than pleased with how the Program has been going, you ladies have done an excellent job getting your girls into shape. What was your name again?"

"Oh, thank you Mr. Heavensbee, my name is Eudora, Aunt Eudora to my girls. They've come such a long way and once again, we are so honored that you've selected Soarynn to carry your future heir President Snow."

Coriolanus offers her a polite smile, he feels neither love nor hatred for the Aunts who have been preparing these Handmaids. They're neutral characters in his life, much like Avoxes or Peacekeepers, only needed when necessary.

"I look forward to what the future will bring for me and my family," he tells her, "why don't I show you to the Handmaid's quarters and you can help Soarynn get settled?"

He's met with eager nods from Eudora and silence from Soarynn. He likes her already. Coriolanus leads the small convoy through his home while Quintus and Eudora chat the entire way about the Program and how successful it's been. It's a shame that Quintus is married and Eudora is an Aunt because they'd be perfect for one another.

Neither of them ever stops talking.

Coriolanus looks behind him only once to find Soarynn listlessly following behind everyone. He half expected her to try and make a run for it but she's loyally following her Aunt.

He hopes she'll be this well-behaved when she's gone.

Aunts will be kept busy in the next few weeks, going from household to household to check in on their girls and ensure everything is well. They'll be so busy that in order to become an Aunt, they had to swear off marriage, never sharing a bed with a man ever again. It's the type of sacrifice not every woman is willing to make, but any woman over the age of forty-five, well past her childbearing years was welcome to apply for the honorable position.

"Soarynn, dear, Mr. Heavensbee says that his friend's Handmaid is also from Twelve, perhaps you two will know each other."

Soarynn says nothing.

Coriolanus guides them down a small hallway to the right with a large window at the end of the narrow hall. "We have several rooms," he tells Eudora, "we didn't know how many Handmaids to anticipate."

It's true, Coriolanus had debated taking on more than one Handmaid to ensure that he'd be able to produce an heir, but decided on just one. He wouldn't want to look like he was being greedy.

"Well, this is more than enough for Soarynn, isn't that right dear?"

"Yes, Aunt Eudora."

Finally, they reach Soarynn's room, the last door on the left of the hallway. "Here we are," he announces, reaching into his pocket. There are two keys to Soarynn's room, both he and Livia are in possession of them.

The room only locks from the outside.

He unlocks the door and pushes it open. The room is simple, with four walls, and a twin bed pushed into the back right corner. There's a window on the far right wall that overlooks the gardens, offering her the same view he has from his study. On the left wall is a single door that leads to a small ensuite bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower.

A trunk sits at the foot of her bed where she can store her clothes and any other personal belongings. A small table sits beside her bed, serving as a nightstand.

In the far left corner is a wooden chair, and a red rug lies in the middle of the floor.

It's simple. Hard to mess up.

It's perfect.

"Oh, how quaint," Eudora murmurs as she steps into the room, Soarynn in tow. "Her belongings will be delivered before dinner," Quintus informs them.

Eudora rests her hands on Soarynn's shoulders, gently guiding her into the bathroom where Coriolanus can only hear whispers.

He only catches one sentence.

"Make me proud."

꧁ ꧂

Livia is fuming.

'

It's not even four o'clock yet which means that she intends on setting a new record where bitchy behavior is concerned. Coriolanus walks right past her, too tired to deal with this behavior right now. After making sure that Soarynn was settled, he walked Eudora and Quintus out to their respective cars where both parties promised to stop by on different days to see how things were going.

It's strange to know that someone else is living under his roof. He's far used to the Avoxes and the rest of his household staff which includes the cooks, gardeners, and Peacekeepers.

He's never had a Handmaid before.

"You locked her door?"

Coriolanus walks into their shared closet, a massive space for just two people, "Of course I did," he calls back, "do you take me for a fool?" He only hears grumbles from Livia, she probably thinks he's the biggest idiot in the world but he could care less what she thinks.

Women's thoughts are at the bottom of his totem pole of importance.

He locked the door mostly to establish dominance, so she would immediately know that he was the Man of the House. She hadn't said a word when they all filed out of the room, she just sat on the edge of her bed with her hands clasped in her lap.

He left her to gather her thoughts, instructing her to come to dinner at six. They won't take their meals together often, but Eudora insisted that it was important to establish a somewhat friendly relationship between all of them to guarantee the best and quickest results.

"I'm taking you for a lot of things right now." Oh, now she's in the closet, how lovely. Coriolanus doesn't consider himself to be an affectionate husband or partner by any means, he doesn't like hugs, only kisses her when absolutely necessary, and only takes her to bed when he needs to relieve stress.

Despite all of these attempts to put as much distance as possible between the two of them, Livis still comes crawling back for his validation.

It's very agitating.

"I just need you to take this seriously," he replies, taking off his suit jacket, "this is our only chance at an heir." Her footsteps grow closer until she's standing right behind him, her perfume reeks, it pains his nostrils, and burns at his throat.

"I am taking this seriously," she hisses, "you don't think I care about our future?" Coriolanus turns, looking down at his pathetic little wife who is a constant pain in his side, a thorn in his side.

"But it's hard to take anything seriously with that little whore sleeping downstairs, under my roof." Coriolanus raises an eyebrow, he is described as many things by those who meet him. Stern, cold, authoritative, evil, harsh.

He's also old-fashioned.

His hand shoots out, grabbing Livia by the jaw within seconds, "You live under my roof," he says quietly, watching her eyes grow wider at his actions, "and from the way you're acting right now, I'd argue that you're worth no more than that Handmaid downstairs. You're both women, and you'd do well to remember that."

He releases her as quickly as he grabs her, wiping his hand off on his pants. "Dinner with our Handmaid is at six," he tells her casually, walking out of the closet, "don't be late."

His wife might grow to actually hate him, but that's alright with him.

Coriolanus has a future to focus on, to safeguard, and now he has all the tools to get to it.

His little Handmaid is simply a stepping stone on the way to his predestined destination.

For her sake, he hopes that Soarynn won't give him a hard time, being a Handmaid, she's alone, isolated, beaten down.

She's in his house now, and Snow is going to land on top once again.

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