Coriolanus Snow moved like a shadow through the throng, his sharp eyes assessing every flicker of expression, every laugh and gesture, as though each contained the key to securing his future. Tonight was not just a social affair — it was a battlefield, and Snow never entered a battle without strategy. His goal loomed at the heart of the ballroom, glowing like a rare gem amongst the Capitol’s most powerful: Kyra Malhotra.

Her presence was magnetic, drawing the eyes of the senators, the ministers, even the high-ranking Peacekeepers who had somehow been granted an invitation. Kyra was Panem’s jewel, the Capitol’s treasured beauty, and above all, a symbol of wealth and influence. The Malhotra family name was worth more than a fleet of hovercrafts, and Snow knew that securing an alliance with Kyra could ensure his own ascension to power.

As he approached her, Snow’s expression softened into an effortless smile, the kind that could disarm even the most cautious of enemies. Kyra stood at the edge of the ballroom, her golden gown flowing like liquid sunlight. Her laughter rang out, delicate and poised, as she entertained a group of admirers, but Snow knew she was far from a simple beauty. Kyra was shrewd — a survivor in her own right.

“Kyra,” he greeted smoothly, his voice a purr beneath the chatter of the room. “You are, as always, the vision of perfection.”

She smiled, her lips curving into a practiced, delicate expression of approval. “Coriolanus Snow,” she replied, her voice honeyed and poised. “I wasn’t expecting you to emerge from the shadows so soon. You’ve become quite the elusive figure lately.”

“Only because I seek the company of those worth pursuing,” he said, his gaze locking with hers, the flattery hanging between them like the tension of a string pulled tight. “But tonight, I felt it was time.”

A pause lingered as they looked at one another, and Kyra raised an eyebrow, curiosity flashing in her eyes. “Time for what, exactly?”

He held out a hand, palm up. “A dance?”

She hesitated only a second before placing her gloved hand in his. Coriolanus led her onto the dance floor, the music rising in a lilting waltz. As they began to glide across the floor, their movements were flawless, a display of grace that drew the eyes of everyone in the room.

Yet despite the grandeur, their conversation was anything but light.

“I’ve been thinking,” Coriolanus began, his voice low so that only Kyra could hear, “about Panem’s future. About our futures.”

Kyra's eyes flickered with intrigue. “Oh? And what does the great Coriolanus Snow see in our future?”

“A partnership,” he said simply, his eyes never leaving hers. “One that could elevate both of us beyond anything our families have ever achieved.”

Kyra laughed softly, though there was an edge of wariness in it. “You speak as though we’re not already standing on the heights of power.”

Coriolanus tilted his head slightly, a smile playing on his lips. “Power, Kyra, is never static. It’s a flame that needs constant tending, or it burns out. I believe together, we could ensure that flame never falters. Imagine, the Snow and Malhotra names united.”

Her brow arched, and the moment of levity melted away, replaced by a tension that crackled in the air between them. He took a step closer, lowering his voice as the music shifted to a haunting melody. “Kyra, you are a symbol of beauty and grace in a world that often forgets such virtues. Together, we could create a union that elevates both our standings, solidifying a legacy that would outshine any fleeting moment of glory.”

“Are you proposing marriage, Coriolanus?” she asked, her expression a mix of surprise and intrigue.

He nodded, allowing a hint of sincerity to seep through his carefully constructed facade. “Imagine it: the jewel of Panem beside its future leader. We would forge a bond that could reshape the very fabric of our society. With your influence and my vision, we could unite the districts in ways they’ve never imagined. Together, we could be unstoppable.”

They turned gracefully, continuing their waltz as the tension in the conversation deepened. Kyra was silent for a moment, her expression unreadable as she considered his words. But Coriolanus could see it in her eyes — the pull of power, the allure of securing a place at the very top.

“Why me?” she asked, her voice steady, yet tinged with vulnerability. “There are many in this room who could offer you a far more advantageous match.”

“Because,” he replied, leaning closer, his breath warm against her ear, “none of them could inspire the same devotion or passion in the hearts of the people. You are not merely a jewel, Kyra; you are a beacon. You hold the power to influence the hearts and minds of the Capitol citizens, and that is worth more than any alliance forged in greed.”

She took a breath, weighing her options. The Capitol was as ruthless as it was glamorous, and every decision carried weight. “And if I refuse?”

He chuckled softly, the sound both charming and unsettling. "Refusal is an option, but consider the alternative. Alliances are not merely strategic; they are necessary. Alone, we’re targets. Together, we can be untouchable.”

“Or a gilded cage,” she countered, unyielding.

“A cage, perhaps, but one made of gold,” he replied, his voice low and persuasive. “We could ensure the safety of our families, secure our futures. Imagine the legacy we could build, a dynasty that could endure beyond the flames of war."

Kyra met his gaze, searching for the truth behind his charming facade. There was ambition in his eyes, a glimmer of something dark and thrilling. “You think you can charm me into submission?”

Coriolanus stepped back, feigning an innocent look. "I aim only to empower you. Besides,” he added with a smirk, “who could resist the allure of a future draped in power and prestige?”

She felt the thrill of the challenge, the danger of his proposition. The ball spun around them, laughter and music blending into a backdrop of temptation. “Let me think about it,” she finally said, her heart beating rapidly as the words left her lips.

Snow's lips curled into a smile, though victory was only half-won. "That's all I ask," he said smoothly, lifting her hand to his lips. "Take all the time you need, Kyra. I look forward to our future... whatever form it may take."

She withdrew her hand gently, her eyes glinting in the moonlight. "Goodnight, Coriolanus."

As the music faded and the applause erupted around them, Coriolanus Snow felt a surge of triumph. He had taken the first step in weaving a dangerous web of alliances — one that would solidify his place in the Capitol and perhaps lead him down a path to absolute power.

In the heart of the ballroom, beneath the watchful eyes of the elite, alliances shifted. And the scent of roses mingled with the promise of blood signaled the beginning of a perilous game.

✶.ᐟ SELENA TALKS! after a whole month of radio silence, i'm back with a new chapter! i legit forgot how to write for a second there, but thankfully now my writer's block is gone!

that's it for now! i hope you enjoyed this little piece, the wheels are finally in motion and i hope you love seeing their messy relationship bloom as much as i do! thank you sm for reading this and hopefully we'll see each other soon!