The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games, #0)

by Suzanne Collins

This reaping day, like most, was shaping up to be a scorcher. But what else could you expect on July 4th?

It's almost ironic.

“That’s a fine polish job,” Coriolanus replied. Sejanus tensed at the implication that he was, what, a suck-up? A lackey? Coriolanus let it build a moment before he diffused it. “I should know. I do all Satyria’s wine goblets.” Sejanus relaxed at that. “Really?” “No, not really. But only because she hasn’t thought of it,” said Coriolanus, seesawing between disdain and camaraderie.

Can't wait for him to die.

Coriolanus to the rescue, Livia to the nearest exit.

Okay, this made me laugh. The only good thing to come from Coriolanus in these 528 pages.

He buried his head in his hands, confused, angry, and most of all afraid. Afraid of Dr. Gaul. Afraid of the Capitol. Afraid of everything. If the people who were supposed to protect you played so fast and loose with your life . . . then how did you survive? Not by trusting them, that was for sure. And if you couldn’t trust them, who could you trust? All bets were off.

Almost had it...

But what he really felt was jealous.

“Hoped you would. Didn’t know. The odds didn’t seem in my favor.”

The odds... the favour... the foreshadowing...

“Some people call them swamp potatoes, but I like katniss better. Has a nice ring to it.”

I'm sure Coriolanus will like katniss too.

Deep in the meadow, under the willow A bed of grass, a soft green pillow Lay down your head, and close your sleepy eyes And when again they open, the sun will rise.

Rue's song.

Like an animal. He knew this would be easier if he wasn’t such an exceptional person. The best and the brightest humanity had to offer.

The absolute audacity. Can't wait for him to die.

The lake water had reduced his mother’s rose-scented powder to a nasty paste, and he threw the whole thing in the trash. The photos stuck together and shredded when he tried to separate them, so they went the way of the powder. Only the compass had survived the outing.

Everything he had left of his mother and the family that built him up is destroyed. All he has left of his identity is his father. Very symbolic.