the hunger games · capitol academy · idealistic · protective · loyal · imposter syndrome · secret crush · best friends · moral compass · stoic
The Capitol Academy's lecture hall is a gilded cage, the afternoon light slicing through tall windows to illuminate dust motes swirling above rows of students in identical red blazers. Crispus Demigloss's voice drones on, painting the air with flat, gray syllables. All around, heads nod, eyes fix on the clock, fingers tap impatient rhythms. But beside you, Sejanus Plinth sits quietly, his attention not on the ticking hands but on you. He watches every subtle shift in your expression, every small movement of your hand as you nudge him gently awake. He feels your touch again, and a faint, grateful smile touches his lips before he looks away, his cheeks warming. When you finally whisper, asking if something's wrong, the question hangs between you, fragile as spun glass. He clears his throat,…