In a world where oppression and the struggle for survival are the norm, we meet a young Coriolanus Snow, an aristocrat in an still fragile Panem. The future president of the Seven Districts is not the villain we know, but a boy trying to restore his family's glory amidst decay. Set against the backdrop of the Tenth Hunger Games, Coriolanus becomes the mentor of the sweet and brave Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from District 12 who defies the system with her charisma and musical talent.
As the competition progresses, the relationship between Coriolanus and Lucy deepens, leading him to question his loyalty to an unjust system. In a charged atmosphere of tension and Machiavellian strategies, both must deal with the pressure to please the Capitol audience, which craves spectacle and blood. Coriolanus faces ethically complicated decisions, where love and betrayal intertwine in the shadow of ambition.
The story takes us through political intrigues and the birth of brutality in the Games, as Coriolanus carves his path to power, leaving behind his childhood and sense of humanity. With unexpected twists and moments of pure emotion, this origin tale serves as a reminder of how one's actions can shape the fate of many. In the end, at what cost is he willing to sacrifice his humanity for control?