Jacob walked with firm and determined steps towards the room where President Snow's voice resonated. His face displayed impenetrable serenity, an expression that concealed any hint of emotions. His eyes reflected a cold and calculating gaze, as if he were completely immune to the presence of the Capitol's leader.
Silence filled the room as Jacob advanced, his steps resonating with a measured and confident rhythm. There was no trace of fear or anxiety in his posture, only an unwavering determination that seemed to envelop him.
Snow's voice continued speaking from somewhere in the room, but Jacob barely heard it. He was focused on his objective, on the words he would speak in response. He would not allow the President of the Capitol to see even a crack in his facade of indifference.
Upon entering the room, his eyes met those of President Snow. There were no signs of surprise or confusion in his gaze. He simply observed the Capitol's leader with an impenetrable coldness.
"President Snow." Jacob said calmly and controlled. "I did not expect this encounter, please forgive my lack of manners, I just went for a walk before the midday tour."
The words flowed from his lips with an almost inhuman calmness. It was as if he were emotionally disconnected from the situation, as if the presence of the Capitol's leader had no effect on him.
Snow, bewildered by Jacob's apparent indifference, tried to read his reactions, searching for any sign of weakness. However, all he found was an unperturbed gaze and an impassive attitude.
Someone like President Snow should be seen against marble columns adorned with immense flags. It is shocking to see him surrounded by everyday objects in the room. It's like opening a jar and finding a venomous snake with fangs instead of a stew.
"Do you like being lied to, Jacob?" President Snow's voice was as light as the wind and as cold as winter.
Jacob took a seat and responded in the same manner, "I detest lies. Once, they lied about something I hadn't done, and it caused my family, my own blood, to distrust me..."
"You are the only one I believe, Jacob. You have never lied about what you feel or what you seek. I truly thought your death would be significant in the arena, was I mistaken?" Snow asked with a deep voice.
"I have always been honest about what I feel. If I lie, I would become what I hate most about people..." Jacob knew that if he lied, this old man would likely discover it.
"My advisors were concerned that you would be difficult, but you are not planning to be difficult at all, right?"
"Of course not. I have no resentment towards you... I joined the games to have a better life, although that was a superficial desire. What I truly wished for was someone to end my life, but now I discovered that my life is worth much more than others'."
"I have a problem, Mr. Jacob..." President Snow said, "A problem that began when your romantic partner, Katniss, started threatening the organization with taking her own life..."
"If the Head Gamemaker, Seneca Crane, had some sense, he would have killed Katniss and let you live..."
Jacob nodded. In fact, he would have died if it weren't for Katniss's actions, so he didn't have much to say.
"I can tell that you are sincere, but your girl, Katniss, seems to be playing a game where she uses you to get her way all the time. You are honest, but she is not, so I have a serious problem. Unfortunately, not everyone in the districts believed that love story they crafted."
"Of course, you don't know this. You don't have access to information about the mood in other districts. In several of them, however, people saw Katniss's act as a challenge, not an act of love."
"And if a girl from District Twelve, of all places, can defy the Capitol and get away with it, what will prevent others from doing the same?" President Snow said. "What if we have to anticipate, let's say, an uprising?"
Jacob expected this, but he was truly surprised that reality was unfolding.
"Have there been uprisings?" he asked, as cold as he was euphoric at the possibility.
"Not yet. But they will come if things don't change course. And it is known that uprisings lead to revolution."
"So, what is the reason for your visit?" Jacob was a bit more direct in asking this question, needing to know precisely what President Snow was seeking from him if he hadn't discovered his subtle movements.
Jacob knew he couldn't afford to show any weakness in front of President Snow. He knew the Capitol's leader was a cunning and dangerous man, capable of exploiting any vulnerability to exert his power.
So, with an unwavering attitude, Jacob remained silent, waiting for Snow to utter the words that could trigger a game of manipulation and strategy. He was prepared to face any challenge, no matter how dark or dangerous it might be.
The room was enveloped in an uncomfortable silence as both men stared at each other. It was a clash of wills, a test of endurance and cunning. Only time would tell who would prevail in this battle of wit and power.
Meanwhile, Jacob remained impassive, his gaze cold and his stance unyielding. He wouldn't let Snow's words affect him; he would keep his focus on his ultimate goal and fight with all his might to attain the freedom he yearned for.
Receiving no response, Jacob said, "I sought nothing more than being myself in the games. Perhaps a part of me desired a much better life as a victor, but another part sought death in the process."
"I believe you..." President Snow looked at Jacob and explained his thoughts, "You are so observant, your eyes notice even the slightest details. You knew something like this would happen if you and Katniss survived."
"Everyone knows that. Otherwise, I wouldn't have survived the games..."
"Then if your feelings for Katniss were real, if you were and are being yourself now, why don't you kill the man your one true love sees every Sunday?" President Snow smiled as if he knew that Jacob could easily do as he said.
"Gale? I shouldn't concern myself with a cowardly bastard who didn't volunteer to save his childhood girlfriend. Living to provide for a family that isn't his and watching his one true love die? That's rubbish!"
Jacob maintained his gaze with President Snow and whispered, "I would kill any living being to protect the person who is special to me. And if you wonder why I'm indifferent to Gale and Katniss's Sunday morning meetings, eventually that poor devil will have to forget about her..."
"Haha, you've surprised me... But if you don't want your one true love to die from unfortunate events, you must put a stop to it." President Snow seemed to have found what he wanted, so he stood up.
"My relationship with Katniss is more sentimental than desire. I suppose I'm different from the ordinary things one can find in this world..." Jacob demonstrated his confidence in this point.
President Snow, without looking back, said, "I'm sure I shouldn't worry about you. Just do the misplaced flaming girl job like you always have, and pray there's no trouble..."
"I am the problem, so I will find a solution. I will take charge of the district tour and make them change their way of thinking..." Jacob told President Snow what he sought without the latter having to say it.
"By the way, I will feel more at ease telling your sentimental love about it..."
"Have a peaceful journey back. I will do a good job..." Jacob kept his gaze fixed on a jar, gripping the armrests tightly with his hands.