I think one of the greatest things about this book (and it's intentional) is that it is told from Snow's point of view and we all know that his view is unreliable because he's a horrible person. Which means there is a real story beyond him and he can't see it. He sees himself as a vehicle for enforcing the Capitol's control therefore people can be what they want in their mind but it will only ever be hope and wishful thinking. Most readers know this yet they still see the story as real. The only thing Snow got right was Highbottom's hatred of him. And perhaps Sejanus really did like him. But did Lucy? I mean from the very beginning. Did she?