Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged
Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games
Chapter 12: Forest Fire
Blaine's POV
I woke up to the sound of the shuffling of hangers-on metal racks. Stirring from my slumber, gazing through heavy lid eyes, to see a black outfit moving around in the closets. It must be Effie getting another outfit for me for the Sponsors' Bettings. I sighed, going back to sleep after checking the clock to see it was five O'clock.
It has been four days since the bloodbath, and things were getting interesting for the Capitol. When I got myself back together and went to the Headquarters to find some Sponsors for Peeta was a struggle. And let me tell you, many things have happened over the three days. Katniss and Peeta made it out of the bloodbath alive. Including them following our advice as well. Katniss went in search of water on the second day. Though it was hilarious that she begged for water, Haymitch would not let her have it since she was close to a watering source. It was how Haymitch communicated to the tributes through their gifts from sponsors.
The tribute does not know about the arena, but we mentors do. After the bloodbath, it is easy to get the information, except only the mentors whose tributes are still alive get the information. Those who lost their tribute are sent home with their bodies. It was a shame that Johanna, Blight, Woof, and some of the other victors had to leave so soon.
However, everyone was surprised to see a Career die so soon as well. Finnick was so furious that he went after Brutus. For Cato has killed a faithful ally. Though, strangely, District 4 was considered a career district. They hardly trained like One or Two. They were fishermen, and their everyday life was exactly training. They could swim, fish, tie knots, and learn first aid, CPR, and trapping. A spear can be a replacement for a trident. Give them a net and a spear, and you have a career. Yet there was a camp for children to train as a precaution.
If the coal miner's let children in their mines, then we would know how to use a pickaxe and explosives.
Anyway, Peeta took my advice and formed an alliance . . . with the Careers. I know, shocking, isn't it? A first for the underdog tributes from District 12 to join the Careers! Usually, the pack would hold Districts One, Two, Four, and sometimes District Three. District Three would be interested in the careers as the brains of trapping. But in the end, they don't last very long.
And for Peeta, he wasn't being used for his cooking or weightlifting for them. No, he was bait to lure Katniss. And Baker Boy knows it. Except for the only way Peeta can prove his loyalty to the Careers to be worthy, was when he finishes off the girl from District Eight. It seems Cato doesn't know a death blow very well. It was heartbreaking to see the poor girl dying on the ground after Cato stabbed her. So Peeta showed sympathy and closed her eyes before ending her misery. His action earned us sponsors. How Peeta has a caring heart. If only the lover boy knew that Katniss was in a tree nearby.
Suddenly I felt a shove on my shoulder, so I grabbed the knife from under my pillow and slashed out. Stopping mere inches from the intruder's eye. Cinna paused, shocked by this action. I took a deep breath, realizing he was no threat, before forcing my arm down and putting the knife back on the side table draw.
Yeah, I know. I'm Haymitch's daughter, alright. I, too, sleep with a knife at night. But I don't go thrashing about with it. Just a slice warning and accurately keep an inch from the person's eye.
"Cinna, what are you doing here?" I asked with a yawn followed by a stretch. I checked the time to see it was almost five twenty-five in the morning.
"Effie asked me to get you ready," Cinna breathed a sigh of relief for not losing an eye. "Do you always sleep with a knife?"
"Bad habit," I shrugged. "Sometimes it's on my person."
Cinna was going to ask where I kept the knife, then stopped. Probably had a dirty thought and didn't want to know where I put the blade. I smirked and showed him a glimpse of a leg halter strap before going to the bathroom to shower. But I stopped to tell him. "I keep them in my boots."
Once done with a shower and my morning routine. I put on my underclothes when I found a set of clothes on the counter. I questioned when did Cinna come into the bathroom? Shaking my head, I put on the outfit he picked out for today's games. What he chose was different compared to the last few attires. I found some black flare trousers and a blouse that was a sleeveless keyhole color-black halter top with silver lace. Putting them on, I was surprised to see them comfortable. Feeling the cotton and silk against my skin.
When I finished dressing, I went back to my room to feed Midnight, except the black cat was already eating a bowl of tuna and milk on the desk.
"I took the liberty of feeding him," Cinna said by the vanity as he gestured to me to sit down.
I took a seat, letting him play with my hair as he put it in a tight sock bun. He made it nice and neat before adding my token and spraying some hairspray. Then he did my makeup in a fair amount. Except he gave my eyes a cat eye with silver eyeshadow.
"Wow, thanks," I said, looking at myself. It was similar to my style and was altered for sure. For I look elegant and mature, not mysterious, and sexy.
"You're welcome," Cinna said with a slight smile as he handed me some black heels.
I find it odd that I was back in my usual attire. Since he has been dressing me in either all-black or black with metallic accents. Well, if you don't include the solid gold dress. Yes, my attire is usually black when I am at the Capitol unless there is a request from a client to wear a different color, followed by concerts and music videos. The attire I wear in the Capitol differs from District 12, as I usually wear worn-out jeans, a simple shirt, and woven sweater. Mainly what the people of twelve wear to blend in.
"So, what are your plans today?" I asked, putting on the shoes.
The stylist for the games has little to do when the tributes are in the arena. They mainly work once a week for the entire year for the Hunger Games. Alright, maybe not a week since they have months in making the Chariot Costumes and Interview attire. And then start working on the Champion's outfit until words come in of the tribute's death. If not working on victor's garments.
Otherwise, some return to their family life or start some company. If I recall, Chanel has a family with four children. The last time I talked to her, she said her eldest son graduated from university and is working in the fashion business. That was before our argument.
"Making your clothes," Cinna answered as he opened the door. "I'm experimenting with different styles."
"Cinna," I warned him.
The last thing I need is to be the Lady of Fire. Fire is not my element. Then again, if I could choose an element…I wish it could be water, as I had thought of District 4. As I glance at the screen where District 4 beaches are shown.
"Mainly fabrics," he assured as he touched the trim of the halter blouse. I glance down to realize the lace is not simple silver lace. The lace was of snowdrops. Cinna mentioned that he found me lying in the snowdrops beautiful, and I mentioned they were my favorite flowers. Did he make this top for me?
I stopped and stared at him in shock. Comparing this outfit to the one I wore at the interview. I realized how different the outfits were. The separation from casual, formal, and performance. As I traced the lace that held snowdrop embroidery.
I was dumbfounded by this. I was going to speak when Haymitch barged into my room. He glances at my attire, giving an approved nod, before wrapping an arm around me and escorting me out. "C'mon, Sweetheart, we're late already."
"Your jacket," Cinna reminded me as he chased after us and handed it to me.
I took it, thanking him, noting that the jacket was black, with leatherwork with studs. We got in the elevator, went down, and went to the limo. I looked over my shoulder at Cinna for the last time today.
He sighed, disappointed, like there was something he wanted to tell me but was unable to.
All thanks to Haymitch.
.o0o.
If you think winning the game is hard? Try being a mentor and finding sponsors. They are more challenging. As Haymitch and I had to compete with another victor to gain Sponsors. My current opponent was Cashmere. I personally loathed this woman as I tried to get Peeta sponsors. Peeta was committed to distracting the Careers, being loyal and discreet for Katniss. Cashmere glared at me from the other side of the couch as she scooted the client closer, murmuring in his ear. She goes over how beautiful Glimmer is and that a pretty face shouldn't go to waste. She placed her hand on the Sponsor's thigh with teasing strokes.
I mentally growled at her seduction. It was typical for female victors to seduce male clients. It was also Cashmere and Enobaria methods. I try to hold some dignity. Never stepping to that low or manipulating people intimately in the Games. I did that once in the games, and I regret it.
Most of the Victors keep to honesty. Many try to offer deals while others hold a conversation. Finnick was an exception, as he was the master of flirtation. Miya was sitting next to me and gasped, seeing what Cashmere was doing.
I lean into Miya's ear. "Don't. Even a stunt like that can get you in deep trouble."
"Like what?" she asked.
"Rape," I whispered in her ear. "Some of the people you see here, either for fun or for business."
Miya was surprised to hear this. As she knows, we lost another sponsor. So, we got up and left Cashmere towards her dirty work. But I continued to explain to Miya the role here. I'm sure Colton has been helping her. Right now, he seemed to be occupied in a conversation. I decided to show Miya a different group.
"If you want to get sponsors, it's best to work with those in your genre unless you find a certain interest," I explained. "Since you are in the music industry like me, the best clients are the record studios."
"Why are you telling me this?" Miya asked, trying to keep up with my pace. "Aren't we like . . . enemies?"
I barked out a laugh, messing her hair. "Miya, Miya, Miya, to the Careers you are. To us underdogs, our laboring Districts work together. We are friends, except for Drink Offs."
"Drink off?" Miya asked, confused.
"Don't ask until you are seventeen," I said with an amused smirk.
A drink-off was very common to us victors, mainly after parties, during late-night sponsors, or handout events. We, the victors, get together at the Training Center bar and see who can hold their liquor. The top three were Brutus, Blight, and Chaff, followed by Johanna. Although I remember the time Haymitch and Chaff did a drink off, Seeder and I had to drag their asses.
I shook my head at that memory. We headed towards music industry sponsors. They help with the background music for the interview: in the three-hour film, the opening ceremony music, Caesar's interview, and any essential sounds during the games for profit. The best way to get to these people was your voice, record deals, and singles. Simon, Polyhymnia, and Bragi were here today. I introduced Miya to Polyhymnia, and Bragi. They are the best Capitol singers who love introducing new stars. These two are known for their creativity in music performance, and I hope they will help Miya in both the games and record deals.
As for me, I tend to lean toward Simon. Simon's music style and lyrics choices tend to work for me. When I first started, he started my first album in local music. Afterward, he searches for songs that resonate with me. However, Simon tends to work singers hard and is more about gaining money than giving it.
We were able to make up a compromise that got me thirty thousand dollars for Peeta if I did three singles. I already did an album recently. But knowing Peeta's life was at risk, I made it ten thousand per song. Simon smirked, agreeing to it. Thus, I got thirty thousand dollars. I sighed in relief, for that can get me food or strong medicine.
I checked on Miya to see her engulfed in Polyhymnia's arms. The pop singer kept gushing about how cute, huggable, and lovable Miya was. Miya looked at me pleadingly as she mouthed, 'help me!' As her face was almost smothered in the singer's massive breasts.
I chuckled, shaking my head, then checked on the screen to see how Katniss and Peeta were doing. It was midday, and Katniss was still asleep in the tree. She has spent the last two days scouting the arena, nearing two kilometers from the edge. Something wasn't right. It was too calm as I pulled out my tablet and clicked on the app the Gamemakers made for us to keep track of them. I checked on the other tributes.
The last kill was from the girl from District 8 on the second day. The one Peeta killed out of mercy when Cato failed to do so. We were on day four, and there hadn't been a kill since. Twelve tributes have died in the last four days. Now two days of no-kill, the Gamemakers would do something.
The Careers are still together, heading towards the river five miles away from Katniss, while the others are spread out. This wasn't good. Usually, on the third day of the games, the Gamemakers make a natural disaster. For example, blizzards, desert storms, earthquakes, and such. Seneca must have something up his sleeve. But we were on day four, and something was about to happen.
Once done making a contract with Simon on three singles. I decided to join Haymitch, who was spending quality time with his friend Chaff. People back at District Twelve think Haymitch has no friends, but they are utterly wrong. Haymitch's friend is District Eleven victor Chaff, the second drunkard of the Victors. Add these two together, and you got yourself a pair of troublemakers. They like to form pranks and make terrible jokes around the other Victors, embarrassing them. I remember when I first met Chaff, he practically made pranks around other people and whispered insulting jokes in my ear that I snickered when I was a kid. Now, I had to be on guard when around them.
"What are you up to now?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"Nothing," Chaff sang, taking a sip of his beverage, making Haymitch snicker.
"Do I want to know?" I asked.
"Don't worry, it's not for you but for somebody else," Chaff assured, pointing at a male Avox who carried a tray toward Trix, one of the two District 6 victors who is not affected by morphling.
I stood there in question till Trix screamed, yelling spider. I knew it was one of those rubber spiders. But iI didn't find it funny. Trix was not a Morphling. She and Vector have not fallen into the drug. Although the male Victor, Jett, who was a morphling, stumbled back, nearly falling out to the ground. Since the spider is a Morphling, the drug in his system would actually misjudge something fake to be real. It was a good thing Fara was not here. She had it worse in her addiction. Seeing Vector, the oldest Mentor from District 6, is absent and must be taking care of her since he retired from mentoring being in his late sixties.
Although District 6 tributes died in the bloodbath, their bodies are being treated. The Careers brutally slaughter their bodies. It was one of the rare generosity the Capitol had for the districts. Instead of returning the victims mutilated, they mend the bodies. Or at least since Seneca took control. It depends on the condition of the remains. By tomorrow, I would not be surprised if Trix and Jett are absent. Trix tries to gain sponsors for future tributes and maintain the relationship. She is probably the only Mentor for District 6
Haymitch and Chaff laughed while I shook my head. "You two are incomparable."
"Hey, relax. It was just a joke." Chaff replied.
"Yeah, but still, how are you supposed to get sponsors if you don't act professionally. What about your tribute. . . Thresh?"
"He's in the wheatfield. He's fine without me," Chaff answered.
"And the girl . . . Rue?"
"Seeder got her," Chaff muttered, then took a gulp of his drink.
I sighed and checked the monitor on the wall to see red. I let my eyes adjust, closely focused on Katniss's end to see what it was. My mouth practically dropped. The forest was on fire. That was this year's gathering tool, a forest fire.
The camera focused on Katniss, who stirred from her branch to the smell of burning wood and sulfur. When she looked to her right, she saw the fire approaching her. She quickly untied her holster, jumped down, and ran as far away as possible. However, the fire was chasing after her in both possible directions. I scowled. Seneca had a twisted mind on picking tributes for his games, on new things. Since the forest was a very common idea, I wondered how President Snow let it pass, and now I see why it was used again. This was karma, alright. Katniss, the Girl on Fire, was in her environment.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here," Finnick said from behind me.
I turned to face him with a warning look that said, 'don't even think about it.'
Finnick liked to play games with me. It was expected when we saw each other as siblings in our friendship. And like any older brother, he tends to tease me. He, too, wants to pick on me at any given opportunity. Finnick smirked, sitting down on the same chair, crossing his leg, and wrapping an arm around me.
"Girl on Fire seems to be on a roll," Finnick murmured.
I clenched my fist when a fireball was charged at Katniss. If bullying was the word, it was happening in the arena. Katniss was the primary target. Luckily Katniss dodges the fireball. However, another fireball strikes a tree behind, making a mild explosion.
Finnick tightened his arm around me, and I could see why he came over here. He was not here to pick on me but to comfort me. So, I wouldn't fall into my darkest emotions or temptations. Not like I did after my game. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it hard as we watched Katniss running for her life. For we knew they were trying to lure her toward the Careers.
Suddenly a tree falls, blocking Katniss's way of escaping as she turns left towards a small rocks cave. When another fireball strikes her in the legs. She screams, collapsing to the ground. She cried for a second before seeing another fireball aiming straight at her. Her eyes widen in shock, letting her reflexes take over as she rolls out of the way, down a hill that got her away from the flames. But the look on her face shows she was lost in adrenaline as she continued to run toward the river. She jumped and splashed into soothing water as the fire ceased.
I sighed in relief to know she was safe, but I spoke too soon as the careers Spotted her. Out of all the children in the world, minus the Capitol children, I find the Careers sadistic. How they take pleasure in killing other children for the game. For we watch them cheer at the sight of Katniss in the water. Singing, "let's kill her," while Peeta ran behind them along with the girl from district four.
What was her name again? Tara Waves? From what I recall, she is a Career. She participated in the bloodbath, for she was a quick runner, got a hold of an ax, and killed like Cato and Marvel combined, followed by her agility. This made her worthy of joining the pack. However, during the three days, she was quiet and didn't take pleasure after slicing the boy from district six legs off. In fact, she only talks to Peeta and Tron, the boy from District Three.
Going back to the screen, Katniss was chased up a tree while the Careers were grinning and snarling at her. Katniss smiled. "How's everything with you?"
Instantly everyone in the Bettings, if not the Capitol, was laughing at this. While the Careers were taken aback by her question.
"Well enough," Cato replied. "Yourself?"
"It's been a bit warm for my taste," Katniss said, and I scoffed at her statement. "The air's better up here. Why don't you come on up?"
"I think I will," Cato said.
"Here, take this, Cato," Glimmer suggested, handing over her bow and arrow.
Katniss glared at Glimmer, knowing it was her bow. Also, seeing Peeta that she looks like she wanted to scream at him too.
"No," Cato said, pushing the projectile weapon away and lifting his short heavy blade. "I'll do better with my sword."
Cato started climbing the tree while Katniss climbed higher. However, the branch gave away on him as he collapsed hard, but not enough to break his neck. Glimmer glared, firing a arrow at Katniss, but she missed completely. She was the worst of them all. I saw previous tributes using a bow and arrow far better than her. It was no use for the Careers to get Katniss furious that the Girl on Fire made them look foolish.
Cato took hold of the bow and arrow and fired at Katniss. He, too, missed, though his aim was slightly better than Glimmer's. Katniss panted as she held onto the tree.
"Maybe you should throw the sword!" Katniss taunted.
This pissed off the Careers.
Finally, Peeta spoke harshly, "Oh, let her stay up there. It's not like she's going anywhere. We'll deal with her in the morning."
The Careers glared at him but knew he was right.
"Okay," Cato grumbled, shoving the bow to Glimmer. "Somebody make a fire."
They made camp around the tree. I sighed in relief to know things were on hold for the moment. I watched clients going through the stands that hold a tributes name, placing their bids on the specific individual. Most of the gamblers bet on Peeta, Katniss, and Cato.
Katniss sat down on the tree and examined her wound. It was a third-degree burn that took most of her upper thigh. Pulling out my tablet to see the price of burn ointment and how much Haymitch and I have. I scowled at the cost of burn ointment, for it was nearly twenty-five thousand dollars.
Finnick whistles, "Damn, that is a lot."
I handed the tablet to Haymitch, who scowled at the cost. Before he excused himself, walking towards the medical sponsors. Yes, I have the money to provide the ointment, but I must save it for Peeta. Finnick and I sat there watching Haymitch being animated as he talked with sponsors that work in the medical field. It was strange to see him having a conversation.
"How are you doing?" Finnick asked.
"Fine," I answered. "You?"
"I'm doing good, though I have a client in a few hours." He said, "Heard she likes it rough."
I blushed, smacking Finnick on the shoulder. "Fin, shut up. I hate it when you talk about those whores."
Finnick chuckled, rubbing his arm. "Sorry, sugar, I'm sure a client will come for you soon."
"Actually, President Snow wants me to stay in the music industry," I murmured. "No more night activities."
"You lucky, bitch." Finnick muttered, then sighed, patting my back. "I'm glad to hear that. I was sorta worried about you."
Finnick was there when I came back after visiting a client. When I first started, I remember the pain I felt after losing my virginity to Augusta. I arrived sore, with bruises on my hips and arms. Finnick had come out of his ride and saw me stumble inside. Realizing what had happened, he picked me up and took me to his floor, where he treated me. Finnick seemed to know when my night was aggressive. As he waited for me, he took me inside and treated me. I don't know what I would have done if it wasn't for Finnick.
"Why's that?" I asked, stretching some till my spine popped.
"Because I would have to break some bones," Finnick replied. "One I'm still waiting on maiming."
I know who he was referring to. As there were several times, Finnick almost punched Augusta at events.
I laughed at Finnick's brotherly protective when dealing with overconfident people and me. Finnick doesn't have a large family. He was an only child. His mother died from natural causes, and his father in a fishing accident. Mags took him under her wing after the 65th Hunger Games. Until I came along, becoming his sister figure. Then Annie, a friend who soon turned into his lover. And a year later, Johanna. We were his family. The women he truly loves as a mother, lover, and sister.
Even when we are against one another during the Hunger Games to save our tributes. We always stay strong in our relationships.
We heard Haymitch cheer as he shook hands with the Sponsor's medical manager. I smiled, for I was glad he was determined and active to save Katniss, and I hoped he would continue this motion afterward.
So, as I do this Update, I discover that District 6 has four victors. Trix and Vector are the non-morphing, while Fara and Jett are. They do not have names in the books, so I gave them travelers or transportation names.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review!