Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games

Chapter 23: Two Victors with Nightlock

Blaine's POV

Muttations were very common in the Hunger Games. In fact, they were the second favorite in entertainment other than children killing each other off. Mutts are the simpler term for these vile beasts. Mutts are animals that have been genetically altered, bred, or engineered by the Capitol for use as weapons. However, these aren't your typical mutts, for example, Tracker Jacker. No, when mutts are in the Games, it's psychological warfare. Sometimes they would represent a tribute to the animals they become. Others would be unexpected.

All in all, they are a tribute's worst nightmare.

All bets were made by the Capitol citizen on who would win: the star-crossed lovers or Cato. The odds were even between the two, but there was a higher chance on Cato's behalf. I sat next to Haymitch, and we watched the monitor for the finale. Hoping, if not praying, they would win this game, and we could go home as victors.

Katniss and Peeta walked cautiously through the dark forest, weapons ready. They didn't know what would happen, only that they weren't alone. Slowly but surely, they headed towards the Cornucopia. Katniss lowered her bow while Peeta saw something amber in a bush. He leaned closer to investigate when the first creature leaped on top of him. It wasn't a natural-born canine. This mutt resembles a giant wolf, but the legs seemed different like they evolved to sustain in its hind legs. Katniss fired at the thing injuring its shoulder. A distraction that got Peeta to escape while they ran towards the Cornucopia.

They continued to run as two more mutts appeared, followed by the first. The pack held human qualities other than the capability to stand. Each has thick coats of fur that resemble human color and texture. The one that pounced Peeta was black, muscular, and large with a collar that read eleven. The second was blond, with pink lips, green eyes, and a red collar. The third was brown with a limping leg causing him to swerve and collide with trees while its collar said ten. I grimaced and looked at Haymitch.

"It's a mind trap," I whispered.

Haymitch nodded, scowling at the screen. He clenched his knuckles, white as the bone. I've seen my father's game, how he encounters two types of mutts in the Quells. His first mutt seemed to be a harmless golden squirrel until it tried to rip his face off. The second mutt was a flock of pink cotton birds with skewer beaks. Those were the ones that killed his district partner, Maysilee Donner.

A tribute stole my bag during my game when I encountered a mutt during the feast. I was going after her until Leo attacked me, ready for the kill, when two giant human-like apes with snow-white fur attacked us, prepared to kill on sight. Leo and I teamed up to kill them in order to survive and became allies for that one night. However, he shouldn't have let his guard down.

"Go, Katniss! Go!" Peeta yelled at Katniss to run faster.

They reached the Cornucopia and climbed up. Katniss got up first, then offered a hand to Peeta. Peeta grabbed it, climbing up when the wolf lashed out at him, inadvertently scratching his leg, reopening the wound. I cursed, for all that work in that leg has gone to waste. Luckily Katniss got him up as they looked down to see the muttations assemble.

Suddenly an arm grabbed Katniss, shoving her down. It was Cato. As he punched Peeta in the face.

Cato looked like hell, his face bleeding from the laceration on his forehead and scattered wounds around his body. His vibrant blue eyes express determination and hate as he advances toward Katniss with a sword in hand. Peeta tackled him, causing the two to fight while Katniss tried to regain her bow. Peeta manages to lose Cato's sword but doesn't avoid the head-butt given in the face. When Katniss aimed her bow, Cato stood before her at the tail of the horn, holding Peeta in a headlock.

"Go on! Shoot. Then we both go down, and you'd win." Cato said, restraining any possible escape for Peeta while holding him as a shield against Katniss. "Go on. I'm dead anyway."

A stalemate, I thought.

Cato wasn't going down without bringing someone with him. The vulnerability in his eyes and the stress the arena has put on him. Katniss stood her ground, except she couldn't do anything. Not without risking Peeta's life. Then again, if she fires her arrow, Peeta could get shot. But if she manages to get Cato, the Career will hold on tight to Peeta and drag him to the wolves.

"I always was, right? I couldn't know that until now. How's that, is that what they want?" He taunted, grabbing Peeta's ear. "No. No, nah!"

The mutts went silent around the horn, watching for their prey to fall. It was devastating to watch this. Peeta's lips turn blue from asphyxiation, Cato is bleeding, and Katniss is the executioner. One shot could be the final decision of their fate. One shot and one victor if Katniss fires the bow causing both boys to fall. She needed to find an opening; otherwise, she was going home alone. My heart accelerated, grabbing my father's hand and praying for a miracle.

"I can still do this... I can still do this." Cato said aggressively. "One more kill. It's the only thing I know how to do. Bringing pride to my district. Not that it matters."

Peeta seemed calm from this monologue from Cato. Examining closer, his forefingers veer off to smear an X on Cato's hand. Katniss saw this and took the chance, shooting her arrow and piercing the Career's hand. Cato cried out and reflexively loosened his grip. Peeta took the opportunity to shoulder the last Career pushing off the Cornucopia. Cato plunders to the ground. The sight was terrifying, to watch the mutts attack Cato and maul him to shreds, hearing him beg for death.

Out of pity, not vengeance, Katniss shoots the arrow through his skull, killing him instantly.

Cannon fired.

Cato, the Career tribute from District 2, placed third. His odds of winning are shown to be 3-1, making him receive the highest odds. He scored a Ten with his district partner in the private sessions. It was sad how much potential goes into a sufferable death.

That's the thing about Careers:

They are bred to kill and born to die…

.o0o.

"We did it!" Haymitch cheered, patting my back.

This was the first time I saw him ever excited since my game. It brought a decent smile to my face as I hugged him. We finally did it. We finally saved a tribute. Better yet, we saved two tributes. Going home with two victors instead of two coffins was the best thing in our lives.

However, something wasn't right. Yes, it was typical for a dramatic pause for the victor to savor their moment, but the announcement was absent. Haymitch and I pulled back to look at the screen, wondering what the hell was going on. Where was Claudius Templesmith's voice announcing the victors of the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games?

I looked at Haymitch questionably then it hit me; the game was not over.

Katniss and Peeta climbed down from the Cornucopia and stood in the center where it all began. The sun returned, giving light to the arena as a brand-new day.

"Greetings to the final contestants of the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games! The earlier revision had been revoked. Closer examination of the rule book has disclosed that only one winner may be allowed," Claudius Templesmith announced. . "Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor."

The lobby screamed and cried from the audience who watched this be announced. They were hoping for a happy ending for the star-crossed lovers. Now it has become a romantic tragedy. My throat clenched, and my eyes burned with tears to hear this. I should have known this was too good to be true. They never intended to let both of them win. The Gamemakers, Seneca, guarantee the most dramatic showdown in Panem history. Let alone President Snow would never allow this.

Looking up at the giant monitor to watch the rest of the game, knowing who was coming home.

Katniss stared at Peeta in disbelief as the truth sank in. They were ground level, standing before each other until drawing their weapons. Peeta nodded his head, dropping his knife.

"Go ahead," Peeta said calmly. "One of us should go home. One of us has to die. They have to have their victor."

"No," Katniss shook her head, slamming her bow to the ground. "They don't. Why should they?"

Her fingers fumbled into her pocket to pull out the small pouch full of Nightlock. She loosens the top and pours the poisonous berries into her palm. Peeta saw this and clamped his hand on her wrist.

"No!"

"Trust me," She whispered. "Trust me."

They can't be serious! I mentally screamed.

This isn't some romance novel or Romeo and Juliet. They are committing an act of defiance. Not towards the games but the Capitol itself. I looked at Haymitch, who held a blank expression. The audience around the lobby and City Circle cried with a romantic tale. I clenched my fist, blood boiling white hot while my skin ran ice cold. I fear for the consequences, I fear for their families, I fear for Haymitch, the team, and myself.

Katniss dropped some in Peeta's hand.

He looked into her eyes for any signs of doubt. "Together."

"Together," Katniss agreed.

"One…" he started.

"Two…" Katniss said, looking at the sky while Peeta touched her braid.

"They can't be serious!" I exclaimed, standing up only to have Haymitch slam his hand over my mouth and force me to sit down.

The audience was so addicted to the game that they didn't hear my outcry. I struggled in Haymitch's grasp, trying to break free, but he held me sternly. Looking at the monitor in panic on the count of three. They lifted their hands to their mouths, about to consume Nightlock when the trumpets blared.

"Stop! Stop!" Claudius shouted frantically. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present the victors of the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen, and Peeta Mellark! I give you – the tributes of District Twelve!"

The two dropped the nightlock and hugged each other with relief. Although my body relaxed a little from the adrenaline rush of the attempted suicide between them, my mind wasn't. What have they done? They committed the ultimate scandal that should never transcend. They showed off the Capitol, and now…all hell shall pay.

Haymitch sat up and grabbed my arm, forcing me to follow him. We weren't safe in public; we must return to the Training Center.

Just as we almost left the main room, a camera crew and Caesar Flickerman approached us.

"Congratulations Haymitch and Blaine, how does it feel to not just have one but two Victors?" Caesar asked, almost shoving the microphone in our faces.

"It's a miracle," I answered. "One we will not take for granted."

"Blaine, this is a first for you. How do you feel about winning the games as a mentor?" Caesar then added.

"The experience has been both exhilarating and humbling," I answered with a smile.

Haymitch wrapped his arm around us, "Now if you'll excuse us, we have to go see our tributes."

"Of course, of course," Caesar agreed with his artificial smile. "We will see you at the Interviews."

I smiled, nodding, before following Haymitch out of the Bettings. Out of the Gamemakers Headquarters. The Capitol citizens were congratulating us. However, looking over my shoulder, I could see Brutus and Enobaria being interviewed about Cato. As Brutus tried to hold back his disappointment. And Enobaria bared her sharp teeth. District 2 thought they had brought back their winning streak after Wade Rankine.

When we got outside the Gamemaker's Headquarters, Hermes was there with the Limo escorting us. Effie was inside, bragging about the excitement of winning a game and the promotion she shall receive. Haymitch and I didn't falter. We were cautiously laying as low in our seats as possible.

I have known President Snow since I was sixteen. I know how much of a threat he is when an order has been tampered with. He can sign a death warrant without an excuse and cover it up. Just like he did with Haymitch when using the force field twenty-four years ago. President Snow killed Haymitch's mother, younger brother, and girlfriend.

My heart beat faster, hands were covered in a cold sweat. Wishing this was a dream. Hoping these circumstances of the event transpired don't have repercussions. A hand was placed on my shoulder, and I turned to look at my father. Staring into his blue/gray eyes for advice on this quiet exchange.

With a nod, I look straight ahead until we reach our destination.

.o0o.

When we reached the Training Center, doctors were on standby. Effie asked what happened when one of the Doctors announced that Peeta had gone into cardiac arrest. Everyone was baffled till the ER Doctor explained that the mutts severely damaged the ligaments on Peeta's left leg, reopening the wound from the previous laceration. Followed by massive blood loss.

However, Katniss hasn't been cooperating and needs to be sedated for the remake. He held a syringe, and no one dared to grab it. I sighed, grabbing the needle, and went with the emergency team to the roof where the hovercraft landed.

Peeta came out first on a stretcher, being escorted to the private surgery room on the bottom level. He was covered in blood with an oxygen mask over his face while nurses continued to keep his heart beating. The sight traumatized me; for it brought back dark memories with Mike.

Shaking my head, I ran inside to find Katniss in a glass room, pounding against the wall. She didn't look like herself, not like she was eighteen days ago. Wild eyes, hollow cheeks, hair tangled in a rat nest. Mad, impetuous, and broken. Like a wild animal held captive. The glass doors opened, letting me at the moment Katniss hurled herself at me.

I quickly grabbed the girl, restraining her. She cried, pounding her fists into my chest and shoulders. Katniss sobbed for Peeta that her hits were losing their strength until she went numb. I held her in my arms, comforting her and shushing her that everything would be all right. I kissed her temple, whispering sweet nothings into her ear before mustering my strength to sedate her.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, jabbing the syringe into her neck.

Katniss gasped as she looked at me with wild Seam eyes. Her body tensed as the drugs took effect, numbing her body and closing her eyes. We collapsed to the ground, and I held her in my arms. In an attempt to calm her senses.

It was wrong to sedate Katniss, but what choice did I have? The remake takes days, if not a week, and you don't want to be awake during the genetically induced process. I looked at a pair of nurses who came with a stretcher to transport Katniss to the infirmary. They literally yanked her out of my arms and left. I ran after them when two Peacekeepers blocked the entrance.

"Get out of my way!" I ordered.

That was when I saw that they were wearing green sashes, green berets, and a golden insignia of the Capitol on their brass buckles. I step back cautiously, for they weren't average Peacekeepers but the Capitol Guard. A small military unit organized to protect and serve one commitment. To serve the President: in other words, to serve President Snow. One of the Peacekeepers handed me an ivory letter with a red stamp of a rose with my name on it.

"The President has requested your presence by tomorrow morning at nine hundred. We shall escort you there at Eight-hundred. Please be prepared at the standard time and dress accordingly." One of them informed me.

I nodded, excepting the letter. The Capitol Guard escorted me back to the twelfth floor and excused themselves. When Effie asked me what that was about, I snapped and told her none of her business before locking myself in my room. Walking up to the bed and tearing the seal to read the letter.

My heart dropped because my services were needed.

.o0o.

I went down to the Remake floor, where Haymitch sat in the hallway. I was lost in thought, wondering how long-time way until Effie came in to check on me. Not even Midnight broke my concentration until Effie placed her hand on my shoulder. I snapped out of it. After putting the letter away, I came down to check on Haymitch.

"How bad is it?" I asked.

Haymitch sighed as he looked up at me, "the boy will lose his leg."

"Is it that bad?" I asked.

"I don't know," Haymitch sighed. "Or it is a way to punish him."

I inhale sharply, for that is an option. The Capital has taken limbs before as a sign of punishment. Chaff is one. It made a crude remake of the Capitol in the 45th Hunger Games. His hand was half on that the Capitol could quickly repair it. But because he insulted the Capitol, the hand was amputated.

"I made sure not to alter them," Haymitch added.

"Good," I agreed, sitting next to him.

We were both altered to please the Capitol. Not enough for drastic change, but Haymitch and I had our skin lightened without our consent. And body and face are more pleasing. Later, it was our hair, as Haymitch once had dark hair, but his stylist back in the day, he bleached it to the point that his hair forever grew blond. It was not a fate I wanted either Katniss and Peeta to have. To feel like an imposter in their own bodies.

However, it does not solve the problem.

"President Snow has summoned me tomorrow," I announced.

Haymitch tensed before wrapping his arm around me, holding us close.

As the fate of District Twelves Victors is undetermined.

Two chapters in one day!

Please make sure to read Chapter 22.

I hope you are enjoying the new version of this story.

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