Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games

Chapter 27: The Victory Tour

Blaine's POV

"Come on, Shiloh, Midnight, time to go!" I said as I picked up Midnight and put him in my bag.

He stuck his head out while taking Shiloh in my arms and wrapping my scarf around her. Even though Shiloh was a few months old, she was still tiny. She meowed in my arms and licked my fingers. I chuckled and petted her head as I got up and headed out. I ensured I locked the door and walked over to Katniss's house. Four cars were parked out front, so the team was already there.

I knocked on the door, which Prim answered and squealed to see Shiloh and held her arms out. "Can I?"

"Of course," I chuckled and handed the gray kitten to Prim.

Prim smiled and held Shiloh gingerly while rubbing her cheek against the feline. "She is so cute. Come in. Katniss is getting ready, and Cinna is in the living room."

A smile graced my lips when she told me Cinna was here. I patted her shoulder and entered. Midnight jumped out of the bag and walked next to Prim as we headed to the living room. Cinna was going over through clothes, and I couldn't help but smirk. "I go with the sweater with the blue and green woven into it."

"I couldn't agree more," Cinna turned around and smiled. He grabbed a white shirt, leather boots, and black pants.

I walked up to him as we kissed each other's cheek out of custom in the fashion industry. We pulled back and smiled. It has been a month since I last saw him. We kept our friendship neutral without any change…okay, almost neutral. We kissed a few times under the influence of alcohol or stress. And let me say, Cinna was the best kisser of any previous clients I had, along with the massages, clothes included. Cinna was the best friend I had in the Capitol than anybody else.

Although a part of me wanted to take it further. But with President Snow knowing my fondness for Cinna, I can't risk it. I should separate myself from him. However, he was District 12's stylist and was assigned to me.

Katniss came downstairs into the living room with some stress written in her eyes until seeing Cinna. Whatever President Snow came to say was serious. You never want to disappoint President Snow; otherwise, you signed your death warrant. Just like Seneca did. Shaking my head, I help Cinna arrange things in the living rooms of designs he and Katniss created.

It required that a victor show some talent since work and school were no longer needed in the district industry. Peeta took up his painting skills, a big sensation at the Capitol. Though Katniss had no talent unless you count illegal hunting as one. And despite her singing lullabies well, Katniss wouldn't survive in the music industry. Me being her mentor or working out a duet for a concert. Katniss refused the offer instantly, not to be rude, but she won't do anything related to the Capitol forever. So, all the talent searches were a complete waste of time till Cinna offered in designing. Assistant in creating her clothesline. Hey, it is that or off-key flute.

"You know, I think I show a lot of promise," Katniss teased as she looked into a sketchbook.

"Get dressed, you worthless thing," Cinna said, tossing a bundle of clothes at her.

I couldn't help but laugh at the chemistry between the two. She chuckled, put on her outfit, and asked, "Did I design my outfits?"

"No, you aspire to design your outfits and be like me, your fashion hero," Cinna replied.

I crossed my arms and snickered, "Alright, you two, no need for debate."

Cinna chuckled and handed Katniss a stack of small cards. "You'll read these off-camera while they're filming the clothes. Try to sound like you care."

After he said that, Effie Trinket barged in, and everyone gasped between horror and humor. Our Capitol escort was wearing a pumpkin orange wig as she sang, "We're on a schedule!" She kisses Katniss's cheek while leading the camera crew in, ordering everyone to get into position. Thus, I hid in the kitchen with Prim watching the filming of the victory tour. This was Katniss Everdeen's time to shine with the shared designs. Prim was interviewed along with Mrs. Everdeen by another crew. I sat in the corner and helped Prim when asked questions, giving off signals that she was doing well and thumbs up.

Once the interview was settled, it was time to go. I put on my black pleated coat and leather gloves. Midnight meowed and rubbed himself against my legs. I knelt down and patted his head. "Don't worry. Prim will take care of you and Shiloh. Be a good boy now and keep Buttercup in line."

Midnight hissed at Buttercup's name. I may not speak cat, but I knew that Midnight did not like Buttercup, nor did Buttercup in exchange. Prim giggled at the animal behavior of the cats and picked Midnight up, rubbing his ears. Midnight stiffens first, then purr in contempt. I huffed out a laugh and laughed even more, to see Katniss wearing earmuffs, the distaste and loathing of the furry winter accessories.

"Attention, Everyone! We're about to do the first outdoor shot, where the victors greet each other at the beginning of their marvelous trip." Effie announced while clapping her hands. "All right, Katniss, big smile. You're very excited, right."

Katniss didn't get to answer when Effie shoved her into the entryway. I held back a smirk, for I knew the pain she was going through with Effie's addiction to fame and etiquette. Cinna, his team, and I made our way out through the back door. And onto the street. Snow fell more heavily than before as it stuck to the ground. I grimace and watch the frozen ice in pure distaste that it brings back memories. A hand grazed mine, looking up to see Cinna with concern.

I mouthed I'm fine to him, but he knew better than that. I wasn't fine.

We stepped out of the way so the cameras could be focused on the Star-Crossed Lovers. As Caesar Flickerman's voice could be heard. In the Capitol, Caesar would be onstage starting the Victory Tour. We could hear his voice out of the machines.

"Welcome! Welcome! Last year, the 74th brought us the greatest love story of our time. Two brave young people, against all odds, chose to die than to lose each other. As a nation, we shared their agony. But we had so little time to revel in their joy. Ladies and Gentlemen, let's go to District 12 and find our star-crossed lovers!"

The doors opened as Katniss walked out of her house. She hesitated when seeing the camera on her.

"There she is! Katniss Everdeen!" Caesar called out through the camera. "The Girl on Fire."

Katniss smiled as she waved at the camera. The cameras then turned to the house across the street as Peeta stepped out.

"And there he is! Peeta Mellark! The Baker's Boy."

The audience cheered through the speakers. Both Katniss and Peeta walked down the steps, meeting each other halfway as the cameras followed them. They gave a hug, only for Peeta to slip, knocking them onto the ground with Katniss on top.

"Oh, trouble in paradise," Caesar teased. "I hope they're all right."

Sighing, I turned my attention to the star-crossed lovers who were apparently kissing on the ground. The urge to roll my eyes was tempting. It was all an act, nothing was real, and only we victors know about it. Yes, Peeta's feelings were true, but they would never be returned by the girl he loved. Do they know the consequences of this Romeo and Juliet scheme? They are bound to be together for the Capitol entertainment after the Hunger Games forever.

"Um…" Caesar cleared his throat to get their attention. "Ahem. Anyone at home? Should we come back later?"

They pulled apart, smiling and bashful as Katniss stood helping Peeta up, "Sorry, Caesar."

"Oh, please. It's all right. It's your day." Caesar assured. "So how's it going?"

Peeta wrapped an arm around Katniss, "We're good."

"That's it? That's all we get? 'We're good'? So taciturn all of a sudden Peeta, give me some details!"

The camera was almost shoved in their faces.

Peeta gave a loving expression, "Yeah, things are, uh…Things are great in 12."

Katniss acted her affection before facing the camera, "Thanks to the generosity of The Capitol, we've never been closer."

"Twenty-five yards, to be exact," Peeta joked.

Caesar and the audience laughed at that.

"Fantastic! We'll be checking in with both of you throughout the Victory Tour. Thank you so much, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark!"

The cameras pulled away and powered down.

"Wonderful!" Effie cheered. "Everybody in motion. We are out of here in ten."

I watched Katniss and Peeta whispering to each other. As I could see the disappointment in Peeta's expression. He said something that made Katniss feel guilty before walking away.

"Come along, children, we are on schedule," Effie reminded. "The train awaits!"

I sighed, about to fetch Haymitch when I stepped on an icy patch causing me to slip. I gasped, expecting to hit the ground. Instead, a pair of arms wrapped around me. I glanced up, seeing Cinna staring at me with concern before it was replaced with amusement.

"Careful," he murmured.

I blushed deeply, "Thanks."

Cinna grinned as he helped me up, "You're welcome."

Quickly, I corrected myself to get Haymitch.

.o0o.

Time seemed to fly by as everyone sat in the dining cart when the train pulled out of the station. The team was back with Katniss, Peeta, Effie, Haymitch, Cinna, Portia, and I enjoyed a hot meal. Afterward, we all retired for the night, but sleep seemed to avoid me again.

Damn insomnia, I bitterly thought.

I sat on my bed writing in my journal on the first day of the victory tour went so far. Once that was done, I reviewed Simon's song list for the next album. The music genre was no longer pop but more into the alternative scheme. Although, fans were wondering when it comes to the sexy appeal? I was almost twenty-three years old, and the audience wanted me to sing about garbage and show off my body to them. I was no slut, and doing such an act would disappoint my mother. There was a borderline between them and me. I decide what I sing and perform, not a bunch of brainwashed buffoons.

Suddenly there were footsteps. They sounded softer than the train's attendant. That curiosity got the better of me. Grabbing my robe, I quietly exit my room to see Katniss walking toward Haymitch's room.

"I want you to spy on Katniss Everdeen. I want to know everything about her that I can use." President Snow's voice echoed in my head. "Watch and report. That is all you have to do."

A pang in my chest throbbed hard, knowing this was an act of betrayal. But I had no choice, or else the consequences would harm those I loved. I followed Katniss as she asked Haymitch to get some fresh air. I kept a distance until they went outside. I hid the closes compartment and slid the window a little open while keeping in the shadows, eavesdropping on their conversation.

Katniss talked about everything. She told Haymitch about President Snow's visit, about Gale Hawthorne, and how they will die if she fails. I covered my mouth to prevent the deep breathing that I exhaled. Snow wouldn't know about Hawthorne if it wasn't for me. Now the boy was on the line. I hardly knew Gale Hawthorne. He was a few grades below me. Just a classmate who catches the teenage girl population. Though he wasn't interested in them, but one girl. Shame that the Girl on Fire dangled two boys on a leash without knowing it.

"Then you can't fail," Haymitch said.

"If you could just help me get through this trip-"Katniss began.

"No, Katniss, it's not just this trip." Haymitch corrected.

"What do you mean?" Katniss asked.

"Even if you pull it off, they'll be back in another few months to take us all to the Games. You and Peeta, you'll be mentors now, every year from here on out. And every year they'll revisit the romances and broadcast the details of your private life, and you'll never, ever be able to do anything but live happily ever after with that boy." He explained.

Now Katniss will see the consequences when making a deal with the devil. You sacrifice everything in order to keep the balance between life and death. This was a simple game of Russian roulette. A potentially lethal game of chance with a single round in the revolver as the gunmen pull the trigger. One of six chances of death! Including when the Quarter Quells are around the corner.

"Do you understand what I mean?" Haymitch pressed at Katniss.

The girl nodded. The Girl on Fire was chained like me instead of singing like a canary bound in a cage. Katniss Everdeen had to marry Peeta Mellark.

"At least it's not that bad," Haymitch murmured.

"What do you mean?" Katniss asked.

Haymitch bowed his head, "You are aware of Blaine's situation. In why she goes to the Capitol?"

"She sings, that's why…."

Haymitch shook his head, "When Blaine was reaped, I had to do everything I could to save her. Blaine was just like you and had the worse of me. Effie, Chanel, and I had to do everything we could to make her desirable, from how she talked, how she walked, and how she portrayed herself. The Capitol loved her during the interviews. Only we made her too desirable."

Katniss remained silent.

"Blaine went into the arena with her best friend. She witnessed Mike being murdered before her eyes and killed the tribute who killed him. She fought hard. I made deals with sponsors that I regret, so I could save my daughter. But when she won as victor…and after the remake…it had begun. They changed her physically, which added more trauma. She continued to act during the final interviews and the crowning, but she shut down the moment we got home. She hid in her room. She barely went outside. The nightmares. Every night she woke up screaming. Until one day, I came home, finding the bathroom door open, and she tried slitting her wrists."

Katniss gasped when hearing that.

"I stopped her. The cuts weren't deep. The worst mistake of my life was introducing her to alcoholism. Not even two months later, Blaine was summoned to the Capitol. President Snow ordered her to sing, and she said no, the moment she came home…there was a mining accident. A week later, Blaine accepted a singing contract."

"So, if she doesn't sing, there would be a mining accident…."

"And we wouldn't know if it was an accident or intentional. Only singing made her more desirable, that when she turned eighteen, I knew the worst would happen."

Katniss paused then gulped.

"Every time Blaine went to the Capitol, I knew there was a chance my girl was being raped. She goes on these stupid dates, comes back with bruises, or shuts down on me. We couldn't look at each other, and she chose to move out."

"Haymitch…"

"So you marrying that boy might be a blessing in disguise. Because if Peeta had died in the arena, you would have become the most desirable girl, and men would pay to have you in their beds."

I covered my mouth to suppress a sob. Haymitch knew I was being prostituted. Despite everything, I had to give him the impression I was fine, that I was still intact…he knew I was sexually abused. How I allow it to protect District 12 and to protect Haymitch.

Tears started to fall.

How could Haymitch look at me every time I came home? All this time, he knew. And he didn't bring it up. Was he aware of the dangers we were in? Is that why he barely touched me…out of disgust or to limit the trauma. From what I hear, he was not disgusted at me but more towards the Capitol. Now that I think about it, he never liked the clothes I wore. He frowned and commented on the outfits the previous stylists made. Or when he is in the Capitol, he keeps men away in his Haymitch behavior.

In the end…the Capitol won against the Abernathy. They have stolen our innocence both mentally and physically. And now we have two teenagers who survive the Hunger Games as the Star-Crossed Lovers. Out of every Victor since the last twenty-five years…Katniss and Peeta have gotten it easy.

.o0o.

I waited for a moment until Haymitch and Katniss were aboard the train. Before I could even follow them, I heard the sound of footsteps behind me. There was somebody in the car. I swear the car was empty, yet someone was behind me. I was about to turn around when a hand instantly wrapped around my face while the other restrained my arms from potential use. Whoever it was, shoved me to a wall and pressed their form into my body. I tried doing a back kick; however, they kicked me in the knee. I whimpered into their hand when an odd scent invaded my nose. There was a handkerchief in his hand that was wet.

Taking a whiff of the odor to feel my body go limp, my mind almost incoherent, and dizziness followed. It smelled familiar, like during the recovery remake. However, it was intense. Then I realized what it was, with the rag pressed against my nose and lips to be dosed in chloroform. I tried breaking free from the attacker's hold, but he held on tighter, practically shoving the cloth in my nose.

My body couldn't take the chemical-induced drug as it fused into the oxygen, as the vapors depressed the central nervous system. Black dots soon clouded my eyes, and it was no use to win against the chloroform. As my body went limp, the world went black.

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