Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games
Chapter 46: The 69th Annual Hunger Games
Katniss and Peeta's POV
"Damn it!"
Peeta and Katniss looked into the hallway that led to the kitchen. They were at Blaine's house to watch the footage of the other victors. They usually come over after having dinner at their place. However, with the Reaping around the corner, Blaine invited them for dinner. Haymitch was not interested in coming over tonight. Then again, they went hard during their workout today.
They had just watched the 67th annual Hunger Games of Augustus Braum. He was the embodiment of a Career, along with his psyche. Peeta could tell Blaine was intrigued, and Katniss blushed when Augustus was half naked, yet did not go further. Thirty minutes before the footage ended, Blaine excused herself to start dinner.
Now, a scent of burning filled the air with smoke. They were at the final winning scene. Pausing the footage, they went into the kitchen to see Blaine pulling out burnt meat and veggies, including a very burnt sauce. They know Blaine can cook, but she was not in a cooking mood for some reason.
"Need help?" Peeta asked.
"No," Blaine groaned. "I'm just frustrated."
She glanced at the clock, "I got to run to the store before curfew."
"You don't have to," Katniss said.
Blaine shook her head, "No, I need to clear my head. Where are you guys on Augustus?"
"We're almost done," Katniss answered. "Who's next."
Blaine paused as she threw away the burnt food into the compote box she kept. "That would be Colton Hides. District 10. He is known for rope skills, and his weapon of choice, I believe, was the spear.."
"Are you close to him?" Peeta asked as he went to the window to let the smoke out.
"He's a good drink buddy, and I help me now and then if his tributes are still alive," Blaine answered. "Helped him in saving Miya."
"But no hard feelings?" Katniss pried.
Blaine sighed, "Look, this is hard for me. But we all need to know our opponents. Now, I gotta go to the store before curfew. So, I'll be back in an hour."
They nodded as they watched Blaine leave the kitchen and into the entryway to get her coat and purse. "Don't destroy my house. And no Hanky Pankey!"
Both Katniss and Peeta blushed at the last part. Before any could counter that comment, Blaine laughed as she left. Peeta checked the clock to see it was five-thirty in the evening, giving Blaine time to get to the store and back. However, he went into the kitchen to check the pantry to confirm if they were short on food. There were the basics and fruits, but nothing to make a meal.
Katniss refilled her glass of water before going back to the living room. Everything about Blaine's house was the same, except it flipped from hers. However, some items did not fit the theme of District 12's housing. There were knickknacks on the mantle from the other districts, from seashells to roughly cut marble to even wood carvings. On the couch was even a thin woven blanket that did not seem suitable for the climate here. Something someone would put on on a warm night. Katniss looked at the woven blanket to note details that looked like seashells.
Shiloh hopped onto the couch, laying on the armrest, snuggling into the blanket. Katniss was still not fond of cats. Then again, she could put the blame on Buttercup. Yet she felt guilty for the small cat, knowing Midnight was dead because of her. She tried to tell herself cats don't have familiar bonds as humans. Except, it was not an excuse. The same with a doe tending to her fawns.
Peeta came in with his drink, setting it on the coffee table. He went to the entertainment center, searching the box for Colton Hides. The disks they were in somehow got so disorganized that he couldn't find the District 10 victor.
"I can't find Colton," he announced.
"Then we will skip to the next one," Katniss said.
Peeta grunted, finding the disk for the 69th Annual Hunger Games, then stopped to read the Victor's name on it. And the name of the Victor is Blaine Abernathy. Katniss came over and stopped to see what was in his hand.
"We never watched this one," Katniss said.
Peeta shook his head, "No. I knew Blaine didn't want to. In the same way, we didn't want to relive our own Game. And since we're the same team, I didn't think it mattered much."
"I mean, there is a chance that you and Blaine could be reaped," Katniss said.
"I remember some of her games?" Peeta mumbled.
"Still," Katniss said, though she didn't know how to respond. After all Blaine has done, what she has gone through for them. As she can still remember the moment on the roof, Blaine warned her that the Government was not happy with her and the marks on her neck. This is followed by Haymitch telling her the sacrifices Blaine has made to prevent an intentional mining accident.
However, it felt like an invasion of Blaine's privacy. She doesn't know why she should since the whole thing is public. But it does. She'll have to admit she was extremely curious.
"We don't have to tell Blaine we saw it," she suggested. "We got an hour, maybe an hour and a half."
"Okay," Peeta agreed.
He put the disk in and then took a seat on the couch. Katniss came over and curled up next to him on the couch with her glass of water. After the anthem, they showed the previous Gamemaker, Nero Tsar, introducing this year's Hunger Games. They know him because he ran for fifteen Hunger Games before Seneca Crane took over. After the introduction, the Reaping started, starting with District 1. The editors smash cut right into the Reaping, where name after name is called.
By the time they got to District 12, a younger version of Effie got on stage. Effie wears a purple dress with puffed sleeves, high-heeled purple shoes, and black socks. Her face was covered in makeup resembling a clown and the usual giant pink wig.
She began as usual, "Now, the time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman for the honor of representing District 12 in the 69th Annual Hunger Games. As usual, ladies first."
She crosses the stage towards the glass bowl with the girls' name. She reaches down and collects a single slip of paper. Effie holds it up, walking back to the microphone, clearing her voice while opening the slip.
"Blaine Abernathy!"
The camera zooms in on Haymitch with an expression none of them had ever seen. The screen changes to see a young woman being escorted out from the sixteen-year-old girl's section. At first, Katniss couldn't believe that it was Blaine. The girl held more resemblance to a Seams, with short dark wavy hair, olive skin tone, oval-shaped face, and a broad forehead. Her eyes were large and widely spaced, yet they were the shade of livid blue like Haymitch. Also, her nose is thin, her cheekbones are prominent, and her lips are full.
Katniss knew that the victors went through a remake and had alterations. Even later on in life. But there was a drastic change between the sixteen-year-old and the twenty-two-year-old.
Effie seemed ecstatic as she spoke, "Dramatic turn of events here in District 12. District 12's very first Victor child has the honor to represent for us. Come on, dear," Effie said. "Let's have a big hand for our newest tribute, Blaine Abernathy."
Blaine made it up the steps, where a quarter of the crowd applauded and glanced at Haymitch, who had his arms crossed, scowling. Blaine remained neutral, yet her eyes watered, for she didn't want to be there.
"And now, for the boys," Effie announced as she walked to the second bowl full of the boys' names and grabbed another slip. She returned back to the microphone and read aloud the boy's name.
"Michael Smyrnium!"
Blaine's eyes widened as she looked down into the fourteen-year-old section. A boy of that age with shaggy black hair, olive skin, and gray eyes widened in fear and shock. One of the guys shakes his shoulder, that brought him back to reality. He took a deep breath before being escorted on stage. Katniss even spotted Gale in the younger rows.
Effie asked for volunteers, but no one stepped forward. Instead, she wrapped her arms around the two tributes and chirped, "Our Tributes from District 12. . . Well, go on, you two, shake hands."
The two turned to face each other and shook hands. Both of their hands were shaking. Mike looked at Blaine straight in the eyes, and she nodded back. They turned to face the crowd as the anthem of Panem played while Effie cheerily said:
"Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor."
"Oh. Peeta, you don't think she killed Mike, do you?" Katniss burst out.
"She didn't," Peeta mumbled.
Katniss stared at him. She barely remembers much of Blaine's Game. Then again, her father just died, and her mother shut down. She was more focused on keeping her family alive, and she was not of reaping age just yet. She saw bits and pieces when doing the trades behind the stores. But not all of it. Along with the gossip going around.
The Chariot rides, where the District 12 kids are dressed in a coal miner's outfit. However, instead of the usual jumpsuits, Blaine was dressed in what could be described as lingerie. She wore skimpy shorts, discovering the material wasn't just leather but coal trimmed on the edges. The top is practically a bra made out of leather with crisscross straps, a belt with straps, and knee-high boots, along with a headdress that crossed between a minor's helmet with golden flames in near feathers. Coal dust and gems swirled on her arms and legs, and her face was covered in dark makeup with bloody red lips. In her hand was a pickaxe that seemed to spark as Blaine held it in the air like a Career.
Mike, on the other hand, wore pants. He wore a similar headdress, including makeup without the red lips. In his hand was a lantern. They didn't appear like coal miners but godly beings deep within the mountain that can create fire.
The scores- in which Mike received a score of six, while Blaine got a score of nine.
The interviews flashed by. There is little time to focus on them. Katniss and Peeta noticed how Mike was given the same amount of attention as Blaine. Did the two pair up more than either of them anticipated. Caesar was hosting, wearing a green attire.
"From District 12, District 12…you know her as the Victors Child! Daughter of the Second Quarter Quells Victor, Haymitch Abernathy." Caesar called out proudly. "Well, we know her as the eccentric Blaine Abernathy!"
Blaine's name was called out, and she had a dark appearance again. She wore strapless embellishments throughout. The corset bodice has a sweetheart neckline and beaded lace appliques. The sheer fabric throughout the midriff with boning, while the skirt dazzled with sequins shimmering in the light. Her hair is tightly curled, with heavy makeup that enhances her features, followed by black and silver gems decorating her arms.
She shook hands with Caesar as he gestured for her to sit down. She smiled, placing her hands on her knees and back straight with poise.
"Well, that was quite an entrance you made at the Tribute Parade the other day." Caesar complimented. "You want to tell us about it?"
"Well, Caesar, the sparkler pickaxe was a surprise. I didn't know a simple prop could captivate the essence of Twelve. I just hope I didn't set the mines on fire." She replied, which got the audience to chuckle.
"I must say my eyes widened to see such a costume. For the first time, I thought I was looking at a goddess. You pull that miner costume stupendously."
"Why thank you, Caesar," Blaine replied. "And you pull that suit dashingly well."
The host smiled brightly, placing a hand over his chest, "Now you're flattering me."
Blaine gave a giggle.
"Blaine, is it true that when you were little, you visited the Capitol?" he asked.
"Yes, when I was nine, I visited the Capitol a handful of times," she answered.
"So, what is it like being backed after all these years?" Caesar asked.
"I'll say my sweet tooth is in heaven." She answered, earning a laugh.
"And your favorite dessert?" he asked,
"The chocolate lava cake, for sure." She grinned. "Now, to answer your question . . . it's surreal. Things have changed. A child's imagination never fades away when I look out the window. All the tall buildings, monuments, and shimmers of the lake make a dream come alive. Something that helped me go through the transition of mourning."
"Oh yes, your mother died at such a young age." He spoke. "My condolences."
Blaine took a deep breath, for that was a sensitive topic, "Thank you . . . She died from a rare respiratory illness caused by the dust in the mines. My mother was a geologist; her ambitions were to discover new things to make Panem a better place on the earth we stand."
The audience gave a slight awe noise as Caesar took a handkerchief and dabbed his eyes, "Speaking of your mother, how would she feel if she was alive. Would she feel proud or concerned?"
"Concern every parent would feel knowing that their baby is competing for the greater good. The last time we were together . . . she was dying on her deathbed. Her last words are to 'stay strong,' for I am meant for great things. I didn't understand what she was saying . . . for I thought the illness was causing her to be delirious, but I had some time to think about it. And I think I understand what she is going through. If I could see her again, I would want to hold and tell her... I love her and thank her for everything."
"You said your mother wanted you to stay strong and meant for great things. What did she mean by that?"
"My mother meant the opportunity to be the pride, if not redemption, for District 12," She answered. "My father was the last tribute from Twelve to become Victor. Nearly two decades, it's time we rise from the ashes once more."
"Those are big shoes to fill. And I believe you shall bring pride to your district once more." Caesar said, taking her hand, followed by a kiss on the knuckles. "One more question: what is it like to have a victor as a father? Haymitch Abernathy is a wild card, is he not."
The camera's zoomtowards Haymitch, showing his face on one of the large monitors, then back to Blaine, who was smirking, "You may see him as the drunkard who drinks and falls a lot. But truth be told . . . my father does everything he possibly can to make sure I'm his little princess. Under all that alcohol, is a golden heart. You just need to find the small crack. And I mean tiny crack. He taught me everything I know and to expect."
"Like father like daughter," Caesar noted, suddenly the buzzer went off. "Sorry, we're out of time. Best of luck to District 12, Blaine Abernathy, Lady from the Ashes!"
Caesar offered a hand to Blaine, which she accepted. They stood, hands joined in the air. The audience applauded happily at the interview. She gave a final bow before walking off stage.
"And our last and final tribute from District 12-" Caesar announced. "Please welcome Michael Smyrnium!"
Mike walked on stage. Who came out wearing a gray suit with metallic trim.
The crowd cheered for him as he walked over to Caesar, shaking his hand happily, then sat down.
"Mike, can I call you Mike?" Caesar asked.
"Everyone calls me Mike, so go ahead," Mike answered.
"Good. How are you finding the Capitol?" the host asked.
"Well, I need a map to find it." Mike joked.
Instantly, the audience laughed while Caesar broke down in a fit of laughter. It took a moment for the green man to catch himself. "Hilarious, but truly, how are you finding the Capitol?"
"It's better than the pictures show." He responded..
"Of course, everything is better in real life." Caesar agreed. "What has impressed you the most since you arrived here?"
Mike paused, thinking, "Got to say couture fashion."
"How so?" Caesar asked.
"Well, while you guys are fashion-forward, I'm still in the rustic hillbilly stone age," Mike answered. Again, the audience was chuckling at his joke.
"You are hilarious. Does that attract the girls back home?"
"Oh yeah, have them lining up all the way to District 11." He jested. "Actually, I have friends who are girls but no girlfriend."
"What, no sweethearts? What kind of girl wouldn't want a funny fella like yourself?" Caesar said.
"You can say they prefer beef on the bones instead of brains," Mike said, lifting his arm and pulling the sleeves to show the lack of muscular qualities. The audience continued to laugh at the dry jokes.
"Tell me about home?" Caesar asked, changing the subject.
"I live in the Seams near the mines. So, there is a lot of coal dust everywhere, rotten wood, and the apprehension that the mines are going to crash. We had an accident that killed many workers. Luckily, my dad made it out alive." He said.
"I'm glad to hear that," Caesar said. "Living in such an environment must be hard for you all."
"It is. No matter how much we work, there's always a reward," Mike said. "District 12 may seem like an underdog district, but we have a lot of soul to keep going."
Soon, the buzzer signals the end of Mike's interview. "I wish all the best of luck."
"Thanks," Mike said as the two shook hands.
"Michael Smyrnium. District 12." Was the last Caesar said.
Mike did a bow and walked off stage.
Now, it was morning for the Games to begin. The two victors watched from the viewpoint of a tribute with ginger hair, from District 5, rose up through the tube from the Launch Room and into the arena. What they saw had made the screen turn white. Slowly, the screen adjusted to reveal a golden Cornucopia between a mountain pass and the frozen field. All the tributes showed utter dismay. Even Blaine's eyebrows lift in horror, along with a seething expression. She looked around, staring at the other tributes, all in vibrant colors that made them stand out from the white surroundings. As Blaine stood there in all black.
The gong sound and many tributes were overwhelmed by the drastic weather change. Blaine ran in, yet she did not go into the bloodbath. Instead, she scavenged the loose items, grabbing a pack and a dagger. She screamed for Mike, and he called back. Quickly, she ran towards him, grabbing his hand as the two ran into the mountains.
"Why the mountains?" Peeta asked.
"Higher ground," Katniss assumed. "Along with caves to hide in, maybe?"
Peeta nodded.
The two continue to run, taking the trails to get higher. Meanwhile, the bloodbath happened, yet only five died. Then again, the blizzard picked up, blocking the tributes' view.
Blaine and Mike continue to climb through the mountains. They made some distance when the cannon fire went off. They found a cave, stopping momentarily to check their supplies. Afterward, using the climbing gear they had, they continued to make their journey into the mountains. For it seems the majority of the tributes went to the fields.
By the second day, Blaine and Mike found a hot spring. They made it their camp, taking turns on watch or scavenging. Mike pulled out a small book in his pack that had botany in it. As they found which plants were edible. Mike ate some snow for water, infuriating Blaine as she scolded him that the snow could be poisonous. After several hours, Mike loftily proved her wrong. They compacted the snow into the water bottles and partially set it in the spring to melt the snow before adding more in to get water.
"Smart," Peeta noted.
The games shifted, showing the Careers hunting down tributes and the elements.
Days went by as Blaine and Mike remained safe in the springs. There were a few close encounters, yet they stayed out of sight of the others. Although, they did have an encounter with a mutt that resembled a ram. As it attacked, ramming constantly, it nearly shoved Blaine off the edge. Except Mike ran in with a dagger, killing the Mutt. They took that Mutt as an opportunity for food, yet did a terrible job in butchering the animal, followed by bickering on how to cook it. It wasn't long before they were in the final ten.
Peeta chuckles, "They are like an old couple."
Katniss couldn't help but chuckle, "Now you mention it."
However, the joyfulness vanished when two tributes were making their way in. Blaine had been on guard duty, waking Mike up as the two quickly grabbed their things and left their hiding spot. It was the tributes from District 9. A teenage girl and a thirteen-year-old boy. Relief covered their faces in finding a source of warmth. They started making camp, oblivious to the two tributes from Twelve nearby.
It would be late into the night, but the fire the tributes from District 9 gave light while Mike held a flashlight. The tributes from Nine were asleep. Oblivious, as Blaine and Mike whispered to one another.
"We need to kill them," Mike whispered.
Blaine looked at him as if he was crazy, "You can't be serious."
"Blaine, we are in the final ten," he tried to reason. "A quick death."
Blaine hesitated, looking between him and the tributes. She took a deep breath, drawing her knife. "You stay here… I'll do it."
Mike's eyes widened, "Are you sure?"
She adjusted the dagger, "I'm already fucked up."
Mike didn't say anything. Blaine removed her gear, limiting anything that could make sound, before slowly making her way to Nine's Camp. There were moments when she stopped while the others slept until she reached the girl. Blaine paused, staring at the girl. The girl had copper skin with brown hair as she slept, hugging her bag. Drawing her blade, she carefully slit each of the girl's wrists. The girl flinched but did not wake.
Blaine sighed in relief.
"Why did she do that?" Katniss thought allowed.
"She was giving them a mercy kill," Peeta said solemnly. "Having them bleed out in their sleep."
They watched Blaine make her way to the boy. He was young, around Prim's age. He was snuggled up in his sleeping bag, and his arms were inside. She held the knife as if she was hesitating. Unaware of Mike coming in. Before Blaine could decide, Mike grabbed her hand with the blade, forcing her hand to kill the boy by slitting his throat.
This action startled Blaine as she pulled away in horror. The boy gasped, opening his eyes, trapped inside his sleeping bag. Mike restrains the boy, ensuring he doesn't get out. The struggle woke the girl up, and she paled, then screamed, seeing all the blood on her and their situation. Blaine rushed in, pinning her to the ground while smothering her mouth to be silent.
Soon, two cannons fired, indicating their death. Mike shakenly pulled away from the boy, reaching for their supplies. Blaine stumbled away from the girl and went to the boy. She sat there, her skin pale, while her hands were shaking.
"She's in shock," Peeta whispered.
Katniss nodded.
"How could you!" Blaine nearly yelled, turning her attention to Mike as he scavenged over the two dead tributes' supplies. "We could have killed the girl and let him suffer in the cold!"
"We can't take chances, Blaine," Mike snapped. "This is the Hunger Games. You think they would do the same for us?"
That seemed to snap her back to reality.
"He was only thirteen!" She cried, dropping the knife.
"You didn't have a damn problem killing her," Mike stated.
She stared at him dumbfounded. As her eyes turned to the girl who lay there, arms spread as blood continued to spill on the rocky ground. Mike sighed as he finished splitting the supplies. He lifted his head, staring at her with guilt and pain.
Mike picked up his pack and slung it over his shoulder. "It's been a . . . it's been an honor to work with you, Blaine."
"You're leaving," She gasped.
"Yeah, there are eight of us now. Might as well say goodbye… take care," Mike said as he started walking out of the small clearing of the springs. "I don't want it to be down to the two of us, ya know."
"Okay," She agreed.
Mike stared at her momentarily as if he wanted to say more but didn't. He turned around and left as the sun began to rise. Blaine remained with the bodies falling back into shock. Katniss wondered what was going through her head. Then again, her friend used her as a weapon to kill two tributes.
The winter storm lit up the sky. A signal that the hovercraft was coming to confiscate the bodies. The tributes from District 9, the girl and boy. Blaine saw them, then sighed, knowing she would have to leave. She wiped the tears off her face before grabbing her supplies and leaving the springs. She made her way to the cliff of the mountain.
Meanwhile, Mike was going through a trail leading to a flat ridge. He was wiping his hand across his face, crying as well.
Little did he notice the tribute from the shoot spotted him. Oblivious to what was going on around him. The tribute named Static from District 5 grabbed some wires, wrapping them around his gloved hands, then dashed towards Mike.
Mike stopped, drawing his knife and turning around, except he was not fast enough. Static came in, wrapping his arms around the boy's neck, ensuring the garrote was secured before pulling. Mike tried to fight him off, thrashing and tossing, banging his head back, yet Static held on tightly. Mike gave a scream.
Blaine, nearby, heard the scream. She shot up, grabbed her things, and ran in the direction the scream came from. The alliance may be over, and he broke it off, so no one could blame her for ignoring him. But Blaine was once friends with Mike. She arrived only in time as Static pulled tighter.
"Hey!" Blaine exclaimed.
Static saw her and loosened his hold. She adjusted her hold on the knife and threw it at Static. The blade penetrated his shoulder, causing him to let go of Mike. She ran towards them. Static panicked as he grabbed Mike's bag and ran away.
The blizzard picked up, and it was impossible to see his whereabouts. Blaine stopped where Mike lay on the ground. She glared where Static ran, yet stopped focusing on her ally. The wires around his neck penetrated his jugular, but not enough to kill him instantly. She sat down and removed the wires from his body. For each untangling, more blood escaped.
She choked on a sob. The capacity to heal such a laceration was impossible. Mike lay there, choking on his own blood, his hand reached out, and she clutched it.
"I'm so sorry," she cried.
"…sing… of home…" he gurgled out.
She paused before taking a deep breath:
"Land of bear and land of eagle
Land that gave us birth and blessing
Land that called us ever homewards
We will go home across the mountains,
..
We will go home, we will go home,
We will go home across the mountain."
Katniss tensed, for it brought back memories of Rue. How she failed to save Rue. She didn't want to leave the girl or have her be afraid. So, when Rue asked her to sing, she sang Deep in the Meadow. Now, here was Blaine going through that with her friend, singing a song she hadn't heard before.
Mike's eyes closed shut while blood seeped out of his lips. His breathing became faint as his chest moved slowly. Blaine continues to cry as she sang her song. She managed to get to the final verse of the song.
"We will go home singing our song,
We will go home across the mountains,
We will go home..."
"I love...you... Blaine," he whispered. "Live free…"
She gave a broken smile, then leaned down to kiss him on the lips. She then pulled back, blood painted on her lips and chin.
"Hear our singing, hear our longing;
We will go home across the mountains."
Mike closed his eyes and sighed in defeat as he died in the cold. Blaine grabbed his face, shaking him to wake up! She was begging him to wake up, to not leave her like this. But he didn't. Mike lay there dead in her arms. She stared at Mike before she placed a peck on his forehead. Afterward, she set him down in the snow, grabbed the garrote, and followed Static's trail. After ten feet, she stopped, looking back, touching her bloody lips.
"Die well…" She whispered.
Katniss recognized the look she held. She saw that expression before when Thresh was when killing Clove. Or when Cato chased after Thresh and held Peeta in a chokehold. The look for revenge.
The next day, Blaine chased after Static. The way on the other side of the mountain. Far away are the careers and the other tributes. Static was running for his life, a hand over the shoulder where Blaine stabbed him. The blizzard picked up, yet they still had a view.
Katniss and Peeta didn't know how to respond since all their kills had been self-defense or an accident. Well, not including the Tracker Jacker. Blaine, on the other hand, from the first kill, was mercy, and the boy was not on her. But seeing Blaine chasing Static like a Career. Her expression wasn't cheerful like a career. No, it was utter rage.
They have seen Blaine angry, but this…this was something different.
Static lost his footing and slipped. He tried to get up, yet it appeared he had burned his energy. The blizzard started to soften to give a better view. Blaine pulled out the garrote, lunging at him, wrapping the wire around his neck. Static gagged, trying to pull away and grabbing the wire. Blaine wrapped her legs around his torso from behind as she twisted and pulled the wires.
Blood was splattered everywhere in the snow.
Suddenly, Static stopped thrashing and lay on the ground. Blaine hovering over him, not letting go, until cannon fire. She stayed there momentarily until she got up and checked his supplies. Only to stop to realize Static had tossed the bag away.
Blaine gave a frustrated scream, then stopped to stare at Static in utter horror.
She walked through the mountains, humming to herself. Muttering words, Katniss realized that she was singing.
"Are you, are you…. coming to the tree."
Or
"Oh, my darling…. Oh, my darling…."
Until she lost her footing and fell off a ledge. It was ten feet, yet it did not seem to face her as she landed on what appeared to be snow. Except it wasn't snow, but a massive patch of snowdrops. She looked around, lying there, before going into her pocket to reveal a snowdrop as well. Her token. She cried, not moving from her spot. Sobbing as she curled into a ball like a child.
"Dad, please!" She cried then whimpered. "Please, I'm so cold. Please help me."
BANG!
The screen changes to show a tribute that had died from the elements before returning to Blaine.
"Daddy, please help me! I want to go home. I want to go home!"
The anthem played as she cried. When the anthem finished, a silver parachute fell to the ground, followed by snowflakes. It landed near her. Blaine slowly sat up, wincing in pain as she cautiously opened it to a fur cloak, a new coat, a silver dagger, leather gloves, and finally, food.
She read the note and looked to the sky, smiling, "Thank you."
She must have gotten a lot of sponsors to get that." Katniss noted.
"Three kills in less than two days," Peeta answered. "That is probably worth two million or something."
Katniss nodded.
Blaine removed her tatter coat, putting on the new supplies before limping into a cave. She ate some of her rations before dozing off.
The next few days showed the Careers hunting down tributes. The remaining Careers are the girl from District 1 named Lapis and the boy from District 2 named Leo, killing a few more tributes.
The Feast.
Blaine took the risk and went to the feast. She hid in the boulders, having a view of the Cornucopia. She waited until the parcels were brought up. She was about to run to get hers, but at the same time, two other tributes came out all the same. One tribute grabbed more than necessary, causing Blaine and Leo to fumble.
Before anyone could react, there was a loud, animal-like howl. They turned around to see two mutts coming. Both were white humanoid ape-like creatures that were massive. Their vibrant blue eyes glared at them.
The third tribute ran, except one of the mutts leaped and tackled the tribute down before tearing him apart. Blaine pauses, staring at Leo.
"Truce?" Leo offered.
"For a day?" She counteroffers.
The Career nodded, "We're pinching him."
Blaine stared at him, confused, before nodding. They charged in while the other Mutt was occupied. They fought, trying to stab and get it in the vital spots. They were tossed around. Blaine was stuck in a chokehold when Leo came up from behind and stabbed the beast in the back of the neck, decapitating it.
"Die, Yeti!" Leo shouted.
The Mutt let Blaine go as it fell. However, it draws attention to the other Mutt as it comes for the attack. Going right after Leo. The boy was smacked across the face and tossed aside. Blaine took her dagger and ran up, stabbing the Mutt constantly at the side and back. The Mutt took hold of her, and she stabbed him right in the eye, killing it.
The two hunched over, panting, staring at the body of the tribute and the mutts. When turning to the table, the supplies were gone. The blizzard picked up, and the two made it inside the Cornucopia. The two sat across from one another, glaring. Katniss and Peeta were not sure whether to find it amusing or frustrating.
"So, Twelve, how many have ya killed?" Leo asked.
She stared at him bitterly, "Three…. you?"
"Five. Three in the bloodbath, two hunting," Leo answered proudly. "You should have seen Seven's face."
"How can you take joy in this?" she seethed. "How can you mock those who died like they were animals? They were kids just like you!"
"You wouldn't understand," He spat. "You're just an underdog. All you know about is tending whatever you grow and collect."
"You don't know anything about ordinary people." She countered.
They stopped talking back to glaring until Blaine pulled out some jerky. She offered him some, which he accepted in exchange for bread.
"Thanks," he muttered.
"Whatever," She murmured and began to eat.
"How old are you?" Leo asked.
"Sixteen."
"Sixteen and a victor's child, damn." He whistled. "Not much in life for ya."
"Not for a long time," She agreed, touching her hair. "Not for a very long time."
"Hmm. Were you and that boy a thing?"
She glared at him.
Leo raised his arms up in defense, "Touchy, so you two weren't a thing."
"He was my best friend … my only friend."
"Geez, and I thought Victor's kids got tons."
"Tons of lackeys. Girls who wanted to be my friends so they could use my stuff or boys asking me out to have my dowry. Yeah, those are Victor's children's friends." She sarcastically said.
"Well, those asshats missed out on a hot chick." Leo complimented.
She was lost in thought when Leo made his way over to her. She gasped, moving away while adjusting her cloak. Except Leo leaned closer, resting his forehead against her.
Katniss scowled when seeing this. Peeta even seemed awkward.
"If we weren't in the Hunger Games, I might've asked you out." He murmured. "I bet you've never been kissed."
And just like that, he kissed her. His hand caressed her face while the other was around her waist, bringing her closer to which she straddled his lap. He tilted her head, kissing her, before pressing kisses along her jaw, causing her to moan. He pulled back, smirking at her while Blaine was frazzled. She shifted in his lap, causing him to groan. She smirked and kissed him in return with a heated passion as their hands felt their bodies.
"This is gross," Katniss muttered.
"It's like watching your sister kiss," Peeta added.
Katniss nodded in agreement,
Then, all of a sudden, Blaine stabbed him in the chest. Both gasped in shock to see Blaine literally stabbing Leo in the chest. They weren't paying attention only to see that very moment. Leo's eyes widened as he tried to fight back, yet she got hold of his arms using her feet to restrain his hands.
The next scene came of Blaine stepping out of the Cornucopia with her dagger.
The rest of the tributes were dropping dead or being slaughtered by Lapis. Blaine was back in the mountains trying to avoid the Career and anyone. She took dangerous routes, using her climbing gear to get to one place or another.
That was until Lapis and Blaine were the only ones remaining. They crossed paths, and Lapis tried to kill her, yet Blaine, using her gear, managed to escape. However, Blaine was not quick enough in one encounter and got sliced through the side of her hip. She cried in pain, taking her rope and gear before jumping off a ridge to escape. Losing the dagger on the way. Lapis screamed, seeing the rope Blaine tied to a tree caught her before running down a trail.
Blaine staggered through the mountains as the blizzard picked up, nearly blinding her. She made it to a cave after getting some distance and trying to mend her wounds. Based on what could be seen, it was not pretty. Katniss and Peeta laughed as Blaine was talking to herself and Haymitch.
However, when she came out of the cave, an awl in hand saw Lapis standing there. Blackeye and left arm hanging. She nearly exclaimed, "Well, well, well, the badger finally comes out of her burrow. The storm wasn't good enough to cover your blood trail."
"At least I'm not stupid to stand in the cold, bitch." Blaine countered, glancing over the girl staring at the ledge, then chuckled. "How ironic."
"What?" Lapis asked, confused.
"How ironic," Blaine repeated. "Is it me, or is history repeating itself. Pity, coming from a Career. Oh well, let me give you a history lesson before one of us dies. Okay, sweetie. On the fiftieth Hunger Games, the number of tributes doubled. The remaining two tributes were from District One and District Twelve…. My mentor Haymitch Abernathy was crowned the Victor."
"What is she doing?" Katniss thought aloud.
"She is stalling," Peeta said. "Just watch."
Lapis smirked, adjusting her machete. "Well, won't this be interesting? To kill a victor's daughter would be an honor. "
Blaine smirked, pulling the sleeping bag out of her pack, "And to add a career to my list."
They stood there for a moment until Lapis charged in. Blaine ran towards her, flinging the sleeping bag at the Career. The wind wrapped the fabric around the girl, tangling her around. Lapis screamed, unable to see as she tried to break free, turning around and stumbling near the ledge. Blaine attacked her, using her awl and stabbing the girl in the neck. Lapis cried, yet Blaine pushed her over the edge, causing the girl to fall to her death. Blaine stumbled, almost falling as well, but she managed to catch herself.
She looked over to see Lapis lying there dying.
And then the cannon goes off.
The blizzard tamed to an eerie flow.
Blaine collapsed to her knees, breathing erratically.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to present the Victor of the sixty-ninth Hunger Games, Blaine Abernathy! I give you - the tribute of District Twelve!" Claudius Templesmith exclaimed in pure joy.
"You can say that again," Blaine laughed and sobbed all at the same time.
She fell back, creating a snow angel, and the camera zoomed out.
Peeta took the remote and paused the film.
Katniss sat there watching the still. She knew that Blaine went through hell, like all the other tributes. But she didn't realize how similar they were. Blaine went into the arena with her best friend and watched him die. She was sexually assaulted, too. Let alone constantly being chased by a Career in the last few days. She heard people talk, thinking Blaine snapped for making that snow angel.
However, Katniss thinks it was Blaine's last moment to claim what innocence she had left. And what Haymitch told her, Blaine lost everything. Her body, voice, and choice were taken from her. Constantly threaten to protect District 12 from President Snow.
The door to the main entry opens, followed by a loud crash.
"For fuck's sake!"
Peeta and Katniss quickly entered the entryway to see Blaine with the bag ripped at the bottom. It took them a moment to realize two hours had passed instead of an hour.
Blaine looked frazzled, drenched, and exhausted.
"Hey, you alright?" Peeta asked as he came over to help.
Blaine sighed, "No. The peacekeepers are a pain. I had to help some families to get some food. And then the peacekeepers were trying to stop me for questioning."
"About what?" Katniss asked with worry.
Blaine scoffed, "Anything."
She took the bags that were not ripped and went to the kitchen. "I swear, if I could move, I would."
Katniss shook her head, picking up a can of food and following along. Blaine set the bag on the counter and started taking things out.
"So, did you two watch Colton's game?" Blaine asked.
Peeta and Katniss stopped to look at her.
"Yeah, we did," Peeta confirmed, then glanced at Katniss to not say anything.
Katniss nodded, remembering the deal.
"Good," Blaine said as she got a pot from under the counter and went to the sink to fill it up. "Next would be Annie Cresta. That Game will be short since there was flooding. After that, I say we call it a night."
She turned around, then stopped staring at them, "What?"
Katniss shook her head, "Nothing."
"We're just thankful to have you, is all," Peeta added.
"Thankful, that is a first," Blaine countered, then pulled out more pans. "Peeta, you're on meat. Katniss set up the next Game and came back. You got veggies."
Peeta obeyed as he came over to help Blaine. Katniss nodded as she went to the living room to change the Game. She stopped to see a younger version of Blaine in the Game. Wondering how much they are similar and yet so different. Constantly, she wonders what is going on in Blaine's head. Then again, it is a dark and scary place.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review!
