Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games
Chapter 7: Scores.
Blaine's POV
The following days, Katniss and Peeta went to training. Haymitch and I have been busy attending pregame events to entice more sponsors. The Girl on Fire has intrigued many sponsors, and we were already getting funding into our accounts. Haymitch was sobering up fast that he was not drinking the strong liquor. Meanwhile, I was trying to get sponsors for Peeta. It was a struggle as I reminded people that Peeta was also on fire. It was a battle, yet I managed to get some money into his account.
When we got back, it was conversations. During one dinner, Katniss brought up the boy from District 2. How violently he was acting during training.
"He's a Career," Haymitch started. "You know what that is?"
"From Districts 1 and 2," Katniss replied.
"And occasionally District 4," I added.
"They train in a special academy until they're eighteen. Then they volunteer," Haymitch said. "By that point, they're pretty lethal."
"But they don't receive any special treatment," Effie tried to reassure. "In fact, they stay in the exact same apartment as you do. And I don't think they let them have dessert. And you can."
"Because they put them on a strict protein diet," I muttered, taking a sip of my wine.
Peeta comprehended this, "So how good are they?"
Haymitch took a bite of his lamb with a shrug, "Obviously they're pretty good. They win it almost every year, but…."
"Almost," Effie corrected.
"…they can be arrogant," Haymitch said, staring at Katniss. "And arrogance can be a big problem."
Katniss stared back at Haymitch, noticing the tone.
"One way to kill a Career is getting them when they least expect it," I said. "They lack creativity and awareness of their surroundings."
Haymitch managed to kill some Careers out of self-defense, but he was overpowered until Maysilee saved him. However, when he killed the girl from District 1, he used the arena against her. For me, I killed Leo when his guard was down in a short alliance. As for Lapis, I used the wind to trap her in a blanket to distract her before stabbing her in the neck and pushing her off a ledge.
Peeta and Katniss nodded.
.o0o.
I was nervous as the Private Sessions were around the corner.
From what I heard, Peeta tossed a hundred-pound spike ball at the Careers. Cato's knife was missing while arguing with some kid, and it started becoming reckless. One day, Seneca Crane asked me to join him in the Training Room. Usually, Mentors are not allowed down there while tributes are training. However, Seneca thought tributes should see how a Victor fights.
However, barely a quarter of us victors are physically capable of doing what he asks. Anyway, the Trainers and Atala welcomed me. Atala asked if I could demonstrate the ways of stealth and dagger fighting. So given blunt daggers, I was paired with a trainer, and we fought. The guy was strong, going for heavy strikes. I used my flexibility to bend and dodge, using the makeshift obstacle course to my advantage.
Soon the trainer put me in a compromising position. I kicked him in the stomach before doing a backflip off the platform. One thing I learned is to keep the fight entertaining for the audience. The tributes, including Katniss and Peeta, stared at me with awe.
The trainer came after me full-on. I blocked his attack while wrapping my leg around his, knocking him down. I used my entire body, legs pinning his arms while holding the dagger to his neck.
Seneca clapped his hands and stopped the demonstration.
"Bravo, bravo, that is how Miss Abernathy got a nine." The head Gamemaker said. "Care to explain how you learned that?"
"Trained." I simply said.
"So, does that make you a career?" Clove, a girl from District 2, asked.
I shook my head, "No, I trained because I'm a victor's daughter."
With that said I went to the dagger station. I genuinely don't want to be here and give advice to my kids' enemies. But what choices do I have? With Seneca's request and Snow's demand. I have to obey. Otherwise, Peeta and Katniss will be targeted by the Careers when the gong strikes.
Therefore, I stood at the dagger station. A lot of tributes came forward. But the longest players were Clove, Cato, Jacqueline from District 5, and Peeta. They seem interested in knives. Clove was the main tribute who stayed the longest.
"Alright, Clove, show me what you got." As I handed her a knife.
The 15-year-old smirked while the mechanical dummies moved about. With a swing of her arm, she launched the knives and daggers at the target, getting center or close. I gulped; she had a better aim than me. I looked at the girl and asked her who her teacher was at home. Since I only knew one person who was that accurate with a knife. Her response was Hippolyta Stone.
I held in my disbelief, biting my cheek and handing her the knife. For I knew who Hippolyta was. She was Leo's older sister. The boy I murdered. I remember the day I gazed at the woman on the victory tour. Her black eyes glared at me with hatred. For I didn't kill like a warrior. But of a coward and how Clove acted towards me with interest, almost. If she were crowned Victor, I assumed my life would be a living hell.
It wasn't long before Seneca came to fetch me, announcing it was time for lunch. He led me to the Gamemaker's room, where a feast was set. But I didn't eat but stared out towards the tributes analyzing them.
"I see you are interested in this year's games," Seneca announced, handing me a plate of food. "This year is going to be interesting. Already the outer districts have some potential."
"Yes, especially Eleven and Twelve," I replied as I glanced over to Peeta, who was at the camouflage station.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"I'm not supposed to be here," I answered.
"Nonsense," Seneca said. "You're a sponsor also. You should know who you're supporting."
"You know I will be biased," I countered.
"You've helped others before," he reminded me.
"If only you knew," I sighed.
Seneca paused, not understanding. But I knew it was my political side talking. He took my hand and led me away from prying eyes to a small room in the back. Seneca and I have a complex relationship. One would say we were friends with benefits. As much as I want to despise him, I do care about Seneca. It all began the day I entered the Games was Seneca working his way to be Head Gamemaker. He holds an interest in new things, adding a twist to them. And he got everyone to pay attention to my private session and got me an excellent score.
"What do you mean," he asked. "This is the time for our district to unite?"
I shook my head, "This isn't uniting people. This is punishment. You won't understand when you watch somebody you know go in and suffer. The treaty of treason was enough of this. This is out of line."
"Blaine," he murmured in a soft warning.
"Have you ever been to the outer districts?" I asked.
"No, but I've seen pictures and footage of it." He answered.
I shook my head again, "They're starving. We're all starving. Twelve lives in poverty. Eleven are repeating the history of slavery, the same as ten. And there's nothing we can do about it. Than trying to stay alive. And hope. Hope is contained by . . ." I stopped myself from finishing.
He doesn't deserve to hold the knowledge we victors know about his government. President Snow.
"By what?" Seneca asked.
"I'm sorry, Seneca, but I won't stand here and watch these children train to fight to the death."
I leaned up, kissing him since they were my way to escape these conversations and distract him. Seneca kissed me back as he wrapped an arm around my waist. His beard grazed along my face while lips were moist. He seemed into the kiss until I placed my hand on his chest and gently pushed, giving the illusion of needing to breathe. He looked down at me with a smile.
"We better be careful," I murmured. "Don't want it to lead to cheating."
Seneca smirked, "I wouldn't mind the bribery."
I scoffed, gently smacking his chest, "Not while the Games are happening."
Seneca sighed and let me go. "Very well, maybe after the Games."
I nodded, giving him a peck on the cheek before leaving a smiling Head Gamemaker.
Once I was in the elevator, I pushed the twelfth button. When the doors closed, I grabbed the rails and closed my eyes in self-loathing. Manipulations. I had to use manipulation to take control of my slip-up. If President Snow ever got a word that I spoke in my political beliefs, then my tributes would be killed immediately once in the arena.
Let alone feeling comfort in the wrong ways in the kiss. I wish I could let a part of me hold feelings for Seneca, for when he is not the Head Gamemaker, he is something. But I have to remind myself that this man has led two arenas that have killed forty-six tributes. Four of them being my own. But most of all, I can never love someone without risking their safety.
The elevator reached the twelfth floor, where I found Haymitch in the living room, drinking from his flask. He jumped when I slammed the door and punched a wall. This scared the Avox girl, as she went to get some ice.
"I presume the training wasn't great?" Haymitch spoke.
I didn't respond, except' thanks' to the Avox for the ice pack, and headed towards the window to glare at the city. Here, I can have nearly everything I want under a mask. At District Twelve, I was least favored. To them, I was a murderer. When Haymitch was in the games, he killed out of defense. He got the excuse. For me, I was a killer, using stealth and patience to murder four people, while Lapis, I killed to get home. There was nowhere I could be genuinely accepted for who I am. Not as the victor's daughter or a Victor. But be me, Blaine. To have true friends, walk around the streets with happy smiles, laughing, and whatever an ordinary girl could have.
"You know, Blaine, the longer you hold your thoughts. The more it hurts you." Haymitch reminded.
"No one would listen," I replied.
"I would," Haymitch said, taking a swig of whisky before regretting it, holding his head. "Scratch that."
I snorted. As I thought, typical.
"Why not get a boyfriend?" He suggested. "I think it's time you get a young lad to ease you up."
"This coming from you," I countered.
"So…."
"I'm only twenty-one!" shocked that my father thought I should start an actual relationship.
"So, I married Lucy when I was twenty-one." He said before staring off into space. Probably, thinking of mom before she died. I sighed and sat down on the ground, staring out into oblivion.
Maybe, it was time to let go of being brave and accept the consequences. Though, if I start living my ways, Snow will do anything to make it worse. He can't get Haymitch since he's a crowd-pleaser on humiliation. The only things Snow could target were the tributes. So if I wed, either tributes, my lover, or my children have to face the consequences.
You are never free from the Hunger Games. The battle to the death was just the beginning. The real battle is reality, to accept that the Capitol owns you or the second hand. I fear what the second hand would hold. Since Johanna dealt with it when she denied Snow from doing Prostitution. Her family was killed. Even my dad dealt with it after using the force field; his family was murdered along with his first love. Before he and Lucy got together.
My hand was forced when I was eighteen. Any form of intimacy was taken from me, and my first kiss was the only control I had. Everything else was bought and sold.
I didn't know how long I was lost in thought when somebody touched my shoulder. I jumped, grabbing their arm in a vice grip. Only to stop and see Cinna. Damn reflexes from Haymitch. Letting the Stylist go, I looked back out the window to see it was near mid-afternoon. As we looked out the window, Cinna sat down next to me, not saying a word.
The silence was eating me.
"When I first came here, I was nine. My mother passed away, and no one could watch me." I started thinking aloud. "Haymitch had to bring me here. I was so excited to come here, dazzled by their beauty and how colorful I thought it was Utopia. I gotta wear pretty dresses and eat sweets. Until the Games started."
Cinna continues to look out the window as he listens.
"Effie babysat me. She thought of letting me see the games. We watched them in this room while Haymitch went to find sponsors. It was my first time watching the Games since my mom let me watch a part of it. However, when the gong rang . . . I saw the bloodbath." I stopped myself. "Sorry, you probably don't want to hear this. Just stupid thoughts."
However, Cinna took my hand, reassuringly saying, "I would like to hear it."
I took a deep breath, making sure the room was empty, which it was, and continued.
"It scared me. To see those kids being murdered. Killing each other like a bunch of savages. What made it worse was when Claudius Templesmith announced a victor's child was being killed in it. That was when I knew, one day, I, too, would be in the games."
"So, you trained yourself in being a career?" Cinna asked.
I nodded, "Yeah, I focused on physical training at school. Did some running, climbing trees, and amateur gymnastics to see if it would help. I hardly made friends when I returned from the Capitol. It was just Haymitch. You can say I became a loner. When I got back, I saw why the kids played with me and wanted to do sleepovers or play at my house. They were using me. So, I pulled back. People say my mother's death was the cause, but. . ."
"It was the Capitol." Cinna finished.
It was funny how Cinna could finish every sentence. I would consider him to be a mind reader.
I nodded, pulling out the small pin in my hair. It was a Snowdrop. Cinna saw this as I handed it to him, and he examined the porcelain flower.
"This was your token." He stated.
I nodded, "It was my mother's before she married Haymitch. Her maiden's name was Lucy Galanthus. Meaning snowdrops. They're also my favorite flowers."
"Yes, during your game, you fell and landed on a field of snowdrops," Cinna said. "The sight of you in them was . . . beautiful."
I remembered that day:
It was after Mike's death and avenging him I was so cold. Practically numb that I kept walking around the mountain with a wire in my hand bleeding. I had no food, my parka was wet and tattered, and the bag smacked my leg. I could hardly feel my fingers under the mittens that were soaked in blood. It was pain and numbness all around as the sky slowly darkened into twilight.
Until I tripped over a short ledge falling. But I didn't land on snow or rock. No, it is something soft and sweet. Opening my eyes, I look around to see I landed in a small meadow of snowdrops, the milk flowers in bloom. I pulled out my token and picked a flower, comparing them together. For once, I saw my favorite flower before I died. That I started to cry, letting my emotions go.
The white flowers were stained red from the bloody mittens. As I grasped that I had become a monster. The two tributes I killed…. I tried to make it peaceful. Trying to kill them in their sleep. But with Static, the boy from District 5…I couldn't. I literally hunted him down and killed him. I was no better than a Career. Only I regretted it.
The numbness slipped away as the coldness seeped in.
I curled into a ball in a bed of snowdrops.
All I wanted was my dad.
"Dad, please!" I whimpered. "Please, I'm so cold. Please help me."
BANG!
Another tribute died in the cold that I bit my knuckles and sobbed.
"Daddy, please help me! I want to go home. I want to go home!"
The anthem played as I cried seeing three deaths in one day. Only six remain in these games. When the anthem finished, a silver parachute fell to the ground, followed by snowflakes. I sat up slowly with caution to examine the large package inside. With shaken fingers, I rip open the parcel to find a fur cloak, a new coat, a silver dagger, leather gloves, and finally, food: bread, soup, jerky, and trail mix! A note was attached that read:
You're almost there. Don't give up.
Stay alive.
Dad
I smiled, looking up. "Thank you."
I removed my tattered parka and put on the new coat, cloak, and gloves. I set up camp, limping into a small cave, and used the parachute as a blanket. I drank the soup, warming myself up before curling into a ball and dozing off. Warm for the first time since leaving the springs. As I held a dozen snowdrops
"You know, they should have made you a dress with snowdrops on them. Not that black gown." Cinna said.
"Chanel did wanted me to look sexy," I mumbled.
"She shouldn't," Cinna said as he stared at the token. "You shouldn't be sexy, but you."
"And what am I?" I asked.
"A strong independent woman who is caged to express herself freely," Cinna stated. "Your Game was my favorite. I was busy with my classes to see the entire game, but when I did. I saw you. I saw a stealthy girl with elegance, grace, and a caring heart that was bright and patient. But the moment she got into action… I saw a hurt girl. That is why I'm a fan of you."
I was flabbergasted to hear this. To hear Cinna announce my vulnerability. However, he said he was in class and must be young. Staring at him as he watched me with sincere green eyes. It brought back a memory, or at least the familiarity as if we had sat here before by the window.
If only I could remember where I met him.
.o0o.
It was the day for private sessions.
I remember the conversation during dinner. Haymitch truly has been invested in Katniss and Peeta. Yet, watching a Capitol family enjoying themselves as the father gave his son a sword, which he chased his sister around displeased Haymitch. As the Capitol is desensitized to violence.
"Tomorrow, they'll bring you in one by one and evaluate you," Haymitch said. "This is important, because higher ratings will mean sponsors."
The red Avox came over to pour more cocktails into his drink. However, Haymitch covered the top, preventing the refill. I was baffled for a moment and sincerely smiled. For I thought I was getting my dad back. The Avox nodded and left.
"This is the time to show them everything," Haymitch added, facing Katniss and Peeta. "There'll be a bow. Make sure you use it."
"Peeta, make sure you show your strength," I said.
"They'll start with District 1, so the two of you will go last," Haymitch informed, then smiled. "I don't know how else to put this. Make sure they remember you."
I nodded in agreement.
The following day, Katniss and Peeta left for the private session. Haymitch went to get more sponsors while I dealt with finances and paperwork. Let's say Haymitch hated this part. Once I was stable after my game, the work was tossed onto me. It was okay but very tedious. Right now, both Katniss and Peeta have a fifteen percent chance of winning.
The scores from the private session and interviews are our only chance to get real sponsors. Not the donations from fans who fell in love with the Reaping and Opening Ceremony. I set the tablet down and cover my face, giving a groan.
Suddenly, Katniss barged into the apartment, red and almost about to cry. I had a bad feeling, her private session didn't go well. Since District Twelve hardly got any of the Gamemakers' attention. I quickly ran towards her room, except the door slammed in my face. I knocked on her door, worried.
"Katniss, what's wrong?" I asked.
"Go away!" she cried.
I sighed. It was no use. Katniss was stubborn, and standing here demanding what happened, wouldn't solve anything.
"Alright, just clean up, and don't make yourself sick." Was all I could say, before leaving, heading back to the living room.
"Is she alright?" Effie asked, concerned.
"She's upset or angry or both," I said, sitting down. "I presume the Gamemakers' didn't give her enough attention."
"Oh," was the only thing Effie said before returning to her work. That was filing her nails.
I sighed and gazed at the television on some random show that was on. I remembered the Private Session. It was a nervous wreck and such that I thought I sprained an ankle. Let alone the previous Head Gamemaker was hard to please, making a sly comment about my landing after missing two targets. How I got a nine is beyond me. Unless nepotism was involved.
Twenty minutes later, Peeta came up. Peeta was rubbing his shoulder, and I froze, remembering Michael being escorted by a peacekeeper after being injured during his session by dislocating his arm. I shot up, rushing over to Peeta.
"Are you alright?" I asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Peeta was startled by my intrusion, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just sore from throwing, is all."
I sighed in relief, taking a few deep breaths. Although Peeta is not Michael…not even in resemblance. There was something that reminded me of him.
"Go shower. I'll order you some pain reliever," I said.
Peeta nodded with a small smile, "thanks."
He then went off toward his room.
I sighed as I noticed Effie watching me with concern.
Later on, the stylists arrived for dinner. Portia went to Peeta to talk about the last-minute idea for his interview outfit. Cinna made his way over to the couch, not saying anything. Nothing much has changed. Soon Katniss came out, and we all gathered in the dining room to eat.
Katniss seemed down. That it even bothered Haymitch. "Okay, enough small talk. Just how bad were you today?"
Peeta answered first. "I don't know that it mattered. By the time I showed up, no one even bothered to look at me. They were singing some kind of drinking song. I think. So, I threw some heavy objects until they told me I could go."
"How about you, Katniss?" I asked reassuringly.
"I shot an arrow at the Gamemakers," Katniss replied.
Effie had a field day, scolding Katniss for her actions. How it could affect all of us, mainly she would lose her job or get demoted. We just listened, and Peeta held in an amused smirk. While Haymitch gave Katniss a thumbs-up when Effie wasn't looking, and I chuckled.
Katniss then told her side of the story. "I shot an arrow at them. Not exactly at them. In their direction. It's like Peeta said, I was shooting, and they were ignoring me, and I just lost my head, so I shot an apple out of a stupid pig's mouth. Then said, 'thanks for your consideration.'"
The image of a startled Seneca standing next to a roasted pig with the apple pierced into the wall by an arrow, had me burst out laughing. No longer could I hold it in. That everyone stopped to look at me, mainly Dad and Effie. I was still laughing when I had tears in my eyes. I haven't honestly laughed this hard in who knows how long. I took a deep breath and a sip of water to hold it in. Yet the snickers slipped.
"And what did they say?" Cinna carefully asked.
"Nothing or I don't know. I walked out after that."
"Without being dismissed!" Effie gasped.
"I dismissed myself," Katniss said with pride.
"Well, that's that," Haymitch said before buttering his roll.
"Do you think they'll arrest me?" She asked, worried.
"Doubt it. Be a pain to replace you at this stage." Haymitch said.
"Though they might make it a living hell for ya," I added.
"Well, they've already promised to do that to us anyway," Peeta said.
Soon we returned to eating, though Haymitch wanted details about what happened in the session. I continued eating my meal while talking to Cinna. For some reason, it was comfortable to talk to him. Including Midnight, purring around our legs. Though as I took a sip of wine, Katniss said.
"One man tripped backward into a bowl of punch."
I choked on the wine, the alcohol burning my throat while laughing again. Haymitch did the same thing while Cinna smacked my back. We all laughed at this statement except for Effie, who just held an amused smirk.
Oh god, the Girl on Fire was going to be the death of me, I thought.
"Well, it serves them right for not paying attention. It's their job and just because you're from District Twelve has no excuse." Effie said.
"I'll probably get the worst score," Katniss sighed.
"Scores only matter if they're very good. No one pays much attention to the bad or mediocre," Portia said. "For all they know, you could be hiding your talent to get a low score on purpose. People use that strategy."
Like Johanna, I thought with a shudder.
"I hope that's how people interpret the four I'll probably get," Peeta said. "If that. Really, is anything less impressive than watching a person pick up a heavy ball and throw it a couple of yards? One almost landed on my foot."
I sighed and picked up a roll and tossed it at him. Peeta caught it, and took a bite, then gave a smirk. I rolled my eyes. But the stunt was able to make Katniss smile and start eating.
It would be three days when the scores were revealed. Many were shocked at how long it took for the scoring. Since the scores would take a single day and be ready by dinner time. During that time, Katniss and Peeta continued their training while Haymitch and I went to the Bettings to find more sponsors. It would be late afternoon when we all gathered to see the results.
After dinner and dessert, we headed to the sitting room to watch the announcement of the scores. Caesar sitting there with the scorecards in hand.
"As you know, the Tributes were rated on a scale of 1 to 12 after three days of careful evaluation. "Cesar Flickerman said, holding the results. "The Gamekeepers would like to acknowledge that it was an exceptional. . ." The first person on the screen that came up was the boy from one, "From District 1, Marvel, with a score of …nine. "
As usual, the Careers got eight-to-ten scores. The rest of the middle number until District Eleven showed excellent scores of nine and seven. Chaff and Seeder did mention at a party they had great contestants. I held my breath when District 12 came up, praying they had decent scores. Cause I needed their scores in order to get sponsors.
"From District 12. Peeta Mellark…"
Peeta leaned forward, nervous about what he would get.
"A score of eight."
We cheered at that.
"Excellent. Peeta!" Cinna congratulated. "Bravo."
Peeta smiled as he looked at us.
"We can work with that," Effie praised.
"Good job," Haymitch said.
Peeta sighed in relief as he leaned back into the couch.
Then it was Katniss's turn.
"And finally… from District 12, Katniss Everdeen. With a score of…." Caesar said, reading the card. His eyes widened in shock. "Eleven."
An eleven appeared next to Katniss's picture. My mouth literally dropped when seeing that. An Elven has shown up for the first time in the Hunger Games history. Effie squealed in excitement while everyone cheered the young tributes. I looked at Haymitch, and he nodded. If they get to pass through the bloodbath. Then we got a chance to bring one of them home.
Only what will President Snow say? I thought with concern.
"There must be a mistake. How. . . How could this happen?" Katniss asks Haymitch.
"Guess they liked your temper," Haymitch answered. "They've got a show to put on. They need some players with some heart."
"Katniss, the girl who was on fire," Cinna said, giving the girl a hug. "Oh, wait until you see your interview dress."
"More flames," Katniss asked.
"Of a sort." The Stylist said mischievously.
I snickered before watching everyone congratulate each other. That I stepped back with a smile as Midnight jumped into my arms. Something has changed within me, for something is not the same? As I see two wonderful children with such talents and skills. A heart and a sense of humor that broke the walls shielding me from the world. I was the silver heart maiden. The girl who has killed. Someone filled with nightmares and stood dark and mysterious. Now I have seen the light of fire from Katniss and Peeta.
Lady from the ashes!
Caesar's voice echoed in my head. Sighing, I went to my room. I set Midnight on the bed
while I went to the desk, pulled out my journal, and wrote down what had happened. But my hand couldn't move the pen.
"Meow?" Midnight asked.
"I think I have gone soft."
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