Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games
Warning: strong language
Chapter 9: Interviews
Blaine's POV
Today was the Interview. I spent downstairs at the stage for rehearsal all morning to the early afternoon. I wore the dramatic shoes that Cinna had chosen for me. Cinna is trying to kill me. I thought Chanel and Effie were cruel. But these shoes, with unique designs, manage to keep balance. Comfort, on the other hand, no doubt there will be a blister.
Finnick and Johanna were on stage watching this. There were others, too, as I continued to sing a viral song in the Capitol. After singing the song several times, the Gamemaker in charge of the Interviews was pleased.
"All right, Miss Abernathy, we are good," Plutarch Heavensbee announced. "Make sure your voice is ready for tonight's interview.
I nodded, handing the microphone to Plutarch. I walked over to Finnick, who smirked, seeing me walk in these shoes. Once I reached them, I placed a hand on his shoulder for balance while taking off the horrible thing. Johanna laughed as she grabbed hold of it, almost yanking it off that I nearly fell. Fortunately, Finnick caught me. I traded feet, and Johanna took the other ones off.
"I don't know how you can walk in these," she said.
"A lot of training from Effie," I grumbled, taking the shoes from her. "I swear, I think my stylist wants to kill me."
"You're probably right," Finnick agreed.
"Whatever, let's go inside," Johanna grumbled as she pushed us in.
Finnick and I chuckled, going inside and into the elevator. In a few hours there will be an interview. So, by each floor we got off. Finnick was the first as he gave a wave. Then it was Johanna as she begrudgingly got onto her floor. I snorted, shaking my head.
Anyway, I headed up to get ready.
.o0o.
I finished taking a shower and putting on a strapless bra and underwear when there was a knock on the door. Quickly, I grabbed the silk robe before letting the person in. It was Cinna, who seemed bored at the moment. Guessing he's allowing Katniss's prep team to work on the Girl on Fire before showing her the dress.
"What do you need?" I asked, letting him in.
"Nothing, thought you want help with your makeup," Cinna answered.
"I know how to do my makeup," I assured him.
Cinna chuckled softly, "Allow me anyway."
I chuckled, shaking my head and allowing Cinna to do his work. He walked to the closet to pull out the garment bag for tonight's performance. He unzipped it and set the gown on the bed. Midnight sat on the pillow, watching him. Cinna smiled at the cat as he made adjustments to reveal his work.
It was a fitted gold and silver glitter accented bodice adorned with a strapless square neckline. The abstract ruffle detail on the skirt showcases a high-low cut cascading down to the floor in a full-length hem. It was a beautiful dress.
Cinna also pulled out a small bag that had a headdress. It was a gold headband with delicate thin black feathers and matching golden bangles.
I walked over, tracing my fingers over the bodice, feeling the different textures as there were gold and silver beading and flakes in the mix.
"Impressive, you made this?" I asked.
"Yes," Cinna confirmed.
"It won't catch fire, will it?" I teased.
"No, it won't," Cinna chuckled.
I sighed in relief. "Yeah, I'm not a fiery person."
"You're something different," he assured.
"I'm sure a smokey eye will work with this attire," I said, walking over to the vanity and sitting down. I picked up the brush and started brushing my hair.
"I think the dramatic dark eye been used too much," Cinna murmured as he took the hairbrush from me. "How about we change your makeup to a lighter tone?"
"Don't you need to be with Katniss?" I asked, staring at his reflection in the mirror.
"I got an hour," Cinna replied before he started doing my hair. "Do you trust me?"
I sat there, allowing him to do his work. Feeling his hands manipulating the locks to form a braid in the back. Twisting and turning the braid to create a bun at the bottom. It was simple, not extreme or flamboyant. I was surprised.
Once done with my hair, he turned me around to face him. "Do you trust me?"
"It doesn't look like I have a choice," I said, staring into his green eyes.
Never before have I seen actual green eyes from the Capitol. District 12 had only gray, blue, or brown eyes, while people from the Capitol genetically altered theirs. But I could tell Cinna's irises were regular and clear, as the gold eyeliner made the gold flecks in his eyes stand out.
Cinna chuckled before he put on a foundation. Then he started contouring, adding bronzer and highlights along my face. Once done, he told me to close my eyes. I did as he said, allowing him to do his magic. While in the dark, I felt his soft hands apply many textures of eyeliner, eye shadow, and many more, from a powder to a liquid brand. Something about Cinna fascinated me, how gentle and accurate he was with his strokes. It felt like he was painting me, including when humming a specific melody. It was one of my songs, but not a popular one. It intrigued me that he would hum it. Once he was done with my eyes, he added some lipstick.
"Okay, take a look," Cinna said, turning me to face the mirror.
I opened my eyes, turned to face the mirror, and gasped. The Lady of Ashes was replaced by somebody from the night. Cinna made my sharp gray-blue eyes intense with black, bronze, gold, and silver. Including golden eyeliner. I couldn't believe what he had done. I no longer looked dark and mysterious from the ashes. But he made me look as glamorous as twilight.
"Cinna, I don't know what to say," I said, touching my bronze lips.
"Your speechless expression is all I needed," Cinna said, kissing my cheek. "I always wanted to get a chance to see you."
I nodded with a blush, "Thank you."
Cinna then set the headband on top, followed by two topaz chandelier earrings.
After getting those on, I went to bed to put on the dress. Seeing the massive size, I don't think I can put it on alone. Cinna offered a hand and helped me stand up. Carefully he took the robe off, leaving me in my undergarments. He walked to get the dress, and as he turned, he stopped to see the canary tattoo on my upper left thigh.
"I didn't know you had a tattoo," Cinna noted.
"Yeah," I said, rubbing my arms. "It's something personal."
"Do you like to show it?" he asked.
"Not really," I answered.
"Then I'll make sure all your outfits cover it," he made a mental note.
"I truly appreciate that," I murmured.
Cinna nodded as he helped me get inside the dress. He zipped up the back and made adjustments to fit the gown. I felt something on the smalls of my back, something box shaped. A battery pack. I raised a brow, wondering why the dress had a battery pack. He said there wouldn't be any flames. Cinna merely smiled as he went to the chair where I set those godforsaken shoes.
"Did you steal those from Effie?" I asked.
Cinna snorted, shaking his head, "No."
I rolled my eyes as he grabbed some moles-tape, applying it on my toes and ankles, followed by anklet socks. Afterward, it was the shoes. I lost my balance momentarily, using his shoulder to catch myself.
"Sorry," I mumbled.
"It's alright," he assured.
I nodded, then thought of something, "Cinna,"
"Yes, Blaine," Cinna replied, getting the other shoe on.
"Can you talk with Katniss? See if you can help her with her interview."
Cinna stood up, facing me, reassuringly smiling, "As you wish."
He stared at me in that no man had stared at me before. I tried hard not to blush and nodded, muttering, "Thanks."
Cinna nodded as he took my hands, kissing the knuckles before leaving.
I watched him leave and took several deep breaths. It was easy to be around Cinna, even though I had met the guy since arriving at the Capitol for this year's HUnger Games. But there was something about him that intrigued me. Maybe it's because he doesn't act like the citizens from the Capitol. Perhaps it's because he is not flamboyant like most stylists I've encountered in the last five years. Either way, he is different.
Midnight still on the bed, looked at me, a bit amused. His black tail swung side to side as he stared at me.
"What?" I asked him.
He cocked his head to the door and then raised a brow. If I translated correctly, he was asking about Cinna and me. "Don't get any ideas, Mister."
"Meow," he mewed, giving an innocent look.
I rolled my eyes before going to a panel to order milk and a small tuna bowl. It arrived in minutes, and instantly, Midnight pounced on it, savoring the treat. I chuckled softly, petting his back before leaving the room.
Haymitch and Effie waited outside in the living room. Effie is wearing a magenta suit dress with a purple organza flower on her lilac wig. Effie squealed at my appearance, hugging me. That I almost tripped on the heels. Haymitch wore a dark navy-blue suit with a tie with a red clip. Still, his hair was not kept but he managed to trim the beard. He glanced at my attire in a fatherly manner, seeing how much makeup and much skin was showing until he spotted the snowdrop pin that Cinna snuck into my hair.
Haymitch sighed as he kissed my cheek before Peeta came out.
Peeta wore a black suit with a flame accent and hair gel back. I walked up to him and kissed his cheek. "You look very handsome, Peeta."
Peeta blushed, "Thanks Blaine, you look good yourself."
I smiled before looking up to see the Girl on Fire. I paused for a second. I thought I saw myself. As Katniss came down in a red mermaid gown that looked like she was engulfed by the fire with the gems everywhere. She looked at me before coming up.
"I guess I should apologize," Katniss said while the others headed toward the elevator.
"Apology accepted," I murmured, tucking a loose strand of hair off her face. "Katniss, remember, be yourself. No matter what Caesar asks you, counter it back."
"But what if—"
"There's no what ifs." I interrupted. "They want to know you, just a sample. You are a brave huntress who took her sister's place. That is the greatest thing in honor."
"Come on, you two!" Effie called.
Katniss took a deep breath and nodded as we made our way to the elevator.
.o0o.
I couldn't sit with the other victors until after the halftime show. I waited on the side stage, watching the Tributes being interviewed by Caesar. The careers speak about how excited they were along with Jacqueline Fynch, being calculating on her tactics for survival. She was mysterious, very clever, and intelligent. Well, not of technology, like Beetee or Wiress, but instincts. A fox, indeed. Not long after District 6, Caesar announced it was time for a break. I took a deep breath, thinking of a good memory. Before Plutarch handed me a microphone.
"Now, let's have our special guest singer perform our favorite song, Blaine Abernathy!" Caesar exclaimed in excitement, as did the audience in the City Circle. The music played, and I walked up on stage, the lights dimming as one landed on me. It was time for the canary to sing.
Everybody's waiting
Everybody's watching
Even when you're sleeping
Keep your ey-eyes open
The tricky thing
Is yesterday we were just children
Playing soldiers
Just pretending
Dreaming dreams with happy endings
In backyards, winning battles with our wooden swords
But now we've stepped into a cruel world
Where everybody stands and keeps score
Suddenly the skirt started to glow, with countless lights flickering on and off like fireflies. I was surprised, yet I continued singing. It brought back memories of when I was a child, and my mother was still alive. The fireflies would be out during the summer seasons, glowing away in the lonesome Victor's Village. Haymitch sits on the porch watching Lucy, and I collect the fireflies into mason jars.
The thought made me smile as I continued to sing.
Keep your eyes open
Everybody's waiting for you to breakdown
Everybody's watching to see the fallout
Even when you're sleeping, sleeping
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open
So here you are, two steps ahead and staying on guard
Every lesson forms a new scar
They never thought you'd make it this far
But turn around oh they've surrounded you
It's a showdown and nobody comes to save you now
But you've got something they don't
Yeah you've got something they don't
You've just gotta keep your eyes open
Everybody's waiting for you to breakdown
Everybody's watching to see the fallout
Even when you're sleeping, sleeping
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes
Keep your feet ready
Heartbeat steady
Keep your eyes open
Keep your aim locked
The night goes dark
Keep your eyes open
Everybody's waiting for you to breakdown
Everybody's watching to see the fallout
Even when you're sleeping, sleeping
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open
Keep your ey-eyes open
The audience cheered at my performance. I waved excitedly in this act as I looked at the personal camera in the presidential box where President Snow would usually sit. However, the president was not one for concerts. Yet his Granddaughter Ceres sat there excitedly.
Caesar came over, taking my hand as he gave a quick praise.
"It seems you are glowing like the stars," Caesar commented.
"Yes, like the stars," I agreed, glancing at the audience to see Cinna sitting there. He gave a pleased smile, which I smiled back. After providing another bow, I got off the stage, handing the microphone to Plutarch before going to the victor's booth. Everyone congratulated me, well, mostly everyone, as I sat down next to Haymitch and Effie. An Avox handed me a glass of water, I thanked her, then watched the rest of the interview. It's impressive how the outer Districts had different personalities than the Career district.
I took a deep breath when District Twelve's came up, hoping Katniss doesn't screw up or its goodbye sponsors. She shakes Caesar's hand before they take a seat.
"So, Katniss, the Capitol must be quite a change from District Twelve. What has impressed you most since you arrived here?" Caesar asked.
Katniss didn't respond; she was pale, almost shaking that Caesar had to ask her again. She looked up at me, and I mouthed. 'Be yourself.'
She nodded, taking a deep breath. "The lamb stew."
Lamb stew… from all that is from the Capitol, she thinks of the Lamb stew. A view of the victor snickered while the audience laughed with Caesar. Haymitch patted my back. "Well, who does that remind you of?"
"I believe Blaine said something like that with chocolate lava cake," Finnick replied.
"Oh, shut it, Mr. Sugar cube." I snipped before stealing the sugar cube from Finnick and plopped it in my mouth.
After Caesar soothed Katniss from embarrassment by saying how good it was and that he might have gained some weight. He went back on topic. I sighed in relief as the interview continued.
"Now, Katniss," Caesar said in a confidential voice. "When you came out of the opening ceremony, my heart actually stopped. What did you think of that costume?"
"You mean after I got over my fear of being burned alive?" Katniss counteracts.
Yes, she's getting it now. I thought. As she glanced at the audience. I followed her stare to see Cinna leaning over with a friendly expression.
"Yes, start then," said Caesar.
"I thought Cinna was brilliant, and it was the most gorgeous costume I'd ever seen, and I couldn't believe it. I can't believe I'm wearing this either." As she lifted the skirt to spread out, "I mean, look at it!"
The audience felt captivated by the gown while I saw Cinna motions his finger. I wondered what he was doing until Katniss stood up and spun. At the bottom of the skirt, it started to light up in flames. Synthetic fire, that was for sure, as it captivated the audience once more. Caesar encourages Katniss to do it again till she loses her balance. The blue host caught her and joked that he got her and won't follow in the same footsteps as Haymitch. Most of the Victors snickered when we heard this joke. Haymitch ordered a strong drink once the cameras were back on the stage.
Then Caesar asked about Katniss's score. Eleven! Everyone wanted to know how she earned eleven, except the Gamemakers refused to let her say it. Katniss was on a roll by countering the question to another to find the correct answer.
I seriously don't know what Cinna did to change this girl's personality. For she was not like this yesterday. I will need to get some of his advice since it can be helpful for other tributes.
"Let's get back to the moment they called your sister's name at the reaping," Caesar started, quieter now. "And you volunteered. Can you tell us about her?"
Crap, a particular topic that Katniss doesn't want to discuss. She looked at us, and I looked at her mouthing. 'Tell me.'
"Her name's Prim. She's just twelve. And I love her more than anything." Katniss replied.
"What did she say to you? After the reaping?" Caesar asked.
Come on, Katniss, be honest on this part. You got down humble with a hint of funny, but please be honest about this. We have them in our clutches. I mentally thought.
"She asked me to really try hard to win, and I swore I would," Katniss answered.
The audiences were quiet, giving quiet awe, waiting for the next question. For now, we got them.
Caesar smiles in a caring way. "I bet you did, and try you must." As he kissed her hand. Suddenly the buzzer goes off. "Sorry, we're out of time. Best of luck to Katniss Everdeen, the Girl on Fire!"
As the audience cheered their heads off, I slouched down in my seat, releasing the breath I didn't know I held in. Haymitch clapped on my shoulder. "Good job, my dear!"
"Thanks, dad," I sighed before grabbing another glass of water.
Then it was Peeta's turn as they shook hands and took their seats. Caesar started with the same question as before, "Peeta, welcome. How are you finding The Capitol? And don't say, "with a map."
My heart tightens, for Michael answered Caesar's question with that comment. I took a deep breath, blinking away the tears. So I wouldn't ruin my makeup. Haymitch noticed this as he took my hand, giving me a reassuring squeeze.
"It's different," Peeta answered, slightly nervous. "It's very different than back home."
"Different. In what way?" Caesar asked. "Give us an example."
"Uh, okay. Well, the showers here are weird."
The audience laughed at that.
This caught Caesar by surprise, "The Showers?"
"Yes," Peeta confirmed confidently.
"We have different showers," Caesar told the audience, who were still laughing.
"I have a question for you, Caesar. Do I smell like roses to you?" Peeta asked, leaning some.
I snorted, for this was too good to be true.
Caesar couldn't help but grin to suppress his laughter.
"Take a whiff?" Peeta offers.
"All right," Caesar replied as he smelled the boy. "Yes. Do I smell like it?"
Peeta sniffed, giving an impressive expression, "You definitely smell better than I do."
"Well, I've lived here longer," Caesar confirmed happily.
"That makes sense," Peeta replied.
Caesar laughed, patting the boy on the elbow.
The audience was in hysterics, laughing at the interview. I paused and raised a brow staring at my dad. Haymitch just crossed his arms and snorted. Funny and likable, that is Peeta's edge for the interview.
"So, Peeta, tell me," Caesar started once the audience calmed down. "Is there a special girl back home?"
Peeta shook his head with a slight smile that said the opposite. This surprised Caesar a little bit. "No, I don't believe it for a second. Look at that face. A handsome face likes you. Peeta, tell me?"
Peeta sighed, "Well, there…. There is this one girl that I've had a crush on well forever."
The audience was awed by this.
"But I don't think she actually recognized me until the Reaping." He added.
"I'll tell you what, Peeta. You go out there and you win this thing, and when you get home, she'll have to go out with you." Caesar gave his advice. "Right, folks?"
They cheered for that.
But Peeta shook his head no in disagreement, "Thanks, but I don't think winning's gonna help me at all."
"Why ever not?" Caesar asked.
Peeta blushed, taking a deep breath before he stammered it out. "Because . . . because . . . she came here with me."
The audience gasped in shock. And I knew backstage that Katniss was either angry or surprised as well. However, Haymitch snickers, muttering the plan is in effect. I look at Haymitch confused like he actually planned this, then it all makes sense. Haymitch was a mastermind when it was about guts. And Peeta needed the ideal plan to confess his feelings. I knew that baker boy held feelings for the huntress, but never have I considered. . . love.
"Oh, that's bad luck," Caesar said with a hint of sympathy.
While the crowd agrees, along with a dozen or so tears.
"It's not good," Peeta agreed.
"Well, I don't think I can blame you. It's hard not to fall for that young lady," Caesar said. "She didn't know?"
"Not until now," Peeta said.
"And I wish you all best of luck, Peeta Mellark, and I think I speak for all of Panem when I say our heart goes with yours."
Fuck! I screamed in my head.
Caesar shook hands with Peeta.
I got up from my chair and marched back to the twelfth floor. As we got into the elevator, Cinna, Haymitch, Portia, and Effie were behind me. I glared at my father, marching up to him.
"What the fuck was that!" I snarled.
"True love," Haymitch sarcastically replied.
"Real or not real, because you made the biggest mistake in their lives," I yelled. "You just gave the Careers, and Gamemakers an advantage to play with them as toys!"
"And how would you know this?" Effie asked.
"Because I . . ." I stopped myself, unable to say it. They do not know of the Profit Circle. Half of them wouldn't stand here the next day if they did. I took a deep breath and looked down, "Because I know Seneca better than anyone else! He'll use an opportunity as an advantage when given to him."
Furious, we enter the twelfth floor to find Katniss pinning Peeta to the wall.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I added a little bit of the movie to this.
I've changed the song to Eyes Open by Taylor Swift
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review.