Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games

Chapter 29: Secret Keeper

Blaine's POV

This was horrible.

The worst Victory Tour since the creation of the Victory Tours for the Hunger Games. Nearly every location had conflict in the outer districts. After the disaster in District 11, we all try to follow along. Peeta and Katniss kept to the scripts, as Haymitch had instructed. They would get on stage, read the cards to the district's citizens and go inside, where the mayor would give a tour. After that time would be the dinner.

However, the citizens of the outer districts were in protest. I watched from the live screen that was edited to see the chaos. People give the three-finger salute or the four-note melody. Not a second longer, the Peacekeepers escorted them out. No doubt to be put in jail or executed. Katniss flinched as she tried to wear her mask. But she knew those people would never see tomorrow. Followed by the people screaming at Katniss to tell them how she really feels.

The tour was peaceful….in a somewhat staged manner. The Peacekeepers ensured that no citizens approached the Star-Crossed Lovers with political questions. The two victors were shocked by the differences and experienced other cultures.

From District 10, they got to ride horses.

District 9, they got to explore the wheat fields, much to Peeta's excitement.

District 8, they got a tour of one of the clean textile factories as they watched the spun thread be turned into fabric. No doubt Cinna was intrigued, and Katniss had to act in full interest since she was supposed to be a designer.

District 7, they got a tour of the sacred forest before seeing a tree being cut down and transported to the mill.

District 6, they explored a manufacturing plant seeing the latest trains and hovercrafts.

District 5 had them see the two power plants. One was run by a dam that powers the inner districts and the Capitol. While another location ran on coal, collaborating with District 12, providing power to the outer Districts.

Katniss and Peeta were surprised by the relationship District 12 had with District 5. Seeing where all the resources go from the coal mines. How District 12 is basically providing power to the outer districts.

The tours were the only blessings in the Victory Tour. However, when it came to the dinners, none of the Victors were there. Colton, Miya, and Abby were absent from District 10, and I wanted to check on Miya since we can barely call. District 9: Marian and Graham were absent. The same was for District 8, as the excuse was Cecilia's kids had gotten sick while Woof was under the weather. That is when I realized the Capitol prevents the victors from attending the dinner or tours.

When we were in District 7, I planned on being disappointed that I won't see Johanna and Blight. As I walked through the trails, a hand grabbed me and pulled me into the dense forest. I almost struck the person but stopped to see it was Johanna. Not even a second, I was hugging her. This shocked Johanna before hesitantly hugging me since she was not a hugger. When we pulled away, I looked at her.

She stared at me, her brown eyes evaluating me.

"Damn, Yellow, what happened to you?" She whispered quietly.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You look like shit?" she explained.

I paused, for I was sure I was appropriately dressed and makeup. Then again, Johanna could see past the makeup and how exhausted I was. Five districts in, I was mentally and emotionally drained in keeping the Star-Crossed Lovers on track. Let alone giving President Snow the updates. He was displeased since Katniss needed to be more convincing.

"I'm just tired," I said and changed the subject. "Are you coming to the dinner?"

Johanna shook her head, "I was told not to come. Not even to show my face. That's why I snuck here. Get a glimpse of little miss perfect."

I snorted, "She is not perfect, I assure you."

Although I frown to hear that Johanna will not be at the dinner. This doesn't make sense. The Victors were required to attend the Victory Tour Dinners. It was a way to welcome the newest addition to the Capitol's collection. So why on earth are they separating us? This doesn't make sense.

Johanna was about to say something, then stopped as she heard someone coming. "Send my regards to Fin."

Before I could say anything, she ran deeper into the woods before climbing up a tree. Her spiky brown hair disappeared in the branches. I was confused, turning around to see a peacekeeper. There was one, followed by Cinna. Not wanting to get Johanna in trouble, I put on a smile.

"Everything alright?" Cinna asked.

"Yes, I saw a doe," I answered.

Cinna gave a sincere smile before shaking his head.

"Come on," The peacekeeper ordered.

I nodded, walking over to Cinna as we were escorted back to the group. I glanced over my shoulder to ensure Johanna was still in the tree. She has yet to come down, so I know she is safe.

Now we were making our way to District 4. I didn't have enough time to talk to Johanna, so I needed to see Finnick. Talking to Finnick in District 4 is safer than in the Capitol. Once the train stopped, I told the team I would not attend this district. Effie protested talking about our image, yet Haymitch somehow convinced her to let me be.

When the team left the train station, I got out and started going to the victors' village in District 4. I knew where it was since I had been here a handful of times. Many for music videos or training with Finnick. Again, we never did anything sexual towards one another except kiss in front of a client with mild touching. But Finnick had me over giving verbal pointers on how to please a client. Otherwise, we would spend the day on the beach.

All my life, I have been intrigued by District 4. I have only wanted to go there since I saw a picture of the beach. I wanted to lay in the sand and play in the water. So, meeting Finnick at his victory, he was pleased to fill my curiosity. And when I became a victor, coming here during my tour, I felt the joy of kicking off my shoes and walking along the sand and into the water. Something about District 4 felt like home. As if I belonged here.

However, I was a girl from the mines.

When I reached the Victors' Village, I stared at the contrast between the buildings from Twelves. District 12 had a huge mansion made of white marble as the architectural design was inspired by the Neoclassical era. District 4 was entirely different. Then again, it was close to the water and dealt with different weather. These buildings were massive beach houses surrounded by glass, while raised ten feet from the air to prevent possible floods from reaching the place. All are painted in sea colors while trimmed in white. These homes differed from all of the Victors' Villages because they had to adapt to the climate. They felt more welcoming.

I walked past one, making my way to the beach portion. Kicking off my sandals, I picked them up and started walking towards the beach. Feeling the uneven sand underneath my feet while the seagrass scrapes along my calves. The sound of the waves splashing along the shores while the seagulls cawed.

Once I reached the beach, I set the shoes down and walked into the water. Going deep into my ankles, feeling the waves go back and forth. I closed my eyes, listening to my surroundings and taking a deep breath. The smell of the salt water was refreshing. It did not smell like smoke. It did not smell like coal. Even though freshly mined coal had a scent of musk and earth…one comparing it to a cigar, I didn't smell that here. All I smelled was clean air. Yes, there was a slight undertone of sulfur from the aquatic life…all I know is that I can breathe.

"Rinsing the dirt off your feet!" called out a male voice.

I turned around to see Finnick along the shore with a smile.

"Finnick!" I cheered, rushing over to give him a hug.

Finnick laughed as he hugged me back. We share a bond that not many people understand. One would say it is platonic, but we are never romantic. We pulled back, staring at one another. He seemed happy, probably because he hadn't been called to the Capitol for a while.

"How are Annie and Mags?" I asked.

"Mags is with Annie right now," Finnick said though he sighed. "She had one of her episodes. So, she won't be attending the dinner. Along with Mags since she lost her voice."

"Were you invited?" I asked.

Finnick shook his head, "Had the peacekeepers at my door given clear instructions to not leave Victors' Village for the next 48 hours."

I frowned when hearing this. "I guess it hasn't changed here."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"All the other victors did not attend the dinners during this Victory Tour," I answered.

Finnick frowned when hearing this, "Strange. I guess President Snow is trying to keep the Girl on Fire away from us."

I nodded in agreement.

"Although Jo snuck in for a quick chat before hiding in a tree," I added.

Finnick couldn't help but laugh at that. "That is something I would love to see."

I chuckled.

We chuckled a moment longer before I had to be serious with him.

"I need you as my keeper," I whispered.

The mirth Finnick had vanished. When I say those words, it means I have information that is classified or useful in the future. Since I was drafted into the Profit Circle, Finnick has been my keeper. If anything were to happen to me, Finnick had the knowledge he could use at his disposal. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, leading us away from the village.

He started a small conversation to give the impression we were two friends having a friendly chat. He talked about the weather and the recent updates in District 4. It was when we reached the caves that we found more solitude. As the waves were louder as they crashed along the rocks. Thus, if we were being followed, no one would be able to hear us.

"How are the love birds?" Finnick asked as he leaned against the cavern.

"They're doing okay," I answered. "Although, it is not going well.

"Really, I watched the speech in Eleven," he asked with his signature smirk that would make a woman swoon. "What happened?"

I rolled my eyes and punched him in the arm. "That doesn't work on me, Fin."

I know what he was doing. He was trying to ease me. I was tense and filled with anxiety that my walls were up.

Finnick rubbed his arm and chuckled. "Sorry, just like teasing you."

I sighed, sitting on the damp rocks and staring into the ocean. Finnick did as well, braiding a strand of my hair. It took a while, but as my body relaxed, I rested my head on his shoulder.

"An old man got shot," I breathed.

"What?" he exclaimed.

"I don't know all the facts, but this tour is a heavy burden," I said. "It got worse in every outer district we went to. You are aware of the protest. Even District 4 had one in the games."

During the Seventy-Fourth Hunger Games, the female tribute Tara Waves died in an attempt to kill Cato to avenge her district partner Ethan. She used Peeta as a distraction but managed to injure Cato before being stabbed. Peeta carried her to safety, yet her wounds were so severe that she would not survive. Her only request was to be in the water, so Peeta brought her to the water, where she sang a song before she passed. Not long after, District 4 had a small protest singing that song at the Peacekeepers. It was not violent, not like District 11. But it left a mark.

"The people want to hear Katniss's true opinion," I said.

"Well, she did insult the Capitol when she pulled out those berries," he reminded.

"Katniss and Peeta may have convinced the Capitol Citizens, but the districts do not believe in this school love crush. They think she is a symbol of a possible rebellion. I probably saw thirty people taken for doing the three-finger salute."

Finnick frowned when hearing this.

I took another deep breath; it was so peaceful here to be surrounded by water and smell the breeze. No coal dust or anything. "I wish I could live here, away from all the madness in the world."

Finnick nodded, then looked at me, "Alright, what's bugging you?"

"Nothing," I assured.

"When you say nothing, it is something," Finnick chastised in his brotherly way. "Come on, Yellow, we've known each other for a decade. You told me there is a secret you want me to keep. I can keep a secret."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. Though it was true, Finnick and I have known each other for almost a decade, from his victory tour till today, from being a victor's daughter to actually being a victor. I took a deep breath and grabbed a seashell.

"You have to promise not to tell anyone," I said, tracing the smooth patterns of the shell.

"I promise," Finnick said, looking interested while being cautious. "I swear on my life."

"…. President Snow has me…on a mission."

"Wait, didn't you say Crane bought your freedom?" he growled. "I thought you were no longer prostituting."

"I'm not," I assured. "At least for now."

Finnick frowned, "Tell me it's not another assassination mission?"

Finnick was aware I had killed three people outside of the arena. The first was the hardest, for it was with someone I trusted. Someone I thought could help me. The other two, well, Damon had a dark sense of humor to use me to kill those men.

"No," I interrupted, holding back tears.

Finnick put his hand on my shoulder and forced me to look at him. "Then what is it, Blaine? If he's not using you for those reasons, then what?"

I took a deep breath and looked him in the eye with a watery stare. "He wants me to spy on Katniss. I feel like I'm betraying everyone, yet I have no choice. He threatened the people I care about, Haymitch, Effie, and Cinna. Hell, he could arrange another explosion in the mines."

Finnick took time to absorb the information until he sighed and hugged me. I hugged back as I quietly cried, feeling the weight somewhat lifted off my chest. This was classified information to share with others. Still, Finnick was a member of the Profit Circle with a tattoo of a shark with netting wrapped around its tail on his left shoulder. Finnick was trustworthy to hold a secret, for that was his job. Secrets he lives on secrets and uses what is interesting as a weapon. But he can keep my secrets, except I have to remind him.

That two can keep a secret if one of them is dead.

And neither of us wanted that conflict.

I know if anything were to happen to me…and the opportunity if Finnick is still alive, he can tell the Citizens of Panem the truth.

.o0o.

I stayed on the beach with Finnick as we walked along and talked. It was nice to get things off my chest. Things I wish I could tell Haymitch or the others. But it was not safe on the train, not with a few peacekeepers and attendance. Everywhere everyone was watching us. All eyes were on Katniss and those she talked to.

"You better get back," Finnick announced.

I sighed, "I don't want to."

Finnick chuckled, "I know. Who could ever resist me."

I rolled my eyes and shoved him. He stumbled, almost falling into the water, but he didn't. I pouted, for it would have made my day.

"Hey," he grumbled.

I chuckled, shaking my head.

"If you didn't have a fancy dinner to attend to, I would have tossed you over my shoulder and thrown you into the ocean." He threatened.

"Ooh, kinky," I joked.

Finnick shook his head.

"But you're right. I better get going." I sighed in defeat. "Send my regards to Annie and Mags."

"Will do," he said.

He escorted me out of Victors' Village gates. We shared another hug before I went back to the train station. It felt nice to have a day spent with Finnick without being watched.

I arrived at the train station, spotting Cinna there, making his way to the train car that stores his designs. I got aboard and made my way over, seeing him pulling out a blue dress from the rack.

"I'm surprised to see you here," I noted. "Shouldn't you be on the tour?"

Cinna smiled as he turned to face me, "I decided to come back to collect the wardrobe for Katniss and Peeta."

I nodded, staring at the blue dress with drapery that gave the impression of waves. "Pretty dress."

Cinna nodded.

"How did the speech go?" I asked.

"It went well," he answered. "Although Peeta hesitated when seeing Tara Waves picture."

I sighed; Tara Waves was almost the Rue to Peeta. Only Tara and Peeta didn't form a bond like Katniss and Rue. Their alliance was through the Careers. They basically used one another in order to get rid of Cato. Only Peeta has the heart to comfort the Aquatic Career than let her die next to the violent Career.

Cinna stared at me with those calculating eyes. As if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Effie wanted me to remind you that you must attend the dinner," he informed.

I gave a dramatic sigh, "Very well."

Cinna chuckled at that though he took a deep breath, "I take it you didn't stay on the train very long."

"And what gave that away?" I asked.

He glanced at my feet. I looked down to see the sand sticking to my skin. I gave a guilty look.

"I was visiting Finnick," I answered.

"Finnick Odair?" he asked.

I nodded.

Cinna's face remained neutral, "And how was it?"

"It was nice. We mainly walked and talked along the beach," I said.

Cinna gave a sharp nod.

I raised a brow. Is Cinna getting jealous? I debated if I should tell him that Finnick is like a brother to me. Sure, we have a platonic relationship that people would mistake for romantic. But there is nothing between us. Do I love Finnick as a brother? Yes. Nothing more.

Then I need to remind myself to keep Cinna at a distance.

I need to protect him so President Snow doesn't use him against me.

I couldn't live with myself if something happened to him.

All because of me.

Significant changes in this chapter. I wanted to explain the victors' tours for Blaine and the conflict of being unable to see the other victors.

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