Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged
Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games
Chapter 31: Crime and Punishment.
Blaine's POV
I was beating up a punching bag to the point where my knuckles hurt slightly. This was part of my usual routine after the sixty-ninth game when not at the Capitol. I work out in the personal gym I made with Peacekeepers' old gym equipment, which I bought for Old Cray. I jumped up and did a spin kick, causing the worn leather bag to fling and then return to post. I panted, checking my hands to be a bit red, and decided to call it a day, but I grabbed a knife from my leg holster and flung it at a target board, two inches from a bulls-eye.
"Damn, close," I panted, wiping the sweat from my brow.
Shiloh and Midnight sat at the table, watching absentmindedly. I sighed, knowingly beating myself around the bush was useless, but I couldn't help it. Katniss has become stubborn to new terms on the definition of tenacious. It's like the girl is planning something that could jeopardize anyone. First, President Snow is trying to convince Panem that the star–crossed lovers are more authentic than a lie detector. Second the whole marriage thing. And now there's a riot in District Eight. What the hell is going on? And to think it took a few berries to start a fuss.
"Shiloh, you're so lucky to be a cat," I stated.
The kitten tilted her head confused, before stretching. I chuckled, petting her spine of gray fur. Okay, I've been stuck in the house too long. I should go out for some fresh air before leaving tomorrow for the Capitol. I should drop off some money to the families I support. Since I will be absent a lot this winter season. It was close to the holidays, and the Capitol became majorly active in performances.
Then again, I have many concerts to perform, interviews, modeling, and possibly a guest role on a show. I don't know how Effie got a hold of that. All this within three months. I'll be missing the holidays with Haymitch. Then again, our holidays are mainly about having dinner at my house and drinking. As I tried to read A Christmas Carol, partially drunk while Haymitch made commentary. The book was a gift from Chanel. And it was part of our tradition in the last four years. Now Haymitch will be home alone. I'll probably ask Peeta to keep him company. I don't want Haymitch to be alone with his thoughts.
The only bright side of going to the Capitol is Cinna. I mentally groaned because I was failing to keep a distance from him. He just knows how to ease himself through my barriers.
So, I changed into clean clothes, putting on boots, a winter coat, and a scarf. I lifted the hood and walked down Victors' Village towards the district.
Here in District 12, things are calm. No one cares who I am other than a Victor. Sometimes kids would walk up to me asking about the games. Other times they would ask for money. Indeed, money seemed like nothing, so I'm willing to give a few dollars to them or stop by the sweet store and hand out candy. However, the eyes of the adults look at me with pity or apathy. Some would even come up to me and say rude things when no peacekeepers were nearby. Other times they would make fun of my father as a useless drunk, a man who doesn't care about the children. Offensive words seemed nothing or the rare purse-stealing moments, but I genuinely didn't care. My father is a hero in my eyes. In the end, everyone was cold, tired, and hungry from the corrupt society we lived in.
I stopped at the bank to make a withdrawal, splitting the money into nine envelopes and securing them in my purse. I also asked the bank to transfer money to my relatives, distant cousins of the Covey. I know I should see them in person, especially Aunty Barb, but I couldn't risk it. Sure, the Ambers and Clades were not blood-related, but the Covey was like a family. However, I try to keep my distance for their protection since becoming a victor.
Taking a deep breath, I started at the Seams since the majority of the fallen tributes came from there. As I reached the far end near the fence, I started making my way back. The doors were answered by the mothers or older siblings. The fathers were either at the mines or Hob. There was a small conversation, merely thanking me and a brief hug.
The hardest was when I reached the Smyrnium residence. The house that was once deteriorating was now in better condition. Although aged and weather-worn, the roof was mended, and the windows were probably sealed. On the small porch were jars drying, probably being ready for pickling. I took a deep breath as I climbed up the steps and knocked on the door.
"Just a moment," a woman's voice called out.
I bit my lip, praying it was just the woman of the house here and not her husband. The door opened as a middle-aged woman answered the door. She held the definition of the Seams, from olive skin, gray eyes, and dark hair. However, there were more silver strands in her dark hair. She paused when seeing me before giving a sincere smile.
"Blaine, it's good to see you again," Mrs. Smyrnium greeted
"Mrs. Smyrnium," I greeted.
"Blaine, how many times do I have to tell you? It's Abigail." She scolded.
I merely shrugged.
"Come in," Abigail insisted.
"I'm just dropping this off," I said, pulling out the envelope.
"Please, I insist," she said. "At least for a cup of tea."
I sighed but nodded as we entered the house. Abigail led to the kitchen, where she had a lot of rooted vegetables on the counter. No doubt clearing her garden before the snow takes over. She went over to the stove, turning it on before adding a kettle with water. I took a seat at the table. Her children were no doubt at school while her husband was at work. Michael had at least two siblings left who were eighteen and fifteen.
I sighed, for it was hard coming here. When Michael and I became friends, I spent my teen years here. The Smyrnium welcomed me here and almost made me part of their family. Even Miss Abigail gave me some hygiene advice when I started menstruating since Haymitch had no clue and Effie was terrible. She used to tease that Michael and I would be a perfect match and probably get married when Michael finished his Reaping years. Of course, she was joking, but there might have been a possibility between Michael and me. Except we were both reaped…and I was the only one who survived.
Abigail came over and took a seat across from me.
"How are you doing, Blaine?" she asked.
"I am doing well," I answered. And handed her the envelope. "This is for you. It should cover the winter months and a little extra for the holidays."
Abigail gave a sad smile, "You shouldn't have."
"I promised Michael… I would take care of his family," I reminded. "He wouldn't want his siblings signing up as Tessera."
"Mike would have wanted that," Abigail agreed, then sighed. "I don't know how I could ever repay you. You have helped us throughout the years."
"It's the least I can do," I assured.
Abigail took my hand, "Blaine, is everything alright."
I took a deep breath, "I don't know."
Abigail frowned slightly until the kettle began to whistle. I sighed in relief at the distraction as Abigail stood up to collect the tea. I sat there, lost in thought. I have to be careful in what I say around her. I must take control and ensure the conversation is on her, not me.
When Abigail returned, I thanked her before sipping the wild herb tea with honey. She sat down and took a sip of her drink.
"How are Evelyn and Cole?" I asked.
Abigail gave me a smile as she started talking about her children. Letting me know they are healthy, Evelyn is excited to finish her year of Reaping. The 75th Hunger Games will be her last; Cole has three more years. Three more years of this anxiety for the Smyrnium family…until grandbabies. I pray that Evelyn waits five years before having kids. Either way, it is a long road ahead.
The conversation continued in peace when Cole ran into the house. He was out of breath as he rushed into the kitchen.
"Cole, what is it?" Abigail asked, baffled by this.
Cole panted, "There are more peacekeepers…"
I frowned, "Like changing of the guards?"
Cole shook his head, "No…they are destroying the Hob. It's on fire!"
My eyes widened when hearing this. More peacekeepers and now the Hob. Damon had sent me a notice that Head Peacekeeper Cray will be retiring and will be replaced. I still need to meet the new Head Peacekeeper. His name is Romulus Thread. And he is someone not to mess with. I had a feeling the person would not be lenient like Old Cray. Another Spy from President Snow.
Now it seems Head Peacekeeper Thread was now showing his dominance.
I stood up, "Stay here."
"Blaine," Abigail said in concern.
I didn't bother arguing as I ran out of the house, going through the Seams and into the Hob. When I got there, I found Peacekeepers tearing the black market apart. Destroying the sheds where the poorest of the poor lived. As they gather what they believe are contrabands and light them on fire. I kept my eyes out, seeing people running away. I told them to get out of there. As I spotted children searching for their parents.
"Blaine!" Called out a familiar voice.
I turned around to see Peeta running towards me. "Peeta, what's wrong?"
Peeta stopped, doubling over panting. "…. Peacekeeper, whipping, Katniss…Gale."
"Shit," was all I could say before running off towards the Town Square to see the predicament.
What I saw was a complete nightmare. Gale Hawthorne tied, slumping to the ground unconsciously to a post with a wild turkey overhead. The guy's back was ripped to shred, blood everywhere. Katniss stood in front of him, arm spread wide, blocking the new head peacekeeper. Who had a gun aimed at her. Damon news on the Head Peacekeeper straight from the Capitol for the district's safety was what I feared. Doubt on false information being partly true, for it was something else. Head Peacekeeper Commander Romulus Thread. By just staring at the military figure of discipline. You weren't looking at a hero; you were looking at the devil.
"Hold it!" Haymitch barked, standing between Katniss and Commander Thread.
Commander Thread aimed the gun at Haymitch. "Get out of my way."
I made my way over, taking a deep breath. "Commander Thread."
Commander Thread looked at me while keeping the gun aimed at Haymitch.
"Welcome to District 12," I said. "Unfortunately, this is not the greetings you were expecting."
His eyes stared at me sharply. His eyes recognized me. No doubt President Snow or Damon had informed him of the unfortunate Victors of District 12 and who to trust.
"What's the meaning of this?" I asked, eyeing the situation.
The people stepped aside as I waltzed through them using my authoritative voice. I walked up towards Katniss, yanking her up on her feet. I grabbed her face to see her condition, finding a nice slice of skin on the high left cheekbone. "Terrific! She got a photo shoot in a month modeling wedding dresses. What am I going to tell her stylist?"
Commander Thread aimed his gun at Haymitch while a whip rested on his hip. "She was interrupting the punishment of a confessed criminal." As he lowered the gun down.
"I don't care if she blew up the blasted Justice Blding! Look at her cheek!" Haymitch snarled.
"Doubt it'll be camera ready in a month," I scolded, giving a gentle smack/pat on Katniss's other cheek.
"That's not my problem," Commander Thread said, a hint of doubt.
"No? Well, it's about to be, my friend. My first call I make when I get home is to the Capitol," Haymitch said.
Yeah, and the first person I'll meet at the Capitol is President Snow. Great, another conversation I'm so looking forward to. So, turning around to face both men, "Also, do you have the authorization to harm a victor and damage this pretty little face?"
"She was in the way," Commander Thread informed. "Interfering with a caught criminal."
I glance at Gale, who is hunched on the ground. "On what charges?"
"He was poaching. What business is it to hers, anyway?" Commander Thread demanded.
"He's her cousin," Peeta answered, joining the discussion by standing next to Katniss. "And she's my fiancée. So, if you want to get to him, expect to go through both of us."
This was a repercussion! Only four people could make a stand against the district under local authorities. The odds may not last in our favor, but to protect Katniss from humiliation and to be arrested for being uncooperative, all in the safety of Gale Hawthorne. Fortunately, the locals who associate with the Hob and mines were here. They are displeased by the intense atmosphere and expressions on their faces.
Purina, a customer of Greasy Saes, steps forward, "I believe, for a first offense, the required number of lashes has been dispensed, sir. Unless your sentence is death, which we would carry out by firing squad."
"Is that standard protocol here?" Commander Thread asked.
"Yes, sir," Purina said, followed by several nods from the others.
"Very well. Get your cousin out of here, then, girl. And if he comes to, remind him the next time he or his cousin poaches off the Capitol land, I'll assemble a firing squad personally." Commander Thread warned Katniss while cracking his whip, splattering blood. Afterward, it coils neatly and then walks off.
The peacekeepers fall into a gawky formation behind their Commander. I stared at Purina, observing her like there shall be consequences. The question relies on who is receiving the punishment and by whom. Commander Thread is now Head Peacekeeper, chosen directly by President Snow. The excuse was coincidental, considering the previous Head Peacekeeper, Old Cray, had been abusing his power in prostitution. He simply offered money to young women in dire need in exchange for sex. If you have to choose a handful of sins to describe Capitol citizens, they would be lust, gluttony, sloth, pride, and greed. Wrath and Envy seemed third class unless you consider the political side.
"Gale." Katniss turned, her hands fumbling at the knots cuffing Gale's wrist. Peeta received a knife and cuts the ropes. Afterward, he collapsed to the ground.
"Better get him to your mother," Haymitch said to Katniss.
A homemade stretcher was brought in by one of the clothes stores. When we put Gale down on the board, a handful of people help carry him, consisting of Haymitch, Peeta, Bristel, and Thom. Bristel and Thom were old classmate's sophomore year when I used to attend school. A girl around Katniss's age took the Girl on Fire's arm with determined Seam gray eyes. Leevy, I believe her name was.
"Need help getting back?" Leevy asked.
"No, but can you get Hazelle? Send her over?" Katniss asked.
"Yeah," Leevy answered, about to leave when Katniss stopped her.
"Don't let her bring the kids."
"No. I'll stay with them myself," Leevy assured.
"Thanks," Katniss said and grabbed Gale's jacket.
I scooped up a handful of snow and shoved it into her hand. I examine her face clearly as we follow the men toward Victors' Village. The cut swelled nasty on the left side of her face with teary eyes. "Put snow on that," pointing at her cut. "It'll soothe the swelling."
As we walked, Haymitch asked Bristel and Thom about the current event of what the hell just happened. The two men explained that Gale probably went to Cray's house for a usual trade with the wild turkey. However, instead of Cray answering, it was Romulus Thread. In conclusion, an immediate arrest for illegally poaching on Capitol property. The pieces of evidence were plain and straightforward, having the culprit standing directly in front of the devil and a dead turkey in hand. The predicament held no trial or the mayor's decision on punishment. No innocent until proven guilty since the blood of an animal stains the accused hand.
"Luckily, he only had the turkey on him," Bristel said. "If he'd had his usual haul, it would've been worse."
"He told Thread he found it wandering around the Seams. Said it got over the fences, and he's stabbed it with a stick. Still a crime." Thom added. "But if they'd known he's been in the woods with weapons, they'd have killed him for sure."
"What about a trial?" Peeta asked.
"Trial only goes to committing a murder," I explained to Peeta. "However, being uncooperative towards the Peacekeepers isn't a good position."
"Doesn't sound like much good for any of us," Haymitch said.
Snow began to fall, becoming thick and dense to be noticeable. Katniss stumbled up the walk to her house behind the others. The front door light is on when the door opens, raveling Mrs. Everdeen. Her blue eyes widened in seeing the situation at hand.
"New head," Haymitch answered the unspoken question. No explanation was needed as she nodded. She advises the men to hold a moment while Prim and Mrs. Everdeen turn the kitchen into a small infirmary. A white sterile tablecloth was set on the counter, and Gale hoisted onto it. Orders were spread around, and Prim followed instructions from her mother.
"Did you cut your eye?" Mrs. Everdeen asked her daughter.
"No, it's just swelled shut," Katniss answered.
"Get more snow on it," she instructed.
Bristel, Thom, and I excused ourselves as we walked outside. I told them to go home, took out my purse, and handed them money. "In case your crew gets deducted on payroll. If you need more, let me know, and I'll help."
They nodded, accepting the money, "Thanks Blaine, glad we can count on an old classmate." Thom said as he and his buddy left.
As the men left, a woman ran to the house fatigued and flush covered in snow. She asked me how Gale was, which I told her was not pleasant, and escorted the mother in. Mrs. Hawthorne sat on a stool beside her son, taking his hand and holding it against her lips. I joined Haymitch and Peeta in the living room, not wanting to interfere with the recovery. Sometimes Prim would ask me to help her fetch snow or wash linens. Not complaining, I helped the best I could. Gale was once a classmate; I remember my class doing activities with his class.
Hours passed, and before you knew it, another argument went off. Katniss yelled at her mother to give Gale more painkillers which Mrs. Everdeen refused. By hearing all this, I can confirm that Katniss Everdeen holds feelings for Gale Hawthorne. This wasn't good, even when President Snow knew the relationship between those two. All our necks were at risk for this behavior.
"Take her out," Mrs. Everdeen ordered. Haymitch and Peeta obliged and carried Katniss away from the kitchen as she shouted obscenities at her mother. I sighed, taking a deep breath as a migraine started to form. The guys pinned Katniss to a bed in a guest bedroom until she stopped. It was challenging to get Katniss to cooperate, so I gave a good slap on her right cheek, knocking some sense.
As she lay there crying away, Peeta, Haymitch, and I, she whispered about President Snow and the uprising in District Eight. How the hell does she know about District Eight's uprising? Only politicians, peacekeepers, and selected Capitol members understand this.
"She wants us all to run," Peeta whispered.
Run? Run where? I thought.
There was no place to run in Panem. If all the Victors of District 12 vanished, it would put the citizens at risk. District 12 already lost a Victor many years ago from being murdered. How will the Capitol take it when all of us vanish. Also, none of us had survival skills in the forest. The only victor who could survive in the woods was Katniss. So, four victors, plus our families, would be a death sentence either from the Capitol or Mother Nature herself.
Haymitch held a face wanting to add something to express his opinion on the subject, but he didn't. I looked at Katniss, unable to express moral empathy. I should be sympathetic, for her best friend was almost whipped to death. Except all I felt was self-preservation and vague emotions. Consequences are upon us to which anyone would be killed in the next month.
Knowing President Snow and Commander Thread being a second spy here, he already knows. When I return to my house, the phone will ring saying I'll be on the next train.
"I should get going," I said quietly. "I have a train tomorrow."
Peeta and Haymitch nodded as we gave a small goodbye. Peeta offered to look after my cats, and I couldn't be happier for his support. Otherwise, Haymitch would be watching them, and they would undoubtedly eat him alive. So, handing Peeta a spare key to my house he could use, I put on my winter gear and walked back home through the blizzard. Once inside, my cats greeted me with a hiss. They could smell the blood on my clothes and see my tired face. I bend down to pet Midnight before picking Shiloh up and go into the kitchen to cook them a small dinner.
Suddenly my tablet beeped in the living room. I stopped what I did to fetch the electrical device in discovering I had a new message. Tapping on the small app of an envelope to read who it was from.
I hope you'll enjoy your stay at the Capitol. You'll be staying there for a long time. –PCS
I sighed, sitting on the couch, head in my hands. Consequences are never in my favor, not since the games. All of Katniss's actions hold a punishment from Snow. I, being her keeper in the Capitol, show critical damage. The question on the subject could be anything from my free liberty: prostitution, arranged marriage, or worse?
What do you think about the changes of Blaine seeing Michael's family? Or at least his mom?
Thanks for reading and please leave a review.