Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games

Chapter 34: Interview

Blain's POV

The next day after rehearsals, Portia helped me prepare for today's interview with Caesar Flickerman. It was a tradition that I interviewed the infamous Celebrity on everything. Either it was my music contract, new album, gossip, or some sort of request. Let me tell you, each interview is different compared to the next. However, when it comes to Caesar Flickerman, it was a dance. As he knows how to manipulate you for a good answer.

I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes while Portia worked on my hair and makeup.

"What did I say about beauty sleep?" Portia asked, dabbing the foundation on my face.

"Sorry, blame it on insomnia." That was my excuse for not being well-rested. I wasn't willing to tell Portia about my nightmare problems. Only a few know about the situation: Haymitch, Finnick, Johanna, and Cinna. I like to keep this information at a bare minimum so the public doesn't go on gossip about it. "Interview jitters."

"I know how that feels," Portia said. "Spending all night on a fabulous dress with jitters if the public would approve or it'll flop."

Portia added the detail touches on my face, giving me my dark persona again with smoky eyes and my lips were deep red. Afterward, her hands started combing through my hair with delicate touches. When she was done, Portia got a straightener to smooth out my curls and a unique curling iron that makes large wavy curls. She pinned about two-thirds of my hair into a bun. The style of makeup reminded me of those classic movie stars I saw in textbooks. Once Portia made her final commendations on my hair, she retrieved my dress.

Portia made me stand so that she could maneuver the garment over my hair and makeup. Today, I will be wearing one of Portia's outfits. The dress was lovely, something unexpected yet similar to my previous dresses. The outfit for the interview was a blazer dress. It was a dark gray with a texture that was similar to tweed. The glamorous long sleeve bodice has chic lapels, and a plunging v-neckline to show off my cleavage yet did not expose my breast. This sophisticated ensemble flutters to the flirty mid-thigh hem with a black tulle underlay.

I was thankful the dress covered the Canary tattoo on my left thigh. Portia designs the outfit to be sexy yet glamorous. The accessories were simple, a thin black belt and a simple pair of black heels. The only jewelry I wore was the snowdrop earrings.

"There, are you excited?" Portia asked, turning me to face the mirror.

"It's a masterpiece." I complimented. "You outdid yourself, Portia!"

"Thank you," Portia said, kissing my cheeks.

Portia is more of bringing the sexiness into my outfits yet keeping it sophisticated. Cinna has been more about elegance. But Portia is not afraid to test the water without making me look like a slut.

.o0o.

Caesar Flickerman sat in his metallic chair facing the camera where the audience waited. As his attire was metallic, with purple hair. Fortunately, he has toned down the makeup. He was ecstatic as he faced the crowd.

"Our guest is a victor of the Sixty-ninth Hunger Games, a top hit sensation in the alternative genre in the music industry, and a close personal friend of mine. Please welcome Blaine Abernathy!" Caesar announced as I walked onstage with a happy, excited smile like I actually wanted to be here. The music of my song, "Electric Hearts," blared around till shaking Caesar's hand and kissing each other's cheek. Once settled on greeting, we sat down in the lounge. "Glad you're here!"

"Thank you, I appreciate being here," I said, using my campaign voice that the public knows me by.

"Blaine, may I say how marvelous you look. Still the mysterious girl – no woman, I see. Don't you agree?"

The audience cheered in agreement.

"Oh, Caesar, are you flirting with me?" I teased, swatting his direction, making the audience chuckle.

"Maybe," as the purple man wiggled his eyebrows, making the audience laugh.

"So, Blaine, this year has been a spectacular year for you." He said excitedly. "Not only have you accomplished a new album, but you also made new friends. What was it like mentoring not only District Twelves' Star-Crossed Lovers but actually guiding an underdog and leading them to victory?"

"Ooh, that's a difficult question," I replied, leaning back, crossing my legs, showing some skin from my right thigh. "Well, as Seneca Crane once said, 'it was something that knits us all together.' In the beginning, our relationship was difficult between Mentor and Tribute, the overwhelming beauty and sophisticated culture of the Capitol became distracting." The audience chuckled and clapped in agreement. "But as we approached closer to the games, a bond formed. We didn't become a team; we became a family. It was an honor to work with Katniss and Peeta. They had so much potential. The qualification to win this game is both physical and mental. And to know both of them won had me skyrocket to the roof. Now the only problem I have is keeping those two in check, if you know what I mean?" as I gave a wink.

Caesar laughed with the audience, then took a deep breath, "That must be difficult. They must consider you an older sister. Now, you mention Seneca Crane. I want to apologize personally to you for your loss. You two were close, if not close to courting?"

I sighed, looking down and taking a deep breath, "Yes, we were best of friends, and Seneca fancied me. I just wish I had enough time to give him the same in return. His death truly affected everyone, and I wish there was something I could do to help him through the stress."

"But you didn't know he was on antidepressants?"

"No, I didn't. He was….so dedicated to the Hunger Games. He didn't want to upset Panem." I said teary. Caesar pulled out his silk handkerchief to me so I could wipe the tears away. The audience sniffed at the tragic story of losing Seneca Crane.

"Well, we hope he rests in peace in a perfect place," Caesar assured. "Shall we change the topic?"

"Yes, please," I sniffed, giving a small, sincere smile.

"Alright, now, Blaine, it has been exactly five years since your victory, and you accomplished so much," Caesar announced. "Not only did you just win a game, but you also took your victory to new heights in the teenage population. Today I have some questions viewers and audiences are dying to know about. What do you say?"

"Hopefully, they are innocent questions," I said. "For I do not wish to kill the messenger. Ask away…if you dare."

"Aren't you a comedian?" He laughed, pulling a metallic box from under his chair and setting it on the coffee table. He dug his hand in, pulling out a slip of paper, breaking the seal, and read aloud. "First question, 'Dear Blaine, how did it feel like when you stood Victor?'"

I paused, thinking this carefully, "The moment I stood as Victor, I actually felt giddy. In fact, I had completely forgotten I was in the Hunger Games and felt like a little girl captivated by a magical world covered in snow. I thought it was a dream until hearing Claudius announce my victory. Hearing Claudius's voice was like hearing God."

"Yes, I would believe that was a memorable moment. In fact, let's show a small clip," Caesar said.

I mentally flinched on hearing what Caesar said. I honestly didn't want to witness such a moment again. A screen slides down, rolling a clip. In the clip stood my sixteen-year-old self. Back then, I had short hair close to a bobbed. Lapis, the girl from District One, just fell off the cliff, and canon fired. I stood there looking over the ridge to see her dead body, the fur cloak fluttering about so that it was practically alive against the wind. Blood seeped down my hip where Lapis stabbed me, my face weather-worn with bruising, black eye, and split chapped lips. I stood there for a moment absorbing what just happened till collapsing on my knees, then lay back down in the snow close to laughing. The blizzard ended as soft snowflakes fell, and I started making Snow Angels.

"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!" I replied.

The camera pulls away, giving the illusion of a winter wonderland.

And that was the end of my game.

"And this moment here," Caesar pointed out. "This moment is a moment you'll never forget. The moment when a tribute becomes a victor."

"Yes," I agreed. "A delicate moment that many tributes kill for."

Caesar grabbed another slip and read the question, "What motivated phrases keep you going?"

"Wow, that's tricky since I hear a lot of encouraging phrases. Well, my number-one quote is an Abernathy tradition. 'Stay Alive.'"

"Do you have another one?" Caesar asked.

"Well, there is one quote I heard from a…. associate," I said, deep in thought, thinking of Xavier.

"What did he say?" Caesar asked.

I smirked, giving my signature dark elegant, mysterious looks that have men wooing and women in awe, "He said, 'If you can't face the wolves, don't go into the forest.' Made me realize that there aren't many wolves but dogs out there. Although, when you cross paths with a wolf." I looked at the camera, giving a direct statement to a specific figure. "You better kneel down. You can't outwit a wise, intelligent hunter, especially the alpha."

The audience shivered in pleasure while I expected President Snow to smirk as we spoke. Caesar shuddered for the show, deciding best to randomly select another question. "This one wants to confirm the gossip between you and Finnick Odair. You and Finnick have become a celebrity couple in the first two years since winning. Are you two officially an item?"

I burst out laughing at a silly question. "Oh, forgive me."

"I take that as a no?"

I took a deep breath, "No, Finnick and I are not in a relationship, hardly close in being a thing. Finnick and I are personally and forever more friends. In fact, I consider him a brother. Besides, if you asked him if he loves me? The response will be as any guy who loves to annoy his little sister. Also, can you keep a secret?"

"I'm sure your secret is safe with us?" Caesar murmured, eyeing everyone who leaned closer in their chair to hear the secret about The Finnick Odair.

"Well, Finnick," I murmured, looking over my shoulder to ensure Finnick wasn't here for the tease, then leaned back to Caesar. "Says a beautiful Siren has captivated his body and soul."

The audience gasped, the females crossing their fingers as Caesar asked. "Do you know who the siren is?"

"No, though I think I broke my promise. Guess I'm dead now."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because two can keep a secret if one of us is dead." I sang, doing hand signals and pretending I was innocent. The girls shriek, thinking one of them captivated Finnick Odair. But let it be known these women have nothing compared to the pure beauty of sweet Annie.

Caesar covered his mouth, saying Oops, and afterward fetched another question. "Alright, last question. So, Blaine, tell me, is there a special man you're dating?"

"I'm afraid not," I answered casually.

This surprised Caesar, "No, I don't believe it for a second. A gorgeous woman like yourself. Blaine, tell me."

"Well, there is this one guy I like," I confessed with a small smile, thinking of the individual.

"Oh, I do like to hear about this?" Caesar exaggerated. "Tell me about this man that caught your eye?"

"Well, he is somebody I didn't expect at first. We knew each other when we were kids however lost contact. It was recently, did I see him again. He's different, somebody who is like a black sheep. At first, he intrigued me… him being a brilliant, enigmatic, lovely person. Then I became infatuated with him; his calm and normal demeanor masks a madman. But something changed. I don't know when, but when I'm around him, I feel…. Tranquil. Something about his character shows a different side of trust and loyalty. It's something I can't quite explain. He sees me in a way that I don't see myself, knowing me better than I do.

"One asked me if I believed in love at first sight. I consider that to be silly. But now…. love can be different…. I don't know what I feel for him…it isn't the love we know. There's this border which I-we hardly understand. When I'm with him, he's like my other, a friend, companion, and partner. As if Cupid let Philotes decide our fate. Although the analogy might not be proper."

"Are you afraid of commitment?" Caesar asked, wiping a tear.

I smiled sadly, "It seems so. Love is rare, and I barely saw it growing up. I remembered how Haymitch would show his affection and love toward my mother. But that was a long time ago. Now…. Everything seems different. I love my father and my friends."

"But you never experience the love of a single man who you want to spend forever with? True romance," Caesar murmured sincerely. "Only time will tell."

"Thank you," I said.

Suddenly the buzzer rang, announcing that was the end of our discussion. I mentally smacked myself, realizing I had lost myself, and told Panem about my love life. Terrific. Here comes the fan mail on love advice and hate mail on why I didn't choose them. Then I realized Cinna was watching this and heard everything.

Oh crap, I thought.

"Well, best of luck to you, Blaine, and I think I speak for all of Panem when I say our heart goes with yours," Caesar said, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles the moment the lights went out.

.o0o.

After the interview, I wasn't in the mood for the after-show. So, telling Caesar during the commercial break of the sudden absence that Simon contacted me for an emergency rehearsal for the Concert. Caesar bought the bluff before walking back on stage for his second guest. With a smile, I headed towards the parking lot with Effie and Portia, where Hermes picked us up. The paparazzi scavenged the area, flashing their cameras while reporters asked questions. Luckily Caesar's show won't be broadcasted for another hour due to sound editing and commercial decision.

Once inside the limo, I sighed and relaxed on the leather seat. Portia took a seat across from me, holding the bag of my previous attire. Effie closed the door panting on the lack of physical work from modeling. You may be surprised that Effie used to be a model. Now she does a part-time job for Capitol Couture in the latest fashion. She giggled, locked the door, and told Hermes to drive.

"Oh, wasn't that great, Blaine," Effie praised. "I couldn't believe it. Some gentleman captured your heart. Who is he?"

"That's classified information," I breathed, still scolding myself for announcing my love life.

"Oh, come now, we're best friends. You can tell me?" Effie is pressured into her gossip state of mind.

"Effie, maybe the reason why I'm not telling you is because you might throw me under the bus."

"I would never do that!" she exclaimed, outraged at such an accusation. I gave her a look that Haymitch taught me. Effie stopped blabbering and looked down, "Okay, maybe a little with my friends."

"Which becomes gossip that changes into poison," I told her. "Besides, I don't know if he'll agree with me."

Effie either didn't know what to say or felt like it was the end of the discussion. Portia stepped in and changed the subject as she discussed the latest trends. Their conversation disappeared as I focused on the purring of the engine. On the ice box lay a bouquet of flowers. Curiously I picked them up to discover they were sunflowers. I stiffened at the sight of the four small sunflowers remembering the last time I saw them. Dark memories invaded my mind, 'The sunflower is a favorite emblem of constancy.'

"Who are those from?" Portia asked.

I picked up the card, to my attention, to see a symbol. I thought it was Katniss's mockingjay pin, but a closer examination found it wasn't a mockingjay. Or at least Katniss Mockingjay pin design. It definitely was a bird from the features inked in black with crest wings spread out. If I didn't know any better, I presumed it was a Jabberjay. I can't be absolutely clear about the insignia characteristic and lack of details.

Jabberjays were male birds that were created in Capitol labs to spy on enemies and rebels of the Capitol. They had the ability to memorize and repeat entire human conversations. They were used to gather words and information from the rebels. An absolute surgical weapon during the Dark Days. However, when the rebels figured it out and compromised the project with lies. In the end, Jabberjays went extinct except for their descendants of the Mockingjay. What a pitiful bird. Something that was so beautiful, only to be terminated on false information. Being used on both ends of the playing field.

But then I recall getting a letter similar to the card. The text feels identical, as well as the insignia. Was this from JJ? The last time I received a message from the individual was the Games. As the person left a warning about the Quarter Quells.

"Well, who's it from?" Effie asked again.

"No name," I answered. "Must be one of those anonymous admirers."

"The sunflower is a favorite emblem of constancy." By Thomas Bulfinch.

"Two can keep a secret if one of us is dead." By The Pierces

'If you can't face the wolves, don't go into the forest.' Nikolai/ Alex Udinov-Nikita

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