Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games

Chapter 41: Encore

Blaine's POV

All interviews and social events have been canceled. The disappointment on Effie's face was amusing. I felt a bit sorry for her since she is a social butterfly and enjoys all the events we get invited to. For me, I consider it a reprieve.

The mornings were spent with Finnick, Johanna, and Miya. We all have breakfast together and then head down to the training floor. It was practically empty, with a few peacekeepers who secured the Training Center. Some would consider this cheating, but it was an opportunity for us.

I remember the first day. Finnick went straight to the tridents. Johanna for the axes. Miya stared at me, wondering where I was going to go. I was intending to work on my knife throwing. Short blades and knives were my weapon. I wasn't a hunter like Finnick and the Careers. Nor was I a scavenger. I was somewhere in between, the same with Johanna.

"You should go to the archery room," I told Miya.

Miya looked down, "Archery wasn't my thing."

I paused, looking at her since she killed the last tribute with a bow and arrow.

"Chance was into the bow," Miya mumbled. "He tried to teach me when we had a chance."

I took a deep breath and sighed, a girl filled with terrible luck. As if with every negative, there is a positive. However, that positive is filled with scars.

"What was your weapon then?" I asked.

Miya looked down, flustered.

I took a deep breath and took her hand, showing her the knife area. Knives and blades were easy to get, especially with sponsors providing them. I spent those days teaching her. How to hold a knife. How an overhand grip is good when coming down. But an underhand hold makes things easier to slash and jab. Most of all, I showed her how to throw a knife.

And how to stab someone in their vital places. Finnick was generous enough to be a dummy as I took a blunt knife. We stood in front of each other.

"If you're killing face to face, you need to go underneath the sternum or between the ribs," I explained.

Miya was confused, so Finnick being Finnick, took his shirt off and pointed where to stab. "Right here, Miss Miya.

Miya blushed at that. Johanna stood there laughing.

I moved slowly to show where to stab Finnick, "Aim straight up and into the heart."

Though I stopped in the middle of his chest, using my other hand to point at the location. "But avoid the breast bone." I stared at Miya, making sure she was paying attention. "You get your knife stuck in that soft part on the top; you'll be without the knife."

Miya nodded, taking this in. I gestured her over, handing the knife to her. She took the knife and hesitantly went for the move, "Right there."

Finnick stepped back to avoid the strike, and Johann laughed, "Whoa, don't kill him yet. Wait until the lesson's over."

I chuckled as I took the knife back and moved behind Finnick, "This is how you kill someone from behind."

I gestured for Miya to follow and examined Finnick's back. She was still blushing since Finnick was lean, toned, and slightly muscular. I pressed against the back of Finnick's hips.

"Hey, take me on a date before you get handsy," he teased.

I snorted, doing it again, "Now, this spot in the back. Either side will do. Do you see where all the ribs are and such?"

Miya nodded, analyzing Finnick's back.

"This area will be difficult when you stab him in the back," I explained. "For a quicker kill, you must go for the lungs and heart. However, they are protected by the ribs, making it very difficult."

I took the small knife, setting the blade between my fingers to give the illusion of ribs, "Slip the knife between the ribs, see?"

Miya nodded.

"Like I said, it is hard."

Miya bit her bottom lip.

"However, just under the last rib," I explained, setting the blade under Finnick's last rib. "You stab upward and into the kidney."

As I did that, Finnick jumped slightly from the pressure.

"Straight up," I added.

Miya was surprised by this.

I handed her the knife.

She placed her hand on Finnick's lower back, feeling for the last rib, "Okay." She took the knife, mimicking what I did, "Straight up and in." As she poked Finnick with the blunt knife.

Finnick laughed, "Any lower, and we might have gone to a home run."

Miya stuttered as she stumbled back.

"Finnick!" I scolded. "Jailbait!"

Finnick and Johanna laughed at this.

I shook my head, staring at a very red, blushing Miya.

Anyway, we taught Miya some tricks on how to use weapons and training. Johanna and I fought, doing hand-to-hand combat. And with a weapon. We also showed Miya survival skills, as Finnick explained knotting and netting. Johanna on specific plants. And I on camping in drastic weather.

It should be wrong to teach Miya these skills. Hell, if she was reaped, she might die in the blood bath or the next day. I doubt Johanna or Finnick would dare kill Miya…at least not in the bloodbath, maybe in the final three. It would be a struggle for all of us since we had bonded with the girl.

None of us want to die.

And more importantly, we don't want to kill one another.

We tried to avoid the conversation.

Therefore, we keep to the schedule to train and help Miya on how to survive.

By midday, Miya and I were in the studio to work on her album. Simon was determined to get as much music as he could from us. It seems Simon wanted to preserve our legacy in case….in case we get Reaped. In fact, he didn't seem excited about the Quarter Quells. Instead, he seemed irritated, containing the fury he saved for stupid mistakes.

When I approached Simon asking for a favor, he seemed interested. As I asked him for a specific song that was in the vault. One would say this was dangerous, except Simon is well known; he was safe. He might deal with a fine. But I need the music for one song. A song that I sang out of spite. A covey song.

Simon smirked, agreeing to the terms. Promising he will have the music as the encore. If this was going to be my last concert. I will choose the final song.

We even went to another booth to practice the song again. I heard the guitar drumming in the headphones as I sang one of my favorite songs. The Covey told me it belonged to a member. Someone they loved but cannot say their name. The Covey was complicated, as they could shun a member or be quiet about someone for protection. I assumed the person who wrote this song did something to irk the government so that even saying their name would put others at risk.

I wish I knew the singer. Their songs held so many emotions, so when I sang their songs, President Snow took action to remove them. There was another song I would sing, but I wouldn't dare sing to the Capitol. Yet I remembered Granny Maude and I would sing. Lucy warned me that this song was once true and held consequences.

But that is not the song I will sing to the Capitol for my encore.

By afternoon I was back to rehearsals. Making sure my last weekend was perfect to my standards. After the rehearsals, Simon ensured everyone was absent as we planned for the encore. We decided that I would hold the microphone and move around the stage. No choreography. No blitzes and glams. Just me on stage like I did the first time.

When nighttime came, Cinna would come by. We had dinner, and on occasion, Johanna and Miya would join. Cinna truly set the bar, even when Johanna kept testing him. She doesn't trust anyone from the Capitol. Not even her escort for District 7, not that I can blame her. Yet Cinna does not respond to the jabs like Effie or other Capitol citizens would do. Just bobs his head and replies casually. However, Finnick had told Johanna about my relationship with Cinna. The moment Cinna left, Johanna said.

"Out of all the dicks… you go for a Capitol."

I sighed as I tried to explain Cinna was different. He wasn't flamboyant. Yes, the clothes he makes fit Capitol Couture, but he is different. Hell, his clothes are simply black. The only makeup he wears is golden eyeliner. But the rest of him was simple. He's empathic, despite not showing his emotions. He has been supportive and challenged me in ways I do not understand.

Johanna sighed.

"Please don't tell anyone," I pleaded. "President Snow had already threatened him."

"Then why are you still with him?" She muttered. "Why put him in danger?"

"You don't think I haven't tried," I grumbled, crossing my arms.

Johanna snorted at that.

I sighed, "He has sewn his way in."

She scoffed, shaking her head at the metaphor, then sighed, "Look. Just be careful. I came here for a cat. Don't expect me to comfort you if he dies or breaks up with you."

I nodded, scared at the thought of the Capitol killing Cinna.

"But if he does break up with you, he better run fast, or I am chasing him with an ax."

I couldn't help but laugh at that.

Anyway, once my friends leave, Cinna would spend the night a few times or stay late. We were still keeping our relationship a secret. We mainly cuddle, not discussing the Quarter Quells. Although gentle kisses turned into having sex. I felt him all over me, inside and out. How Cinna worshiped my body instead of taking it for his own. Every time I tried to please him, I only got to kiss and feel his body, yet he never let me perform oral. It was always about my needs instead of his. It was strange to get all the attention, yet Cinna kept telling me to let go and relax.

Afterward, we cuddle some more until late at night or in the early hours to freshen up. Always ensuring I was awake, kissing me one last time until later that evening. Someone finds this a mistress situation. The hidden woman. There were clients who treated me like that, some being married and all. However, this was not an affair. No, it was a precaution.

Seeing how the Star-Crossed Lovers were glorified in the Capitol is disturbing. Let alone how the Capitol took my relationship with Seneca obsessively. But my relationship with Cinna is only for us. No one else. I want to be selfish. I don't want others to know about us. Most of all, I don't want President Snow to know the full details.

It was common for Stylists to stay with the Victors at the Training Center. The Avoxes show loyalty to keep the secret. And there were no security cameras in the apartments. Here, we were safe…even for a moment.

However, the moment I finish my concert…the next day, I'll be back in District Twelve. We can communicate, but it won't be the same since anyone with power could eavesdrop. Let alone unable to hold each other until I am summoned to the Capitol. It pains me, so I am taking advantage of this experience.

Even if it is my last.

For if my name is Reaped…I know I will not make it out alive. I might have been able to beat Enobaria and Cashmere. But there is no chance of surviving against Gloss, Brutus, or Augustus. I could imagine Johanna, Finnick, and I forming an alliance. Maybe get Blight as well. However, it would be either Mags or Annie joining, too, since Finnick couldn't abandon them. Also, Miya if she gets reap. Our goal would probably be killing the Careers, then going our separate ways, and dealing with the Arena.

In the First Quarter Quell, the environment was the first rubble city. One of the locations that were bombed by the rebels had been abandoned. The Vegetation takes over, and mutts are roaming around. If you go inside the abandoned factories, there is a chance the metal flooring will weaken beneath your feet, and you will fall to your death. But most of all, the booby traps.

The Second Quarter Quell took place in a meadow surrounded by mountains. Haymitch called it "the most breathtaking place imaginable." However, everything was lethally poisonous, from the plants to the water in the stream, down to the animals. And let's not forget the snow capped mountain that turned out to be a deadly volcano.

So, what will the Third Quarter Quells' Arena be? It wouldn't be a repeat of the last decade. No doubt much different than a typical arena. Especially now that Plutarch Heavansbee is involved. Seneca had talked about the Arena during our date, mentioning an island or a cove. In other words, tropical. Therefore, it would be wet and poisonous, no doubt.

The worst part is...I don't know how to swim.

I seriously hope swimming is not involved.

.o0o.

It was the last concert, and I sat in the dressing room with Portia. She was going over hair and makeup, the same ritual we have always done since doing these concerts. Portia set the brush down and looked at me.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

I sighed, "I'm fine."

Portia looked at me, "Blaine."

"Just this might be my last concert," I murmured.

Portia nodded, understanding I might not be here after the Quarter Quells next year. My last performance. Only this time, my last song will be my choice. If I could, all the songs I sing tonight are the ones I value the most. Songs from the Covey and music that Simon and I composed together. Songs that I enjoy singing. Yet the carbon dioxide has risen, and this Canary can get one song of her choice.

I know the concert is called Lament.

And this song is not a lament or a ballad.

And it may hold consequences.

Not enough to kill, but I know it will make my life complicated.

Cinna soon came in, holding a dressing bag. I looked at him. It was the final dress for the concert. I never got a chance to see it, except for in smock form when doing alteration. Cinna has decided to recreate my first concert dress. The outfit I wore before drowning in dark colors.

"Is that what I think it is," I asked.

Cinna nodded as he pulled the dress out of the bag to reveal it. It was a T-length gown in a soft lavender color, adorned with beads and floral appliques. The dress had a fitted sheer bodice, collared neckline, and bishop sleeves with puffed accents. The pleated T-length silhouette skirt flares and flutters beautifully for a fabulous look. The previous dress had soft green and pink floral appliques. However, in this dress, the flowers were assorted in a rainbow of colors that were natural in the wild but didn't clash with the lavender. As I could identify the poppies, butterflyweed, yarrow, and asters. On the bodice, for the gem buttons, I realized they were snowdrops.

"It's beautiful," I said. "Thank you."

Cinna gave a sincere smile, "You're welcome."

Although he altered the dress from the original, it still brought back memories of Chanel's gowns that were not dark. One of the few dresses she made filled with color. For so long, I have been wearing dark colors, and now Cinna and Portia have been working hard to bring color back into my closet.

"I'll be backstage helping you with the costume change," Cinna promised.

I nodded, wishing I could give him a kiss. Even if Portia is in the room suspecting a relationship or already knows, but doesn't say it aloud. Either way, we finished getting ready, and I was escorted below the stage.

It was the same as any concert as I was raised onto the stage and sang all the songs I had been singing in the last several weeks. The crowd was cheering, yet they did not vanish in the darkness. Instead, the lights were dimmed, revealing the Capitol Citizens holding signs. The signs read we love you! Volunteer! Save the Star-Crossed Lovers! In the light, the audience was divided for me to compete in the Hunger Games. All this undulatory love for a character that I had created.

The Lady of Ashes.

They want her to live or fight.

Not Blaine Abernathy.

I held back my emotions, focusing on the music, yet it could be heard in my voice. Even on the lament songs, the audience was singing along as well. Their cries, as if they knew this was my last concert. My eyes watered, even though I had a complicated relationship with the Capitol. A breakup under the circumstances.

I glance at the booths seeing Miya, Johanna, and Finnick with mixed emotions. Not expecting this as well. Anyway, I will continue my performance. Singing songs and costume changes. When it came to the finale, I sat on the piano singing, "Is it Just a Game"

Singing as tears fell from the crowd.

Once I was done singing, I got off the piano and faced the crowd.

"I want to thank you all who have supported me since winning my game." I addressed the crowd.

The audience cheered.

"The news of the Quarter Quells is quite surprising if we all agree."

The crowd made their opinions known.

"And so, this could be my last concert."

They cried.

"But before I end this night, I want to sing a song from my first concert. A song I only sang once to you all." I explained. "But first, costume change."

The music played as I rushed off stage, where Cinna and Portia waited. They helped me strip the jeweled gown and into the lavender dress. Portia adjusted my hair, putting on a butterfly clip. Cinna secured the dress to make sure it fitted properly. We glanced at each other and nodded in agreement for this disruption that was about to come our way.

With nothing else to say, I walked back on stage, hearing the crowd scream with excitement to see my folk dress. I stood center holding the microphone.

"This song is dedicated to all the victors."

A guitar strummed, knowing Simon secured the sound system for this encore.

I took a deep breath and sang:

You can't take my past.

You can't take my history.

You could take my ma,

But her name's a mystery.

Nothing you can take from me was ever worth keeping.

o

You can't take my charm.

You can't take my humor.

You can't take my wealth,

'Cause it's just a rumor.

Nothing you can take from me was ever worth keeping.

o

Thinking you're so fine.

Thinking you can have mine.

Thinking you're in control.

Thinking you'll change me, maybe rearrange me.

Think again, if that's your goal,

'Cause...

o

You can't take my sass.

You can't take my talking.

You can kiss my ass

And then keep on walking.

Nothing you can take from me was ever worth keeping.

o

No, sir,

Nothing you can take me from me is worth dirt.

Take it, 'cause I'd give it free. It won't hurt.

Nothing you can take from me was ever worth keeping!

After finishing the song, I was back at the center of the stage. I crossed my legs, spread my arms out wide, and bowed. The audience cheered, not expecting such an old song. And with that, the lights went out, ending the concert.

.o0o.

"I can't believe you sang that song," Effie scolded as Portia helped me change.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Effie huffed, correcting her wig, "You were told not to sing that song long ago, missy."

I shrugged, "I thought it was best to end my final concert with my first song."

"I see your point." She grumbled.

I nodded.

"Also, I've never seen the audience like that." She added.

"Yeah," I sighed, remembering the signs.

Volunteer.

Don't Volunteer.

We love you.

I love you.

Marry me.

All these signs have me conflicted. I don't want to go into the Arena in the first place. Yet, as a recently turned twenty-two-year-old, having roughly six years from Katniss. I was a legal adult while she was still considered a child. A teenager. She is engaged. Has a true family. As for me, to the public, I was single. I only had Haymitch for an intermediate family. The Covey would be considered distant, with Aunty Barb Azure being the last of my blood relatives.

Between Katniss and I…she has everything to lose.

But I don't want to die.

I do not want to murder my friends and colleagues.

Only fate will decide.

After changing, Effie escorted me outside, where people waited to get pictures and sign autographs. I did as I could as I was being led to the limo. I kept my mask on, smiling until reaching the limo. I got inside when the door slammed shut roughly. This was not good, as the scent of blood and roses filled the air. Looking across the vehicle, to see none other than President Snow.

I inhale sharply, not expecting to see him.

"President Snow," I greeted.

"Blaine," he replied.

"What can I do for you?" I asked, taking a seat.

He tapped his knuckles on the driver's window, which made the vehicle move. I sat there staring at the serpent man, wondering what he was thinking. My last song has undoubtedly upset him to the point that he left his manor to confront me. I know there was a chance. But I had other songs that could rile a nation, and yet I chose that one song.

"Seems you brought back an old song," he noted.

"I have," I replied. "I thought I should end my final concert with the first song I sang."

President Snow's serpent eyes illuminated, "And why not the song you sang in the arena."

He was referring to the Song of Exile, the song I sang to Michael. It was personal, one I do not sing to the public. I glared at him but didn't say anything.

President Snow sighed, "I had expected some of the victors to retaliate over the announcement of the Quarter Quells."

"In fact, I'm surprised you would consider yourself being reaped." He added.

"Like before," I reminded. I know my game was rigged from the beginning. Since Haymitch managed to grab a handful of the raffle slips, to discover the majority of the slips had my name in them. "Like the last rigging."

"And you proved me wrong," he assured. "Besides, you will not be reaped. I assure you of it."

My eyes widen when hearing this.

"How do I know you are not lying," I challenged.

His serpent eyes narrowed, "We agreed not to lie to one another. I have been honest with you since the beginning."

"Not everything," I countered.

He sighed, "You remind me of someone."

"And who is that?" I asked. "You keep mentioning I reminded you of someone but never say their name."

His face became sterned, "I'm surprised they have never told you."

"They?"

"The Covey," he replied, that held familiarity.

My eyes widened. He knows about the Covey. How would he know about them?

"You see when you were reaped, it was to punish Haymitch for what he did in the Second Quarter Quells. When I became president, I wanted to ensure he knew his place. However, you surprised me. How you acted during your interview and in the Arena reminded me of someone I used to know."

"And that person would be?"

"Lucy Gray Baird."

I stared at him, confused, "The first victor of District Twelve."

President Snow nodded, "I'm sure you know the history of the Hunger Games."

I nodded.

"On the Tenth Hunger Games, The Academy allowed twenty-four students to mentor the tributes. Lucy Gray Baird was my Tribute. So, when I saw you, you resembled her to the point I thought you were her granddaughter. How disappointed I was to discover you were not her granddaughter but her cousin. And yet, I got some closure in the end."

Lucy Gray Baird…. she's my cousin, I thought in shock.

"I may have lost the songbird, doesn't mean I will lose you, Canary," he assured. "You make a profit for me in more ways than one. Shame not all my plans go hand in hand, especially with Seneca's failures."

I clench my fists into my thighs, glaring at him.

"Either way, you will not be reaped," he assured. "You are too valuable."

"And what about Finnick," I asked harshly. "He is your prized prostitute."

"A pawn I'm willing to give," he answered.

My eyes widened.

"And knowing Finnick, his odds are higher than any of the victors," he added. "I see him in the final five."

I glared at him, then bowed my head to glare at my knees. I was going to survive the Quarter Quells, while my friends…my closest friends will die in the Arena. All because one victor challenged the Capitol to change the rules.

"This is an execution," I whispered. "For Katniss."

"Sacrifices have to be made for the greater good," President Snow explained. "There have been too many riots in the outer districts. There is chaos that needs to be maintained. To be controlled. The only way to contain the chaos is to eliminate what caused it."

"So, you will kill Katniss and twenty-three other victors to make a statement," I accused.

President Snow nodded.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked.

He leaned forward, his hands resting on the cane before him. "I think the best punishment for you is knowing that you will live while every Victor you know will die."

My breath hitched while my eyes watered.

"Also, you will not volunteer," he added.

I looked up, staring at him in bewilderment.

"You will not volunteer," he repeated. "If you dare volunteer, I'll make sure everyone in the Covey suffers. Do you understand me?"

I inhale sharply.

"Do you?" he demanded.

"Yes, sir," I forced out.

He sat up straight, correcting his posture, "Good. Now let's keep this between us."

The limo soon reached the Training Center, yet the door remained locked.

"And Blaine," President Snow murmured. "We don't want others to get involved."

I tensed but nodded as an Avox driver got out of the vehicle and opened the door for me.

"Good night, Blaine," President Snow said. "Enjoy your break back in District Twelve."

"Good night, sir," I forced out before exiting the limo.

Two peacekeepers waited at the door and gestured for me to come in. I did not argue or resist as they escorted me to the elevator and pressed the twelfth button. With nothing else to say, I was launched up alone. The anger was burning inside me as I maintained my composure. Once the doors opened, I entered the apartment and slammed the door shut.

I took a deep breath and screamed at the top of my lungs.

This is a new chapter that is not in the original. For the record, President Snow does not have romantic feelings for Blaine. He likes controlling her since she reminds him of Lucy Gray. Turn her into something useful for him.

Song used:

Nothing You Can't Take From Me by Lucy Gray/Suzanne Collins

What do you all think?

Thanks for reading, and please leave a review.