Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games

Chapter 43: Until Next Time

Blaine's POV

The following morning, I felt dread. When I opened my eyes, I stared at Cinna, finding him still asleep. I continue to stare at him, burning this image into my memory. Wondering what life would have been like if we had met in another world without the Hunger Games. Without the Capitol. Without President Snow.

How our life would have been peaceful.

A heavy sigh escaped his lips as his arm around my waist pulled me closer. I bit my lip, trying not to snicker, as he was still asleep. Moments like these I cherished. Savoring the warmth of his body. Breathing in his scent of the colon he wears. Practically everything.

However, the world is cruel as it wants to drag us back into reality. Lifting my head a little to see it was nine-thirty-two in the morning. Effie said she would pick me up around eleven since my train departs at noon. But I do not want to move. Especially this moment.

In the end, I had to get ready. So slowly, I tried to sneak out of Cinna's hold. Only for him to pull me back in. I almost shrieked as his second arm wrapped around me, securing me to his form. Followed by his lips on my neck. I gasped and moaned.

"Cinna," I squeaked.

His lips move to my ear, "It's too early."

"It's past nine-thirty," I chuckled. "I need to get ready."

"Must we," he murmured, then nipped my ear.

I gasped, "Cinna."

He chuckled, "Very well."

He let me go and sat up, giving a stretch. I lay there watching how his muscles moved, especially the black bird. As if it was flapping its wings. I sat up and traced my finger on it. Trying to figure out what kind of bird it was. Cinna tensed, not expecting my touch.

I kissed his shoulder, "What kind of bird is it?"

"Hmm," he replied. "Just a blackbird."

"Just a blackbird?" I murmured. "Not a raven or a crow?"

Cinna took my hand, entwining our fingers, and kissed my knuckles, "Just a blackbird."

I don't recall what a black bird's appearance is. Yet now I could see the details of a dark bluish hew along the head down to its neck. The feathers on the head are crested. Last, I recall, crows and ravens are not crested. I try to think of what kind of bird would be black that exists. Maybe it was some kind of extinct bird?

Anyway, I got out of bed and got ready for the day. I'm heading to the bathroom to do my morning routine and freshen up. Although, the shower took longer than expected, with Cinna joining me in the shower. Nothing happened as we took our time washing ourselves. Afterwards, we dried off and got dressed.

Once ready, we went to the dining room to have breakfast. Shiloh mewed around our feet until Cinna poured a bowl of milk and set it on the ground. I smiled at this. Appreciating Cinna taking care of the cat. We ate in peace.

Time seemed to fly when eleven o'clock was around the corner. Knowing Effie will be here sharp on the clock, I savor what I had with Cinna. As we wrapped ourselves around each other, savoring a kiss. Like we were two teenagers.

"I'll see you in a few months," Cinna promised, kissing me.

I kissed him back as we stood by the door. "Damn the restrictions."

Cinna chuckled, "Indeed. Otherwise, I would be visiting you more often."

I smiled at that. Yet the Capitol made it law that Citizens must stay in their district of origin. The only exceptions were the Peacekeepers and high-ranking government officials. With temporary passes to the victors, escorts, and tributes. Otherwise, everyone was stuck.

It wasn't long before we could open the elevator door. We pulled away, keeping the disguise of being coworkers. Effie could be heard as she came into the area.

"Ah, ready to go?" Effie asked.

I sighed, picked Shiloh up, and faced Cinna, "See you later."

"I'm only a phone call away," he reminded.

I nodded, though I must be careful in our communication, knowing our calls are not private. With a final goodbye, Effie led me into the Limo, where Hermes drove us to the train station. I focused on Shiloh. I do not want to look at the Capitol being festive during winter. My thoughts linger on Cinna.

Something definitely changed between Cinna and me after the reading and the intimate nights we shared. I can't quite call it official, but I believe that I hold feelings for Cinna more than friends and more than dating couples. However, I'm somewhat afraid of the commitment and uncertain if there was possibly going to be us in the future.

When we got to the train station, I thanked Hermes, grabbing my things and cat. Effie led the way to the train, where the attendant took my things and carried them in. She then looked at me with a sincere smile. She placed her hands on my shoulders.

"Oh, Blaine," she said, taking a deep breath. "Take care and make sure the others are prepared."

"I will," I assured her.

Her eyes watered as she cradled my face. She put on a show supporting the Quarter Quells all this time, but now she was not hiding it. Then again, she has formed a bond with us victors from District 12. Let alone she will blindly choose between Katniss and me, along with Haymitch and Peeta.

There was nothing we could do with these barbaric games. Not until the last Quarter Quells. And from what Seneca told me, there are at least a hundred quarter quells. Doing the math, that would be 2,500 Hunger Games. And we are already Seventy-five games in.

Effie pecked my cheek and patted Shiloh on the head, "Goodbye, for now."

I nodded, giving her a slight hug, which startled the woman, yet she hugged me back. I wish I could tell her that I was safe. But doing so will put her at risk.

Therefore, I held her close to assure her I would get everyone prepared for the upcoming Hunger Games. With nothing else to say, we gave one more squeeze before I got on the train. There is a lot that needs to be discussed. Especially having a conversation with Haymitch and the Covey.

I need to know about Lucy Gray.

I need to know what happened to her.

The disturbing fact was that President Snow turned me into her.

A songbird in his cage.

.o0o.

After a day, I arrived at District 12. Securing my things, the box of videos, and Shiloh, I made my way back to Victors' Village. It was the early hours as the miners made their way for their shift or returned home. It took some time, as I made it home, after dropping my things and Shiloh off before seeing Haymitch.

As usual, Haymitch was drunk, only this time, he was slouched on the couch. The weather did not permit a bucket of water. So, I grabbed one of the decorative pillows and smacked him hard in the face to wake him. Followed by taking a massive step back as Haymitch thrashed upward, going through his episode.

Once settled, he turned to face me, "Oh, you're back."

"Wow, so much love," I replied.

He gave a slight smile before opening his arms. Not hesitating, I embraced him, needing this. We don't express ourselves that easily until it comes to moments like these. Where you need a parent and a father's protection. I shed so many tears that my eyes only watered. We basically sat down, holding each other. As I rubbed his back while he returned the favor.

Time seemed to vanish. As it brought back memories of when I was first reaped. Back on the train, Haymitch held my hand. And once more on the night before the actual game. Having to go through this is heartbreaking. Only the circumstances are different. Instead of Haymitch watching out for me…there is a chance I have to be his mentor.

We pulled back, staring at one another. A lot needs to be said, but at the same time, none should be said.

Until Haymitch told me that Katniss and Peeta came to him. At different times for different purposes. Peeta wants Haymitch to save Katniss, while Katniss wants to save Peeta. In other words, Katniss was asking Haymitch to volunteer. Although, I did chuckle to hear when Peeta went on a fit of getting Haymitch and Katniss in shape. Then again, Peeta's been using my gym to stay in shape.

But I had to ask, "What did you tell them?"

Haymitch sighed, "I told Peeta I'll do what I can if Katniss gets reaped just the same as I will do for you. The boy was in tears. He knows he can never forgive himself if you girls die."

I felt dread consume me, yet I grabbed a bottle of alcohol and took a swig.

"And Katniss?" I asked. "What did you tell her?"

Haymitch was hesitant as he didn't look me in the eye, "If they call his name, I'll volunteer in his place."

I inhale sharply.

"But they call my name, and Peeta volunteers, there's nothing I can do," he added.

I heave a heavy sigh, knowing there was a possibility that Peeta would do that. Especially when I know Katniss will be going into the arena.

"And I have one request from you," he added.

I looked at him.

"No matter how much anyone asks, do not volunteer for Katniss." He said sternly.

"Dad," I started.

But he interrupted me, "I had to sit by and watch you fight and survive in that arena. I can not do it again. I failed my promise to your mother. Not again."

His eyes were watery. Not only for his trauma from his game, but to stand by and watch his only child compete must have been torture.

"I won't," I promised.

Haymitch nodded as he took the bottle from me, taking a swig.

There is a chance this will be our last year together. As Haymitch might be going into the arena. And knowing my father…. he will not survive. Even if he made it out of the bloodbath, he is not the young man he used to be. And I have to accept that I will be losing my intermediate family. All I had was Haymitch.

Except for the Covey, my inner conscious thought.

The Covey. The family I try to avoid them for their own protection. And one of their members is my forgotten cousin.

Cautiously, I stared at Haymitch, "What do you know about Lucy Grey Baird?"

He paused, trying to remember, "She was the first victor. Killed by the mayor, and her body never found again."

"That's it?" I asked.

"And…your mother was named after her," he answered. "Maude used to say she looked like Lucy or something."

My eyes widen when I hear this, "Anything else?"

Haymitch shrugged, taking a gulp of spirit, "Your mom barely talked about their past. At least when the family was concerned. Not even Maude talked about her cousin. But from what Clerk said one time…they don't talk about Lucy Gray because they were threatened to never talk about her again."

I frown, if not scowled, when hearing this.

"Why the interest in a dead woman?" he asked curiously.

I thought about it but decided not to tell him the truth. So, I shook my head. "It's nothing."

Haymitch arched his brow but didn't continue.

"What have the troublemakers planned?" I asked.

Haymitch groaned, "Well, supposedly, this will be the last night I will drink."

I gave him a look to elaborate.

"They told me the moment you come back, I will have to be sober." He announced.

I snorted, "Have mercy on us all."

Haymitch scowled at that, for we all know that Haymitch going through detox is a nightmare. I would know from experience. After the peacekeepers threatened to take me into the district custody, he tried to be sober. Until he got sick to get sober, and things were fine despite the nightmares that woke me up at night. Then summer came, and then the Games, thus back to drinking. In moderation. Enough for a deep sleep but to function for my sake.

And my game came, and I survived. Once, by law, I was of age after winning. Did he go back to heavy drinking after a year of my depression? Then I took over, and he was drunk again.

But it must be done. Haymitch needs to be sober for the games. I doubt any of the older victors are considering it. But even with age, District 1 and District 2 victors are not merciful. Brutus is around that age, and he is fit like a beast. Age doesn't mean moderation stops them. They stayed in shape, healthy, and prepared. As if they knew this could happen.

I sighed. If what I recall from Seneca's statement about the upcoming Quarter Quells ... .it was a tropical theme. Still, we all need to get into shape. We need to renew our skills in fighting. However, we have less than two seasons to prepare. Two seasons to get our affairs in order.

Two seasons of losing my father or a friend I consider as a little brother from District 12.

Let alone my friends from the other districts.

As well as the burden that President Snow put on me that I have been pardoned while Katniss Everdeen is sentenced to die. All because she pulled out the nightlock to challenge the Capitol. There were so many secrets that were eating me alive. And the knowledge that I will be losing my friends and family while I stay here.

Something told me my safety was no longer what it used to be. Even though I am not going into the Games, I can't get this feeling that I will not survive. Either in body or spirit, I was going to die in some way. Maybe in a year, maybe in five. But if President Snow doesn't find any use in it, I was going to be dead.

It is only a matter of time.

We all have been playing this dangerous game.

A controlled chaos that none of us can escape.

All because we victors contain hope and survival.

And we are all falling into extinction.

Because one could not follow the rules.

Sorry for the short chapter. It's more of a filler, really.

Thanks for reading, and please leave a review.