Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged
Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games
Chapter 49: The Victor Parade
Blaine's POV
The new training center was massive. Far more massive than ever before, I question if it was meant for housing Tributes. When we entered, I had a sense that we were being watched. Everywhere we went on our way to the Penthouse held cameras. I scowled at this since the last Training Center had the standard amount.
Also, the change in the schedule. As the Quarter Quells will start tomorrow for the Victors' Parade. Thus, we were escorted here and into our apartment. Once more, it was filled with luxury and the latest home décor. Katniss and Peeta went to their room while I explored the apartment. Scanning the area for any signs of cameras or bugs. Haymitch seemed to get the same idea as we swept the area.
We didn't find anything except the ones at the front door. Yet, I kept getting the sense we were being watched. In other words, we must be careful about what we say here. What made it worse was the ugly masks the Avoxes had to wear. As if it was to mask what little humanity they had left.
I leaned over to the Red head and whispered, "Are there cameras here?"
She bobbed her head.
I scowled at this.
Only the Tributes, Haymitch, and I were there by dinner time. A simple dinner of steak and a variation of sides. Haymitch grabbed a pitcher as he leaned against the wall, pouring himself a glass of wine.
"I want you guys to forget everything you think you know about The Games," Haymitch announced.
Both Tributes stared at Haymitch to explain.
"Last year was child's play," Haymitch continued. "This year, you're dealing with all experienced killers."
"All right," Peeta said, adjusting himself. "What does that mean for us?"
Haymitch made his way over, "That means you're gonna have to have some allies."
Katniss expressed annoyance.
"Okay," Peeta replied, thinking about it. "I think that if …"
Haymitch raised his hand, silencing him, "Whoop. You're not the problem."
He then pointed at Katniss.
"No," she said firmly.
Haymitch sat down, "Look, you're starting at a disadvantage. Most of these people have been friends for years."
"That just puts us higher on their kill list," She argued.
Haymitch got frustrated but recovered, "Do it your own way, but we know these people." As he gestured to him and me. "You go at it alone, their first move is gonna be to hunt you down. Both of you."
"Think about it," I finally said. "We'll discuss it more before training."
Katniss nodded in appreciation. This was a sensitive topic. She does not want to go through the trauma again. The same trauma with Rue.
After dinner, the two left for the living room, leaving Haymitch and I.
"How can they even trust each other?" I asked him.
Haymitch sighed, "It's not trust. It's about staying alive."
I felt like I was talking to my father when I was Reaped. Never have I seen him this determined.
Anyway, we joined them in the living room with a copy of The Reapings. I had the remote as I fasted forward to when each Victors had been reaped. The First was District 1:
"Cashmere and Gloss. Brother and sister. District 1," Haymitch announced. "They won back-to-back Games. Capitols favorites. Lots of sponsors. They will be lethal."
"Gloss prefers throwing knives and daggers. The same with Cashmere, but they will use swords if necessary." I spoke. "In both Games, they led the Career Pack."
I clicked the remote. "The same is true for the rest of the Career Pack from District 2.
Brutus and Enobaria."
Katniss stared at the cheering Careers, primarily on Enobaria, "What's with her teeth?"
"She had them filed into fangs so she could rip people's throats out," Haymitch explained.
"She's committed, I'll give her that," Peeta noted.
"Her teeth are not her only weapon," I said. "She's a trained martial artist, along with her skills in knives and swords. Brutus on the other hand, prefers spears."
I clicked on District 3.
"Wiress and Beetee. Not fighters, but brilliant. And weird. Real tech-savvy."" Haymitch said. "He won his Games by electrocuting six Tributes at once."
"Wiress is a trapper. Like Beetee, she has high intelligence, though she suffers from ticks. She won her game by digging up explosives from the cornucopia and setting traps. She is quiet. Wires were her choice of weapon. Either to trip you into a trap or slit your throat."
Both Katniss and Peeta made an expression I didn't quite understand. As if they had seen how lethal wires could be. Then again, they must have recalled watching Wiress's game. I know a garrote and wire from experience when I killed Static.
I click the remote going to District 4. The monitor showed Finnick.
"Finnick Odair, right?" Katniss declared.
"Yes," Haymitch confirmed. "He won his Games at fourteen. Youngest ever."
"In the men's department," I corrected.
Haymitch nodded, "Extremely humble."
"You're kidding?" Katniss asked in disbelief.
"Yes, I'm kidding." He sarcastically replies. "He's a peacock. A total preener. But he's The Capitol darling. They love him here. Charming, smart, and skilled at combat. Especially in water."
"Weapon of choice is the trident. He will go for the spear if he doesn't have a trident. He is also good with nets."
"What about weaknesses?" Peeta asked.
"One. Mags," Haymitch answered as the screen showed the event. "She volunteered for Annie. Mags was his mentor and basically raised him. If he's trying to protect her in any way, it exposes him."
"A guy like that has to know she's not gonna make it," Katniss said hotly. "I bet when it really comes down to it, he won't protect her."
I scowled at her, then looked at the screen, seeing Finnick hugging Mags.
"Well, Katniss, I just hope when she goes, she goes quickly," Haymitch said in his sincere yet stern voice. "She's actually a wonderful lady."
Katniss looked down, ashamed.
"Mags is a scavenger and was once a survivalist. Like Finnick, she is good in water, though age may be her downfall. Being the oldest of all the victors," I added.
I clicked the remote to District 5.
"District 5, Watt and Elektra," I said. "Watt prefers to keep distance and uses the scalpel chain."
"What's that?" Peeta asked.
"It's a metal whip with sharp edges," I answered.
Peeta's face dropped.
"Elektra, she is a scavenger, using stealth and climbing," I added.
I clicked again, revealing District 6's Tributes. Fara and Jet both seemed out of it.
"The Morphlings, Masters of camouflage," Haymitch continued. "Basically, won their Games by hiding until everyone else was dead. Self-medicating ever since. Which I applaud. Not a threat."
I clicked again on District 7.
"Johanna and Blight. Both from the lumber district." I said. "Both are skilled in axes and knives. They can climb trees- "
"And chop our heads off," Katniss added.
"Well, Johanna can," I confirmed. "I highly recommend not to get on her bad side."
"And her weakness?" Peeta asked.
"She doesn't have a weakness other than her temper," I answered.
"How can someone not have a weakness?" Peeta asked.
"Because she has nothing to lose," I stated, then changed the screen.
"District 8, Woof and Cecilia," I announced. "Woof was a scavenger, though he is going through some mental health due to age. As for Cecilia, the sword was her weapon. She also was a scavenger. All I ask is if you have to kill her, make her death clean and quick. She has three kids. They don't need to see that."
Both Katniss and Peeta nodded in agreement.
Needing to wrap this up, I rushed through.
I switched to District 9.
"Graham and Sylva," I said. "Graham prefers the flat sword called the katana and close combat. Sylva the pitchfork. She is a scavenger as well."
I clicked on District 10.
"Colton and Abby," I said. "Both are from the livestock district and are good with rope. Colton also used a spear. As for Abby, the mace."
Click on District 11.
"Chaff and Seeder," I said, though I stopped to see the two, who I thought of as an uncle and aunt.
Haymitch, who has been silent, even tensed when seeing them on the screen.
"Chaff is a fighter; he fought his way through to win his game. If he has a sickle, you better run." I said.
"What happened to his hand?" Peeta asked, seeing the stump on Chaff.
"He lost it in his Games," Haymitch said. "Refused to get a prosthetic."
Peeta nodded as he rubbed his knee where his prosthesis was.
"Seeder is also skilled in the sickle. She is a scavenger as well." I said.
"You say scavenger. What do you mean?" Katniss asked.
"I mean, they don't search for conflict. They don't hunt other Tributes unless it is necessary. They rely more on scavenging for food and shelter. Using the arena to their advantage." I explained.
Katniss nodded as she thought about those who were scavengers.
I clicked the remote, showing the last two tributes.
"Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. The Star-Crossed Lovers."
Both gave a chuckle at this but stopped when I grew serious.
"Katniss Everdeen, known as the Girl on Fire." I continued being serious. "Expert hunter, and survivalist. Weapon of choice, the bow and arrow. But also good with knives. Not afraid to use others."
Katniss glared at me.
"Peeta Mellark," I said. "Baker's son can lift a hundred pounds and toss it easily. Combatant, especially in the art of wrestling. Due to his skills in the bakery, he can do camouflage. Good at deception. Weapon choice varies on what is presented to him."
Peeta seemed uncomfortable about this, "Why are you telling us this."
I stared at both of them, arms crossed, "Because there is a chance you might be against each other."
Both stared at me before staring at each other.
.o0o.
The following day was the Chariot Parade. It was strange since the parade happened at night on the same day of arrival. However, Plutarch Heavensbee has made this year's Quarter Quell spectacular. Then again, The Training Center is massive, as is the entry from the Grooming Center.
Katniss and Peeta were picked up by their prep team, and took them away. Although outfits were dropped off for Haymitch and me, Haymitch got a constructed black and white suit. As for my attire, I wore a black cocktail dress, the bodice adorned in black crystals, and a sheer inset extended along the center front from sleeveless shoulders to the waist. A sleek pencil skirt tapers at down to the knee.
Anyway, I curled my hair and applied the right amount of makeup. When Effie arrived, she seemed ecstatic as she revealed a ring box. I barely wear rings, only for a short period if required. Back home, a ring symbolizes marriage. When I put it on, I put it on my index fingers, yet Effie insists I wear it on my ring finger; however, Effie once again forgot my ring size, so I wore it on the left middle finger.
The jewelry was quite surprisingly unique, a bit retro if not sophisticated: the sunstone held center in a graphic flame design of gold for the base of the ring while on top of the stone in painted gold. Although the ring looked beautiful, it didn't compliment me. I practically feel like the black sheep for the team who wore the Mockingjay, who followed or believed in Katniss.
Anyway, Haymitch and I went to the Victors' box. The weather was blazing in heat. The citizens of the Capitol were wearing their sunglasses. I glanced around, seeing the booth was slightly empty, as there were some districts that would only have one mentor. Many are those I barely encounter. I noticed those who I have been close to or associated with. Annie, Miya, and Lyme.
Lyme is a beautiful middle-aged woman with short ash-blond hair and blue eyes. Her hair was always styled to perfection, and she wore makeup, most notably her red lipstick. One of her main traits was her massive height. She dressed in vintage attire compared to the rest of us. Despite her glamorous attire, her expression showed displeasure.
"It's good to see you again, Lyme," I greeted.
"Good or unpleasant," she replied.
I chuckled softly. Lyme was a mentor until Enobaria turned twenty-one. Although there was one game in which Enobaria was sick, so Lyme stepped in. She is someone to respect with high authority. Despite coming from District 2, she does not have the mindset of a Career.
I took my seat next to her.
Miya came over, sitting on my other side. It seems her stylist made floral dresses her signature outfit. Miya looked exhausted, as her eyes were puffy. No doubt, she feels guilty for her Tributes being her once mentors.
"If you like, you can stop by to visit Shiloh?" I offered.
Her brown eyes brighten, "Really?"
I nodded with a smile.
Miya smiled.
I glanced around to see who were the mentors for this year's Games. Starting from District 1, with Augustus and Sapphire. District 2 had Lyme and Wade. District 3 had Hacker. District 4 had Annie. District 5 with Porter and Elec. District 6 Trix and Vector. District 7 had Oakland. District 8 had Weaver. District 9 with Barley. District 10 with Miya. District 11 with Acre. Lastly, Haymitch and I are for District 12. We are the mentors who are capable of going or the ones left.
I stared at Acre. He is the 66th Hunger Games Victor. Only three, maybe four years older than me. He won his game by beating people up with his hands. One would say he had extreme anger issues. He sat there with his arms crossed. I noted how dark his skin was, like his eyes, while his hair was in a tight fade with a buzzed design on the side. His suit seemed a bit tight on him as his muscles constricted.
Lyme tapped my shoulder, "You're staring."
I blushed at being caught.
A clicking sound could be heard as I glanced behind me to see Hacker fiddling with a gadget.
Soon, muttering could be heard. Annie was so overwhelmed by her surroundings that she shook a little, causing her hairdo to be undone. This must have been hard for her; she wasn't mentally or emotionally stable enough to participate in mentoring. She should be back in District Four with what remaining family she has left and gazing into the sunset. From what Finnick told me, Annie and he knew each other as friends. When Finnick was reaped to the games, their friendship changed until he returned victorious.
However, Finnick was dragged into the profit circle at age sixteen, where deranged fans wanted to meet Finnick Odair. Annie got angry out of his lies and trusted him on his words that they broke up. Not until she was reaped, probably rigged. Finnick felt guilty, for he thought it was because he refused a request from President Snow. It was a miracle that she survived her game when the dam flooded the arena, except seeing her district partner beheaded killed her sanity. Since then, Finnick has tried to support his mistakes and take care of her.
'She crept up on me.' Finnick would say.
"Annie," I said calmly, getting up and making my way over to her.
She stopped her fidgeting and looked at me in debate. I smiled and offered my hand. "It's me, Blaine. I'm a friend of Finnick's. We met a few years ago?"
"Oh, sorry." She whispered, hesitating to shake my hand.
"Don't be," I assure.
"What kind of friend?"
I chuckled silently at her question. Couldn't blame her, though; Finnick had many friends, and he has friends. "The one who's considered a sibling."
Hearing that had Annie relax, and I knew she loved Finnick despite the madness. Suddenly, the music blared, causing Annie to jump and cover her ears. Hacker and Wade raised a brow. Acre stared, confused, and Miya was concerned. I quickly placed a hand on her shoulder, whispering in her ear that it was the music and Finnick would be coming out. This had her calm down, and she looked out into the distance.
Lyme gave a sincere look, knowing the struggles for a Victor. Many come out of the arena with scars. However, there are those who come out genuinely broken. Some manage to regain themselves, while others…others stay broken. I wonder how many Lyme have met before my generation.
I sighed and looked down at the City Circle, where the parade had begun.
District One came out. They were dressed in fuchsia outfits covered in shiny blue sequins and peacock feathers.
District Two wore Spartan Inspire armor as if they were gladiators.
District Three wore an outfit that was studded in lights.
District four had me snickering since it was predictable that Finnick would come out practically naked without the golden netting tied around his privates. On the other hand, Mags wore a sea blue dress underneath her golden netted robes as shells and pearls entwined in her gray hair.
District Five had some sort of jumpsuit that had sparklers out of the shoulders.
District Six wore dark and gothic clothing with light patterns to represent their addiction to the drug.
District Seven, as usual, was dressed like a tree. Both were wearing green texture jumpsuits. Blight had on a brown leather vest, while Johanna had a corset. Followed by a leafy headdress. Johanna did not bother to mask her displeasure.
District Eight wore outfits of varying dull colors.
District Nine dressed in gold outfits with grain textile patterns.
District Ten was dressed, taking inspiration from Greek attire with drapery and robes, with Colton wearing bull horns and Abby having a horse's mane.
District Eleven wore purple attires, Seeder wore a wreath of violet flowers, and Seeder had a yellow with corn.
When District 12 came into view, the Capitol was awe-struck by another masterpiece. Cinna outdid himself this time, as Peeta and Katniss appeared in charcoal gray leather. Peeta is in a two-piece, and Katniss is in a dress. When they were halfway there, their outfits burst into flames as if embers were on fire. Katniss and Peeta left the charismatic behind and carried on straight ahead with a firm demeanor. With all that dark makeup on their faces, I could say the atmosphere changed completely, telling everyone else was below them and they were mourning for what was to come. Shaking my head at such an accusation, I watched the rest of the parade until the tributes entered the Training Center.
.o0o.
Inside the Training Center, the tributes got off their chariots and removed whatever accessories were burning or shocking them. We reached District 12's area, where Peeta helps Katniss down.
"Again, amazing," Cinna complimented.
"Ah, everybody is going to be talking about you yet again!" Effie squealed.
"So chivalrous," I murmured.
"Are you sure you should be near burning coal?" Katniss challenged.
"Oh honey, I'm the Lady of Ashes, don't get ahead of yourself." I cooed, pinching her rouge cheeks.
Peeta chuckled while Cinna smirked at my statement. Katniss was once again befuddled. I winked at her lack of memory; most people could remember my costume from the sparkler pickaxes. Though the outfit was somewhat lingerie six years ago, I wore a halter bra top with a buckle accent and matching shorts embroidered in coal pebbles. Along with that outfit were miner gloves and boots, coal dust painted over arms and legs, and a golden headdress of a miner's helmet. Chanel's finest work, so to say, before she fumbled on covering the following year's tributes.
Haymitch came over with Chaff, and Seeder joined us. Haymitch and Chaff seemed to hold their poker faces with mischief written in their eyes.
And here we go again, I thought.
I took a deep breath, letting the drunkards have their fun because of the limited week of living.
"Nice. Way to make friends out there, you two," Haymitch complimented.
"Well, we learned from the best," Katniss sarcastically replied.
"I wanna introduce you to some special friends of mine," Haymitch said, gesturing to the Victors of District 11. "This is Seeder. And Chaff. From District 11."
Seeder and Katniss exchanged hugs, having a silent conversation, and when she turned around, Chaff embraced Katniss, planting a kiss. Instantly, Haymitch and Chaff laugh at Katniss's horrid expression, not understanding what the hell just happened. Seeder gave a disapproving expression.
"He's very friendly," Haymitch assured, laughing. "Don't invite him over. He'll drink up your liquor."
I snickered and shook my head, grabbing Haymitch's ear, "C'mon, you mangy dog." I looked at Seeder. "I'll see you guys soon."
As I drag Haymitch, I face my tributes, "Come now, we need to get that makeup off ya and talk about these other Tributes. "
"These Tributes are crazy," Katniss muttered.
"Oh, come now, it was funny!" Haymitch snickered. I let go of Haymitch as he patted her shoulder, "No, not all of 'em. He's a good guy." He then waves to a peacekeeper. "Carry on."
We got on the elevator. Just as it was about to close, Johanna got in. I tried hard not to show my amusement as I saw mirth in her eyes.
"You guys look amazing," Johanna complimented.
"Thank you," Katniss said.
Johanna turned around as she started stripping her accessories, "My stylist is such an idiot. District 7. Lumber. Trees. Ugh! I'd love to put my ax in her face. So, what do you think? Now that the whole world wants to sleep with you?"
Katniss scoffed at that, "I don't think that the whole world- "
Johanna turned around, giving a look to Katniss, "I wasn't talking to you."
Katniss rolled her eyes, "Okay."
"Will you unzip?" Johanna asked, adjusting her hair and giving her back to Peeta.
Peeta's eyes widened, not expecting that. Though being a gentleman, he did so. Katniss gave him a look. He was hesitant, not sure which woman to offend. I tried to hide my amusement, but it was failing.
Once the zipper was down, Johanna sighed in relief, taking her jumpsuit off. Now naked. Her brown eyes focused on Peeta, who tried to focus on her face. Haymitch took a glance, quite pleased. I was used to Johanna's antics, let alone seeing her naked before. As for Katniss, she was not having it, desperately trying to not stare.
Johanna glanced at Haymitch and then at me, giving a wink and an air kiss.
The elevator door for District 7 opened, and Johanna turned around to leave. "Thanks. Let's do it again sometime."
As she got off.
"Thank you," Haymitch replied, pleased.
Both Tributes were dumbfounded at what just happened.
"Johanna Mason, District 7," I said to break the silence. "She likes pressing buttons."
Katniss raised a brow in question.
I merely shrug.
Anyway, we continue upward until we reach the District 12 floor. Once we got to the twelfth floor, Effie, Cinna, and Portia argued over something. Before Katniss could ask what was going on, the Prep Teams took the two Tributes away. Once we were alone, I looked at them.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"President Snow requested that Katniss wear her wedding dress in the interview," Portia announced.
"What?" Haymitch bellowed.
"You gotta be kidding me," I groan, pinching the bridge of my nose.
The thought of Katniss wearing the top-picked wedding dress to the interview was low, even for President Snow. Although his intentions were to humiliate Katniss in every possible scenario, including an arranged marriage, that would never happen. Everyone debated this, but Effie and Portia disagreed with such a decision. Haymitch muttered how wrong it was while Cinna appeared quiet.
"Cinna, how are you feeling about this?" I asked.
"I'm perfectly fine with it," Cinna announced.
Portia stopped and stared at Cinna, bewildered. "Cinna, shouldn't you be furious or…I don't know dismay."
"I always channel my emotions into my work," Cinna explained sincerely. "That way, I don't hurt anyone but myself."
I would ask him what he meant, except the doors opened, entering Katniss and Peeta. Haymitch and Effie didn't look, please. Seeing how intense Haymitch appeared on his worn face, Effie nervously bit her lip. Portia was slightly discontent, Cinna calmed, and I was unsure of the predicament. We all gave a silent nod to not inform Katniss of her interview outfit until the time came.
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