Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged
Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games
Chapter 50: Alliances
Blaine's POV
Another Night Terror consumed me in the early hours of the morning. The last several months since my concerts, these nightmares or paralysis tormented me. It took an hour for my body to regain composure. Although I could contain my screams, my body took time.
It has been years since I managed this, so they have become rare. But these past several months have been a nightmare. A part of me wishes for Midnight or Cinna. When I was in the Capitol for my concerts, Cinna seemed to tame the nightmares. Despite Shiloh sleeping on my bed, I felt alone and once more colder.
Damn secrecies, I thought bitterly.
I missed Cinna in my bed, not for sex but for having him lying beside me. I wish I could have those moments again.
Yet not during the Hunger Games. Not when there are Tributes here; it would not be appropriate. I try to use my imagination. A part of me wanted that. I want to have Cinna by my side on a regular basis. Not when it is convenient.
Sighing, I got out of bed and faced the day. After doing my morning routine, I ate breakfast in the dining room while reviewing the lyrics. As Katniss and Peeta train, I have to go to the studio to practice the music. I have practiced through video calls with Simon, yet he wants to continue practicing. This time, he doesn't want rehearsals on the stage. I questioned it, yet Simon assured me there would be no choreography, just me singing there.
Also, I have to pick up Miya on the way. She has been asked to sing the anthem before the interviews. Her first performance. Not an interview.
Haymitch came in and immediately started making a screwdriver. Then I noticed he came from the direction of the main door, not from his room. He stopped to realize I was here and grumbled good morning. Since last night about the interview garments, Haymitch has been angry for many reasons, though I doubt a white dress could be a cause. Then again, Katniss delayed the time so we could discuss strategies.
We ate in silence until Peeta came in.
"I think Katniss and I should work together," Peeta suggested.
"You think?" I sarcastically replied.
"You and Katniss are going to try and work with the other tributes," Haymitch informed.
"I don't think Katniss would agree." Peeta defended.
"And her disagreement will be ignored," I stated.
Once Katniss came out, she looked utterly exhausted. "Sorry. I slept in after the mutilated-tongue nightmares kept me up half the night."
No doubt from seeing the Avoxes and their new attire.
"All right, never mind." Haymitch scowled. "Today, in training, you've got two jobs. One, stay in love."
"Obviously," Katniss said.
"And two, make some friends," I added.
"No," Katniss snapped. "I don't trust any of them. I can't stand most of them, and I'd rather operate with just the two of us."
"That's what I said at first, but-"Peeta began.
"But that won't be enough," Haymitch insisted. "You're going to need more allies this time around."
"Why?" Katniss asked.
"Do we have to go through the list?" I asked which Haymitch started.
"Because you're at a distinct disadvantage. Your competitors have known each other for years. So, who do you think they're going to target first?"
"Us. And nothing we're going to do is going to override any old friendship," Katniss said. "So why bother?"
"You think you're that good." I snickered in mockery, crossing my arms. "You don't know them like I do and how capable they are in both combat and survival."
"Because you can fight." Haymitch said to Katniss. "You're popular with the crowd. That could still make you desirable allies. But only if you let the others know you're willing to team up with them."
"You mean you want us in the Career pack this year?" Katniss asked.
"Ding-ding, give the girl a prize." I snickered, which Haymitch smirked. "Yeah, that's what we've been doin' the past five months."
"And who makes up the Career pack is generally agreed upon before the Games begin. Peeta barely got in with them last year."
"So, we're to try and get in with Finnick and Brutus - is that what you two are saying?" she asked again.
"Not necessarily. Everyone's a victor. Make your own pack if you'd rather. Choose what you like. I'd suggest Chaff and Seeder. Although Finnick not to be ignored," Haymitch said. "Find someone to team up with who might be of some use to you. Remember, you're not in a ring full of trembling children anymore. These people are all experienced killers, no matter what shape they appear to be in."
"I recommend Johanna and Blight, though Peeta . I advise you to interact with Six, they are experienced with camouflage. Katniss, if you are going to train with the Careers, I suggest you don't get on Enobaria's bad side and stay away from her teeth." I said calmly.
Katniss sat there, debating through the information and advice given for training. Peeta seemed to comply with the situation and said he'd hang with the camouflage tributes and interact with the careers and District Seven. After a moment of silence, Katniss said she'll try to mingle. Effie arrived early and escorted Peeta and Katniss to the Training Center's gym, but Haymitch told her to let them be. I sighed and drank my coffee before going back to working on the lyrics.
"Is that for the halftime?" Effie asked, peeking over my shoulder.
Immediately, I covered and folded the lyrics so she wouldn't see. "Yes, however, it's classified until the interview. Speaking of which, I need to start preparing. I'll see you guys later."
I got up, kissing Haymitch on the cheek before picking up Shiloh and heading out the door.
.o0o.
Later in the evening, I found myself in an awkward predicament. Simon has completely overdone himself in not putting Miya and me as singers for the interviews. Poor Miya as she tries to belch the long notes. It was clear Miya is more towards folk and country songs. I struggled on some notes, as Simon wanted to mess with the tune to give character. However, our throats were raw.
When I greeted Haymitch, he laughed, saying, "Frog in the throat?"
I scoffed as Shiloh gave a hiss back.
I chuckled, petting the gray kitten before going to my room to rest. I should see the other Mentors, but I need some quiet time after last night and today. And resting my voice.
So once dressed in comfortable clothing, I entered the living room and turned on the television to see the current recaps. It wasn't long before Katniss and Peeta came in. Both immediately went to their bedrooms to freshen up. A few minutes later, my tablet was dinging. Not just one message but many. I looked through to find mentors and victors requesting Katniss and or Peeta to join their alliance.
"What did they do?" I asked, surprised as I wrote down the district's names and who wants who.
"I wouldn't be surprised if that girl went to the archery station," Haymitch muttered, gulping his brandy.
Effie soon arrives as she gossip about what is going on at the Capitol. Once dinner started, Haymitch pounced on Katniss. "So at least half the victors have instructed their mentors to request you as an ally."
"I doubt it's her optimistic personality," I chuckled.
"They saw her shoot," Peeta said with a smile. "Actually, I saw her shoot, for real, for the first time. I'm about to put a formal request myself."
"You're that good?" Haymitch asked Katniss. "So good that Brutus wants you."
Katniss shrugged. "But I don't want Brutus. I want Mags and District Three."
"Of course you do," Haymitch sighed and ordered another wine bottle.
I took a deep breath, "I'll tell the others you haven't made the decision."
This was going to be challenging to manage. Now I know how Effie feels when it comes to the schedules.
.o0o.
The next day was the same. Katniss and Peeta would leave for training; Haymitch would plan strategies while I managed the organization of requests and rehearsals. I felt like I was being pulled everywhere that I didn't have room to breathe. The moment of solace was in the limo while Miya was distracted from Shiloh.
Once back in the Training Center, I noticed a gathering at the bar. Miya stared at me and then at the gathering. Knowing she was underage, she bit her lip.
"Miya, why don't you take Shiloh up?" I offered.
"Can she spend the night with me?" She asked.
"Sure," I answered.
She smiled with a squeal as she took Shiloh up to her floor. I chuckled softly, shaking my head. I'm glad that some Victors still had their innocence. Maybe that is what her district partner sacrificed himself for. So Miya can have a chance in life. Hence, his name was Chance. A true hero for the damsel.
Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the bar. Lyme sitting on the stool, dressed in a sophisticated gray suit with her hair combed back. She seemed to be conversing with Acre, who leaned against the bar with a glass stein in hand. Meanwhile, Hacker sat with a gadget in hand with a bottle of soda by his side. It was strange to see them there. Not the usual Mentors. Even though it was good to see Lyme…it was weird.
When I made my way over, they stopped their conversation.
"Good afternoon," I greeted.
Lyme bobbed her head as she took a sip of her drink.
Acre set his drink down, "So Blaine, has Katniss or Peeta decided on the offer?"
It surprised me how deep his voice was, as his profile showed an intimidating appearance. What I found distinctive about him was the faint scar over his right eyebrow and another on his right cheek. It is barely noticeable, yet you can see it in a particular light if you pay attention. No one knows why he didn't do the full body scrub, let alone his personality. He reminded me of District Eleven's previous tribute, Thresh, all bronze, honor, and dignity, with a temper.
Acre and I barely met a handful of times. The first was his Victory tour, the second was mine, and the rest was when he was summoned to the Capitol, and we crossed paths. Never spoke. Just a bob of the head. So, hearing his voice as an adult instead of a teenager was strange.
"They're still considering the option," I answered before ordering a cosmo. "So far, six districts have requested an alliance. I think we know what that is like."
Acre snorted as he took a gulp of his drink. Then, I glanced at Hacker, who was still focused on tinkering with his new toy; however, his eyes stared at me.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Nothing." Hacker announced, going back to his tinkering.
"So, Hacker, what is the new invention?" I asked.
"I'm working on computer systems." He answered, eyes still focused on his gadget. "I recently created a new program that makes the Capitol internet faster on a high speed…. Oh…. I wasn't supposed to say that. That's classified."
I chuckled, "It's nothing. I'll probably forget the details in a few hours."
As the bartender, an Avox handed me my glass. I took a sip, nodding in approval before staring at Hacker again. Lyme and Acre chuckled at this. We share simple conversations until Hacker goes over the details of the gadget he was working on with Acre. As he explained the mechanism.
A hand was placed on my free hand. I glanced at my own to see it was Lyme. She made a gesture to follow her. I nodded as we went to the other side of the bar. She adjusted her blazer as her hand grazed over a brooch of a raw stone cut.
"How are you doing?" She truly asked.
I sighed, bowing my head, "Not well."
"Has my advice on journals helped?" she asked with concern.
"They have, yet the pages are getting full," I explained.
Lyme nodded with a scowl.
Lyme did help me with her advice on journals. I used them for many things. Especially one containing the Profit Circle and those of JJ. Anything in case something happens to me. Even though Finnick is my Secret Keeper…but with him in the arena. I need to find a way. I glance at Lyme. Even though she is from District 2 and once a Career…. She was different. I will need to think about it.
Lyme placed her hand on my shoulder, "Things will get better. Change will be ugly at first, but it will get better. Trust me."
I stared at her, confused.
She smiled, making her red lips wide, "Trust me."
I only nodded.
.o0o.
The third day of training and the private session. Haymitch, Effie, Portia, Cinna, and I waited for Katniss and Peeta to return from their sessions. I sat next to Cinna, and we basically talked like regular friends would do under the disguise of our relationship. Although his hand rested on my lower back. There was so much I wanted to talk to him about. Let alone a moment to kiss him. Not once have we had a chance to kiss properly. Only the fashion kisses on the cheek. Effie and Haymitch seemed aloof, though Portia gave a smug look.
Cinna had his sketchbook out to show his latest design.
"This was my original concept for Katniss's interview," Cinna said, showing me the picture.
The gown was a beautiful black and white feathered party dress, with the top starting black and slowly falling down to white feathers. At the same time, stone colors are fanciful on the sweetheart bust. The outfit reminded me of a Mockingjay, which had me on edge. Something whispered trouble that I feared for the worst for Cinna if he did send Katniss on stage dressed like a Mockingjay. President Snow would have his head.
Peeta returned from his session covered in paint with approved expressions. What was different was that he wasn't completely covered in camouflage material, only berries and ground-up paste over his arms and legs, like he was painting instead of hiding.
"We should get ready for dinner," Effie suggested.
"Agree," Portia said as we all got up to change or freshen up for dinner. However, Portia joined me in my chambers. "So, are you and Cinna a thing?"
Immediately, my hand covered her mouth, shushing her. "Shh, you know we are secretly dating."
Portia smiled since she found us recovering from making out when she returned to get her coat. She has been supportive; then again, she is Cinna's best friend and has become my own. Even stepping in to give us privacy if needed. Especially with Effie.
"I'm glad," she assured. "I know you two haven't had a moment, but just know Cinna cares about you dearly."
"Really?" I asked to be sure.
Portia nodded, "I'm happy for both of you."
I nodded with a small smile. I just couldn't express myself more freely. Yet, I have to keep things a secret. Cinna has become one of my weaknesses. If anything happened to him, I could never forgive myself. Even though Cinna offered to be public after the Quarter Quells…I don't think I could. President Snow could change his mind and bring me back to being a prostitute, especially with Finnick, Gloss, and Cashmere back in the arena. Or arrange a marriage to the highest bidder.
Only time will tell.
And it scares me.
Another thing about making our relationship known will be an act of sympathy if Katniss and Peeta die in the games. The Capitol would take full advantage, making Cinna and I the next Star-Crossed Lovers who were joined together by their friendship of the Girl on Fire and the Boy with the Bread. Neither of us wanted that publicity, let alone the attention. All we wanted was a normal relationship.
.o0o.
Peeta's hands were still faintly covered in paint when dinner came around. I couldn't help but smile slightly at his usual appearance that couldn't hide the artist that he was. Katniss also seemed smug as she looked at Haymitch, who appeared to be analyzing the scene. Once the first course of soup was served, my father went down to business.
"All right, so how did your private session go?"
The two teenagers exchange looks. Katniss seemed eager to start but let Peeta go first. This surprised Peeta, though she was reluctant to explain his session.
"Well, I—I did the camouflage thing, like you suggested, Katniss." Peeta hesitated. "Not exactly camouflage. I mean, I used the dyes."
"To do what?" Portia asked.
Katniss raised a brow, thinking of what Peeta could have done. "You painted something, didn't you? A picture."
"Did you see it?" Peeta asked.
"No. But they'd made a real point of covering it up," Katniss said.
"Well, that would be standard. They can't let one tribute know what the other did," Effie said, unconcerned. "What did you paint, Peeta?"
"Probably a picture of Katniss," I suggested.
"Why would he paint a picture of me, Blaine?" Katniss asked, slightly annoyed.
"Seriously, are you that slow?" I asked, raising a brow. "Maybe he's trying to defend you. That is what the audiences are expecting. Hadn't he volunteered to go with you?"
"Actually, I painted a picture of Rue," Peeta corrected. "How she looked after Katniss had covered her in flowers."
The room was engrossed in silence as everyone absorbed this statement.
You gotta be kidding me? I thought.
He did not just ruin the plan to keep his sorry ass alive in the Games. First volunteering, and now this, might as well throw him in the lion's den. Sure, he's in love with Katniss, but there's a far line between love and stupidity.
"And what exactly were you trying to accomplish?" Haymitch asked sternly, his jaw clenched and hands fisting the fork that it practically bent.
"I'm not sure. I just wanted to hold them accountable, if only for a moment." Peeta explained. "For killing a little girl."
"This is dreadful." Effie almost cried. "That sort of thinking . . . it's forbidden, Peeta. Absolutely. You'll only bring down more trouble for yourself and Katniss."
"I have to agree with Effie on this one," Haymitch said.
Portia, Cinna, and I remained quiet, but our faces also agreed with Haymitch and Effie. Now Peeta will be targeted if the new Head Gamemaker Heavenbee reports this to President Snow. I took a long sip of my water when Katniss talked about her session.
"I guess this is a bad time to mention I hung a dummy and painted Seneca Crane's name on it," she announced.
SHE WHAT!
I spewed the water back into the glass, choking on the water in my throat, and almost fell backward in my seat if the red-headed Avox hadn't caught me. She immediately cleaned up the mess while the moment of complete bewilderment drowned the room like a flood. I fucking can't believe she did that, let alone said it? For a long time, I tried not to point a finger at Seneca's death, but her discussion about it created a large arrow aimed at her. Seneca was a friend of mine. Everybody knew that, including her, when news broke out of the previous Head Gamemaker accidental drug overdose from antidepressants. When actually he was forced to eat Nightlock the day after the seventy-fourth Hunger Games were over! But most importantly, how in God's name did she know about his death!
"You . . . hung . . . Seneca Crane?" Cinna asked.
"Yes. I was showing off my new knot-tying skills, and he somehow ended up at the end of the noose," Katniss said.
My body shook violently as I got up harshly, and the chair knocked over. How can she casually talk about a man's death like that? I gripped the table, glaring at her; Katniss stared at me, surprised and cautious, with a hint of fear. I so badly wanted to hurt her. I want smack common sense and decency. However, I inhaled sharply and left the dining room.
Before I do something, I'll regret it.
"Was it something I said?" Katniss asked.
"Oh, Katniss," Effie said in a hushed voice. "Blaine and Seneca were…. well…were somewhat of a couple or platonic friends. I'm not entirely sure. His death is sensitive to many people who know him."
"I didn't know….it was a secret. President Snow didn't act like it was. In fact, he was eager for me to know."
After hearing that, I slammed the door shut.
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