Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games

Chapter 51: Deadly Scores

Blaine's POV

I paced in my room, trying to do breathing exercises to calm myself. I felt a rage that I hadn't felt in a long time. Not since President Snow made me a prostitute. I truly wanted to hurt Katniss.

I shouldn't. I should hate Seneca Crane like I despised all the sexual clients. The ones who bought me for their selfish gratification. He used me. Absolutely used me.

And yet, Seneca has a place in my heart.

He didn't treat me as a piece of meat. Although he was attracted to me since I was sixteen, he did not initiate his interest until I was eighteen. All the paid dates started simple. As he did it in Capitol fashion, when not doing escorting events. It wasn't until I was nineteen that he became intimate. Only he did not rush things. As if he treated it as my first time, doing acts that none of my previous clients have done in trying to gain my pleasure.

Maybe that is why I gave him a piece of myself.

However, I could never give him all of me.

Not when he was a Gamemaker and, worse, when he became Head Gamemaker.

He collaborated or arranged death traps that killed many children. He was so brainwashed in the Capitol view of the Hunger Games that he couldn't see right from wrong. I tried to give subtle hints, yet he held a passion. He thinks the Hunger Games is a pageant to unite the twelve districts and the Capitol. A performance of redemption from the districts.

I sat down on the bed, head in my hands.

If Seneca were alive…

No doubt President Snow would have arranged a marriage between the two of us. If Seneca hadn't changed the rules in last year's games, Probably have wed a year after Katniss and Peeta were eighteen. Turning my shackles into a gilded cage.

A sob escaped my lips as my eyes watered.

I wanted to hate Seneca Crane.

But I couldn't.

As Seneca bought my sexual freedom. Although he did it for selfish reasons to make us an official dating couple. President Snow kept the money to free me from prostitution. Yet I was dragged away in pain as I watched the Peacekeepers escort Seneca into the room with the Nightlock. Unable to warn him to not go in there.

Maybe that is why Seneca is a sensitive topic. Because I didn't warn him. I should have done something. Yet I was taken away, unable to tell him. Guilt that was eating me alive. Always standing by the side and not taking a stand to protect anyone.

Not in the way I wanted it to be.

A coward, that is what I am.

There was a knock on the door. I didn't bother as the door opened and softly closed. I looked up to see it was Cinna. No doubt, my reaction to Katniss's comment had a negative effect on me. Hell, the Capitol gossiped about Seneca and I. I was like Finnick, the Capitol's Darling. Some clients had been open to dating me for their façade. And there are those who are straight to the point in private.

I mentally shuddered as I felt the haunting touches of Augusta Flickerman.

But Seneca, he truly wanted something between us.

Cinna took a seat next to me, "Are you alright?"

I heaved a heavy sigh, "I will be."

Cinna nodded, "I know it was a bit insensitive of what Katniss did. But she was trying to make a statement."

"She's angry," I said. "They all are."

Cinna nodded in agreement.

There was silence between us.

Sighing, I rested my head on his shoulder and took his hand, "What happened between Seneca and I was complicated."

"I know," he assured.

I frowned at this. Then again, Cinna is probably using a quote all boyfriends use. But he doesn't understand. He is Capitol. Even though he has empathy…I don't know. I wish I could tell him, except he would never see me the same way again.

"What we have is different," I whispered. "You make me feel things I haven't felt before."

Cinna kissed the top of my head, "I know."

I smile softly.

Adjusting some, I pressed my lips on his own. Cinna cradled my jaw as he returned the kiss. I sighed, savoring this kiss before he pulled away. I pouted, for I craved more but knew better. Even though I haven't found any bugs or cameras in the room, this new building still has no sense of privacy.

Let alone the announcement of the scores.

"I wish I could take you out of here," he whispered.

I looked at him to explain.

He gave a small smile, "Just out of this building. Somewhere different."

"What, like your apartment?" I asked.

Now that I think about it, I don't know his living arrangements. I know he doesn't live with his mother. However, the Capitol is costly to live in by oneself. Unless you are very successful and wealthy.

"I doubt you want to meet my… roommates just yet," he said hesitantly.

I chuckled, "What, are they like those frat boys from university or something?"

Cinna chuckled at that, "Not quite."

"Oh," I replied.

He dramatically sighed, "If you met my roommates, I will never get you back."

"What, you think they will steal me from you?" I asked.

"Something like that," he answered.

I chuckled slightly, and he gave me a small smile. Afterward, he stood up, taking my hand and gently pulling me to stand up.

"But mostly take you on a real date," he said. "Allowing you choices to go where you want to go."

"Wherever I want to go," I sighed as he pulled me in.

"And where do you want to go?" he asked softly.

My thoughts linger on District 4 by the water. A place I will never get to live in. yet I need to be realistic. Like the cinemas, or something. Before I can give a reasonable answer when there is a knock on the door.

"Blaine, Cinna, the scores are about to begin," Effie called out.

We both sighed since our moment was ruined. Cinna pecked the top of my head before letting go of my hand, leading the way out. Fortunately, the scoring did not take days like last year. Then again, President Snow is ensuring there are no exceptions and wants to get the execution started as soon as possible.

When I returned to the living room, I sat down next to Haymitch, who wasn't in a pleasant mood either. Our plans to save Katniss or Peeta have been compromised. Cinna took a seat next to Portia. All of us watched the screen as Caesar Flickerman appeared to make the announcements.

"As you know, the Tributes were rated on a scale of 1 to 12 after an entire afternoon of careful evaluation. The Gamekeepers would like to acknowledge that it was an exceptional…if not surprising result…" Caesar started over the tributes' names in the district order. As usual, the Careers had the top scores of ten, except for Mags, who had a three. The rest of the scores were low to medium. I couldn't help but smirk at Johanna's medium score, which was similar to her previous score on the seventy-first game. Being deceitful until taking the opportunity to strike.

"Have they ever given a zero?" Katniss asked.

"No, but there's a first for everything," Cinna answered.

"And now from our final district. From District 12. Peeta Mellark. A score of twelve…." Caesar announced, surprised on the television. Shaking his head, he went to Katniss. "And finally, from District 12, Katniss Everdeen. With a score of…twelve."

Haymitch turned the television off.

"Why did they do that?" Katniss asked.

"So the others could eliminate the threat," I replied bitterly.

"Go to bed. I can't stand to look at either one of you." Haymitch said flatly.

Peeta stood up and walked Katniss to her room in silence. The adults sat there trying to collaborate on the plan for the situation. The Careers from Districts One and Two won't hesitate to terminate them at the bloodbath, while District Four…Finnick would have Katniss on his team or strike at the final eight.

"You think the offer will stand from the Careers to join their pack?" I asked.

Haymitch shook his head as he confirmed Katniss and Peeta wouldn't join any alliances for our benefit. Well, it doesn't mean the finger won't be pointing directly at their faces or accusing them of killing our friends.

"We can make do with the scores," Effie said. "At least on the sponsors?"

"How ironic that District 12 receives twelve?" Portia said, trying to enlighten the mood. Although her attempt was funny, it didn't set the mood.

"Tomorrow will be training for their interview," I said.

"Cancel it," Haymitch muttered. "They know how to do it."

"What!" Effie practically shrieked.

"You heard me," Haymitch sarcastically said. "You need to get rid of the wig so you can hear well."

"It's probably for the best," Cinna agreed. "Let them have some time together before the big day."

Effie sighed. "Very well, I'll see you all the day after."

And that was the end of the discussion.

For some reason, what could have been a celebration of getting a twelve for District 12 felt like an insult. It wasn't late in the night, and with the Tributes grounded in their room, everyone started leaving. However, I discovered why the new Training Center was this massive. All the trainers, prep team, stylists, and escorts have their own lodgings or studios.

All this time, Cinna was here. However, we kept our relationship a secret, and he has been busy making the alterations between Katniss's wedding dress and my performance gown.

"By any chance, can I see my dress?" I asked Cinna.

He gave a small smile, "It is not done."

"Seriously," I pouted. "What are you doing to it?"

He has a habit of making his creations unique. For example, Katniss's attire has synthetic flames. For me, he had made my first performance costume glow like fireflies, along with fabric changing during my concert.

"You will see," He assured.

I sighed, "Just no flames."

He chuckled softly, "I assure you, there are no flames. Nor are there ashes."

I nodded again, noting how he had brought color back into my life. It's not as vibrant as Katniss's tour attire, but color nonetheless, especially in shades of gold or black with gold.

"You have rehearsals tomorrow?" Cinna asked.

"I do," I confirmed.

He nodded as he gave me the stylist kiss on the cheeks, "Get some rest."

I felt heat in my cheeks, knowing he was trying to show affection without exposing us. He pulled back before saying goodnight and heading to his room. Once he reached the door, he stopped to look at me to give a wave before going in. I smiled slightly before going back to District 12's apartment.

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