Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games or music.


Chapter 52: Et Tu…

Blaine's POV

What was supposed to be the tribute practice for the interview was canceled. After the stunt both Katniss and Peeta did during their private sessions, they showed defiance and scored twelve…twice. Haymitch declared that there was no additional practice. Then again, after the Victors' Tour, we can do nothing.

This morning, Peeta woke up early, asking what today's agenda was. Haymitch disappeared, and Effie or the stylists came back to the flat. I told him that practice for the interview was canceled since they have experience in presentation. Peeta smiled and went back to sleep with Katniss. If they weren't in this predicament, I would have scolded them about sleeping together in the same bed. However, that would have made me more of a hypocrite.

Therefore, I messaged Simon, wondering if there was a chance to practice the song in his studio. I needed to get out of the Training Center. I felt like I was being watched, and it wasn't from the Avoxes and Peacekeepers. As if there are still hidden cameras. Last night with Cinna was comforting, but it was a dangerous risk.

It wasn't long before Simon messaged me back, saying he was sending a limo and to bring Miya. Following that, he already messaged her. No doubt, none of the Tributes need coaching on interviews after many years of being summoned to the Capitol for their entertainment.

I thought about the older Victors who have been Reaped. Like Mags losing her voice and Woof's hard of hearing and focus. Or Jet and Fara, as they are deep into their addictions.

Anyway, I dressed comfortably, grabbed Shiloh, and collected Miya. She seemed relieved to be out of the Training Center. Especially when she saw Shiloh on my shoulder. However, once we got in the limo, she rubbed her side and started biting her lip. She repeated this action. Shiloh saw this and came over and comforted the girl. She sighed, petting the small cat.

"Is everything alright?" I asked.

She straightened as she looked at me, "Perfectly fine."

I arched my brow. Even though I did not know the girl personally, I sensed something was off.

"Just…a nasty bruise out on the farm." She explained. "I got butted by a calf."

"You're still working?" I asked.

"Well," She paused, trying to find her words. "Not on the industry level. My family has a small farm…and we care for the calves. I like taking care of animals."

I bit my tongue, knowing District 10 is about slaughtering animals. Primarily cows.

"You should have the infirmary check on it if it still bothers you," I said.

Miya nodded until her eyes glanced at my thigh. I was wearing a pair of fitted pants until I realized she was looking at the leg with the canary tattoo. My blood ran cold at the thought that crept into my mind.

Now that I think about it, Miya is of age. Not enough to be a prostitute, but sixteen was considered a legal age in the Capitol, and the Profit Circle took an opportunity to please the sinful. Although Snow had some moral compass for the women and made it eighteen for sexual clients. I hope President Snow keeps Miya on the same route. Have him focus on her talents and not her body.

Knowing this was a sensitive topic, I whispered the words that the Profit Circle made to identify one another without exposing them.

"Et tu?" I asked.

Miya's eyes widened when I asked her this. She bit her lip before raising her frilly blouse to show her left hip and adjusted her skirt to reveal the tattoo. It was fresh, maybe a day or two old. As there was redness around it. The imagery held a meaning that Snow deemed appropriate. For me, the canary, but for Miya…hers was an upside-down horseshoe. I stared at the ink to read a small quote, 'luck pours out.'

Miya's game was based on luck. How lucky her district partner protected her to the very end. How lucky of a shot she got in killing the last tribute. How lucky to be the first youngest tribute at thirteen to win. Now, all her luck is gone.

I cursed under my breath, for Miya was still a child. Or maybe I have been seeing her as a child. She has a youthful face that doesn't look her age. Most of all, all of us Victors in the outer districts have been trying to preserve her innocence. Or what is left of it?

In a few years, someone will lust after her, and President Snow will demand a price. Her sweet beauty is a distraction that can help in assassinations. Followed by her voice. With Finnick, Enobaria, Cashmere, and Gloss going into the arena, President Snow was now recruiting. No doubt he will go after the younger victors. Wade and Augustus will probably fill in for Gloss and Finnick.

I try not to think about it. Try not to think of the possibility of being reactivated.

All I could do was take Miya in my arms and comfort her. She leaned into me. I don't need to ask her what happened. I know Snow had threatened her. Unlike me, who was threatened with a District in my early years, she has a family. She has parents, siblings, and other close-knit relatives and friends. All those personal connections would destroy her if either of them died because she refused.

I need to figure out a way to make Miya not popular to not gain sexual attention. Maybe I'll talk with Simon to take her contract and ensure her performance stays as neutral as possible. There was a thought of Miya finding a husband or common-law spouse to deflect unwanted attention. However, from previous victors…even specific clients do not care if a victor is married.

"I'm scared," she mumbled.

I shush her, kissing the top of her head, "I know. I know."

Miya shook as Shiloh nuzzled the girl to bring comfort.

"I'll do what I can to guide you," I promised.

Miya could only nod.

Fortunately, the window was up, which separated the driver from us. Although we were vague, we still had to be careful. However, the driver was different than usual. Simon doesn't believe in Avoxes. And Hermes was busy taking Effie anywhere she desired.

When we arrived at the studio, the driver came out. I didn't get a chance to see him before since the Avoxes at the Training Center held the door. But now it was the driver. He appeared in his mid to late twenties with dark skin, dark eyes, and golden braids that crowned his head like a helmet with a fade. He was muscular and taller than an average limo driver. He gave a grin, yet it did not meet his eyes.

"Ladies," he said, with a slight bow and offering a hand.

Miya took it as she got out. I grabbed hold of Shiloh and got out without assistance. The driver smirked at that before closing the door. He bobbed his head, making his way around, but stopped.

I followed his glance to see what he saw. But realized it was who he saw. I felt my blood run cold to see none other than Augusta Flickerman. I inhaled sharply, wondering what he was doing in this area. His reflective eyes stared at me with satisfaction as he adjusted his tailor coat.

"Well, Miss Abernathy, what a pleasant surprise," he purred.

Shiloh glanced at him, giving the man a hiss. I shushed the feline before handing her to Miya.

"Miya, why don't you go inside," I calmly ordered. "Let Simon know I'll be in in just a moment."

Miya was hesitant, yet she could tell there was no room for argument. She took the cat and headed inside.

"What brings you here?" I asked.

Augusta smirked, "Just came to give Simon a visit. My father wanted to know how the performance would go for the Interviews."

"That is a conversation with Plutarch." I reminded.

"Yes, but nothing wrong with checking the sound systems and lyrics," he assured, then informed. "Since I have been promoted to an official role in communications for the Capitol."

"Congratulations," I said.

"Thank you," he murmured. "We'll work together far more often since the odds have been in your favor."

I only bobbed my head.

He leaned over to whisper in my ear, "With so many lovely ladies in the arena, I wonder how long it will be before Snow decides to put you back on the market."

I inhale sharply while my body tensed.

"Seneca bought my freedom," I whispered.

Augusta gave a hum, "But for how long."

"Don't," I warned.

"Although, I could wait until Miss Miya comes of age," he suggested. "What do you think, rope or silks?"

I glared at him, "Leave her out of this."

"Oh," he smirked.

"Don't you dare touch her," I growled low since people were around, especially the limo driver who still stood there.

"Is something wrong?" The limo driver asked as he came over, standing next to me. His proportions were intimidating, being taller and muscular than Augusta's.

Augusta paused and stared at the driver, "Have we met?"

"We haven't," the driver answered.

Augusta narrowed his eyes, "No, I swear we have met before."

The limo driver merely shrugged as he placed a hand on my shoulder, "Miss, Mr. Simon is waiting for you."

Unable to say another word, the driver escorted me into the building. Away from Augusta and the open crowd. Even opening the door to ensure I got inside. With a determined expression, Simon was making his way down, though stop to see me with the limo driver. He gave a sigh of relief before coming over.

"Is everything alright?" Simon asked.

"Everything is fine," I answered.

But deep down, everything was not fine. As there is a chance I will be back in prostitution and that Augusta has set his sights on Miya if I remain off the market. Using my maternal instincts and protecting the innocent against me. Already, I could feel the invisible ropes slithering around my wrists.

Simon paused and then glanced at the limo driver. Before I could ask, he bobbed his head and left. Not saying another word. He was different from all the other drivers. Then again, the Capitol had its own cast system from the elites, the rich, and the middle. The poor were subjected to the districts. He must be middle if he works as a limo driver.

"Come on, we are short on time," Simon said, redirecting me.

"Who is that?" I asked.

"Oh, that is Jason," Simon answered. "I hired him to ensure all my singers arrive on time and are guarded."

"Guarded?" I asked.

Simon shrugged as he led the way inside.

.o0o.

We started off with Miya singing the Anthem. Usually, the anthem is played by instruments. Yet Plutarch wanted to bring back the old ways of singing Horns of Plenty. I hated that song. I sang it one of the many times that I knew it by heart.

Thank whatever spirit above that I don't have to sing it. Though I feel sorry for Miya as she will have to sing it. Simon instructed her how to sing it. Even though she knew the lyrics and could sing, Horns of Plenty needed a passion. A passion a singer from the districts doesn't have.

Hence, they use the instrument version instead of the lyrical.

When it was my turn, all the energy I had for this song vanished.

"All the ways that you think you know me

Al the limits that you figured out

Limits that you figured out,

Had to learn to keep it all below me

Just to keep from being thrown around

Just to keep from being thrown around"

"No, stop," Simon called out from the control room, shaking his head disappointed.

I sighed, stepping back from the microphone, annoyed. That was the third time he interrupted, and I'm starting to get frustrated. Still, in the first stanza. I don't get it; I'm singing the lyrics. Simon leaned closer to the microphone on the other side of the glass wall. "Blaine, I need you to feel the song. This song is about love and remembrance. I need you to consider it personally."

"And how personal?" I asked. "This song…This song holds defiance."

He arched his brow, "So?"

My face scrunched at this.

Simon sighed, "Everyone is angry at this. The victors are angry. The tributes are angry. Everyone in Panem is angry. This is their song. To remind everyone that even though they are gone, they remain."

I closed my eyes, bowed my head, and sighed.

"Blaine," Simon called out.

I looked up at him, seeing how he was trying to be compassionate but was struggling. "Think about somebody you love or whatnot and make an imaginary boyfriend if you have to. Again."

I took a deep breath, thinking about all my friends who were going into the arena. Finnick and Johanna. Along with those, I hold high respect from Mags, Beetee, Wiress, and so much more. The mothers, fathers, and lost souls go into the arena. The Capitol calls us Victors because we won our games. But we are not victors. We are the survivors.

All the emotions I felt building up as I sang the music.

The thoughts of Lucy Grey, a performer who was forced to fight and betrayed by her mentor.

My thoughts linger on Haymitch, double selected for the Quarter Quells and comforting his District Partner as she died.

Katniss is a girl who volunteers to save her sister.

Peeta is a boy who is trying to find himself.

And soon, another face enters my mind. One is Cinna. Although he was not a victor, he never stepped foot in the arena. He understood. He understood. As I closed my eyes and remembered the first night, we became intimate when he cared and touched my body like he saw something in me. How he acted differently towards other Capitol citizens.

Once I'm done singing, I felt exhausted and drained. My eyes have become puffy, and tears are running down my cheek. I held mixed emotions about this song. Yet Plutarch approved it while Simon constructed it.

"That's it," he said as he motioned for me to come out of the recording box so I could listen to the verse. He pressed play, and I was surprised that this was my voice, being raw with emotions.

Everyone in the room listened; many emotions were expressed when hearing this. Even Miya was almost in tears as her eyes watered. We looked at each other. We were mad as well, as our loved ones were going to their death. This was our way of expressing ourselves.

Only one more day left until the Games.

Once Simon was satisfied, he announced that it was the end of rehearsals, and he let us go. Miya walked by, and Shiloh immediately jumped into her. For some apparent reason, I don't think Shiloh was ever my cat to begin with. Ever since that kitten was born, she always clung to Miya. Guess the little fur ball imprinted on the young Cowgirl. Maybe after this Game, I would let Miya keep Shiloh so the girl could have a companion. Midnight was my companion, and possibly Shiloh could be hers. A counterpart animal that could understand humans and lead a safe future?

We were in the green room recovering as we waited for our ride back to the Training Center.

"So why did you name her Shiloh?" Miya asked.

"Shiloh means 'his gift' and 'peace.'" I said, petting the kitten's head. "When Midnight…. brought her in, she was hardly a few weeks old. I could tell she was special. His gift to me was that life can continue if you raise them to be. So, I named her Shiloh."

"Oh," Miya said sadly. "You truly missed Midnight."

"Yeah, I missed the damn cat."

"What do you call him, a damn cat?"

I chuckled, messing her hair. "Oh, when I found Midnight, he drove me insane that I should've taken Haymitch's advice and not taken strays. But I didn't. There was something in his eyes that captivated me. Those deep yellow pools that said help. Initially, I thought of help, as in helping the cat. As time passed through my early crucibles, I realized Midnight didn't need help. He wanted to help me." I stopped and smiled at both of them. "Sometimes you find your familiars in another form. And what I see, a new set has been made."

Miya gasped and looked at me with pleading eyes. "You mean I can keep her?"

"As long as you treat her properly and never out of your sight," I warned. "Then yes, you can keep Shiloh."

"Oh, thank you!" She cheered and hugged me.

One of Simon's members came in, announcing our ride was here. Either it is Jason or possibly Hermes. We made our way out into the lobby only to find Cinna was there. I was surprised, thinking he would be at his studio making the final arrangements for the wedding dress, especially with the interviews tomorrow.

A grin lifted my lips as he took a moment of his time to see me.

"Cinna, what're you doing here?" I asked, walking up to him for a friendly hug, as we kissed both our cheeks in a fashionable manner.

"I thought I could give you a ride back to the Training Center." He answered simply.

"That's very generous of you," I said.

"Are you two dating?" Miya asked loudly.

Cinna and I stiffened. Our eyes widened to hear a teenager detect our secret. We eluded the Capitol almost a year ago, and they detected nothing, yet a cowgirl could notice the silent charade. Quickly fixing our posture, we looked at her with an amused look.

"We're just friends," I stated.

"Really," Miya sang, walking up and petting Shiloh like some vintage antagonist character. "How come he spent the night at the Reading, or every time you're on tour, he's one hundred percent there?"

"I believe our act has been compromised," Cinna chuckled, rubbing his copper hair.

"No shit," I muttered, cheek flushed.

"I promise not to tell," Miya giggled. "As long as you two…."

She stopped; fear flashed across her eyes in realizing her mistake.

"As long as we…" Cinna asked.

Realizing Miya almost slipped on being a member of the Profit Circle, I intervened. I will do whatever it takes to keep Miya from being a prostitute. However, with Cinna here…I felt like it would be a betrayal.

I took a deep breath, "Well, all that singing has worked up an appetite."

"How about I take you ladies somewhere to eat?" Cinna suggested opening the backseat door for Miya. "My treat?"

"How very kind of you, Mr. Pontmercy." I chuckled, making Miya giggle as we entered the black car and headed to a restaurant for a nice meal.

.o0o.

"Mind telling me what's wrong?" Cinna asked when we would return to the Training Center.

We had a lovely meal at a small café that wasn't in the crowded district. Of course, we had some disguises that Cinna kept and ate in a private booth. However, Miya seemed distant; then again, she was afraid to talk at the risk of exposing herself.

"Nothing," I assured.

"Miya seemed to be scared of something." He stated as he handed his coat to an Avox.

"It's nothing to worry about, Cinna," I lied. "It's stage fright. This is her first performance with a large crowd."

Cinna didn't buy my lie. The moment the Avox left, he gently grabbed my arm and spun me around so I could face him. I bit my lip, for talking about the Profit Circle to outsiders was forbidden. The ring was created to privately run scandals and collect information while obtaining funding. Our main goal is to collect secrets, secrets that President Snow wanted that computers cannot hack.

It wasn't like before when Victors had to pay back their sponsors. When President Snow took office, he made it a profit.

"The more you hide the secret, the more it eats you." He murmured.

"How would you know what it's like to hold a dark secret?" I asked sharply. "When you are kept in the dark for a reason?"

"What do you mean?" he asked concerned.

"I can't say." I breathed, not looking in those hypnotic green eyes. "But you and your Capitol don't live in a fairytale. Not in the illusion that's been going on for so long. That is all I'm gonna say."

Cinna placed a hand under my chin and genty forced it up so he could stare into my eyes again. "Strong walls hold weak spots."

"Cinna," I breathed. "Please."

Cinna sighed, leaning closer so our foreheads could rest against each other. "If I couldn't leave, the least I could do was help you get out."

I mentally gasped, wondering if he knew my secret as he placed a hand over my thigh where the canary tattoo was stained. My body silently quivers in fear, hoping he doesn't say anything; otherwise, he would be dead. Instead, he placed his lips against mine in a gentle motion. I sighed, kissing him in return, wrapping my arms around his neck. I only know a little about Cinna other than the basics. We both have secrets that need to see the light; however, a glass wall is between us. Neither of us is free from the secrets. My gut tells me I should never put too much of myself towards Cinna; if I do, the truth shall hurt.

And yet, he was somebody I could trust all the same.

It scares me to think I was falling in love with Cinna.

Love can be a weakness.

Only I don't want it to be.


We Remain by Christina Aguilera

Thanks for reading and please leave a review!!