Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games
Chapter 20: We Remain
Blaine's POV
I stared at the gown I would wear for my interview performance. It was not a black gown or any of the dark attires I wore to perform. Instead of an elaborate puffy gown, it was more fitted, giving the illusion of melted gold. How it was draped and molded, with gilded metals that gave the illusion of armor. Of a chest plate and shoulder pauldrons. Almost like the statue that stood in the Capitol. The blind woman who held the two swords.
I touched the materials, noting how light and breathable it was.
"Something wrong?" Cinna asked, walking into the room.
I turned around, looking at him, "The dress…"
Cinna came over, smiling, "Do you like it?"
I paused, not sure how to express my feelings for it. It was lovely and simple with character.
"Why do you always put me in gold?" I asked.
Cinna gave a smile, "Your name means yellow."
"But this is gold," I corrected him.
Cinna nodded, "At first, it was one of my signature colors."
I nodded in agreement as I stared at his gold eyeliner.
"But also, gold holds many meanings," he murmured.
"Like what?" I asked.
"Compassion, prosperity, enlightenment," he listed.
I snorted, for those words do not describe me.
Cinna took my hand as he led me to the vanity and started working on my hair. Deep down, I don't want to do this performance. I don't want to sing to the Capitol. Simon suggested I sing it to the Victors, yet I fear I will choke and break. Knowing I was pardoned while the rest of them were reaped or volunteered.
I was lost in my thoughts as Cinna curled and manipulated my hair. Adding a braid to wrap around as he set in the accessories of crystals. I stared at myself, knowing this was not my face but what Snow wanted. The face of Lucy Gray. What she could look like in my age, along with my long light brown hair with highlights.
I wanted to go back to myself. I want short dark hair again. Even it made me resemble my cousin once more. This wasn't me. This isn't me.
But at the same time, I don't know who I am anymore.
Cinna adjusted us so he could do the makeup. Although it was a bit early, I was asked to come down. Therefore, I sat there being the doll the Capitol wanted. Cinna did his magic to make me presentable with warm tones that went with the dress.
Once he was done, he stared at me with a concerned look, "What is it?"
"I want to look like my old self," I confessed.
He nodded, "You will after the Quells."
He took my hands. "Maybe a nice haircut, and dye it. Whatever you want."
I nodded, giving a small smile.
Cinna smiled back as he leaned in to peck my forehead.
Afterward, he grabbed the shoes. They were not eccentric heals. Instead, they were simple golden flats.
"I should go check on my team. It seems the prep team can't hold themselves together for Katniss." He sighed as he secured the shoe.
"Well, she was their gateway to the top parties." I chuckled, then shuddered as he ran his fingers along my calf.
"True, but she has made an impression." He spoke.
"… Don't we all make an impression?" I sighed.
"True. "Cinna murmured, then looked up at me. "Tell me what is on your mind."
"Today is the last day, and all my closest friends are returning to the arena," I whispered sadly. "They are the people I grew up with, who raised me through harsh times when my mother passed away. And I can't do anything other than watch."
"Maybe you can," he said, grabbing the other shoe and put it on my on other foot. "By doing what you do best."
"And what is that?"
He finished his work and lilted my head so our eyes met. "Sing. Sing like there's a purpose. Make sure they remember you."
I smiled and gave Cinna a hug. Cinna hugged me back and kissed my hair. "Butterflies are proof that they can have a second life."
Afterward, he left my room to prepare Katniss for the interview. His quote made me hesitant, and I would never suspect him to say something so encouraging. I sighed heavily and finished with my attire. But before I left, I picked up my mother's pin and slid it into the braided bun in the back while the rest of the curls draped.
When I looked at my reflection, I was surprised to see another person. I saw another person, a goddess. Shaking my head, I left my room and headed to the living room to wait for the others. Haymitch and Effie remained there dumbfounded by my outfit, which Haymitch, for the first time, held approval. I was not exposed or sexualized.
"Much better," he murmured.
"Thank you," I replied with a smile.
"At least it covers more skin." He muttered.
"And since when did you care how I dress?" I asked.
"Since you reach puberty." He shot back, taking a sip of whiskey from his flask.
"Haymitch, aren't you such a devoting father!" Effie announced playfully.
Haymitch rolled his eyes and muttered women. Effie and I giggled at Haymitch's discontent until Peeta came out dressed in a tuxedo. From all the Capitol fashion, I knew it wasn't any formal tuxedo but a wedding Tuxedo by the tail and gloves. Peeta glared at the gloves and debated whether to take them off.
"Lookin' sharp," I said.
Peeta looked at me as his eyes widened, "You look nice."
"Well, I better get going," I said as I came over and pecked his cheek. "Don't say anything stupid."
"You know I can't promise that," Peeta countered.
I scoffed, shaking my head as I made my way out of the apartment. Although I glanced at Peeta's attire, in how he was supposed to look for a wedding, There was no wedding, no peace, and no hope. It was happening all over again. Only this time, humiliation and pain were in the selection of tributes.
.o0o.
The Interviews started with Miya walking on stage. She was once more in a floral attire that made her angelic and whimsical. She took center stage as the music played and sang the Anthem to Panem.
Gem of Panem
Mighty city
Through the ages, you shine anew
We humbly kneel
To your ideal
And pledge our love to you!
Gem of Panem
Heart of Justice
Wisdom crowns your marble brow
You give us light
You reunite
To you, we make our vow
Gem of Panem
Seat of power
Strength in peacetime, shield in strife
Protect our land
With armored hand
Our Capitol
Our life
Everyone cheered for Miya as she gave a bow. Listening to her music, I could tell this was emotional. As it will always be. She returned to the private room and ran into my arms. I held her as I tried to comfort the cowgirl without ruining our attire.
"Get to the Victors box," I murmured. "I'll join you when I can."
Miya nodded as she carefully wiped her tears away and went to join the other victors who were mentors for this year's game. Once she was gone, I stared at the monitor to watch the interviews.
His theme song played as Caesar came on stage dressed in dark purple and gold. He was ecstatic as he grinned with passion, followed by laughter. The audience cheered, and he gave a bow.
"Thank you!" Caesar praised. "Thank you!"
The audience continues to cheer and applaud.
"Thank you for being here tonight on the eve of the 75th Hunger Games!" he bellows proudly.
They all cheered as Caesar gave a boastful laugh.
"We have never seen anything like this. And we will never see anything like it again." He announced, bringing the microphone close. "Because tonight, on this stage, twenty-four of Panem's brightest stars will vie for the ultimate crown. Tonight will be their final opportunity to express their thoughts. Our final opportunity to express our love. And heartbreakingly…" He paused, taking a deep breath. "…to say goodbye to all but one."
The audience groaned and sobbed at such a speech.
There was a moment of silence before Caesar added, "What a night."
I thought he would continue to share his opinion until adding, "Let's hear it."
Which resulted in the audience cheering.
"It's so exciting!" he exclaimed, laughing.
The interview started as Caesar introduced Cashmere and Gloss coming on stage together. Both are dressed in silver, and Cashmere's bodice contains diamonds. They held their smiles, yet Cashmere seemed to be trying to compose herself.
"You two made The Games a family affair," Caesar said. "You became everyone's brother and sister. I don't know how we're going to let you go."
Gloss held a tight face, and his smile seemed forceful as he said, "We're not going by choice."
Well, I was not expecting that, I thought.
Gloss faces the audience, "You are our family. And I don't see how anyone can love us better."
The audience cheered.
"So sweet. So sweet," Caesar complimented, utterly mood.
Cashmere gave a soft sob.
"Are you all right, dear?" Caesar asked, being the microphone to her.
"I'm sorry," she apologized.
"That's all right," Caesar assured her.
"I just can't stop crying," she explained as she gave her opinion about the games. Able to get everyone's attention and weeping.
"You should have been an actress," I thought about it aloud.
Enobaria and Brutus came separately, like any loyal dog, stating how proud and honored they were to represent District Two and to show everyone why they would win.
Wiress came on stage, and instantly, she became overwhelmed. She tried to answer and give her opinion, stating, "Why take all the good we could…."
Her tick took over as she zoned out, trying to grasp her next word.
If Beetee was on stage with her, he would have finished the sentence.
Caesar wrapped up her interview and guided her up the stage. That even Gloss helped her into her seat.
Beeta was next on stage as Caesar interviewed him.
"Beetee," Caesar started. "You have contributed so much to Panem over the years. I don't know who we will miss more. You or your brain."
Everyone gave a laugh except for Beetee.
The genius replied, "If the Quarter Quell were written into law by men, certainly it can be unwritten."
Caesar was dumbfounded as he replied, "Yes. Interesting concept."
No doubt his earpiece told him to finish the interview. Beetee went up the ramp to sit beside Wiress, taking her hand.
Mags was soon on stage. Although Caesar did most of the talking, stating that she is the oldest living Victor alive, the grandmother of the Hunger Games. Along with her loving heart to volunteer for Annie Cresta. Followed by how she will be missed. Mags nodded sadly as she placed her hand over her heart and faced the audience, mouthing, 'I love you.'
Soon, Finnick came on stage as the crowd went insane for the Capitol's Darling. Finnick had his seductive mask as he wooed the audience to get his favors.
"Finnick," Caesar greeted. "I understand that you have a message for somebody out there. A special somebody."
Finnick smiled, swaying his head.
"Can we hear it?" Caesar asked, bringing the microphone to him.
Finnick leaned in, eyes focused on the camera, nearly in tears, "My love, you have my heart for all eternity, and if…If I die in that arena, my last thought will be your lips."
Oh, Annie, I thought, knowing that message was for her.
And yet the Capitol took that away from her and Finnick.
I continued to watch, seeing District Five and District Six do their final farewells. Although halfway through District Six, I had to prepare for the performance. A microphone was handed to me as I stared at the doors to the center of the stage.
As I remember, Chanel's words echoed in my head when I first performed.
"Because now it's time," her words echo. "You'll be the most famous singer in all of Panem. The object of every boy's fantasy. Celebrate this moment. Tonight, the lights offer for you."
"Tonight, I sing for them," I whispered to myself.
"How heartwarming," Caesar said. "I think we need a moment to compose ourselves. We have a performance here tonight from our lovely Lady of Ashes."
The crowd cheered as Caesar got off stage. The music began to play as the doors opened to allow my entrance. I stood tall and walked onstage as the Goddess I was presented to be.
All the ways that you think you know me
All the limits that you figured out
Limits that you figured out, mmm
Had to learn to keep it all below me
Just to keep from being thrown around
Just to keep from being thrown around
o
Yeah
I stood center, eyes on the audience, eyes focused on the camera. As I express my emotions, in how I few the Quarter Quells.
Every single time the wind blows
Every single time the wind blows
I see it in your face, mmm
In a cold night, there will be no fair fight
There will be no good night to turn and walk away
o
So, burn me with fire, drown me with rain
I'm gonna wake up screaming your name
Yes, I'm a sinner, yes, I'm a saint
Whatever happens here
Whatever happens here
We remain
o
Mmm, now we talk about our wasted future
But we take a good look around
Yeah, we take a good look around, ohh
Yeah, we know it hasn't been for nothing
'Cause we never let it slow us down
No, we never let it slow us down
o
Oh yeah
Every single time the wind blows
Every single time the wind blows
I see it in your face, oh
In a cold night, there will be no fair fight
There will be no good night to turn and walk away
o
So burn me with fire, drown me with rain
I'm gonna wake up screaming your name
Yes, I'm a sinner, yes I'm a saint
Whatever happens here
Whatever happens here
We remain
I turned around, facing the Victors who had given their interview. As half the seats were filled, and knowing the rest were watching. This song was for them, and I will not allow the Capitol to have it as I sang the rest, facing each victor, staring them in the eyes. Until I laid my eyes on Finnick. The man who has been my friend and brother.
We remain, oh
I kneel on my knees, showing my love for all of them.
Burn me with fire, drown me with rain
I'm gonna wake up screaming your name
Yes, I'm a sinner, and yes, I'm a saint
Whatever happens here
Whatever happens here
We remain
And thus, bowed before them, setting the microphone down, with my arms reached out, and forehead pressed against the floor. Showing they were the true champions. The respect and honor they deserve.
The audience behind me held the same emotions as they cheered and sobbed. However, I knew I put a target on my back. I know there will be repercussions for my defiance and turning my back on the Capitol. And I don't care.
I stood up, glancing at my friends before getting off stage. Behind the stage, I saw Blight, who bobbed his head in approval for the song before his name was called on the stage. Johanna came in as she made her way over to me. Once more, she was dressed as a tree in a couture text bark gown.
"You know Snow won't be happy about that stunt," she said.
"And," I replied.
She smirked, "You don't care."
"I do, but this is my goodbye," I whispered in her ear. "Give them hell."
Johanna gave her most deviant grin, knowing the pent-up rage burning inside her. I was escorted off the stage and was led to the pent-up Victor Box, where the mentors, escorts, and stylists were. They nodded in approval, although Haymitch held an expression he was trying to mask. One that had fear. I sat down next to Cinna, and instantly, he took my hand and squeezed it.
"You were marvelous," he whispered in my ear.
I smiled a little.
The interviews continued onwards as Johanna came on stage. Although
"We have seen a lot of tears here tonight," Caesar said, glancing at Johanna, who was holding back a frustrated laugh. "But I see no tears in Johanna's eyes. Johanna, you are angry."
Johanna gave a scoff.
"Tell me why?" Caesar asked.
And here it comes, I thought.
"Well, yes, I'm angry," Johanna said in a fit of giggles, then gained her furious composure. "You know, I'm getting totally screwed over here."
"Uh-huh," Caesar replied.
"The deal was that if I win the Hunger Games, I get to live the rest of my life in peace." She reminded everyone.
"Mmm-hmm," Caesar agreed.
Her eyes were focused on the camera, "But now you want to kill me again."
She chuckles humorlessly.
"Well, you know what?" She challenged before bellowing from the top of her lungs, "Fuck that!"
The audience gasped in horror.
On the other hand, I was laughing, trying desperately not to be heard. I wasn't the only one. I could hear Acre, Augustus, Wade, and so many more of our generation failing miserably. Although Haymitch snickered, Lyme smirked, shaking her head. Even Cinna tried to contain his amusement.
"And fuck everybody that had anything to do with it!" She continued.
I was in near tears of utter amazement and humor. As Johanna let her anger take control to basically drop the word fuck twice in a live studio audience. No doubt Plutarch and the Gamemakers are censoring it. However, there will be consequences for her in the arena. It seems Johanna did not care.
"All right then," Caesar said, dumbfounded. "One woman's opinion. Who's next?"
Johanna was escorted backstage instead of the booth with the tributes.
When District Eight tributes came up, Cecilia hoped this could change so she wouldn't die and leave her children orphans. She stated that didn't Panem's objective was not to leave children motherless or fatherless after the Dark Days. How Panem united so we don't fall into the same temptation that had the innocent suffer the thunder and lightning. And so on, District Nine and Ten continued the blame game on the Capitol in the relationship that was created over the years. Seeder asked in her interview if President Snow was all-powerful and if he could change the Quell. Chaff had the same statement and bragged Snow didn't care about anyone.
However, President Snow changed the Quells to eliminate the threat.
.o0o.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome . . . You know her…. as The Girl on Fire!" Caesar announced. "The Victor of last year's Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen!"
When District 12 was called, Katniss came out in her wedding dress, and the absolute fell into hysteria. Who could blame them for the moment of disappointment of a wedding that would never come, in the oh-so-love for the star-crossed lovers? Caesar had to professionally try to soothe the audience into sitting down and letting the interview begin. Caesar and Katniss shook hands and got down to business.
"Katniss Everdeen, you look fabulous." Caesar Complimented. "Doesn't she?"
"Now, Katniss, this is a very big and very emotional night for all of us. Wouldn't you say?
"Oh, don't go crying on me now, Caesar," Katniss replied with a grin.
The audience chuckled.
Caesar got hyper and took her hand excitedly, "I can't make any promises. You know me."
Katniss laughed, "You know I wouldn't believe you, even if you did."
The Capitol Citizens laughed along with Caesar, "I love her! The Girl on Fire is so cheeky."
Suddenly, he sombers up, "But Katniss, on a more serious note. I think we're all here a little disappointed, more than a little disappointed, that a certain wedding did not take place. Aren't we, folks?"
Katniss acted, showing her disappointment as well.
"Alas," Caesar continued. "But am I correct in assuming that this is the gown you would have worn on that day, yes or no?"
"Yes, President Snow thought everyone would want to see it," Katniss answered, ensuring not to offend Snow.
"President Snow, as usual, was right," Caesar agreed, then laughed, facing the audience. "Was he not, folks?"
The audience agreed by cheering.
"I love it! I love it!" Caesar cheered. "Don't you love it, folks? It's incredible. It's so gorgeous. Will you do us the honor? Please? Please? Please?"
Katniss nodded as she stepped forward, taking a deep breath. She looked amongst the crowd, then did a spin. The tulle of the skirt spun like seafoam. She slowly twirled around, raising the sleeves of her dress over her head. Then, something caught everybody's attention. A patch of fire at the train of the dress burning its way up. The crowd screamed at seeing the girl literally-actually on fire, as the flames consumed the satin material. However, Katniss acted calm in the fire and smoke. She continued to twirl until all white vanished and was replaced with black.
The bridal gown was still on her person, but the purity of white was replaced by burning ash-black, the color of coal, with the embroidery of feathers. The sleeves were covered in feathers with white patches, representing wings. The veil was draped black with feathers, laying on the neckline of more feather detail. I choked on the smoky air to realize what Cinna had done and stared at him in utter horror.
The audience was cheering for the Girl on Fire gimmick. Unaware of what Katniss has turned into. Oblivious to the situation that was happening outside of the Capitol. My heart tightens, and my blood runs cold. Cinna has turned Katniss Everdeen into a Mockingjay. The symbol of rebellion!
Caesar attentively reached out to touch Katniss's headpiece. "Feathers, you're like a bird."
"Like a Mockingjay," Katniss said, flapping her wings. "It's the bird on the pin I wear as a token."
"Your stylist certainly has outdone himself this time, hasn't he?" Caesar said. "What theatricality!"
Although Caesar's face shows a shadow of recognition of the history of the Mockingjay and the correlation, it symbolizes the past year. This wasn't some flashy costume to awe the audience of the Capitol, but a secret message to the districts.
"Well, hats off to your stylist. I don't think anyone can argue that that's not the most spectacular thing we've ever seen in an interview. Cinna, I think you better take a bow!" Caesar gestured graciously to Cinna as he rose. The camera aimed at the booth, and Cinna made a simple bow as Haymitch encouraged pride more. I masked my shock, clapping my hands behind a mask to appease the audience.
The audience applauded for such a performance that it was impossible to hear the buzzer, ending Katniss Everdeen. "Ladies and gentlemen, from District 12, Katniss Everdeen, The Girl on Fire!"
What have you done! I thought in dismay as we all took our seats. He reached for my hand once the cameras were back on the stage, except I pulled it away.
How could I not see it until now? I knew Cinna was different from the rest of the stylists, and I suspected a hint of a rebellion in him. But I thought rebel were rebellious… like most liberal artists, not willful rebellion. I shook my head, trying to deny the possibility that Cinna was actually a rebel. The type of traitors I was assigned to terminate in the past. I prayed that President Snow didn't notice it. Chances were slimmed, and I felt like I was going to die, not of actual death, but of a broken heart if Snow took Cinna away from me.
"Please welcome Peeta Mellark!" Caesar announced enthusiastically. At least Caesar and Peeta have chemistry in the art of public performance in conversation. As they discussed Peeta's love for Katniss, Caesar went to business. "So, Peeta, what was it like when, after all you've been through, you found out about the Quell?"
"I was in shock. I mean, one minute I'm seeing Katniss looking so beautiful in all these wedding gowns and the next . . ." Peeta trails off.
No, I thought in dismay. Don't Peeta.
"You realized there was never going to be a wedding?" Caesar gently asked.
Peeta paused momentarily as if he was struggling to keep a secret. This was one of his tricks in captivating the audience, wooing them to believe him. Peeta Mellark was the master of audience manipulation but the simple gesture of one being. "Caesar, do you think all of our friends here can keep a secret?"
"I feel quite certain of it?" Caesar assured, making the audience uncomfortable and laugh. There were no such things as a secret on stage in front of the entire Panem.
"We're married," Peeta whispered loudly. "In secret."
. . . Can somebody kill me now! I thought angrily and glared at Peeta while the crowd gasped in astonishment.
"But . . . how can that be?" Caesar asked.
"Oh, it's not an official marriage. We didn't go to the Justice Building or anything. But we have this marriage ritual in District Twelve. I don't know what it's like in other districts. But there's this thing we do," Peeta explained, including the toasting.
"Were your family there?" Caesar then asked.
"No, we didn't tell anyone. Not even Blaine or Haymitch. And Katniss's mother would never have approved. But you see, we knew if we were married in the Capitol, there wouldn't be a toasting. And neither of us really wanted to wait any longer. So one day, we just did it." Peeta continued to explain. "And to us, we're more married than any piece of paper or a big party could make us."
"So this was before the Quell?"
Nope, and if it was, I'm gonna kill them, I thought.
If this had been before the Quells, I would have reported this to President Snow since the beginning. Unless they decided to elope when I was on tour, however before I left, Katniss and Peeta were hardly close friends. Everything was just an act when outside of District 12.
"Of course, before the Quell. I'm sure we'd never done it after we knew," Peeta said, getting upset. But who could've seen it coming? No one. We went through the Games, we were victors, everyone seemed so thrilled to see us together, and then out of nowhere- I mean, how could we anticipate a thing like that?"
"You couldn't, Peeta." The host replied, placing a hand on Peeta's shoulder. "As you say, no one couldn't. But I have to confess. I'm glad you two had at least a few months of happiness together."
There was an enormous applause.
"I'm not glad," Peeta disagreed. "I wish we had waited until the whole thing was done officially."
"Surely even a brief time is better than no time?" Caesar said, taken aback.
"Maybe I'd think that, too, Caesar," Peeta said bitterly. "If it weren't for the baby."
Shock and horror filled the audience as they began to protest. Katniss appeared so shocked that I noticed Chaff eyeing her, most precisely her belly.
"All right. This is news!" Caesar tried to control the audience. "Let's find out more."
Everyone in the audience was indistinctly shouting. It was getting too loud. It was too overwhelming as the crowd demanded a change in the rules.
"Calm down. This is news to all of us," Caesar tried to calm the audience down.
Peeta glanced at the Victors' booth as Haymitch raised his flash in salute. I glared at them for how dangerous this was.
Caesar leaned into Peeta's ear and whispered to him. The young man nodded as he made his way up the step, joining Katniss. The anthem began to play, indicating the end of the Interviews.
"Let's uhh…" Caesar was lost for words. "Everybody, calm down. It's a great night. A great night."
Suddenly, the Victors on stage held hands and raised them in the air as they were united.
"We're going to find out what we do about this." Caesar continued, then turned around, seeing the unity of the Tributes.
"Cancel the Games!"
"Stop The Games!"
Immediately, the lights went out, yet the backdrop illuminated, showing the Tributes' shadows.
Quickly, I got up and left.
.o0o.
I paced around the empty hallway, feeling the tile floor vibrate from the screams, shouts, and rumble from the audience of the Tribute's interview. Peeta's interview has set more fuel on the fire now, and I don't know if Haymitch and I can save either of them. Pregnant! Out of all the lies and cons in the world, the last thing is to suspect Katniss Everdeen to be pregnant. Oh hell, the girl doesn't want kids. Then again, the Star-Crossed Lover Katniss version loves Peeta Mellark to death, and she would commit suicide.
That wasn't the only thing to worry about.
What about Cinna's major debut?
I couldn't believe he did that…. on live television when Panem was watching. And not just Panem, but President Snow! President Snow ordered Cinna to make that damn wedding dress for countless reasons, and what does Cinna due; he fucking burns it up and turns the Girl on Fire into a Mockingjay, the symbol that the rebels are using in every damn district. Now I'm at a stalemate, choosing between reporting the possibility of Cinna being a rebel or letting it slide and lying to myself that it is his artistic craftsmanship. My heart leaned on the second possibility, but my gut disagreed.
He can't be.
He just can't be somebody that I am trained to eliminate.
A hand rested on my shoulder. I jumped, grabbed the perpetrator's wrist, and slammed him to the wall. When green eyes met livid, I gasped, letting go of Cinna.
"Shit, sorry." I panicked.
"Don't be." He assured, fixing his shirt.
Rage filled me that my hand made contact with his face in a broad slap. Cinna's reaction seemed bewildered around the eyes while his face remained neutral as a red mark marred his left cheek.
"What the hell were you thinking?" I exclaimed over the anthem.
Instantly, he covered my mouth to silence me. I yanked his hand away, stepping back to create a distance.
"Blaine, listen to me," he started, his voice almost pleading. "I can't entirely explain, but I had to do it."
"For what?" I demanded, shaking violently. "For her? For Katniss?"
"She doesn't have anything to do with this," he sighed, rubbing his cheek. "Damn, I forgot how hard you can hit when you're angry."
I grabbed onto his shirt and pinned him to the wall, staring deep into his eyes. "Please tell me you're what I think you are?"
Cinna paused, staring intensely into my eyes, exposing vague emotions I can't read. He placed his hands over my wrists and gingerly forced me down. "I'm not a rebel."
"Then why did you do it?" I exhaled in relief to hear he wasn't a rebel. However, that didn't stop the possibility of him being arrested by Snow and executed like Seneca.
"Hope," he murmured, cautiously cradling my cheeks to wipe the tears I didn't know I was heading. "You need to understand that I did it hoping for a better future."
I shook my head, hugging him tightly, never letting go as more tears fell. This can't be happening; please let tomorrow turn out to be a predicament. Please let him be alive tomorrow after the first day of The Games. Cinna rubbed my back, whispering that everything would be alright and I should trust him.
"Promise me. I will see you tomorrow."
"I promise," he murmured and kissed me.
Before the kiss could deepen, a peacekeeper ordered Cinna to leave the premises. Not in his studio at the Training Center, but to leave the property. I wanted to argue, yet the Peacekeepers rested a hand on the baton as a warning. Unable to fight them off, I step aside, letting them escort Cinna off the premises. As Cinna assured the Peacekeeper he'd leave, he took my hand and kissed my ring finger where the fire band was.
I was once alone as I leaned against the wall.
Haymitch and Effie found me with the same expression. We were supposed to protect our Tributes, guide them in the right direction, and teach them how to play The Games. However, Katniss and Peeta throw it in our faces, which jeopardizes not just them but us as well. I don't think I could lie to President Snow, not with the assumption of Cinna's occupation and the false marriage and fetus. We quickly took the elevator; however, a peacekeeper stopped her.
"You need to go home," the Peacekeeper said.
"But I need to say goodbye," she said, clutching her purse.
"Orders are orders," the Peacekeeper said.
Effie paled as sadness took over. She glanced at Haymitch and then at me. She took a deep breath, opening her purse to pull out two small jewelry boxes. She handed them to me.
"Please send my regards," she said.
"I will," I promise.
Effie patted my shoulder before being escorted out of the Training Center. They were genuinely isolating us.
Haymitch led us onto the elevator without saying a word and guided us to it. We had to see the condition of Peeta and Katniss, make sure they were okay, and find out what they were thinking. Once the door opened, we found the two by the window.
"It's madness out there. Everyone's been sent home, and they've canceled the interview recaps on television." Haymitch announced.
"What are they saying?" Peeta asked. "Are they asking the president to stop the Games?"
"I don't think they know themselves what to ask. The whole situation is unprecedented. Even opposing the Capitol agenda is confusing for the people here," Haymitch said.
"President Snow would veto the request," I said sadly.
"The others went home?" Katniss asked.
"They were ordered to. I don't know how much they're having getting through the mob," Haymitch reported..
"Then we'll never see Effie again," Peeta said disappointedly. "You'll give her our thanks."
"More than that. Really make it special. It's Effie, after all," Katniss added. "Tell her how appreciative we are and how she was the best escort ever and tell her . . . tell her we send our love."
"Of course," I said, then opened the gifts Effie. "Presents for the boys."
"What is this?" Haymitch asked, opening his to reveal a golden band shaped like flames.
"The tokens," I clarified as I lifted my hand to show a similar ring. "Katniss Pin, Wig for Effie. A ring for me. A bracelet for you. And Peeta…"
Peeta opened his to reveal a medallion. "Make sure you thank Effie for us,"
"Just know she is proud of you," I added.
We stood in silence, postponing the inevitable. After several minutes, Haymitch spoke first. "I guess this is where we say our goodbye as well."
"Any last words of advice?" Peeta asked.
"Stay alive," Haymitch replied gruffly. "Go to bed. You need your rest."
Katniss and Peeta stood there looking at us, unsure how to continue this conversation. It's best if they just went to bed.
"You take care, Haymitch." Peeta started. "And Blaine, thank you for everything that you've done for us."
I nodded my head and walked up to them to give them a hug. I kissed Peeta's cheek, telling him to stay strong and not stop believing his heart as I placed my hand over his chest. Next, I turned to Katniss and hugged her as I leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Play the game and raise the bet."
When we pulled back, Katniss gave me a confused look. I smiled, giving her a wink before she and Peeta walked across the room. However, Haymitch wasn't done yet.
"Katniss, when you're in the arena," he began, then paused with a scowl.
"What?" she asked defensively.
"You just remember who your enemy is," he told her. "That's all. Now go on. Get out of here."
And that was the last night I saw my friends, only for them to die tomorrow.
We Remain by Christina Aguilera
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