Blaine Abernathy: A Canary Caged

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games


Chapter 58: The things we do for love.

Cinna's POV

Cinna sat in a chair, watching Blaine recover. She lay in the medical bed with bandages wrapped around her eyes. Surgery. The Jabberjays doctor had to perform surgery on her eye to see the damage, followed by brain surgery to add a chip after the evaluation of her eye. Therefore, they had to put Hacker's invention in, hoping to save her sight. Afterward, she was put in a remake to heal the majority of her wounds.

However, her one eye will forever haunt him.

When the rescue team arrived, they headed to the hideout outside the Capitol in the Rocky Mountains. Throughout the drive, he never let Blaine go despite all his pain. She was unconscious as her wounds slowly bled. The moment they arrived, she was yanked out of his arms, and Jason had to restrain him.

Not long after, he was taken for evaluation. He went through a mild surgery from Quinn as she mended his hands. Putting what was left of his fingers back in place and stitching up the wounds. Afterward, he was put on a mild remake to heal internally. Yet more scars decorated his body.

Once he was discharged, he went to Blaine's room to watch her.

This was not part of the plan. She was supposed to be at the Betting's with the other victors and Simon, helping in their escape. She was supposed to be safe. The Jabberjays were supposed to protect her. As much as he wanted to blame them, he knew better. This was his fault. He had gotten too close. He had expected to die in creating the Girl on Fire. The burning of the wedding dress into the Mockingjay. In sending a message of rebellion. All of that was part of the plan.

Death was expected, and he knew it would break his mother and sibling's heart. Most of all, it would break Blaine's heart. Knowing in time, she will find new love or at least be safe. Away from the Capitol. From the Profit Circle. From President Snow. She would be safer with the Jabberjays than the rebels in District 13.

Cinna had been a rebel since his college years. His father was considered a rebel, a Jabberjay, except he was good at covering things up. Or so he was told. That is what protected his family. Yet he died in a supposed car accident. When he attended college, he participated in debates on protecting the citizens of the districts. He couldn't get the image of the little girl from District 12 out of his head.

Chanel asked him to come to the Training Center during his preteen years. At first, he thought he would see the tributes, finding out of character from his mother. But he was disappointed to know he was not there to see the tributes but to keep Haymitch Abernathy's daughter company. The drunk Victor's daughter. Learning that Haymitch's wife had passed away, and no one could watch her in District 12.

Thus, when he came, he stared at this ordinary girl. One would say she was plain to Capitol standards. Effie, who had started her job as an escort, had dressed the girl up, put ribbons and bows in her hair, and put her in a frilly dress. She looked out of place. Nothing artificial. So simple. So plain. So…. innocent.

Most of the time, she stood by a window gawking out the city skyline. She asked him many questions that seemed obvious…until he thought about it. A part of him had found her annoying. Therefore, he sat on the couch and sketched in his journal. Ignoring her to the best of his ability until his mother picked him up.

Until Blaine came over to sit next to him as she watched him draw. Being considerate, he tore a page and gave her a pencil to draw.

The next day, he brought a book and read it to her. Reading classical children's stories. A friendship formed. One he did out of charity. Especially giving her a ribbon suitable for her complexion, not the ghastly pink Effie put in her hair.

The following year was the same. Only the innocent were gone. As if she saw something that haunted her. Maybe a reality check after watching the Hunger Games and the Capitol. So cautiously, he tried to distract her. Reading another story.

This continued for another few years until Chanel told him Blaine would no longer be visiting. When he asked why, his mother told him Blaine had reached reaping age.

In other words, she could be a tribute.

At fifteen, he realized the dark horrors of the Hunger Games. He has seen the Games, watching teens and kids killing each other. But knowing a friend of his could go in scared him. So, when the Reaping happened in District 12, he watched, trying to find Blaine on the girl's side. At first, he couldn't see her until he spotted her in the twelve-year-old section, wearing the blue ribbon in her hair. He almost missed her since she had her head down in near tears.

Every year, he watched out for her.

At twelve years old, she was safe.

At thirteen years old, she was safe.

At fourteen years old, she was safe.

At fifteen years old, she was safe.

At sixteen years old…she was reaped.

Fear consumed everybody as his mother gave a horrible gasp. For him, it felt like he was losing a friend. A friend he hadn't seen in a long time. When the boy tribute named Michael was called in, he saw pain written on Blaine's face, realizing the two had some sort of familiarity. Chanel excused herself, saying she needed to make alterations.

The following day, Chanel gave him tickets to see the Opening Ceremony. Dread came knowing the reputation his mother had. Tributes came in their designs until District 12 came, where the tributes were dressed in Chanel's designs, but wore a headdress similar to a coal miner and an Egyptian crown. Followed by the sparkling pickaxes.

All he saw was a different woman. Not the little girl he spent time with.

In the following days, Cinna kept track of the scores and bettings. As usual, the Careers had better odds than any other tributes. When Blaine scored a nine, he was impressed, wondering what she did to get the score. Then the interviews came, and he frowned, seeing her attire. Not appropriate, not what he would design for her.

As Caesar gave the nickname "Lady from the Ashes."

Later on, Blaine was known as the Lady of Ashes.

When it came to the arena and the grand reveal of the winter mountain. That he, too, could feel the coldness in his veins. Watching the countdown as his peers shouted in excitement, except he was preparing to watch a murder. The countdown reaches zero, and the gong rang. Blaine ran into the bloodbath. A near yell escaped him until she stopped halfway, grabbing the loose supplies and pack. Before she and Michael turned around and ran to the mountains.

Throughout the Game, he watched closely. Although his semester hadn't started, he tried to focus on his studies, yet continued to check on the Games. District 12 tributes try to avoid the careers and face the elements.

Betting was a normal thing in the Capitol. And in the college he attended, they bet daily on whether their tribute survives each day instead of winning the Games. Cinna was pressured to join, yet he didn't bet on a Career. Instead, he gambled on Blaine. Always on her. Any money he won, he donated for her sponsorship.

One college student didn't approve, being none other than Augusta Flickerman. He attended University and a different branch. It made no sense why he was in his college district for the arts. Only Augusta wanted his money back. Cinna was confused, only to be beaten up by Augusta and his goons. When he told them he didn't have the money, the bastard wanted to give a reminder that gambling was dangerous, as he took a lighter to heat up his family's ring and burned him. One person saw this and stopped them.

That is when a Jabberjay named Jason came to him. Offering him a chance to help Blaine in the arena. Cinna doubted it yet tested it out as he made a fur cloak using his winnings from betting to get the material. Day and night, he worked on it until Jason came to collect it. Cinna was hesitant but knew it was his test. So, he gave the cloak to Jason.

It would be the next day when Blaine had killed Static and collapsed into a field of snowdrops. It pained him, especially when she was crying out for her dad. How she wanted to go home. The anthem played, and a package fell from the sky. And the cloak was in there. After changing coats and putting the cloak on, he knew he had to save her.

Jason came the next day, offering him a chance for change. Cinna wasn't sure, as he was given time to think about it. When Blaine won the Games, he tried to keep tabs with his mother's help. Chanel mentioned that Blaine was put into Remake with disappointment. He didn't know why until the Crowning Ceremony. As Blaine was presented with a false smile. The girl he once knew was gone. Her olive skin had been lightened, her curves partially enhanced, and the baby fat on her face was gone. She didn't look like a sixteen-year-old. She was aged up; it was subtle, but her innocence was gone. With the face of another woman.

Especially in the outfit she was wearing. A black gown that did not seem appropriate for a sixteen-year-old. Chanel explained that the Gamemaker told her to provide a dress different from the intended gown. That was the final straw, as Cinna contacted Jason and told him he was in.

Jason was pleased as he introduced Cinna to the Jabberjays. There, he learned many people have wanted to overthrow the government and end the Hunger Games. However, Cinna, still young, was told to continue his education. Throughout the years, Cinna learned that the Jabberjays intended to get Blaine on their side, like the Rebels with Katniss. Learning the Jabberjays offered sponsorship to Haymitch in exchange for support later on.

The first Jabberjay who made contact with Blaine was Simon. He ensured she was not taken advantage of. Simon reported that even though Blaine was going through the motions, he could see the girl held trauma and depression along with drug abuse.

Followed by Blaine was drafted into the Profit Circle. The same as Finnick Odair.

And what he feared came true. When news came of Blaine being prostituted… Cinna felt rage, wondering how much President Snow wanted from Blaine. Especially on who bought her first, that brought dread. Augusta Flickerman. The man who beat him up and branded him out of spite because of his winnings…was her first client.

The Jabberjays sent Xavier Varick next. They provided the funds as they tried to keep Blaine away from the lechers and gather as much information as possible. However, Varick pushed her too hard, and President Snow found out. They knew she was being watched and possibly wired. And that mistake almost cost Xavier his life. Let alone that it was Blaine who shot Xavier. From what Xavier said, she was scared.

The Jabberjays stepped away. They left Blaine alone, knowing the hell she was going through. Simon kept watching and did his best to keep Blaine occupied. Cinna wished he could step in. As he was about to ask his mother to introduce him to Blaine. Yet the moment he came over to see his mother, she came home sobbing. Apparently, Blaine accused Chanel of destroying her identity and self. Chanel explained she had helped Blaine in protecting herself. But she told Blaine not to hide herself from close friends.

Cinna cursed, losing his opportunity to contact Blaine. Not without the connection. So, all he could do was see her on stage and interviews. Listening to the tabloids and gossip. When he saw her on stage, singing a song about false perception, that was when he knew he was falling in love with her.

He knew it was wrong. What started out as kids reading and drawing for four days until now. He thought he was protecting a friend. Trying to save her from afar. Not falling in love with her when she doesn't know who he is. Therefore, Cinna worked hard to get noticed, whether it be through fashion or other means.

Until his internship with Cores and the recommendation. Along with his friend Portia. He was closer now as he sewed outfits that would bring her out of the dark. Starting off small since she had five years of wearing black.

His goal is not to make her a sex symbol.

Slow and steady, Varick told him. Blaine was a canary in a cage. Even though her circumstances have improved, she was still a member of the Profit Circle. Therefore, Cinna was cautious; in every encounter, he treated her as a colleague. But something changed. She was open with him. She told her how she felt knowing it was dangerous. And he betrayed her trust by reporting her thoughts and words to the Jabberjays.

He had to if the Jabberjays wanted to get involved.

Including the interest in Katniss. A sixteen-year-old girl volunteered to save her sister. Admirable and brave. Wanting to fix the wrongs and create a new symbol for District 12. Doing what he can for Katniss. For he didn't want history repeating itself.

A bond formed with both girls. Especially with Blaine, he just wanted to be with her for every moment. Even as a friend, until the banquet, as she was paid to be an escort for Seneca Crane. When the man left, Cinna stepped in. Later that night, partially drunk, he kissed her. That was not a requirement for the Jabberjays, and he did not care. As he savored the kiss until Haymitch walked in.

Cinna knew not to rush things. He wanted her in more ways than one. But he knew this woman was damaged, and trust is essential. It didn't help when she found out who he was. Furious and cautious of her, he thought he lost everything.

Until something changed. She let him in, guarded, but it was a start. Except he noticed red marks on her neck. Followed by her interrogating him in the garden. Knowing he needed to distract her, he kissed her. No doubt a slap was done, yet she kissed him back.

Blaine was an enigma.

Varick noted how close Cinna got to Blaine and told him to give these bugged earrings with a built-in camera and recorder. Another invention by Hacker. Cinna was hesitant, but Varick assured him they were discreet. Blaine expressed joy when she got the Snowdrop earrings of her favorite flower. If only they were simple earrings. Not bugged.

It wasn't long before they got the information. Blaine was forced to spy on Katniss Everdeen. How if she did not comply, not only Haymitch and District 12 would be in danger, but also him.

Then, when it was the victory tour, Katniss and Haymitch snuck off. He kept quiet, hearing all the details in his designer cart but hidden. Blaine snuck into his studio cart, listening as well. Knowing this could compromise everything, he took some chloroform he had as a precaution and knocked her unconscious.

He continued to watch over Blaine and fell in love with her even more.

Especially when she came for her winter concerts.

The mission was to spy on her, yet he was selfish. Savoring everything that she gave him. Especially confessing her feelings on live television. He was in his studio working on one of Katniss's wedding dresses, with a small television in the corner. Mainly, he had it as background noise until the questions caught his interest. The last one, most definitely, as she confessed, was that she had feelings for a black sheep and was afraid to commit.

Shock, baffle, and flattery filled him. He was in a good mood all day until he made his way to the Training Center to discuss their relationship. Both agreed to keep it a secret. But the way she spoke, she clearly feared President Snow and the Profit Circle finding out about them.

"Snow will have to fall," he promised her.

All he wanted was to free her.

As President Snow continues to torment her by killing Midnight. All he did was hold her as she cried. Learning from Haymitch that Midnight was mutilated beyond repair. Thankfully, Finnick and Johanna arrived, and that seemed to work.

When it came to revealing the wedding dresses, he didn't think much. Caesar interviewed him as he focused on Katniss's wedding gowns. Done and simple until President Snow came on stage for the sudden announcement of the Quarter Quells. Here was his chance to kill the man who destroyed so many lives. But he had no weapons.

And then it happened. The announcement of the Quarter Quells. This year's tributes will be reaped from the victors. Immediately, his body tensed as he stared at the Victor's box to see Blaine and Finnick standing strong and proud as if they were honored to be selected. However, he was mistaken when going to the Twelfth floor of the Training Center to find Blaine comforting Miya while the others were absent. Together, they comforted the girl until she fell asleep.

Once he tucked Miya in, Blaine was gone, and he called Varick. Varick was furious, for this was not part of the plan, especially from Heavensbee, one of their members. Something was not right. Still worried about Blaine, aware of her mental health, he went to her room. He found her in the bathroom, still dressed while under the shower. He joined her, and what she said still haunts him.

"I can still feel the blood on my hands. It's not coming off."

All this time, she still felt like she was in the arena. Despite everything, her mind was still in the mountains. Haunted by those she killed. He wanted to take her out of the arena that was in her mind. Wanted her to know she was not alone. What was supposed to be comfort turned into sex. She needed it. She needed to know she was cherished and loved.

The following day, something changed in her. She asked him to make her a dress. The dress she wore during her first concert. Seeing she wanted her encore, he obliged, remaking his mother's design with a twist. Varick told him to add elements from Lucy Gray Baird's dress. Therefore, the variations of flowers gave a rainbow effect.

When the concert came, and she sang her encore, he couldn't help but grin. She was so confident. Singing a song she wanted to sing. A song from her district.

But something changed. As he was told later, President Snow confronted Blaine in the limousine, driving her back to the Training Center. Varick reported that President Snow told her about Lucy Gray and her being pardoned from the Quells while her friends perished. Most of all, threatening the Covey.

It kills him to see her in such distress. A part of him wanted to take her away. Have the Jabberjays fake her death along with the victors and take them out of this mess. However, that was not possible. Blaine, Finnick, and Miya are well-known to society. The two singers and the playboy. Johanna, maybe, but not the others.

Thus, he had to let her go. Had to let Blaine go back to District 12. They communicated, yet still as friends or exchanged letters in case someone was listening. Throughout the time, the Jabberjays kept track, listening and spying through the earrings. Noting everyone was preparing for the Quarter Quells. The Victors, the Jabberjays, and the rebels of District 13.

That was when Heavensbee and Varick asked him to do something dangerous. To turn the wedding dress into a Mockingjay. There was no security. No insurance that he will be safe. Cinna agreed, as long as they get Blaine out of there. Varick promised him he would.

So, he did just that. Getting the results of the wedding dress that won and did all the alterations.

When it came, he did his part. Providing support and motivation to Katniss. A girl he took under his wing. Betting on her to be the face of the rebellion. Knowing this girl will be protected. He was told some victors supported the rebels. All ready to protect Katniss.

Meanwhile, he had to keep his charade with Blaine. Now that the others were here. Stealing kisses when no one is watching. Yet, both do not go further.

Emotions were high, with everyone, including Katniss and Peeta, getting twelve on their scores. But all managed. Until Katniss mentioned, she hung Seneca Crane. Blaine's reaction startled many, yet Cinna knew out of all the clients…Crane was the gentlest with her.

Then came the interviews. All was falling to plan. He sat there watching every victor give their all, showing their protest. When it came to Blaine's performance, he made sure she glowed. Showing she was not a Lady of Ashes. That she was a Warrior. Followed by her defiance, she turned her back to the crowd and bowed before the victors on stage. Showing her support to them.

The interviews continued until Katniss came up. When the moment came, Katniss did as instructed and twirled, setting the dress ablaze and becoming the symbol of rebellion. A Mockingjay. A bird that was never meant to be, yet it exists.

Then came Peeta's announcement that Katniss and him were, in fact, married and that they were expecting a baby. Cinna doubted it, for Katniss would have told him along with her measurements.

He had to chuckle to himself when Blaine attacked him in the hall. In all the fabric and heels, she managed to pin him. All her emotions were written on her face as he captured it in his memory. And her realization that he was indeed a rebel. The Peacekeepers escorted him out, expecting to die then and there, except he was taken to his car.

Doing his final farewells with letters and all his things secured. He reviewed the final plans with the Jabberjays and how a rescue team was on standby. If he can make it out safely, he will disappear and do his part as an insurgent. If captured, the Jabberjays will try, but there is a high chance he will be executed.

Tortured and then executed.

And it happened. Right in front of Katniss. Trapping her in the shoot so she can witness the Peacekeepers beating him up and dragging him away. Destroying Katniss's composure before the Games. It was one of his regrets, yet he had faith in Katniss.

The Peacekeepers beat him up trying to get information. All they know is that he was a rebel. Not a Jabberjay. Not an insurgent. When the hovercraft landed, he was tossed in a van only to be met with the second man he hated.

Augusta Flickerman.

"Why am I not surprised to see you," Augusta taunted. "Then again, you have always been a rebel."

Cinna glared at him.

Out of all the people, it had to be Augusta.

"You know, I was quite jealous to hear that you and our little Canary were an item." He continued. "After all this, I think... I will take care of her once you are gone."

Rage filled him as he lunged forward, not allowing this rapist to touch her. He was met with a punch in the face, knocking him to the ground. Augusta hunched over him and continued to punch him repeatedly, along with cutting the tip of his finger off, until they arrived at the President's Mansion. Betting that President Snow wanted to finish him.

When dragged into the President's Office, everything faltered. There was Blaine, being restrained by Damon Plinth. Fear consumed him, for Blaine shouldn't be here. She had no part in any of this. She was supposed to be at the Bettings, helping Katniss and Peeta survive the Game until the rescue. That was part of the plan.

And yet President Snow exposed everything.

How he was an insurgent.

How he was a traitor.

How he was using her.

They tried to rile him by using her. Cinna didn't know what to do. He couldn't betray the Jabberjays, but at the same time, he couldn't get Blaine involved. She even tried to protect him, only to get hurt more. Despite everything, she still cared for him. And he reacted.

That is when President Snow realized they cared for each other.

Therefore, they tested his love for her.

Damon dragged her away while the Peacekeepers took him. Taking them to a disclosed location, the Peacekeepers tied him to a chair, facing a monitor. He wondered if they were going to hijack him. Only the monitor turned on, revealing Blaine bound to a metal rack and Damon torturing her.

Cinna watched in horror. Watching Damon electrocuted, waterboarded, and other means of torture. All to get to him. Cinna had to keep his secrets. Hoping that the rescue would arrive quicker. He wished to be the one to be tortured, not her. Calling the Peacekeepers and anyone who enters the room cowards.

Damon would switch between them. Damon started cutting parts of his fingers to cut off all of it. Along with waterboarding and electrocution. Enough to cause pain but not to kill him. Still, he did not falter.

And then it happened, one he could never forget, as Damon surgically removed Blaine's left eye. He was forced to watch her restrained, screaming without sedatives as Damon took her eye out. A scream he had never heard before. Even now, he could still hear her scream. When Damon adjusted the rack, the camera zoomed on her face…. Cinna knew that the Capitol had won.

They have destroyed her spirit.

Not long after, he was dragged into her cell. Tied up and restrained to look at her. Seeing all the blood all over the clothes he sown. She was unconscious, passed out from all the trauma. A buzzing noise vibrated as he noted her neck decorated with needle marks from all the serums they shoved into her. Then it was silent.

When she woke, he saw another side of her filled with hate. Hate towards him. Towards Katniss. And most of all towards herself. She hated him for all the betrayal. No doubt, assuming he used her, for her body and choice are sacred to her. Knowing he was a dead man, he confessed his feelings, and that broke her.

So, he told her he loved her.

And she cried.

Maybe she loved him.

It wasn't until Damon started torturing her in front of him that he nearly faltered. The deal was to give up the Jabberjays so she could live. Have her go through Remake, a new eye, and her memory erased of these last few days. Until she called his name, shaking her head. Then he realized Blaine would be used during the war, not as a prostitute, but as an assassin or soldier for the Capitol. And when Damon destroyed the earrings, he had to use the black box. Triggering the tracking device in it and the bomb.

And here they are now.

Now she lays here before him injured. All because he was too close to her. It should be him on this bed. Not her. As he was tied to a chair, watching from a monitor as Damon tortured Blaine. He knew help would come, except it pained him to see her tortured both physically and mentally.

All the fire she had diminished.

He bowed his head.

Cinna is waiting on a woman who could possibly reject him. He loved her and tried to protect her, but he also used her and betrayed her.

The doors opened. At first, Cinna thought it was Quinn. Instead, it was Varick. Varick stared at Blaine for a moment before looking at him.

"The rebels have betrayed us more than enough," Varick murmured. "I can't believe Plutarch convinced me."

"Were you able to save the others?" Cinna asked quietly.

"Simon managed to persuade Miya and Acre to join us before Katniss blew up the force fields and the victor's purge began," Varick answered. "Hacker and Lyme were on our side from the beginning. However, I'm not sure about Wade. Lyme says she'll keep an eye on him. Along with trying to recruit surviving victors who have not been purged."

Cinna frowned when hearing this. As Victors are being arrested or executed.

"What about Portia and my team?" he asked.

"Plutarch has your team along with Effie Trinket…Portia, on the other hand, was taken for Peeta Mellark." Varick reported. "Our resources know President Snow wouldn't execute the boy right away. Let alone keeping the other tributes alive for information."

Cinna frowned, for he should have thought of a better plan for Portia.

"Cinna, what happened," Varick asked.

"If you're asking me if I gave them information, I'm afraid to disappoint the people who got hurt in the bomb." He spoke.

Varick scoffed at that.

Therefore, Cinna told everything that happened. From the Peacekeeper beating him up in front of Katniss to the bombing. Varick listened closely, nodding now and then. This was followed by a mental note to have blood work done after hearing about Blaine being exposed to different serums. As Cinna remembers the fear in Blaine's eyes.

"I messed up big time," Cinna sighed.

"So much for putting your emotions into your work," Varick muttered, then sighed. "You love her. But when she truly wakes up from Remake… Be prepared to expect some heartbreak. The only thing Blaine Abernathy hates more than the Capitol government are the people she is closest with using her." He glanced at Blaine. "What Damon did shows the difficulty of this establishment. When I started paying to have her as my escort."

Cinna scowled at that.

"I assure you I did nothing to her," Varick chuckled.

Cinna sighed since Varick prefers people around his age.

"You read her file, so if she decides to end whatever you two have, be prepared," Varick warned.

"I know," Cinna sighed. "I just wish I could take the pain away."

"Pain is only weakness leaving the body. We learn from our mistakes so we can be stronger." Varick said. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, the doctors will take her off the Remake."

Cinna nodded.

"Also, when giving the news about District 12," Varick added.

Cinna frowned, for he got word of what happened in District 12. Varick had nothing else to say and left. Cinna turned his attention to Blaine, taking her hand. Even with the Remake, the skins on her hands had scars from the electrical burns. No longer chard with blisters. Now, lightning marred her wrists, forearms, and ankles. Some wounds can't be healed with one round of Remake.

Cinna took a deep breath, for he will be whatever Blaine wants him to be.


Hope you enjoy Cinna's perspective.

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