#Katniss is gonna be an aunt

[nebulablakemurphy]

Moves & Countermoves (Part 3)

Summary: No one ever wins the games, even fourteen years later, Y/N is still playing.

Prologue | Part 1 | Part 2

Katniss and Peeta have it out during dinner. Bickering over who has a better chance of winning. Asking to be trained separately after that. It is an odd thing to get heated about and Haymitch is intrigued.

“We’ll explore that later,” he decides as the kids leave the table.

Effie tries her hand at small talk. “Tomorrow the tributes will be assessed. How are you feeling about that? I, for one, am hopeful that we might see a victor!”

“I feel like I need a refill.” Haymitch grunts, leaning up from his seat to reach the bottle, “and I feel like you,” he looks to his wife, “need a little bit of the good stuff to take the edge off.” He dumps the contents of her glass onto the floor, replacing it with the malt liquor of his choice.

“I’m going to bed.” Y/N pushes away from the table.

“Don’t be like that, angel.” Haymitch reaches out, catching her around the waist and pulling her against his side.

Y/N smooths a hand over his hair. “It’s been a long day, I’m tired.”

Haymitch begrudgingly releases his hold. “Go.”

“Night, Effie.” The woman waves in parting.

Effie clears her throat, “goodnight.” These people are awfully temperamental.

Y/N returns to her room, making for the tablet on the nightstand. Clicking open her files for Katniss and Peeta in turn. Adding archery and strength to their lists of abilities, then moving onto weaknesses, scribbling in at the top ‘uncontrolled rage and each other?’

Y/N opens that file last; the one where she jots down kind words for the tribute’s families. How they touched her life, how they made a difference in this world and will continue to do so. With the promise that they will live on in their hearts and hers, forever.

When she was reaped, a lifetime ago, Haymitch hadn’t been warm and fuzzy. Though he’d gone to the quarter quell with her maternal aunt. Allied with her to get to the top five, even held her hand as she died, Haymitch can’t bring himself to do much more than drink himself into a stupor.

“What exactly do you want me to do, girl?”

“I want you to help us!”

He’d left Y/N and her district partner, high and dry.

“Help you?” Haymitch laughs, “I can’t help you.” He couldn’t save Maysilee then, he can’t save Y/N now. He wonders if this is still part of his punishment for the force field, cruel and unusual in it’s crafting.

Even after she wins, set up in the house beside his in victor’s village, Haymitch still won’t speak more than a few words to her. That is until the next reaping rolls around.

“Aren’t you coming with me?” Y/N asks.

Back to the Capitol, back to hell.

“Think I’m gonna sit this one out. You’re due to take one for the team, right? I was a shit mentor anyhow. Not you though, you’ll be good.”

She isn’t good. All of sixteen marching a couple of thirteen year olds to their final resting place. Y/N is inconsolable upon her return, mailing letters to the families of the fallen tributes from twelve and shutting out the world.

Her mother, who’s struggled with a morphling addiction most of Y/N’s life, is worse now. Her father, the mayor, makes his best efforts to shield his daughters from it. They do what they can to support Y/N through her victory and the transition to her new life, all to no avail.

In the end there is only one person Y/N wants to comfort her, the only one who understands. She has a new respect for Haymitch after that. There is no pain in the world like this.

It takes three years, three years before she marches up to his door on reaping day and pounds against it, hard. “You’re coming with me.” Gone is the child she was, a woman standing in her place.

“And why would I do that?” Haymitch smirks, leaning heavily against the door frame.

“Because I need you.”

Slowly, they became friends. Haymitch was happy to be whatever, whatever she needed him to be.

She folds the tablet back in it’s case, feeling tears prickle at the back of her eyes. Crying is useless, she learned that sometime ago. Not a single outcome changed or a life saved with tears. Only knowledge and fact driven perseverance can do that. Yet she is more man than machine and sometimes sadness wins.

The door of their suite hums to life. Y/N tries, in vain, to hide the evidence; her moment of weakness.

“You know, you,” Haymitch stumbles in, pointing a finger at her, “have become highly predictable.” Going to bed with him or after him is the norm. Means she’s fine, maybe not great, but she’ll tough it out. Going to bed before him is nothing short of a cry for help. She’s reached her limit. Haymitch knew she was getting there, that’s why he offered the drink.

Y/N heaves in a breath, “don’t say I told you so.”

“Fine, but I did tell you so,” he frowns. For all his flaws, Haymitch does love her and hates that she’s in pain.

She opens her hand to accept the little blue pill in his palm, it’ll put her out for a few hours of much needed sleep. Y/N swallows it dry, forcing it down her throat.

“Lie down,” Haymitch jerks his chin toward the pillows. Pulling back the covers to tuck her in, his wife’s eyelids already heavy.

She babbles out a bit of nonsense, her tongue like lead. Not heeding her command.

“We can argue all day tomorrow.” He promises, soothing her to sleep with her hand in his. Peppering kisses to her knuckles as she loosens her grip. “Sweet dreams.”

————————————————————————

“So besides the bow, what else can you do?” Y/N asks Katniss, prepared to take notes.

“Might help if you look at me.”

“Hmm?” The woman snaps her head up.

“If you’re analyzing me for the next kids, it might help to look up every now and again.”

“I wasn’t-”

“You were.” Katniss cuts her off, with finality. “We’re all numbers to you anyway.”

Y/N offers a smile as she sets the tablet down. “You want my attention, you have it.”

“Don’t talk to me that way.”

“What way?”

“Like I’m a child,” Katniss furrows her brow.

“You are a child,” Y/N retorts. “I know you don’t want to be here and all that anger has to go somewhere.” She pushes off the training room bench and onto the mats. “Show me what you can do.”

The brunette charges her mentor, prepared to tackle her to the ground; only Y/N moves at the last second. Leaving Katniss face down on the ground. This only fuels her fire, she grabs Y/N’s ankle, tugging her off balance.

They carry on like this for a long while, ending with the pair covered in sweat, sprawled out on the mats.

“How can you do this?” Send kids off every year to fight and die. “You’re a mother.”

“I do this because I’m a mother,” Y/N whispers. “You’re not numbers to me, Katniss. You’re people. Who deserve to be treated with love and compassion, given access to every shred of useful information I have. That’s why I document everything. So I never forget.”

Katniss sees her then, as if for the first time.

Peeta finds them. “It’s time to switch,” he says.

Haymitch is waiting to help Katniss prep for the interviews and Peeta will now be…doing whatever this is.

Katniss musters the strength to drag herself away, glancing back at Y/N from the door. “Put that in my notes. Tell my sister I fought.”

————————————————————————

“As you know, the tributes are rated on a scale of one to twelve, after three days of careful evaluation.” Caesar narrates from the television.

Effie, Portia, Cinna, Peeta and Katniss have all joined the victors on the pristine white settee. Y/N slides forward to the edge, while Haymitch sinks back into the cushions. Feeling the familiar squeeze and release of her fingers against his knee as the results are displayed.

District twelve is last, the anticipation rises like bile in Y/N’s throat. The careers score nines and tens, the others a mix of fives through eights. Thresh, of district eleven pulled a nine, his partner Rue follows with a seven. Best of luck, sweet girl.

“From district twelve, Peeta Mellark; with a score of…eight.”

Portia gasps in delight, “Peeta!”

“Excellent.”

“An eight.” Y/N bumps his shoulder.

“We can work with that.”

“Bravo.”

Peeta smiles, relaxing marginally at the news.

“And finally, from district twelve, Katniss Everdeen; with a score of…eleven.”

“Eleven?!”

“I thought they hated me.” After she shot at their pig and all.

“They must have liked your guts.”

Cinna raises a toast. “To Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire!”

Part 4

Series Taglist: @praline357 @flowercrowns-goodvibes @justheretoparty420 @avocadotoastwithegg @officialjellydoughnut @whoreforfictionalpeople @treehouse-mouse @emo-markie @spilled-mi1k

#haymitch abernathy x y/n #haymitch abernathy x you #haymitch x reader #haymitch abernathy #haymitch x y/n #haymitch abernathy x reader #haymitch abernathy fanfic #haymitch fanfic #the hunger games #hunger games fanfiction #peeta mellark #katniss everdeen #effie trinket

[boarwinds]

What can you tell us about the Snowbaird kids in your First Lady AU?

Glad u asked.

So everything that happens in the movie happens except coryo doesn't say "3 is enough for me" until after they've reached the cabin where they've just unknowing conceived their twins. He says this while they're both lying in bed n that's where that whole "who's the third" conversation happens. Coryo hunts her n she escapes w a non lethal bullet wound that def leaves a scar.

CS goes back to the capitol n goes on to be president at age 23. LG gets pretty far n struggles to survive on fruits, nuts, etc,, she's definitely not a hunter. It makes sense her period doesn't come as she hasn't been eating, sleeping, basically living right but what makes her sneak back to 12 is her growing stomach. She connects the dots. The covey help set her up at the cabin or somewhere only the covey know bc the mayor is still looking for her. She gives birth to twins, first a girl then a boy which came as a surprise. Theyre both tiny w the boy even more so but they make it.

I'm gonna headcanon one of the covey knowing how to hunt n they teach the kids when they're little, LG also learns. Think of the 2 kids from wolf children, that's how her kids are. Theyre so curious abt district 12 n wanna see where their aunts n uncles leave off to but they also follow their mom's orders like it's gospel so they never venture too far except for one time they try to hunt a small boar to bring back to LG. Obv shit goes awry, girl twin gets a head injury from protecting her brother which leaves a scar n boy twin is crying in hysterics. They rush to 12 to get help n this is what leads to LG's capture.

So as for their personalities:

Girl twin: imagine coriolanus if he was raised district w just his loving mother. Will commit all types of wrong for the right thing. Let's just say if it weren't for LG being her moral compass she has potential to be worse than CS. Like her brother she inherited her mother's natural charisma n charm but she can be like her father n use it for manipulative purposes. She's fiercely protective of LG n her little siblings, v much a katniss type. Shes quiet n observant, more introverted. Unlike her parents she doesn't have much interest in pretty things, for her practicality over everything. Both LG n CS want to spoil her w pretty gowns, accessories, makeup, whatever she wants but she dresses plainly (if thats possible w aunty tigris designing all her clothes) most of the time. It doesn't hide her beauty, she's gorgeous the same way her father is.

Her relationship w her father is strained. She knows he did smth to hurt her mother, she's never seen LG be so cold to anyone no matter how civil she tries to be, she's immediately weary. CS sees her scar n offers to have it removed but LG always talked abt how scars told stories n hers would tell of her bravery n love for her brother so she's offended by his offer. She hates how she can't deny her parentage LMAO she may as well have been asexually reproduced by him.

Boy twin: LG if she reincarnated in a physical copy of CS. Is ambitious about becoming a beloved singer songwriter the way CS was ambitious abt becoming president. He's a bit more sheltered bc his sister n LG babied him but he's absolutely not a doormat, hes the type to gracefully disrespect u n u wont realize until ur overthinking in the shower. However if u disrespect his family, hes not afraid to serve up a little rat poison flavored drink. He'll have ppl eating out the palm of his hands n it won't even be on purpose. He's the extroverted twin who can win anyone over. LOVES luxury. Prob the one most transformed by living in the capitol but, his sweet boy personality may or may not be a persona. He sees w rose tinted glasses more than his sister so he ADORES his father at first meeting. The concept of a father is new to him n he's only his father's son, he loves having new fancy things.

3rd baby: 3rd girl is not exactly planned but not unplanned either. She's born in the capitol. Twin girl's current favorite sibling bc it's a baby n a girl. Also twin boy's current favorite sibling bc shiny new baby. LG's biggest baby so far. CS gets to name her bc LG got to name the first 2 (like she had a choice after being hunted down by him 🤡) who have covey names. He'll give her a v capitol name, had she been a boy she would've been Crassus. Haven't thought further abt her personality, for now she's just a baby.

X number of siblings in between: N/A for now

Final baby: takes after LG the most. Brown eyes, brown hair. Everybody's favorite, everybody's baby. They'd all individually burn down the capitol themselves for the final baby.

#ask #*cracks knuckles* #just to piss coryo off the twins call lucy gray Ma #the eldest daughter to coryo: “deadbeat- i mean dad” #its almost 5 am n ill prob have more to say in the future

[xetswan]

The Hunger Games- Protector; Chapter Two, The Capitol

(Peeta Mellark X Reader)

[One] [Two] [Three]

"You have three minutes." A voice calls and I hear the door open. It's my family. Prim and Katniss pull me into a rough embrace, both crying.

"Hey, shh, shh, it's okay. We don't have much time, listen." I pull away from them, Prim's arms still wrapped around my waist as I put one hand on the side of her face. I also pet Katniss's hair.

"You're gonna be okay, Prim. I promise. Don't take any extra food from them. It's not worth putting your name in." I tell her, kissing her multiple times on the forehead.

"Kat, I'll be okay, don't lose yourself, use Gale as a walking stick. He'll be right there with you." I pull her in for one last hug.

"Just try to win. Maybe you can." Prim says in a broken tone. My breathing halts for a moment but I continue on. "Maybe I can." I smile at her. "You can hunt." She reminds me. "Exactly." Katniss chimes in.

Prim then pulls out the golden pin that Kat had given her moments before the Reaping. I stare at it. "To protect you." She mutters. "Thank you." I frown, kissing her cheek. I then moved to my Aunt Clare, my dad and Zayden.

My dad puts Zayden in my arms and then he hugs the both of us. I try not to sob as he squeezes onto me. "I'll be okay, dad. I'll win. I'll be back." I promise him the unpromisable.

"I know, I know you will." I felt wet tears land on the top of my head and it only makes me feel worse but I don't want them to hurt even more seeing me cry. He let me go and I gave Zayden back to my father, he didn't talk, he was very quiet.

I knew he didn't understand and the boy doesn't talk much in general.

Clare gives me a small embrace. She begins to cry, I rub her back soothingly. "Don't cry." I whisper.

"It's time." The same Peacekeeper comes back into the room. Dragging mainly Prim out. "It's alright, Prim." I wanted to comfort her but her big sister was right there with her and I knew she would be alright without me. If I win or lose.

I glanced out the window, wanting to break down but I still couldn't let myself. Not yet anyway. I hear the door slam shut and I turn around. It's Gale, he swoops me up into a hug, lifting my heels off the ground before we pull away from one another. "I'm fine." I told him.

"Yeah, I know." He nods his head.

"Listen to me. You're stronger than they are. Get a bow-" "I'm not that good with a bow yet, Gale." I argue with him but he stops me.

"You were getting amazing, trust me. If not a bow, get yourself a spear or something. You're good with close battles but you're gonna need distance most of the time." He assured me, I wanted to argue but the timing wasn't the best. "You know how to hunt."

"Animals." I remind him.

"It's no difference, [Name]." I shake my head. "I don't know if I can do it. 23 other people. Only one is the victor. Those odds..." I sigh, thinking about my chance against District 1 and 2. The ones who are practically trained to do it. Volunteer to do it.

"And it's gonna be you. Do it for Katniss, your dad, Prim, Zayden, and Aunt Clare. Think of them." He gives me one last embrace as the Peacekeeper comes into the room.

"Don't let them starve, Gale! Take care of them! Katniss is strong but she needs you!" I yell. "Let's go." The Peacekeeper drags Gale out of the room. "We'll see you soon, okay?" He shouts back to me.

I wasn't expecting anyone else to visit me, those were the only people I really knew.

Or at least I thought until the door opens for a third time and it reveals Peeta Mellark's father. The Baker, a man I've sold a few animals to for bread. Mainly squirrel, he loves squirrel.

"What you did, it was brave." He speaks up and I only stare at him, confused on why he's here. I'm guessing he already spent his time with his son before coming to me. "And to honor you, Miss Everdeen. I will make sure your family does not starve."

I feel stuck in place but I want to say something, do something to show my gratitude. "Just win this thing, we're all betting on you." He nods his head.

My eyebrows furrow, shocked by his words. They aren't betting on his own son? "Thank you." I mutter. He places a hand on my shoulder, patting it before moving back to the door and leaving the room.

Finally leaving me to my own thoughts, alone until we're moved to the car. Peeta and I are sitting beside one another as Effie sits across from us. "You two are in for a treat! Crystal chandeliers, platinum door knobs, and it flies. We'll be at the Capitol in less than two days. Now before you do anything else..." Her voice grows inaudible to my ears as I stare out the window. Just wanting this nightmare to end. When we exit the car, we're immediately boarding the Tribute Train.

"200 miles an hour and you can barely feel a thing. I think it's one of the wonderful things about this opportunity that even though you're here and it's just for a little while, you get to enjoy all of this." She informs us, both of us stay quiet in response, making her feel more and more awkward.

"I'm going to find Haymitch, he's probably in the bar car." She excuses herself, leaving us alone.

"Have you ever met him?" He asks me, I shake my head no. "Haymitch? You know, he is our mentor. He did win this thing once." He tells me and I look at him without turning my head. "Yes, I know." I huff out. "I don't want to talk anymore." I say to him, motioning for him to quiet down. Which he does until the door opens to see a drunken blond haired man.

"Congratulations." He pours himself a bottle of alcohol. He opens the ice container to see that it's empty. "Where's the ice?" He asks us as if we would even know.

"I don't... I don't know." Peeta responds. He slams the ice container back shut. "May I?" He points to the seat but before either of us could respond he's sitting down. "Okay, so uh... when do we start?" Peeta quizzes our mentor.

"Whoa, whoa. So eager. Most of you aren't in such a hurry." Haymitch snickers at him. "Yeah, I want to know what the plan is. You're our mentor. You're supposed to-"

"Mentor?" The older man questions, treating Peeta like he's stupid. "Yeah, our mentor, you're supposed to tell us how to get sponsors and give us advice." He explains to the drunk.

"Oh, um, embrace the probability of your imminent death and know in your heart, that there's nothing I can do to save you." He then sweetly smiles at us, my eyes squint in disbelief.

"Why are you even here then?" I ask. "Oh, the refreshments." He swirls the little drink. "Okay, I think that's enough." Peeta goes to grab the drink but Haymitch pins him back down in the chair with his bare foot.

"You made me spill my drink on these brand new pants. You know, I think I'll go finish this in my room." He gets up, I scoff, hiding my face in my hands. We're going to die so fast because of this idiot.

"He's gonna come around." Peeta stands up. "What's the point?" I stopped him. "I'm gonna go talk to him." The blond tells me, leaving to talk to the man.

The tv turns on and shows two men, showing footage from the 73rd Hunger Games. I don't pay attention to it. Only turning it back off. Deciding it might be best to clean up and go to bed. Or just have that time to lay down and cry.

I changed into a red long sleeve and sweatpants that were in the dresser. Before going to bed I take out my braids, putting them into one instead of two. I think about what my family's doing at this very moment. How they feel about everything.

I feel for my father who lost his wife five years ago and now has to deal with the death of his daughter on the big screens. All for stuff that happened 74 years ago.

Children punished for a war they were never even a part of. I just wonder how I'm going to die in the games.

Will it be by a spear, a knife? Maybe even my own weapon I decide to grab. Or the weather? Die of something lame. Who knows.

That night it was difficult to fall asleep, somehow I managed but only got five hours which was more than I even expected. I get dressed before going into the next car.

"You'd freeze to death first." I hear Haymitch's voice. "No, cause I'd have a lot of fire." Peeta disagrees. "Now that's a good way to get killed."

"Why's that a good way to get killed?" I question as I join them. "Oh, joy. Why don't you join us? I was just giving some life saving advice." He grins towards me. "Like what?" I tilt my head.

"Oh, I was just asking about how to find shelter." Peeta informs me. "Which would come in handy if in fact you were still alive." Haymitch adds in. "How do you find shelter?" I place my hands in front of me, clasping them together. "Pass the jam." The long haired man avoids the question.

"How do you find shelter?" I repeat myself. "Give me a chance to wake up sweetheart. This mentoring is very... taxing stuff. Can you pass the marmalade?" Again avoiding the question, I grab a knife that was on a place mat, quickly stabbing in between his fingers.

"That is mahogany!" Effie shouts from the couch she was sitting on. I then look back to our "Mentor".

"Look at you, just killed a place mat. You really wanna know how to stay alive? You get people like you. Oh! Not what you were expecting? Well, when you're in the middle of the Games, and you're starving or freezing, some water, a knife, or even some matches can mean the difference between life and death. And those things only come from sponsors. And to get sponsors, you have to make people like you. And right now sweetheart, you're not off to a real good start." He snaps at me, taking the knife from the table to get the marmalade.

"There it is." Peeta says, thankfully getting me out of this position as he points to the window. He gets up and waves to the cheering crowd.

"Come on, come on!" He tells me, I slowly get up. "You better keep this knife, he knows what he's doing." Haymitch goes to hand me the knife but I stop him. I join Peeta at the window, placing a smile on my face like the blond beside me.

Waving to the crowd.

The next thing to deal with was horrible, being showered down then waxed of all the hair on my body. The prep team talked about me as if I wasn't right in front of them. My nails being oh so dirty, my hair not being brushed thoroughly. The little patches of dirt or coal they can't seem to wash off somehow. Then as the three walk away from me I see them holding something.

"What's that?" I question, trying to look over their shoulders. They didn't answer me at first. "What's that!?" I repeat myself.

"We;re just saying we might need to hose you down again before we take you to Cinna." Flavius tells me.

The torture was over and now I'm alone in a room, cleaned, waxed, plucked raw. I don't understand why it was important when I'm going to be fighting for my survival. A man enters the room and I sit up to be kind of polite.

"That was one of the bravest things I've ever seen. With your cousins. My name is Cinna." The man smiles at me. "[Name]." I give a weak smile. "I'm sorry that this happened to you and I'm here to help you in any way I can." He assures me.

"Thank you, I'm surprised you didn't congratulate me. Like everyone else has." I huff out.

"Well, I don't see the point in that. Tonight, they have the Tribute Parade. We're gonna take you out and show you off to the world."  He leans against one of the counters. "What's the point of the parade?" I look up at him.

"You need to make an impression. Now, usually they dress people in clothes from their district." Cinna says, I nod my head. "Yeah, we're always coal miners."

"But I don't want to do that. I wanna do something that they're gonna remember. Did they explain anything about trying to get sponsors?" He asks.

"Yeah, I am scared I won't be what they want to see." I frown at the thought. "Well so far you're far more than anything they expected. I just think someone as brave as you shouldn't be dressed in some stupid costume now, should they?" He smirks, confident in me, something I can't find myself to do.

"I hope not." I say.

"It's safe I promise. It's not real fire. These suits are built so you won't feel a thing." Cinna reassures us. Both Peeta and I are in black outfits. My makeup black as well. My hair being put into two braids kind of like it was at the Reaping but way better looking.

"Looks pretty real to me." Peeta worriedly says. "Well, that's the idea. You ready? Don't be afraid." Cinna questions me. "I'm not afraid." I lied to him.

The parade gets announced and Peeta helps me up on the carriage. "Thank you." I whisper, when I talk it's as if the wind has been knocked out of me. "Of course." He says.

The horses begin to move and I feel my chest rapidly moving up and down.

"Here." Peeta takes my hand, I wanted to let it go but instead I don't. Gripping it  tightly without realizing. The fire emits on our clothes and as ours goes down, cheers boom in the audience.

Flowers flying down to us. Peeta lifts our hands in the air. I remember to smile. Waving with my other hand to the people cheering our names and district.

I saw myself on the banners and it was as if I didn't recognize myself. The makeup I was wearing, the cleanliness that no one could ever really achieve in 12.

We come to a stop in front of President Snow who stands up from his seat.

"Welcome, welcome. Tributes, we welcome you. We salute your courage and your sacrifice. And we wish you a Happy Hunger Games. And may the Odds be ever in your favor." The older man grins to us, and as the audience cheers once again we are put into the back.

"That was amazing." Cinna compliments us, Peeta helping me back down, the fire was still burning on our clothes.

"Oh! We are all anybody's going to be talking about!" Effie clasps her hands together, excited.

"So brave." Haymitch slow claps. "Are you sure you should be near an open flame?" I question him. "Fake flame? Are you sure you-" He's cut off by the fact that District 2 were glaring daggers right at me, I confusedly stare right back at them.

"Let's uhh... let's go upstairs."

We get led to the elevator, I stay kind of behind Peeta basically last in the line of us.

"So, each of the districts get their own floor and because you're from 12, you get the penthouse." She grins, the doors open to a large living area. I observe every detail of the lavish living these people get to have.

"So this is the living room. I know, I know! Now, your rooms are right over here. Why don't you go clean yourselves up before dinner?" She suggests, more like telling us what to do. We move to our rooms, once I enter inside mine I admire how large the bed is. How fancy everything is.

I look down at the night stand and see a remote type device. I clicked a button and the screen that looked like a window was changing. I click it all the way until I see a wooded area.

It reminded me of what Gale said. Running away together the three of us. Bringing our family even though Prim wouldn't like it, it would've been better than this.

What if we did it? Would we have made it?

"In 2 weeks, 23 of you will be dead. One of you will be alive. Who that is depends on how well you pay attention over the next four days, particularly to what I'm about to say. First, no fighting with the other tributes. You'll have plenty of time for that in the Arena. There are four compulsory exercises. The rest will be individual training. My advice is, don't ignore the survival skills. Everybody wants to grab a sword but most of you will die from natural causes. 1 percent from infection, 20 percent from hydration. Exposure can kill as easily as a knife." Atala explains to us as we all stand together in the training center.

I observe the people around me before I do anything else.

"Jason, where's my knife, huh?" The boy from district 2 asks aggressively, Cato I believe his name was. "I didn't touch your knife." Jason defends himself.

"I put my knife right there!" The blond boy shouts. "I didn't touch your knife!" Jason yells back.

"You took my knife, you liar!" Cato accuses. "I didn't!"

"You little punk! You took my knife!"

"I'm just sitting here." Jason crosses his arms.

"I'll finish you right now, kid! Actually better yet, I'll wait for you in the arena. You're the first one I get, so watch your back." Cato threatens the boy.

I glance upwards to see the young girl from district 11 hiding with the knife. I smiled up at her. We make eye contact and I can see she tries to hide her amusement but not very well.

"Everyone back in line!" Atala orders. "You don't know who you're messing with, kid." Cato gets his last words in before we move forward.

"He's a career, you know what that is?" Haymitch asks me.

"From District 2." I nod my head.

"They train in a special academy until they're 18. Then they volunteer. By that point they're pretty lethal." He explains something I already knew because Gale and I used to talk to some Peacekeepers and they told us even though they weren't really supposed to but I'm not going to say that in the Capitol.

"But they don't receive any special treatment. In fact, they stay in the exact apartments you do. And I don't think they let them have dessert. But you can." Effie tells us.

"So how good are they?" Peeta questions. "Obviously, they're pretty good. They win it almost every year but..."

"Almost." Effie cuts him off.

"They can be arrogant. And arrogance can be a big problem. I hear you can shoot." He changes the subject to me and I stiffen up.

"I'm okay. Not the best." I rub my hands together.

"She's better than okay, my father buys her squirrels. He says she hits them right in the eye." Peeta gloats and I raise a brow, what's he getting at? Katniss taught me how to do that. I only started doing that this year too.

"Peeta's strong." I say.

"What?" He scoffs. "He can throw a 100 pound sack of flour right over his head. I've seen it." I tell them.

"Well, I'm not gonna kill anybody with a sack of flour." He rolls his eyes.

"No, but you have a strong skill that will help when needing shelter. You have a way better chance of winning. And besides I'm way better with close intimate fighting which will only get me killed." I fold my arms.

"I have no chance of winning! None! Alright? It's true. Everybody knows it. You know what my mother said? She said District 12 might finally have a winner. But she wasn't talking about me. She was talking about you." He angrily admits to me, I feel like I'm melting into my seat. My face is getting flushed. How could his mother say that about him?

"I'm not very hungry." He leaves the table and I get a flashback to his mother yelling at him in the rain. I feel the weight of Katniss in my arms.

"I'm done too." I whisper, getting up after him.

Masterlist

P.M. ML

Taglist: if you want to be added lmk!

#the hunger games x y/n #the hunger games #the hunger games x you #the hunger games x reader #the hunger games imagine #the hunger games katniss #the hunger games peeta #thg peeta #thg haymitch #thg katniss #thg series #thg fanfiction #thg #peeta mellark x you #peeta mellark x reader #peeta supremacy #peeta x reader #peeta mellark #katniss and peeta #katniss everdeen #gale hawthorne #haymitch x effie #haymitch abernathy #effie trinket #primrose everdeen #x reader #coriolanus snow #coriolanus fanfiction #cato thg #district 12

[catindabag]

In your Au in the future who is Katniss Nepo Baby Everdeen mentor who is also her duet for her performance is it Haymitch, Effie or is it a capitol student a descendant of Sejanus and Coryo and what is Katniss usually like other than being way happier and pretty much getting everything she ever wanted and needed

Oh, Panem, Horn of Plenty. The crack!AU Everdeen timeline is gonna be a mess.😂

Fortunately, Katniss “Nepo Baby” Everdeen is not gonna be like her super famous crazy singing rainbow bird grand aunt (Lucy Gray) because our ✨Girl on Fire✨ will have the same serious personality as her canon self.

But she’s also going to volunteer steal poor little Prim’s spot (out of spite and for fun) as D12’s official ✨Panemvision Female Tribute✨💅.

Unfortunately, Catnip’s greatest rivals will be Glimmer (D1’s youngest and fairest opera singer), Cato (D2’s hottest theatre nerd and rock whispering prodigy) and Clove (D2’s youngest broadway musical genius).

Moreover, Peeta Mellark (who whistles like a pro) will be Katniss Everdeen’s official “duet partner” because her extremely gorgeous Capitol Mentor, Seginus Cadmus Plinth-Snow-Creed-Price (AKA: the gorgeous grandson of Coryo, Sejanus, Festus, and Persephone) got stuck in a dusty broom closet with poor sensitive Philip Anthony Ravinstill-Anderson (AKA: the wacky socialite grandson of Felix and Androcles).😅

Nevertheless, here are some other interesting “facts” in this weird timeline:

1. Primrose and Buttercup (the crusty cat) are the unapologetically ruthless founders and leaders of the infamous Anti-Katniss Everdeen Fan Club. #antivolunteer #realroseofD12

2. Poor Peeta had to fight a jealous Gale Hawthorne (via dance off battle) in order to defend his “rights” as D12’s official male Tribute for the upcoming Panemvision competition.

3. Crazy Lucy Gray married Panini Panlo for fun. She also had a lot of kids with him for fun.

4. Coryo and President Sejanus are still madly in love with each other even after the birth of their 35th grandchild.😍😂

5. Hilarius Heavensbee is the favorite nanny of Sejanus and Coryo’s grandchildren.

6. Glimmer is a very popular opera singer in D1 because of Facet and Velvereen’s influence.

7. Rue can’t sing to save her life because of Reaper Ash (but don’t ask why).😔

8. Foxface is the “Hannah Montana” of her District.

9. Brandy is still a self proclaimed werewolf.

10. Sejanus is still the President of Panem because of Coryo, Festus, Lizzie, Felix, and Clemmie’s collective insistence. #SejiPieforlife

11. Tigris is still a fashionista cheese merchant.

12. Mizzen the Gremlin and Percy Price are still the ruthless rulers of their Pizza Palace Empire.

13. Festus Creed still dumpster dives with Coryo and Pup for fun.

14. Effie Trinket is half Ravinstill.

15. Haymitch Abernathy’s Capitol Mentor, Cassius Perseus Plinth-Snow-Creed-Price is the oldest grandson of Sejanus, Coryo, Festus, and Persephone.

16. Finnick Odair’s Capitol Mentor, Faustina Pleione Creed-Price is the youngest daughter of Festus and Persephone.

17. Lysistrata is still the proud leader of the SnowPlinth Fan Club.

18. Dill is still the Mayor of D11.

19. Reaper Ash is still looking for “normalcy.”

20. Lamina is still crying because of Lucy Gray, Coral, and Mizzen.

21. Half of Sejanus and Coryo’s children and grandchildren have “Complete Heterochromia” for some reason (one blue, one brown).

22. The Plinth-Snow Dynasty is still the most powerful and influential family in Panem thanks to old scheming Strabo and the Grandma’am.

23. Mags and Mizzen are cousins.

24. Maude Ivory is still busy selling and reselling popcorn balls with Mrs. Everdeen (illegally).

25. One of Sejanus and Coryo’s gorgeous sons (Cepheus) married Panlo and Lucy Gray’s youngest daughter (Poppy) because of ✨love✨ political reasons.😏

#tbosas #crack post #snowplinth #snowjanus #coriolanus snow #sejanus plinth #lucy gray baird #festus creed #felix ravinstill #mizzen #coral #reaper ash #lysistrata vickers #katniss everdeen #peeta mellark #primrose everdeen #finnick odair #effie trinket #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #ballad of songbirds and snakes #hunger games #president snow #crack ship #suzanne collins #thg #thg incorrect quotes #thg fanfiction #thg fic #tbosas fic #tbosas incorrect quotes

[piccolo-reads]

thoughts from chapters 10-17

- haymitch and katniss’ relationship continue to be special. they can speak in shorthand, and they are honest to each other, but more than that, he can be blunt, and she won’t take offense, because she knows he wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true

- the way katniss lets her mother doctor her and heal her broken heel, when in the first book she barely accepted an ironed dress. ugh <3

- peeta immediately coming down on haymitch and katniss with the firm coach persona is so funny. he is effie’s son the way katniss is haymitch’s daughter. i wonder how much of it was a coping mechanism tho

- the reveal that maysilee donner was not only katniss’ mum’s friend but also madge’s aunt is heartbreaking. madge, this quiet girl, befriends another quiet girl who happens to be the child of her mother and aunt’s childhood friend. and then her friend is reaped just like her aunt was and what more can she offer but the pin that belonged to her aunt. my heart.

- very fun that katniss received some information from her prep team, inadvertently. bet snow didn’t think that would be her source. but the districts feed the capitol itself, so of course it would affect the “normal people” of the capitol

- katniss realisation that the capitol cares more about the victors than faceless children in the games each year makes so much sense to me, though it should already be obvious. of course when you have gotten to know people, to attach a personality to the face, of course then you’d care. again connection is what brings down the capitol, and that’s why the people of the capitol has to be kept separate from the districts because if they knew what was going on, would they still sit comfortably in their city?

- it’s also interesting to see how snow presents the games (as he probably has for decades) as something so written into stone, as something formally codified, reading from some document that was probably faked with teabags to look old and official. when we know from tbosas that it was some drunken idea, scribbled in a college students messy handwriting. if anyone’s a spin doctor it’s snow

- mags deciding to take a nap during her private session with the gamemakers is queen shit

- she’s like i’m definitely gonna die anyway and im too old for this shit idc

- i’m sorry but the definitive marriage ceremony of district 12 being a toasting? the combination of fire and bread? as in peeta and katniss are literally the definition of marriage and love in their district ?? (im sure this connection has been made before but i can’t)

#the connection theme is back everyone #thg #the hunger games #khanh rereads the hunger games #khanh reads #catching fire #it’s a lot for this post i read 7 chapters yikes

[transmasc-wizard]

hi um can you recommend some good books for me to read?

I really wanna read smth but not sure what

yeah sure! be warned idk what you like to read so i'm just gonna rec things i personally enjoy lol

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: a demon and an angel team up to raise the antichrist so he'll be neutral and the world won't end. However, the week of Armageddon, they realize they raised the wrong kid, and now it's a race against time to find the real antichrist before it's too late. (Urban fantasy)

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio: in their last year of a prestigious school, a friend group fractures and changes when they all silently watch one of their own die--without trying to save him. They must keep their secret if they don't want to face serious consequences, but the longer they hide, the more other secrets they reveal. (Thriller, dark academia)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: ok you probably know what this one is about. but if not. 24 kids are thrown into an arena to kill each other for the entertainment of the rich and powerful Capitol citizens each year, and when Katniss Everdeen takes her younger sister's place, she must constantly fight to survive. (Dystopian)

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: six criminals work together to attempt the heist of a lifetime; kidnapping the creator of jurda parem, a drug that changes the powers of Grisha (witches), from the high-security Ice Court. (Epic fantasy, heist)

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater: Blue Sargent is cursed to kill her true love. When her psychic aunt sees her true love's future ghost, Blue is shortly thereafter pulled by said true love and his friends into a plan to find the body of a dead Welsh King, wake him up, and make him grant them a wish. it is absolutely absurd and it is my favourite book series ever (TRB is the 1st book). (Urban Fantasy)

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez: Sal Vidon has the power to pull things from one universe and into another. When he starts experimenting with just how far his powers can go only to accidentally begin tearing apart the universe itself, he'll need the help of Gabi Real to put things back together. Hijinks ensue. (Urban fantasy/sci fi)

Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee: Noah runs a blog that showcases trans people's romances, to prove they can get happy endings too--but when it's leaked that he made them all up, he has to quickly concoct a plan to set his own fake romance in motion to prove trans happiness in relationships is possible. Hijinks ensue, again. (romcom)

i also yell about books a lot on @nico-reads so i'm sure you could find more recs scrolling through there

#i enjoy 99% SFF and 1% goofy silly romantic comedies lmao #asks #genderfluidinsanity #books #bookish asks

[fatefought]

@incaensio sent: ❛ haven’t you heard the news? ❜ - katniss/maize

she had met katniss once before at the presidential gala. the quell had a tendency to warp time. there's only days between arriving in the capitol and being launced into the arena. yet, the gala feels like a galaxy away. here she is tying her shoe laces before getting ready to return to the training center. at first, she assumes that katniss is approaching for the sake of alliance. her aunt had openly stated a desire for one. instead, a different question leaves full lips.

a brow raises at first. " i haven't had much time to keep up with it. sage keeps my hours rather stacked. " advise, train, event, and advise before slumber, rinse and repeat ! " you're gonna have to be a bit more specific, katniss. " yet, an unease builds in her chest. there seems to be disbelief in the victor's voice.

#incaensio #* answered / maize .

[kalivda]

Whatever it Takes

(Pietro Maximoff x Fem! Barton! Reader)

Summary: what was supposed to be a simple mission turns into a battle for the ultimate sacrifice

Warnings: character death, sadness but idk if this is that sad, mild cursing

Word Count: 1.3k

~

“Welcome.” A voice rang out. I started to pull out the bow and arrow my dad let me borrow, Pietro ready to run. The voice continued to speak. “Pietro, son of Iryna. Y/N, daughter of Clint.” I stood shocked and let my bow down. How in the hell did this weird voice know my dad’s name? “Yeah and who are you?” Pietro asked. “Consider me a guide…to you and to all who seek the Soul Stone.” Pietro and I looked at each other before cautiously walking towards the floating figure that stood near us.

“Right. Okay. Just tell us where the stone is and then we’ll leave you alone for eternity.” I said, growing frustrated on how long this was taking. The floating guy started speaking in German, and I was about to demand for answers when he said stepping closer, “If only it were that easy.” His face was red and he didn’t look human at all. He walked away from us as we both shrugged our shoulders and followed.

The weird guy walked to the edge of a cliff, looking down upon it. “What you seek lies in front of you. As does what you fear.” I looked over the edge and saw a long way down. Shuddering, I walk away from the cliff and sat on a nearby rock. “The stone must be down there then, no?” Pietro asked. “For one of you. But for the other…” The man replied.

I stood up quickly and ran over to Pietro’s side. “He doesn’t mean-” “In order to take the stone, you must lose that which you love. An everlasting exchange. A soul, for a soul.” Things got silent and the floating figure moved away from us. “So one of us need to die for a rock? Bullshit.” I said, kicking a small pebble. “Must be a coincidence-” “You heard what Nebula said. Thanos murdered his own daughter for that stone. So he isn’t joking.” I bit my fingernail, anxiously rocking on the balls of my feet.

“What’s the odds we both got put on the sacrifice planet?” Pietro asked, laughing a bit at the end. “Look, one of us needs to die. If we don’t decide now, my brothers, sister, and mom wont come back. My dad NEEDS them back. So…whatever it takes.” I took a bow out of its holding place and twirled with it.

“If you want me to-” “You’re not jumping off of that cliff. Not ever. Jur pe viața mea.” I looked shocked as he said that. “I have to. If it’s for my family, I’ll do it.” I said, tearing up a bit. “You are very stubborn, you know that right?” Pietro asked. “I get it from my dad.” I took his hands into mine and exhaled a little bit, kissing his hand. “This is too hard. I can’t see you die, but I can’t let people stay dead.” “My sister won’t come back if I don’t do this. She’s all I have left. Please just let me jump-” “And tell her THAT kind of news? No, she deserves to be with you.”

We stared at each other in silence. “Prinţesă, let me do it.” Using his speed, he knocked me off my feet as I ended on the ground. “Son of a bitch!” I yelled, feeling my head throb. I took out an exploding arrow and shot it directly next to him. He fell in surprise as I ran towards the edge. Gaining his senses, he pushed me to the side, but I grabbed his ankle, as both of us rolled off the side of the cliff. He used one hand to keep us steady.

I looked below me and the drop looked horrifying. I looked up at Pietro and said with tears in my eyes, “Let me go. Tell my dad I love him.” He looked just as upset as me. I’ve never seen him cry, but he had a tear-streaked face. “I can’t.” With one last look up at him, I say to him, “Te iubesc atat de mult.” He immediately understood and tried to grab my second hand. But I kicked the cliff, falling out of his grasp.

Third Person POV:

Pietro woke up in a pool. One of his hands were closed and he opened it, showing the glowing, orange stone. The soul stone. The stone that Y/n had to die for. “You were very stubborn, you knew that huh?” He asked out loud, sniffling a bit and holding back a sob. He took the remaining Pym Particles he had to go back to 2023 so the mission could be finished.

All the Avengers came back into the lab. However, one person was missing. “Speedy Gonzales, where’s Katniss?” Tony asked, seeing one less person. Clint looked his direction and a look of horror came when he saw a broken arrow in his hands. “A soul……for a soul.” Pietro said quietly, looking at the arrow. “Speedy you mean to say that she-” “She wanted you to know that she loved you. So much.” He said, looking at Clint. Natasha ran to Pietro and hugged him. “I tried everything, she was so set on dying for that stone.” He cried into Natasha’s shoulder.

“What am I gonna tell Laura? She’s gonna- I-”Clint was at a loss for words. He couldn’t believe it. His daughter was gone. He knew he shouldn’t have agreed to let her come. He felt a wave of guilt go over him and he fell to his knees.

Time skip

After the six stones were retrieved, with Bruce snapping, everyone was able to come back. And with a selfless sacrifice of Tony Stark, all seemed well. Well, not for everyone.

Everything was quiet at the Barton house. A knock at the door changed that. Laura got up and ran to the door. She opened it to find Clint, Wanda, and Pietro. Stepping to the side, she let them all in. “Clint! Oh my god I haven’t seen you in what? How long as it been? Jesus I can’t even begin to explain what happened. I was just making you and the kids lunch and then-” “She’s gone.”

Laura sat on the couch. “I’m sorry?” Lila came downstairs to see what was going on. “Dad! You’re back! And you brought Aunt Wanda and Uncle Pietro!” Wanda warmly smiled at the teenage Barton girl. “Laura….its- it’s Y/n….she died….” Laura stood up looking at the three of them, Lila standing in shock. “ That’s funny. She wouldn’t. Not without saying goodbye at first. Right mom?” She asked, her voice breaking.

“Lila….go get Cooper and Nate.” Lila ran off upstairs. “Clint, what do you mean?” Pietro looked at Laura with guilt. “In order for you guys to come back, we had to find these stones. Umm…” He got choked up and Wanda rubbed his back. At that time, Lila came back with her brothers, both looking confused.

“For the stone we had to get, one of us had to sacrifice ourselves. I swear Mrs. Barton I tried. I did everything in my power to let me be the person that fell. She just went on and she-”He couldn’t find the words. “Is- is it true? Is my sister not coming back?” Cooper asked. Everything was quiet. “Yeah bud. She isn’t coming back.”

Pietro looked at the Bartons, mourning their loss. “You know it wasn’t your fault right?” Wanda asked as they walked outside to sit on the porch. “I feel like it is though. I could’ve been faster. I could’ve stopped her. It should’ve been me.” Wanda softly slapped him on his cheek.

“Don’t say that. She loved you so much she sacrificed herself for you. You can’t blame yourself.” Wanda held onto her brother’s hand. He looked ahead at the distance. “Whatever it takes…” He still remembered those words. He carried those words with him. It was all that he had left of her.

“Whatever it takes.”

Translations (used with google translate so sorry if it isn’t 100% accurate!) :

Jur pe viața mea- I swear on my life

Prinţesă- Princess

Te iubesc atat de mult- I love you so much

#pietro maximoff #pietro maximoff x reader #pietro maximoff imagine #clint barton #clint barton x reader #aaron taylor johnson #aaron taylor johnson x reader #marvel #avengers: endgame

[silhuetismo]

on the shore - the hunger games’ blurb

i was missing katniss and finnick’s friendship today and i got inspired by a request i’ve received. so i wrote this. and then i translated it, because when i started to write it i actually envisioned this first tense of the blurb in english. so yeah. hope you guys enjoy! and please be nice, english is not my first language. :) 

if you guys have any prompts for me, i would love to give it a try. 

wc: 781 

· ° . ⊹ · ° · ° . ⊹ · ° · ° . ⊹ · ° · ° . ⊹ · ° .

They play on the shore. The boy with the bronze hair and green eyes jumps into the water. The other one, with brown curls and equally green eyes, tries to get his attention by cupping his chubby toddler hands and splashing his brother with water. 

“Thanks”, I say to Finnick, who is sitting beside me on the shore of the beach while handing me a glass of juice.

“The pleasure is all mine”, he responds with a seductive tone, unable to go against his provocative nature.

“I finished the net and, I have to say it, I did a great job”, I tell him, pulling the finished net to show him. Finnick picks up the material, admiring it. He lifts his hand seconds later and I smile, bringing my palm against his in a high-five.

“Who knew, huh, Everdeen?!”

“Did you doubt it?”, I mock him.

“I did. All the time.”

He's so ridiculous that I can't help but laugh. But before I can reply, Aiden's shrill, laughing squeal catches our attention. We both turn to face him and watch as Peeta spins the boy around. Fate doesn't hide away from all the fun and grabs Peeta’s leg, which causes the three of them to go straight to the ground in a swift but loud crash.

The worry I feel for Peeta's tumble and prosthetic leg soon gives into delight when I see him grinning from ear to ear the minute Fate and Aiden start to tickle him.

“I'm gonna be honest with you... one of those days, Fate and Aiden will convince me to give you guys custody of them. And 80% of the blame will be Peeta's.

“Is it just me or are you feeling a little bit threatened?”

“It’s just you. I'm feeling relieved, actually”, he jokes in a dead serious tone.

We sit in silence for a moment, gazing at the children while they draw pictures in the sand with Peeta's help, eyeing the waves crashing in the ocean and the sun beginning to retire for the day to make room for the moon.

“Have you ever noticed how happy they are?”, I question, sipping my glass of juice. “Sometimes it feels like they're from another world.”

“They are from another world”, Finnick says softly. “The world we fought for.”

I shake my head, allowing myself the brief peace of knowing that my friend's children will never know any of the horrors we’ve experienced in our childhood. Their days will be filled with laughter, fun times and warmth.

“Will you tell them?”

Finnick stares at the ocean for a while before answering me with a simple:

“No”

The questions are just beginning. The arenas have been completely destroyed, the memorials have been built, there are no more Hunger Games. But they still teach about them at school, and Fate knows we played a role in them. Aiden will know in a few years.  And I understand Finnick's resolve, because if I were in his place I would probably spend hours on end wondering how could I tell them about that world without frightning them to death?  Without being scared to death myself with only the idea of reliving the torments that haunt me every night in my nightmares.

A few seconds later, he continues:

“I think about it all night. Sometimes, Aiden takes me by surprise and Fate notices one of Annie's panic attacks and I think that, maybe, they need to know, they need to hear from us. But, deep down, I know that I can't do this to them. I can’t bring myself to do it.”

Finnick, then, tells me of an episode that he experienced in his third year in the Capital as a victor. He recounts the graphic and sordid details of the abuse he was put through and the scars that later were erased by doctors. We're both crying when Peeta, Fate and Aiden come over to us.

Finnick's eyes and his entire countenance instantly transform. It becomes clear to anyone seeing it why he had survived for that long and it's this ability he has of hiding whatever he's feeling. The difference is that, now, he doesn't have to fake the bright smile he carries on his face when Aiden shows off the little shells he's collected and Fate starts his story about their adventure and both of them start yelling "Aunt Katniss, Aunt Katniss." 

Peeta sits down beside me, wiping away tears that still unobtrusively trickle down my face and kisses my hair. And I cling to this new world, where the Capitol and its tortures don't exist, as if it is my lifeline. Because I’m pretty sure it is.

#the hunger games #the hunger games fanfiction #thg #thg fanfic #finnick odair #katniss everdeen #peeta mellark #katniss everdeen and peeta mellark #everlark #everlark fanfiction #everlark fic #everlark blurb #the hunger games fanfic #finnick odair fanfic #finnick odair imagine #everlark fanfic #post mjay fanfic #post mjay fic #my finger slipped

[nebulablakemurphy]

Moves & Countermoves (Part 12)

Summary: No one ever wins the games, even fourteen years later, Y/N is still playing.

Prologue | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten | Eleven

“We have one month, that is all. After that, two of us are back in the arena and we need to be ready.”

This meeting of district twelve’s victors is called to session a bit earlier than Haymitch would like. Not that any of them have been sleeping anyway.

“So you want us to do what, exactly?” Haymitch cocks his head to the side.

“I think we need to train, all of us. Everyday.” Peeta says, pointedly.

Haymitch huffs a laugh.

Y/N squeezes her husband’s shoulder, “I don’t think it’s a bad idea.”

“You’re gonna start deadlifting until this kid comes flying out of you?” Haymitch rears back in perturbed amusement.

Y/N shakes her head. “There are things I can still do. Brush up on my skills, learn a new one.”

“I could teach her to shoot,” Katniss offers.

Y/N shrugs, “she could teach me to shoot.”

“And you could teach us how to throw knifes.”

“We’ve all won the games.” Peeta reminds Haymitch in particular. “We can all learn from each other.”

————————————————————————

A couple weeks later they sit down with the kids, unsure how to broach the topic of tonight’s discussion. But the whispers around town are loud, better they hear it from their parents than someone else.

“Do you remember when we talked about the Hunger Games?” Y/N begins.

Everest nods, they talk about it in school too. “If you win, you become a victor.”

“Right,” Y/N leans across the table a bit more.“This year is a Quarter Quell.”

“That means a special games, like Daddy’s.” Arista adds.

“This year…” Haymitch hesitates, “it means that only victors can go.”

“They can’t do that,” Everest interjects.

“But you’re victors.” Arista says, a look of realization dawning over her features.

“Let’s talk through this.” Haymitch attempts to calm his children. “I know you both have a lot of questions.”

“No, they can’t do that. It’s not fair!” Everest’s little hands ball into fists.

“Honey-”

“Are you gonna die?” He cries, angry, hot tears cascading over his cheeks. “Katniss? Peeta? What about our friends? Cashmere, Gloss, Finnick, Mags? Who’s gonna take care of us if you’re both-”

Arista’s breathing picks up and she abandons her seat, crawling into her mother’s lap, though there is not much room. “They can’t make you play with a baby in your belly.”

“Shhh.” Y/N rocks her gently. “I don’t want you to be afraid.”

“So that’s it? We just give up?”

“No,” Y/N locks eyes with her son. “We’re not giving up, we’re gonna fight. Every victor, all of us, to try and stop the games.”

“Maybe you can stop it.” Arista nods, against Y/N’s chest.

“Maybe we can,” Y/N agrees, “but if we can’t, just incase, we need to talk about-”

“Is Aunt Madge gonna take us?”

“That’s the very last resort.” Haymitch admits, “we don’t know whose names they’re gonna call, even then, someone else could volunteer. Ideally, one of us will be able to-”

“So what you’re saying is that after this two weeks we might never see you again?”

“We’re going to do everything we can.” Haymitch promises.

“But it’s possible?” Everest is confused, outraged.

“Yes. It’s possible.”

The days run together, between training and spending as much time with their children as they can. On that last night, the children sleep between them, Y/N on one side and Haymitch on the other, clinging to this moment.

Cruelly, inevitably, the sun rises. Madge is at their door and Y/N comes to answer, while Haymitch and the children ready themselves.

Her sister says not a word, pulling Y/N in for a hug.

“Thank you for coming.” Y/N breathes, smoothing down the younger woman’s hair.

“You don’t need to thank me.” Madge wishes she could do more. “I’ll do my part here and wait for you to come home.”

“They need you, Madge. Now more than ever.”

Madge only holds her tighter. “I love you.”

“I love you so much.”

Peacekeepers are sent to collect them, marching the four victors to the justice building. Prim and Mrs. Everdeen trail closely behind Madge and the Abernathy children, one clasped in each hand.

“Welcome, welcome,” Effie begins her speech, “as we celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary and third Quarter Quell of the Hunger Games.”

From his place on the stage, Haymitch can see his children. The boy, that squawked like a bird the first time he was placed in Haymitch’s arms, reminding him that the world might not be such a terrible place. The girl, that had him wrapped around her little finger before she could speak and gave him reason to dream. They look to him in fear now. Fear that they will lose their mother, fear that they will lose him.

“As always, ladies first.”

Y/N reaches for Katniss’ hand. There is nothing to hope for, no favorable outcome.

Effie draws the name, clearing her throat before announcing. “Y/N Abernathy.”

Madge lifts Arista into her arms, hushing the little girl as best she can, but she is distraught. Her hiccuping sobs causing the crowd to shift uncomfortably. Prim scoots in to rub her back.

Everest does not move. He does not blink and he does not cry. Forever ingraining this image of his mother in his mind.

Y/N can’t risk a glance at Haymitch. She knows how deeply the knife is buried in his chest, how the guilt will twist it, now and for years to come.

Katniss jerks her back almost forcefully, “no.”

“It’s ok,” Y/N whispers.

“I volunteer.”

“Katniss, please don’t do this.” Y/N pleads, but they are out of time, they are out of good choices.

“I volunteer as tribute.” Katniss announces, with more certainty the second time. Pulling her hand from Y/N’s to stand beside Effie, at the center of the stage.

“Wonderful.” Effie swallows down her sorrow, the show must go on, “and now for the male.”

Y/N’s head is light, spinning as if she might faint. Her lungs burn, perhaps she has stopped breathing.

“Haymitch Abernathy.”

“I volunteer as tribute,” Peeta says, without hesitation.

“I can’t let you do that,” Haymitch stops him, with a hand to his chest.

“You can’t stop me.” Peeta narrows his eyes.

“Peeta-”

“Let go.”

Haymitch has no choice but to obey. Sending their victors back as tributes, erasing all they’ve done.

“Very well,” Effie sniffs, hoping to regain some composure, “the tributes from district twelve; Katniss Everdeen…and Peeta Mellark.”

The entirety of their district raises three fingers in solidarity. They are not alone in this sadness; this defeat. Among the crowd, Y/N finds her mother, who has not been coherent enough to attend a reaping since her own.

She’s never blamed her mother, not for her absence or her addiction, nor the inability to move past Maysilee’s untimely death. Y/N cannot imagine losing her little sister, part of her would die too.

The idea that maybe she could talk to her before she leaves, maybe her mother has some divine words of wisdom or comfort-

Commander Thread takes Katniss by the arm, robbing her and Peeta of the chance to say goodbye. Y/N and Haymitch are carted away shortly after. Straight to the train station.

The ride is silent for a long while; eventually the four of them find each other, dutifully seated in the blue velveteen chairs. Drawn together like magnets, though there are no words.

Haymitch slumps down in his chair, extending his free hand to Y/N.

She takes it, the same way she always has, with a love and understanding that Haymitch is sure he will never deserve. But that is the problem with love; with life, really. So rarely does anyone get what they deserve.

Y/N continues preparing her presentation for the morning, detailing the participating victor’s strengths and weaknesses. Hesitating at each name she knows well.

Cashmere and Gloss, district one…

The train car doors open and Effie joins them, “before we begin, I’ve had a thought.”

“You don’t say.”

Effie gives Haymitch the side eye, pressing on in spite of his remark. “Katniss has her gold mockingjay pin, I have my hair.” The swirling golden updo. “I’m going to get the three of you something gold.”

Y/N finally looks up.

“And why is that?” Haymitch wonders, sipping at his teacup, containing a bit more than leaves.

“A token! Show them we are a team, and they can’t just-”

“Thank you,” Katniss says, taking Effie’s hand.

Peeta’s gaze softens. He’s accepted his fate, the only thing to do now is make sure Katniss is happy, keep her alive.

————————————————————————

No expense is spared for this very special Quarter Quell. A new training center and tribute living quarters are waiting to greet them in the Capitol.

“I want you to forget everything you think you know about the games.” Haymitch cuts through the silence. “Last year was child’s play, this year you’re dealing with all experienced killers.”

“Ok. What does that mean for us?” Peeta asks.

“It means you’re going to need some allies.”

“No.” Katniss shoots him down.

“Do it your own way, but we know these people and if you go it alone their first move will be to hunt you down.”

“Katniss, I know it’s not easy for you to trust them,” Y/N understands how difficult this all must be. “So you’re just gonna have to trust us.”

“Fine, show me.”

Y/N makes for her tablet, dimming the lights as her slideshow is put to the big screen.

“This should be good.” Peeta relaxes farther into the loveseat beside Katniss.

“Cashmere and Gloss. Brother and sister from district one, they won back to back games, Capitol favorites, lots of sponsors.”

“This is your first choice?” Katniss nearly chokes on her own saliva.

“Well,” Y/N swipes to the next screen, “they’re careers so they are extremely lethal. A few other positive attributes would be strength, agility, very intelligent. They offer protection, opportunities for better sponsors-”

“Despite some favoritism and general bias on her part,” Haymitch motions to Y/N, “this a strong choice.”

Katniss nods, she’ll consider it. For Y/N.

“From district three, Wiress and Beetee. Not fighters, but brilliant and…weird, real tech savvy.”

“We chose them because they offer a unique skill set-”

“Yes.” Katniss agrees, surprising even Peeta.

“O-ok,” Y/N moves to the next contender. “This is Finnick, from district four.”

“He won his games at fourteen, youngest ever. Don’t let that fool you, he’s incredibly humble.”

“You’re kidding.” Katniss scoffs.

“Yes, he’s a peacock, a total preener,” Haymitch does not mince words, “but he’s the Capitol darling, they love him here, lots of sponsors.”

“Very skilled in combat, especially in water.”

They carry on like this for some time, through Johanna in seven, Chaff and Seeder in eleven. Leaving Peeta and Katniss much to discuss as they retire for the night.

“You think she’ll come around?” Y/N dares to ask.

“You want me to be honest?” Haymitch tosses wayward hair from his eyes.

“Yes.”

“It’s gonna take a miracle.”

————————————————————————

Watching Haymitch’s games is a necessary evil, giving them some insight into the craftings of a Quarter Quell arena. The landscape is nothing short of paradise. Vibrant colors, beautiful creatures and a feast, complete with candy, weapons, anything a tribute could ask for; right at the cornucopia.

But the food is poison and the wildlife is deadly, in the games nothing is ever as it seems.

Though Haymitch does not fall prey to the gamemarker’s trap, many tributes do. He goes it alone for a while, ending up head to head with a pack of allies. He fights, better than Katniss imagines anyone could without experience; managing to take down two out of three opponents, before the knife is held to his throat.

The girl who spares him looks familiar, in a way that Katniss can’t place, sporting the same gold mockingjay pin she was given at the hob. “We’d live longer with two of us.”

“She looks like Madge.” Peeta voices this before Katniss can.

“She’s my mom’s little sister,” Y/N explains.

And then it all makes sense, or none of it does. Another layer to their mentor’s great ‘love story’ for Katniss and Peeta to attempt dissecting, in a bizarre form of pillow talk.

Haymitch has found the edge of the arena, Maysilee wants to turn back and he doesn’t. “We should say goodbye now. There’s only five of us, don’t want it to come down to the two of us.”

“Ok,” Haymitch lets her go.

Her screams follow not long after, the bubblegum pink birds begin tearing through her throat with razor sharp beaks.

Y/N remains glued to the screen, though the ending never changes and she cannot raise the dead.

In the end, Haymitch puts the force field to good use, leading the last career and her axe to the cliff side. Holding intestines inside his body with one hand, he waits for the weapon to ricochet; burying its blade in her skull.

“That was smart.” Katniss purses her lips.

“Too smart,” Haymitch bites out in warning, “do not attempt it. That move got my family killed.” He leaves without a word.

Y/N doesn’t go after him. Sometimes Haymitch needs to be alone and if she chases him, he won’t run. He’s too good a man and he loves her too much. He would stay, even as every cell in his body yearns to go.

————————————————————————

Haymitch returns, after a bottle or two and a very interesting talk with Plutarch. There is a plan, one to extract the victors from the arena, all they have to do is stay alive until then. He searches the tribute living quarters for Y/N, finding her already asleep in their bed.

He is determined not to wake her, flipping off the forgotten light overhead and changing out of his suit.

She stirs as he draws back the covers. “Haymitch?”

“Shh,” he climbs in behind Y/N to cradle her belly, “sleep.”

“Is everything ok?” She reaches back, stroking his hair.

“Everything is fine.” He finds her hand, kissing at her wrist and fingers, before gently lying it back on the bed.

Y/N nuzzles farther against him, “ok.”

“You know I’m always coming back, right? No matter what.” Their child shifts under his palm.

“I know,” she nods.

“If anything ever happened to you-”

“Haymitch, you don’t need to say it.”

Yes I do. “When I lost my family, I kept going. Out of spite, or insanity, whatever it was that kept me going, I did it. But if you were gone…if our kids were gone; I couldn’t. I need you safe. I need you.”

“You have me.” Y/N breathes, “right here. Just you and me.”

Part 13

Series Taglist: @praline357 @flowercrowns-goodvibes @justheretoparty420 @avocadotoastwithegg @treehouse-mouse @emo-markie @spilled-mi1k @magical-spit @greaser9902 @jessicamellarky @yourebuckingkiddingme @smuha2004 @sendhelplease @ninimackbrews @wittiestrain184 @r1dd1kulus @erenluvr69 @helpimhyperfixating

#thg haymitch #haymitch abernathy x y/n #haymitch x reader #haymitch x y/n #haymitch abernathy x you #haymitch abernathy x reader #haymitch abernathy fanfic #haymitch abernathy #haymitch fanfic #haymitch abernathy x yn #katniss everdeen #the hunger games #peeta mellark #moves & countermoves

[broimjustagirl]

My Rant About Siege and Storm (Spoilers)

(Re-posts/re-blogs are allowed)

*please don't hurt me, I promise I am actually a decent and kind person in real life*

DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED READING 'SIEGE AND STORM'. CONTROVERSIAL OPINIONS INCLUDED, NOT INTENDED TO HURT ANYONE, DO NOT HATE IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ME. THESE ARE JUST PERSONAL OPINIONS. (Book 2 of the Shadow and Bone Trilogy) If you do, do not blame me for spoiling the book. If you have only watched the TV show, you might want to skip this as well, anyways, *cough*, let me begin!

FIRST OF ALL; the beginning from around the start to page 300-ish was literally so boring. Except for Nikolai of course, Nikolai is king. Also, I am not anti-Malina, but come on, some of the scenes made me cringe so hard. You got to admit, some of the Malina scenes were cringy and unoriginal.

Also, why was Mal so insecure about his relationship with Alina? Why doesn't he trust Alina enough to know that she would never cheat on him with Nikolai? (though if I were her, I would 100% choose Nikolai, not gonna lie) Mal obviously feels threatened by Nikolai (why wouldn't he? Not to hate on him) even though Mal and Nikolai's alter persona Sturmhond were literally friends. Mal obviously doesn't trust Alina, which to me is a red flag.

ANOTHER RED FLAG (in my opinion, don't hate) was the fact that he started drinking SO BADLY and STARTED SEEING ZOYA, though I have to admit that he and Alina weren't really a thing at that point, but still.

Alina has also really started to annoy me, starting at the point when she threatened Zoya. Yes, Zoya was rude to her, but why don't you believe Zoya when she said that she lost LITERAL FAMILY because of the Darkling. Why did Alina question her? She could see that Zoya was about to cry, but still decided to throw her off. I sided with Mal when he said that Alina was threatening Zoya and SHE LIKED IT. THE FRICK ALINA?

Alina is powerful, and a great main character, but she's starting to be arrogant. Seriously. (I know I was pretty arrogant as a kid, hell, I thought I was smart when I was 9 because I knew what the word 'vital' meant) But it was obvious that Zoya was super hurt, and though Alina did regret some things she said, why didn't she feel a lot empathy for her, even if Zoya was rude to me, I wouldn't continue to threaten her to leave the only home she has left. Losing family is super painful, and though I'm rude sometimes, I would never be rude someone who had just lost an aunt and a niece in a betrayal of someone she trusted (AKA the toxic Darkling, I LIKED YOU, BUT YOU CROSSED THE LINE DUDE)

Anyway, after those 300 boring pages of the Darkling teleporting like a superhero and being a legit stalker (Except for Nikolai, I love you Nikolai) THE DARKLING FREAKING ATTACKS THE LITTLE PALACE (Yes, I read spoilers about this. Yes, I was still surprised. Yes, I feel the same as when I read the Hunger Games for the first time, it's that painful)

BUT THE THING THAT ANNOYED ME THE MOST WAS WHEN ALINA WAS ALL LIKE:

'oooh Mal, i love you so much, i've always loved, *kiss here*, *kiss your jawline like a weirdo*, i kiss this, i kiss that. i've loved you forever'

AND THEN SHE'S LIKE:

'ooh darkling, let me kiss you and play with your hair, yasssssss. you're my king aleksander.' (WAIT A MINUTE, I'M CONTINUING TO READ THAT PAGE BECAUSE I PUT IT DOWN AFTER SHE KISSED THE DARKLING TO CALM MYSELF, AND WHAT THE FRICK IS HAPPENING. WHY IS THIS BOOK SO CONFUSING)

BUT DAVID HELPING GENYA WAS SO FREAKING SWEET. GENYA IS A LITERAL QUEEN.

I guess I have a problem with literally hating every single main character (Except Percy Jackson, perhaps I'm biased because PJO was the first fandom I was ever part of) like Katniss (She's a little negative and pessimistic no offense) and many protagonists from lesser-known novels. BUT ALINA, YOU GET ON MY NERVES. No offense once again. I can't name all the times she annoyed me, but trust me, there are lots.

AND YES, I STARTED GASPING WHEN NIKOLAI AND ZOYA HAD THEIR FIRST INTERACTION. YES, I KNOW ABOUT ZOYALAI EVEN THOUGH I HAVEN'T EVEN READ RULE OF WOLVES YET. I haven't even read up to the part where Zoyalai is canon, but I've read enough of Nikolai's Grishaverse Fandom Page to know that Zoyalai is literally perfect. Come one, sort of a reckless little idiot and a stern-minded ambitious queen, PERFECT MATCH. OH MY GODS, I'M FANGIRLING OVER A THING I HAVEN'T EVEN READ THAT MUCH OF.

I think Zoya was saying something and Nikolai said something to her during a war meeting and IT WAS SO EXCITING FOR ME EVEN THOUGH THAT WAS THE ONLY INTERACTION THEY HAVE. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH.

But whenever the Grishaverse fandom mentions how toxic the Darkling is (I've just realized after reading Siege and Storm and watching the SAB TV show) they're just like:

'Mal is boring and has no personality'. GURL, THAT'S TRUE AT SOME POINTS, MAL INFURIATES ME MOST OF THE TIME, I did ship Darklina at some point, but come on, it's still pretty toxic, but it was good for a short-term relationship, but long-term....eh, nope. I've come to the point where I have to accept the fact that everyone has different opinions, so if you ship Darklina, ship it. But also realize that the Darkling was super toxic, especially when he killed the innocent people of Novokribirsk. Otherwise, I'll read some Darklina wattpad fan-fics on Wattpad. It's nice to be neutral.

Anyways, I've suddenly realized that people are getting bored of my rant because this is so freaking long, thank you for baring with me. I await the toxic and hate comments for my controversial opinions

Countess of Cats

Inferni - OUT!

#shadow and bone #siege and storm #grishaverse #ruin and rising #six of crows #alina starkov #alina #the darkling #ben barnes #jessie mei li #sankta zoya #sankta alina #inej #kaz #jesper #mal oretsev #nikolai lantsov #nikolai #zoyalai #zoya nazyalensky #crooked kingdom #random rant #rant post #ranting #personal #why why why #why oh why #face palm #anti darklina

[seasonsofeverlark]

A Mellark Family Thanksgiving

Author: @mandelion82​ 

Prompt:  Peeta takes Katniss home for Thanksgiving to meet his crazy family.  [Submitted by @eiramrelyat​] 

Rating:  T 

____________

Of all the times to meet your (relatively) new boyfriend’s family‒Thanksgiving?!

It was stressful enough meeting your significant other’s family, especially one as important as Peeta was to Katniss, without throwing a holiday into the mix.  Now, not only was there the normal amount of pressure to be expected from that, but added to it was the hustle and bustle, the overeating, the uncomfortable dinner table silences (or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, too much and too loud of talk), and in general, the attempt to get a big group of complete strangers to like you.  

For Peeta to suggest it, he must have been hitting the cooking sherry.  Katniss had heard that phrase on an old TV show… 

Well, turned out Peeta wasn’t sauced, and when she questioned him, he said inviting her over to meet his family on Thanksgiving was purely for practical purposes.  He said the timing just fell as such and that it was a rare opportunity when the whole Mellark clan would be together, for one of his brothers had moved out of state and his other was insanely busy with his own family.  

Peeta thought it best for her to meet his family in one fell swoop and get it over with…  That didn’t sound good.  

Katniss and Peeta had been dating for going on six months now, but their love story was practically written in the stars.  From the moment they met, there was a connection unrivaled by any two people.  They both felt it, although Peeta was much better at expressing things like that.  It took Katniss a while to realize what it was, herself.    

Yes, their growing together, and eventually being together, had been a long time in the making.  Peeta said he knew they were meant to be from the start, but for Katniss, it was a period of discovery.  Theirs was an age-old friends-to-lovers tale.  Two inseparable people coming to realize they care more about each other (and in a different way) than simple friends, even best friends.  They’d been there for each other through thick and thin over the course of the last few years, through good times and hardships, stood by one another during familial issues and the stress of school and new jobs.  

And eventually something more awakened, something physical‒raw and magnetic.  

Yet, she still hadn’t met his family.  

Briefly, Katniss wondered if Peeta wanted her to meet his family all of sudden because he was thinking of taking their relationship to the next level.  She wasn’t sure what that level might be, though.  They were already sleeping together regularly, and last month, she’d agreed to move in with him.  That was a big challenge for any couple to face, but so far, it was going fantastic.  

As for marriage, they’d never really talked about it; although Katniss knew Peeta wanted it someday, and he knew she didn’t look favorably on it.  Oh, it wasn’t for lack of ability to commit or any kind of stance Katniss was taking against the institution.  Plain and simple, it was because of her parents.  Katniss’s mother had completely fallen apart when her father died, and Katniss feared the same thing happening to her.  

Yeah, that was probably why they’d never discussed it.  Neither of them wanted to ruin the great thing they had going.  

However, both were in too deep now, anyway.  And Katniss planned on being with Peeta forever.  Whether they got married or not, she couldn’t fathom anyone but Peeta by her side for the rest of her days.  That is, if he could accept that she may never want marriage or children…she worried about it sometimes…

But no, her Peeta would never abandon her, no matter what.    

Then again, now there was this whole meeting his family thing…and she didn’t know what it meant.  Could it be Peeta trying to tell her he wanted something more?  Or, was it just a formality, an ‘oh well, you might as well meet them,’ even after all this time had passed?  

Katniss felt nauseated just thinking about it.  

But Peeta was important to Katniss, quite possibly the most important person in her life, as her father had died and she didn’t have a close relationship with her mother.  The only other person who came close to Peeta was Katniss’s little sister, Primrose.  The two of them were pretty much tied for her affections.  Yes, Peeta and Prim were the most important people in the world to Katniss, and the only two people she was sure she loved.  

Katniss would do just about anything to make Peeta happy.  And she really didn’t want to mess this up.  

She wanted this to go well more badly than she wanted one of Peeta’s gooey cheese buns right now.  Consequently, he’d made some for Thanksgiving dinner, but he wouldn’t let her sneak any.  The rat!  Said she’d spoil her appetite or some crap like that.  Of course, on the way over, he’d informed her that he’d set some aside just for her and that he’d slip them to her later because he had a feeling his hoggish brothers would take way more than their fair share.

They were on their way over now, and Katniss was anxious and famished.  How long did Peeta say the drive was?  An hour-and-a-half-ish?  

Sensing her nervous energy, and probably feeling the bounce of her leg, Peeta glanced over.  He snuck his hand across the console and laid it over her hand, which rested on her black stockinged leg.  Since she was wearing a dress, tights were a must as it was cold and pantyhose ripped too easily.  

And that was another thing, having to stress over what to wear.  As ridiculous as it was to do it for this reason, she’d settled on a nice sweater dress to impress his family.  To make her look like a proper lady or some nonsense she’d made up in her head.  She knew Peeta wouldn’t have cared if she’d gone in a ratty sweater and old jeans, but apparently, she was trying to be someone she wasn’t, for his sake.  Now, the fact that the dress was sunset orange, that was all for him.  

“Have I told you that you look beautiful, sweetheart?” Peeta asked, smiling affectionately. 

“Yes,” Katniss replied.  “Several times.  But thank you, again.”  

Peeta chuckled.  “And I like that you wore my favorite color.”

“I knew you would.”  She smirked.  His eyes had practically bulged out of their sockets when he caught sight of her attire, and they were almost late heading out.        

“And I know you’re uncomfortable wearing it, but I promise to get you out of it just as soon as possible.”  He gave her a wry grin and squeezed her leg suggestively.  

It actually wasn’t all that uncomfortable, but she definitely wasn’t going to turn down Peeta’s offer, especially when she’d had the very difficult task of turning him down earlier, for lack of time.

“I’m gonna hold you to that,” said she, grinning over at him.  

He stroked her leg, causing a frisson of energy and a quivering between her legs. Inadvertently, she squeezed her thighs together.  If he kept this up, well…it would be so good, but then again, not…  

Fortunately and unfortunately, Peeta soon turned from amorous to serious.  And he almost seemed as nervous as she was about tonight.  Not exactly reassuring…  

“You know, Katniss, it’s not too late to back out.” 

Katniss wasn’t expecting that at all, and it made her wonder.  Did he really think she’d say, sure, yeah, turn the car around, or drop me off at the local…wherever?  Considering they’d gone rather far to go back home now, it wasn’t very practical.                

“What’s the matter, Peeta?”  She played off her unease in a teasing manner, “Are you ashamed of me or something?”  

“No way, I want everyone to meet you.”  He laced his fingers through hers.  “I just wish you didn’t have to meet them.” 

Katniss laughed.  “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”  But really, she wasn’t.

“It will be,” Peeta assured, giving her hand a squeeze.  “Although…I think I should prep you on a few things.” 

“Prep me?” she asked curiously. 

“Yeah.”  He sighed, then went on to tell Katniss his main worries: that his parents would fight while they were there, that his brother would be an ass, that his uncle would (no question about it) be drunk and say or do something stupid…

That she would lump him in with this crazy lot and want nothing more to do with him…   

But Katniss wasn’t expecting the perfect family or the perfect evening.  Family was family, and every family had its…issues.  Every family was crazy in its own way.  And it was a holiday, which basically meant that people were either going to be on their best or worst behavior.  But she was ready for it.  She would go anywhere with Peeta.   

When they arrived at the typical suburban home Peeta had grown up in, Katniss took a good long look, and she smiled.  This was where Peeta grew up.  And for that reason alone, she loved this house.  

“Katniss?”  Peeta broke her free from her trance.  

“Yes, Peeta?” 

He turned toward her, taking both of her hands in his.  “Promise me something?” 

“Anything,” she said, with so much emotion in her voice it shocked her.  

“Promise me that…after tonight…that you’ll still love me.” 

“What?” 

Katniss nearly laughed at him, yet he was completely serious.  But how could he be?  It was utterly ridiculous.  How could Peeta think that meeting his family would change anything?  For someone to make her stop loving Peeta…no one could do that.  

Still, Peeta’s baby blues were boring into her grays.  So, she promised; fervently, she promised, and she sealed it with a deep kiss.  

Seemingly convinced, Peeta beamed at her.  He released one of her hands but kept hold of the other, and he turned the two of them to face the doorway.  They stared at the red door for a long moment, the garish, brightly-colored fall wreath, gifted by his aunt, which his mother only put up once a year for her benefit, hung there, mocking them.   

Peeta sucked in a deep breath and slowly released it.  “Together?” he asked.   

“Together,” she replied.  Peeta opened the door, and they stepped over the threshold of the Mellark home as one.  

—-

Peeta’s mother was the first one they saw upon entry.  Clearly coming from the kitchen, she was wiping her hands on her apron and looking a little displeased.  She didn’t move to hug her son, nor did he make an attempt to.    

“Mother.”  Peeta greeted her in such a formal tone, though Katniss wasn’t surprised, considering all the things Peeta had told her.  “Sorry to get you out of the kitchen.  Thought I’d spare you the trouble and let myself in.” 

Mrs. Mellark humphed, and Peeta ran his free hand through his curls.  

“Uh, Mother, this is Katniss Everdeen, my girlfriend.  Katniss, this is my mother, Helena Mellark.” 

The tiny, sturdy woman looked Katniss up and down, a faint sneer curling her lips.  Finally, she spoke, and Katniss rather wished she hadn’t.  “She’s not very big.  Not very pretty, either,” said Helena Mellark.   

“Mother!”  Peeta scowled at her, and they engaged in some kind of brief stare-down.

Not like she was good at breaking tension, but Katniss decided to give it a try.  “Uh,” she cleared her throat, “this is for you.”  And she handed off the dish Peeta and she had made together.  

That was another frustrating thing about Thanksgiving‒having to make a huge meal, or even just bring a special dish and having to make the tough decision of what to bring.

And Katniss hated cooking.  Oh, she wasn’t a bad cook, exactly, and Peeta, bless his heart, had tried teaching her and garnering her interest, but it just wasn’t how she wanted to spend her time.  

Peeta’s mother gave Katniss a cursory ‘thank you’ and a ‘pleased to meet you’ as she accepted the dish.  It didn’t sound genuine, but it was progress, Katniss supposed.  

At that, Mrs. Mellark turned her back and waved them into the foyer.  They followed her for a moment, but fortunately, she headed for the kitchen, and Peeta veered Katniss off toward the living room.  

“Saved the worst for first,” Peeta quipped, squeezing Katniss’s hand tightly.  “All part of the plan.” 

“Oh yeah?” Katniss muttered, still a bit shaken by his mother’s coldness toward him and her disapproval of her.  0 for 2.  But so what if his mother didn’t like her?  She seemed like a witch, anyway.  And at least Peeta had begun to defend her before she interrupted.  She was glad she had.  As much as she disliked Peeta’s mother from what he’d told her, she didn’t think it would make Peeta feel good to get in a fight with her over his girlfriend on a holiday.  

“Don’t worry.  It’ll be gravy from here on out,” promised Peeta, obviously trying to sound soothing.  “Well, sort of.” 

“You’re not instilling me with much confidence,” said she.  He responded by pulling her tight against his body and kissing the side of her head.        

As they headed into the living room, Christmas piano music, laughter, and loud talking could be heard.  Ah, the sounds of family…   

The atmosphere seemed nice enough, but why did Katniss feel like she was being lined up to be shot, or perhaps have her tongue cut out?   

Peeta’s two brothers were there; they had to be his brothers, anyway, for they looked almost exactly like him.  All three Mellark boys were stunning and could easily be shampoo models with that gorgeous blond hair of theirs.  They were all stocky, too, although Peeta was slightly shorter and bulkier than his brothers.  But Katniss liked that.  She loved his big, strong physique. 

Peeta was definitely the most clean-cut.  His face was clean-shaven, unlike the other two, who both appeared to have at least a day’s worth of stubble.  And Peeta’s hair was gelled to perfection, whereas Rye’s was a tousled mess and Brant’s was neatly combed back but thinning.   

Peeta proudly introduced his father, Graham, who was as jolly as Santa Claus.  The older Mellark told Katniss how glad he was to meet her and tentatively reached out to her.  She allowed it, and Peeta’s father gave her the gentlest bear hug she’d ever had.

Then, Peeta officially introduced his older brothers, Rye and Brant, and Brant introduced his wife and pointed out his kids.  

Brant Mellark, Peeta’s eldest brother, was polite, but he didn’t say much.  His wife, Elena, was friendly, though, and beautiful.  Like Peeta and his brother’s, she was blonde and blue-eyed, and she wore her hair in perfect curls.  

The second Elena met Katniss, she squealed, “Oh my, Peeta, your girlfriend is so…exotic!” 

Katniss had gotten the ‘exotic’ comment quite a bit, and a few people had even asked her where she was born as if she was born in some faraway land.  She wasn’t always sure the exotic thing was supposed to be a compliment, but Brant’s wife seemed nice enough, so she assumed that, in her case, it was. 

Peeta shrugged at Elena’s remark.  “I don’t know about exotic; all I know is she’s beautiful.”  He took Katniss’s hand and kissed it.

Rye made a gagging noise.  

The middle Mellark brother, Rye, was basically a twerp of epic proportions, which was hard to believe of a guy in his early thirties.  Right off the bat, he’d teased Peeta about not letting go of Katniss’s hand, and he’d started hitting on Katniss and calling himself the superior Mellark brother.  Katniss had challenged that straight off, pointing out all of Peeta’s excellent qualities and how he had him beaten in every way.  Rye had slunk off with his tail between his legs, but he kept casting glances her way.  Peeta’d apologized for him and kissed Katniss’s cheek. 

“Rye, aren’t you a little old to be grossed out by affection?” Peeta pointed out.  

“Just when you do it, little brother,” taunted Rye. 

Next to meet was Peeta’s regal, old-fashioned grandmother, who Peeta suggested not mentioning the fact that they were living together and having sex to because she had strict views on the matter.  Again, he emphasized that it wasn’t that he was ashamed, but it just might make things uncomfortable.  Not like Katniss was planning on opening with that one, anyway.  It didn’t seem likely to come up, either, but with family, you never know. 

Then Peeta’s mother’s sister, Effie, arrived, late.  She wore a dress that looked like it was made of turkey feathers and some silky type of material.  Not long after came Peeta’s father’s brother, Haymitch, a crotchety old drunk, who supposedly had some kind of twisted love-hate thing going with Effie, according to Peeta. 

Effie shrieked in a high-pitched, affected accent over how amazing Katniss’s eyes were.  She didn’t think they were so amazing, though.  Gray.  Kinda plain, if you asked her.  But other people seemed to think it was ‘exotic.’     

When Katniss met Haymitch, she was standing next to Effie.  “Nice dress,” he commented, giving Katniss a thorough look, then glancing over at Effie’s.  “Not yours,” he told Effie.  And she scowled at him.

Haymitch proceeded to tell Katniss a story about how Peeta had helped him shower off the vomit after he’d gotten good and drunk, much to Peeta’s chagrin.

Peeta scrubbed a hand down his face.  “What a great Thanksgiving story, Uncle Haymitch!  And God, why in front of my girlfriend?”  

“What?  I was tryin’ to give ya a compliment, boy!  Tellin’ sweetheart here that she’s got a good one.  Good at taking care of people.  Shows fine qualities for a husband and father.” 

Peeta must have seen that it made Katniss a bit uncomfortable because he deflected.  “Yeah, well, you are like a giant baby, Uncle Haymitch.” 

Most everyone in the room laughed, including Katniss.  Not Haymitch, of course.  

“Hey,” growled Haymitch.  He turned to Katniss, then.  “Well, even though he said that, ya still got a good one, sweetheart.  I don’t know ya, but ya could probably live a hundred lifetimes and not deserve him.” 

“Haymitch,” groaned Peeta.  “You’re wrong.  Katniss is definitely the one who’s too good for me.” 

That earned some awws, and of course, another gag from Rye.  

As soon as they were relatively alone, off in a corner and out of earshot, Katniss thanked Peeta for what he’d said, and the two of them whispered about Haymitch and Effie’s interaction and the strange timing of them arriving within seconds of each other. Peeta’s theory was that something was going on between them.   

Once the pleasantries were done with, the family headed to the dining room to have their Thanksgiving dinner.  The table was nicely set with a huge spread, but there was the issue of who would cut the turkey.  Usually, Peeta’s father did it, but he had burned his hand this morning at the bakery, so he offered the job to one of his sons.  No one was stepping up, though.  Odd, considering Peeta was pretty good with a knife.  

“I can do it,” chimed Katniss, much to everyone’s surprise.  Graham smiled at her and presented her with his special turkey-cutting knife that had been in the Mellark family for years.  

Rye was still being a pain and began crowding Katniss, pretending as though he was going to stick his hand in the way just as she prepared to cut.  Both his brothers and his father warned him, Graham saying he didn’t need to take anyone to the emergency room tonight, but Rye wouldn’t listen.      

“Don’t you touch that, Rye,” warned Katniss one last time.  Honestly, she’d had enough of this man-child.  As anticipated, Rye didn’t listen and kept sliding his hand forward, just to screw with her, so Katniss did what any normal girl who’s handy with a knife would do in such a situation‒she stuck it right between his index and middle finger.

Awed and horrified looks and a few gasps resounded in the room, Effie’s ringing above the others.  “That is mahogany!” Effie exclaimed, horrified by Katniss’s barbaric behavior.   

But not everyone was so horrified.

Uncle Haymitch was chuckling off to the side.  “Oh, relax, sweetheart.  Loosen your corset.”  Effie glared at him.  “You, too, Helena.”  Peeta’s uncle glanced over at Peeta’s frowning mother.  “The girl didn’t hurt the table none!  All she did was kill a placemat!” Haymitch bellowed.  “A cheap one at that.” 

Haymitch was right, of course.  The knife hadn’t even gone through the plastic turkey placemat, and that was Katniss’s intention.  She hadn’t meant to ruin the Mellark’s table; she had, however, meant to scare Rye and get the fake turkey straight through the eye.

Mission accomplished. 

Katniss briefly met Haymitch’s similarly colored eyes, and she swore she saw something akin to respect there.  Had she just earned Peeta’s uncle’s approval?  

She looked to Peeta, then.  His blue eyes were wide, and he was quiet.  She wondered if she’d humiliated him.  Probably so.  Honestly, he couldn’t take her anywhere!  How could she do that?  

Contritely, Katniss removed the knife, and Rye carefully pulled his hand back, taking time to examine all his fingers thoroughly to make sure they were still in-tact.   

“Did you see that?!” Rye practically shouted, though he didn’t seem mad.  “She almost chopped off my fingers!  But she didn’t.  She missed on purpose.”  Don’t be so sure, Rye, thought Katniss.  “That was amazing!”   

Peeta’s mother didn’t seem to think it was so amazing, though.  She must hate her more than ever now.  And Effie clearly thought she was a total heathen.  But when she looked back at Peeta again, he was smiling at her.  She smiled back.  

Brant was also impressed, as was Peeta’s dad.  Graham didn’t quite know what to say at first, but he finally came out with, “Your girl sure has spunk, Peet.”  And he gave Katniss a big smile. 

Katniss finished carving the turkey with precision, and nearly everyone oohed and ahhed over her skills.  Then they all sat down to a ginormous dinner of turkey, stuffing, noodles, mashed potatoes, etc, and of course, plenty of freshly baked bread.  

However, between Peeta’s middle brother’s lascivious glances, his mother’s looks of disdain, his uncle’s occasional drunken belching, and the general chaos around them, Katniss was fairly certain she was at the threshold of hell.  

It could always be worse, though, right?  At least the food was good.  So good she couldn’t get enough, in fact.  

Katniss had already put away a plate and a half of Thanksgiving fixings and two whole cheese buns (the larger, cheesier ones Peeta had made especially for her).  She hadn’t even gotten to the dessert table; yes, an entire table dedicated to desserts‒pastries, cookies, and several different pies, including chocolate and the traditional pumpkin.  It all looked mouth-watering.  

She knew she should have eaten a little something today.  Truth be told, she was saving room for the large meal, but to her shock, her stomach seemed to be a bottomless pit tonight.  

Peeta glanced over, concerned, probably wondering if she was so nervous she was stress eating.    

“Sweetheart, you okay?” he whispered in her ear.  

“Yeah,” she whispered back, “just really hungry…”  She did have a habit of snacking when she was stressed; although, this seemed like more than usual.  

Peeta gave her thigh a squeeze under the table, and Katniss looked at him questioningly.  Was he trying to be reassuring, or was he getting frisky?  Surely not the latter.  Not at his parents’ house on a holiday.  She was pretty sure it was a comforting one, given the context, but she checked his face.  She’d be able to tell by the look in his eyes, whether there was a playful twinkle or they were steady and comforting. 

“Wow, your girlfriend can really pack it away,” commented Rye, breaking their moment.  Peeta pressed his lips together and glared at his older brother.  But that didn’t stop Rye.  “She eats like I did when I was training for football.  How does she stay so thin?”  

“Metabolism,” responded Katniss.

Peeta smiled and nodded.  “And speaking of football, Rye,” he turned his attention on his brother, “you may have trained, but you quit after the second game.”  He looked back over at Katniss, and they exchanged grins.  Okay, so he was hitting below the belt a little, but Rye deserved it after the way he’d been tormenting Katniss all evening. 

“One day that’ll all catch up with her,” remarked Peeta’s mother.  “It’ll settle in those nice, trim hips of hers.”  Peeta stiffened beside Katniss.  He swallowed thickly, and Katniss was fairly certain he was prepared to say something to her.

And he did.  “No matter if it does or not, Mother.  Katniss will always be beautiful to me.” 

Katniss smiled at her boyfriend faintly.  She appreciated him sticking up for her and also the fact that he’d love her no matter what she looked like‒and it didn’t really bother her, because she knew she could stand to gain some weight‒but she hated this whole need to validate themselves to his family.  She didn’t like how they were always ripping on him, either. 

Dinner ended, and Peeta’s mother began the dishes.  Out of politeness, even though she didn’t like her, Katniss offered to help the witch.  Peeta’s mother informed her that they had a dishwasher, but of course, it was going to take several loads, so Katniss suggested she could do the excess by hand, which was how she was used to doing it growing up.   

Helena let her.  

After dinner and the dishes were done, the Mellarks switched immediately into Christmas mode.  Peeta’s father took Rye, Brant, and his kids to pick out a live Christmas tree.  While they were gone, Peeta’s mom and Brant’s wife got out the Christmas decor; they had it out before Katniss could offer to help.  

But they let Katniss join in decorating once the tree was set up.  It was pure chaos, though kind of fun.   

When things settled down, Katniss took a good look around.  The place did look festive, and the atmosphere wasn’t bad with the lights and the tree up, the quieter talking and the drinking of hot chocolate and the eating of cookies.  Family.  She supposed there were some nice things about it.  

Before they left, Peeta snuck Katniss up to his room as if they were teenagers.  Over his doorway, he’d strategically placed a piece of mistletoe, which they both had to walk under.  Keeping with tradition, Peeta swept Katniss into his arms and planted a long, deep kiss on her.  They made out and felt each other up for a good 3-5 minutes before slipping back downstairs.  Any longer would have made the others suspicious, and if they’d kept going, they might have ended up naked in Peeta’s old bedroom.  And that wouldn’t do.  Not on Thanksgiving, anyway…  

Still, the idea had its merits, and frankly, it’d excited Katniss a little bit.  She couldn’t wait to get him home.  

#everlark #everlark fanfiction #autumn #autumn 2020 #mandelion82 #submission #prompt

[blue-and-cass-read]

dates read: march 12, 2022  - march 13, 2022

WARNING: under the cut, there will be spoilers for loveboat, taipei, so read/listen/etc. first and then come join me here if you want to avoid them!

(all my ratings are out of 5 stars)

plot rating: ★★★★ character rating: ★★★★★ pacing rating: ★★★★ style rating: ★★★★ “je ne sais quoi” rating: ★★★★★ overall rating: ★★★★⅖

favorite moments: snake blood sake; all of rick’s little touches and every. single. time. he caught ever falling; ever forgiving sophie because i’m so tired of girls being pitted against each other in fiction; the trip to sophie and rick’s aunt’s; the talent show; ever standing up for herself favorite character(s): ever wong, rick woo, mei-hwa pan least favorite character(s): honestly, there weren’t any characters i straight up hated scratch that: fuck xander’s dad

general thoughts: i’m always a slut for coming-of-age stories and this one did not disappoint. loveboat, taipei is set to the backdrop of high school graduate ever wong being sent to taiwan to learn mandarin and chinese culture at a special summer school before going off to medical school in the fall. the only issue being that ever doesn’t want to be a doctor (she gets nauseous at the sight of blood), she wants to be a dancer. i’m also a slut for stories that have a character ending generational trauma and ever did so beautifully. i think this may be one of the only books with a love triangle (love angle? rick and xander weren’t involved romantically with one another) that i didn’t find monotonous and overly-tropey. while there was certainly a correct answer for ever to choose (rick and ever 4ever), never once did i feel like i was being dragged through her interactions with xander (looking at you katniss and gale). in fact, it was quite the opposite; xander is made out to be the bad boy and through his interactions with ever, we get to see his deep, artistic, troubled side but without her being his only character development. i wasn’t in love with him stealing kisses from ever without her permission, but i did love the open communication which we so little see. now, the star of the show: ever coming into herself and standing up for her dreams. as the grandchild of immigrants, i know firsthand the expectations of success placed on kids, especially oldest daughters, at a young age. seeing ever go from outright rebellion for the sake of defying her parents to taking her own strides and eventually telling her parents that she loves them and understands where they’re coming from, but that they should support her dreams even if they’re not her parents’ was amazing. i am also, also always a slut for “i wasn’t doing it for myself and now i am” story arcs, so it was lovely all around. rick woo and sophie ha, my favorite cousins. i love their interactions with each other and with ever. sophie starts out as this messiah for ever, a confidant person to emulate and be friends with. ever starts to see her for who she really is and the tables turn where ever is the one consoling and uplifting sophie until they can do it for each other. we love to see girls winning and supporting other girls. and rick, my love, the way he treats not only ever, but his ex-girlfriend and his family is just *chef’s kiss* i love him. please read this book, y’all. it’s so lovely and there was never a dull moment. loveboat, taipei has enemies-to-friends-lovers, mutual pining, the whole nine yards. plus the aesthetics and culture are so rich and wonderful. promise, you’re gonna love this. not to mention it’s being adapted into a film that i’m sure is going to be amazing as well. until next time!

#rick woo my beloved #i knew i was going to like this book but i didn't realize how much i was going to LOVE it #blue reacts #blue reacts to loveboat taipei #loveboat taipei #books #read along #booklr

[hockeysweetheart]

Show and Tell at The Mellarks Daughters School.

Hi this is my first time doing something like this so it is a little rough... But again I’ve never done this before this just came to me.. I am not even sure if this is a drabble or not...

Katniss’s daughter  Tells her we are gonna have a show and tell day. In her kindergarten class.  So they go through some stuff and She says nah to everything.  Katniss is like well there must be something you can show your friends. A little while later she asks hey wanna go hunting with me... They go hunting like a normal day.  Katniss makes a comment on how one of the squirrels is speical because it was almost impossible to shoot.. They bring back  about 4 Squirrels a few fish and other stuff. Katniss said it was too late to deal with them so left them in her hunting bag. So a bit Later  Katniss says here  take this picture of your aunt and I’ll write a note why she’s your show and tell.  Ivy says Okay... Katniss leaves the picture and note on the kitchen table ...She puts Ivy to bed and Ivy asks Mamma what is show and tell anyways.? Katniss says it’s something you  are proud to show of, Something you want to show your friends, Something speical to you.

So the next Day Katniss  wakes up a bit late the next morning and  find Peeta  brought Ivy to school. Katniss sees the Picture of Prim and the note on the table and is it like hun I thought it was today... Walks away she goes to her hunting bag a little bit Later and realizes one of the squirrels is gone. She thought okay maybe Peeta ate one no big deal.  A few hours past and they get a phone call  which is odd.  Peeta goes an answers the phone. And says Katniss it’s the school they want us there now.  So they go to the school after dropping off Rye at Uncle Haymitch’s house.   and once they are in the school they are ushered into the office and see there daughter in tears...  They ask whats going on.  Ivy is sent out of the room.  And the  principal tells them that Today was the Kindergarden show and tell. “Do you have any idea what your daughter brought to show and tell today” Katniss said “ we thought she forgot her show and tell at home.” The principal Looks at the teacher like they don’t know then. The Principal places a paper bag in front of Katniss and Peeta and  said “check for yourself.”And what do they see one of the Squirrels Katniss shot yesterday... Peeta says without hesitation  “Her mother  must of packed her lunch today, And Ivy Must of forgotten her Show and Tell bag” ( He pulls out a bag of the Picture of prim and the note)... Katniss glairs at Peeta like what the hell. But Just says “we will Make sure this doesn’t happen again with this one the next kid no promises”.  They leave the office and go talk to Ivy. When they ask Ivy why did she bring it to school. Ivy said “ Mamma you told me to bring something I am proud of and I am proud you shot that squirrel” Katniss is like thank god no one heard that “ Said sweety thats not what I meant I meant something speical and your proud of that wont scare others. Honey I know your not scared  of them but some are and we don’t want to scare people, If you scare people you could get in trouble okay.” They hug Ivy and leave the school.... On the walk back home Peeta says “could of been worse ya know” Katniss says “ Way to throw me under the bus but you saved the day again”. When Ivy gets home from school she was so happy and  excited.. She see’s Ivy grabbing the hunting gear... Katniss wonders why and asks Ivy... Ivy says. “After you two left, I went back into my class room and  my friends kept on asking me about the squirrel. I told them my mom shot that and do you know what I said to them”. Katniss said “what?” in a nervous tone... Ivy say’s “ just wait until you see when I bring in the deer my mamma can bring down”.... Katniss hits her hand on her palm... and says... “ Peeta you will never guess what your daughter promises her classmates”  Katniss tells Peeta and they are trying real hard not to laugh..  Peeta tells Ivy “  here tell your friends this your mommy and daddy are heros okay they will think thats so much better then a dead deer”. Ivy moves on and is like “okay” and runs along... Katniss said to Peeta “ Will I ever stop oweing you” Peeta says “probably not”

#The Hunger Games #hunger games #drabble #thg #catching fire #CatchingFire #toastbabies #everlark #everlark children #katniss everdeen #Katniss #katniss and peeta #Peeta #Peeta Mellark #mockingjay #katniss and peetas children #everlark babies #short fic #fanfic

[septembercfawkes]

Save the Cat! Explained: Beginning

Save the Cat! is one of the most popular modern story structures, used by filmmakers and novelists alike. I admit, out of the most popular story structures, this approach has not been my favorite, even though it's very effective and very famous. But the more time goes on, the more I've come to appreciate it. Like all the other story structures, I feel like Save the Cat! has both strengths and weaknesses. As I explain the structure, I'll also be sharing my opinions on any concepts I feel could be refined and improved upon. Who am I to think I can do this? Well, I certainly don't have the same credentials of the creator of it, Blake Snyder! But I can back up everything I say, and you'll have to decide for yourself what you think. But this structure is a great one to learn, in part because it works for so many writers and in part because it includes elements that other structures do not. Also, I know I have friends and followers who have probably had years more experience with it than I have, so I'd like to invite anyone who can refine our understanding of this structure to leave comments, should they so desire. Again, I'll be referring to Spider-verse--NOT because I'm obsessed with it, but because I want to again show how the same story actually fits multiple structures--not one, as so many tend to believe. (If I had known I was going to do all this story structure stuff, I probably would have picked a different story, but hey, it won an Academy Award, so yeah!) There is also a bigger point all these structure posts are building up to, which will eventually be on my blog, once I get all the groundwork done.

This structure was developed by a screenwriter, and the title comes from a screenwriting method, where you show the hero saving a cat to make them more likeable, although the method is never in the structure itself (I think it stuck, because that's the title of the book it comes from). The numbers  next to the terms represent what scene that term takes place in. If you are writing a novel, you often have more wiggle room. But I've left them as a guideline. Is Save the Cat! really the last story structure you'll ever need (as the book claims)? I question that sometimes. But I'll let you decide for yourself. For now, let's appreciate and dig into this wonderful thing Blake Snyder created and decided to share to help all of us writers.

The Beginning

Opening Image (1)

The Opening Image is what it sounds like. It's the "opening image." 😆 But that sounds a little vague, so let's explain it some more. The Opening Image is going to give the audience the first impression of the story--it's going to help set the tone, the type, the scope, and the stakes. Which frankly, seems like a great thing to do when introducing a story to someone.

Typically, it also shows the audience the starting point of the hero (which will not only set the stage, but help prepare us for how he or she is going to arc). There will be a matching beat at the end The Final Image, which will typically illustrate how the hero has changed.

Another purpose of the Opening Image, is to communicate to the audience that this is gonna be a great story.

This is all the first scene. So in Lion King, we get to see all these different animals from all over in the African kingdom, come to meet baby Simba. In A Quiet Place, we get to see a family all together, navigating an abandoned setting in near silence.

My opinion: If you have a story that really pulls off two different tones, or rather, two different draws, then it might be helpful to sort of have two Opening Images--with one as a prologue. This is a situation where a prologue might actually be a great idea. To learn more about that approach, check out my post on prologues.

In Spider-verse

So in Spider-verse, the Opening Image is the very beginning where Spider-man talks about how great it is to be the one and only Spider-man. That whole scene completely sets the tone of the story and establishes the type of story it is (Spider-man saving people), it also gives us the scope--he saves all of New York City, which then gives us the stakes--the people in New York  City (and his loved ones). Sure, it doesn't have Miles, but we'll get to him in the next scene.

Because so much of what Spider-man says in The Opening Image is going to be contradicted (and the audience knows this), it promises to the audience that this story is gonna be a great story.

Theme Stated (5)

Not too many scenes later (and in screenwriting, it's usually the 5th scene), someone other than the main character will say a question or statement that, in Snyder's words, is the theme of the movie. Often this is said to the protagonist.

Some of his given examples are, "Be careful what you wish for," "Pride goeth before the fall," or "Family is more important than money."

"It won't be this obvious," Snyder writes, "it will be conversational, an offhand remark the main character doesn't get until later. . . . This statement is the [story's] thematic premise."

My opinion: This is a place in this story structure where my views deviate a bit from Snyder, though honestly . . . I feel if I were to explain my views to him . . . I think he'd probably agree with them--we just look at this differently.

Snyder says a good movie is always "about something," and so you should stick that statement right here.

I personally think this is kind of a narrow definition and approach, especially when I can point to specific successful stories that don't do this exact thing.

I think he's right that there should be a thematic beat around here, but I don't think it needs to be the thematic statement (and maybe this is why he uses the word "premise"). Instead, if you've read my post about the thematic pendulum, I'm going to argue pretty confidently that this is when the protagonist first (or nearly first) encounters an extreme, opposing worldview on the theme topic. It may or may not embody the thematic statement.

Remember, a thematic statement is something like "Love is the most powerful force in the world." And a theme topic, is the topic of that statement, "Love."

I won't repeat everything, but basically, in my opinion, the theme topic will be explored and ideas about it tested through the story. Part of this includes confronting the protagonist with a worldview that is opposite of his.

That's what I think this moment is. For example, in Hamilton, Hamilton meets Burr who has the exact, extreme opposite worldview of him. While Hamilton sings all about not throwing away his shot to ensure a legacy, in the same song, Burr expresses that Hamilton needs to shut his mouth and not make waves if he wants to get anywhere in life. HOWEVER--neither of these viewpoints actually embody the true thematic statement, which is that we can't control our legacy. What the opposing outlook does do is that it works to introduce and kick off the thematic journey.

I'll pull from other examples (some from my pendulum post) to back this up:

In Les Mis, Jean Valjean is shown mercy by the bishop--an extreme, opposing worldview from his (which is focused on justice). In Harry Potter, Harry, who is unloved, must witness Dudley's birthday--a case where a child is so loved that he is spoiled rotten. In The Hunger Games, Katniss, who believes the country can never be changed, has her worldview challenged by Gale, who openly talks about how sick the Games are and asks what would happen if everyone refused to watch it.

Sure, in some examples, the true thematic statement is said, but not always--in a broader sense, it's really an extreme, opposing worldview that enters the picture.

I'm also going to disagree with the fact the theme has to be said. Not even the opposing worldview needs to be said. But it does, at least, need to be shown. (Case in point, Harry having to witness his aunt and uncle dote on Dudley.)

So this is one element in the structure that I think could use some more refining, but Snyder is great at drawing our attention to it. Yes, we need to introduce the theme topic around here.

In Spider-verse

As Miles goes to school, one of his teachers calls him out for intentionally failing his test. She says he's trying to quit, and she assigns him to write an essay about what kind of person he wants to be.

Set-up (1-10)

This is pretty straightforward. In the Hero's Journey structure, this the equivalent of the "Ordinary World" section. For the first segment of scenes, the writer will be grounding the audience in the story, showing who the main character and other key characters are. This will establish why the protagonist needs to change (or arc) in the story. While I usually think of this moment as also introducing the setting ("Ordinary World"),

Snyder emphasizes prepping for the hero's arc, which is nice, because he probably does this more than the other popular structures.

In this section, you need to "plant every character tic, exhibit every behavior that needs to be addressed later on," related to the hero. There is something (or rather, multiple things) the hero is lacking, and the writer needs to show this. These elements will be explored, twisted, and (likely) cured through the course of the story. All these things you show about the character here, can be called back on, later.

While Snyder doesn't use my exact words, he touches on the idea that this establishes what is "normal" for the characters and society--which will begin to be challenged with the catalyst.

In Spider-verse

We meet Miles and other key characters. Throughout his ordinary day, we see him time and time again wanting to quit and not applying himself. He wants to quit his new school. He intentionally does bad on a test. He chooses not to write the essay he was assigned (and instead goes to visit his uncle). His relationship with his dad needs work.

Catalyst (12)

This is what the Hero's Journey calls "The Call to Adventure," or what some call the "inciting incident." In my words, this is when something comes along and disrupts or challenges the established normal. It calls the hero in a different direction.

Snyder doesn't say much more about it than that, and a lot of times, not more needs to be said. Something happens and suddenly the protagonist has to deal with a new situation.

Examples:

Harry learns he's a wizard. Primrose has her name pulled out at the reaping. George Washington asks Hamilton to be his right-hand man. Now of age, Elsa must have her coronation, which includes having guests over.

In Spider-verse

This is the moment Miles gets bit by the spider--it disrupts the established normal and calls him in a new direction.

In Spider-verse

This is the moment Miles gets bit by the spider--it disrupts the established normal and calls him in a new direction.

Debate (12-25)

This is the initial reaction segment--we see the hero first reacting to the Catalyst. In the Hero's Journey, this is basically "The Refusal of the Call," where the hero, at minimum, hesitates before embarking on her new journey.

Snyder uses a different term, which brings to mind a slightly different perspective. That the hero is debating what to do.

Does he run away? Try to get help? Hope to ignore the Catalyst? These are things that might run through his head. We may see the hero trying a few different things.

When you compare different story structure models, there can be some ambiguity on what this means and includes, which I hope to define more in a later post. But for now, we'll stick to Save the Cat!

Snyder states that this section must answer a question of some kind. For example, in Legally Blonde, the Catalyst is Elle getting dumped; during the Debate, she decides to go to Harvard Law, and the question becomes, "But will she be accepted?"

My opinion: To me, the question (or questions) posed in the Debate is really a nod to oppositions/challenges and stakes--or in other words, difficulties and potential consequences. If there are no difficulties or significant outcomes, then what the character does during the Debate doesn't really matter and doesn't carry any weight (which I guess would mean the Catalyst may not be a true Catalyst).

So personally, I'd like to take this a step further and say it's helpful that the audience is aware of the risks in play as the character Debates.

Which is funny, because this is what the Hero's Journey touches on--if there isn't a moment where the character at least hesitates, then the audience can't appreciate the seriousness of the situation. By touching on the risks/stakes, we do that, and give this moment a little more oomph. . . . But . . . I promised to not get into other structures here (oops!)

In Spider-verse

The morning after getting bit by the spider, Miles starts to debate what is going on. Is it puberty? Is it Spider-man abilities? Was it the spider bite? But it had to be an ordinary spider! How can the same thing that happened to Spider-man be happening to him? etc. I'm going to say the stakes are touched on, in that we get a glimpse of what the potential challenges and consequences would be if he is a Spider-man. (Particularly in that moment where he sees his roommate's comic book and imagines the future . . . and then runs away.) . . . in a future post, I'll explain and analyze the middle.

#writing tips #writing tips and tricks #writeblr #save the cat #writing reference #writing help #writing tip

[yellowocaballero]

⭐️!

“Useless,” Agnes said haughtily. She beat the bone in a steady rhythm against the wall, almost in defiance of Gerry. Thump, thump, thump. “A spoiled child, an aimless teenager, a disaffected young adult. Gertrude bound her and her cult members fawned over her. Then she had some stupid crisis of faith, doubted herself and her journey, and abandoned everything. She was just a useless coward. I’m much better than she ever was. I’m stronger.”

“Dude, you’re going to break the Archivist’s rib -”

“It’s not enough to just not want to end the world,” Agnes said, and she realized for the first time that her head was crowding with the familiar smoke of her anger. She didn’t care, didn’t even try to tamp it down. Thump, thump, thump. “You have to want to save it. She had all of that power, the full flames of the desolation on her side. And she just walked away . She could have done something, could have - could have stopped Jon, stopped Jonah, done something . But she just decided that she wanted to keep living in the world, and she didn’t even fight to keep it. Adults are so - fucking - useless!”

Something splintered underneath her hands, cracked and shattered, and Agnes didn’t even care. She always destroyed whenever she was mad.

“She didn’t even try!” Agnes cried, and drove the rib further into the wall. Her hand punched through the thin drywall, widening the quickly growing hole, and with a cry of fury she whirled around and put her foot through it too. “Now we have to clean up after the grown-up’s mistakes, like fucking always, and it’s not fair! We aren’t the ones who killed the world! Why do we always have to save it!”

Agnes! Agnes! Agnes! She was so much fun writing in TCF I’m afraid she might be a mainstay in future works, lol. This right here is the second half of the capitalist discussion: Jon as the privileged content to live in luxury, Agnes as the privileged who’s fighting to change the system. (There should also be a voice from the people who are actually suffering, and to an extent that is Sasha - but those voices in the narrative is ultimately Martin and Basira, who really didn’t get enough screentime to talk about that due to just how much was happening that late in the story. I consider this a fault and a weakness in the story, and it’s something I’d change on revision). 

I joke with my friends a lot that Agnes is protagonist coded, along with Gerry, and she absolutely is. Agnes is explicitly the teen girl protagonist in the dystopian YA novel. She is Katniss Everdreen, she is Greta Thurnberg. She’s a super special flame princess messiah with cool superpowers and a legion of cultists, but with her sidekick brother she’s gonna CHANGE THE SYSTEM. Unfortunately this is not a YA novel, so her lamebrain adopted uncle and aunts don’t let her do anything cool. Believe it or not I turn characters into teenagers for a reason lol - Agnes and Gerry being young people is very crucial to their arcs, and it’s THOSE characters specifically who I find are extremely interesting as teenagers - because they are defined by legacy, family, and their futures. 

It’s interesting to me that Agnes would hate her past self. Like Gerry, Jon, and Daisy, she has a past self who feels very different from who she is now - but where Jon and Daisy are scared and actively avoid knowledge of their past selves, Agnes is bitter. She considers her past self part of the problem - that she saw the game was rigged, and she bowed out of the game instead of trying to fix it. Agnes is willing to look at what she did wrong and learn from her mistakes, unlike Jon and Daisy, but it’s because she considers these mistakes the mistakes of the previous generation. It wasn’t teen Agnes who fucked everything up, it was the adults - the cult members, the Avatars, humanity. The big point of her arc was the confrontation with Jude - because it was at that point that Agnes accepted that there was no reconciliation with Jude and her viewpoint, that she could not abide willful ignorance or malice. She didn’t get to kill Jude, but I wouldn’t have wanted her to - she just had to decide to reject her, and then see by what Jon did to her how violent the ideological differences are. 

It is a big part of Agnes that she does essentially want to be a normal person. But she’s been robbed of that. She’s not getting the American Dream (metaphorically), the cheap college, the affordable house, the white picket fence - the idiocy of the adults ruined that for her. There is no possibility of a normal life for her anymore. And it makes her very angry. And she knows just who to blame for it. 

Agnes is the white, upper middle class angry Gen Zer who is part of JSA and wants to be a civil rights lawyer because she physically can’t imagine not caring about other people. It’s never explicitly stated, but Agnes would probably care a lot less if she hadn’t met Gerry - who is part of the group suffering, even if Agnes protects him, and has experienced hardship too. Gerry, for his part, just wants to find his people and stick by his people and survive - but Gerry will always care about doing the right thing to, because that’s part of love for him. 

Agnes and Gerry are characterized very strongly by their love and compassion - for the world, for their family, and for each other. It’s alienated people around them, as seen with Jude, but they want to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. They just had no idea how, or no idea what taking action would mean - until they met Sasha, and then a lot happened very quickly. This care and compassion was very inspiring to Jon, who couldn’t really imagine just caring about something because it was the right thing to do. 

They’re good kids. I love them. Thanks for the ask!

#agnes is based off many girls from my high school #meanwhile? gerry? just vibing #my writing