#cinna was such an incredible guy

[wierdshenanigans]

Remembering the time Haymitch got into this huge argument with Katniss's doctors to prevent them from SURGICALLY ALTERING HER BODY WITHOUT HER CONSENT (ik thg universe has done worse but-) because he knew she would hate that.

Remembering the time the hunger games organisers forced Cinna to design a dress with paddings near the breasts when they weren't allowed to give her a boob job, only for him to cleverly make the dress so that the padding would serve absolutely no purpose to make Katniss, a MINOR, have big breasts.

Suzanne Collins really did go all out on the cruelty and awfulness of society and Cinna and Haymitch are truly amazing.

#thg #thg katniss #cinna thg #the hunger games #the hunger games trilogy #katniss everdeen #suzanne collins #haymitch abernathy #thg haymitch #the hunger games katniss #hunger games #cinna #mockingjay #catching fire #cinna and haymitch look out for katniss in their own ways #and they both care about her #they both want to protect her and I think they both tried until they couldnt anymore and had to just let her go to protect herself #katniss and haymitch #katniss and cinna #cinna was such an incredible guy

[cinnamonfairyfluff]

My tav Cinna is so funny to me because like...

I have A LOT of tavs: a refugee from Menzoberranzan with incredible sorcery and a hundred years worth of arcane knowledge, a girl who hunts bad guys for a living, a hardened criminal who spends his days running from Fist and fighting anyone against him, and a girl who grew up on the streets and had to fight to survive. ALL my tavs are experienced in fighting.

EXCEPT FOR CINNA!

By the time the nautoloid captures her, she's still a sorcerer-in-training. She's never fought any monsters, she's never been in charge of anybody, she's never even left the Upper City of Baldur's Gate! And she's never been outside her family's manor without a chaperone!

She has absolutely no clue what to do or what she's doing.

But for some reason, Shadowheart, Gale, and Astarion look at this helpless little dork who has no idea how she even managed to crash the nautoloid and they're like:

"Aw, yeah. That's our leader. We should put her in charge."

Lmaooo in a few short moments she went from a novice, to the leader of the most powerful pack you've ever seen.

A vampire, a Githyanki fighter, a Sharran cleric, the Blade of Frontiers, the Fury of Avernus, the Wizard of Waterdeep, the Archdruid of the Emerald Grove, and even the High Harper Jahiera and the Stone Lord Minsc, all follow the orders of this mousy young sorcerer who keeps accidentally summoning mephits in combat.

Its even funnier when the Archdruid Halsin and the Wizard of Waterdeep witness this foolhardy girl accidentally polymorphing into a sheep after trying to cast Speak With Animals and they're like:

"Gods, I want her."

The only thing standing between the cult of the Absolute and the life of everyone and everything in the realms, is a 22 year old half-elf that shoots fireballs when she sneezes. With the power of puppy-dog eyes and tism rizz, she manages to lead a pack of heroes to victory and defeat a netherbrain. And somehow nobody but her is surprised by this.

#shes a silly lil dork and i love her for it #sorcerer tav #baldurs gate tav #baldurs gate 3 #bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #my tav #wild magic sorcerer #tav x gale #tav x halsin #bg3 tav #tav lore

[onlyjaeyun]

currently taking a break from my 3,500 word uni assignment and i just realized how EXHAUSTING it is,, i’ve currently written around 1,700 words and it’s the second day i’m working on it, i can’t even imagine how you and cinna post DAILY , not only the social media chapters, but also like 7K words written ones, like… HELLO???

writers like you guys are incredible, i really hope you guys appreciate how hard you’re working to satisfy your audience and even if you don’t just know i absolutely do,, i’m so mad at people that pressure you to post a chapter when you take like ONE (1) day off!! ofc i love the fact that you post daily and i’m eager to read each chapter, but just know that it’s okay to take a break once in a while💓

anyway, the newest written chapter was insanely good and so so so well-written, you really deserve so many praises,, you’re my fav writer for a reason and i also thank and love you for interacting w/ your audience🫶🏼🫶🏼

i love you so so much zadie baby, pls take care💗

it's always such an honor for me to be mentioned alongside my idol ngl always makes me blush a little and im still too shy to tag her (we literally talk every day) but about what you said i honestly cant believe it either bc i struggle SO much writing 3k words for my uni essays and yet casually write like 8-10k words for my smaus like talk about priorities 💀

thank you so much for your sweet, sweet words my angel, this is SO cute and made me giggle so much 🥺 i literally think about asks like this all the time bc they mean the world to me and i hope you know how much i appreciate you 🥺

good luck on your assignment baby i hope you get it done and over with asap, youve got this!🥺🤍🤍☁️🫧

#; mailbox 📬 #; cold hearts

[captain-watercress]

So guys until this year I’ve never read The Hunger Games (I know, I know) but I swear I *completely randomly* decided to do so a few weeks ago and now this renaissance has come at an incredible time for me

P.S. Cinna is my favourite character and I need more content on him

#the hunger games #katniss everdeen #peeta mellark #everlark #haymitch abernathy #catching fire #mockingjay #Cinna #Cinna the hunger games #primrose everdeen #prim everdeen #effie trinket #Cinna thg

[jenzel]

As someone who really likes the new Hunger Games movie, I'm actually really curious to hear why you didn't like it, if you're okay with answering that

HI HELLO

No actually thanks for asking because tbh I didn't give it a fair shake in that post, usually I would have rambled in the notes a bit more SO

Disclaimer: I didn't read the book.

also I'm just some guy

Things I loved, no notes:

Rachel Zegler is an actual Star and I want to go and watch everything she's been in now. Her voice is incredible and fully sold the impact of the character.

Things I loved, some notes:

Premise and plot - I was really really intrigued by the idea of seeing an early form of the Hunger Games, like I would actually just read a massive essay on the history of them and also how they work on every single level (and may have been binge-watching the Tales of The Hunger Games series on youtube). I kind of don't care about some critiques of how plausible or not plausible the entire setup of Panem is because it's consistent within the narrative and it's a Neat Idea, which gives it some immunity from worldbuilding logic.

So, with all that being said, I was left a bit wanting.

My main issue, which I've had with a LOT of high-budget high-concept stuff recently, is that it all still felt sort of cheap and rushed - outfits and sets didn't really look lived in, I felt like a lot of scenes could have benefitted from more interesting dialogue and shot choices. Maybe something to disguise the very necessary info dumping and exposition in the way that the OG did so elegantly. Maybe I'll go back and really highlight some specific things (like whyyyy did the scene introducing the rainbow snakes feel so... not tense at all) but every time I got on board with the movie it seemed determined to throw me off. I might stop with this particular bit of critique now because I feel like if I'm not going to go and do a proper breakdown then it's unfair.

Costumes - Of course the costumes slap. They gotta. I saw some people weren't keen on Lucy Gray's dress but I don't care it was cute, maybe I've got bad taste. I will add that unfortunately all the other tributes and a good portion of the rest of the cast completely failed to imprint on me in any way, and the samey styling contributed to that. Actually add this to my point above, where were the supporting characters who stuck as vividly in my memory and attention as Effie, Haymitch, Rue, Gale or Cinna?? Maybe I can't name all the 74th Hunger Games tributes off the top of my head but I can picture a lot of them, they felt distinct enough for the screentime they had.

Volumnia can stay, Viola Davis had the most fun on screen of all time.

And as much as I did love the costuming, and as much as I would also put Hunter Schafer in incredible outfits all day if I had the opportunity, the Whole Idea of some of these characters were smothered by their cool wardrobes. I'm not buying that the Snow family are in an absolutely DIRE situation when Tigris has a new outfit for every appearance (she COULD have, like if we were given the impression that she was altering and making new outfits herself!!). I'm not seeing Corolianus's obsession with saving face, with presenting the image he wants to present, I'm not seeing his too-tight shoes I'm just being told that they are.

Onto one last point, maybe.

Things I was completely eh about:

Corolianus - ehhhhh. Some friends told me that the internal monologue you have access to in the book is a massive part of his characterization and I'm going to take their word for it. Prose is a ridiculously powerful way to get inside a character's head.

So I'm going to have to assume that he was more memorable in the book, because I'm really not sure what I was supposed to take away from his story... and not in a cool ambiguous interpretation way. He felt overwhelmingly just There.

That's everything I can think of right now!

#hunger games fans please don't read this I know nothing #I don't even go here #prin you're the exception because you Asked #and also I hope this is okay!! honestly I feel like you'd be able to say much more interesting things about this movie

[alwaysspeakshermind]

What do you think about Star Crossed Lover strategy on 74th The Hunger Games?

Who did invent it?

Who benefited from it?

Thank you

@curiousnonny

As a reader who couldn't help strategizing along with Katniss the second I started reading, the SCL strategy wasn't an idea that even crossed my mind, but I personally think it's brilliant. Like Haymitch kept trying to explain to Katniss, the point of the interviews are basically to sell yourself to the crowd...yes, the scores are a big deal, but since nobody except the Gamemakers knows WHY the tributes are getting those scores, the audience's first chance to get a feel for who they want to bet on happens when they "meet" the tributes. And as everyone who's ever watched a reality show knows, the way you set yourself apart from the competition is by being memorable...not necessarily skilled, not necessarily likeable, not necessarily enviable, but MEMORABLE.

(Ex.: whether we're talking The Bachelor, American Idol, The Voice, X Factor, Top Model, Survivor etc., there's always those contestants who you meet in the first round and then promptly forget about, because there's nothing about them that sticks out...you don't love them, you don't hate them, you don't think "Oh wow, he's really handsome" or "Oh wow, her voice is incredible" or "OH, she's the girl who showed up in the unicorn head/that's the guy who brought the creepy puppet," or "Oh, she's the one who wants to win for her grandmother." You just...forget them. They blend in. And while that's not a huge thing in a tv show that gives you the chance to come back, in a televised fight to the death where a sponsor's gift can literally make or break your survival, blending in is NOT the route you want to go.)

The SCL strategy is great because it makes K&P instantly relatable, it makes them tragic figures rather than just two more tributes headed to their probable deaths (something the Capitol crowd is all too accustomed to seeing), and it's new. They haven't seen that before, and it makes a buzz (think about how people react nowadays to the announcement that two celebrities they already were interested in are dating, and multiply that by about a thousand). Katniss and Peeta can't both win, but their lives/chances to be together can be prolonged with...*trumpet fanfare* SPONSOR GIFTS! WOOHOO! And in the Capitol, where life is a lot easier than anywhere else in the world, it's an easy enough story to believe, so it practically guarantees extra sponsors.

Now, in terms of who invented it/benefitted from it? I submit below this particular passage from one of my favorite scenes that I wish the film had portrayed more accurately:

Peeta has only just stepped from his car when I slam my palms into his chest. He loses his balance and crashes into an ugly urn filled with fake flowers. The urn tips and shatters into hundreds of tiny pieces. Peeta lands in the shards, and blood immediately flows from his hands.

"What was that for?" he says, aghast.

"You had no right! No right to go saying those things about me!" I shout at him.

"What's going on?" says Effie, a note of hysteria in her voice. "Did you fall?"

"After she shoved me," says Peeta as Effie and Cinna help him up.

Haymitch turns on me. "Shoved him?"

"This was your idea, wasn't it? Turning me into some kind of fool in front of the entire country?" I answer.

"It was my idea," says Peeta, wincing as he pulls spikes of pottery from his palms. "Haymitch just helped me with it."

"Yes, Haymitch is very helpful. To you!" I say.

"You are a fool," Haymitch says in disgust. "Do you think he hurt you? That boy just gave you something you could never achieve on your own."

"He made me look weak!" I say.

"He made you look desirable! And let's face it, you can use all the help you can get in that department. You were about as romantic as dirt until he said he wanted you. Now they all do. You're all they're talking about. The star-crossed lovers from District Twelve!" says Haymitch.

"But we're not star-crossed lovers!" I say.

Haymitch grabs my shoulders and pins me against the wall. "Who cares? It's all a big show. It's all how you're perceived. The most I could say about you after your interview was that you were nice enough, although that in itself was a small miracle. Now I can say you're a heartbreaker. Oh, oh, oh, how the boys back home fall longingly at your feet. Which do you think will get you more sponsors?"

The mastermind? Peeta.

But the aider and abettor? Definitely Haymitch.

And in terms of beneficiaries, it's both Katniss and Peeta, because even though the strategy causes them a lot of issues later on, it's ultimately the thing that helps them survive, whether you're looking at it from the angle of the Games or afterward, when the Capitol becomes the immediate threat but they at least are able to face it together.

#ask: answered #ask: thg #user: curiousnonny #my opinion #thg meta

[theballadofdrjekyll]

YELLO!! I am remaking my account intro! Read for about me and DNI list!

My name is Cinnamon, but you can call me Cinna!

I am 18, white, and I’m an INFP! My pronouns are he/it and I’m trans masc! (Use They/She and I will block you on the spot! You are misgendering me even if you use they/them for me.)

For my own comfort, anyone under 15 DNI.

I am autistic and have a few Special Interests, those in italics are fixations but could very well end up as a SPIN:

Cookie Run

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (hyperfixation)

Super Mario

Journalism/The Media

I am currently fixated on Chonny Jash and his content, especially his Gothic Whores album.

I sometimes use the hashtags “cinna rants” (< usually more discourse based) and “cinna rambles” (< more so just.. rambling) - I will be trying to post more actively soon!

I will mostly be posting about Chonny Jash and various (gothic) literature, but you can also expect to see, Cookie Run, Good Omens, Undertale/Deltarune, Sky; Children of the Light as well as most Mario games! I also enjoy animal crossing a lot so !!!

I am an inspiring writer and adore writing a ton! I don’t really take requests for things nowadays as they can lead to me being burned out, but I absolutely LOVE receiving questions and stuff from you guys! So please! Feel free to send me questions, dms, and whatnot! (If I am uncomfortable I will not answer, sorry! - or I’ve forgotten.. it’s a 50/50/lh)

A couple of people have asked me if I’m okay with fanart (for my spectre au) and to that I say, YES !! I absolutely love receiving fanart and everytime I have most definitely cried, screamed and shown my family! (The Spectre Au is discontinued)

BYF:

While I’m unsure how you wouldn’t have noticed by now, I love Cookie Run! If that makes you uncomfortable, please don’t interact!

I don’t like the J&H musical, while I will not actively post much about my dislike of it, just a heads up for those who do like it !

Not much to add here that doesn’t get answered elsewhere! I try my best to tag things accordingly, especially knowing the nature of my Spectre Au!

If you want anything to be tagged, please dm or send an ask! I will try my best to tag that thing, although I may forget and if I do, I’m terribly sorry!

DNI LIST:

(I will just block how I see fit)

The usual DNI’s: homophobic, racist, islamophobic, antisemitic, transphobic(including terfs, transmeds), ableist, etc!

Anti Fictionkin, Anti Otherkin, Anti Therian etc

If you think tone tags are dumb, or disagree with xenogenders, dni

I do not mind people from “problematic” fandoms interacting with me (DSMP, HAZBIN, GENSHIN, any of those typically problematic labelled fandoms) - While not actively a part of the DSMP fandom I rarely watch some of the creators(not often at all anymore) I do not and will not post about them as I no longer care for it. I don’t mind if you guys interact but please be aware that things listed above do actually have things wrong with them, only fans who consume those things critically do I feel comfortable interacting with! I especially cannot speak as a Cookie Run fan!/lh

That in mind, if you actively support and defend problematic individuals and companies, and especially in this scenario, Devsisters - please DNI. Devsisters is littered with controversy and I consume their content critically (if that’s the right term!)

“Ralsei is Evil” supporters please uh- interact cautiously. That theory makes me incredibly upset/uncomfortable for personal reasons.

ENDO SYSTEMS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS DNI !! (Blocked on sight.)

Similarly, proshippers DNI. You all are disgusting. (Blocked on sight.)

People who romanticise mommy issues/daddy issues/abuse. DNI. Blocked on sight most definitely.

But YEA !! That’s it! I’ve probably forgotten things and this will be updated but, if you’ve made it this far, drink some water! Have a nice day/night !!

[caesarflickermans]

You can change one single thing in The Hunger Games trilogy novels and/or movies—what is it?

Why?

Thank you 😊,

@curiousnonny

Okay, first of all. The older I get, the more perfect the books become. They are a great first introduction to dystopian novels, are overall incredibly empowering for many different audiences for different reasons, and the POV being Katniss is perfect for many symbolic meanings (empowerment, rising from below, teens feeling a loss of control, a realistic perception on how systems change as opposed to a main character with a hero-complex, global context for Westerners).

But being in my 20s now, and having seen the many ways that the series in a way gets mistreated by making the Games into a fun sport and the romance hyped up by Lionsgate instead of the necessary social critique, I would have liked a more mature tone delivered through more Point of Views.

Katniss will always be a vital aspect, and there's many great aspects delivered with her sole POV that left us in mystery for a long time -- such as the twist at the end of Catching Fire or the rightful distrust Katniss has had in Coin, but at the same time, multiple POVs could have given us so much lore and context and would have made Panem less of a mystery in regards to worldbuilding. It would have been a different story, of course.

Here's those I would have liked to read from:

President Snow/Alma Coin. Snow would have been quite interesting to read from during the first two books; understand more about Panem as a political system when he interacts with peacekeepers, such as sending Thread to District 12 or when he talks with ministers and such. It would have been interesting to understand how the government functions and if, for example, there are “elections”. His POV could be switched with Coin’s at some point, maybe shortly before the explosion of the arena. Would be cool to equally learn more about D13’s structure, albeit we know a great deal about it. Boggs might be a good alternative to Coin, as I do enjoy the continued questioning on whether Coin is “good” until the final chapters.

Haymitch Abernathy. I think this one’s pretty obvious, but the character’s appeal aside, I think he could offer some interesting insight into how the mentor’s life is going and how the behind the scenes is working, especially when it comes to the preparation of the rebellion.

Cinna. Cinna could tell us more about the “average” life of a Capitol person. He could also show more about the rebellion, but overall I’m mostly interested in how he lived and how he acquired his views and, welp, the move from “average” life to that of sudden stardom. It would also be cool because it shows that not every POV non-tribute character is safe from death so it could heighten tension; who of the others is going to survive?

Plutarch Heavensbee. He could be included at the start of the first book, even! Remember, he was the one who fell into the punch bowl. That’s pretty great — we could see the continued perspective of a Gamemaker watching all the final performances for the ranking and see what the others do, and have a perspective of someone in the Gamemaking studio in both Games, maybe?! (I have many ideas why he was present during the ranking in the 74th). But yeah, he could be there and written in a way where he slowly grows suspicious to the reader. Who is this guy? Why is he included? If this is too much giving away, I'd say replace his POV with that of Caesar, who has an insight into the Games and — even as a rebel in my hc — isn't the one actively plotting something.

Gale Hawthorne. I’d like to have him in the first two books, because it could show us what is happening during the Games in District 12. With him, there could be even more District 12 lore. However, by the time we get to Mockingjay, I’d like him to switch spots with

Peeta Mellark. Peeta’s POV is interesting, but I’d want it to only exist in Mockingjay. We see him a lot with Katniss, and when he isn’t there we can guess what he’s thinking and feeling. However, they are separated in Mockingjay and I would love to find out what is happening then and there. Of course, Gale’s POV could also be replaced with Madge’s and do the same, while Peeta’s could be replaced with Caesar and more-or-less do the same, if one would want to not include the love interests.

Careers. I’d enjoy to have career POVs during the first and second book; maybe Clove for the first and then Enobaria for the second. Just so we get a different arena perspective when Katniss gets knocked out or simply to see more of what is happening; especially the second POV could also hint at the mistreatment of more popular victors.

I know this would erase a lot of the mystery we have, but I’m more than willed to have that change to less mystery for more lore and more adult and mature themes.

In short, we would have the following POVs for the following books:

The Hunger Games: Katniss, Snow, Haymitch, Cinna, Plutarch/Caesar, Gale/Madge, Clove

Catching Fire: Katniss, Snow, Haymitch, Cinna, Plutarch/Caesar, Gale/Madge, Enobaria

Mockingjay: Katniss, Coin/Boggs, Haymitch, Plutarch, Peeta/Caesar

#inbox #anon #curiousnonny #the hunger games #thg

[theartofdreaming1]

My two cents regarding this week’s prompts:

heart: I can easily imagine the Capitolites absolutely believing Peeta’s story, but I can also see plenty of district people buying into it, although there are probably going to be a lot of people who’d just view it as a strategy as well

mind: It’s definitely sad that the victors have been reaped again and now have to go through the entire torturous procedure of the Games anew (it’s bad enough that they had to go through this experience once, and it’s not like their lives afterwards have been as comfortable and cushy as people would believe); I couldn’t tell you whether it’s more unjust to reap victors than children or vice versa - it’s just so terrible that the Games happen, period, and that they happen to children explicitly, which is just incredibly disturbing, but it’s just so sad that the victors, who have already had to experience the Games as children have to come back to the place that has traumatized them so badly.

soul: see drawing No. 2 :)

As usual, my thoughts on chapters 16-18 are below the cut:

Chapter 16

I know any move I would make toward Darius, any act of recognition, would only result in punishment for him. So we just stare into each other’s eyes. Darius, now a mute slave; me, now headed to death. - Katniss still being so aware and so thoughful regarding Darius’s situation (like she was with Lavinia in the first book) - What would we say, anyway? That we’re sorry for the other’s lot? That we ache for the other’s pain? That we’re glad we had the chance to know each other? No, Darius shouldn’t be glad he knew me. If I had been there to stop Thread, he wouldn’t have stepped forward to save Gale. Wouldn’t be an Avox. And more specifically, wouldn’t be my Avox, because President Snow has so obviously had him placed here for my benefit. - Katniss, you’re not responsible for everything horrible that happens in Panem! Darius being a good guy, stepping in to help Gale and being cruelly punished for it, has little to do with you and more with the overall awfulness that is the merciless heartlessness of Panem

I’m not aware of much of dinner except that Darius and the redheaded Avox girl are our servers. [...] the only time I really feel present is when I purposely knock a dish of peas to the floor and, before anyone can stop me, crouch down to clean them up. Darius is right by me when I send the dish over, and we two are briefly side by side, obscured from views, as we scoop up the peas. For just one moment our hands meet. I can feel his skin, rough under the buttery sauce from the dish. In the tight, desperate clench of our fingers are all the words we will never be able to say. - 😭 

When we go in to watch the recap of the opening ceremonies, I wedge myself in between Cinna and Haymitch on the couch because I don’t want to be next to Peeta. This awfulness with Darius belongs to me and Gale and maybe even Haymitch, but not to Peeta. He might’ve known Darius to nod hello, but Peeta wasn’t Hob the way the rest of us were. - Katniss, what the heck?!?! Your reasoning here is a total mess; A) How would you know how well Peeta knew Darius? Yes, they might have not associated in the Hob for the most part, but how would you know how much time Darius might have spent in the town square? As a Peacekeeper, Darius had likely at least some money to spend in town as well; B) Peeta was right there with you when Darius lay there, injured, on the ground after stepping in to help Gale (after Peeta had been the one to recognize the sound a whip... don’t tell me Peeta doesn’t know anything about awfulness!) and had even asked about Darius when they were carrying Gale to Mrs. Everdeen; C) How are you cool with sitting next to Cinna, who’s way “closer” to the Capitol than Peeta ever was (no shade against Cinna here, I love him, but he’s waay more removed from the Hob/Darius than Peeta by far) but can’t stand the idea of sitting next to Peeta right now?!? - Besides, I’m still angry with him for laughing at me along with the other victors, and the last thing I want is his sympathy and comfort. I haven’t changed my mind about saving him in the arena, but I don’t owe him more than that. - Honestly Katniss, it’s that much easier for you to view Peeta as a part of the victors than as your fellow D12 citizen?! Jeez... It’s totally fine if you don’t feel like receiving Peeta’s sympathy and comfort right now, but maybe take a chill pill or two... You’re ready to die for this guy, but otherwise don’t want to have anything else to do with him right now - What gives?!

Soon after I go to bed, there’s a quiet knock on my door, but I ignore it. I don’t want Peeta tonight. Especially not with Darius around. It’s almost as bad as if Gale were here. Gale. How am I supposed to let him go with Darius haunting the hallways? - It’s fine if Katniss doesn’t want to see Peeta tonight; that’s why he knocks - it’s an offer, shows that he’s available if she wants to... But man, did Snow succeed in throwing her off her game by placing Darius in the D12 suite of the Training Center. And I get it, Darius has been part of her life since way before the Games, so yeah, it’s another piece of her previous life destroyed, in a way, but honestly, this is all the more reasoin why she’d need some comfort; and Peeta’s generally the best at doing that for her. It’s also kind of wild how Darius seems to be so strongly associated with Gale in Katniss’s mind - is it just the having-been-part-of-pre-Hunger-Games-life or is there something more at play here?🤔

I delay going down to breakfast as long as possible the next morning because I really don’t want to discuss our training strategy. [...] So Peeta and I will continue to act in love and that’s that. Somehow I’m just not up to talking about it, especially with Darius standing mutely by. - I guess that having Avox!Darius here in the Capitol probably also works as a reminder of the power the Capitol holds over Katniss, and triggered some association/”awareness” that her relationship with Peeta is being forced on her by the Capitol? Which is really unfair, since this thought totally neglects the fact that Katniss and Peeta actually enjoy hanging out with each other, just because... although that’s probably just what Snow wants - to weaken our team’s bonds

“[...] Today, in training, you’ve got two jobs. One, stay in love.” “Obviously,” I say. - A reminder that Katniss isn’t allowed to be “out of love” with Peeta (although she managed to fall in love with him by now all on her own, even if she hasn’t properly realized it yet); but it’s the lack of choice that’s so grating - “And two, make some friends,” says Haymitch. “No,” I say. “I don’t trust any of them, I can’t stand most of them, and I’d rather operate with just the two of us.” “That’s what I said at first, but-” Peeta begins. - Peeta and Katniss again on the same wavelength (technically), but, at this point, Peeta has already been listening and been persuaded by Haymitch’s sound reasoning, so he and Katniss are not 100% on the same page right now, which isn’t helping with their current tension - “But it won’t be enough,” Haymitch insists. “You’re going to need more allies this time around.” “Why?” I ask. “Because you’re at a distinct disadvantage. Your competitors have known each other for years. So who do you think they’re going to target first?” he says. “Us. [...] You mean you want us in the Career pack this year?” I ask, unable to hide my distaste. [...] “That’s been our strategy, hasn’t it? To train like Careers?” counters Haymitch. “And who makes up the Career pack is generally agreed upon before the Games begin. Peeta barely got in with them last year.” - Basically, this is just following through with Peeta’s excellent set-up/training plan; Also it’s interesting how the strategy for Peeta and Katniss as individual tributes is to form human connections to improve their chances of survival among the other tributes, while human connection is exactly the aspect Peeta (and plenty of other tributes) are going to utilize in the interviews to get the audience on their side and plant seeds of doubt in the Capitolites’ minds, further weakening the Capitol’s power and, in a way, further strengthening the rebellion’s efforts - I love how this theme reappears in different forms and different  circumstances in this book

Effie shows up a bit early to take us down ,[...] But Haymitch tells her he doesn’t want her taking us down to the gym,  None of the other victors will be showing up with a babysitter, and being the youngest, it’s even more important we look self-reliant. So she has to satisfy herself with taking us to the elevator, fussing over our hair, and pushing the button for us. - Lol, this has such ‘Mom has to learn to let her children go to school alone for the first time’-vibes; it’s endearing 😄

It’s such a short ride that there’s no real time for conversation, but when Peeta takes my hand, I don’t pull it away. I may have ignored him last night in private, but in training we must appear as an inseparable team. - Despite their ‘row’ last night, Mom and Dad still project a front of unity to the outside world - boy, Katniss and Peeta really act so married already 😂

someone puts his arms around me from behind, his fingers easily finishing the complicated knot I’ve been sweating over. Of course, it’s Finnick [...] I watch for a minute while he picks up a length of rope, makes a noose, and then pretends to hang himself for my amusement. Rolling my eyes, I head over to another vacant station where tributes can learn to build fires. - While skill is certainly one way to get Katniss’s attention and respect, she’s just not into your swagger, Finnick, sorry (but hey, Katniss will later manage to replicate the noose-knot during her demonstration for the Gamemakers, so she’s clearly been paying some attention to Finnick and his abilities)

They [Beetee and Wiress]’re a little strange, but I’m pretty sure neither of them is going to try to make me uncomfortable by stripping naked. - Katniss is still salty about Johanna 😂

Wiress and Betee make decent company. [...] We talk about our talents; they tell me they both invent things, which makes my supposed interest in fashion seem pretty weak. Wiress brings up some sort of stitching device she’s working on. [...] Then he [Beetee] talks about his recent success creating a musical chip that’s tiny enough to be concealed in a flake of glitter but can hold hours of songs. - It’s cute how Beetee and Wiress bring up inventions of theirs that overlap with Katniss’s interests/’talent’: the stitching device -> fashion and musical chip -> music (likely derived from Katniss’s singing); they are really making an effort to connect with Katniss (but also, could you imagine such a tiny music chip device? I’d be so afraid of losing it!)

I see a possible chance to allude to the uprising. [...] “I guess a lot of orders from District Three were getting backed up.” - look at our girl, being all smart and sly; Katniss the sleuth strikes again! 🕵️‍♀️ - Beetee examines me under his glasses. “Yes. Did you have any similar backups in coal production this year?” he asks. “No. Well, we lost a couple of weeks when they brought in a new Head Peacekeeper and his crew, but nothing major,” I say. [...] I think they understand what I’m trying to say. That we’ve had no uprising. “Oh. That’s a shame,” says Wiress in a slightly disappointed voice. [...] I feel bad, knowing that their district must have suffered much worse than ours. I feel I have to defend my people. - Love how they talk in code here and how Katniss empathizes with the people from D3, while also feeling protective/defensive about ‘her’ people in D12

I want to ask them more, but lunch is announced. I look for Peeta, but he’s hanging with a group of about ten other victors, so I decide just to eat with District 3. Maybe I can get Seeder to join us. When we make out way into the dining area, I see some of Peeta’s gang have other ideas. - lol, “Peeta’s gang”, as if he was part of a biker group, not just hanging out with fellow tributes 😄 - They’re dragging all the smaller tables to form one large table so that we all have to eat together. Now I don’t know what to do. Even at school I used to avoid eating at a crowded table. Frankly, I’d probably have sat alone if Madge hadn’t made a habit of joining me. - I’ve never been the most sociable person, but even I used to sit with my fellow classmates if any I liked were in the cafeteria; the key is to sit on the edge of the group, Katniss, so you can either mind your own business or be included in the group shenanigans, depending on what you and the others feel like that day ;) - I guess I’d have eaten with Gale except, being two grades apart, our lunch never fell at the same time. - since the school I went to wasn’t terribly big, the concept of students of different grades having lunch at different times is so foreign to me; anyone who had afternoon classes had the same lunch time as everyone else

“And so I’m stupid for thinking they [Beetee and Wiress] might be useful. Because of something Johanna Mason said while she was oiling up her breasts for wrestling,” I retort. - Katniss, you’re jealous as heeeck, gurl 👀👀; I wonder if the fact that Johanna oiled up her naked body for wrestling (something Katniss would associate with Peeta) has Katniss all riled up (and yes, I know that for Ancient Greek wrestling contestants would compete in the nude and oil themselves up beforehand; and, apparently there even exists a form of wrestling called oil wrestling - supposedly a national sport of Turkey? - so it’s not like there’s no precedent for being all naked and oiled up for wrestling... but either A) Katniss doesn’t know that and/or B) she doesn’t care ;)

“What are you so angry about?” Peeta asks [...] “Because I teased you on the elevator? I’m sorry. I thought you would just laugh about it.” “Forget it,” I say with a shake of my head. “It’s a lot of things.” - Don’t say ‘forget it’, Katniss, if it’s bothering you so much that it affects your relationship with Peeta! Luckily, Peeta has an idea what’s up and keeps their communication channel open - “Darius,” he says. “Darius. The Games. Haymitch making us team up with the others,” I say. - Y’know, technically, these are all things that could also be bothering Peeta as well (maybe not to the same extent, but it’s not like Peeta is going to be happy about the Games either or not be bothered that Darius is an avox, right?); overall, however, all these things have in common how little agency/control Katniss has over what’s going on right now and Peeta deals with the situation wonderfully:

“It can just be you and me, you know,” he says. “I know. But maybe Haymitch is right,” I say. “Don’t tell him I said so, but he usually is, where the Games are concerned.” “Well, you can have final say about our allies. - Peeta presenting Katniss with a realistic (even if limited) space in which she can exert some agency! - But right now, I’m leaning toward Chaff and Seeder,” says Peeta. “I’m okay with Seeder, not Chaff,” I say. “Not yet, anyway.” “Come on and eat with him. I promise, I won’t let him kiss you again,” says Peeta. - love how Peeta and Katniss agree on Seeder here (Peeta was deeply concerned about what happened to the people in D11, too!) and Peeta gently pushing Katniss to give Chaff another chance once he knows that she’s not 100% against Chaff is great

After lunch I do the edible-insect station with the District 8 tributes - Cecelia [...] and Woof, a really old guy who’s hard of hearing and doesn’t seem to know what’s going on since he keeps trying to stuff poisonous bugs in his mouth. - Are you’re sure he’s not trying to poison himself on purpose, Katniss? The thought crossed my mind, at least...

Finnick appears again when I’m picking up fishing tips, but mostly just to introduce me to Mags - this would have been the most effective way to introduce yourself to Katniss as an ally, Finnick, lol - [...] I swear she can make a decent fishhook out of anything [...] When I make a pretty good hook [...] she gives me a toothless smile and an unintelligible comment I think might be praise. Suddenly I remember how she volunteered to replace the young, hysterical woman in her district. It couldn’t be because she thought she had any chance of winning. She did it to save the girl, just like I volunteered last year to save Prim. And I decide I want her on my team. - Again, Katniss is being drawn to kind people and to the underdog

Great. Now I have to go back and tell Haymitch I want an eighty-year-old and Nuts and Volts for my allies. He’ll love that. - Well... they certainly sound likey a motley crew, lol

After training, Peeta and I hang out, waiting for Haymitch and Effie to show up for dinner. When we’re called to eat, Haymitch pounces on me immediately. “So at least half the victors have instructed their mentors to request you as an ally. I know it can’t be your sunny personality.” - It takes one to know one, eh Haymitch? ;) - “They saw her shoot,” says Peeta with a smile. “Actually, I saw her shoot, for real, for the first time. I’m about to put in a formal request myself.” - Real smooth Peeta 😎 (but it’s also just super cute how proud he is of Katniss here 😊)

After my shooting exhibition, I still get teased some, but I no longer feel like I’m being mocked. In fact, I feel as if I’ve somehow been initiated into the victors’ circle. - Honestly, I wonder if this has less to do with the others’ treating Katniss differently than before and more with Katniss now knowing that they actually respect her skill because they sent in those requests... considering how after her and Peeta’s Games, Katniss got pushed into those ‘little-girl’-dresses to make her look more innocent in an attempt to lessen the Capitol’s ire with her, it might not even be that surprising that Katniss would feel self-conscious about how other victors might perceive her (especially Johanna, who started out with the ‘helpless-little-girl’-act but now has completely dropped it and rather done an 180°, technically with the same purpose: to subvert expectations and to shock people)

And the more I come to know these people, the worse it is. Because, on the whole, I don’t hate them. And some I like. And a lot of them are so damaged that my natural instinct would be to protect them. - Yeah, Katniss’s natural instinct is to protect; there is a reason why she’s always tried to be as detached from her fellow tributes as possible

Peeta and I are finally left alone. He reaches across the table to take my hands. “Decided what to do for the Gamemakers yet?” I shake my head. [...] We sit in silence awhile and then I blurt out the thing that’s on both our minds. “How are we going to kill these people, Peeta?” “I don’t know.” He leans his forehead down on our entwined hands. - Their dilemma is so heart-wrenching (but also, this moment is so... intimate/vulnerable? The entwined hands, Peeta leaning his forehead against them... I want to draw this moment so badly, but I only have so much time at my disposal 😩)

Peeta looks up at me, his brow creased in thought. “Her [Rue’s] death was the most despicable, wasn’t it?” [...] They call Peeta, so I wait by myself. Fifteen minutes pass. Then half an hour. It’s close to forty minutes before I’m called. When I go in, I smell the sharp odor of cleaner and notice that one of the mats has been dragged to the center of the room. The mood is very different from last year’s, when the Gamemakers were half drunk and distractedly picking at tidbits from the banquet table. They whisper among themselves, looking somewhat annoyed. What did Peeta do? Something to upset them? - Peeta really went for it this time! Ma boi! (also just a really logical and smart move on his part - since the training sessions are private, he can be as ‘ruthless’(direct) as he wants with little risk of obviously severe repercussions (like Katniss’s move with the apple last year), while still being very methodical about how he is going to present himself in the eye of the public - it’s a very smart move, but also means that another of his rebellious acts is not widely known, which is going to reflect badly on him in the eyes of the people in D13

I feel a pang of worry. That isn’t good. I don’t want Peeta singling himself out as a target for the Gamemakers’ anger. That’s part of my job. To draw fire away from Peeta. But how did he upset them? Because I’d love to do just that and more. - Again, another rebellious act of Katniss inspired by Peeta; she’s plenty rebellious on her own, of course; but I feel her rebellious acts with the most focused message (decorating Rue with the flowers, and now the thing with the dummy) are generally inspired by Peeta; it’s just interesting to me - To break through the smug veneer of those who use their brains to find amusing ways to kill us. To make them realize that while we’re vulnerable to the Capitol’s cruelties, they are as well. [...] Suddenly I know just what I’m going to do. Something that will blow anything Peeta did right out of the water. [...] I carefully finger-paint the words on its body, concealing them from view. Then I step away quickly to watch the reaction on the Gamemakers’ faces as they read the name on the dummy. SENECA CRANE. - Bam! Honestly, these two are so effing brutal in their own way - I love it! Peeta’s move was all: “I want you guys to really think about these atrocities you are participating in and are perpetuating; I want to hold you guys accountable.”, already throwing off these a-holes off their usually so-indifferent routine and then Katniss comes along, figuratively kicking down their doors, yelling: “DON’T THINK WE’VE FORGOTTEN WHAT YOU’VE DONE! AND YOU BETTER DON’T GET TOO COMFORTABLE, ‘CUZ YOU’RE NOT UNTOUCHABLE! BETTER REMEMBER THAT, A-HOLES!” Not exactly subtle, but that’s our Katniss 😂

Chapter 17

“Actually, I painted a picture of Rue,” Peeta says. “How she looked after Katniss had covered her in flowers.” There’s a long pause at the table while everyone absorbs this. “And what exactly were you trying to accomplish?” Haymitch asks in a very measured voice. “I’m not sure. I just wanted to hold them accountable, if only for a moment,” says Peeta. “For killing that little girl.” “This is dreadful.” Effie sounds like she’s about to cry. - That’s kind of the point, Effie; what is going is awful. “That sort of thinking... it’s forbidden, Peeta. - Taking accountability for your actions should not be forbidden thinking! You can’t ignore the awfulness that is actively being orchestrated - Absolutely. You’ll only bring down more trouble on yourself and Katniss.” “I have to agree with Effie on this one, says Haymitch. Porta and Cinna remain silent, but their faces are very serious. - Telling how Portia and Cinna don’t really chime in - we know that the outfits they’ve designed run in a similar vein

But even though it worries me, I think what he [Peeta] did was amazing. “I guess this is a bad time to mention I hung a dummy and painted Seneca Crane’s name on it,” I say. [...] “You’d have thought we planned it,” says Peeta, giving me just the hint of a smile. “Didn’t you?” asks Portia. Her fingers press her eyelids closed as if she’s warding off a very bright light. - Sorry Portia, these two are just natural troublemakers that way - “No,” I say, looking at Peeta with a new sense of appreciation. “Neither of us even knew what we were going to do before we went in.” “And, Haymitch?” says Peeta. “We decided we don’t want any other allies in the arena.” - Peeta and Katniss are officially back to being on the same wavelength! whoo!🎉 Also, take note of Peeta’s use of “we” here - he generally makes a point of not speaking for Katniss, but after this obvious display that they are of like minds, he’s just fully cementing that this time around, it’s him and Katniss vs. the rest of the world! Also, as usual - Katniss being super into Peeta after his very particular brand of rebelling (’I think what he did was amazing’, ‘looking at Peeta with a new sense of appreciation’; she’s just super turned on by his moral compass, I can’t 😂

Peeta walks me down to my room in silence, but before he can say good night, I wrap my arms around him and rest my head against his chest. His hands slide up my back and his cheek leans against my hair. “I’m sorry if I made things worse,” I say. “No worse than I did. Why did you do it, anyway?” he says. “I don’t know. To show them that I’m more than just a piece in their Games?” I say. [...] I hadn’t understood what he meant. Now I do. “Me, too,” he tells me. - They👏 Are 👏 On 👏 The 👏 Same 👏 Wavelength 👏 And Katniss quoting Peeta back to him and reflecting on how she understands him now, when she didn’t completely before *chef’s kiss*

“But even if that [President Snow ordering their deaths] happens, everyone will know we’ve gone out fighting, right?” Peeta asks. “Everyone will,” I reply. [...] If I can make it clear that I’m still defying the Capitol right up to the end, the Capitol will have killed me... but not my spirit. What better way to give hope to the rebels? The beauty of this idea is that my decision to keep Peeta alive at the expense of my own life is itself an act of defiance. A refusal to play the Hunger Games by the Capitol’s rules. - As I’ve been saying: any act of kindness/caring/love is already an act of rebellion in such a cruel and selfish place as Panem... But also - Peeta and Katniss are so amazingly brave!!! ‘You can kill my body, but you can’t kill my spirit’ - that’s incredibly brave (and despite the Capitol really trying to break them - and almost succeeding - these two will pull through; it’s inspiring)

And if I could really save Peeta.. in terms of a revolution, this would be ideal. Because I will be more valuable dead. They can turn me into some kind of martyr [...] and it will do more to rally people than anything I could do if I was living. But Peeta would be more valuable alive, and tragic, because he will be able to turn his pain into words that will transform people. - I’m pretty sure that is exactly what Coin has been thinking all along, too (remember how quick she was to utilize Katniss’s supposed death as the sacrifice of a martyr and then to go on and present herself as the leader of a new and free world?😒 also, she originally wanted to save Peeta) - Peeta would lose it if he knew I was thinking any of this - Yeah, I can see why, Katniss 👀 But it’s also wild how detached Katniss can view the bigger picture - more so than Peeta can, in that particular instance, I feel

“So what should we do with our last few days?” “I just want to spend every possible minute of the rest of my life with you,” Peeta replies. “Come on, then,” I say, pulling him into my room. It feels like such a luxury, sleeping with Peeta again. I didn’t realize until now how starved I’ve been for human closeness. For the feel of him beside me in the darkness. I wish I hadn’t wasted the last couple of nights shutting him out. I sink down into sleep, enveloped in his warmth - Peeta being all honest and sweet about wanting to spend every last moment of his life with Katniss 😭 And Katniss is all like, ‘heck yeah!’ and then goes on to share with the reader that she views sleeping in Peeta’s arms as a luxury 😭😭 and I know that she just states that she must have been starved for human closeness in general, but in the next sentence she specifically describes the feel of Peeta lying next to her in the darkness - so what we actually should be reading here is that she’s been starved for being close to Peeta 🥺 Also, Peeta is again mentioned in combination with ‘warmth’

“No nightmares,” he says. “No nightmares,” I confirm. “You?” “None. I’d forgotten what a real night’s sleep feels like,” he says. - Okay, but this also implies that the entire time, Peeta couldn’t properly sleep at all - my poor boy! And Katniss felt like she couldn’t ask Peeta to come sleep with her on the train before - you would have done him a favor, girl! (She’s severely underestimating the soothing effect she has on Peeta; yes, it’s for her benefit, but it’s actually mutually beneficial for the both of them! Because, y’know... that’s their relationship in a nutshell)

the redheaded Avox girl comes in with a note from Effie saying that, given our recent tour, both she and Haymitch have agreed we can handle ourselves adequately in public. The coaching session have been canceled. - Haymitch and Effie gifting them one last (sorta) peaceful day 😭- “Really?” says Peeta, taking the note from my hand and examining it. “Do you know what this means? We’ll have the whole day to ourselves.” “It’s too bad we can’t go somewhere,” I say wistfully. “Who says we can’t?” he asks. The roof. - Peeta is always finding ways to make beautiful moments even in the most stifling of circumstances; that’s an amazing skill to have (and what follows is just the most beautiful rooftop date ever 💕)

I lie with my head on Peeta’s lap, making a crown of flowers while he fiddles with my hair, claiming he’s practicing his knots. After a while, his hands go still. “What?” I ask. “I wish I could freeze this moment, right here, right now, and live in it forever,” he says. Usually this sort of comment, the kind that hints of his undying love for me, makes me feel guilty and awful. But I feel so warm and relaxed and beyond worrying about a future I’ll never have, I just let the word slip out. “Okay.” I can hear the smile in his voice. “Then you’ll allow it?” “I’ll allow it,” I say. - Katniss, have you considered that you are not feeling guilty about Peeta’s comment this time because... y’know... you might actually reciprocate his feelings here? Just saying... (She’s not counting on having a future - whether with Peeta or just general - so she is finally, actually allowing herself to just live in the moment and to savour it, including the notion that she might actually have feelings for this boy)

The next morning, we’re roused by my prep team. The sight of Peeta and me sleeping together is too much for Octavia, because she bursts into tears right away. - same, Octavia, same - “You remember what Cinna told us,” Venia says fiercely. Octavia nods and goes out sobbing. [...] It’s nearly lunchtime when I feel something dripping on my shoulder and turn to find Flavius, who’s snipping away at my hair with silent tears running down his face. Venia gives him a look, and he gently sets the scissors on the table and leaves. Then it’s just Venia [...] It’s only when Cinna shows up to approve me and dismiss her that she takes my hands, looks me straight in the eye, and says, “We would all like you to know what a... privilege it has been to make you look your best.” Then she hastens from the room. My prep team. My foolish, shallow, affectionate pets, with their obsessions with feathers and parties, nearly break my heart with their good-bye. - Same here, Katniss 😢 And it’s not just the prep team crying that is so moving - they are actually trying pull themselves together for Katniss’s sake even though [t]he idea of being strong for someone else ha[d] never entered their heads, (Ch. 15) before, as evidenced by their last interaction when Katniss had to console them! They were truly making an effort for Katniss here and that’s why it’s going to be so awful when we will see how they will have been treated in D13 until Katniss gets them out of their prison

Back home everything [regarding a wedding] is so much simpler. [...] They [the bride and groom] fill out some forms at the Justice Building and are assigned a house. Family and friends gather for a meal or a bit of cake, if it can be afforded. Even if it can’t there’s always a traditional song we sing as the new couple crosses the threshold of their home. And we have our own little ceremony, where they make their first fire, toast a bit of bread, and share it. Maybe it’s old-fashioned, but no one really feels married in District 12 until after the toasting. - The D12 wedding seems like a sweet and intimate affair, it sounds cute; I also think it’s worth mentioning here that Peeta is going to voice a similar sentiment during his interview (I know it’s just generally a D12 thing, but also - further proof that Peeta and Katniss are on the same wavelength ;)

Finally Finnick says, “I can’t believe Cinna put you in that thing [Katniss’s bridal dress].” “He didn’t have any choice. President Snow made him,” I say, somewhat defensively. I won’t let anyone criticize Cinna. - Aww, Katniss is so protective of Cinna!😭

and the tributes begin their interviews. This is the first time I realize the depth of betrayal felt among the victors and the rage that accompanies it. But they are so smart, so wonderfully smart about how they play it, because it all comes back to reflect on the government and President Snow in particular. - A dangerous game Snow decided to play, bringing back in the people who were skilled/smart enough to win the Games once already and have spent plenty of times with the people from the Capitol: they know how to play the Game(s) and know the weak points of the Capitolites... and they are not afraid to use this knowledge to their advantage

Cashmere starts the ball rolling with a speech about how she just can’t stop crying when she thinks of how much the people in the Capitol must be suffering because they will lose us. [...] Beetee questions the legailty of the Quell [..] Finnick recites a poem he wrote to his one true love in the Capitol, and about a hundred people faint because they’re sure he means them. [...] Seeder questly ruminates about how, back in District 11, everyone assumes President Snow is all-powerful. So if he’s all-powerful, why doesn’t he change the Quell? And Chaff, who comes right on her heels, insists the president could change the Quell if he wanted to, but he must not think it matters much to anyone. By the time I’m introduced, the audience is an absolute wreck. People have been weeping and collapsing and even calling for change. The sight of me in my white silk bridal gown practically causes a riot. - just absolutely brilliantly played by everyone here 👏

My voice trembles as I speak. “Only that I’m so sorry you won’t get to be at my wedding... but I’m glad you at least get to see me in my dress. Isn’t it just... the most beautiful thing?” [...] I begin to twirl slowly, raising the sleeves of my heavy gown above m head. [...] then I notice something is rising up around me. Smoke. From fire. Not the flickery stuff I wore last year in the chariot, but something much more real that devours my dress. [...] So I keep spinning and spinning. [...] I slowly come to a stop [...] I’m in a dress of the exact design of my wedding dress, only it’s the color of coal and made of tiny feathers. Wonderingly, I lift my long, flowing sleeves into the air, and that’s when I see myself on the television. [...] Cinna has turned me into a mockingjay. - BRILLIANT. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. It’s especially smart because you have all these people riled up over all the things the previous victors have said and then you focus this outrage onto the literal symbol of the rebellion! That’s a big brain-move if I’ve ever seen one! 👏👏 Kudos to Cinna!!!!

Chapter 18

“[...] Cinna, I think you better take a bow!” Caesar gestures for Cinna to rise. He does, and makes a small, gracious bow. And suddenly I am so afraid for him. What has he done? Something terribly dangerous. An act of rebellion in itself. And he’s done it for me. - Katniss, it’s not only for you, honey; Cinna is a grown man who A) chose to be the designer for D12, B) chose to present you and Peeta as a team in the last Games, which Haymitch even had remarked had “just the perfect touch of rebellion”, and C) chose to create this provocative gown you’re wearing right now - he knew these risks and chose to take them anyway

“[...] we didn’t tell anyone [about everlark’s supposed marriage]. Not even Haymitch. And Katniss’s mother would never have approved. - This fits perfectly with Mrs. E. stance that Katniss was still too young to have a boyfriend  after Peeta and Katniss came back from their first Games - But you see, we knew if we were married in the Capitol, there wouldn’t be a toasting. - And, as Katniss has already established, nobody from D12 would feel married without it - And neither of us really wanted to wait any longer. So one day, we just did it,” Peeta says. “And to us, we’re more married than any piece of paper or big party could make us.”

“So this was before the Quell?” says Caesar. “Of course before the Quell. I’m sure we’d never have done it after we knew,” says Peeta, starting to get upset. “But who could’ve seen it coming? No one. [...] out of nowhere - I mean, how could we anticipate a thing like that?”- Peeta is building up on the issues the other victors have already brought up, further emphasizing how the Capitol broke the one rule that seemed to be irrevocable - that victors didn’t have to return to the Games, but have a (supposedly) nice life afterwards (in a way, this is like when the Capitol only send spoiled for Parcel Day - if they don’t even honor the extortionate rules/promises they themselves have made, why even bother following their stupid rules in the first place?!)

“Surely even a brief time is better than no time?” “Maybe I’d think that, too, Caesar,” says Peeta bitterly, “if it weren’t for the baby.” - Boom! Mic dropped 🎤 -There. He’s done it again. Dropped a bomb that wipes our efforts of every tribute who came before him. Well, maybe not. Maybe this year he has only lit the fuse on a bomb that the victors themselves have been building. - In this case, the victors were really lucky that their interview sessions were going to end with Peeta, who’d bring the whole thing to a close with a pretty bow on top... Katniss’s phrasing of “dropping a bomb” is also a painful foreshadowing of the repercussion this move wil bring 😢

As the bomb explodes, it sends acusations of injustice and barbarism and cruelty flying out in every direction. Even the most Capitol-loving, Games-hungry, bloodthirsty person out there can’t ignore, at least for a moment, how horrific the whole thing is. - It is bizarre how only the most over-the-top example (previous, still underage victor being reaped to a death match and also carrying an unborn child) was able to stir up the Capitolites from the entertainment-crazy hunger, when every single aspect of said example should be cause for alarm and empathy and distress

for a moment, [...] I am working through what Peeta has said. Isn’t it the thing I dreaded most about the wedding, about the future - the loss of my children to the Games? And it could be true now, couldn’t it? If I hadn’t spent my life building up layers of defenses until I recoil at even the suggestion of marriage or a family? [...] I automatically rise [for the anthem] and, as I do, I sense Peeta reaching out for me. Tears run down his face as I take his hand. How real are the tears? Is this acknowledgment that he has been stalked by the same fears that I have? - A) Yes, I think these tears are real, because even if the situation as Peeta has told it isn’t true, I think he just genuinely laid out this not unplausible what-if scenario and the best lies to tell are always the ones that hold some truth to them, B) Oh, I definitely think that Peeta shares the same fears as you, Katniss - another example of how these two are on the same wavelength (we never directly heard Peeta’s stance on this issue before - because Katniss just assumed he’d want a family, without ever asking him), but also - That every victor has? Every parent in every district in Panem? - in the World of the Hunger Games, this fear is basically a universal one

I turn spontaneously to Chaff and offer my hand. I feel my fingers close around the stumo that now completes his arm and hold fast. And then it happens. Up and down the row, the victors begin to join hands. [...] By the time the anthem plays its final strains, all twenty-four of us stand in one unbroken line in what must be the first public show of unity among the districts since the Dark Days. You can see the realization of this as the screen begin to pop into blackness. It’s too late, though. [..] Everyone has seen. - Similarly to the stop on their Victory Tour to D11, Katniss follows up Peeta’s act of rebellion with her own - and this time, it wasn’t cut off before it got shown on air. And it is even more impactful because this time, it’s not only to show solidarity with one district (11), but all the districts together as one! 🤝

There’s disorder on the stage now, too [...] I’ve lost hold of Chaff, but Peeta guides me into an elevator. Finnick and Johanna try to join us, but a harried Peacekeeper blocks their way - as usual, Peeta is still there to ‘guide’ Katniss (honestly, a word analysis of these books would be fascinating); lovely how it’s already hinted at that Finnick and Johanna will become important allies to Peeta and Katniss

The moment we step off the elevator, Peeta grips my shoulders. “There isn’t much time, so tell me. Is there anything I have to apologize for?” - Tbh, I actually really like that Peeta doesn’t apologize straightaway for not telling Katniss beforehand (because, as Katniss is aware, it was more effective that way), but he still asks because, since they are a team, they promised to be open with each other and Peeta wants to make sure he didn’t violate her trust in him - “Nothing,” I say. It was a big leap to take without my okay, but I’m just as glad I didn’t know, didn’t have time to second-guess him, to let any guilt over Gale detract from how I really feel about what Peeta did. Which is empowered. - This is an example that shows how context and the nature of a relationship is important - if Peeta wasn’t a guy who’d try his utmost to give Katniss as much agency as possible (letting her have the final say about allies, not forcing his company on her when she didnt want to see him when she was upset about Darius, etc.) and he and Katniss hadn’t built such a close relationship built on mutual trust, this move would not have been okay - but because of their relationship is built on mutual trust and respect, Katniss actually feels empowered 💪

Somewhere, very far off, is a place called District 23, where my mother and sister and friends will have to deal with the fallout from this night - don’t remind me, Katniss 😢- [...] But even if all of us meet terrible ends, something happened on that stage tonight that can’t be undone. We victors staged our own uprising, and maybe, just maybe, the Capitol won’t be able to contain this one. - This is the dilemma of a revolution/rebellion, isn’t it? The possible, horrible repercussions for your loved ones vs. the hope for a better future for everyone... and in this instance, it really was the most effective uprising so far 

“Then we’ll never see Effie again,” says Peeta. We didn’t see her on the morning of the Games last year. “You’ll give her our thanks.” “More than that. Really make it special. It’s Effie, after all,” I say. “Tell her how appreciative we are and how she was the best escort ever and tell her... tell her we send our love.” - It’s so sweet how Katniss insists that Haymitch delivers their thanks to Effie in a manner that is “special” (i.e. a bit over the top and different from what Katniss would want to receive as thanks, but fitting for Effie, for whom the whole thing is intended)

Then Haymitch says it. “I guess this is where we say our good-byes as well.” “Any last words of advice?” Peeta asks. “Stay alive,” Haymitch says gruffly. [...] He gives us each a quick embrace, and I can tell it’s all he can stand. [...] I know I shoud say a whole bunch of things to Haymitch, but I can’t think of anything he doesn’t already know, really, and my throat is so tight I doubt anything would come out, anyway. So, once, again, I let Peeta speak for us both. “You take care, Haymitch,” he says. - It’s going to take a loong time until this iconic trio is going to be back again 😭; also, must be nice to have a Peeta who can speak for you and him when a difficult emotional moment comes up - I’m not good with words in the heat of a moment, either

We cross the room, but in the doorway, Haymitch’s voice stops us. “Katniss, when you’re in the arena,” he begins. Then he pauses. He’s scowling in a way that makes me sure I’ve already disappointed him. - Lol, why is Haymitch scowling like this? Is it the idea that the moment in which Katniss is going to have to remember his words implies that she will have lost sight of the bigger picture or is Haymitch disappointed with himself, because he’s been plotting with the other victors behind Katniss’s and Peeta’s backs? - “What?” I ask defensivley. “You just remember who the enemy is,” Haymitch tells me.

Peeta wants to stop by his room to shower off the makeup and meet me in a few minutes, but I won’t let him. I’m certain if a door shuts between us, it will lock and I’ll have to spend the night without him. Besides I have a shower in my room. I refuse to let go of his hand. - ... Did you let go of his hand so he could use your shower, Katniss? Did you? 👀👀 (I’m just saying; I’m assuming that the shower is also separated from her room via a door, so... and Katniss would probably want to wash off her makeup as well... I’m not implying anything sexual here, but Katniss is so desperate to stay close to Peeta, she’s basically already seen him naked, and I’m sure these Capitol showers are big enough for two people using them... or they could just both have been inside the bathroom, taking turns in the shower while letting the other now they’re still there, by just rambling about unimportant stuff, I dunno) - [...] We spend the night holding each other, in some halfway land between dreams and waking. - The INTIMACY between these two!!!! I’m yelling!!!

Cinna and Portia arrive with the dawn, and I know Peeta will have to go. Tributes enter the arena alone. He gives me a light kiss. “See you soon,” he says. “See you soon,” I answer. - Why are you guys so cute?!?! 🥺

I’m about to mount the ladder to the hovercraft when i remember. “I didn’t say good-bye to Portia.” “I’ll tell her,” says Cinna. - I don’t think Cinna will be able to relay your good-bye to Portia, Katniss 😢

We sit, as we did last year, holding hands until the voice tells me to prepare for the launch. He [Cinna] walks me over to the circular metal plate and zips up the neck of my jumpsuit securely. “remember, girl on fire,” he says, “I’m still betting on you.” He kisses my forehead and steps back as the glass cylinder slides down around me. - Cinna and Katniss’s relationship is so pure 😭💕😭

Suddenly the door behind him [Cinna] bursts open and three Peacekeepers spring into the room. Two pin Cinna’s arms behind him and ciff him while the third hits him in the temple with such force he’s knocked to his knees. But they keep hitting him with metal-studded gloves, opening gashes on his face and body. I’m screaming my head off, banging on the unyielding glass, trying to reach him. - Honestly, this sounds worse than the moment in the movie, and that one was already bad 😟 I think it’s the holding him down and hitting him with the metal-studded gloves that’s just especially awful 

#thgagain #thg #thg meta #everlark #katniss everdeen #peeta mellark #thg fanart #haymitch abernathy #cinna #my sketches and drawings #darius #I apologize for the typos that are lurking in this post #I've been a little pressed for time

[philhoffman]

Continuing my Monday Philm watch of The Hunger Games this week with Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014)!

I love that, unlike the books, the movies show a wider perspective than just Katniss’s. It just makes sense to do that when adapting a book to the screen, so of course they did, but it’s really great. Some of those scenes with Snow and his people in the Capitol are the best in the whole film. A lot of enjoyable performances by incredible actors but on this watch, I realized Sam Claflin Is perfectly cast — his work as Finnick brings this gravity and desperation and numbness to every scene he’s in.

(Side note: the albums for all of the THG movies slap. The first movie’s is one of the first albums I can remember really falling in love with as a teenager and listening to it now is so... nostalgic. I’ve only listened to the Catching Fire and Mockingjay albums more recently but they slap!!!)

Reading the books a few weeks ago, I was struck by how funny and lighthearted Plutarch is — partly because I didn’t remember Phil’s portrayal being so goofy. But on a rewatch, it comes out a lot more in a subtle sort of way. A lot livelier than in Catching Fire. Plutarch is still the most positive thinker in 13 — perhaps it’s because he’s sheltered, but he’s so optimistic (until he’s faced with the possibility of actual death during the bombings, in which case he quiets down for a bit). He’s so smirky, and even though he lectures Effie on adjusting to life in District 13, he’s probably closer to her position and discomfort than he is to anyone else’s situation in those bunkers. I really love their scenes together, it’s so easy to tell they’ve known each other for years and the Capitol party banter between those two must’ve been incredible.

I always have to replay the “you’ve just been in BATTLE” scene a dozen times and it makes me laugh uncontrollably every time... love that glimpse at PSH the director LMAO!

Since this was my first time watching MJ1 all the way through since I first saw it (aka before I was a PSH Stan™), it was also the first time I was keeping an eye out for his missing/altered scenes. The scene when Effie gives Katniss the Mockingjay costume designs from Cinna was supposed to be Plutarch. I knew that, but it really hit me when she said the line about missing coffee — in the back of my mind I’d been wondering why they never included that little part of his character from the book in the films, and then I realized they did, but. It was really sad, just knowing they filmed it and were talking about his character after Philip’s death. And knowing that one of these scenes was likely the last thing he ever filmed, sweet boy. I also wonder if, like in the book, Plutarch was supposed to be in the post-bombing scene when they go outside to record propos among the white roses. Very few title cards hurt more than that last one (and still jarring after all these years).

To end on a positive note, this is just such a sweet performance. All the little details Phil put into this role — his notebook (which Julianne Moore said he was always writing in), the way he mouths along to Coin’s last speech that he very obviously wrote, when he wipes a tear away (after hearing the speech that he very obviously wrote). “I’m optimistic,” with his little smile. The same care and depth he put into every role. It was about a year ago, while watching his first scene (“People don’t always show up the way you want them to.”), that I texted my best friend that this Philip Seymour Hoffman guy was kinda cute. It’s really only gotten better since then.

#I said I wasn't gonna write a lot bc I am Very Tired and Very Stressed abt a big work meeting tomorrow (wish me luck) and yet #umm also did I mention he is very hot. his lil haircut is so cute his red eyebrows I wanna smooch him so bad #monday philm #the hunger games #philip seymour hoffman #psh #* #the last time I watched the bunker scene I was having a panic attack* too for unrelated life reasons so I understand plutarch😌

[railroad-migraine]

EXU Crew being called your boyfriend/girlfriend Headcanons Part 2

Anonymous asked:

Exu crew's crushes calling them their girlfriend/boyfriend so s/o can get out of a situation (kinda like when opal called orym "Nancy") or something along those lines

Part one can be found here. Requests are open!

~ Poet

Opal

So while most of her hometown had welcomed her back with open arms, some of the locals were far less enthused. The festival was bustling, but Opal returning with a party of colourful characters (both figuratively and literally) meant you guys were constantly in the spotlight and didn't have a great set of options to lie low.

Lisle Vester, sweet in appearance but so very bitter towards Opal, kept trying over and over to find a weak spot in the warlock. The petty poking just to get a reaction out of your friend became incredibly irritating incredibly quickly, and to just take back some power in the situation, you interrupted; "Have you nothing better to do than pester my girlfriend?"

Opal did a bit of a double take, at first agreeing wholeheartedly, but once her old rival departed your words finally made sense in her mind. She whipped around to face you, smirking with a raised eyebrow. "Girlfriend? Really? And here I thought you were playing hard to get."

Without hesitation she held the sides of your face in her hands and pressed a quick kiss to your lips, grinning with great satisfaction as you blinked away your surprise. She placed a finger under your chin and closed your open mouth, and confessed that while she didn't mind at all being called your girlfriend, she'd like to know in advance before you call her 'wife.'

Orym

Cinna Brightbow, Gem of Bryroden winner in previous years, certainly wasn't what you had expected. Her dramatic entrance was something to behold, and while cheering in the crowd you looked to your side only to find your halfling companion gone. Panic flooded your body as you and Fy'ra watched helplessly at Orym being used as a volunteer in the axe-wielding stunt.

Once her 'talent' part of the pageant was over, you quickly slipped backstage and gathered Orym into your arms in a relieved hug. A little shaken with the adrenaline, he chuckled and patted your back, insisting he was (miraculously) alright.

The dwarven woman returned from her crowd surfing, and looked back and forth between you two, a knowing and cheeky look on her face. She teasingly asked if you were his parent picking him up to bring home, giving you flashbacks to Emon and Opal's Nancy distraction. To distance yourself from that memory, you blurted out that he's actually just your short boyfriend.

She laughed and shook her head, leaving you and Orym behind to simmer in your flustered states. He leaned away from your embrace and straightened his clothes, and you began to regret your words. But when he cleared his throat to get your attention, you found a blushing man trying to hide his smile. "Short boyfriend is a definite upgrade to 'Nancy,' right?" You guys shared a short moment, exchanging grins. "Just, ha... just don't let Opal call me her 'boyfriend,' okay? It's a you exclusive."

#critical role x reader #exandria unlimited x reader #critical role imagine #exandria unlimited imagine #orym of the air ashari x reader #orym x reader #orym #orym exu #opal x reader #opal exu x reader #opal exu #critical role #exandria unlimited #x reader #imagine

[geekymoviemom]

Hi and I am back!

I started reading Ellipses a few months ago but the angst and all the Peeta-chasing going on and the potential death threats to Peeta was too much for me and I stopped reading when Plutarch and Effie were waiting for the storm to subside to get to him. 😶😶

Today, I decided to read it again (I had forgotten I had read it and then saw the familiar storyline so I skipped to their cave time) I read it all, all the heart-breaking, gut-wrenchingly agonizing moments, all the complications arising that forced Everlark to stay away from the other, self-sacrificing and scared Peeta and all. I cried when Katniss found him burning with fever and no one knew how to save him, I full on ugly sobbed when Katniss was so close to giving birth and still not in the hospital. It hurt that she was having to be carried and protected while Wren was crowning already and it was so so so sweet and hope-instilling when Wren's umbilical cord, the connection she had with her mother before birth was used to (in a way) revive her father and uncle. It was like a new ray of hope, it felt like a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings because as soon as she was born and we found that Coin and Carter were taken in custody, it was all rays of sunshine. 🤩🤩

I loved Rye, even though he tried to kill Everlark under influence, he was a great guy who tried desperately to protect his baby brother. 🥺🥺

I honestly expected better from underestimated, stuttering, nervous Carter but I guess I was wrong. The best part was where he wonders how one petite girl can destroy the Ellipses program and put the entire country in disarray. It was hilarious!! 😂😂

I am glad Mr Everdeen was alive and so damn happy Rye and Prim fell in love with each other. 🙃🙃

It melted my heart to see parents!Everlark, so damn adoring and cuddly and cute and it was so sweet for baby Wren to be adored and showered in gifts from so many people. 💗💗💕💕

I also love Finnick, Boggs, Cinna and Haymitch in this. They were very supportive, caring and loyal friends till the end and Cinna sending a full suitcase of painting equipment for Peeta was terribly endearing while Finnick and Annie's promise to keep an eye on Prim and help her made me gush. 😍😍

I also loved that Katniss was much more protective of Prim and her growing love-life than their actual parents combined. 😏😏

This was such a wonderful journey and I love how it came full circle at the old apple tree where Everlark's story actually began. 🟠🟢

It was sad to see people like Rue, Portia, Boggs, Lyme and others die but the thought that they died for a good cause was a little reassuring. 😰😰

You're a very talented writer and I love your amazing yet unique ideas. I love how you tackle your ideas and make them into such amazing longfics and I cant deny how much I adore the romance and smut haha

I am looking forward to reading more Everlark from you and with this review, Ellipses is officially taken off my 'Marked for Later' list. 🤗🤗😊😊🥰🥰

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for sharing your amazing work and edits...you truly inspire me 😘😍

Oh wow…

I’m seriously speechless ♥️ ♥️ ♥️

Ellipses is one of my absolute favourite stories that I’ve ever written, and to be honest, when it was done, I felt a sort of petulance that it didn’t seem to be as popular as other fics at the time. It was my own issue, but it was enough that I felt compelled to stop writing Everlark for a long time. I poured my heart and soul into Ellipses, and seeing such an incredibly detailed comment like this three years after I wrote it, well… I’ve pretty much been in tears all morning ♥️

Thank you so much for this wonderful series of comments. You touched on every single aspect of the story that I love about it myself, and I’m so glad that you enjoyed reading it! Thank you so much! 💗 💗 💗

#ask geeky anything #thank you! #everlark fanfiction #ellipses #geeky writes #the complimentary anon

[hayffiebird]

Taste of Strawberries, chap. 25

Author’s note: BIG trigger warning for this chapter! Also, mega long author’s note (feel free to skip it.) The birth is SO close! I hope you enjoy reading about Hayffie’s “little ones” just as much as I have writing them. They’ve been in my life, on the written page, since 2013 (Good God, it’s really that long) so they almost feel like they’re my children just as much as Hayffie’s. I always get super invested in every story and character I write (can’t you tell? 😉) and I’m so proud of these two, as Effie would say. They’re so precious to me, you have no idea. The most precious of all the things I’ve created on Suzanne Collins’s playground. I love writing Haymitch and Effie but at the end of the day they’re borrowed characters, tied to existing source material to keep in mind. Amy and Ian on the other hand are 100% my own creation, from start to finish. That’s part reason why I’ve enjoyed writing them so much, from them rolling around in Effie’s tummy and all the way up to the age of six so far. To really get to use my writing muscles as best as I can, just like in Chapter 9, and only my imagination sets the limit.

What do you think about my names for them? Amandalyn “Amy” Trinket Abernathy and Ian Trinket Abernathy? Haymitch and Effie’s “gift worthy of love” and yeah I wanted to nudge in Effie’s last name too. :) They’re the first two original characters in ToS and “Amy” the absolute first, way back when I planned for Hayffie to have only one child. The name truly lives in my heart. It’s been my real life baby name since I was 18 years old and wrote a love story about a couple named Amanda and Samuel so that was a given from the get-go of ToS but I also wanted to add a little spice to the mix. Something with a sorta Capitol-y quirk at the end. And Amandalyn is a name Effie would lean toward, don’t you think? Lovely and unique but not too out there so Haymitch can eventually wrap his head around it and grow to love it. 😉 Originally, she started off as Amandaline rhymes with Hayffie twin, then became AmandaLYN cause it had a feistier ring to it and therefor fitted her personality better. It is INCREDIBLY near and dear to me, both her full name and pet name, and all I can hope for is that you’ll love reading about my Amy just as much as I have writing her for close to a decade now 😌 and the same for Ian of course. His work name was Cinna for a long time after a certain beloved THG stylist 😉, short for Cinnamon, before I re-named him after the one and only sir Ian McKellen simply because I admire him so much. So yeah, the Trinket Abernathy twins are both the product of years and years and years of hard effort, blood, sweat, joy and tears and about four drafts worth of re-writes. Like I’ve mentioned before: ToS is my heart and soul project. :) What do you think? And what are you hoping for in future chapters? Tell me in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you wanna support the story even further, leave a like and reblog! This suuper long author’s note is coming to a close, I promise, just one more thing: I cannot stress enough how much I treasure every single one of you! The hayffie fandom has been something of a safe haven for me during these past almost ten years. It’s so chockfull of talent and it’s a kind place most of the time, save a troll or two. And after a rather shaky childhood, kindness is the one trait I value most in life. #peetapeople 😉 And you know something funny: every time I feel like quitting this massive Godzilla-sized fic novel project because it feels too big or difficult or overwhelming to piece together it’s like you guys can hear my thoughts cause then one of you, either here, on FFNET or AO3 always always let me know ToS is precious to you. You’re all such gems and I’m very lucky and fortunate to have such devoted readers! I hope you’ll enjoy the chapter and take care! Chapter 25 Bottled up “Can you get the strawberries?” Effie stood by the stove, her hair in a messy pony tail. The elegant bow on her apron bobbed with each stir and the air filled with the rich scent of what could only be the high-quality 80 % cocoa chocolate shipped in from District 1. She smiled at him when he walked through the door. “It’s about time we had some chocolate covered strawberries, don’t you think? The babies really want it.” “Mm-hm, sure.” He poked his head in the fridge. “The babies.” Effie chuckled. Leaned against her free hand to ease some weight off the small of her back she moved the whisk in precise, counterclockwise circles. A lock of sandy hair fell over her eyes and she blew it away. “What do you say we call the children after supper? It’s been a while.” “Fine with me.” Bottles and jars and meal prep containers clinked under Haymitch’s fingertips. He scanned through shelf after shelf. “Where’d you say you put ‘em?” “They’re in there somewhere.” “Nope. We don’t have it.” “Pretty sure we do. You have to look closer, that’s all.” “I am. Can’t find ‘em.” “Very well. Get me the milk then. I’ll make us some hot cocoa.” He grabbed the three quarter filled bottle and kicked the fridge shut. “Don’t,” said Effie with a pointed look when he brought it to his lips. He poured the milk into the saucepan and watched the chocolate turn from dark brown to a creamy toffee color under Effie’s swift motions. Leaned back against the kitchen counter he brushed the stray lock behind her ear. “Look at you, princess. You’re just about ready to burst a seam.” “How observant,” said Effie. “And who’s to blame, I wonder?” Grinning, Haymitch pushed himself off of the kitchen counter and rested his hands against her hips. “You get much bigger than this, I won’t be able to reach all around.” “Thanks, darling,” said Effie and rolled her eyes. “That makes me feel so much better.” He chuckled under his breath but quickly composed himself. He gave her hips a soft caress. “I’m gonna miss you like this, sweetheart.” One of the babies nudged his fingertips. He moved along her sides until his hands rested flat against her stomach. That’s where they always ended up these days. A second kick soon followed. A firm little “You’re in the way” punch. Or not so little. Not anymore. He caressed the spot. “How’s Amy and Ian?” The question coaxed a smile out of Effie, like it always did. “Pretty good.” He dropped a kiss at the corner of her lips. She was warm and soft, like a sun-kissed peach. He nuzzled her cheek, dizzy by her scent mixed together with the chocolate. The babies stirred against his palm while he kissed their mother. “What are you up to?” Effie leaned into his lips. Rested her hand on top of his, enveloped in his bear hug. “I thought you said…” “Fuck what I said,” he mumbled into her skin. She smelled like flowers. Like the expensive perfume he used to kiss off her wrists and her neck, the hollow of her throat. A sigh escaped her and Haymitch pulled her nearer. Turned the heat off, moved the saucepan to a cooler spot and wrapped his arms back around her. Filled himself with her. “Eff,” he murmured, cheek against her cheek. “Effie…” “Yes, my sweet?” “Come with me to Twelve.” Her hands stilled at the sound of those words. Not a breath stirred. “I’m serious,” Haymitch mumbled before his courage failed. “We’re a family. You’re my family. We should be together. Away from here.” Effie’s dress rustled when she turned around, still wrapped in his arms. Their faces were so close he could count every eyelash, every freckle across her nose. His eyes dropped but Effie cupped his cheek. Held his gaze. She smiled. It lit up her face. Flooded even the darkest corners of his mind. “I thought you’d never ask.” Chocolate. That’s what her lips tasted like. Rich, dark, bitter sweet chocolate. He closed his eyes. Let himself be lost in it. Pulled the hair tie out and tangled his fingers in her fragrant, sandy waves. Who needed strawberries? This was just as good. “I thought you’d never ask.” With just a handful of words, Effie lifted an elephant off his chest and he could breathe again. Breathe without effort, for the first time in months. The twins stirred between them. He felt it against his own body. They tumbled about inside Effie like they too were eager over their future prospect. Home. We’re going home. “Ahh!” Haymitch’s eyes flew open. He jerked back at the sound of her cry. “What? What!?” Effie had doubled over, hands clutched against her stomach. “What’s wrong, Eff? What is it?” And then he saw the blood, seeping through her fingers. From an object deeply embedded in her body. Hands clutched around it she pulled it from herself. Long and jagged and dripping red. Bigger than his knife. Glass. It was glass. “Haymitch,” she gasped. The broken shard trembled on her palm, slipped through her fingers and shattered against the floor. “What have you done to us?” “No!” He caught her in his arms when her knees buckled from under her and cries of agony spilled from her lips. His palms sunk through her clothes, through her flesh like she was made out of butter. Blood erupted from her lips when he followed her to the floor, splattered his shirt and his throat. “No! No, no, no, no, no!” More and more blood filled his palm, soaked through the ripped fabric. “Effie! Oh, God, Effie!” And he caught sight of himself in the window. With a shriek he let go, pushed away from her with his feet, until his back was against the wall. His hands weren’t hands. His face wasn’t his face. The monster reflected back at him was nothing but broken pieces. Razor sharp pieces of glass that jutted out from him like hoarfrost on tree limbs, red from Effie’s blood. Like someone had shattered a thousand bottles and made a person out of it. Frantically, he clawed at himself, his face, his arms, his chest. To find flesh and bone underneath so he could help Effie. But the deeper he dug the more broken he got. That’s all he was. Broken bits and pieces. “Haymitch…” Effie lay on her side. Pierced and skewered bloody on every place he’d touched her. She clutched her tummy to try and stem the blood flow pooling underneath her. He crawled to her, on all fours. More broken glass fell from him. Like bloody stars in his wake. “Haymitch, help us…” “I can’t,” he sobbed. ”Please, help them …” Her eyes clung to his, begging him. Tears rolled down his cheeks and slit open paper-fine cuts where they landed until he pulled back, not taking the outstretched hand. The house gave a violent shake. The lamp over their heads swayed back and forth and bits and powder of ceiling plaster rained on them, covered them both like snow. Effie’s lips moved but he couldn’t make out the words. Laughter ripped through the house. Echoed from room to room, distant at first but coming closer, coming fom them. The light bulb exploded and plunged them into darkness. “Effie!” But she was gone. Gone like all the others. He was alone in the dark and nothingness, the smell of their blood. The roaring sound grew louder and louder. He clamped his hands over his ears but it filled his head. Filled the whole world until there was nothing else. Nothing but death and dark and laughter. Snow’s laugher. “No, no, please no!” “Haymitch! Shh, it’s OK. It’s OK!” “Effie!” “I’m here, Haymitch! It’s just a dream!” Pain shot up his leg. His feet all twisted. Trapped. He tossed and turned while the same strangled cry spilled over his lips. “Please, try and be still. You’re all tangled up.” The familiar voice jerked through him and he saw her at the foot of the bed. Her hand against his ankle. “Stay away!” His head slammed back against the headboard. “Don’t touch me! Don’t!” “Haymitch, it’s me!” She held her hands out, palms up. “Just me.” Panting for breath he stared into Effie’s face. He blinked through the sweat that poured into his eyes, heart pounding a hundred miles an hour. Tried to believe what his eyes were telling him. He opened his mouth but what came out was little more than a croak. “Eff,” he finally managed, throat like sandpaper. “It’s… are you OK?” She looked OK. Stood there in her usual house dress and pink slippers. Pale but unharmed. No blood. No shredded flesh. She took a first tentative step toward him. “You had a bad dream,” she said, keeping her voice low. “You’re all tangled up. I’m going to help you, OK?” His gaze dropped to his legs like he saw them for the first time. He’d managed to ensnare himself in the sheets, so tight and twisted they were like ropes. He flinched at her touch but Effie’s nimble fingers freed him in less than two minutes. It was more than enough time for Haymitch’s fright to give in to shame. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed. The sudden shift made his head throb and he just barely held in a groan. He rubbed his fingers over his eyes and they came out wet. Just sweat, he decided and wiped them on his undershirt, hot with shame. He felt creases on his cheek, that’s how tightly he’d pressed it into the pillow. “You’re not supposed to wake me when I’m like this,” he muttered under his breath, avoiding her gaze. “It’s not safe.” Effie’s lips pressed in concern. “You screamed so loudly I thought the windows might shatter.” He rubbed his arm over his damp, throbbing face, wishing her miles away. Effie pinched the back of his undershirt. The sudden touch made his heart leap in to his throat. “You’re soaking wet. You better change into something dry before you…” “Oh, God, Effie!” He looked up. “Why you always have to baby me? Save that for the kids, why don’t ya? Gimme a breather, for once in your life!” The outburst made his head pound twice as bad and he buried it against his palm. He tasted vomit at the back of his throat and breathed slowly so as not to ruin June and Annabel’s carpet. Effie didn’t touch him again. She only said, “I’ll be in the living room if you need me.” Haymitch sighed when the door closed behind her. Great. Like he didn’t feel crappy enough. Now he was a douche bag too, snarling at the mother of his children for no reason. With an enormous effort he lifted his head from his hands. Stared miserably at the palms. All jittery and dry and criss-crossed with cracks. But the normal kind. Effie was at him 24-7 about investing in some kind of lotion. Just a dream. Nothing else. I didn’t hurt them. Didn’t hurt any of them. Not yet, anyway. He needed a drink. Hell, he needed ten drinks! But first he must sort things out with Effie. It wasn’t her fault that he was a living, breathing sack of shit who couldn’t do anything right and she was always keener to accept an apology spoken to her without a booze breath. Haymitch heaved a sigh. Clenched his fists, gave them a violent shake. Ten drinks, what a joke! With just a couple of weeks left before the big big big day Effie played the pregnancy card for all it was worth. Whenever he tried to steal a moment for himself she came up with another and yet another task for him to do. Even when she napped it was never for long. Just when the coast seemed clear and he tiptoed out of the room, the babies made good use of their elbows and knees and jabbed their mother awake. If he didn’t know better he’d say all three of them were hell-bent of keeping him from the bottles. He hadn’t run this low since Ripper was in the stocks. He pulled himself up. Didn’t bother about the undershirt, clinging to him with sweat. He stared into his miserable reflection in the vanity mirror. Yellow and unsmiling. It was all he could do not to punch his fist through the glass. Right into his own ugly mug. You couldn’t blame her, really. Headaches or no headaches. Shakes or no shakes. Of course Effie wanted him home. She was due in like a minute. A bird twittered outside, greeting another baking hot day. They were a couple of days into August. Wildfire season, as pa called it. You wouldn’t know it around here, of course. Not with the sprinkler system going all day and all night, wasting water like they wasted everything else. Lord, his life for a good night’s sleep! Without the booze to really knock him dead, every shut-eye was hell on Earth; one chapter at a time. He didn’t even have the knife anymore. Effie saw to that as well. It would have happened sooner or later. He couldn’t clutch a knife while he slept, not with two little kids having the run of the place. So, better just suck it up and get used to it. Alright. Time to face the music. But as it turned out, there was no need. Reclined comfortably in the old rocking chair Effie looked up from the picture book just long enough to flash him a smile. All curtains were pulled, keeping the sun at bay. Like she knew all along, he would join her. Haymitch gave the couch cushion a few good punches before he lay down. He stretched his legs out with a grunt. Wiggled his toes, peeking through the holes in his socks. A bouquet of tulips stood on the mantelpiece. From their latest trip downtown. They were more pink than red but the sight was still enough to turn his stomach and he covered his eyes with his forearm. “’Can’t you sleep, Little Bear?’ asked Big Bear, putting down his bear book, which was just getting to the interesting part and patting over to the bed.’” Effie’s voice fluttered into his darkness. The rocking chair creaked with each backward movement as she read and completely ignored him. Effie Trinket had many annoying qualities but this wasn’t one of them. The way she always let him pretended like it rained after each and every episode. How many times was it now? In total? Oh, who the fuck knew. Too many, that’s for sure. Even without the screams and the trashing around, Effie knew his post-nightmare face far better than he was comfortable with. She was the one he used to wake up to after all. With the taxing chore of calming his pathetic ass again and again. But once the storm blew over she was always enough of a pal to go on with things like they never even happened. “’I’m scared,’ said Little Bear. ‘Why are you scared, Little Bear?’ asked Big Bear. ‘I don’t like the dark,’ said Little Bear. ‘What dark?’ said Big Bear. ‘The dark all around us.’” Lucky kids, he thought to himself. Who had a mother loving them so hard she read them bedtime stories before they were even born. If Ma ever read to him when he was little he was too young to remember and after Amadeus joined the family Haymitch took on the job anyway. That sort of thing just didn’t come natural to her. Pa would, but anyone working 12 hour shifts slept like the dead as soon as their head touched the pillow. What’s to read anyway? They didn’t own any books. Especially not children’s books. Bedtime stories passed by mouth in the Seam. Many of them scary or with some kind of dark lesson. Tara liked them. Amadeus not so much. Which was just another reason why Haymitch relied so on his imagination for those whispered stories after dark. He yawned but caught himself mid-way. No shut-eye! Without the alcohol as a free entrance ticket he’d pay for it dearly if he gave in to Effie’s sleep syrup voice. It was a couple of weeks after he moved in that he discovered this peculiar habit. He’d wandered the place as usual after everyone had gone to bed. With the hip-flask clasped in hand he went where his feet took him and wound up outside Effie’s room. Light spilled from under the door and he was still sober enough to hear the murmurs inside. First he passed it off as the usual cooing but a few moments in he realized she actually read them a bedtime story. He never heard of such a thing. Did all mothers read to their bellies or was it just Effie? It got him quite spell-bounded, to speak the truth. Maybe because he was caught so off-guard. The stories made no sense, most of them. Not to him. But it drew in him. Even if he couldn’t see her there was something so relaxing about the whole thing while he was anything but. So he remained rooted to the spot, soaking in it. Like if he just listened long enough some of it would pass on to him. It became his favorite pastime. Effie read to the unborn children in her belly and Haymitch listened at the door, quietly sipping his hip-flask. Wasn’t like he had someplace he needed to be. He could just as well drink here as anywhere else. Katniss needed a lot of convincing but Effie Trinket had quite the melodic voice. At least when her panties weren’t in a twist, which frankly wasn’t often. Not with someone like him nearby. But once she relaxed and her shit calmed down, that shrill, glass-cutter voice transformed. Turned warm and soulful, like … sitting-by-the-fire soft with just a hint of her trademark mischief that he loved so much. She couldn’t sing worth shit but she’d make a decent narrator. A great one, in fact. It was weird how she mastered it, with that ridiculous accent. But then again: Everything about Effie Trinket surprised him at one point. A couple of nights in, just when Haymitch started to know those stories by heart, Effie closed the book she was currently reading and said, loud and clear, “I can hear you breathing, Haymitch. Why don’t you come in? Keep us company.” From that moment on they spent almost every evening together. Reckoned he should take the chance and rest his knees if nothing else. He’d be walking around all night with an infant on his shoulder before he knew it. He had to get even more creative with his drinking routine as a result but fuck it. He needed those hours with her. With all three of them. “I’ve read to them since I was 10 weeks along,” Effie told him when he asked. “It promotes brain activity and language development. And it soothes them.” “Soothes them?” Haymitch frowned. “Against what? How troubled can they be in there?” It was hard to imagine a cozier, more comfy place for two babies, than inside Effie’s tummy. Safe and warm and fed and all cuddled up with each other. Honestly, they should stay where they were for as long as possible. Days fell into one another. Turned into weeks and months. Effie read and the more time that passed the more Haymitch suspected the person reaping most benefits from this arrangement weren’t the kids. A lamp-lit room, endless cups of chicken broth, Effie. It was definitely better than being alone. He welcomed all the distractions he could get. Any escape, no matter how brief, from his prison cell of a mind. No monkey business went on. Save that one little detour in between her sheets. Even if she’d wanted him to try something, Effie was so pregnant now he simply didn’t dare. They would all just end up in the birthing room and they were heading there fast enough without his help. Just thinking about it made him softer than a marshmallow, when nothing else worked. “Big Bear looked and he saw that the dark part of the cave was very dark. So he went to the lantern cupboard and took out the tiniest lantern that was there. Big Bear lit the tiniest lantern and put it next to Little Bear’s bed. ‘There’s a tiny light to keep you from being scared, Little Bear,’ said Big Bear.” Haymitch failed to stifle his next yawn. He knew this bear book word for word. A personal gemstone from Effie’s own childhood. Just the kind of story Amadeus loved. Talking animals. Good thing she read this one so often because the rest of her picture books were trippy as fuck, most of them. You needed sunglasses just to look at the pictures. Maybe if I talk to Sae. Yeah, with her brood of children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews and their children she was bound to have at least one decent kiddie book lying around… Lulled by Effie’s voice and the steady creak of the rocking chair Haymitch’s breathing turned deeper and slower. His arm slipped from his face, slumped over the edge of the sofa where the mid-morning dipped his fingers in sunlight. Haymitch’s slumber was never deep. Had to be drunk to get more than cat naps. Five minute here. Fifteen minutes there. Effie read. Oblivious, at first glance. But for each twitch and small jerk, every choked whimper she looked up from the page. Effie didn’t have to smell him or see him hungover to know how much or how little Haymitch drank. She could tell just by his sleep behavior. On a normal week, in a normal life, Haymitch got wasted beyond belief 9 sessions out of 10. And once dawn streaked the sky he was out like a blown candle. Dropped like a sack of potatoes on the couch, the floor, the kitchen table. More dead than asleep. But this deceitful, heart-breaking sleep pattern, you only ever saw it when his alcohol intake reached under a certain level. Or when things were particularly bad. So this wasn’t a first. Far from it. She knew those whimpers well. Long before they shared a bed together. Sounds Haymitch would never allow himself awake. Did any man? Little boy whimpers. That’s the word for it. A child lost in the woods, terrified of the creatures lurking in the dark. Haymitch with all his talk of “don’t come near me when I’m under or I’ll accidentally crush you like a beer can” didn’t know it but back when they were together and she heard those heart-clenching whimpers she always snuggled in close. Burrowed into him and he clutched her sometimes to the point of pain, a cry for help without words, and she welcomed it. Anything that might help. With his heart pounding into hers she smoothed back his hair and dropped little kisses to his face; his cheek, lips, his eyelids, the tip of his ear. He never allowed that kind of affection once fully awake. Not for long. Not after a nightmare. Sooner or later he always shrugged her off. As if showing yourself that raw and exposed was some kind of weakness. Something to be ashamed of. But when a nightmare had him in its clutches, kissing helped more often than not. Because the dream changed. Took a different direction. Not in a sexual way necessarily. It just calmed him. No one was less surprised than Effie. After decades of solitary confinement where most people he did meet treated him like a sticky pool of something vile you didn’t ever want to get on your clothes, let alone your skin, Haymitch Abernathy was starved for human closeness. He’d never admit it or might even declare he preferred it that way. But it was clear as day to anyone paying as close attention as she had, that it was all a lie. A lie told so many times he believed it himself. It was many months since she last did it now. The kissing bit. Didn’t seem appropriate. Besides, with this big and clumsy, ungraceful body she‘d wake him up anyway, long before she got the chance. No, the days when she could shield him from the dark with just her lips were long gone. Maybe I was wrong to take the knife away. Scary as it was, it served a purpose. Gave him a sense of safety. It was almost unfair that her own rest had gotten better with the pregnancy. More peaceful. She didn’t expect it to last but still. The night-terrors weren’t as fierce as before. And unlike Haymitch, she was never alone when she woke from them. Because she had their little ones. Carried them with her wherever she went. Back before Kane got her pregnant that disastrous drunken night, she never imagined finding such comfort within herself. Through her unborn child. A feeling she now re-lived, with her and Haymitch’s babies. The nine months she carried her Alex were different from this twin pregnancy in many ways, but the odd sense of peace, in the midst of turmoil, was the same. Amy and Ian and Alex before them, soothed her heart just by existing. She still got worried, of course. Worried sick quite literally sometimes, even this late in the pregnancy. But each and every time she felt them move it calmed her. It was hard to explain. She worried because of Amy and Ian and those same worries melted away - because of Amy and Ian. Haymitch on the other hand, had nobody. That’s what he thought anyway and she did what she could to distract him when his mind wandered in to dark places. Tried to pull his attention elsewhere, if only by asking him to warm them some milk or join her for a walk. In the end, it was little more than quick fixes. The knife was too but at least the latter helped him go back to sleep when nothing else could. Maybe it was unfair but the moment she saw the blood she just lost it. “Ease up, Eff. It’s just a paper cut,” he said at the sound of her shriek. He bent his arm to keep from dripping on the bed sheets, pulled open the nightstand drawer and pressed a hankie to his forearm. “Won’t even scar, this one. See, it’s already stopped.” No, Haymitch accidentally cutting himself coming out of a nightmare wasn’t a first either and her hormones played a part in her reaction no doubt but it was more than that. All of it. The whole scene. The blood stains on the crumpled fabric, the lone trickle down his tender skin and, most of all, Haymitch himself. Who just sat there, completely unfazed. Bored even. Like he didn’t even matter! It was their first real fight in months. Well, she fought. Haymitch had shown a remarkably annoying strength of character in the shouting department post-conception. Just a passing thing, hopefully. But his idiotic, pig-headed insistence on keeping the knife got her so worked up she had to sit down. It wasn’t so much Haymitch’s doing as the pregnancy’s. She got winded from literally nothing these days. But it scared the living daylight out of Haymitch. She never saw anyone turn paper-white so fast and he immediately caved. “Fine, alright, no knives!” he burst and pulled her to the bed. ”Shit, Eff, calm down before the kids come shootin’ out of you.” “I am calm!” Effie cussed as he lifted her legs up on to the mattress but between her labored breathing and reddened cheeks she wasn’t very convincing. Haymitch left only to re-appear with a glass of water and remained by her bedside until she drank the whole thing. She shot him a look when he set it back on the nightstand. “It’s good to know you care more about Amy and Ian than you do my sanity,” she muttered and swatted his helping hand when she rolled over to her side. With her breathing almost back to normal she eyed Haymitch, lips pursed in annoyance. “You were never this nice and attentive before I became the sacred vessel of your children. That’s a fact.” “Nah,” he said. “I care about you, sweetheart. Hopeless human beings need a little sympathy, don’t you think?” Effie tsked and caressed her belly in tired, exasperated motions. Her gaze flitted back to the slice on his forearm, smeared with dried blood. She winced and looked away. “Please do something about that cut. You’ll give yourself blood poisoning. Really, Haymitch in a normal household the first aid kit is for scrubbed knees or nose bleeds or kitchen mishaps. Not for victors wielding knifes on themselves when they sleep. One of these days you’re going to stab your own liver and then where will we be?” Haymitch shrugged. “Better off, I’d say. One less drunk in the world.” She could have shoved him. But he kept his word. The knife disappeared. Put in a drawer somewhere, just like during their bed sharing days. She noticed the change almost immediately but it wasn’t until just recently that it dawned on her what a big deal this was for Haymitch. All throughout his adult life, save those couple of weeks every year during the Games, he always clutched either one of two things to make himself fall asleep. The knife or her. He was really trying. In more than one way. Effie closed the book. The tenseness and shadow of bad dreams had once again receded from Haymitch’s face, without her help. She watched him in his hard-earned moment of rest. Her sweet, dear, infuriating Haymitch. Hers but not. She got used to having his hands on her all the time. His hands and his lips and whispered words against her tummy. But he hadn’t touched her, really touched her, since the night of the new moon. They still had moments. Nights when their eyes locked and the world disappeared. They were only humans after all and so woven together now, intertwined in each other’s lives, it was bound to happen. She blamed it on the pregnancy. On nature ushering her to be with the father of her children and oh, sweet mercy, those stormy, silver-gray eyes! They made her knees weaken. Always had, always would. Luckily, for all four of them, Haymitch still had the wits about him. Each time the door creaked ajar he closed it shut. It’s all for the best. Sweet as the journey would be the destination hadn’t changed. Her and Haymitch… they went nowhere. Just in circles. Spinning circles. Faster every time. Things would be good, great for a couple of weeks, couple of months and then the arguments would creep in. The bickering and snide comments. The frustration, the fights, the cries and yelling. Silence and heartache and separate bedrooms. Then, as sure as the dawn, they’d kiss and make up, only to repeat the pattern all over again. Only this time, two little innocents would be there for the ride. And that’s not going to happen under my watch. Amy and Ian would be born in a calm and peaceful environment. Not thrown in to an emotional twister because their idiot parents were at each other’s throat every other day. They couldn’t change the past or the baggage they both carried but they had control over this much. So stop hoping! She rested her hand on top of her belly. It helped her determination, even with Haymitch in front of her in all his tattered, run-down beauty. It will get better after the birth. Yes, once her body wasn’t raging with hormones, then she’d make peace with this life. A life without him. Besides and this was a comforting thought: They already were in each other’s lives. They always would be. In every way that mattered. And that was enough. It had to be enough. xXx Far, far away, in a different life it seemed, a phone rang. Out in the hallway. She unplugged the one in the living room weeks ago. Deep in thought it took Haymitch’s stirring to break the spell and Effie pulled herself to her feet. This was another promise broken. He didn’t want her to wake him during nightmares and he didn’t want her to answer the phone. Not since the hate call. “Just leave it to voicemail, you pregnant ol’ ox. It’s not even our number.” She closed the door quietly between herself and Haymitch and threw a glance at the caller-ID. A smile spread across her face. “Hey, love,” a merry voice greeted her on the other end. “Annabel.” She hadn’t heard from her friend in almost a week. “How’s everything in the Capitol? No babies yet, I hope?” “No,” said Effie. “Kicking and growing. You should see the sheer size of me! I’m so big I won’t fit on the bed soon.” “I’m sure you look lovely.” Effie smiled. “If only Haymitch was as thoughtful. According to him I look like Jupiter. Because I’m the biggest or oldest remains unclear.” They laughed together. “Things are OK, though,” she said. “I think the children are doing their very best to make it easy on Haymitch. No complications. Nothing to cause alarm. You know what he told them when he kissed my belly last night? ‘Thanks for giving me a break.’” “Well, I’m glad.” Annabel hesitated. “Effie…” She lapsed into silence. For such a long time, heat rose to Effie’s cheeks even before the question. “Have you decided anything yet? What to do once they’re born, I mean?” Effie wet her lips. Never take advantage of someone’s hospitality, mother’s voice rung in her mind. It was one of the top three rules Mrs. Trinket had lived by. Rules she hammered into her daughter’s head from as early as five or six. “I’m sorry, Annabel. We won’t impose much longer. I …” But Annabel didn’t let her finish. “That’s not what I meant, silly. There’s no timetable, like we said. Stay for as long as you need.” There was commotion on the other end. Men shouting and crackles on the line when Annabel walked out into the garden. “But what do you want? What does Haymitch want?” Odd she never saw it coming, this question. It was such a normal query. Annabel was in a relationship where they talked, actually talked, with each other. Not that she and Haymitch were in any kind of relationship. Right now she wasn’t sure what they were. What do I want? There only ever was one answer, wasn’t it? Something she’d known in her heart a long time, even if she never said it out loud. She wanted him to take her home. Back to the Victor’s Village. Back to District 12. Katniss, Peeta. Even his obnoxious pet geese. The quiet woods. The quiet town. Its people and the clear air, the open sky. The Meadow overflowing with dandelions in the spring. A place of warmth and calm and welcome where her and Haymitch’s children could grow up. But… But. How would that work exactly? In the long run. Say they carried out this plan and she made a home for herself and the twins in one of the empty houses of the Victor’s Village. What would Amy’s and Ian’s life be like? Haymitch still drank. He rationed the alcohol. Never once before had he gone this long without a proper boozing. He did it for the twins, of that she had no doubt. But how long could he keep that up? Haymitch said so himself. In the end, the drink always took him. Sooner or later his resolve would crumble. She’d seen this cycle far too many times to deny it. One day Amy and Ian’s father wouldn’t manage just a sip or two every few hours. That was the cold, hard reality. One that kept her up at night. It was all just a matter of when and how. Haymitch knew this better than anyone. That’s why the gates of the Victor’s Village remained locked to them. She was sure of it. He had so many moments. So many opportunities to bring it up and offer this solution. But he didn’t and he wouldn’t and maybe he was right. Perhaps a life in different parts of the country was the answer. Their golden middle way. If they split up the week. If Haymitch spent the first half of it on his own, drinking his fill someplace where Amy and Ian wouldn’t see it then maybe, just maybe he’d stay sober enough for the rest of the week and be a father to them. And the twins would only have their dad for a couple of days at a time. They won’t understand. How do you explain something like that to babies, to toddlers? What will we tell them when they ask? “Effie? You there?” She drew a breath. Didn’t want Annabel to hear her voice quiver. “We can’t go to District 12. As much as I’d love to, it’s… We can’t. Maybe one of the other districts. I keep thinking about Four or Seven or Nine. Finding a place outside the Capitol will be easier.” “Well,” said Annabel. “Maybe not.” Author’s note: What’d she mean by that, do you suppose? Find out in the next chapter! Did you enjoy the bear story, by the way? The quotes are from a real book. “Can’t you sleep Little Bear?” by Martin Waddell. I just moved into a new apartment and found it while packing. My baby sister was obsessed with it! If you can, try and not read it or google it just yet because the book will play a role throughout the rest of ToS. Thanks for reading, lovelies and I’ll see you in chapter 26!

#hayffie #hayffie twins #haymitch x effie #effie trinket #haymitch abernathy #amy trinket abernathy #ian trinket abernathy #the hunger games #post-mockingjay #myfanfiction #the capitol

[myenterpriseisparked]

Star Trek Tag Game!

Name some of your favorite ST episodes/movies and tag some homies. You know the drill. I’ll start!

1. An episode/movie you like that is “critically acclaimed”

- I really liked Star Trek: First Contact! The TNG cast said that this one was their best movie technically speaking, and I would have to agree. Besides Voyage Home, it’s my favorite out of the films. My only complaint is that, as per usual, there’s not enough Dr. Crusher.

2. An episode/movie you like that isn’t “critically acclaimed” but you think should be

- I absolutely LOVE “Remember Me,” partially because I love Bev but also because I think the concept of this episode is super interesting and terrifying in a unique way. what would you do if no one else could remember your dearest friends and family? Also Gates McFadden really got to showcase her acting chops in this episode and DANG did she just kill it. For a decent portion of the episode she’s just monologuing to herself and she still manages to make every shot feel dynamic and powerful. Incredible.

3. Your comfort episode/movie

- Mine is either “Data’s Day,” “The Voyage Home,” or “Resolutions.” Data centric episodes are always some of my favorites, and “Data’s Day” just has this sense of purity to it that gets me every time. “The Voyage Home” is, of course, the best Star Trek movie of all time and the lighthearted humor paired with the zany plot is always a joy to watch. “Resolutions” is just so achingly domestic. Janeway and Chakotay have such a comfortable level of closeness paired with this desperate sense of longing that makes me feel like I’m watching a period drama instead of a space show. I love it.

4. Your favorite episode/movie to watch for a laugh

- “Rascals” is an episode that KILLS me every time I watch it without fail. Picard pretending to be Riker’s son and awkwardly hugging him???? Picard dealing with the fact that he has hair again????????? Picard calmly informing the other children that he has a plan to get them computer access right before throwing a massive temper tantrum to manipulate the Ferengi??????? Guinan and Ro jumping on the bed?????????????? Hilarious. Inspired. Amazing. This is genuinely one of my favorite episodes and I carry no shame in that statement.

5. Favorite episode to watch for the feels

- Either “Tuvix” or “ The Offspring.” “Tuvix” hurts because I feel so bad for all parties involved in this (especially Janeway for having to make such a hard decision and then having to live with her decision). This episode is just so difficult for the entire main cast of characters and I just feel horrible for everyone. “The Offspring” starts out so pure and funny and cute and then you get to the cascade failure part and it suddenly gets so sad. You know that part where the admiral guy is telling the crew about how hard Data fought to save Lal???? That’s the only scene in a movie or TV show that has made me cry in a long time. 

Tagging: @subtle-spock @zereldaxerelian @xandersomewhatsucceedsatexisting @captain-i-sense-trekkies @tocautiouslygo @macko-99 @deadstarbliss @bizships @cinna-wanroll and anyone else who wants to!

[cinnasbooks]

Hey guys! I just unfollowed about 50 inactive accounts and would love to fill those spaces (and more) with incredible blogs!

That said, if you’re a bookish account please reblog this so I can follow you and spice up my timeline!

Cinna x

#bookish #booklr #books #ya books #na books

[mytardisisparked]

When Sunrise Comes Early

(this is based on that one comic where Palpatine takes Padawan Anakin to a bar and a conversation with @cinna-wanroll @wonderlandleighleigh and @dettiot)

Obi-Wan blinked, hardly believing the words coming out of his padawan’s mouth; not really wanting to believe the words coming out of his padawan’s mouth.

“Chancellor Palpatine.... took you to a bar?”

Anakin nodded, not quite meeting Obi-Wan’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Master, I didn’t really know what to do so I just let him. He was being so kind and I didn’t know how to say no.”

Obi-Wan felt a tug at his heart. He kneeled before Anakin and rested gentle hands on his shoulders, causing the distressed young man to finally look him in the eye. “Anakin, this is not your fault, and I am glad you told me. The Chancellor had no right to take you there and put you in a place where you were not comfortable.” Obi-Wan sighed. “Or a place where you were too young to even get in the front door,” he muttered under his breath. 

He wanted so desperately to have words with the Chancellor. Nothing would make Obi-Wan feel better about the fact that the man had taken his young charge out drinking, but marching into the Chancellor’s office and reaming him a new one would certainly be a good start. That, however, wouldn’t be very Jedi-like of Obi-Wan, and it probably wasn’t a wise move in terms of making sure actual consequences would be dealt. He would have to talk to the Jedi Council about this and see what could, and should, be done.

But first: Anakin.

Obi-Wan smiled at the teary-eyed 16-year-old and patted his shoulder. “Thank you for being honest with me, Anakin. I’m very proud of you.”

The boy sniffled, but still gave him a half-smile. “Thanks for not getting mad.”

Obi-Wan grinned. “This was not your fault, however, I’m sure you’ll find some other way to try my patience when we resume training.”

Anakin grinned wickedly. “I have figured out a new move I want to show you.”

Obi-Wan stood and ruffled his padawan’s hair. “I’m looking forward to seeing it.”

__________

“The Chancellor did what?”

Obi-Wan had never seen Mace Windu outraged and, frankly, it was a bit frightening.

“Believe me, I wish it weren’t true, but Anakin would not lie about something like this.”

Mace and Yoda turned to look at one another, a silent message passing between them as the rest of the council murmured quietly, bits of their whispered words meeting Obi-Wan’s ears.

“What sort of man-”

“-his intentions couldn’t have been-”

“-not appropriate at all-”

“Poor Skywalker must not have known what to do.”

The conversations died down as Yoda tapped his stick on the floor.

“Troubling, this news is, but, I’m afraid, unsurprising. Underhanded, the Chancellor has always seemed. Too long, has he been in office.” Yoda ran a hand over the wispy, white hairs along his green scalp. “Perhaps an opportunity this will be, to encourage a vote of no confidence.”

The whispers that had filled the room moments ago returned at a higher volume.

“I understand that this was an inappropriate move on the Chancellor’s part,” Ki-Adi-Mundi said, “but we are not politicians! We cannot make political moves like this; it isn’t our job.”

“And what, pray tell, is our job?” Adi Gallia spoke up from her seat. “We shouldn’t be too involved in politics, yes, but we are also meant to be keepers of the peace. If the Chancellor is willing to manipulate a 16-year-old with incredible strength in the Force, what other lines is he willing to cross?”

Other chatter filled the room, voices overlapping until no one could be understood. Obi-Wan tucked his cloak tighter around himself, wishing very much that someone would excuse him while the council discussed this matter thoroughly or, at least, that they would allow him to remove himself from the very center of the room. 

“Enough.” Mace Windu’s commanding voice silenced the others in an instant. “No matter what your thoughts are on the politics of all of this, we all must agree that the Chancellor’s actions towards young Skywalker cannot go without consequence.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I believe that the best course of action from here is to let the Senate know what we know and allow the Senate to act as they see fit. I know that the majority of the Senators might like Palpatine, but they absolutely will not stand for this near-perverted act.”

Much to Obi-Wan’s relief, the rest of the room nodded in agreement.

“It’s settled then.” Mace leaned back in his chair again. “I’ll go before the Senate tomorrow morning and we will see what they decide.”

_________

The Senate was positively shocked when Mace Windu stepped in front of them and told them what the Chancellor had done. Some of the Senators demanded more definite proof, but the security holograms from the city that Obi-Wan himself had pulled the day before, depicting Palpatine walking with Anakin Skywalker through the underbelly of Coruscant, were enough evidence to cause almost the entire Senate to call for Palpatine’s removal. Even if they weren’t demanding a vote of no confidence now, the idea had already been implanted in everyone’s mind that the Chancellor was a pervert. No one would be proposing an extension to his term next election season.

As shocked as the senators were, however, no one seemed more surprised than Palpatine himself. 

As Mace had recounted Skywalker’s tale, the Chancellor had gone positively white, his facial expression shifting rapidly between shock, confusion, anger, and outrage. He had the look of a man watching his hand-built house burn to the ground as the Senate voted him out of office, replacing him with Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan.

As he was escorted out of the Senate, however, Mace and Obi-Wan felt his mood change. He became eerily quiet; his earlier shock completely vanished, leaving only a disconcerting silence that made the Jedi feel very uneasy. They left him at his apartment door, informing him that he would be escorted to his office tomorrow to retrieve his things. As they left, Palpatine simply smiled, and wished them a good night.

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Obi-Wan muttered as he and Mace began working their way back to the Jedi Temple through the dark streets of Coruscant. “That went too well; Palpatine was too compliant.”

Mace nodded. “I agree. The Jedi will keep an eye on him as he moves back to Naboo over the next week, but I’m considering keeping a permanent watch there for the foreseeable future. The cloud of the Dark Side hangs around him.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “That seems wise.”

They walked in silence for a moment.

“How is your padawan handling all of this?” Mace asked quietly.

“He’s... fine. His trust in the Chancellor has been broken, which leaves a wound that will take time to heal but,” Obi-Wan sighed, “he is quite resilient. That being said, I think he needs to be around people who he can trust right now. I worry that this event will bring up latent trauma from his years as a slave.”

Mace nodded. “I think that might be wise.” He was silent a moment longer. “Does he still miss his mother?”

Obi-Wan’s heart clenched. “Yes. He doesn’t speak about her as often as he used to, but I can still sense his desire to see her again sometimes when he meditates.”

The older Jedi simply hummed in response, leading Obi-Wan up the front steps of the Jedi Temple.

As the two Jedi slipped through the towering front doors they immediately froze, eyes meeting. Something was wrong.

A disturbance in the Force.

They took off as fast as they could, racing up the stairs to find the source of the disturbance in the council chambers. As they flung the massive doors open, they saw Adi, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and Yoda surrounding a dark figure with their lightsabers drawn, meeting the flashes of a red saber with a speed only the Force could provide. In one corner, Yaddle lay, holding a small, clawed hand to a wound in her side. And finally, at the center of the room was a dark figure, fending off the three Jedi masterfully, his dark presence filling the room to the point where it was nearly suffocating.

A dark Lord of the Sith was attacking the Council Chambers.

Hey guys! This is the first chapter of a fic that will be published on AO3. It will explore a world where the Jedi discover Sidious’s plans early on and the ripple effect this has across the galaxy. It will likely skip around a bit between characters and time jumps depending on what I decide to focus on in a particular chapter. It’s not going to be all fluff, but it is going to be a relatively feel-good fic (so not a whole lot of plot). I hope you enjoy!

#star wars #the clone wars #obi-wan #anakin #palpatine #sheev gets the heebie jeebies #mace #will there be obitine in this eventually? #heck yes that's my brand #also some anidala #and fixit stuff within the Jedi order #its not going to be super plot-heavy #mostly feel-good stuff