#and effie standing with peeta that’s his mom!!!!

[a-garden-of-zinnia]

Cato H. ~ The Seam

We got a Cato Hadley imagine, ya'll.

TW: Swearing, canon-typical violence

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    .Y/N's POV.

    Wow. The Hunger Games. Never thought I'd end up here. But then again, I also never thought I'd befriend a boy who gained muscle from baking and was named after bread.

    Everyone here (The capital people, the president, the game maker, the careers, and our capital escort, Effie) made it seem like it was such an honor to be a part of the games, but honestly, I just want to go home. I have my family, Katniss, Primrose, and Gale, waiting for me at home. Plus, my mom. I don't want to be here for pretty obvious reasons. Yet, here I am, in The Hunger Games, in a training center, shooting arrows at the heart of a bright colored dummy.

-.-.-.-

        I was, standing on a pedestal, heart pounding wildly in my chest, waiting for the signal to run.

    I already knew Peeta would try to grab a bag and weapons, but I really didn't care and bolted straight for the woods. Once I was far enough away, I grabbed a bunch of tree branches and sharpened them into make-shift spears.

     But then I heard it.

    The terrifying Ariana-Grande-Like screams of the I-Can't-Climb-A-Tree people.

    Otherwise known as Marvel, Glimmer, Cato, and Clove. The careers.

    I mean, not gonna lie here, Cato is kind of fine, but that's besides the point. They're trying to kill me. So I did the first thing that any normal human would do when encountering the careers and climbed the nearest tree. I got at least thirty feet up before the careers got to me, and when I looked down, I saw... PEETA?! WHAT THE HELL MAN?! I THOUGHT WE WERE BREAD BUDDIES?! Whatever.

    Before I knew it, Glimmer was trying, and miserably failing, to shoot me with her goddamn arrows, and Cato was climbing after me.

    Obviously, these are the I-Can't-Climb-A-Tree people were talking about, so he obviously fell only about 10 feet up, but I still climbed farther.

     And, obviously, Peeta, being the back-stabbing asshole that he is, told them to wait for me to come down.

    You know what?! FUCK YOU, PEETA. We were supposed to be bREAD BUDDIes!

    Eventually, the careers went to sleep, and I soon followed their actions and layed down, but I couldn't seem to close my eyes for more than ten seconds.

-.-.-.-.

When the sun came up, I noticed three things.

1.) There was a little girl, Rue, from district 11, staring at me from another tree. She pointed at something. A tracker-jacker nest just above the careers for me to cut down. Thanks, Rue. She can replace Peeta, now :).

2.) I had a sponsor gift on the branch above me, which looked like just a small metal tin.

3.) Cato was staring into my soul from the tree next to mine.

    I almost screamed when I saw Cato  but quickly stopped myself. He looked into my eyes and, without hesitation, stuck his hand out to me. He was holding three small knives.

    I stared at him for a second before he spoke.

    "You want 'em or not, Seam?" He said, sticking his hand out farther towards me and motioning up to the tracker-jacker nest.

    I slowly grabbed them, I began to cut away at the top of the hive while Cato and Rue watched from their respective places.

    I got a few stings around my neck, but I eventually cut through the top of the hive, which fell onto the careers and Peeta. They all managed to get away, though.

    All except one, at least.

    Glimmer, the girl from district one, was almost instantly killed by the stings, and she went limp on the ground as a cannon sounded, and the tracker-jackers began to fly away.

    I jumped down the tree and grabbed the nearest rock.

    I began to smash at Glimmer's hand with the smooth stone and crack after crack her fingers snapped. After a few seconds, they were all broken, but the stings must have gotten to me because the last thing I was was the bow in my hand, and Cato shaking me.

    Peeta ran at us and shouted. "Y/N! Y/N, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! LEAVE! Y/N?!"

    Then... I went limp.

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(A/N) Well, that sucked :D! Not proofread, because I hated this one. Also, Y/N, Gale, Katniss, and Primrose aren't related, just really close. But this one was like actually really shitty.

Love ya'll to bits,

♡Graysin♡Zinnia♡

Word Count: 798

[thejilyship]

my hunger games re-read chpt 3

I was two chapters in and the post was too long so we're just gonna separate them lol.

Things I don't remember or think about until I have the text in front of me:

Peeta's dad comes in to say goodbye to Katniss and he gives her cookies and promises to look after Prim. Like there's a lot to unpack here. We know that Peeta's dad had a crush on Katniss' mom when they were kids, we know that Katniss' mom chose Katniss' dad over him, but Peeta's dad doesn't go the usual scorned boy route that we see in a lot of media. He's just kind at every turn. We never see him raise his voice or utter a mean word. He promises Katniss, someone he knows has very strong ties to the community, that he'll make sure her sister is eating, and that is such a relief to Katniss. That isn't something he did after her father died, it's not something he's doing for feelings he's still hanging onto. He admires Katniss and he's respecting her sacrifice by promising to look after Prim.

I've been thinking a lot about the use of poison in the games, because that's Snows weapon of choice, and the poisoned berries at the end are such a big deal. So I took note when Katniss and Gale are going over some of the different arenas of the past years and they said one year most of the kids died from a snake bite. That echoes the games we see with Lucy Grey, but it's also not a manageable poison. The snakes were put there by the gamemakers, created by the gamemakers, they aren't a weapon that the tributes are able to wield against one another. It feels fundamentally different than the berries to me.

Katniss talked about how in school they mostly learn about coal and the Capital. And they learn about the rebellion and how they know what they're learning isn't the truth but 'Whatever the truth is, I don't see how it can help me put food on the table.' !!!! That's such an important detail that gets overlooked bc there's a million important details in every single chapter. People who are starving can't hunt down the truth when they know that their government is lying. Knowing the truth doesn't help them not starve. The Capital keeping the citizens on the edge of starvation is intentional, it is a weapon. It is maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Madge gives her the pin and kisses her cheek and katniss is like 'wow, i guess we were friends this whole time?' Which is just another example of her not believing that other people think about her and consider her when she's not standing in front of them.

But also the pin. The pin is the mockingjay and she goes on about how her father used to sing songs in the woods with her and the mockingjays would always sing back. She connects this pin, which is a symbol of rebellion that the mayors daughter gave her, to her father and the rebellious songs he used to sing while they were in the woods, a place that they were not supposed to be because it was outside of the Capital's reach. There is just layer upon layer of rebellion here. Why does Madge have that pin? Where did she get it from? We have some idea of why she would feel a need to rebel, but still! Insisting that Katniss where a symbol of dissent into the games is brilliant. The entire District was a powder keg and Katniss seemed to be the only one surprised by this, thinking that she was dragging them along unwillingly into a fight with the Capital, but they were all ready to stand beside her at every single turn.

Then we've got Haymitch falling into a pile of his own sick and Effie being annoyed with his behavior and telling the kids that 'hey, don't laugh, this man is the only thing between you and death.' I just feel like this is the first instance we see of Effie almost getting it, ya know? Like she never fully grasps what's going on and the larger implications of things, but we see her get really really close a lot, and I think this is the first time. She thinks the kids deserve better, that they deserve someone who could actually help them. She's upset that the kids from the year before didn't use silverware and that her wig was crooked on stage and it's all vapid and silly, but she knows that Peeta and Katniss have a disadvantage, and voicing that seems important.

[sasusakucore]

What's your headcanon for Katniss and Peeta's children?

How old was Katniss when give birth to their daughter?

How many years apart between them in age?

Your headcanon for their name?

Who gets the singing and art skill from their parent?

Bonus question : please give recs of your fav everlark post-Mockingjay fanfic.

Thank you :)

@curiousthg

1)I haven't thought much about katniss and peeta's children but I feel like the daughter got their facial features and eye, skin and hair colour from katniss(but her hair is wavy like peeta's) though their son has peeta's colouring and wavy hair but his facial features are exactly like his late aunt, Primrose Everdeen, and whenever katniss looks at her son's face she gets reminded of prim which never fails to get her almost teary eyed.

The daughter is a complete katniss mini-me(peeta definitely makes alot of jokes regarding their daughter being katniss' mini me) in terms of personality while the son is almost equally like both his parents and his aunt prim(like he is 26% katniss, 24% peeta and 50% prim) in terms of personality.

The daughter, like her mom, is talented in music, archery, survival skills(katniss definitely thought her children survival skills),swimming and hunting, good at first aid,loves fashion(katniss adored cinna's dresses so I feel she loves fashion), is cunning, strong willed, caring, maternal and smart like her mother but she is also oblivious like her mother when it comes to romance and has most of katniss's flaws. She also can't stand to see terrible injuries on a person, just like her mother and is very shy when it comes to romance.She, like her father,loves painting and is good at wrestling as well. She unfortunately didn't inherit his baking skills, her cooking skills is decent but not as great as her father's and she struggles with woodwork.

The son,like his mother, is good at archery(he doesn't like hunting), swimming and survival skills. He adores fashion just like his sister and mother. He got his charms and intelligence from his father, his 'maternal(pr paternal whatever you call it) instincts' from his mother and like his grandmother and late aunt, he is a splendid medic, though his temper is like his father and I feel he is a bit meeker and shyer than his father when it comes to romance and like peeta, he got a bit of people pleasing personality and self-esteem issues. And like his aunt, he doesn't want to harm animals and cried just like her when he witnessed an animal getting hunted. He like, his father, is good at baking but he doesn't have his talent for painting. He is also good at wrestling like his father and he, unlike his sister, is good at woodwork. Unlike his mother and sister, he doesn't have a good singing skills. Both the everlark children are popular at their school and got asked on a date by both boys and girls.

Both siblings are very close just like how katniss and prim were(especially since their daughter is the older sibling in the books)and it never fails to make katniss nostalgic and teary eyed while peeta is very happy that their children's bond is strong just like the bond between his wife and his late sister in-law unlike his bond with his siblings.

I feel like if katniss reconciles with gale, both would be super close to him and he would adore them and would teach them how to make snares and along with katniss,he would take them in the woods for a trip and also along with katniss,teach them hunting and would hold archery competitions. And if gale has his own spouse and children, everlark's children and his children would definitely be best buddies. Finnick and Annie's son is like an older brother figure to them and they have swimming competition(odesta's son and everlark's daughter are very competitive regarding swimming while everlark's son is not that competitive). They are close to Haymitch, effie, greasy sae Johanna, Delly and their grandmother(I headcanon that Mrs everdeen tries to visit her grandchildren as much as she can though in early years those visits were mostly monthly due to her busy schedule as a medic but when panem's health infrastructure got some stability, years after the revolution, she immediately visited katniss and her grandchildren).

They have heard stories about their late maternal grandfather and late aunt and they both admire them. The son especially adores his late aunt and wants to be like her, a splendid medic. The daughter is unsure what career she would take since she likes so many different things but she would either be a singer or a professional archer. Both the children equally adore their parents but I feel like the daughter idolizes katniss alot and she wants to become a person like her mother while her son tends to idolize his late aunt alot. They adore both the trip to woods and archery competitions with their mother and baking and painting time with their father.

2)I haven't thought much about it but i feel like katniss would give birth to them in her thirties.

3) 3 years apart.

4) The daughter is named after her late aunt and I feel like the son would be named after his maternal grandfather though there is a possibility he might be named after a type of bread/bakery product.

5) See point no. 1) .

6)Sorry, I don't read hunger games fanfics, so I have no recommendations for you.

[mellarked-katnisseverdeen]

Reread thoughts Part 3 lets gooo~

Firstly, Peeta and his RIZZ in the interview. He knows this game, and well and does what he has to in order to maybe use his time to help Katniss. The idea that this was some sneaky, sly way of forceing Katniss into a relationship with him is just...insane. So stupid.

I stand by a headcanon I shared awhile ago about Ceaser potenally being maybe empathic to the Districts. Not outright supportive of any rebellion or anything but sees the fear and worry of the tributes enough to help them out.

Moving on, actually TOTALLY forgot the first moment on the roof top was, actually? Kinda a tense moment between Katniss and Peeta? Like he was def frustrated with her not understanding his persective. Both of their feelings are vaild, at the end of the day and considering the moment they are in, it makes sense. Though I also do have to snicker at Peetas comment about his mom, and her response. Peak teenage pettyness.

The terror is so palpable in this part of the book it makes me want to cry. These are kids, and it's a proformance for almost everyone around them. It only gets worse and as a grown adult it makes me want to scream. Ever bit of fear makes me want to scream 'this is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong-'

CInna calming Katniss after the interview and before going into the arena make me melt and hurt at the same time. I know we all reject FInnicks death, even Prims. Can we also reject Cinnas? Lets him be at Katniss and Peeta's wedding maybe, make ADOREABLE baby clothes for toastbabies. CInna is such a genuinely lovely person and it's no wonder he and Katniss connect.

Contrast to Effie. Whose book couterpart just makes me want movie Effie.

I am being so intentonally slow this reread and it is driving me mad...I want to get to Katniss's connection with Rue, the rule change and everlark. In all reality I want to get to CF the worst. But no. Not gonna start skimming XD.

EDIT: Gone back and fixed this. But I need everyone to know in typing this as fast as I did, I mispelled CInna as 'Cinnia'...HOW I am not sure but I did and I'm gonna let everyone laugh about it XD.

[kahlanmars]

BAD FEELING

Hello! The first part is here ⬇️

MASTERLIST

As usual, english is not my first language so please be merciful and tell me if you want to be tagged!

part 2

Anchor

You don’t realise at first, the Peacekeepers pushing you to the stage where Effie is paler than ever. You search Holly with your eyes, dazzled and confused, and you see she is crouched down crying. Maybe you should cry, but you can’t.

Katniss and Peeta are there, beautiful, holding hands, but when you see Haymitch you jump into his arms, just like the day before. It’s almost crazy that you do it, it’s not part of a strategy or anything, but Haymitch is firm, is there, an anchor. You hide in his solid chest in a way that, you know, will make you ashamed of yourself later.

He holds you, visibly drunk, however he whispers in your ear «Don’t cry, stay there, stay still. You are looking weak.»

You turn to Katniss, who’s looking at you with fear. Peeta, always better at faking, greets you with a handshake and accompanies you where you are supposed to be. Thanks, Peeta. The true mastermind.

Effie is smiling, fooling nearly noone, when she announces the male participant.

Oh c’mon. You know that name, and you barely contain yourself not to roll your eyes. Clark Undersee, a boring name for a vile man.

He stands up, more confident than you, more handsome than you, and he shoots a glare at you. You return it. It’s clear to everyone that you two are not allies and you perfectly know why.

The peacekeepers escort you in two private rooms, where Holly enters immediately. You watch her brown eyes and white hair, the wrinkles around her face as you’ll never see her again.

«My dear…» She doesn’t know what to say, her voice is cracked by the tears. You try to console her, to pat your hand on her shoulder, but your voice doesn’t want to collaborate.

«At least it’s not a child.» You find yourself thinking. Holly doesn’t share your thoughts, you can see it in her expression.

«You can win.» Your mother is delusional. You know it’s the pain, but you can’t help feeling a little frustrated.

«Holly…» There’s no possibility you win. You don’t have any survival skills, you never hunted or fought. If they were the “Kinder Games”, or the “Be Nice To Strangers Games”, then maybe. The Hunger Games? You are already dead.

«You have Katniss, and Peeta. And Haymitch. They can help you.» They can’t help me in the arena, you think but decide to keep it to yourself.

«I really hope I’ll see you again.» Haymitch was right, you don’t need to appear weaker than you already are, and tears are the last thing you want. You hug her, trembling in the great effort of not crying.

«I’ll see you.»

The peacekeepers escort her out, but before she leaves the room you jump into her arms again.

«I love you, mama.» You rarely call her mom, but this is the last time you see her.

The next to enter is Prim. You don’t have many friends, but Primrose Everdeen is a face you didn’t expect to see, especially because she is so much younger than you and you two aren’t close friends.

«Prim?» You ask, carefully. The Peacekeepers are not in the room, but you never know with the Capitol, you wouldn’t be surprised if they placed cameras in there.

She smiles, and you have to admit she is adorable, blonde hair in pigtails and a grey dress.

«Daisy! I’m really sorry for you.» She hugs you, which you don’t mind. You wanted to be a teacher, after all, you like children.

«There there, sweet child. Someone had to go.» It’s odd how you have to comfort the people who came to comfort you. «I’m glad it’s a grown up like me and not a kid like you.» You wipe a tear out of her cheek, and you manage to wink at her.

«L-like uncle Haymitch always says, try to hold on as much as you can.»

That’s weird. Haymitch never said that, at least not to you. And uncle Haymitch? Your boss is not exactly a child person. Or a people person. Or a creature person. She never calls him “Uncle”.

You raise your eyebrows, but before you could ask her something she is accompanied out of the room.

You can’t believe the last person from the District you got to say goodbye to is Primrose Everdeen.

You get to be alone for a moment, then you are conveyed to the train with Clark.

Clark is better looking than you, you hate to admit it but it’s as clear as the sun. He has short, blonde hair, sparkling green eyes and a chiselled jaw with a short beard, and at the age of twentynine he is tall, muscular, he looks like one of the careers.

The train is marvellous, faster and larger than anything you’ve ever seen. If it wasn’t for the You-Are-Gonna-Die part, you’d be excited.

In the train there’s Effie Trinket. Away from the cameras you only last three seconds before you jump into her arms.

You are a hug person. It’s not a crime. And you are not crying, actually it’s like you are on the cloud, everybody is looking at you like you are going on a death sentence - and you are, but after Holly and the weird digression with Prim, you don’t really sense where you are. It’s like you disconnected.

Your escort, with her peculiar outfits and wigs you could say she is a product of Panem, and she is, but she is also a grown woman of forty who has always been great to you, kind and patient.

Effie knows you, and she is crying right now so you think she… cares for you, in a twisted way that makes her job tolerable. People forget that a mentor has to see their tributes die every year, but she also has to. It must not be easy for her either.

«I'm sorry, dear girl.» She caresses your hair, while Clarke is just there, looking awkward. You hate him, but you get it. Must be embarrassing.

«It's not your fault» You murmur to the escort. You have to live with her, there is no need to be harsh.

«Actually it is» Says Haymitch. He appeared out of nowhere, not saying hi, and you notice he already has a drink in his hands.

«Is she President Snow on a wig and I don't know it?» You snap, before you realise that 1) Your boss, although you think it’s kinda sexy, is not the nicest person ever, 2) You don’t say President Snow’s name in a Capitol train and 3) You never said anything back literally ever and now it’s not the time to start. «Sorry, Haymitch.»

He is smirking, tho. «Don't be! We can work on that.» You think you passed, but he holds your wrist in a second, which is actually impressive for a drunk. «But before you want to use that tone with me again, sweetheart, remember who gives you sponsors.»

You look at your wrist, then at your boss. Late boss. At your mentor. «I’m really sorry.»

You are not, to be honest. Effie needed to be defended. But then again you want to have sponsors.

«Come, come, there are your rooms. You want to… clean yourself before dinner, don’t you?» Your escort suggests, and you are very keen to try a shower for the first time. You practically run into your room, and it’s the most luscious thing ever. It really has a shower! On a train! And a thing, you don’t really know what, that gives you sweet if you ask it.

You are going to die in two weeks. You are going to enjoy every second from now on.

You take a long shower, and it feels amazing. You now get how the Capitals are so dumb and superficial, if they give you hot water on your skin everyday and sweets from a button you’ll become dumb too.

You even get to choose clean dresses. You pick a simple blue dress with a round neckline and white embroideries, who you think it’s really cute and matches the daisies you have on your hair. There’s no need to die ugly.

At dinner there are Effie, who smiles at you like you are a princess when she sees the dress, Clark, who rolls his eyes when he sees you, and Haymitch, who’s barely awake.

You begin to eat, and every bite of every meal tastes like paradise. You are well-mannered - Clark eats like he’ve never seen food in his life, which is kinda true, but if Holly could have seen him she would have shouted so loud the train would’ve stopped. Holly is rigid in these things, you always have to be kind, gentle, polite. Even when you are starving. All it takes is small bites.

«Thanks for everything.» You say to the avox who serves you dinner.

Effie shots a glare at you. «You don’t need to talk to the avox, dear.» She reminds you.

«But…»

«No.» She repeats. «But I compliment you for choosing the dress. It really suits you.»

«Thank you for saying that. I liked the embroideries.»

You are aware it’s an awkward conversation, you two chatting like old friends as you are not sent to die in a bloody arena, but it’s your way of rationalising it and you are very thankful to the woman for being there.

«You’ll be a beautiful corpse.» Clark responds.

«You’ll be a really ugly one.» You say to him in a light tone.

Haymitch finally opens his eyes. «I don’t think we have lovebirds this year.»

[boybreaded]

HEADCANON

When Peeta paints or draws his dreams and nightmares they are very much photorealistic. Peeta's dreams and nightmares are very much rooted in reality. A piece that the Capitol loved, partially because it was a stand out from his pieces that were of the games, is one called The Baker's Wife. He wont say its a portrait of his mom from his nightmares but it is. It depicted a woman looking angry holding a rolling pin. He doesn't ever divulge much about the piece beyond "Kneading dough can get out feelings you didn't know you had in you."

When Peeta paints other things it is very impressionistic in style. These are his personal paintings that he keeps and hangs up. That is not to say he can't paint realistically, that kind of painting is what got him through the bulk of the 74th games, and what got him his score for the 75th with his painting of Rue. But his preference is impressionism. It also translates better into frosting.

When he simply draws he is all over the place one moment it could be whimsy, another cartoonish, or it could be realistic. It depended on his mood and the subject. For example he has quite a few caricatures of people in the capitol. Portia has one of herself and Cinna that she requested he make after seeing the one he did of Effie in an open sketchbook he had laying around when they were visiting before the Victory Tour. Peeta said no at first, but she insisted and found it a good reflection on who they were and it was a good reminder too. So he did it for her.

Those two pieces and the one of his mother he has no idea what happened to them after the war, but he wishes he did.

At one point during his torture he painted a very abstract and almost cubism like painting of roses. He doesn't remember painting it, nor does he remember why he painted it, or why he was allowed to paint it. But he saw it during his last interview at Snow's mansion. It was still there when they were making the vote later in Mockingjay. It is the only art he did during the time, up until he frosted Finnick and Annie's wedding cake.

Also due to his artistic ability, Peeta was in charge of the daily menu boards at the bakery. While things mostly never changed, his mother required the boards changed daily before they opened.

[strawb3rrybumbl3b33]

Ripped Apart - Peeta Mellark

Warnings: badly described panic attacks, grieving/depression, possible swearing I don't remember. Not proofread.

Desc; When Peeta gets put into the games, Aurora is thrown through a loop

Authors note; be kind please, I haven't written anything in like nearly a year. Feedback is appreciated but please don't be a dick

Aurora wasn’t sure which idea was worse; her name being called to go to the Hunger Games or Peeta’s name being called. She kept anxiously glancing around the square, looking for Peeta. But she was too short to see over the other girls. She fidgeted with her hands, picking at her skin. Effie Trinket moved across the stage, and every girls breath seemed to stop in unison.

She walked back across the stage to the microphone. “Primrose Everdeen.”

Aurora, and all the other girls around her visibly relaxed. All the girls except one. Primrose’s sister - Katniss, if Aurora recalled correctly - dashed through the other girls, shouting. With the commotion, Aurora stepped out of the line a little to get a look at Peeta. He met her eyes and gave her a semi-reassuring smile. She could tell he was scared though, she knew him better than he knew himself, afterall. 

Katniss finally got to make her way on stage and Effie moved across the stage on the other side. Loud tap tap taps as she moved center stage again. She paused, cleared her throat and announced, “Peeta Mellark.”

Aurora felt like her whole world just collapsed. She could barely breathe, her anxiety going into overgear as Peeta walked up to the stage and stood next to Effie. She was smiling. How could the woman possibly be smiling while Aurora’s whole world was falling apart. She felt like she was going to pass out. She started a breathing exercise Peeta always did with her when she got this bad. It helped a little but watching Peeta disappear into the building it got worse again. Today could’ve been the last day she sees him alive.

She and his family were able to go in and see him. After his family, she rushed in. Upon seeing him, she collapsed into his arms. Literally, falling to the ground and hyperventilating. Peeta sunk to the ground with her. 

“Hey.. Hey, it’s okay. Breathe with me, alright?�� He said sweetly, starting to take slow breaths.

Through sobs, she followed his example. Slowly calming down to just cries. He just held her tightly, knowing this could be the last time he ever got to hold her. 

Time passed in a blur to Aurora as Peeta departed and got onto the train. She swore her heart broke even more at the sight. Peeta looked so excited. But Aurora knew him. He was always good at lying. She guessed it came with the territory of having a bad home life. 

She felt like she'd be physically ill. She ran home and to her room. her parents didn't even bother to check on her.

A few days later, the tributes had their grand reveal but she didn't watch. Even if she wanted to, she physically couldn't convince herself to get out of bed. Her heart was out in the capital being paraded around like a prize pig before its slaughter. Doing anything made her feel ill, even just laying there. But it was much better than sitting or standing. Occasionally her mom would make her get up and eat and bathe. But Aurora would just immediately go back to rotting in bed. A little while in, her mom got sick and it left her to take care of the house. 

While out to scrounge up what she could for tonight's supper, she heard gossiping.

“Have you seen Peeta and Katniss?”

“I'm so obsessed with them! Did you see his confession? He's so sweet. I hope they kiss!”

Aurora felt her heart squeeze. She slipped into an alley to calm her breathing, tears starting to fall. It was stupid, really it was. But hearing her crush of twelve years liked someone else? That hurt. 

She gathered what she could find for soup and ran the rest of the way home sobbing. Dinner was late that night, but not forgotten.

It didn't get much easier, as much as Aurora tried to fake it. All her days started to blend together into a disassociated blur.

That is until there was a knock on her door. She opened the door, expecting one of her moms friends or something. Her eyes widened in surprise at the familiar cropped blonde hair of her best friend. 

“Peeta?” She said in disbelief, tears immediately blurring her vision.

“Hey.” He said in a breath, a big smile on his face.

“You won?” She asked, still not convinced he was real. 

A nod, then he opened his mouth. Aurora didn't care to hear it. Much like before the games, she collapsed into his arms and sank to the floor. She sobbed and sobbed, soaking his shirt. But he just kept holding her as close as he could.

They sat there on her porch together in silence, drinking in each other's presence.

[arkofblake]

im gonna try to give the short version here so let's see how i do lol

in regards to his relationship with katniss: gale hawthorne is not good. he guilt trips her a lot and never truly listens to what she says to him. he's insecure and makes her feel bad for a lot of shit that she shld not feel bad about. i DO, however, think he does care about her and her family. katniss told him to look after her mom and prim when she went into both games, and that's exactly what he did.

in regards to the bomb: all he did was have the idea. him and beetee designed the bomb as a last resort and not to be used on children. he did not deploy the bomb. he did not know prim would be there.

in regards to him as a character: he has not done anything wrong in terms of what side he stands in the war. he's also a child (him and katniss are like a yr or so apart in age if i rmb correctly) so his impulsivity and wanting to make change in the world makes sense.

tl;dr, gale hawthorne is a complex character who is simply a product of his environment that he grew up in. yes, he has his flaws (just like katniss, peeta, finnick, johanna, haymitch, effie, etc. etc.) because he is a human. im not saying you would do the exact same things he did, but im sure if you were in the same situation he was (lol we're about to be if it keeps going the way it does), you would do similar things to protect yourself and those who you care about.

edit: realizing i never tagged @rafeysbabydoll for her to see all this LOL soz

click cute - 1

next -> | masterlist

his phone

her phone

oh my god the fucking HOOPS i had to go through to get this done. normally this would be where i put the tags but i'm doing that in the comments because tumblr is gonna make me kms

[homeofthelonelywriter]

RW: Never again - Peeta Mellark x Reader

(A/N) Time for another request Wednesday! This one was requested by a lovely Anon. I really hope you find this and like it!

Pairing: Peeta Mellark x Reader, Gale Hawthorne x sister!Reader

Warnings: cursing

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They won. They won!

A grin spread across my face as I turned to look at my older brother, Gale. Although he was never one to show a lot of emotions, a small smile was present on his lips, causing my grin to grow. Both of us felt relieved, that much was obvious.

His love for Katniss and my love for Peeta were the only things helping us to survive the past few weeks. The only things making us hold on to hope. And now it was over. They’d be coming home in just a few weeks and I could barely wait.

After celebrating a bit with our siblings and our mom, we made our way over to Katniss’s home, where we celebrated with Prim and their mom. Everyone in District 12 was relieved. Relieved and happy and excited. We haven’t had a winner since Haymitch and now we had two!

The preparations for Katniss’s and Peeta’s return started the very next day. Banners hung everywhere, displaying their faces and the joy could be felt in the air. The bakery that belonged to Peeta's parents even gave out treats, something that neither Gale nor I could believe.

The days passed and soon everyone was gathered at the train station, waiting for our victors arrival. The air was buzzing and as soon as the train pulled into the station, the noise grew almost deafening. The cameras were clicking and everyone was talking and cheering.

I was standing with Gale and the rest of our family close to the front. Apparently we were now related to Katniss. No idea who came up with that, but we accepted it, knowing that it, at the very least, came from the Capitol.

Soon, the doors opened and Katniss and Peeta stepped out, falling into the arms of their families. Still, they stuck close together. Even now, they kept up the front that they were madly in love with each other. And it was probably smarter that way.

As soon as Katniss was done with her real family, she moved on to us and soon we were hugging each other.

“I’m so glad you made it.” I squeezed her and a genuine smile was on her lips as she pulled back. She quickly mouthed ‘Thank you’ before continuing.

The whole procedure at the train station lasted for a few more minutes. After that, everyone that wasn’t family or close friends was ushered away. Katniss and Peeta gave a quick statement that they were happy to be back with their families and to have each other. And as they kissed at the end of it, a sharp pain spread in my chest. It was getting harder and harder to keep the smile on my face and I sighed in relief as they were shut off.

“Great! Now, the winners will be filmed entering their new homes for the first time. After that there will be an announcement to the public and a dinner at the city hall…” Effie kept on rambling on the plans for the rest of the day, hell, for the rest of the week, but I stopped listening as soon as my eyes caught Peeta’s.

A smile tugged on the corners of his lips and I myself broke into a grin. I was about to mouth something when Effie pushed past me, closely followed by the rest of the crew. As Peeta walked past me, his hand found mine and gave it a comforting squeeze.

“As soon as the cameras are gone.” It was a whisper, so quiet that I barely heard it, but it made my heart beat faster. I nodded in response and he was gone.

The cameras stayed for two whole weeks, filming everything they could. From statements from the victors, to dinners and Katniss’s and Peeta’s new everyday life. It was hard keeping up the front and I was counting the seconds until the train doors closed behind the crew from the Capitol. And as soon as they did, I made my way to Peeta’s new house.

Three knocks. I held my breath, waiting for the piece of wood in front of me to open. And when I did, I didn’t hesitate to jump into his arms. Peeta kicked the door shut, hoisting me up and pressing my back against the closest wall. His lips were on mine immediately, passion filling the kiss. My fingers tangled themselves in his hair, tugging on it, making him groan.

His reaction made me grin, reminding me on how much I’d missed him.

Much too soon, he pulled away. I whined, but he just chuckled, making me open my eyes. And the look on his face brought tears to them. His eyes were filled with adoration, love and relief, a gentle smiled spread across his face.

“I missed you.” Tears started running down my face at those words.

“I missed you too. So fucking much.” I leaned down again, pressing a gently kiss against his lips, both of us smiling.

We spent the rest of the day in his house, just lazing around, enjoying our time with each other. As it was getting dark, Peeta asked me if he should bring me back home.

“No. I want to stay here…if that’s okay with you.” He nodded, a grin on his face as he pressed another kiss to my lips.

“You can stay here for the rest of your life. I don’t want to spend another second away from you.” Yeah…neither did I. I nodded, smiling as I laid in his arms. Those arms I would never let anyone take away again…or so I thought.

[countrymusiclover]

15 - Capital Trickery

Part 16

Victor's Daughter

@badgerdryad thanks for giving me a song

"A party, have they lost their minds!" I blurted out throwing my arms up at the news my father just told us. Katniss, Peeta and I all sit in the tribute living room of our quarters staring at him. My father dropped his arms at his side sighing. "Yes Plutarch thinks it's a good idea before the interviews tomorrow." Katniss runs a hand through her hair mumbling under her breath. "It's all for show." I push myself up off the couch heading to my room slamming the bedroom door aggressively. Collapsing onto the bed I scream into my pillow, rolling onto my back releasing a deep groan. Staring out the window there's a sunset going behind the buildings. Throwing my legs on the bed I feel tears starting to appear. This is the first time since being back here that I've been able to rage out on this happening to me.

Dropping my face in my hands for a second I lightly cry. Feeling stupid that I am not being tougher in this moment. The way my dad talked about mom. She always appeared so strong so why can't I be like her. Suddenly someone knocked on my door so I sniffed wiping away tears hoping it's not Effie or our stylist. Slowly peaking the door opened I opened it all the way seeing my father. "Oh sweetheart, come here." He extended his arms open and I raced forward nearly tackling him in the hug. My tears stained his shirt but he holds my head with one hand and his other is resting on my back just letting me cry. "I'm sorry it just - it's all overwhelming!" I croaked out slightly pulling away brushing my hair behind my ears. He simply just nod turning his body looking at someone standing behind the doorway. "I know honey, but I brought someone here hoping to cheer you up." Tilting my head around him I see Celestia step into view a nervous smile on her face.

Celestia stares at me worried while Cinna finished helping me into a light blue dress and some flat shoes. My hair curled a little and matching with my mother's necklace. "Y/n, I'm so sorry about this...it's my fault!" She mumbled in some tears as I turned to her, biting my lip thinking about if I should keep my relationship with her. She's an innocent girl who just wants a friend, but it’s not safe for me to be that. "Celestia I - I can't talk right now." I closed the door behind her meeting Katniss and Peeta downstairs. Peacekeepers escorted the three of us through the Capital until we entered a huge dinning room that was empty. Some small tables for food and drinks were linked up against the wall, along with cameras positioned up in the corners of the room. That way all of the country could watch us parade around.

"Pathetic isn't it. That they expect us to prance around like royalty?" Turning my head in the direction of the voice recognizing it belongs to Finnick. He has that same cocky smile, one that I assume he only uses on camera. At least that's what I hope. I haven't gotten a chance to ask my father about him since we got here. The briefing of the other tributes and our training starts tomorrow. The interviews will happen after that and the games will follow the next morning. "So you think this is a joke. That we're all pretending to be royalty." I taunted staring into his blue eyes. He extended his hand and I place my hand in his being dragged out onto the dance floor. His left hand resting on my hip and my other hand on his shoulder. Where we here music start to play with others dancing around us.

Finnick twirled me in and out keeping that fake smile on his face. "Do you remember when I said to stick with me?" I nod my head my gaze drifting around the room. "Well I talked with your father and he agreed that we should start training together." I didn't know what his skills were yet but my father knows these people. So if he thinks he would be a good allie then I should take the shot. We spin around as the cameras zoomed in on us making me start to blush. "Just keep your eyes on me. Don't focus on them." Finnick mumbled near my ear, making my eyes stay trained on his blue orbs. "We're playing into their game by dancing together." I pointed out right before he spins me out again. My hair flies over my shoulders when I spin back into his chest, putting on a smile. "Can we start early in the morning?" He nodded picking up two glasses of alcohol handing one to me. I hope that trusting Finnick won't get me killed in that arena.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[dandelionlovesyou]

If THG's characters are a fanfic writers/readers, what do you feel would be their AO3/ffn account name and icon?

Also, what would be their preferred read (example : rating = K, T, G, M, E; type = canon, canon-divergent, modern AU etc.) and what kind of comments would they leave on a fic?

You can include as many characters as you can or want.

Thank you so much 😊

@curiousnonny

Hi @curiousnonny!

Thank you for sending this ask to the fandom world =) I super enjoyed everyone's answers. Here is my take =D

Katniss - I’d say she’s mostly a reader of Prim’s and Madge’s fics. She didn’t even make her account, Madge made it for her at the library with her phone using the school’s free WiFi. Madge named her account ineedAwarmaHug0508 and Katniss was totally mad about it, but she didn’t know how to edit or delete the account so she just scowled at Madge the whole week. One day, Madge showed her a black and white fanart sketch of her OTP made by Whatsyourfavoritecolor314 and she decided to subscribe to it. She didn’t know the whirlwind she was in for because this account updated regularly and posted impeccable works. At night, she would end up reading the fanfics that Whatsyourfavouritecolor314 made the fanart for. Rating limit: M. But writers often rate their stories lower so …

Prim - Writes mostly fluffy stories. Those with cats and dogs, warm hugs, flowers, and the meadows. Loves modern AU and travel fics. She lets her ship kiss in the third chapter because she can’t stand slow burn. Madge always tells her to wait and to build things up even more but she doesn’t like it. If they’re meant to be then they’re meant to be. Her OTP likes holding hands, smiling at each other with the biggest and goofiest smiles, and making chicken soup and hot tea when one is sick. They always get married at the end. Toastbabies are a must in every epilogue. Her account would be lifeisbeautiful. Her icon would be a yellow flower.

Peeta - Of course a fan artist! But he also dabbles in writing because he is very good with words. He’s Whatsyourfavoritecolor314 and he supports all kinds of fan artists out there. He would leave a lengthy comment that you would reserve reading last because you want to take your time savoring his praise and replying to his comment. His writing is mostly dark and he writes every time he has a nightmare. It helps him sort out what’s real and what’s not real. His writing account is under a different name: nobodyneedsme. Finnick and Rye are the only two people who know his writing account. He often gets fic recs from people in the fandom.

Johanna - Definitely a chili pepper in her writing. She loves writing threesomes, narrating all the bodily fluids that get released and sucked by whoever in the tangled mess of limbs and hair. Invents words for body parts that leave everyone wet and blushing. She uses languages from her heritage and loves making things spicy hot (hot! hot! hot! ) Only writes angst, and canon-typical violence, and there is no assurance of a HEA. Read at your own risk. You don’t like it? Don’t read. Never skip the trigger warnings in her fics. She couldn’t care less about hits and subscribers. She has a gazillion followers though, because of her smutty fics, and she rolls out drabbles faster than you can send an ask. Account name: JoMason07

Rue - besties with Prim. They do a lot of collab during the weekends and have an actual notebook where they write their ideas. They switch between chapters and plot the whole story together while giggling like crazy for their OTP. Rue makes a playlist for all of their fic and they listen to it while they write for inspo. Account name: ihavewings. Writes K to T, but she and Prim are thinking of writing up to M after they graduate from high school.

Effie - fandom mom. Organizes writing sprints, book rereads, and challenges. Checks up on everybody. Runs an impressive archive and posts like clockwork. She invests in setting up prizes for challenge writers, fan artists, and readers. Reads all fics. M are her faves. 

Haymitch - reader of historical AUs. Leaves drunk comments which Plutarch Heavensbee has to rationalize. His icon would be his goose.

Gale - reader. And he only reads because he found out from Prim and Rory that Katniss reads fanfiction. He loves historical AUs and multi-chapter dark fics. He leaves comments that create an uproar and he gets into a heated exchange every time. His icon would be a black and white wolf with piercing eyes. Account name: SilentHunter

Annie - ships extraordinary ships. Super loyal to her extraordinary ship, writing stories that go up to 70+ chapters. She writes until her characters are senior citizens, living peacefully and loving each other just like when they were teenagers. Icon: a lady with her back to the camera, staring peacefully at the horizon by the beach. Name: lovingstories

Finnick - loves dragon fics and fairy tale/ Greek/Roman-inspired fics. He doesn’t write but leaves lengthy comments that give writers ideas to research and integrate into their stories. Name: anysecretsworthmytime. Icon: A photo taken from behind of him hugging Annie during their afternoon walks by the beach. 

Cinna - reader, gif, and fic aesthetic maker. He helps you leave an impression. Icon: eye with gold eyeliner. Name: eyeforbeauty

I suppose that’s it. This was fun and hard at the same time. Lol.

Take care, @curiousnonny

[nightlock-1989]

Side-Parts and Skinny Jeans

A short story about what happens when Millennials find out Gen Z is ripping on their precious side-parts and skinny jeans.

Context: I am a 31 year old proud Millennial. I graduated in 2007. One day, scrolling through Tik Tok, I kept seeing things about old people and their side-parts and skinny jeans. I googled it and what do you know? Forget the Boomers because the Zoomers are targeting us now. Thought it might make a good Everlark story. You can also find it on AO3 here.

Takes place in September so that school could be in person again. Enjoy!

September 2021              

The first week back when school begins is always taxing on both the students and staff. Add in 18 months of virtual learning at home and it’s a surprise that everyone isn’t already passed out in Haymitch Abernathy’s yard a victory.

It’s always been a tradition. The principal hosts the school staff the first Friday after the school year begins for a barbeque and alcohol. Normally alcohol is always aplenty since it’s Haymitch but this year everyone is a little even more stressed.

Effie Trinket, the school secretary is walking around with a tray of Jell-O shots.

“Thanks, Trinkie,” Haymitch gruffs before slurping down a green one and handing one to the English teacher Peeta Mellark. He hesitates briefly before Delly Cartwright, pulls it out of his hands and slurps it down.

“Very nice,” Haymitch remarks.

“Thank you, Mr. Abernathy,” she responds.

“You know you can call him, Haymitch; right?” Finnick O’Dair, history teacher, reminds.

“HA,” Peeta responds.

“He’ll always be Mr. Abernathy,” Delly tells.

“You’re 28,” Finnick says

“Doesn’t matter,” Katniss Everdeen, biology teacher and Peeta Mellark’s lifelong crush strides forward.

“Sweetheart,” Haymitch gestures.

“Mr. Abernathy,” Katniss greets.

Peeta and Delly both point fingers at Finnick.

“Grill’s ready,” Effie hollers.

Katniss takes a Jell-O shot and sighs before tipping it back.

“Is this the first time we’ve all drank together?” Delly asks gesturing between Peeta and Katniss.

Katniss, Peeta, and Delly were in the same grade at District 12 high; however, only Delly and Peeta hung out. Katniss kept to herself for the most part, having a difficult life. Katniss was the newest hire at District 12, having transferred over from 8 last year. She didn’t attend last year’s barbeque to Peeta’s sadness.

When Peeta saw Katniss in the auditorium for in-staff training, he nearly fainted and when he realized she lived in the same apartment village, he thought he would have a heart attack. Although she still sports her signature braid every now and then, she’s taken to wearing her hair down and walks with a new-found confidence that has only made her sexier. Everyone knows how much he likes her, except Katniss.

“Probably,” Katniss answers heading over to the kiddie pool filled with beer. She bends down to pick one up, giving Peeta the perfect view of her ass. Her jeans fit like a second glove and Delly smacks Peeta in the chest to get him to stop gawking.

The food is ready, and everyone dishes up. The alcohol and conversation flow generously.

Haymitch begins telling a story about how for seniors, they have alternatives for the seniors who have a lot of detentions left to serve. Instead of serving one detention at a time, they can pick up trash or volunteer for a student event.

“So, we needed someone to remove the gum from under all the auditorium seats.”

Katniss groans.

“All 896. I offer to free up 4 detentions. Sweetheart had 12. No one is taking it, but I can tell that I’ve got some interest peaked. I get up to 7 and Katniss sees Johanna about to pounce. She screams, “I volunteer, I volunteer.””

“Well, I wasn’t the only one who volunteered,” Katniss reminds before looking at Peeta.

“Sweetheart, you aren’t even the butt of this story. Then, the boy over here,” he says while gesturing to Peeta who puts his face into his hands, “also volunteers. I was only looking for one.”

“You let us both though,” Katniss says.

“The deal was for seven detentions total,” Haymitch emphasizes.

“But seven of mine did get wiped out,” Katniss says.

“Exactly,” Haymitch points out. “The boy didn’t even have any detentions.”

Everyone but Peeta and Katniss roar with laughter.

“Wait, what? I’m so confused,” Katniss says more to herself because she’s at that point of intoxication.

“You really always have been Brainless,” Johanna Mason, physical education teacher teases. “Let’s get another beer,” she says, pulling Katniss with her.

Delly’s phone chimes so she takes a look. Peeta, still mortified is keeping his eyes on the two girls but he stops staring when he hears, “Miss Cartwright, Miss Everdeen, Miss Mason.”

“What’s that,” he asks looking towards her phone. Delly has open the Tik Tok app and the short video shows video of the respective teachers at the same time as their name.

“Side parts and skinny jeans…….so old,” the voice in the video adds.

“NOOOOOOOOOOO!” Delly shrieks as she chucks her beer bottle into the yard.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Johanna asks.

Delly is in such a mini-rage that she picks up her fold up chair and also chucks that off of the deck. She reaches for the outdoor end table before Finnick grabs her wrist and pulls her into him.

“Are you okay, Delly?” Katniss attempts to rush forward but trips in the process. Peeta rushes to help her up.

“We,” Delly emphasizes by pointing to all the young teachers, “have all had to deal with fucking everything. School shootings, terrorist attacks on live TV, two fucking wars, the housing market crashing, a great fucking recession, $4.00 gallons of gas, a global pandemic, ANOTHER FUCKING RECESSION….and now THIS. I’M NOT EVEN 30,” she finishes before letting out a guttural moan. Katniss leans in closer to Peeta, obviously scared before Johanna marches up to Delly who is holding up her phone.

They all crowd around and watch the offending video. It is showing the various female teachers and on the bottom is a tally marking all the women who have a side part and skinny jeans.

Johanna is first to break the silence by grabbing her folding chair and hurling it off the deck.

“Those little Tide-Pod eating Zoomers can go rot in hell.”

“Yeah, why can’t they just nearly succumb to alcohol poisoning in the cornfield like we did?” Delly cries.

“I like my side part,” Katniss says to herself.

“I have full-bodied hair. A middle part is boring,” Delly whines.

“Do they want us to wear the stupid mom jeans that they’re donning?” Johanna volleys back.

“Would they like it if we just went back to fucking ultra-low-rise jeans and had our thongs on display again because I’m not going back to that, Finnick,” Delly sobs into his chest.

“I didn’t say anything,” Finnick interjects staring cluelessly at Peeta.  “Wait, wasn’t this like a thing in the spring?”

“They didn’t make a fricken Tik Tok that specifically targeted us then” Johanna states.

“Does this mean I have to give up my skinny jeans?” Katniss asks to the empty space next to her.

“Don’t even think that, your ass looks fantastic in them,” Peeta answers.

Everyone goes quiet and stares at Peeta. He is perplexed before he realizes he actually said that out loud.

“No—I didn’t mean that,” Peeta begins before backtracking, “You know what, I didn’t mean that either…. I’m just going to go over there.” He heads down the deck stairs and grabs one of the chairs and plops down on it.

There is an awkward silence before Finnick says, “you should just side part your hair even harder.”

All three girls light up before agreeing. Katniss looks out and sees Peeta sitting alone. Delly tilts her head in a “go talk to him” motion, Finnick smiles and nods, and Johanna mimics a blow job.

Katniss orders an Uber before she heads over to Peeta.

“Peeta,” Katniss begins. He looks up with such sadness that Katniss interrupts him before he can even start, “Why’d you volunteer?”

“Um,” he stalls. “You know what, fuck it,” he resigns. “I had a huge crush on you growing up and I just wanted a reason to hang out with you.”

“So, you volunteered to remove chewing gum off hundreds of seats during our spring break?”

“Yep,” he answers with a pop.

“You know you only said like four words that whole time we were cleaning up?”

“That’s because when I’m around you, I feel like a mumbling idiot. Even now, 10 years after high school, you make me feel like- “He is interrupted by Katniss’s lips. She pulls back and smiles.

“Um, how drunk are you?”

“Definitely Ubering……. but I’ll definitely remember this in the morning.” She leans in again. He breaks apart long enough for him to stand and continue the kiss. Cheering can be heard from the deck causing both of them to laugh.

“Did you mean what you said about how good I look in these skinny jeans?”

“They look amazing on you.”

She leans up and whispers in his ear, “I think they’d look a lot better on your bedroom floor.” An alert sounds on Katniss’s phone. “Uber is here.”

Peeta wastes no time in grabbing her hand and practically dragging her to the car.

Effie comes out with another round of Jell-O-Shots while Haymitch grabs one.

“To young love,” he says.

“To side parts,” Delly adds.

“To skinny jeans,” Johanna finishes.

“We’re going to tease them mercilessly on Monday; right?” Finnick asks.

“Duh,” Delly states while everyone laughs.

Monday morning comes around and true to what Finnick suggested, their side parts are more pronounced, and they are all donning skinny jeans, their own form of mini rebellion.

And once again, Katniss’s pair ends up on Peeta’s floor that night.

[petruchio]

When Katniss and Peeta start to sleep together on the train, it says that Effie doesn't like this and I can't help but think it's because they were not married, but I may be wrong. I heard some people say that's why Peeta told they were married in secret before telling she was pregnant. It kind of make sense in the districts bc I don't think they have access to birth control, but I thought it wouln't matter in the Capitol. What do you think?

hm... i’m pretty sure there’s a line somewhere in catching fire when they’re sleeping together and katniss is like “we’re technically engaged now” but it doesn’t seem to me that they really cared all that much. and there’s another line in mockingjay when she’s annoyed about the implication that “more happened on the train than it did” or something. i’ll be honest, i know they’re kids, but i don’t think the capitol is too concerned with propriety considering how much subtext (and literal text) there is about sexuality and abuse thereof with characters like finnick and haymitch. i guess there’s something there about the social rules of marriage, for example finnick’s “secrets” that he shares about people cheating on their spouses, but premarital sex doesn’t strike me as a top concern of the child murder society. i think the implication is more that effie is their “caretaker” and she kind of stands in for katniss’ mom, and katniss’ mom had made some comments about how they’re too young or whatever. i think it’s more effie being kind of a prude than anything else, but that’s just my reading.

in terms of why peeta says it at the interview i honestly never read it as being a propriety thing like in terms of the pregnancy/implications of that before marriage... i always interpreted it more as him setting up his final dunk for the baby line. like, he knew he had to weave that in somewhere, so he figured if he said they were married caesar was surely going to say something like “oh well at least you have that” and then he could just finish him with the “if it weren’t for the baby” moment. it’s possible there’s an undercurrent of what’s “proper” there to what peeta is saying, but i honestly have never read it that way, i think it’s more of a set up for his ultimate reveal.

in terms of birth control, generally i’m sure the capitol would have access to really high tech birth control and i wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t in the districts, especially because of the hunger games. if you were snow, you wouldn’t want people to be able to stop reproducing if your means of control was killing children... 

[everlarkficquestions]

Sunday Stumped Day 31

It’s another Sunday Stumped Day!

Sometimes we straight out get stumped. So every few months we will pick a Sunday when we’ll post of a list of asks that we need your help on.

If you know the answer to any of these asks please shoot us a message/ ask/  with the Post number and the fic details and we’ll add it and give you a shout out with our thanks. Any links you can provide will also be super helpful.

Thanks!

Post 1 , Post 2 , Post 3, Post 4, Post 5, Post 6, Post 7, Post 8, Post 9, Post 10, Post 11, Post 12, Post 13, Post 14, Post 15, Post 16, Post 17, Post 18, Post 19, Post 20, Post 21, Post 22 , Post 23, Post 24, Post 25, Post 26, Post 27, Post 28, Post 29 , and Post 30 can be found here - and there are still fics we need your help with.

521. bnedd said to everlarkficquestions:

Hi! I’m looking for a fic I read awhile ago. it’s post mockingjay and Peeta still has bad episodes. Gale comes back and the story shows her process of choosing Peeta over gale and one thing I really remember about it is that Peeta has a bad episode in katniss’s room and destroys it and snaps her favorite bow in half.  Thanks in advance!

522. 19fundiesandcounting said to everlarkficquestions: 

Any fics where Katniss fakes an orgasm?

523. thefuckingstory said to everlarkficquestions:   

hi i'm looking for a fic with everlark building up to having sex after the end of the series and working through trauma together.  i think katniss masturbates in the lake at one point.

524. imaginationgirl555555 said to everlarkficquestions:      

Looking for katniss/peeta fanfic. Katniss asked peeta over, believe baby was involved, he found out she is actually goigg on date, try's to persuade her not to go but she leaves. Ends up in her car crying at the restraunt where she was supposed to meet Cato for date. She ends up leaving to go to peeta

525. brithna said to everlarkficquestions:     

Looking for two fics. I remember a lot of it takes place in the tour... Pretty and and heavy. I think there was one part where they were on the train trying to climb to top just to see if they could. It pisses me off that I can't remember more because that's not a lot to go on, I know.   Another one -- the team pretty much helps some woman (I think) to jump off the train and get to D4. That's all I can remember...

526. brithna said to everlarkficquestions:  

Also looking for fic where katniss' mom tears Peeta's mom a new ass because she hit him then he basically moves in with them?

527. mellarkablegirl said to everlarkficquestions:     

Hello! It's me again. Sorry about the tonnes of asks. But I just wanted to know if anyone has everlarked the movie 'No Reservations ' ? The one with Catherine Zeta Jones and Aaron Eckhart.  Cause its practically begging to be . Also all the characters in the movie fit so well into the THG universe.  Once again I'm sorry about the influx of asks🙈

528. mandelion82 said to everlarkficquestions:       

I'm looking for an Age Gap fic where Peeta is Katniss’s teacher and they play piano together. In the end, he asks her father for permission to take her out.

529. waywardangel-wilds said to everlarkficquestions:            

Hi! I read a fic a long time ago that I cannot remember the name of it or anything. I remember that Katniss and Peeta had been arguing, or were just mad at each other for a while. Peeta went to town and was standing outside his house talking to a girl holding a laundry basket (delly I think?) And Katniss was so pissed at both of them that she shot an arrow at the porch column behind them.

530. 19fundiesandcounting said to everlarkficquestions:                                    

Any fics where Katniss dies in the quell?

531. saltyfacedelusion said to everlarkficquestions:                                            

Hi! I remember reading a small FIC, similar to the Final eight by fernwithy. A “five times”story. Gale watches the games and the first and second and comments on some points (actions, words of Peeta, of course kisses:)) angry and jealous. I looked at your jealous Gale sheet, but I didn't see anything like it.  Looking for a week, desperate ((Can you think of something?)

532. wendywobbles said to everlarkficquestions:                                                

Hello! I was hoping you could work your story finding magic for me. I remember reading a story ages ago. Katniss gets hurt, Peeta is a nurse and in her medicated state she sings to him  or  is super vocal about how cute he is. Gale catches it on his phone and it ends up online. It was a very sweet story, I’d love to read it again. Thanks 🙂

533. i-am-batman-chick said to everlarkficquestions:        

Hey,  Thanks for keeping up on this. I was wondering if you could help me find a story I read a while ago. I can't remember much but Katniss and Peeta were both going back into the arena. I remember there being a part where they were on the roof and Joanna was peeking out of the door watching them. I think she didn't believe they were really an item. I'm not too sure but I think when they were in the arena they were also talking about how they broke into Haymitchs and stole his alcohol too. TIA

FOUND! Catching Fire: Rekindling- Jamie Sommers The Johanna roof spying happens in Chapter 18  (Thank you, @icbiwf!)

534. hersheys-oranges said to everlarkficquestions:   

Hello, I’m trying to find this EverLark fanfic where I think they’re both campaign managers. Peeta is from an influential family and Katniss is from a common background. I think the author was gonna rewrite the story from either Katniss or Peeta’s POV because the first version was very well-taken. Thank you. :)

535. suenosyutopias said to everlarkficquestions:   

katniss cheats on peeta with gale and peeta stays with katniss because prim comes to visit (sorry my english)

536. weepingmilkshakesandwich said to everlarkficquestions:                            

Hi! Any fics where Katniss wears Peeta's jacket or shirt and other people notice?

The Bet by amelia_day, Peeta’s sweatshirt (Thank you, @567inpanem​!)

537. ryookineko said to everlarkficquestions:                                                      

Hi Guys, I am looking for a Pride and Prejudice type fanfic where Peeta is a merchant and Gale is like a dark bad Darcy. Katniss and Prim lives with Haymitch and Effie is like their governess trying to get Katniss married. I tried the master lists but couldn’t find it. Thanks!

FOUND Prospects & Propriety - juniebugg                

538.

do you have any 5+1 or 4+1 fics?

539.  the-fire-might-be-shooting-at-us said:                                            

Hi! I'm looking for a fit where Peeta doesn't mention Katniss or his love for her in THG and so after the games he basically gets turned into Finnick 2.0. I think there was an unrequited Katniss/Gale relationship at some point but I'm not sure.

540. bethpeaches123 said:                                            

Hi, you wonderful people! I’m looking for a fic where Peeta is a teacher/prof and Katniss is a student and they run into each other at a coffee shop one night and instead of her taking the bus he drives her home. Anyone know which fic I’m talking about? That’s literally the only thing I remember because I kept picturing the coffee shop i frequent. Thank you for your help!!

FOUND!  The Professor by atetheredmind. (Thank you @mrspeetamellark​ and @sunsetsrmydreams​!)

541. mellarkablegirl said to everlarkficquestions:                                                

the second one where Katniss's mother sells her villa/cottage to Peet and Finnick who open a restaurant or bed and breakfast there. I think Katniss moves back in with her mother when this happens .

542. allonsycaptain said to everlarkficquestions:                                                

hey, could you please help me find a fic? i read it this summer, in the story peeta and katniss were taking pills to treat their depression/ptsd, and then they stopped taking them because they couldn’t have sex because of them, and then they were sick later and felt terrible because they stopped taking them.. thank you for your help:)

FOUND! Cold Embers - lieselmemengers (Thank you, @rosegardeninwinter!)

543. Hey guys thank your for all the hard work! I am searching for a fic that I dont remember its name, is about Katniss and Peeta being a couple and one night at a party Delly kisses Peeta and Katniss decides to return home by herself walking on the street and someone kidnapps her for years, she has a miscarriage from her rapist but she manages to escape. The rest of the fic is of her coping from the trauma and Peeta helping her. — aloe--verga 

544. hungergamesfangirl02 said to everlarkficquestions:                                    

Hii! Do yall know of a fic where Katniss is taken hostage into the Capitol. And either she had intimacy or is pregnant with Peeta. And she gets hijacked to think Peeta is bad and that he raped her. And then Peeta is the Mockingjay. And when Katniss is rescued, and she talks to herself. And when she can tell what happened to her, Gale beats up Peeta.

545. justanotherrandomaccount9999 said to everlarkficquestions:                    

Hi! Do you know any fics where Katniss saw Peeta with another girl after the 74th Games but before the Quarter Quell? Thanks.

546. 19fundiesandcounting said to everlarkficquestions:                                    

Hi, I’m looking for a fix where everyone in district twelve, the victors and everlark were escaping a peace keeper attack through tunnels that led to district 13 but Finnick and katniss got captured. Also I believe that Cato and glimmer were torturing them. Thanks

547. myhopesareanchoredinyou said to everlarkficquestions:                            

hey! i’m looking for a fic (i thiiink it was on fan fiction. com or whatever) where gale gets reaped instead of katniss and peeta and katniss and peeta and gale are friends and gale thinks katniss is in love with her and katniss and peeta have sex in the meadow and katniss gets pregnant and they have to get married? they get married and katniss wears her moms dress?

A Mistake – VMA1998

548. redhoodhungergames said to everlarkficquestions:                                    

Hey! I don’t know too much about the fic but I’ll just list what I remember •Peeta and Katniss have sex in a kitchen, and in order to not make noise she bites onto his neck•peeta and gale are Gaurding some place and gale either sees the mark or peeta mentions it and he’s like “damn, she bit you?” (Gale doesn’t like Katniss here.)That’s...about all I remember, they weren’t sent into the games here if I recall correctly but I believe they exist Anyway I hope this is enough!

549. bethpeaches123 said to everlarkficquestions:                                            

Hi, first of all, thank you so much for the work you do with this, it is so appreciated and impressive how much knowledge you have! The fic I’m looking for is when Katniss and Peeta have won the Games and (I think) are forced to get married, and they get envelopes and have to go to The Capitol and have sex while paying customers watch? And at one point, they’re performing for a couple of men and one of them tries to join them I think? I’ve been doing some digging around but can’t for the life of me find it. TIA!!

550. craftydiva0828 said to everlarkficquestions:                                                

Thanks in advance and maybe I'm losing it but... Is there a fic where Katniss is pregnant during the Quell and they call the baby "Banana nut bread". I think they also communicate in sign language or silently.

FOUND! Catching Fire: Rekindling- Jamie Sommers  (Thank you, @blackberrysweater and @superchocovian!)  

Do any of these fics ring a bell? Please let us know!

[the-daily-multi-fandom-post]

The Hunger games:

Imagine being Peeta Mellarks twin sister and watching him get picked to be in the hunger games:

words: 1235 not to many, sadly. 

Mornings like these I always want to stay in bed a little while longer. The house was a bit chilly, but it was always cold at night then hot during the day. I tried to go back to sleep, but I couldn’t. All night I kept having nightmares about the hunger games. I was so scared me or my brother was going to get picked. I prayed to whoever would listen that Peeta wouldn’t get picked I need my brother; I cant live without him.

I got up from my bed and started my morning chores. I got a bath and cleaned myself. Mama braided my hair and gave me a dress to wear to the reaping. I could hear Peeta getting fussed at by Mama and daddy as he had just got dressed.

I tried stop them from yelling at Peeta, but that only gave me a scar on the back of my leg. You see, Mama, she would punish us kids if we didn’t behave. I remember one time Peeta burnt the bread. I never seen mama get so angry. He had bruises from where she had hit him. But daddy, he was more a forgiving man.

Peeta and I were twins. He’s a couple minutes older than me. -which he holds over my head all the time. We are a like in some ways, but other ways we aren’t. Peeta and I work in our parents bakery. We baked cakes, pies, bread, and all kinds of different deserts.

Peeta and I walked hand in hand when we had to sign in the reaping. I was so nervous I would stutter and my hands would start shaking. I was just so anxious about everything going on.

I felt our hands separate when they took a drop of my blood. I watched as they took Peetas blood as well. He flinched a bit, but I didn't. I just felt like if I kept my eyes on him that nothing bad could happen.

“It’s gonna be okay, alright? Your gonna go over there like normal and when all this is over well meet where we normally do, okay?” I nodded as my brother gave me a reassuring smile. Telling me everything was going to be fine. I knew that maybe it would, but who knows. The odds might not be in my favor.

“Okay. Okay, I’ll see you soon. Promise?” I said as i held out my pinkie, something we had done ever since we were little kids.

He shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Promise.” He said our pinkies connecting, then pulled apart. “Love you squirt.” He said as he hugged me. “Love you too, Pete.” Then we went to where we were suppose to go.

I was standing beside Katniss the girl who my brother gave bread to back a while ago. She kept looking around, i knew she was looking for her little sister Prim. I knew Katniss, we talked sometimes. I would often give her food if she would teach me a few hunting skills. I figured it was best to know how to stay alive if i were ever to be picked into the games.

“I hope its not you or your sister.” You lowly whisper to Katniss.

She looks at you with a soft nod. “I hope not either. If she gets picked, she would never make it out there. I don’t even think I could.”

“Don’t give up hope, if so. These things they are made so they feel like they are in control. Sometimes you have to give ‘em a run for their money. If you get picked my money is on you Kat. Make them fall in love with you then destroy ‘em. That’s what I would try to do if I got picked.” Y/n rambled off as the last of the district 12 people were signed in.

Everyone watched as the perky  Effie Trinket walked onto the stage. Her bright purple outfit and big pink wig standing out in front of the crowd of people.

With a big (probably forced) smile on her face she started to speak.

“Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Happy hunger Games. And may the odds ever be in your favor. Now, before we begin, we have a very special film brought to you all the way from the capitol.”

I looked behind me to where Peeta was. I gave him a tight smile and what was hopefully a reassuring nod as the presidents voice started to speak.

I kinda listened but didn’t listen to the president telling everyone how the hunger games begun. But as soon as Effie trinket started speaking I was subconsciously messing with the ends of my braided hair.

“Now the time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman for the honor of representing District 12 in the 74th annual Hunger Games. As usual, ladies first.” Effie picks a piece of paper from a large bowl containing all the children’s names , she opens it and reads the name out loud.

“Primrose Everdeen. Where are you dear? Well, come on up.”

My mouth falls open as I seen the look of terror in Katniss eyes. Prim walks forward and then hesitates.

“Well, come on up!” Effie calls out to Prim with a smile.

Katniss moves away from the crowd and to the cleared out aisle.

“Prim! Prim!” She calls out. The peace keepers keep her from getting to her sister.

“No! I volunteer! I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!” Katniss says as she pulls away from the peacekeepers.

“I believe we have a volunteer.”

Katniss walks up to prim hugging her then telling her to find their mom. Then Gale take Prim away.

Everything was like in slow motion when i heard her say his name.

“Now for the boys. . . Peeta Mellark.”

My heart dropped into my stomach and I felt like I was going to puke. Peeta made eye contact with me then slowly walked up to the stage. He was white as a ghost, scared I’m sure. Tears were falling down my face recklessly as i watched my brother walk on the stage. I couldn’t hear the rest. My thoughts too loud to hear anything else. I was so scared, I cant live without my brother. I just cant.

As soon as they allowed family to say their goodbye to the tributes I ran to the room where Peeta was. I would’ve pushed my way in if i needed to.

“Peeta, Oh my god.” I pulled him into a bone crushing hug.

“I know.” He said as we both started to tear up. “You can do, Peeta! You can win! I know you can.” Peeta shook his head as he pulled back looking me in my Y/c/e eyes.

“Don’t. You can do this. You  have to Peeta! I know you can do this. You just have to believe it yourself.” I said through sobs. “Yo- you have to.” I sobbed as he pulled me into a hug. “Promise?” I whispered as i held out my pinkie finger while still in a hug. I felt him chuckle as he took his pinkie finger and take it in his.

“Promise.” He mumbled out. “I believe in you Pete.”

[mocalmangeal]

field trips through the years with the mellark children because @rosegardeninwinter put me into a mood and this ended up much longer than intended oops

Willow Mellark is four the first time her preschool class is led outside of their colorful brick building and told to prepare for an adventure.

She squints her eyes against the bright morning sun, surveying her surroundings carefully. Mama tells her it’s important to always be aware of what’s around you. Her eyes land on the faded mural flanking the sides of the school’s entrance; a dandelion field, with children of all ages zooming through the yellow blooms. Papa painted this, she remembers. A long time ago. Before mama even had any babies.

A hand curling around her back shakes her from her thoughts and she snaps her head up. “Mama!”

“Are you excited for your field trip, love?”

She crinkles her nose. “I don’t want to go to a field. Can we go back inside and read a story?”

Katniss merely laughs, grabbing her daughter’s hand to follow the rest of the group.

After a few minutes of walking, a familiar storefront comes into view with its dark green facade and large picture windows showcasing various cakes. Willow points her fingers and shrieks excitedly. “It’s Papa’s store! Mama, can we go say hi?”

Her mother smiles down at her. “Of course we can.”

Willow runs hurriedly through the door, not noticing the other kids following along. She sticks her tongue out as Papa kisses Mama, his hands resting on her watermelon-round belly. Yuck.

“I’m glad everybody could make it. Today, boys and girls, we’re going to learn all about the kitchen,” Papa’s soft voice calls from the front of the room. “If you follow me, I’ve got your uniforms all laid out.”

Ten tiny aprons lay folded over the back of chairs. Willow ties hers on (with Mama’s help) and sits up straight, hands folded on the table and watches mesmerized as Papa throws ingredients together into a large glass bowl.

“These are called shortbread cookies. First, we have to mix the butter with the sugar. Let’s pass the bowl around and take turns. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands; baking is a messy job after all.”

When the bowl has made its way around the table, much to the delight of the children, Peeta adds the vanilla and flour and sets out rolling the dough across the table’s surface. “Now, each of you gets to choose what shape you want your cookie to be.” A pile of cookie cutters lands on the table with a clank.

Tiny hands reach out excitedly, grasping for stars and birds and flowers. Willow picks a simple circle. When Papa makes his way over her to her, he nods and cuts her cookie out. “Why just a plain circle, Catkin?”

She grins. “Because it’s shaped like Mama’s baby.”

-

The ten minutes it takes the cookies to bake are the longest of Willow’s life. She huffs, kicks her feet against the counter, scowls at the clock (despite not being able to read the time), crosses her arms.

Finally, at once, the timer is done, and she pumps her arms in the air excitedly. Mama helps set each cookie down in front of its rightful owner, while Papa sets out a rainbow of colorful tubes and jars of shining sugar sprinkles. She peruses them carefully, squinting at her selections. No, not that one.

Finally, she settles on the purple. By the time she’s done, her fingers and face are a mess of violet frosting and Mama has to take her to wash up.

“It’s almost time to head back, love. Why don’t you go say bye to your dad?”

She skips over to Peeta, who’s at war with a red splotch of frosting on one of the chairs. “Papa?” She tugs the bottom of his apron, pulling him to her level.

“Yes, dear?”

“I think you should give me an extra cookie.” Lowering her voice, she whispers, “I’ll give it to Mama. For the baby.”

----------------------------------------------------------

Eight year old Ash stomps impatiently at the grassy edge of the schoolyard. They should’ve left for their field trip exactly four minutes ago. That’s four less minutes that he gets to spend in the woods, all thanks to--

“Hey, isn’t that Mr. and Mrs. Mellark?”

He swivels in place, balking at the site of his parents running to his class group. No, why are they here? He groans out loud.

“Sorry, I thought I forgot to turn the oven off when we left so we went all the way back and turns out it was off the entire time but then I saw that I had put on my old boots with the holes in them and had to go and find--”

Mama gasps in a deep breath, not even finishing her sentence. “Sorry, we’re here now. Let’s get going.”

They’re split into two different groups. Ash ends up in Papa’s group, shying away when Papa tries to ruffle the top of his head. He turns on his heels, pretending to not notice the hurt expression on his face. It’s a fifteen minute hike to the stream they’re studying today and he just wants to get a move on.

By the time they reach it, he’s giddy with excitement. First assignment of the day: make rubbings of bark and leaves. He’s first in line to snatch up the paper and charcoal being distributed, taking off blindly towards a fallen log. He’s deep in thought, deciding which leaf would turn out the best, when he sees another boy coming in the same direction. A scowl twists Ash’s face.

Fine, take my spot. My leaf is still cooler than yours.

He scratches the image of the oak leaf into his paper with great precision, producing a perfect carbon copy. At last minute, he decides to add another, smaller leaf next to it and sets off in search of another perfect specimen.

He stops when he hears voices, peaking around a thick pine to investigate.

“Just press down on the paper a little harder. Don’t worry, you won’t hurt it. There. See, you did it!”

Papa stands next to Blair Ingham, guiding his hand over the rough bark of a maple tree. Ash scowls. That’s my Papa. He folds up his completed rubbing, shoving it into his back pocket and saunters over to his dad.

He tugs on Peeta’s sleeve. “Papa, I need help too.”

“Well now, there’s enough to go around for everyone.”

-

On the trip back to school, Ash sits perched on Papa’s shoulders, tasked with the job of swatting branches out of the way.

“You know, it’s funny. After I showed you how to make the leaf rubbings, I found a paper laying on the ground. Looked like someone was trying to throw it out. And you know we don’t litter in the forest.”

“Oh?” Ash looks down at the top of his father’s head.

“So I took a peak at whose it might be so I could have a talk with the culprit, and wouldn’t you know, it was a perfect leaf rubbing. Now, tell me why somebody would want to get rid of their school assignment?”

Ash feels like cheeks burn. “No clue.”

“Really? Because, if my memory serves me right, I believe I saw the name Ash Mellark on the bottom corner.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s a trip that Willow has been dreading for the last two weeks.

Not to say that she doesn’t want to visit the Justice Hall, it’s just that, well.. when your parents are who they are, it just doesn’t sit right.

They started learning about the Games in school this year. She’d be of reaping age as of last month if they still existed. A shudder runs through her. Then, a sudden wave of sadness. She’s surprised her mother and father agreed to chaperone this trip, but if they have any qualms about doing so they hide it well.

Papa meets her out front of the school, hands dug deep into his pockets. “Your mother isn’t feeling well today. Ah, River Cardwell’s mom stepped up as an emergency volunteer.”

She takes a minute to study her father.

His eyes are ringed red, his cheeks splotchy. His hair is rather unruly this morning as well and a quick peak shows her he’s even forgone one shoe, the shiny metal of his artificial leg catching the afternoon light.

“Papa, are you sure you want to go on this trip?”

“I’m fine, Catkin. This place isn’t what it used to be. The last few times I was here were rather happy occasions, actually. It’s just.. hard to shake old memories sometimes.”

She curls her arm around Peeta’s waist, pressing into his side. “Will you and Mama ever tell us about...” she trails off, unable to say the words. She’s caught glimpses of their past, enough to get a general idea--it’s hard not to when your parents’ photos are printed in the margins of your textbooks--but they don’t talk about any of it, save for brief asides every now and then.

“One day.”

They walk silently wish the rest of her class towards the gray stone building in the center of town.

She’d once heard her mother call it a place of sadness, but today it is a rather ordinary looking front. Gray steps lead up to a glass door, pristine white tile shining from the inside. She pushes the door open.

A gust of frigid air sweeps out with a soft sigh and Willow shivers.

Mrs. Dalley passes out folders and pencils and clears her throat. “This Justice Hall was constructed the year after The Second Rebellion ended. In the pre-war days, it was where children said goodbye to their families after being Reaped.”

Willow turns to Papa. “Were you scared?”

He looks down, nodding. “I was. But not for the reasons you’d think.”

She peers up at him through long, dark lashes. “Was it because of Mama?”

“You’re a smart girl.” He chuckles. “By the time Effie called my name, nothing mattered anymore. Katniss was already standing up on that stage. I knew that I had to die, because if I lived it meant she wouldn’t. In a matter of seconds I’d already accepted my death.”

She feels tears pricking the corners of her eyes at his words. “But they let both of you live.”

“Well, yes, but no.”

Before she can ask another question, she’s being ushered down one of the long corridors.

“This is the Hall of Records. Here is where we keep..”

-

She’s completely exhausted by the time the day is over and ready to flop into bed, but before she can make a beeline to her bedroom, she’s startled by Mama pulling open the front door.

“Willow.”

If Papa looked worse for wear this morning, then she’s... well, a disaster.

“Come inside.”

Nervous, she steps through the threshold, noting the strange quietness of the home. Usually, Ash is antagonizing one of the cats by now, or Papa is clanking around in the kitchen.

“Where’s everyone else at?”

Mama doesn’t answer, instead reaching up on top of the creaky old bookshelf in the corner, feeling around a minute for something. Finally, she pulls down a large, dusty rectangle, blowing it off. She sets it down on the kitchen table and turns to her daughter.

“I haven’t written in here in a very long time.” Mama pulls the scarf she wears tighter around her neck. “I think it’s time for you to read it.”

Willow steps closer, peeking down at the worn leather cover.

“Memory Book”

----------------------------------------------------------------

Ash cranes his neck, searching for his mother through the crowd in front of the factory.

When he spots her, he pushes his way through the snickering kids, coughing “Mama’s boy” his way. He blushes, staring at the ground the entire time.

“Your Aunt Prim would’ve loved to have seen it,” she remarks, peering up at the four story monstrosity. Despite being constructed well over twenty years ago, she’s never actually visited the place. Until now.

“Willow talks about her sometimes,” Ash says, drawing a line in the dirt with his foot. “Almost like she knows her.”

“Prim would’ve loved you both. Spoiled you, even.” Mama treks inside, following the other groups of kids. She stops short, darting her eyes in every direction. “Wow. District of healing, alright.”

Ash follows her gaze. Tall machines whir and buzz, moving at a rapid rate. They dispense colorful pills and liquids faster than he can keep up with. A conveyor belt moves bottles from one end of the factory to another, quick hands slapping labels on and pushing them into boxes for shipment.

“It’s definitely a sight to see.”

Mama nods in agreement. They walk together, gasping and oohing as new sights emerge.

“Will you tell me about her?” Ash glances at his mother.

“She was smart,” she starts, running her finger along the glass partition between them and the great big machines running the factory. “Smarter than me, anyways. She was going to be a doctor. She was a great healer. I could never stand the sight of our mama’s patients on the table. But Prim? She could stitch any wound there was and not bat an eye.”

They stop suddenly, staring into some kind of testing room. People in strange rubber suits mill about on the other side of the glass, and Ash thinks they look a bit crazy with those fishbowls on their heads.

He spies a man in a white coat behind them through their reflection in the window. “We’ve been testing a new antidote for tracker jacker venom. I think this might be our big break.”

Mama shudders, turning away from the man.

They resume walking. Ash watches with fascination as a large roll of white bandaging is stretched and cut in one smooth movement.

“Prim always wore a ribbon in her hair. She tried to get me to wear one too, once, but I told her it was impractical. Can’t have it coming loose and stuck on the fence or a branch. I wish I would’ve just let her do it. Ash?”

He turns to Katniss. He no longer has to look up at her; he’s quickly surpassing her in height thanks to inheriting his father’s build. “Yes?”

“You and your sister be good to each other.”

-

They break for lunch around noon, propped up against the shady wayward side of the factory. Mama pulls out two sandwiches, turkey on rye, and passes one to Ash.

They eat in silence, listening to the zooming of hovercrafts here to transport the most critical medications and supplies to the big hospitals in other districts. Like the one that Grandma Everdeen works in.

“I think I might like to be a healer. Like Prim, and grandma.”

“You’re so much like her,” Katniss sighs. “C’mere.”

Before he can protest, she’s pulling him towards her, wrapping her arms around him and resting her head atop his. She leans in, whispering in his ear. “Now you know I don’t condone violence, but if those boys are still giving you trouble, stick rats in their lockers. That’ll have ‘em pissing themselves.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s a two day train ride to the memorial site.

Every graduating class for the past ten years has been required to visit one, and even though she’s known it was coming for a while, Willow still shakes the entire way.

Mama isn’t faring any better. She carries a length of rope with her, knotting and twisting until her palms bloom pink. She doesn’t sleep, instead sitting frozen, staring out the window for hours. Papa doesn’t even leave his compartment.

There’s a lump in Willow’s throat because this isn’t just any random dismantled arena-turned-tourist attraction-turned memorial; it’s the one from the 75th Games.

When she’d told her parents which arena had been selected for this year’s trip, Mama had simply nodded, got up, and walked into the woods. She didn’t come back for three days.

Papa gripped the back of a kitchen chair, shaking. When Willow tried to comfort him, he spat, holding his hand out to stop her, telling her to take her brother and stay with Uncle Haymitch for a few days. They ended up having to stay for a week.

She still doesn’t know the full story, really. She knows more than she did all those years ago, but refuses to watch any tapes from the Games, and still gets sick trying to read more than a few sparse details. She knows her parents pretended to be in love to appease the Capitol clowns that held the guns to their heads. She knows they eventually grew to love each other for real.

She knows nearly everyone they loved is dead.

She doesn’t think she wants to know every detail after all.

-

When the train pulls into the station, Willow gets up on unsteady legs.

Papa leaves his compartment for the first time with a distant look in his eyes. He shambles straight to Mama, whispering something in her ear, pulling her to her feet. Their hands are grasped so tightly in one another’s that Willow can see the fingernail indents from here.

From a distance, it looks like it could be any other nature park. There’s a fountain in the middle, a winding, paved trail, a crumpled piece of metal that could be easily mistaken for contemporary art.

A short, stout woman meets the group at the opening gates.

“Welcome, welcome! I’ll be your guide today.”

She’s far too cheery for the occasion, and Willow supposes she’s a bit like Effie Trinket in that regard (at least, from what she can piece together from her parents’ memory of her).

They’re lead first to a low stone wall, and WIllow’s eyes fall across the names. Her mouth goes dry as she finds some she recognizes. Finnick Odair. Johanna Mason.

Katniss Everdeen.

Peeta Mellark.

“These are the names of every tribute who went into this arena. Every person who was forced to fight in the last Hunger Games our nation ever had to witness. Oh, heavens, I was still in diapers at the time.” Their guide dabs at her eyes.

Willow dares sneak a glance at Mama and Papa. They stare straight ahead, silent tears falling down their faces.

She follows the group next to the mangled pile of steel she’d seen from the train.

“Now, this is all that’s left of the arena now. The rest has been recycled and put to better use. As you may know, this one was a remarkable failure for the game makers and actually helped jump start the revolution. An electrical short sparked a fire that brought the entire thing down--”

“Actually, that’s not what happened.”

Willow snaps her neck around towards Mama’s voice.

“Oh, dear, have you kids not read your history books? Everybody knows tha--”

Mama pushes to the front of the group, Papa trailing behind her. “That’s not how it happened,” she repeats.

She turns now, gripping Papa’s arm as she faces the class. Her voice raises.

“My name is, was, Katniss Everdeen. I’m fifty-one years old. And I survived the 75th Hunger Games.”

Willow can’t hide the shock that crosses her face. A few stray groups turn towards the commotion.

Her parents are a far cry from the photos in the history books now. Lines age their faces, they sport twin stripes of gray in their hair. But underneath it all, they still have the same fire in their eyes. Determination.

“My name is Peeta Mellark. I survived the 75th Hunger Games. This is our story.”

And the words tumble free.