#katniss deciding to have kids was a beautiful ending

[enobariasteeth]

I’m the #1 hater of female main character has kids at the end of the series, but NEVER for katniss

[mal-alina-katniss-peeta]

I just love Mal and Peeta so much cause they are both just that guy. They are both just completely in love and would do anything for their girls.

Mal of course is not the smartest and he was sometimes a bit of an asshole but he made up for it. He decided to just pledge his life to she even if she couldn’t do the same. Like he wanted a wedding vow but when he realized he wasn’t going to get that he chose to stay by her side and be her tracker/soldier. And I just love that. “I am become a blade” like it’s so sad but so satisfying. And then he got her in the end. And the best part about it is that she chose him too. SHE COULD HAVE BEEN QUEEN! It wasn’t just like I have too it was I don’t want to be a saint I just want a normal life with him!

Peeta was just chefs kiss. He had a crush on Katniss and of course was smart enough to use it to both of they advantages. I think he really was using it as and advantage when he was with the careers. And then when she found him and nursed him back to health it stopped being a strategy and he just fell in love. Of course he was upset with Katniss when he found out she wasn’t in love with him too. But he never blamed anything on her. And then when they had to go back into the games all he wanted was for her to live. He was just so kind and smart and loving. And of course it was so sad when he got hijacked but just so beautiful that his friends helped him recover. And how they spent sometime apart he was in the capital doing therapy and she was in 12 going through it. But I just love how he went back and they could heal together because she really did love him too. I think she did fall in love with him in the first arena she just couldn’t admit it to herself which is understandable. And I love that them having kids at the end of the series was really shown to be a choice.

[realmermaid333]

YES!! I was thinking about this a few days ago and i was actually thinking of making a post just like this.

I think this ending Suzanne chose was beautiful and very well thought out! I am frustrated when people say that it was a disservice to Katniss to make her a mother in the future. She never said she didn't want children for any other reason than the Hunger Games existing.

Katniss and peeta didn't have kids for YEARS! It wasn't like some rushed into thing. Or anything katniss was pressured to do. The epilogue was many years post war and Katniss even said it took her fifteen years to decide to have children. Katniss healed and aged, then changed her mind because she realized it was safe now and her and Peeta were in a place where they could be good parents.

It is so lovely actually

More unoriginal Hunger Games thoughts but I'm lowkey turning into a bit of a hunger games account at this point...

Katniss and Peeta having kids at the end of Mockingjay was actually a good ending, even though some say it falls into the trope of "female MC has a baby at the end bc family is truly what fulfils her" or smth like that. Katniss spent her whole life not wanting children not because she didn't want to be a mother but because it was too dangerous to do so. She even mentions this when thinking about if she wins the games because even winning wouldn't protect her children from the Reaping. Her having children at the end symbolises the peace in Panem and the success of the rebellion since there are no more Hunger Games, she can have children and not worry about their safety for the rest of her life.

I think it also shows the peace of Panem outside the Hunger Games no longer being a thing and maybe also shows that she has dealt with the grief in her life. At the age of 11, Katniss was starving, trying to keep her and her sister together whilst her mother was mentally gone. She was essentially the parent and sole provider for YEARS, never really having the chance to properly grieve her father's death. Then she lost Prim, her sister that was also basically her first child whom she loved so much. I think once the war was done, she was finally able to grieve her father and Prim, and then finally move on to having kids of her own. I view it as if she had lost her first child and needed time before she could move on and have her 2nd, 3rd etc kid because she really did raise Prim from the age of 7.

[theshandora]

EVERYTHING THAT'S WRONG WITH TOKYO GHOUL

Welcome to my series

EVERYTHING THAT'S WRONG WITH TOKYO GHOUL

where I just bitch about Ishida's choices and decisions.

First things first: to me manga kinda went shit after Arima's death. Like I honestly thought the whole One-eyed King thing could be played off nicely and that Eto and Arima will give Kaneki something to work with. But yeah... nevermind, he had to handle everything himself.

Now let's review some of the problematic points in the story:

- The whole island 'extermination of Aogiri Tree' operation. It honestly seemed like the Aogiri Tree which was feared by the CCG for the rest of the manga just fell apart like a house of cards. Why did Tsukiyama and other 20th ward ghouls appeared there to help them in the first place? Like, that turn of events was never clarified. 

- Touka's character in :re. Fuck you, Ishida. She wasn't my favorite in the first book, but I acknowledged her strength, her violent tendencies due to her childhood trauma and her desire to do better. And in :re all of a sudden she becomes this soft girl with a beautiful smile which does not appear in most of it and only enters again when Ishida decides that he has to force some romantic line for the main character. There is zero chemistry between Kaneki and Touka throughout the entire manga. It is pretty obvious from the start that Ishida wanted them to have some kind of romance, but he never followed through. Like, they don't see each other after Owl Eradication Op and then within a couple of chapters in :re they go from renewed friends to lovers to having a child and getting married? Nobody can convince that this is any kind of slowburn. That's a forced lazy arc. Besides... A CHILD???? "Fucckkking kidding". You are in the middle of the biggest crisis that ghoul society has ever faced. The ghouls rescued by the Goat are starving, Tokyo is filled with Furuta's Oggai army. Kaneki is traumatized (as always), overwhelmed with responsibility and trying his best to be the man that Arima believed him to be. SO YEAH, A PERFECT TIMING TO HAVE A CHILD. And there is not one panel where Kaneki questions if it is worth to bring a new life to this fucked up world. Yeah, Ishida, fuck you.  

Okay, now I know some of you will think that I just don't like a straight ship. So let's get it out of the way straight away:

- Kaneki didn't need a romantic line. At least it should have never gotten to the point of marriage and kids. It should have been a romantic interest at most. I hate the ending of the Hunger Games for the same reason. Katniss Everdeen having a bunch of kids and being a happy mom? Yeah, fuck that. - The only valid romantic line in this manga is Amon/Akira. They must be protected at all cost. And of course Ishida does not even bother to show them in the last chapter, lol. - I don't ship Kaneki with Hide. Their friendship is precious, and it makes me sad that people can't be friends without being romantisized (Johnlock stans, I am talking to you). - Shuneki. That's a tough one because I believe that Tsukiyama at some point did develop feelings towards Kaneki, but let's be honest it's not mutual.

Which brings me to the next point:

- TSUKIYAMA WAS DONE DIRTY. He deserved THE WORLD. I can't even find words to describe how unfair his character was treated. In the first book when he is first introduced his character is pretty flat. Yeah, he has charm, he's problematic and obsessive, and randomly inserts French words into the conversation. I know many people liked him even at that point, but let's face it: his character gains his true depth and meaning in :re. After everything we learn about his family and his relationship with Karren, Chie and the servants I don't know how can anyone not love him. The influence Kaneki's death has on his character development is enormous. First of all, it was such a strong moment when he decides that it is not his place to bring Kaneki's memory back? You can see how much struggle was there in his head. He recognized that he could have been wrong in the past, that Haise might be happier than Kaneki, and also he puts his family above his desires. Imagine: we went from Shu trying to have Kaneki to himself no matter the cost to Shu thinking that Kaneki is better off being Haise so that he doesn't learn about all the suffering and loss he went through. THIS WAS SO GOOD.

Now, the fact that even after regaining his memory Kaneki throws him off the roof is a bit controversial but understandable. After all, they weren't on the best terms, Ken didn't completely trust him in the past. Moreover, he never got to learn how much Shu suffered and how much he grew emotionally. And last but not least, I like to believe that he really hoped that Shu will survive the fall. I still see this part as a bit problematic because Kaneki would literally die for any member of the squad before, but at the same time I just feel sorry that he got himself in this situation in the first place. Being confused, not having his memories, wondering whether he should hold on to being an investigator - that was too much.

Okay, I got a little carried away. This is all great, but my point in this was how Tsukiyama was treated later when he was part of the Goat. Like the man literally forgave you, never doubted you once, did everything you expected of him and more and Kaneki never thanked him once. NOT ONCE. They never even had a conversation which concerned anything outside their goal. It honestly looked like Kaneki finally realized he can trust Shu with his life, so he just used him. This was so painful to watch. Ken literally never recognized how big of a part Tsukiyama played in him being the One-eyed King. This just makes me angry. And also Shu's non-existent reaction to Kaneki being married to Touka????

I don't even know what to say about Ishida creating that panel with Tsukiyama saying he just wishes to see Ken happy JUST TO END IT WITH A SICK COMMENT ABOUT TASTING THEIR CHILD???!??!?!? Ishida, why?

To summarize: Tsukiyama is a beautiful precious flower who did not deserve to be Kaneki's unappreciated errand boy. My soul was aching everytime he adressed him as "My King".

That's all I have to say in this post. This fandom is probably dead anyways, but I felt like screaming into the void.

[ilguna]

Hello could you do 67, 86, 100, from the 101 ways to say I love you list? with finnick please and thank you!

☼ flower (Finnick Odair) ☼

warnings; swearing, death mention

wc; 1.2k

prompt; 67. "I want to start a family of our own..." & 100. "I'm yours." & 101. "I love you."

Notes; I cut it down to three because it's easier for me. Hope you understand! <3

–

Since the ending of the rebellion, you and Finnick have spent most of your time trying to rebuild District Four. The last time you saw the district was before you’d volunteered for the Quarter Quell, and a lot had happened between those few months. The moment you came back and laid eyes on the mess that was your home district, you knew a lot had to be done.

Four was one of the first few districts that got excited after Katniss and Peeta’s victory during the seventy-fourth Hunger Games. Not only did they defy what the Gamemakers had wanted, but they also forced their hand into letting two victors. It was going to be the start of a very beautiful rebellion, whether or not the two teens had realized it at the time.

When it was announced in the winter that victors would be going back into the arena, the districts began to get a little more rowdy. It took only a few days for you and Finnick to decide that volunteering was the best bet, if this was going to happen, then it was all hands on deck.

And after that, you said goodbye to District Four. In the time that you were gone, there must have been some sort of uprising, because when you came back, it was in shambles. Capitol buildings were set on fire, peacekeepers pushed back to a small corner of the district, bodies on top of bodies.

It was overwhelming, to say the very least. You thought that after being in the arena the second time, going through the Capitol’s city full of traps, and watching the rebels kill innocent Capitol citizens, that there couldn’t be anything worse back home. You were expecting it to be bad in the sense of destruction, not carnage.

However, since then, there’s been a lot of progress made.

It’s taken work, a lot of hours of just planning and readjusting and contacting other districts for help. Without the help of the community, it wouldn’t have made it as far as it has. District Four is flourishing, and maybe it’s because it feels like an endless summer, but maybe it’s because you all know that the Hunger Games isn’t coming back.

Being so carefree like this before was a luxury, something you could hardly afford in the comfort of your own home. All your free time was dedicated to worrying about what the next Hunger Games would look like, how far the other careers had advanced, how you’d have to catch up, if you’d have another victor that year.

You get to have moments like these now.

The sun is beginning to set now, you’ve spent the entire afternoon with Finnick and the community. Parents with their kids, grandparents that have never known such peace, people who have spent their lives picking up scraps. In situations like these, you’d think that no one would get along, but take away the one shared burden and suddenly everyone’s family.

There are tables set up around the garden with different types of food, traditional, kids, and even some from other districts. After the rebellion, there was an opportunity to spread out and go where their heart yearned. Some chose District Four, others left to find what they’ve been looking for all this time.

There’s games, kids weaving in and out of people, parents shouting for them to slow down before they hurt themselves or someone else. It took a few of these events for you to finally realize that you’ve never actually seen a kid act their age. It’s always been parents trying to get their kids to mature faster for the games.

Here you are, encouraging their games and playing along with them. Sometimes when you catch Finnick staring for too long, you’ll wave him over to join you guys. The children think it’s the perfect opportunity to split into teams and talk trash to the other because they think one of you is better than the other.

It’s hard to take them seriously.

As night begins to settle, parents draw out of the event, cleaning what they can before ushering their kids home. They stop by, thanking you and Finnick, and whoever else had made it possible for this to happen. With how quickly it thins out, you and Finnick work hard to clean so that you won’t be here for too long after they leave.

“We’ll get the rest.” One of the ladies says, “You two always stay longer than you should, we’ll make sure it’s spotless.”

“Are you sure?” you ask, putting another lid onto a dish, “We have time.”

They motion for you two to go again, so there’s no room to argue. You thank them and say goodnight, taking your time to leave the greenhouse. On the way, Finnick plucks a white flower from one of the bushes and places it behind your ear. Little does he know, you’re going to press this flower later.

You carry your shoes on the way to the house, not bothered by the rocks digging into the bottom of your feet. Honestly, there’s worse pain to experience and you’ve been on the receiving end of it too many times. Finnick swings your intertwined hands back and forth in the cool air.

“I think we’re going to start having to uphold our promise to the other districts,” you start, watching as the sun begins to disappear for good, “District Four is thriving, and we told Johanna that we would try to do the same for District Seven.”

When you had been reaching out to other districts, you’d been making promises that you’ll get to their district eventually to help out too. With some of them, they’re not doing as well. Like Eleven, who has known nothing but authority. Or Twelve, a district that quite literally needs to be rebuilt after everything that’s happened to it.

You know that Four will be okay for a year or two without you guys here. And it’s not like you won’t come back to visit every now and then, you’re sure that you’ll get homesick. It just won’t be a permanent thing, you’ll help during your stay, and then leave to the next place that’s needing your help.

“Can I ask you something?” Finnick looks at you, not answering what you said.

“What?” you smile at him.

“Can we wait?” he asks, and you must make a face, because he backtracks, “I--don’t get me wrong, I want to go everywhere else too--”

“Did something happen today? You were staring at me a lot.”

His face reddens in color, clearing his throat, “No, nothing happened--well something did, but it’s not anything bad. I uh--I want to start a family of our own...”

A smile begins to take over your face, “Are you serious?”

He seems relieved at the sudden mood change, “Only if you’re okay with it.”

“You’re not joking?” you laugh, jumping at him to throw your arms around his neck, being mindful of the shoes, “I’ve been thinking about that lately, I wasn’t sure if you were ready.”

“Oh,” he sighs, hugging you back, “I thought you’d say not yet--”

“Finnick!” you shout, pulling him closer, “I’m yours, of course I’m going to want your kids.”

He laughs at your tone, “I love you.”

--

this was part of my shine, dream, smile weekend!

[seasonsofeverlark]

Como Nos Conocimos. (How We Met)

Author: @mega-aulover​

Prompt: Peeta & his friends have a caroling tradition. Katniss happens to hear them sing this time around. Peeta has a solo, and well, Katniss is a goner. :) [submitted by @daydreamsandcaffeine​]

Rating: T

Author’s Note: This story has a special meaning to me because it highlights my Puerto Rican heritage, the way Christmas is celebrated. We do Parrandas around Christmas time, and we start at 10 pm and it ends when daylight ends. Special thanks to @norbertsmom​ for betaing. Feliz Navidad. Word Count: 3477 ____________

“Come on, Peet,” Darius said.

“Do we have to?” Thresh questioned.

“I’m afraid Darius is right. If we’re going to sound great for the kids at the hospital, we need to practice,” Sejanus said.

“Let’s do this,” Tomas said. “I have a date with Johanna.”

Thom whistled. “Johanna from the gardening center?”

“Si!” Tomas waggled his eyebrows.

Peeta sighed. He and a few of the new guys at the fire station wanted to do some caroling. They were volunteers, but some of them wanted to turn it into a profession. Their fire chief, Josue Everdeen, was a tough but fair man.

All seven guys were new to the area and they lived in the apartment building called the Seam. They also discovered they could sing well together while listening to the radio while cleaning the fire truck.

With no place to go for the holidays, they decided to go caroling and grab some grub at the local diner.

As they practiced, Peeta’s part was coming up, but he saw the most beautiful girl walk into the fire department and he missed his cue. She was petite with olive skin and long dark hair. She had the most beautiful gray eyes he had ever seen.

“Hey,” Tomas said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Forget about her. She’s the chief’s daughter.”

Peeta looked back at her as she opened the door to her father’s office.

“Tomas is right. Katniss is his eldest daughter. She just came back from college.” Darius then said, “Chief is very overprotective about his girls. I wouldn’t do anything, even if she were available.”

Peeta sighed. There was a connection there he could feel it even though he hadn’t even met the girl. After finishing college, he could have gone home and continued working at his father’s bakery. Instead, he’d come here to take courses to become an EMT and study to become a fireman.

Peeta was lonely and he wanted to find someone to make a connection with. He didn’t want to date for the sake of dating. He missed being in a family for the holidays which is why he agreed to go caroling with the guys.

Later, when the chief discovered them practicing and asked them to come home with him. All of the guys accepted his invitation, and Peeta gladly went. Even if he didn’t get to speak to the girl, at least he wouldn’t be alone.

xxx Katniss xxx

“Aye, Katniss!” Prim whined. She flopped on the bed wearing sweats.

“Que?” Katniss asked. Her 15-year-old sister was a full-on teenager complete with emotional breakdowns and complicated reasoning for everything. Katniss rolled her eyes and put the book she was reading down.

“Why do we have to do pa-ran-das? Why can’t we just go caroling?” Prim used that high-pitched voice that caused Katniss to want to stuff cotton in her ears.

“Prim, Las Parrandas, and not pan-ran-das, are our tradition.” Katniss reminded herself to remain calm. She wondered what happened to her sweet innocent sister, who was chill. Nope somewhere between 13 and 14 her sister’s body was taken over by this whiny, temperamental, picky monster.

“But it’s so antiquated. We leave the house and we sing at the Hawthornes’ door at ten o'clock right before Christmas; we sing and dance with them for an hour. We leave the Hawthornes and go to their cousins, the Perezes. From there, we go to the Riveras, the Burgos, the Sanchez house, and finally to our cousins, the McDougals. All we do is eat, sing, and dance.”

“Prim, you know we do more than just eat, sing, and dance.” They played musical instruments, like el cuatro, guiritios, panderetas, and tambores. Those gathered would reminisce about the year and Christmases past. Their father played el cuatro and the sound was as beautiful as his voice.

Prim huffed. “If we went caroling we could be home by ten.”

“Prim, it’s near Christmas and we’re exchanging gifts, reconnecting with our heritage.”

“You’re just excited about the food,” Prim grumbled.

Katniss involuntarily licked her lips at the thought of the food. At each house, they went to they had refreshments, everything from sorullos, made of cornmeal and fried to crispy perfection, to guava and queso. Some made empanadillas, Katniss’s mouth watered at the flaky buttery pocket with savory meat inside. Prim preferred the ones filled with cheese. Alcapurrias were a delicious treat made from either yuca or platanos verdes, also fried and filled with savory meat. Then there were guineos en escabeche, bacalaitos, tostones, and mofongo. There were desserts like pudin de pan, arroz con leche, flan, maduros, tembleque, dulce de leche, ajonjolí, and dulce de coco.

At the last house, they had a meal, arroz con gandules, pasteles, and pernil. Katniss loved the yellow rice and the roasted pork. The pasteles were made of platanos verdes, calabaza, and papas. Depending on the family, the mixture of each varied. They were filled either with cubes of roast pork, ground beef, or chicken.

The drinks were either rum, piña colada, cola champagne, coco rico, and coquito. The blended drinks could be made kid-friendly. Katniss was twenty not old enough yet to drink, but at college, she’d experimented as a freshman, she had taken a few cautious sips. Katniss discovered she didn’t like alcohol; she didn’t like the smell or the taste. She was also a lightweight; a few sips and she got drunk and felt awful the next morning. Drinking wasn’t her thing, and she was glad tonight she’d have other things to drink other than a bottle of water.

“If you could look at a boy that way instead of an pastelito, you wouldn’t be such a grump.”

“I’m a grump?” Katniss knew she was known as la nena seria, the serious child. Katniss was practical, not given to be fanciful. When she turned into a teenager she was quiet and reserved, unlike her sister.

“Si,” Prim stuck out her tongue at her.

“Real mature, Lil duck.”

A pillow flew by her ear, but Katniss ducked.

“I’m fifteen, I’ve had my quinceañera.”

“Boy do I remember. You had a fit that dad would only allow Vick to be your dance partner.”

“I wanted to dance with Angel,” Prim pouted.

Katniss recalled the 18-year-old boy with a shaved head, tattoos, and tongue piercing. It was rumored he had piercings on other parts of his anatomy. Their father wasn’t going to let Primrose close enough to find out if he was pierced in those areas. “I remember. He got drunk and ended up making out with cousin Maria.”

“Esa bruja,” Prim muttered under her breath.

“She’s not a witch because he went after our cousin. That guy hit on me too.”

“You!” Prim sat up.

“Yes, me.”

Prim narrowed her eyes and said, “The only reason he tried to flirt with you was that he heard you sing.”

Katniss stood from her chair and looked at herself in the mirror and sighed.

“Oh Katniss,” Prim said standing up.

Prim was tall and willowy, built like her mother, with flowing platinum blond hair and pale blue eyes. She looked so beautiful compared to Katniss. Katniss was short, dark, and frumpy.

“Katniss, you’re not ugly,” Prim said, enveloping her from behind.

Katniss thought about college and her inability to make friends. At the beginning of her freshman year, she tried to be different. She went to parties and joined in activities. Parties weren’t enjoyable, boys and girls liked to touch each other when they became drunk. A lot of the school activities were boring. Katniss found she often spent more and more time in the library just reading or going over class lessons.

People who were beautiful made quick friends and she wasn’t pretty.

“Prim, let’s not lie,” Katniss sighed. “You’re the one with the looks. I’m the one with the grumpy disposition.”

“Don’t say that, Katniss,” Prim said.

“It’s true.”

“You can sing.”

“Well,” Katniss said.

“And tonight, like every other night, you’re going to be the star of the show and everyone will fawn over you.”

Often Katniss was called to sing because she had a voice like her father. There would be lots of singing. Many times they made up their own lyrics which could be sad and poignant and other times were funny. Sometimes they sang a Plean, the traditional Puerto Rican style of song or salsa or a combination of both. Katniss didn’t mind dancing by herself; she didn’t like dancing with others. She didn’t like being touched.

“Primrose you know I don’t like parties, I’m more of a homebody.”

“You’re the original poster child for; this is your brain on boring.” Prim did her best Vana White pose while speaking. Then proceeded to fake snore.

“Okay, okay,” Katniss said, chuckling. “I get your point. I go because it’s tradition. Partying is more your thing.”

“Nothing,” Prim harrumphed.

Whenever her sister said nothing, it was really something. “Okay, what is it? What has you in a tizzy?”

“Pappy isn’t letting me go out wearing the dress I wanted to wear!”

Their parents weren’t really strict. They had the normal rules, a reasonable curfew, and a nice allowance. The only time her father lost it was when Prim wanted to wear one of her daring skanky dresses.

“What dress are you thinking of wearing?”

Katniss wanted to take a look at it cuz sometimes there were things one could do. Jeggings or tights, to hide a too-short dress. A sweater to hide cutouts or too tight clothing.

“I’ll be right back.” Her sister ran out of the room and less than a minute later she was back.

Katniss had to shake her head twice because the outfit that Prim had in her hand gave her a headache. It was too tight, too short, and the majority of her body was exposed leaving little to the imagination.

The dress was basically a bralette with laces that ended up right before her sister’s navel when another swatch of stretchy fabric began and would barely cover her sister’s butt cheeks.

“Prim, where did you get that dress?”

Prim shrugged.

“If you wear that dress dad is going to have a heart attack!”

“But it’s red and sparkly,” Prim said.

“Aye mija,” Kaniiss muttered. “There’s no way I can save this one. Unless you wear another dress underneath.”

“What?”

“You know, like a flowy one…” Katniss went to the closet and pulled out a white flowy strapless dress. “You can put this one underneath and that one on top. On me this dress is long, but on you, it will fit just right.”

Prim looked at the dress critically and then she said. “I’ll try it.”

“Okay.” Katniss sighed, glad to have averted the crisis.

Prim then hugged her. “Katniss, I believe there is someone out there for you.”

“Really?” It was sad to feel lonely while surrounded by lots of people. Katniss just wanted to belong.

“Really.”

“Katniss, Prim!” their father called.

They walked downstairs. They could hear their father playing the quatro and singing, “Traigo esta trulla para que se levanten…esta trulla esta caliente-”

“Dad we’re not going out until tomorrow, why are you…” Prim’s voice died as she walked into the living room. “Oh hello there.” Her sister’s voice practically purred. Her father stopped singing.

Katniss frowned. She couldn’t see because her sister was tall.

“Prim,” her father warned.

“Hello, I’m Primrose Everdeen,” her sister gushed as she came further into the room.

Katniss stopped as she came face to face with about five men dressed in firemen’s uniforms. She whispered furiously as she came closer to her father. “Pappy que es esto?”

“These are the new guys at the fire station. They have no place to go for the holidays so they’ll be coming here. They also sing. They wanted to go caroling but I told them about the Parranda’s and they want to join us tomorrow.”

Katniss looked at the men in their living room. At first, she counted five but then she realized they’re really seven guys, all young. The firehouse had about twenty-four members including the EMTs. Most of them were likely volunteers.

“Guys, this is my youngest and underage daughter Primrose.” Their father said, giving Prim a warning look before turning to Katniss. “And this is my eldest Katniss; she’s attending Penn State.”

“Peet,” the man with the red hair said. “You just graduated from Penn state.”

A fair blonde man with striking blue eyes stood up. Katniss had never seen someone with that shade of blue before. He was handsome, broad-shouldered, and cute.

“Nena,” the father called out.

“Josue,” their mom came out of the kitchen. She still wore her scrubs. “I am tired. I still need to adobar el pernil. I know you want to practice with the boys for tomorrow. But Noche Buena is the day after tomorrow. And your mother is coming over for Noche Buena!”

“Cariño,” her father said standing up. He gently held their mom. “I can season the pernil tomorrow.” Katniss watched her father place a soft kiss on her mom’s forehead. “The girls can help me decorate the house and firemen are known to be great cooks. Peeta makes the best bread.”

“Yes ma'am,” The blonde with the beautiful eyes said. He smiled at her warmly.

Katniss felt her cheeks warming up, and she tore her eyes away from him. Someone like him would never like someone like her.

“Esta bien,” her mother acquiesced.

“Bueno!” Her father exclaimed, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s practice.” her father picked up his cuatro and began playing the tune of Silent Night. “We can do one all of us know.”

The guys began harmonizing. It sounded lovely, then Peeta began to sing and Katniss felt like she had no knees and she began to fall. Her mother who stood next to her said, “Easy, Katniss.”

“Mama,” Katniss whispered, unable to keep her eyes off of Peeta. His voice tore through her and made her hot and giddy. She knew she was a goner.

“Aye, I know. It was the same for your father. Why don’t you sing along with him?”

She began singing in Spanish. Their voices melded and harmonized perfectly. Everything faded as Peeta turned his attention to her. Katniss stood still until he reached her side. He lifted his hand to her and it was as if they were one.

The music stopped but Katniss and Peeta stood in the middle of the living room staring at each other.

Her father made a move to interrupt them but her mother stopped him.

“No, Josue.” Katniss’s mother said. “Why don’t we all go into the kitchen? I have some spaghetti for dinner tonight.”

“Pero Flor, that…”

“That is the nice young man that you have been saying great things about all week.”

“But,” her father said as he was pulled out of the room.

“Dad,” Prim said. “You mess this up for Katniss and I will never speak to you!”

“You promise?”

“Really Josue,” her mother said as she ushered the other firemen into the kitchen.

Katniss didn’t hear any of their conversation, or anything else. Everyone had left the living room and it was just her and Peeta.

“Hi,” Peeta said.

“Hello,” Katniss said. Her voice sounded weird to her ears. It was breathy and high-pitched.

“You sing divinely.”

“Me! You’re amazing,” Katniss said.

“I saw you earlier today at the firehouse. I thought you were the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Katniss felt her face flush. Even though it was awkward, and she had no idea what to say or do. She didn’t feel alone anymore. “Thank you.”

“You know this is going to be an amazing meet-cute story for our grandkids.”

And so it was.

THE END ____________

Recipe for Coquito:

https://www.willcookforsmiles.com/coquito-recipe/ found at this website or down below

Coquito -

Coquito (pronounced coh-kee-toe) is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink that is smooth, thick, and creamy. It’s sweet and has a pronounced coconut flavor.

Course Cocktail, Drinks

Cuisine Puerto Rican

Keyword Coconut, coquito recipe, Rum

Prep Time15 minutes

Chill: 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 547 Kcal

Author lyuba

Ingredients

14 oz sweetened condensed milk

12 oz evaporated milk

15 oz cream of coconut

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground cloves

12 oz Puerto Rican or another white rum

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients in the blender and pulse for a few seconds until completely comes together and is smooth.

Transfer the mixture into a glass jar with a lid, bottle, or pitcher. It will need to have a lid to keep air-tight and also to be able to shake it up before serving.

Refrigerate for up to 4 hours, until completely chilled throughout.

Shake it up before servings.

Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, or even sweetened coconut flakes.

Storing:

Keep it in a glass jar or a bottle with a lid in the refrigerator. Properly refrigerated, it should keep for up to 5 days.

Want it virgin?

If you want to make a batch for kids or make it non-alcoholic for yourself, not to worry. Simply skip the rum and add either skim milk or coconut milk instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 547kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 135mg | Potassium: 313mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 67g | Vitamin A: 234IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 254mg | Iron: 1mg

[incaensio]

"you gotta stop watchin' me, then." that's something she can tell him, not to everyone else. to everyone else, she's entertainment — katniss hopes cinna doesn't see her like that. but his reassurance that she had been convincing to almost everyone calms a part of her, and she tries to leave the other part — the one that wonders if the president is just like cinna, that the snake has decided it is not enough — dormant else she'd lose the rest of her mind. she listens to them with attention, the corner of her lips turning downwards in sympathy. "you prefer doin' originals, then?" that was obvious, but it was something interesting about cinna, that proved just how much better he was to everyone else, the other stylists who'd rather spend some fifty more years with derivative designs. katniss had not much interest in fashion, but the little she does, it's because of this stylist. the mere thought of not having him back for another year makes her frown, shaking her head. "of course they will ask you to come back. we need you, what other chance does twelve has?" it had been cinna the one to give twelve a fighting chance, regardless of what they patter about katniss being the one who had the skills for it — without their designs making her the least memorable, she'd have been just another plain, sponsor-less tribute. "maybe you'll get ideas once we have… the subject." her instinctual fight to compliment them is less ready now, discomfort at the thought of bringing two more kids by summer to watch them die, to feel them haunt her around the district when she returns. katniss barely fights a shudder.

cinna's laugh puts her more at ease, though. it helps her to fight back her natural pessimism, and it even brings a small chuckle from herself. "i don't think ‘m goin’ to be the one choosin’ much, honestly." maybe she had been the one to offer the marriage, but it hadn't been of her own volition, and the heavy red-stoned ring (she supposes it's a ruby, but she hasn't had the time to ponder) she wears now seems just the beginning of the capitol impositions she will have to endure all over again, as if it's the first day back in the training center and she's told to shut up and obey her prepping team. "but i know you ain’t putin’ me in somethin’ hideous, or make me go to my own weddin’ naked, so yeah. be my stylist again, please?" she gives them a less wavering smile now, and the answer comes swiftly, in the form of the sketchbook she's known them to often carry; her smile widens at the confidence received by the sharing of their precious artwork, certainly not something afforded to many, and, thus, cherished by her. as the victor flips through the pages she sees the sketched gowns, some of which she had already wore these past weeks — she recognizes the shade of the dress from eleven, the slit from the dress from two — but others were creamier, softer, the brushing of the pencil attempting to convey the tenderness and grace one would expect from a bride's gown.

"you knew this was comin’?" is what she ends up saying, little softness in the confusion and melancholy in her gaze as she gives the stylist a glance. of course he must have. maybe everyone knew, everyone expected the next chapter of the star crossed lovers' tale: a magnificent wedding, some three children, fake smiles and kisses for the screens until they die. katniss feels her mouth dry. "you should sleep more, cinna. coffee ain’t good for you in the long run, y’know?" she knows only the technicality parts of it; her mother had been fond of coffee, an 'addict', in heath's teasing words, but coffee was too expensive for the seam so they had other things found in the woods to try and keep awake through strenuous work. "it all looks beautiful. but i don't think i will have much of a choice with them, will i?" she doesn't know if this is a good or a bad thing. distance from it all means she's just doing what she has to do, she isn't truly committing to what should be one of the biggest ceremonies in her life. "i remember the girls and flavius were watchin’ somethin’ last year, they ran polls for a victor's baby's name. juliet, i think, the baby's name the capitolites picked." katniss does not conceal the grimace. "i guess mine is gonna be like that too."

Cinna turns on his stool and faces his friend. The desk is overlooking a large board filled with supplies and rough designs. It's been a work in progress but much like the rest of Cinna's life, a work in progress was always better than nothing.

"It's okay, Katniss." He said, smiling softly at her. "I've seen it enough I believe I could point out the exact moment you turned your brain off. Granted, the world didn't notice it but I believe I caught a sudden flicker in your eye with the thirteenth watch." He chuckled and stood.

He shrugged, grabbing the empty cup on the desk, for something to hold. "I'm as busy as I anticipated..." They paused. "Honestly." He wasn't lying, there was no point in sugarcoating with Katniss. "A lot of the designs people want from me... I've already done." He rolled his eyes and waved it off. He hated making designs twice but sometimes, he had to put aside his pride to keep the lights on.

"I am having trouble coming up with new looks for twelve if they ask me back but that definitely isn't the priority right now." He mumbled. Cinna caught Katniss's tone and the mention of a wedding dress.

His smile grew and he let out a laugh, followed by a quick head shake. "If you had asked anyone else, I would have been a little offended." He abandoned the mug by the kitchen and walked back to his desk.

Cinna picked up his sketchbook and flipped quickly to the page he had dedicated to Katniss's wedding dress or dresses, if she wanted. He had been designing them in his free time. "I don't sleep much." He said aloud as he handed her the book. "Let me know what you think, friend. Anything can be changed, of course. This is just a few sketches."

[jlalafics]

things fictional couples do that make me lose my mind + writing prompts: n 14.

Hope you enjoy anon! This is totally unbeta’d as I have just finished it this morning! Happy Saturday!

14. when one of them has never had a proper birthday party for whatever reason, and their lover makes it their mission to give them the best day ever, followed by “you didn’t have to do all this for me. just being with you is enough.” “i know. but i thought you deserved?’’ and their lover smiles, a kiss is shared

_____

“I just never thought it was big deal.” Katniss picked at her plate of spaghetti. “To me, it’s just another day except I’m one year older.”

Peeta reached over, his hand covering hers from across their dining room table.

“That can’t be true,” he reasoned. “There must’ve been a time when you were actually excited about your birthday.”

Katniss sighed, looking at him warily before placing her fork down.

“Truth?” Peeta nodded and straightened himself so he could fully listen to her. “When I was seven, I decided I wanted to have a birthday party. So, my mom and I had invitations made and I handed them out during class. My parents decorated our apartment with streamers and a huge banner that my dad hand drew himself. We even got my favorite strawberry cake from a nearby bakery—a treat for us—since we didn’t have a lot of money.”

Peeta smiled, imagining a young Katniss, waiting excitedly for her party start.

“Then the day came…and no one showed up,” his girlfriend continued. “I waited for hours…until I fell asleep and my parents tucked me in bed. The next time I went to school, no one mentioned it. I cried all through lunch and finally, my teacher called my parents…it was a mess.”

“I’m so sorry.” Peeta stood and rounded the table, kneeling before her chair. “That’s horrible.”

“Later, I found out that some of the parents had an issue with bringing their kids to such a rough neighborhood,” Katniss told him. “I was a financial aid kid in a preparatory school. I didn’t belong and I learned that early. I also learned that birthdays are just another day and there is no need to make a big deal.”

“That is not true,” he declared. “And I’m going to prove it.”

Katniss looked to him suspiciously. “How?”

Peeta kissed the top of her head. “You’ll see.”

“Oh boy.” His girlfriend couldn’t help but grin. “That can’t be good.”

++++++

May 8th

Katniss awoke slowly, her eyes adjusting to light filtering through the blinds in their bedroom.

“Peeta—”

She turned to find her boyfriend’s side of the bed empty, his pillow cool. It wasn’t unusual. They had been living together for six months and even though it was a weekend, Peeta still got up early to pick up breakfast or even do a quick jog while she slept in.

Getting up, Katniss went to their adjoining bathroom, going through her morning ablutions. Her eyes closed in on her reflection, looking to see if there were any differences now that she was a full-fledge twenty-five-year-old.

Other than the slight line between her eyes—she glared way too much, according to her best friend, Johanna—Katniss found nothing different.

“Sweetheart, you awake?” Peeta called out from the living room. “Breakfast is ready!”

She smiled to herself, hearing the endearment. They had been together for a year, meeting at her friend Gale’s birthday party. Madge, Gale’s girlfriend, had invited her cousin to the party and that cousin was the man currently calling for her to join him for breakfast.

Was it love at first sight?

Perhaps.

Her breath might’ve caught slightly when Peeta had walked into the room. She had also briefly wondered if her outfit smelled like the coffee shop she was working at as Madge made the rounds to introduce Peeta to everyone.

As their eyes met during Madge’s introduction, Katniss knew that this man would change her life.

By the time they shook hands, she was a goner.

“Coming,” Katniss called out as she headed out and towards the living room. “I hope that you have coffee ready—” She froze, stopping at the archway leading into the front rooms. “What is this?”

Their living room was decorated in purple and yellow streamers connected by unicorns. Matching balloons floated on their ceiling while right above their couch was a weathered banner with ‘Happy Birthday Katniss!’ written on it.

“Happy birthday, love.” Peeta smiled tenderly at her, giving her a kiss, before placing a tiara with ‘Birthday Girl’ written in rhinestones atop her head. “Pancakes or waffles?”

“How did you know how my birthday party was decorated?” she cried out and her eyes widened at the banner. “And is that the actual banner that my dad made?”

Peeta guided her to their dining table. “I called your parents, and your mom sent a picture along with the banner. They kept it with all your other belongings.” He pulled out her chair and help his stunned girlfriend to her seat before pouring a cup of coffee, putting in a splash of milk and a spoonful of sugar—just how she liked it. “Also, she invited us for 4th of July at their place.”

“You called my parents?” she asked in surprise. “They haven’t even met you yet.”

“I went by Gale and Madge’s so I could Zoom them and introduce myself,” he explained. “Your mother looks really young for someone who has a grown daughter.”

“Why did you do this?” she asked, still in shock.

“Because you need a birthday do-over,” Peeta told her simply as he forked waffles onto her empty plate. “Eat up. We need to get going.”

She had already stuffed a waffle in her mouth.

“Where?”

++++++

“I thought you and I could try something new,” Peeta said as they walked through the park. “Your Dad mentioned that you used to do this together.”

“Why can’t I remember what it was?” Katniss said as he led her down a side road. “We did do a lot of things together…” He guided her into a gated enclosure, closing it behind them. “What is this? Are we about to run around here?”

“Nope.” Peeta walked over to a nearby tree—and pulled out an archery target. He came back with a bow and quiver of arrows. “We—or more appropriately, you—are going to shoot.”

“I haven’t done this in ages!” Katniss replied. However, her hands were already itching to get the bow. “This was something me and Dad used to do every weekend in the backyard.”

“But you had fun, right?” her boyfriend reasoned. “Birthdays are all about fun!”

Katniss chuckled at his exuberance thinking how adorably handsome he was.

And how hot that made her.

She took off her jean jacket, tossing it to the ground.

“Give me that bow.”

Peeta handed it over easily along with the quiver, watching as Katniss strapped the container to her back. He admired the strong line of her back as she walked away from the target and wondered for the millionth time how he even got a woman like her.

The moment Peeta saw Katniss at Gale’s party, he was a goner.

Peeta could barely get a word out as they shook hands, his eyes square on the beautiful woman before him. However, it wasn’t just her dark hair and smoky almond eyes that had him shook. There was a confidence in her that made her stand out like no other person in the room.

He was intimidated but also enamored.

Even now, Peeta was shocked that he even had the guts to ask her out on a date.

However, he thanked his lucky stars that he did and that Katniss accepted.

Katniss pulled back the string of the bow, hand firm on the grip before she released it with an exhale.

She grinned seeing that she managed to hit the bullseye.

“Thank you,” she breathed out. “I forgot how much I loved this.”

“Anything to see that smile on your face,” he told her.

“Get over here,” she called out.

“What?”

“You didn’t think that you were just going to watch me, right?” Katniss put a hand to her hip, her stare expectant. “You have to shoot at least once.”

Peeta shook his head as he joined her. “I have no idea what I’m doing.”

“Then, I’ll teach you.” She cocked her head at him playfully. “Come on.”

Katniss handed him the bow before removing the quiver and placing it on the ground.

“You’re going to hold here—” She held the bow, hand in the middle. “—this is the grip. The head of the arrow is positioned in the middle of it. You’ll line it up from head to the end of the arrow—the nock. Then you aim, pull back, and shoot. Easy, right?”

“Not even close to easy,” Peeta pointed out.

“I’ll help you.” Katniss reached for an arrow, helping him line it up to the nocking point. She moved behind Peeta, her hand moving over his to where he held the string, pressing her front against the line of his back. He smelled of juniper and she breathed him in. “Now, aim as you breathe in and pull the string back. Now exhale and let go.”

Peeta shivered at her words. However, he held firm, listening to her instructions.

“Breathe in—” He pulled the string back, her hand guiding him, his eyes on the target. “—and exhale.”

Peeta let go, his eyes shutting as he did.

It was silent, the only sound being the twittering of nearby birds.

“Well, fuck that!” He opened his eyes to find Katniss at the target. “You are closer than I am!”

Peeta joined her, examining his work, before beaming at his girlfriend.

“What do you think?” she asked, breathless at the sight of him.

He dropped the bow, gathering her in his arms.

“I think that—” His mouth brushed against hers. “—I need to have you right now.”

Katniss shook at his words. “Now?”

“Yes.” Peeta was already lowering her onto the grass, his lips traveling along the opening of her top. “Now.”

++++++

By late afternoon, they managed to make it to their next destination.

“I still have bits of grass in my hair,” Katniss said as Peeta parked their car.

“But do you regret it?” he asked her, his gaze sated.

She shook her head. “Not one bit.”

They both got out of the car, making sure their clothing was fixed and in place before Katniss looked up at their newest destination.

“Our first date.” Peeta wrapped his arms around her waist as they gazed up at the neon sign: Greasy Sae’s. “I had prepared myself to take you on a fancy date.”

“Instead, you got a girl who loves a greasy spoon,” Katniss replied. “I’m starving, let’s go—”

“Before we go in...”

Peeta cupped her face in his hands before kissing her fully.

Katniss fell against him, her palm to his chest to steady herself. She could already her knees getting weak; it happened the first time they kiss and a year later, it continued.

She knew then that he was the one.

“…I just wanted to get one more in.”

“What do you mean?” Katniss asked as they headed towards the entrance. Peeta pulled the door handle, ignoring her question and her glare. “Peeta Mellark—”

“SURPRISE!”

She gasped, her eyes moving over the crowd of people—just about every person that she and Peeta knew—before settling on the three in front of her.

“Mom? Dad? Prim?”

Her parents dove in first, both pulling her into their embrace.

“Happy birthday, baby,” her mom said, kissing her cheek.

“Growing more beautiful every year,” her dad added gruffly.

They pulled apart so Prim could jump into her arms.

“Happy birthday, sis!” Her younger sister held her tightly. “I’m really glad I get to spend today with you.”

Katniss stared in shock. “How did you even get here?”

“Peeta,” Prim informed her. Katniss looked over to her boyfriend who was chatting with Gale, Madge, and Johanna. “He flew me, Mom, and Dad in. It was all arranged last week.”

“He is unbelievable,” she said dazedly.

“Peeta is crazy into with you,” her sister declared softly. “I wouldn’t mind having him as a brother, you know.”

Katniss grinned as her eyes met Peeta’s. “I know.” He smiled; eyes soft at the sight of her. “One day.”

++++++

“First off, thank you for all coming,” Peeta said, as he stood in the seat of the booth.

His eyes looked over the crowd for people all grinning up at him. Katniss’ parents stood to one side along with his own parents, who come into the city to attend the party and meet her parents. It seemed like the quartet were getting along, agreeing to brunch together the next morning. Prim was at a table with Gale, Madge, and Thresh, his co-worker at the office. The man was obviously into Katniss’ golden-haired sister.

Johanna, Katniss’ best friend, was also in attendance. She sat with Annie, who was Johanna’s cousin, and Finnick, her husband. Katniss along with the two women often went on girls’ nights while he and Finnick would hang out at the apartment playing video games or watching a movie.

Peeta realized that he and Katniss lived a full life together.

“Just make babies already!” Johanna called out, a wide grin on her sharp face.

“Also, I just wanted to say that we wouldn’t be here—eating diner food and drinking milkshakes—if this amazing, beautiful woman sitting before me wasn’t born,” Peeta continued, his eyes looking to Katniss, who shone brightly before him.

“But not before putting a ring on it!” Annie added, before toasting her milkshake glass against her cousin’s.

Peeta’s complexion reddened at their words though he couldn’t help but wink back at the women.

“Anyway, before Katniss goes running for the hills, I just wanted to toast to my beautiful girlfriend.” Their eyes met. “Thank you for being born and for making my life nothing short of spectacular.” He raised his soda glass. “To Katniss!”

The crowd echoed his sentiment: “To Katniss!”

Peeta stepped down and went to his girlfriend, holding out his hand.

“Dance with me?”

Katniss stood. “There’s no music.”

“Tonight you're mine completely…”

“You were saying?”

They went a clearing in the middle, Peeta wrapping an arm around her as her arms circled his neck.

Katniss grinned. “I can’t believe that you remember the song—”

“The song that played the first time we kissed?” Peeta pulled her in closer. He placed a soft kiss on her neck. “Of course, I remember. I remember every single moment since we’ve met.”

“I can’t believe you did all this for me,” his girlfriend replied, her grey eyes shining. “You didn’t have to do all this for me. Just being with you is enough.”

“I know, but I thought you deserved to have a birthday that gave you good memories,” he told her. “This is the birthday that we’re going to remember. The one that we’ll look back on when we’re old and grey. The one that we tell our children about.”

Peeta dared to look into her eyes. They had never discussed their future; he could only hope that’s where they were heading.

Katniss was grinning, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“The one we tell our children?” She nodded. “I like the sound of that.”

Then, their lips met and there was nothing else but their dance and the sound of The Shirelles from the nearby jukebox.

“I'd like to know that your love

Is love I can be sure of

So tell me now and I won't ask again

Will you still love me tomorrow…”

++++++

Katniss’ mouth ran along the line of Peeta’s neck as she slammed him against the surface of their front door. Her hands ran along the hem of his shirt, moving underneath to feel his bare skin.

“Baby…” Peeta groaned, his knees almost caving at the rush of pleasure hit him. He shakily reached for his keys, attempting to unlock the door. Katniss wrapped her arms around him, breasts pressed against his back, and her hands already unbuttoning his jeans. “…oh fuck…”

He turned the knob and they fell into their apartment in a rush of limbs.

“I made a strawberry cake…” Peeta pushed off her jean jacket, his mouth pressing to hers. “…just like the one you had for your birthday.”

“That’s so sweet—” Katniss yanked her dress over her head. “—let’s have it after I thank you for the best birthday ever.”

“The cake can wait.” He scooped her up and her arms wrapped his neck as she kissed up to his ear. “This cannot.”

A platinum diamond ring sat in the drawer of his side table.

He guessed that would have to wait for after as well.

FIN.

Music: “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”-The Shirelles

[hamliet]

hey there :) what is your interpretation of the initial ending of 139 with the birdwrap scene? I took it as Mikasa being eternally in love with Eren, and only Eren. I know people find new loves & all that but some don't so I don't think they're immature for chosing the second option. I thought seeing Mikasa "I want to see you again" & the bird fulfilling E's promise was meant to be seen as exactly that. For some reason the new additional pages also include a second "the end" in the last panel

I think this is a fine interpretation, but it certainly wasn’t mine. I interpreted it as her healing and knowing Eren is always with her because he saved her. I don’t think it had anything to do with her future in terms of prediction, other than that Eren would always be a vitally important presence in her life, which he was indeed. The world’s beauty reminds her of Eren, which is lovely.

You can interpret things however you wish! To me there’s nothing specific indicating “only Eren” as a definitively accurate assessment of the scene. Clearly that wasn’t intended to be the message, but there’s nothing wrong with your interpretation, nor is it inherently wrong to assume she would move on, marry (probably Jean), and have the family she always wanted, which is what I headcanoned would happen based on other scenes.

I also would say that I think Mikasa staying “only Eren” seemed to me... slightly OOC? for her--not immature for sure, but didn’t necessarily fit with her character, though it was not like a definite either way. It would have worked if there were time devoted to showing her with friends and such, but in a speechless epilogue, kids are like, the most tried and true trope for showing a character moving on, plus she’d always wanted family. It is again like Katniss having kids in the epilogue of The Hunger Games--I get why people would rather that have been left up to each reader to decide, but it also made sense for her character even if not like, an ultimate defining moment of her arc. Since I like certainty, I’m happy with it, but I do get why people prefer it ambiguous, and if it makes you feel better, just ignore the new pages!

I’m sorry, I’m not quite sure whether you're asking for my validation on your interpretation, or if you’re arguing this was the correct interpretation, etc. I’m sorry for the confusion but this is my best guess to answer what you’re asking! 

[apparently-i-like-mcyts-now]

HHHHH IM LATE

TFTSMP: Haunted Mansion liveblog

oooh tubbo and ranboo are twins JFIDOKE

dream is francis?? okey

PORKUMS FJJSIWKJEF NOOO

OH MY GOD THIS IS ACTUALLY REALLY FUNNY

Francis really wants to fight man,,,

Gump!!!

3 and a half stars airbnb lets go

Francis really wants to throw hands

truth or dare??

oh its duck duck goose

GOTTA GO FAST

god the foreshadowing

ASH IS A GAMBLER JFJFIOSOW

all of them trash talking karl,, L

noooo gump is getting bullied :[

NOOOO GUMP

FRANCIS LMAO

He TOOK A SHOWER LAST MONTH???????

HUH GLATT????

BAD DECISIONS JGJFIOSOWKD ASH AND ZACHARY ARE THE BEST

chat going fragrance man

GLATT

the twins are the best characters fight me

GLATT IS A LANDLORD

"WHAT IS THAT STUPID HAT"

also mantopia????

THE TWINS GOD I LOVE THEM HHHHHH

rash,,,,, god

ASH REALLY DOESNT WANT TO STAND UP

ZACHARY,,,, ICONIC

GEORGE IS STILL RUNNING,,,,

GLATT,,,,,

"hes got stick knees",,,, the twins

porkums is 36 years old

poor gump nooo

uh,,,

bitcoin,,,

and glatt is once again an alcoholic

gump and rash,,, what are these names

ZACHARY IS THE BEST BOI

OH DAMN THE BUILDS,,,

the twins in the background

"My castle"

oh gosh the builds,,,

francis Really wants to throw hands

hhhhhh what the hell??

SCHLATT'S LAUGH JFOEOWOD

WHAT IS THE VERY SPECIAL BUTTON

THE TWINS IN THE BACKGROUND HFJDKEKG

(take a shot of water everytime i talk abt the twins)

"HE'S SENILE" OH MY GOD

"All the cool kids were doing it, i just wanna be popular :["

"BYE CONNER" "HAVE FUN" TWINS

connor is gone crabrave

"SIMP"

they dipped UDUSIIQJWKF

FRANCIS IS SUCH A DICK FJJDJEJEJF

SCHLATT IS SO FUNNY???

the twins really are the best

PORKUMS,,,,,,

THE TWINS REALLY WANT CANDY, HUH?

ZACHARY SUPREMACY

porkums is gone crabrave

the twins want haribos

"Connor brought us all together--where are they going?"

HFJDIKSJEKFI HE FELLL RASH NOOOO

THE TWINS,,,,

GUMP NOOO

nvm scchlatt saved him

ZACHARY AND ASH'S COMMENTARY IS SO FUNNY TO ME

NOOOOO GUMP

mans

"We should invest in landmines." "Yeah we can ask landmines for christmas"

1 in 7.5 TRILLION

THE SPEEDRUN MUSIC

FRANCIS CHEATING ARC /J

HHHHHHH

FRANCIS IS A SIMP

gumps bday pog

FRANCIS REALLY WANTS TO THROW HANDS

RASH FJKSKWKEG

EVERYONES SCREAMING

ASH MY BOI

ITS A BATTLE ROYALE

THIS IS JUST CHAOS

THEYRE JUST FULL OF ARROWS,,,,

THE TWINS ARE SO FUNNY

FRANCIS JUST WANTS TO THROW HANDS

GLATT

GREG IS SO BAD,,,,,

OH GOD

GJOSOWKEKOFOG THEYRE TOO CHAOTIC TOGETHER

"hi ash" "hi zachary" "i have lots of arrows" "mmhm"

Hhhhh the wifi

Poll pog which means someone dies

porkums is winning the poll

eyo no ads not subscribed check

chat has decided that the twins had to survive no matter what

PORKUMS IS GONNA DIE

FRANCIS WOKE UP AND CHOSE VIOLENCE

JSCHLATT'S DEMONIC VOICE

HHHHHHHHHHH

OH GOD

PORKUMS IS GONE CRABRAVE

bababooey

THE SPEEDRUN MUSIC

NOOO GUMP

BAHHAHAHAHAHHAH GUMP NOOOO

DUDUDUUDUDUDUDU

HFJFIKWJEF SCHLATT,,,

FRANCIS REALLY TOOK THAT MINECART

YO THIS IS SO SCUFFED JFIFISIJEJF

THEY BROKE THE RAILS

GUMP

THEYRE STILL ON THE CARTS,,,,

chat has come to a consensus: do Not kill the twins

JOEY IS POPPING OFF IM LOVE HIM

POOR JOEY FJFJIDIWKW

FRANCIS FELL OFF FJJDKWKEJG

this is so scuffed

"ope there i go" twins my beloved

FRANCIS HAS EXPERIENCE JRIEIWKMRKG

wow

zachary is smart :]

francis parkour god

WIPEOUT POGGERS

wait the BACHELOR??????

man karl really flirts with all of sapnap's characters huh.

LMAO ALL OF CHAT IS GOING KRASH

SOMEONE EDIT THEM WITH THE SUGAR CRASH THINGY

omg poll number 2

istg if the twins get voted off i will scream

ISTG

HHHHHHHH DONT VOTE ASH

DO NOT SEPARATE THEM

Francis is winning the second poll

FRANCIS IS GONNA DIE

G L A T T

francis is gone crabrave

SOMEONE IN CHAT SAID KATNISS EVERDREAM JFJFIDKKEKEJG

FRANCIS EVERDREAM

"I miss his mustache already"

NO NOT ASH

WAIT ZACHARY IS GONE HELP NO

NOOOOO I AM ACTUALLY SAD

WAIT ASH EAIT NOOOOOO

THEYRE BOTH GONE NOOOO

oh ash is back

G LA TT

WE MISS ZACHARY

chat is sobbing rn

hhhhhhh ash is upset yall i hate this

RASH BEST FRIEND POG

LMAOO THEY REALLY JUST BE TROLLING GREG HUH

LMAOOOO

oooof

Potions

"i cant swim. wait nvm im a jock i can swim"

EGG?????

EGGGGG?????

theyre besties your honor

Poll time uh oh

I HAD TO STOP LIVEBLOGGING BC I HAT TO EAT LUNCH

greg is gone crabrave

dadschlatt jfjckc

THIS SO SCUFFED

MY GOD

OOOOOOOOH SAVE THEM PLEASE

DO NOT SEPARATE THE TWINS AGAIN

THEYRE DEAD

NOOOOO ZACHARY

ASH IN THE BACKGROUND HUHUHYHUHHU

THEYRE UNDEAD

OH MY GOD THE BOOK

OH MY GOD THE BOOK

iS THE BOOK??

BOOK??

HHEH??

Or???

Are they not dead??

huh???

either way the twins are united again :]

THE TWINS

awww glatt is lonely :[[

oh gosh

heh??

oh god duduududududu

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE LORE LMAOOOOOOO

its a good end poggers

IN BETWEEN POG

1st book: titled 1

ThE BOOK HAS A LITTLE :] the author is happy that karl is back i think

NOTHER BOOK!! Its titled 2

MORE THINGS ABT THE INBETWEEN

bedroom pog

THERE ARE MULTIPLE KARLS?

uhoh

third book is titled ????? and it says find a way into the portal

its more important than you know

next book has dont stray from the path written repeatedly

book 5 is titled 3

Apparently the inbetween is for all time travellers

oh god i thought he was gonna jump

6th book, titled ???? says to go under the tree

You cant afford not to

7th book says the same thing as book number 6

yo the birch tree,,

THERES A PRESSURE PLATE INSIDE THE POND

8th books says thank god you found it

9th says dont trust the castle and stuff its going to fast for me to type

OH THERES A ROW OF BOOKS IN FRONT OF THE TREE

all of them seem to say just stick to the path repeatedly

another book, this one titled 4

Its calls the inbetween beautiful and a time traveller's dream

credits!!!!

[bywhatilove]

Mockingjay Reread (the 2nd half)/ rewatch of Mockingjay Part two Thoughts

Warning: I have ALOT of thoughts concerning Mockingjay part two

Josh Hutcherson doesn’t get NEARLY enough credit for playing hijacked Peeta. No one could have done it like he did. Same goes with Jen in how she brought the many, many character layers of Katniss alive.

and while we are on the topic of acting- I know Jen and Josh don’t really match their character’s book descriptions but, they both did SUCH a good job at bringing Katniss and Peeta alive. I truly can’t imagine anyone else playing Katniss and Peeta as far as acting goes.

UGH I could really write a whole thesis paper on the character’s differing perspectives about how far is too far when it comes to your actions in war time. That is a component of Mockingjay that is so fascinating to me.

There are so many instances in Mockingjay when you can see that Katniss really is just a seventeen year old girl who should not have been placed in this position. And, when I remember that I’m the same age that Katniss and Peeta are in Mockingjay? It makes me realize just how powerful this story really is.

Definition of heartbreak: “All I know is I would have saved myself a lot of suffering if I had just given that bread to pig” no, seriously, look heartbreak up in the dictionary, that’s the actual definition

Finnick, Johanna, Katniss and Peeta is the ot4 I deserved and I will NEVER not be bitter I didn’t get it

The shot of Katniss and Prim dancing at the wedding is so heart wrenching because you know it’s one of the last moments they ever have together.

Katniss showing her little self up after hiding on the hovercraft and trying to stay unseen while everyone stops and stares will never not be funny to me

Finnick being kind to Peeta and looking out for him while everyone else tries and avoids him will always warm my heart. They are the Brotp I deserved.

“You’re a painter. You’re a baker. You always sleep with the windows open...” excuse me while I go cry in a corner

“Clearly some alliances don’t last forever.” CEASER FLICKERMAN HOW DARE YOU. I was rooting for you. We were all rooting for you.

“That’s what you and I do. We keep each other alive” That line hits differently because they’ve been doing that since they were 11.

Finncik? Odair? Died? No. He’s alive and well and living with Annie and their son in four. I don’t know who just died but it definitely wasn’t my man finnick.

“Stay with me. Always.” Do I need to say anything else?

“If you end this, all those deaths, they mean something.” Peeta’s speech in Tigresses basement is the first sign that the real Peeta is back. It’s one of my favorite parts in the movie.

“If I see you again, it’s going to be a different world.” Arguably my favorite everlark moment of the entire series- either book or movie. At this point, they know it’s the end of something, rather that be the end of the capital’s regime or the end of the districts rebellion. They both know that what happens within the next couple of hours, ultimately decides their fate. And after everything they’ve been through together, this could really be the last time they see each other and they know that.

The image of the capitol children being forcibly removed from their parents, and then the parachutes drop and everyone just assumes they are gifts...it hurts.

Prim dying is something that I really don’t have any words for. This whole story started with Katniss protecting her sister from probable death. And for prim to die in the very last moments of the revolution? It’s terrible.

The fact that there were 75 victors , and only seven were still alive in the end blows my mind.

Snow’s talk with Katniss in the rose garden always gives me goosebumps.

I’ll admit it- I’m not Gale’s biggest fan. But he deserved a better ending. His and Katniss’ friendship deserved a better ending.

Headcanon- Peeta and Annie routinely check up on each other via letters and phone calls post war and Annie eventually visits district 12 with her kid and Johanna

Was it too hard to include the “let me go. I can’t” dialogue? Seriously, it would have took like three seconds

Katniss’ depression when she is locked up in the training center after killing Coin and when she returns to 12 absolutely breaks my heart. She’s only 17 and she went through so much. Katniss deserved only the best.

“The life of a victor.” Effie Trinket, I adore you.

“We’re fickle, stupid beings with poor memories and a great gift for self-destruction.” One of my favorite quotes from the entire series.

The Katniss and Peeta theme that always plays over their scenes together is so beautifully composed. James Newton Howard is a genius.

“You love me. Real or not Real?” “Real” maybe I cry everytime. maybe I do, and thats okay.

Katniss goes from seeking Peeta’s comfort because of nightmares to seeking his comfort because she genuinely just wants to be with him, and I think that’s beautiful.

Anytime I see anyone complain that Katniss having children/ending up with Peeta is OOC and shouldn’t have happened, I have to physically reframe myself from fighting them.

“But there are much worse games to play” is the perfect way to end the series. Suszanne Collins, you may have caused me emotional trauma, but you are a genius and I’ll forever be grateful that you created my favorite story.

As you can tell, I have a lot of thoughts/emotions when it comes to this series. Seriously, I have a lot. So if anyone ever wants to talk about it with me, don’t be afraid to reach out.

[kriscme]

One Life to Live

Hi, so now we come to the end.  The final two chapters.  Thanks to everyone who’s been following this story.  It can be read on AO3 too.  My name is Kris22 there.  As always, thanks to Ronja for allowing me to write fanfic of her Hunger Games fanfic “The Chance You Didn’t Take” available on AO3 and Fanfiction.  And thanks to Loueze for her encouragement and support.  Chapter 37 By the time the television crew was due to arrive, Peeta and I were as convincingly in love as two people could possibly be.  Of course, it was helped a great deal by the fact that we actually were.  Even so, we were hardly looking forward to our private lives becoming public again and cameras following us around as we went about our daily routine.  We worried about how intrusive it might be. Cressida had promised it would be tasteful, but the Capitol idea of tasteful can be very different from the districts.  I was afraid that it might be like that show I once saw on television about a houseful of people under constant surveillance.  They couldn’t even shower in privacy.  Would it be like that for Peeta and me?  Would they follow us into the bedroom?  Expect us to perform?  Our one consolation was that we’d be left alone once filming had ended and we vowed to ourselves that we’d do nothing newsworthy for the rest of our lives.   The day came. The house had been cleaned and tidied.  Everything was where it was supposed to be to reflect a couple who lived together as romantic partners.  Buttercup was bathed and freshly groomed.  I had the scratches to prove it.  Peeta, always considerate, had baked an assortment of breads for the crew, although I told him he shouldn’t bother.  At 7 am everything was in readiness.  10 am came and went.   And then 11 am.   At 2 pm we were still waiting.   At 4 pm we wondered if we’d got our dates wrong.   It was 6 pm when Haymitch finally got around to telling us.  They weren’t coming.  At all.   The video Remus took had violated victor media protection.  I had been filmed without my consent, wasn’t engaged in illegal activity and hadn’t voided my own protection by taking on a public role or seeking publicity.  Plutarch knew this but gambled that in our ignorance, we could be coerced into co-operating.  And once filming had started, our media protection was automatically revoked, since we had clearly consented to it.   It took only one phone call from Haymitch to President Paylor to have it sorted.   I suppose it’s of some consolation that Plutarch was severely reprimanded and threatened with dismissal.  And that he was also out of pocket for the purchase of the video and pre-production costs. As for Haymitch, I couldn’t decide whether to thank him or kill him.  He had certainly saved us from our lives being turned into a media circus for a second time but he’d let us have the worry of it for a whole week.  Peeta calmed me down and reminded me that it had brought us together.  Haymitch’s defense was that he was sick to death of our crap and wanted an end to it. He thought that a week of living together would get us sort out our differences and he was proven right.   I argued that it would have happened anyway, although I had to concede probably not as quickly.  With that in mind, I decided to let him live.   The year rolls around.  Peeta doesn’t move back into his house. It was never discussed; it was simply taken for granted.  We keep busy.  Peeta still works at the bakery as a specialist cake decorator.  He’s a partner now.  The sign above the new premises reads “Carter and Mellark Bakery and Patisserie.”  I teach at the school and on weekends I hunt. Marcus wrote to ask if I was interested in culling pest species such as wild dog and feral pig.  I jumped at it.  It seems you can be a hunter and a conservationist.   Haymitch works at the council and raises geese, which he does a pretty good job of considering he’s inebriated most of the time. We attend two weddings and one toasting.   Arthur and Lace don’t wait long before they tie the knot, or to be more accurate, thread the needle. Predictably, it was the source of much hilarity for Max, who was also invited.  At least he refrained from making jokes until after the ceremony.  I enjoyed catching up with Sateen and her husband Roy. They have a little boy.  They called him Felt.   Poor kid.   The second wedding was Octavia and Thom’s. Octavia made a beautiful bride with her rich auburn hair and fresh complexion.  Venia’s fear that their past as prep team to the Games would jeopardize their position in 12 proved needless.  Everyone knew who they were.  They’d seen them on television.  Flavius’s bright orange hair and Venia’s facial tattoos made them easily recognizable. But people had moved on.  They were tired of holding onto resentments – especially for three harmless beauty therapists whose former “victim” still willingly availed herself of their services.   The toasting was ours.  One day, we just did it.  There was no planning, no prior understanding that we’d have one.  It was the middle of winter.  We were snowed in and confined to the house.  Peeta got a roaring fire going and we picnicked in front of it using odds and ends from the pantry.  We had some stale bread to use up and toasted it by the fire.  He’d hold the toasting fork with a piece of bread to the flames and offer it to me when it was done.  The significance of it entered our heads at the very same moment. It was just a look followed by a kiss. Nothing needed to be said.  One day we might make it official, but for us we’re more married than any piece of paper or big party could make us.   Johanna won the election for District 7 mayor. She’s kept very busy but we talk on the telephone regularly.  She’s coming to visit 12 for a few days next month.   Doubtless she’ll be as disruptive as ever.  But sometimes we can use a little stirring up.  That’s what Johanna says anyway.  She takes full credit for getting Peeta and me back together and I can’t say she’s entirely wrong.   And we had a visit from my mother!  I had her possessions shipped to her home in District 4 and it seemed to have jolted something inside her, because soon after she was making plans to travel here.   It was a short visit.  She was nervous about coming here, of the memories it could evoke.  But aside from the Village, there’s nothing left of the old Twelve.  The debris from the bombs has long since been cleared away, new buildings have replaced the old, and the grass grows long and thick over the meadow.   We had a long talk about her reasons for not joining me in Twelve after I’d been released from the Capitol.  She feared being pulled down into a depression along with me.   I understood.  When you’re in the grip of it, you can see no way out.  My mother, having recovered once, was deathly afraid that she wouldn’t recover a second time.  And since misery feeds on misery, she would likely have only made mine worse.   Peeta is somewhere in the house repairing the painting of the primrose he did for me.  I don’t visit Prim in her room anymore except for that one time I when I wanted to tell her about my toasting with Peeta.   She wasn’t there.  She hasn’t been for a long time.  It was then I realized that Prim doesn’t reside in any particular place.  She’s with me every time I think of her.  I took down the primrose painting from the top of the dresser.  It belongs somewhere where I will see it every day.   I had an idea for a book, similar to my family’s plant book.   It’s to preserve the happy memories of the people we’ve lost.   Lady licking Prim’s cheek, what Cinna could do with a length of silk.  In my best handwriting, I carefully record all the details it would be a crime to forget and accompany it with a photo if we have one, or a sketch or painting by Peeta. There are photos of Finnick strewn across the dining table as I try to make my mind up on which one to use - a publicity shot that shows off Finnick’s sea-green eyes or a photo taken of himself and Annie at their wedding.   “Katniss, I was looking for some kind of adhesive tape to fix the painting and I found this letter in one of the drawers in the study.  It was addressed to me, so I opened it.” I look up, wondering what Peeta’s talking about.  He holds the painting in one hand and a sheet of paper in the other.  He leans the painting up against a wall and then pulls out one of the dining room chairs to sit across from me.  He lays the letter down in front of him.  I immediately recognize the handwriting on it as my own.  It’s the first letter I wrote to him after the mayor’s party before I thought better of it and wrote a second.  But not before putting it in an envelope and stuffing it in a drawer.  I’d forgotten all about it.   I try to snatch the letter away but he swiftly puts it out of my reach.  “Dear Peeta,” he reads. “I’m writing to you because – ““You don’t have to read it.  I know what’s in it,” I say.  “Give it back.”  I make another grab for it but he’s too fast. “. . . because I’m sure to get it wrong, or miss something important if I do this face to face.” He stops reading and hands me the letter.  I take it from him, refold it, and slip it beneath the memory book, hoping against hope, that this will prevent any more mention of it. “Did you really want to break off all contact with me?” he asks, frowning.  “I didn’t think it ever got that bad.  When?  Why?” I sigh. Why didn’t I throw the damn letter out? “It was after the mayor’s party.  I was very upset when I wrote it.  And then I had second thoughts and wrote you another. That’s the one I slipped under your door.  I’d forgotten about this one.” He gives his head a shake. “I don’t understand. Nothing happened that night.  Not between us, anyway.  Did someone say something?  Was it Max?”  His lips thin in anger.  “That – “ “No,” I say quickly.  “It was nothing Max did.” I let out a breath, and plough forward. “It was something you did.  You and Lace.  It was when you sneaked off to have sex.” There’s a moment of stunned silence.  “What?” “You know what I mean.  I saw it all.  Well, not all, but I did see the two of disappear through those swinging double doors only the staff used.   And when you came back, Lace’s hair was all mussed. And if you didn’t have sex exactly, it was something close.  That was really tacky, Peeta.  Civilized people have more decorum than to do that.  Civilized people wait until they get home.  Civilized people – “ “Katniss, we didn’t sneak off for sex. Cass invited me to see the kitchens once the dessert course was over.  That’s where we went.”   Oh.  I guess that’s a reasonable explanation.  But that dream had been so vivid.  “Then why was Lace’s hair messed up?” “Was it?  I don’t know.  I don’t remember anything different about her.  We went to see the kitchen, Cass showed us around, and then we came out. Nothing else happened.”   “But it was sticking out,” I insist.  I know what I saw.   The scene plays again in my head.  I was at the bar with Haymitch and Max, sampling shots of whisky and getting drunker and more agitated by the minute.  Agonizing over what they could be doing.  Kissing, fondling each other, maybe even fucking. “And then you didn’t even look to see if I was still there when you came back,” I add in a small pitiful voice.  It sounds so pathetic, saying it aloud.  It’s a trivial reason for cutting someone out of your life. Just because they didn’t look for you when they came into a room.   But after everything, that’s what tipped it over for me.  What finally made me give up hope and decide to end it. He reaches across the table to take one of my hands.  “Katniss, look at me.” I turn my face away, and he gives my hand a tug.  I reluctantly meet his gaze.  His eyes look earnestly into mine.  “I can’t explain the hair, okay?  But I can tell you what I do remember about that night.” He pauses, as if waiting for my approval before he proceeds.  I shrug.   “Go ahead.” He closes his eyes for a few seconds.  “You, looking so beautiful in your Cinna dress.  And me, assailed by memories of other entrances and other gowns.  Being dragged around by Lace from one boring conversation to another, unable to resist looking around to see what you were doing.  And Max, who didn’t leave your side for a minute unless it was to get you another drink. I was jealous of him without knowing why but attributed it to a fear of losing your friendship.” He pauses and adds, “At the time, you didn’t seem very happy with me.”I feel a twinge of remorse.  He’s right.  I was often moody and distant with him.  The tape viewings weren’t going as I wanted and I’d recently learned of a pattern book he was making for Lace, similar to my family’s plant book.  “You seemed to be having such a good time together, at dinner and on the dance floor. So, when we came back into the ballroom, I just didn’t want to be reminded of it.  I kept my head down and headed for the nearest group of people.  And then I did my best not to think about you.  I’m sorry.   I hurt you and used Lace to hide from my feelings.  But that’s the truth, awful as it is.”   But not nearly as awful as what I’d convinced myself of.   I don’t know what to say.  I feel so foolish.  So much anger and pain for something that existed only in my imagination.   And I’d also assumed that Peeta’s willingness to help me with the Marcus thing was due, in some part, to either empathy or guilt for having being in a similar situation himself. “No, I’m the awful one for jumping to conclusions.  I thought the worst.  You’d never be so crass as to do something like that.  I owe you an apology.  I should never – “ “You don’t owe me anything,” he says, interrupting me before I can go further.   “In fact, the opposite is true.  You wouldn’t have thought it if I hadn’t given you reason to.” He reaches across for the memory book and flips through the pages we’ve done so far.  My father. Peeta’s father.  Boggs.  It stops on Rue.  Peeta has drawn her poised on her toes, arms slightly extended, like a bird about to take flight.  There’s a reason why I asked him to portray her like this.  It’s how I want to remember her.  You can’t change the past, but you can bring the best of it into the future.   “Let’s make a deal.  Only good memories for us from now on.  Like this book you’re working on.”   He walks over to where I’m sitting to pull me out of my chair.  “Now come show me where you want this painting hung.”  I take him into the living room.  It’s the room we use most and where I’ll see it every day.   As I decide where to place it exactly, Peeta comes to stand at my back to hug me from behind.  I lean back against his broad chest and luxuriate in the strong arms that encircle me.   My dandelion in the spring.  The lullaby that Prim liked as a baby comes to mind.   Here it’s safe, here it’s warmHere the daisies guard you from every harmHere your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them trueHere is the place where I love you. “I was thinking over the mantle?  Or maybe on the far wall . . .”    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 38 Lace’s story: what happened on the night of the mayor’s party.   It wasn’t fair!  This was supposed to have been her night.   She had been looking forward to it for weeks ever since Peeta casually mentioned it on one of their date nights.  The mayor’s inauguration party was to be the biggest social event in District 12 in living memory.  All the important and influential people in the district would be there.  For ambitious Lace, it was invaluable in terms of creating contacts and securing the kind of clientele that could afford to buy her evening wear, a design niche she wanted to develop.   Besides, she dearly loved a party and she hadn’t been to one in ages.  The last one had been the district party where she had met Peeta for the first time.   He didn’t remember it though.   That was fortunate since she had come to District 12 for a new life and a new identity and didn’t want her past in District 8 compromising it in any way.   Since she was to be her best advertisement, she put a great deal of thought and effort into her gown.  She hadn’t much money saved but she splurged the lot on pale yellow satin and then spent many hours making it up.   The final touch was a trip to the salon to have her hair colored and styled.  It was an extravagance, keeping up the hair color.  But she loved it and it formed something of a disguise as it was subtly different from the typical ash brown of the natives of her home district.   As she entered the ballroom, Lace felt she was at the beginning of an exciting new phase.  After a slow start, her business had gained momentum and she was making a steady income.   A few family members had also made the move to 12 which added to her sense of security.  But best of all, was the man on whose arm she clung.  How did she get so lucky?  Peeta Mellark!  Her teenage crush.  The romantic heartthrob whose posters had adorned her bedroom wall.  The boy she had married in her dreams every night.  What a fortuitus twist of fate it had been that day when he came into her shop to have a coat made.  A flirtation had led to a date at a restaurant and then another, until she could now, without exaggeration, call him her boyfriend! True, he wasn’t quite what she had expected.  He seemed a bit aimless, and he liked activities she had outgrown, like hanging out at the ice-cream parlor and the swimming pool, but he was Peeta Mellark!   And he really was so sweet and considerate with his little romantic gestures and compliments to her beauty.  He told her she was a wonder.  And the more she kissed and flattered and stroked, the more wonderful she became.  It was a mutual admiration society that she was more than happy to live in.  The one blot on her happiness was Katniss Everdeen.  Lace had mixed feelings about meeting her. Katniss was intimidating.  Her reputation as romantic heroine, fearless symbol of the Rebellion, skillful warrior and (privately thought by most of the populace) savior from another Snow, preceded her.  But most intimidating of all was her relationship with Peeta.  He talked about her all the time. Not in a romantic sense, it was true, but it was clear she occupied a great deal of his thoughts.  The Games had been mandatory viewing and Lace, like everyone in Panem, had watched Peeta gaze at Katniss with love in his eyes.  But Peeta had an explanation for that.  It had been an illusion.  He thought he had been in love with her, but it turned out that he was in love with his idea of her, rather than who she really is.  But now he thought of her as very good friend with whom he shared an unbreakable bond.  As for Katniss, well, she had never loved him.  It had all been an act on her part. That should have been reassuring.  And it was.  Sort of.  But Peeta had lost many of his memories and what was left was distorted, so how could he be certain? But what gave her most pause wasn’t Peeta.  It was Katniss.  It was clear at the first meeting that Katniss didn’t like her.  Katniss wasn’t rude, but she was cool, even giving her the once over when they were first introduced.  And when Lace and Peeta discussed a housewarming gift from the two of them for Lace’s brother, a shadow passed over Katniss’s face.  It was subtle but unmistakable.  Katniss wasn’t as disinterested in Peeta as Peeta made out. That’s why Lace gatecrashed the tape viewings.  If there was anything going on, she wanted to know about it.  She didn’t trust Katniss one inch.  Unfortunately, the second of the tapes triggered the memory of a traumatic incident for Lace and she reacted hysterically.  Peeta asked her not to attend anymore and she had no choice but to do as he said.   However, despite Peeta watching video tape of hugs and kisses and romantic slow dancing at Capitol parties, nothing changed between herself and Peeta.  If Peeta had ever loved Katniss, it appeared that he no longer did.   Even Leevy’s revelations in the salon that day didn’t worry her for long.  So what if the star-crossed lovers had been real?  It still aligned with Peeta’s version.  What had happened in the Games and during the tours was before Peeta had realized his true feelings for Katniss.  And she’d already guessed that Katniss was in love with him.   The party was everything Lace had dreamed of. So elegant. The women in evening gowns, the men in dinner suits.  Waiters with silver trays laden with flutes of sparkling champagne. The tables resplendent with starched white tablecloths and napkins and gleaming cutlery.  She turned to Peeta to kiss his cheek. “Thank you so much for bringing me,” she said. “You really are the best boyfriend.”  He brushed her lips with his and gave her a fond smile.  “Only because I have the best girlfriend,” he replied.   She beamed and squeezed his arm.  She could hardly recall a happier moment.   And then Katniss Everdeen arrived.  Lace’s practiced eye immediately recognized her gown as haute couture.  Cinna, probably.  Deep blue, the bodice studded thickly with diamonds – were they real? – with a strapless sweetheart neckline and more diamonds scattered on the skirt.  It dazzled and Katniss dazzled with it.  Luxuriant dark hair cascading down her back in loose curls.  Smooth olive skin, fine features and those surprising eyes.  Silvery gray, the colour of storm clouds.  She had a man for each arm.  The school teacher Max Matson, who all the girls agreed was very good looking if you could get past his personality, and – it couldn’t be – Arthur!  Lace’s friend who adored her since they were children together.  She knew he was coming tonight but not with her!  She felt the arm beneath her fingers stiffen and her glance swiftly turned to his face.  Peeta appeared stunned, his mouth gaping slightly.  There was admiration, certainly, but also something darker and more sinister.  Recognition. A memory, perhaps several, had resurfaced.   Lace’s happiness dimmed as if a cloud had passed across the sun.  But she rallied, pulling Peeta quickly along to greet the new mayor and his wife who were momentarily on their own.  Lace was in her element.  She was a natural networker.  She loved to interact with people and was always searching for opportunities.  Peeta seemed a little distracted though. Looking around, not quite keeping up with the conversation.   She followed his gaze, and it led directly to Katniss Everdeen, who, no surprise, was looking directly at him.  They both looked quickly away, but that was of no comfort.  It was clear that they were on each other’s mind. Meanwhile, she was pleased to observe, Arthur had detached himself from Katniss and was busy working the room too.  Now there was a man with get-up-and-go.  He didn’t let his natural reserve get in the way of achieving his ambitions.  Lace waved him over and he changed direction to come to her side.  Soon they were talking business, a fascinating subject for them both. She didn’t notice how restless Peeta was during the exchange. Dinner was announced and everyone made their way to their allocated seats.  Unfortunately, theirs was a dull table and not even Lace’s pearly laugh could liven it up. A burst of laughter from nearby grabbed her attention.  Arthur and Haymitch seemed to be at the center of it.  It caught Peeta’s attention too.  He seemed envious, it appeared to Lace.  But whether it was over the entertaining company or because Katniss was seated there too, she couldn’t tell. After the food had been served, people resumed their mingling, moving from table to table. Peeta wanted to talk to Katniss.  Ordinarily, Lace wouldn’t feel particularly threatened by this.  Over the preceding weeks, Peeta had confided to her that Katniss seemed uninterested in spending time with him unless it was watching the tapes.  And even then, she often seemed angry with him. Lace immediately guessed the situation. Katniss had grown frustrated with Peeta. He hadn’t responded as she’d hoped and she was distancing herself as a form of self-protection.  As long as this status quo was maintained, Lace felt safe. But after tonight, she wasn’t sure of anything.   Lace demurred.  Perhaps it wasn’t a good idea.  Katniss appeared occupied and hadn’t he told her that she didn’t seem keen on his company lately?  It was best to leave her alone.  But Peeta said that they should, that it would look odd if they didn’t.  So, when Max headed off in the direction of the bar, leaving Katniss on her own, Lace reluctantly let Peeta lead her to where Katniss sat.   It was an awkward conversation.  Lace embarrassed herself with her ignorance on what it meant to be a victor at the district parties and having to face the families of the dead tributes.  Worse, she let it slip that she had been to a district party.  Her story was that she’d been a factory worker in 8. Factory workers weren’t allowed to attend district parties.  Fortunately, Peeta didn’t pick up on it, but Katniss appeared to sense that something was amiss.   There was an awkward pause.  Peeta broke the silence.  “Are you going to let me talk to Katniss?” he said to Lace, pretending to be annoyed.  She had intended to stay at Peeta’s side, but perhaps it would be better to leave before she dug herself a deeper hole. “Okay, okay,” she said, in mock surrender.  “I know when I’m not wanted.  I need to go to the ladies’ room anyway.  Just stay out of trouble and don’t bug Katniss.” There, that would show Katniss who’s really in charge and hopefully plant a seed that Peeta wasn’t exactly happy in her company either.  She stroked his hand and kissed his cheek, enjoying her Svengali-like effect, knowing that his eyes would follow her as she walked away. She went to the ladies’ room as she said she would and did the usual things women do there.  She wanted to get the timing right and was gratified to see Peeta waiting for her at their table when she returned.   The dancing started up soon after and Lace pulled Peeta to his feet.  She loved to dance.  Peeta didn’t. His prosthetic leg made it a chore rather than a pleasure and he had faint memories of dancing at Capitol parties. But he wanted to be a good boyfriend, so up he got, and shuffled dutifully around the dancefloor with her. But then Katniss and Max came into view. Max had Katniss pulled tightly against him and he swung her around in a series of fancy turns, almost lifting her off her feet.  They were making fools of themselves, thought Lace.  That’s no way to behave at a formal event. So undignified!  So tasteless!  She turned to Peeta, expecting him to be as unimpressed as she, but his face was hard, giving away nothing.  Suddenly, he put his head close to hers and whispered words in her ear.   She nodded and followed him through the double swinging doors the staff used to bring food from the kitchen.  It had been pre-arranged.  Peeta had told her about it.  Cass from the bakery was to show Peeta around the kitchens. He had never seen a commercial kitchen before.   While he marveled at the long row of ovens, the walk-in freezer, the huge storage room, Lace could barely stifle her yawns.  So boring, and it was fricking cold in there after the warmth of the ballroom. But she stuck a smile on her face and did her best to appear interested but she was hardly in the mood to hear about the merits of blast chillers when her heart was breaking.  Somehow, she had to widen the gulf between Katniss and Peeta. She had to ensure that any fledgling signs of a possible reunion between them was snuffed out before it could begin. And then she had an idea. Just as they were about to re-enter the ballroom, Lace ruffled her carefully styled hair and swiped the back of her hand across her mouth to wipe away some of the lipstick, smearing it a little. Let Katniss believe that she and Peeta had snuck away for some canoodling in a dark corner.  Isn’t that what Peeta and Katniss did as star-crossed lovers?  Sneaking off to be alone when they were at fancy events? It was in a fan magazine she’d read, anyway.  With a bit of luck, Katniss’s mind would go straight there.   She scanned the room and saw Katniss by the bar with Max and Haymitch.  The hour was growing late and the crowd had thinned but there was a group of merry young people standing around nearby.  She started to lead Peeta in their direction, but he seemed to have the same idea and led her.  And when his arm went around her waist and he pressed a fond kiss to the crown of her head, relief flooded through her.  Everything was as it should be.  She turned in his arms slightly to look over his shoulder and managed to catch a glimpse of Katniss’s stricken but resolute face, just before her hasty exit with a startled Max close behind her.   Satisfied, she leaned her head against Peeta’s shoulder and he squeezed her waist.  She had worried over nothing.  It was inevitable that as Peeta regained his memories they’d be focused on Katniss. They were, after all, the memories that Snow had meddled with.  It didn’t mean that Peeta was wrong when he said his feelings for her had been an illusion. The real proof of who he loved was in who he chose to be with.  And that was her, Lace Bomul from District 8.  

[stratuscloudsurfer]

Hunger Games AU

(This is an excerpt from my namelessshipping hunger games AU which I may or may not ever finish. Plot is basically that Red and Blue are tributes in the hunger games from different districts. In this Leaf is the other tribute from District 12 along with Blue and Lyra is the other tribute from District 11 and Red’s little sister. 

Blue is basically the “Katniss Everdeen” of this AU. He’s a skilled archer and has been hunting outside of the fences around district 12 since he was old enough to hold a bow. Leaf is his hunting partner. He’s good at shooting, she’s good at setting traps. They are best friends and work together to feed each other’s families. Blue’s confident and conspiratorial attitude in interviews makes him the face of the resistance against the capitol, and every other tribute’s number one target. 

Red and Lyra are from the agriculture district. Red is strong and muscular from years of working in the fields. Lyra is much slimmer and smaller, but she is known for being able to climb to the tops of the trees in the orchards to pick the fruit there, and also for signalling to the rest of the workers when the workday is over by singing a distinctive tune which all of the Chatot in the woods copy. Red is quiet and goes out of his way to abide by the rules, but would do anything to protect his little sister. 

Red starts falling for Blue the moment they meet each other before the opening ceremony. Because he knows they are doomed to never be together, he denies his feelings and tries to avoid him altogether. He’s in enough danger already, anyway, without being associated with Blue. But when they are drawn together in the arena, he is forced to face them.

The scene below is the Opening Ceremony.) 

“How do I look?” Asked Lyra softly, picking up her shimmery pastel green skirt, which almost exactly matched the color of his suit, with her fingers. She gave him a tentative smile, searching his eyes.

The large, pink flower that rose around her neck almost matched the one attached to his back, peeking out over his shoulders, but not quite. His petals were squared off, while hers were more frilly and rimmed with white. According to his stylist, she was supposed to resemble the pokemon Magenium, and him a Venusaur. He had to admit— he’d done a good job with the design. He’d only ever seen a Venusaur once, when he was a little kid and had gotten lost in the orchards, and had apparently stumbled on the territory of a herd of Bulbasaur and their very angry mother. He didn’t remember much of what happened after his father had intervened, but the image of the giant flower on its back burned in his mind, and the memory was immediately drug from the depths of his brain when he saw himself in the mirror after Burgh was done with him.

He wasn’t sure about how striking the resemblance was of Lyra’s outfit to a Meganium, but he was sure of one thing—“You look great,” he told her, placing a hand on her shoulder like he used to do every first day of school when she looked up at him with that same anxious look in her brown eyes that she did now. He smiled at her, warmly, in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. He felt the tension release from her shoulders as she let out her breath in an airy little giggle.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “You look good, too.”

Well, he would hope so, anyway, what with all the torture he had endured at the hands of Burgh and the rest of his assistants. He had no idea how many products they had used on his hair on his skin, but both still faintly tingled.

He was about to steer her towards their waiting carriage, drawn by two very patient looking Mudsdale, when a voice called out, “Hey!”

Red, startled, turned around to see the boy and girl tributes from District 12. Both were wearing one-piece outfits made from some sort of silky, flowing material, hers red, his nearly a golden shade of orange that matched his hair. The boy, evidently the one that had spoken, raised his hand in a wave, a grin pasted on his lips. Red was baffled by how completely relaxed the pair of them seemed—especially considering what district they came from, and, of course, the fact that they were about to enter a parade to kick off the coordinated massacre that would ultimately result in their deaths.

“Cool outfits,” he continued. “Too bad we’re about to completely upstage you.”

Red felt his eyes narrow and his teeth grind into his jaw. “In that?” He asked incredulously, pointing to their fairly plain outfits, which he now realized resembled pajamas. Other than the dark black eyeliner that rimmed both of their eyes with points so sharp they could cut through someone’s skin and the faint smear of eye shadow above each of their eyes, they were both altogether lackluster.

The girl shook her head in exasperation and stepped forward. “I apologize for my friend,” she said. “We just wanted to introduce ourselves. My name is Leaf, and this is Blue.”

She bravely extended her hand to him. After several seconds of hesitation, Red decided he might as well take it. “Charmed,” he muttered.

“Psst,” Blue interrupted in a stage whisper. “This is the part where you tell us who you are.”

Red’s face scrunched up in annoyance, and he turned a glare his way. He had no intention at all of answering, but Lyra, apparently, did.

“I’m Lyra,” she said. “This is Red.”

Blue’s face suddenly became serious, the smile disappearing. “Hey, um… Are you… related?” He asked. “I thought I remembered you having the same last name.”

“Yeah,” Lyra answered. “He’s my brother.”

Blue’s eyes flashed with some painful emotion, and Leaf winced in sympathy. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, and sounded as if she meant it.

Red’s chest ached with pain, tightened by the look of sorrow on both of their faces. “Well, there’s nothing to be done about it, now.”

“Still,” Blue said, “I wish we lived in a world where things like this couldn’t happen.”

Red opened his mouth to reply, but was interrupted by the arrival of his stylist from behind. Burgh urgently grabbed onto his and Lyra’s shoulders, quickly escorting the two of them to their chariot with a painfully broad smile and a voice that sounded so cheerful it was painful to listen to. Red impulsively glanced back, just in time to see Leaf and Blue much more gently being herded towards theirs, as well.

He resisted the urge to turn back again once he climbed inside the chariot after Lyra, not wanting to show Blue how badly he wanted to respond to his last comment. So he stood stock still inside, facing the opening of the large, dark tunnel that would take them out into the plaza where the opening ceremony would take place and the ten other carts ahead of them. A hush fell over the area, carrying a chill with it. He shivered, realizing suddenly that his heart was pounding in his chest in anticipation and fear. It was Lyra’s warm fingers brushing against his that brought him back to the present moment.

“Red,” she said, “Will you hold my hand?”

Not trusting himself to reply, he nodded, clutching her fingers into his palm as they abruptly jerked into motion.

The Mudsdale trotted slowly until the 10 other districts in front of them gave way, and they found themselves at the mouth of the tunnel leading into a sunset that burned in the sky and the deafening roar of crowds that surrounded them on either side. After that, they picked up speed, and the crowd volume, and they were whisked ahead involuntarily to the bowl-like plaza, which at its center stood a softly smiling President Rose, dressed as usual in his sharp gray tux. He was nearly engulfed by the masses of screaming Capitol residents, all funky hair and gaudy clothing, flashing teeth and grotesque smiles.

These were the people they were trying to win over, Red tried to remind himself. The least he could do was try to look happy to see them. He forced his lips up into a smile that felt painful on his cheeks, and glanced over to Lyra to see that she was doing the same. At the same time, though, she tightened her grip on his fingers, making them tingle with the pain of oncoming numbness.

The already overwhelming volume of the cheers seemed to rise to a dramatically greater height as they continued into the plaza. Red didn’t understand it--until Lyra gasped, her eyes widening in something that looked like wonder.

“Oh my god. Look!” she half-screamed, jabbing a finger at the massive TV screen above the President’s head.

Red’s eyes landed on the screen. Just in time to see Blue and Leaf’s wings unfurl in a flash of brilliant color, hers red, white, and green and his a metallic gold rimmed with silver and deep orange. Sparkles flew away from them, glanced off the silky feathers, and then the ends of them burst into flame, traveling from the bottom to the top before flaring at the tips.

Their costumes hadn’t made much sense to him at first, but now the realization hit. 

Ho-oh. The legendary Phoenix pokemon, the one that had risen from the ashes. It was an astoundingly clever design for the district known for its coal.

For a brief second, Blue’s eyes, which he now realized were a fiery, flickering hazel, met his through the screen, and although he knew he wasn’t actually looking directly at him, he felt a breath hitch in his chest and his heart grind to a stunned halt. His mind couldn’t form a single thought, not one intelligent notion. Because the only word he could think of when he looked at him was breathtaking. The flames that surrounded him bathed him in a sort of ethereal, godly, powerful beauty, one that sent a sense of danger running through him, although he wasn’t exactly sure why.

A slow, confident grin spread over Blue’s lips, and at once he took Leaf’s hand, and together they raised their clasped fingers to the sky as the crowd went wild.

[pynkhues]

Since you're a writer, I'm hoping you can shed some light on this. IMO the writers were chasing viewers in S2 and trying not to get canceled. Personally, I hate when writers toy with their audience, it means they don't have a clear picture of their characters and narrative. How do you feel about writers making it up as they go?

Ah, this post got really long, anon! Since you asked me as a writer, I’m answering as one (I hope you don’t mind! I also hope this doesnt come out as too Creative Writing 101 for people either. This is just lessons I’ve learned and use in my own practice, so I’m applying them here.) 

(Also I have drawn horrible diagrams on my very pink notebook paper - I am so sorry, haha)

So first thing’s first - no. I don’t think the writers were chasing viewers (at least not beyond the way any writer is wanting an audience), and I don’t think they were making it up as they go really, but I can understand why you would think that way! 

It won’t be a surprise to anyone that I love this show a lot, but coming from it as both a writer and editor - this show does have narrative problems, and the biggest ones, particularly in s2, are in execution, escalation and pacing. 

I think heading into the season they had certain character arcs they wanted to follow which married well with the story they wanted to tell. In particular, I actually think the writers have a very strong handle on the girls (I will say that I’ve had a few asks telling me Beth’s characterisation is all over the place, which I’m curious about, just because I personally find her very consistent, and when I’ve asked for clarification, I’ve never gotten any reply, so  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

I mean, look at their s2 arcs on paper, right? 

Ruby tries to negotiate Stan’s lowered opinion of her after the reveal of what she’s done, then has to negotiate him telling her to turn Beth and Annie in. She manages the situation painfully but pulls them through and they’re close again as Ruby navigates the increasingly lower depths of their crime life. When Stan acts to save Beth for Ruby and is arrested, it only escalates – the case on him driving Ruby to extremes to try and save him, including robbing a Quick Cash and using counterfeit money to bribe a lawyer. On top of that, she’s being targeted by an FBI agent who’s after her best friend who she gives up and then saves and then who tries to sacrifice herself for them. Ruby finishes the season the most morally compromised she’s ever been.

Annie gets back together with her ex only to find out that he’s gotten his not-quite-separated-wife pregnant. She splits up with him, but is heartbroken and it’s only amplified by the fact that they’ve been given a job by their Crime Boss to murder a man who tried to rape her but who’s grandmother she has a relationship with. Her sister can’t kill him, and Annie doesn’t get the chance as MP beats her to it. Upon disposing of the body though she endures a whole lot of pain as a result of both her ex’s new family and knowing she’s robbed a woman of her own. Annie goes on a guilt tour – tells her son, helps Marion, helps Nancy only to eventually find an absolver of her guilt in Noah, who builds her up and tells her she’s more than what life has given her. She lets herself have it for a while, before realising he’s FBI and there to trap her, and Annie tries to use him only to realise she can’t, and she finishes the season in a lot more hurt than she started it.

Beth struggles with guilt after getting Dean shot, gets the job to kill Boomer from Rio, can’t do it, gets support and encouragement from him (in various states of animosity), but in the end doesn’t have to find out if she can do it because MP does it instead. She’s rewarded by Rio in a way she probably never has been by anyone, her husband further subjugates her, so she has sex with Rio, starts to entertain a future with him, but he undermines her, so she seizes control from him. They work together. Dean forces her to break up with him due to jealousy, she struggles, goes back, but Rio’s stung, so unhelpful, and they play a little cat and mouse before he bails then kidnaps her and she shoots him.

With the exception of that very last sentence, I think all of those are narratively really strong pathways to have explored. Like I said above though, the issue is in execution, escalation and pacing.

But to talk about those things, I think I probably need to talk about story. 

SO!

Stories have a shape.

Kurt Vonnegut talks extensively about this, and while he’ll talk about a few different types of story shapes, they really all boil down to this bad boy here:

Look at this guy.

What a beautiful thing.

He’s a story.

It doesn’t matter if you’re reading Dr Seuss or Charles Dickens, when you read a story – when you strip away its words and its characters and its settings – this is what it looks like.

Or, well.

Not quite.

Really, it’s this guy:

But we’ll talk about him in a sec.

Right now, let’s talk about that first little inch: 

The Beginning

The fact that stories have a beginning is not a surprise to anyone. Stories need them. In some ways, they’re the most important part of your story. After all, the job of the beginning is to set up the world your protagonist is about to leave behind. That is essential in grounding a reader / viewer – orienting them to the world that they’re in, and getting them invested in the story you’re about to tell, if not the protagonist.

Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Game of Thrones are all excellent example of this (and frequently used in teaching) because in each of these cases it’s literal. Frodo leaves Bag End, Harry leave Privet Drive, Luke leaves Tatooine, the Starks leave Winterfell. There is a literal departure from the world before the crux of the story, and that departure is what signifies the start of the ‘hero journey’ aka the main part of your narrative.

Of course, it’s not always literal – in fact, it’s usually not. Usually that world is symbolic – it’s the single, uncertain world before the Bingley’s buy the house next door in Pride and Prejudice or the dry domestic sphere of Breaking Bad before Walt decides to make meth. It’s a marked shift, whether that’s internal or external.

In Good Girls, it’s internal.

The beginning is actually pretty perfect. The world it sets up that we’re about to (try to) depart is one of struggle and invisibility.

Beth’s in a loveless marriage promptly discovering that her husband is not only cheating but about to leave them destitute, Ruby’s getting ignored by the healthcare system and can’t afford to pay for her daughter’s wellbeing, and Annie is in a dead end job about to lose custody of her child.

Writing-wise – as a beginning, I honestly think 1.01 is close to perfect.

It sets up who these characters are, their personal conflicts, and the story world they share together, and the worlds they have on their own i.e. Ruby at the hospital and the diner, Annie at Fine and Frugal, Beth with Dean and Boland Motors.

Then:

BOOM

Inciting Incident.

The inciting incident is also often called The Point of No Return.

When I’m teaching, I personally like to call it the “You’re a wizard!” moment.

It’s when something happens that means everything set up in the beginning will be changed forever. It’s Romeo meeting Juliet, it’s Katniss volunteering for Prim, it’s Frodo deciding to take the ring to Mordor, it’s Jaimie pushing a child out a window, it’s Beth – deciding to take her little sister’s joke seriously and rob a grocery store.

(Again, I like to use Harry Potter because it’s literal – there is no return for Harry after hearing Hagrid tell him he’s a wizard. Everything is changed forever).

Inciting incidents are probably the most singularly important narrative moment, because they’re what everything else tumbles out of. Pretty much everything that happens in the story should be a direct or indirect result of the inciting incident. The inciting incident is ultimately the key of the story and what should unlock the overall arc.

When it comes to a series – whether that be a TV series, movie series or book series, each individual instalment (see: season of a show) should have its own inciting incident which – preferably – builds off the one established in the first instalment.

The Hunger Games does this really well. Katniss and Peeta being brought back into the games in Catching Fire is both an imitation inciting incident which allows the author to explore the story world further in an exciting way, and also an inciting incident that’s directly borne out of the first book / film – aka Katniss pissed enough people off during the first games that they’re going to try and kill her for real this time, which in turn gives us the opportunity to explore Katniss’ trauma, the ramifications of her actions in the first book on the broader story world, and to generate a new, compelling chapter based off of both.

Good Girls has a terrific inciting incident in s1 – which is Beth realising she’s about to lose everything.

That is our narrative point of no return.

And it works on a lot of levels – it establishes Beth as the driving engine of the story, fuelled by the chorus motivations of Annie and Ruby, rounding off both their collective and individual stakes, it sets us up for a strong narrative spine and solid characterisations.

Good Girls actually also has a terrific inciting incident in s2, which operates strongly on its own while also building firmly off the character arcs of s1.

The s2 inciting incident is Rio showing up on that park bench with Marcus, a gun and an order.

The story pivots here – giving Rio a lot of narrative thrust (get your minds out of the gutter kids), and making him a sort of secondary story engine. The core engine is still Beth, but her life is different now. She’s been traumatised and she’s exhausted, but Rio revealing his son to the girls (and tying their motivations up together in a neat little package) while forcing her to act, re-establishes her as the person who’s decisions are going to be the driving force of the narrative.

Ruby and Annie are, of course, story engines in their own right too, but they fall into line behind Beth usually, and their narrative push is actually usually away from the story throughline, but we’ll talk about that in a sec.

Rising Tension / The Middle

Okay, this is where things get a little tricky.

Do you remember this guy?

When we talk about stories, rising tension / the middle is the big guy. It’s the bulk of your narrative. It’s Where Things Happen. It’s where all the ugly stuff set up in your beginning and exploded by your inciting incident just - - grows a life of it’s own.

Or - -

Well.

Maybe not.

Forget about this guy.

Rising tension is this:

Rising tension is a series of ‘mini climaxes’ on the way to the main climax that raises the stakes, lets you know characters better, and pushes your characters onwards to the main climax.

Each of these little climaxes should be followed by a ‘narrative rest’. (that’s the dip after each spike)

Which - - I don’t know, might sound weird? I know when I started writing I was like ?? but it’s true! The closer you get to a big narrative climax, the more important rests are! Rests are – I personally think – one of the most important components of storytelling, because they re-ground an audience, remind them of what’s at stake, before thrusting everyone back into danger.

Again, Harry Potter is a gift in this sense because this is all really clearly paced out. Think about the first instalment – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s / Sorcerer’s Stone.

Harry and Ron save Hermione and Ron from the troll!!!

Then they become friends and enjoy school and quidditch.

Harry loses control of his broom during a quidditch game!!!!

He’s okay and then it’s Christmas and Harry gets the invisibility cloak and feels connected to his parents for perhaps the first time in his life.

Harry, Hermione and Ron go through the trapdoor to get the philosopher’s stone!!!

And - - okay, you get the point.

Each mini climax ups the stakes, but we feel those stakes upped because of the time we spend with characters during the ‘narrative rest’. For instance, while Harry and Ron saving Hermione from the troll might have sparked an interest in her, it’s the narrative rest scenes between that and her setting Snape on fire during the quidditch game that makes us invest in her as a character. 

This is where things get a bit hairy with Good Girls. Good Girls does a tremendous job of giving us both great climaxes and wonderful moments of narrative rest. The issue, for me at least, is that it’s not always the best at balancing them. When I talk about escalation and pacing, this is a big part of what I mean.

Remember how I said this was the shape of a story?

Well, I think Good Girls s2 looked more like this:

We had a lot of solid movement in the first half of the season that sort of flattened out into a lower stakes, more meandering middle (which gave us 2.08 through 2.12). Which - -

Look.

The story changed gear, and it didn’t work.  

Think of it this way:

2.01 – mostly character-based fallout from s1 + inciting incident of Rio handing them the gun

2.02 – almost entirely rising tension culminating with the girls bribing Boomer and Beth lying to Rio

2.03 – which thrusts us straight back into rising tension with the girls trying to kill Boomer and ‘succeeding’ via Mary Pat

2.04 – which gives us a very satisfying narrative rest as we explore Rio and Beth’s relationship outside of an overall narrative thrust – he gives her a key, she shies away from him, only to fall entirely back into him culminating in sex which itself brings about a new climax (no pun intended!) in the scene with Beth, Rio and Dean at the dealership. It’s also a strong character episode in closing certain plot threads – ending Annie and Greg’s relationship + ending Ruby lying to Stan about what they’re doing – while establishing major new threads – i.e. really colliding Turner and Mary Pat.

2.05 – and after the rest, we’re back to almost entirely satisfying rising tension! Building off of the threat of finding Boomer’s body and the new tensions that Rio and Beth’s intimacy brings.

2.06 – a mix episode! Very much building to the strong climax of Beth seizing power, but also an episode that plays around with character, has a lot of strong ‘rest’ moments i.e. the girls sorting pills and talking which gives us a lot of information as to state of minds, etc.

2.07 – again, very strong mixed episode which is focused on one single, extreme climax – Jane being missing, but building a very character-centric episode around it. Also introduces Noah though? Which is a mistake. He should have been introduced - I think, in 2.05, but that feels like a whole other post.

2.08 – narratively speaking the same as 2.07 in the sense of a single climax (the girls failing to get the money back / the Beth-Ruby confrontation), but has the added bonus of flashbacks.

2.09 – we have a slight narrative thrust with the robbery of the Quick Cash but it proves very quickly to be low stakes. This is an alllll emotional stakes episode, which means narrative tension is slowing.  

2.10 – again, a character-focused, narrative rest episode devoted to Beth struggling with getting square. A few small climaxes – Annie and Ruby in Canada and Turner at the dealership being the big ones, but both quickly prove toothless. The heft / strength of the episode again is in character moments, not narrative thrust. Again - slowing it down. 

2.11 – oh, what do we have here? Another character-focused, narrative rest episode? I love this episode – it’s one of my favourites of the show, but it’s intensely character focused. Very much centred in waving away the smoke around both Noah and Rio for Annie and Beth respectively. No dramatic climaxes. Slowing the story down even further. 

2.12 – another narrative rest episode. A lot of slow exposition of Mary Pat and Jeff, which is good to know, but I’d argue placed badly in the season. This season’s already been slowing down despite the narrative timeline tightening, but this episode only further pushes on the brakes for Dean’s new job, Beth and Dean’s divorce, Beth and Rio’s break up. Two very small climaxes - the lawyer telling Ruby he knows about the money and the Boomer reveal but - in the context of the season - actually pretty low stakes. Again. Slowing down the narrative. 

2.13 – A BIG CLIMAX EPISODE WHAT IS GOING ON???

What I’m saying in this is that the pacing in the back half of the season was, to me at least, fundamentally off. They hadn’t steered a strong enough narrative spine to take us through the season, and got heavily invested in character moments and not-entirely-thought-out-fallout in the back half of the season – it didn’t understand it’s own narrative thrust well enough to get us through. It also established a certain pacing with us in the first half of the season and shifted gears halfway through.

You can’t have your first three or six episodes be high-stakes-high-action, and then make the back end of your season same-stakes-low-action and top it all off with an explosive, poorly built-up finale in the way that they did.

There wasn’t enough thrust to push us through to the scene in Rio’s loft – neither narratively or in a character sense, and as a result, those last few episodes fall apart. Even beyond that though, the season escalated quickly then - - didn’t really know what to do with those escalations? It plateaued, which is indicative of bad pacing across the season. 

I actually do think it’d be a relatively easy fix? I’d bring the Noah arc forwards and actually fiddle with the Beth and Rio break ups - get one even closer the tinale and make it more painful. Make it a climax in itself. 

But anyway, haha: 

The Resolution

All stories have a resolution too of course.

The resolution can be 30 seconds or 30 minutes – it’s a time to tie up loose ends and to reassure your audience that the journey they’ve been on is worthwhile.

(After all – you’ll notice the story diagram is not symmetrical – we never finish where we began).

I’m not going to talk too much about resolutions because at the end of the day – resolutions should fall fairly naturally out of your beginning, your inciting incident, your rising tension. It should tumble out like the double wedding at the end of Pride and Prejudice, but I will say that the s2 resolution was...err, not good. In no small part because it didn’t fall out of what we’d been told all season. They’d established a certain throughline and then taken it back, and that was nagl to be honest. 

On the plus side though - it wasn’t a finale, so I have my fingers crossed they can fix it!

But yes, back to your ask, anon. 

No, I don’t think that the writers were pandering. I think they went in with a sketched outline and that they probably got lost in the back end of the season and weren’t quite sure how to drum up the final act, which meant that final act didn’t work.

Ah, this post got so long! I hope it wasn’t boring or too self-indulgent or silly, and that you got something out of it! I am, of course, always happy to answer writing questions, and I hope you liked reading my story ramblings ;-) 

[seasonsofeverlark]

Cupcake Love, Part 3

Author: @mega-aulover

Prompt: Everlark + water balloon fight. You decide the rest. [submitted by anonymous]

Rating: T

Author’s Note: Cupcake love is a sweet crush that can turn into love. Peeta and his cupcake Katniss are officially dating. But poor Delly just found out her cupcake is dating another woman. What happens next…a water balloon fight of course? Special thanks to @norbertsmom for phenomenal beta skills. Word Count: 2563

The First Part Can Be Found here and Part Two Can Be Found here . ______________

Four weeks after the party where Gale had shown up with a glamorous woman on his arm. A green balloon whizzed past Peeta’s head.

A peal of laughter could be heard as Peeta ran for cover. He zig-zagged as water balloons fell around him as he ran for cover.

Katniss’ deadly aim nearly caught him. He still had his two lives. Katniss cheekily warned him he’d be wearing her colors by the end of the day.

Behind him, he heard a young female voice say, “Take that Dexter!”

Peeta looked back to see Dexter Highbotton take two hits. The girl who lobbed the balloons wore horned rimmed glasses and had knobby knees. Peeta expected Phoebe Crane would one day become a grand beauty and Dexter would lament teasing her during her formative years.

In front of him, Casca made it to the safety of a tree. He was bent over catching his breath.

“Get Peeta!” Katniss’s voice boomed from above.

Peeta picked up the pace. Water balloons rained down on him, he used all of the tactics he had learned in wrestling to avoid getting hit. He dove behind the upturned picnic table to find Gale hiding there.

“I forgot how much of a dead shot Katniss is,” Gale said, poking his head out. A water balloon landed with potent green food-colored dye landed a few feet away. His white T-shirt had a splatter of blue paint, one more hit, and Gale would be out.

“She always gets her prey, right through the eyes,” Peeta panted, as he looked at the bucket filled with red balloons.

“How many in our team are left?” Peeta asked.

“We’ve got three more left beside you and me.”

The massive water balloon fight was the highlight of the end of the Summer Camp. They wore white t-shirts and tied a handkerchief in the color of their team around their arm. The balloons were filled with food dye. When they were hit their t-shirts absorbed the attacking team’s color. They had split into four groups, the Yellow, Red, Green, and Blue Teams.

The Green Team led by Annie, and the Blue team led by Thresh, ganged up on the Yellow team and eviscerated them. Gale’s Red Team went after Thresh’s team. Annie and Katniss turned their attention to Gale’s team.

Peeta himself got Cato and Gale got Thresh. Now it was only Red against Green, and somehow he knew Gale wasn’t going to win. Annie had Finch on her team, a brilliant girl from District Five who Katniss swore looked like a fox, and of course Katniss who was a sharpshooter.

Katniss had taught the kids how to use slingshots.

“Where the heck is she?” Peeta panted.

“I don’t know but knowing Katniss she’s got her team camouflaged in the trees or bushes,” Gale said.

“Camouflage is supposed to be our thing,” Peeta said, impressed with his girlfriend.

“Peeta, if you haven’t figured it out, women are smarter and braver than we are.”

Peeta chuckled.

“Incoming,” Volumina shouted.

They watched as green balloons got Volumina in the back as she dove to where they were hiding.

“Crap!” Volumina exclaimed. She raised both her hands, a sign she was out of the game. She looked upset.

“They have frozen watermelon slush, go get a cup!” Gale said.

“Cool,” Volumina said. Her mood lightened as she darted away.

They were trying to gain ground on the enemy, the Green Team. The Green Team’s stronghold was a few yards away. The rest of the Red team was trying to get to this point.

They heard another splash, followed by an, “Oh man.”

Gale looked up and ducked. “There goes, Johnson.”

Peeta heard another splat, followed by a low scream.

“They got Casca and Clemencia,” Gale said.

“Just us two?”

“Yep!”

“READY TO GIVE UP!” Annie shouted.

“What do you think?” Gale wiped his face.

“We can either go down fighting, or we can give up!”

“If I surrender Katniss will never let me forget this,” Gale bemoaned.

“Going out in a blaze of glory it is,” Peeta loaded up on water balloons.

Gale nodded, “It’s been nice knowing you, Mellark.”

“Strength and honor,” Peeta said.

Together they stood up and began running for the fortification. There weren’t any balloons being tossed at them. But as they neared the fortification, which was really several up-turned picnic tables lying end to end, Peeta counted seven heads that popped out over the top of the makeshift barricade. Out of 27 campers that were in Annie’s team they had a lot still playing. Peeta knew Katniss was leading a group of girls; they were still hiding in the trees.

He wondered if they were too far for Katniss to get at them.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Gale stop and whip around. Peeta turned and the table they had just come from was turned and Katniss and three campers were there grinning at them.

“We’re surrounded,” Gale said.

“Hell,” Peeta murmured.

“FIRE!” Annie screamed.

Suddenly water balloons filled the air at them from both sides. Gale was hit with four balloons and he flattened himself on the ground.

Peeta dodged one but soon a balloon hit him followed by another. “AAGGGHHH!”

The cool water felt great as he stood there with his arms open. He heard cheering and laughter. He cracked open one eye. He saw his Cupcake approach him with a sly smile.

“I told you they’re smarter,” Gale said standing up. He was drenched in green.

“Hello sweetheart,” Peeta grinned. “Are you here to finish me off?”

“Yup,” Katniss said.

If it weren’t for the children surrounding them, Peeta would have wrapped his arms around her middle and kissed her soundly.

“Peeta and Katniss sitting in a tree…” one of the boys snickered and more and more kids began singing along to the ancient tunes.

Then Peeta saw Gale’s grin disappear. His frown morphed into a deadly scowl.

Peeta followed Gale’s line of sight and found Delly and Thresh approaching. Delly’s arm was linked with Thresh’s. They were laughing when they approached the group. “Hey, look, who came to visit?” Thresh said.

“Hey Dells,” Peeta greeted.

Thread grinned and winked. “Haymitch invited Cinna to do a school fashion show for the kids.”

“I’ll lead your group to the show,” Finch offered. “I wasn’t hit.”

“Are you going to be on the runway?” Thresh asked.

Delly blushed. “No, I’ll be behind the scenes helping. I helped design some of the boots.”

Thresh whistled. “Are you going to be a fashion shoe designer?”

“With Cinna’s help. He allowed me to brand the shoes.”

“Wow, that’s amazing!” Thresh grinned at Delly like a lost puppy dog.

“We’re almost set up. Cinna has the models ready for the catwalk.” Delly beamed.

“Like the ones you’re wearing?” One of the girls asked.

“Yes,” Delly nodded.

The group of girls that were under Gale’s care turned to him and asked, “Oh, can we join?”

“The entire camp is invited,” Gale grumbled. “We just have to get cleaned up.”

“I’ll see you over there,” Katniss winked.

Peeta and Gale walked to their cabin. He snuck a look at Gale, who looked upset.

“You okay?”

“Yeah,” Gale said, tearing open the door.

“Are you sure?”

Gale whipped his shirt off and threw it forcefully in the hamper; the hamper fell on its side.

Peeta cleared his throat. “Okay.”

“What?”

“Look, I don’t know what the hamper did…” Peeta walked over to the hamper and picked it up.

Gale sat heavily on his bed. He rubbed his face wearily. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me?”

“What’s going on?” Peeta took the empty metal wastebasket, turned it upside down, and sat opposite him.

Gale shook his head.

“We’re friends and you can talk to me. Whatever you say I promise it stays in this room.”

Gale glanced up at him. By the firm set of Gale’s jaw and the contrasting bewildered look in his eyes, Gale was struggling mightily. From what Peeta observed in his time at the camps living with Gale, Gale was not someone who was indecisive. He was clever, thoughtful, and was never bogged down by problems or troubles. Gale sat forward as if ready to talk but his lips thinned as he labored to speak. Peeta sat back waiting patiently. This was the type of conversation that led to life-altering decisions.

After a few attempts, Gale said, “Have you ever wanted something so bad, but you’ve made choices in your life that prevent you from having what you want, and you know that if you don’t do something that door may close?”

Peeta understood what Gale was talking about, that was him and Katniss, but by the look on Gale’s face there was a lot Gale wasn’t telling him. “I have, with Katniss. The odds were in my favor when we were to come to the Capitol. It was the luckiest day of my life.”

Gale nodded.

Peeta hedged, “Are you in a similar position, with someone you like?”

“Yeah.”

His confession was so soft, had it been noisier in the room, Peeta would have missed it. It all clicked into place. Gale was talking about the Fulvia girl he was dating. Fulvia was a Capitolite who wanted to be a syndicated reporter, like Caesar Flickerman. She was interning with Plutarch Heavensbee, who ran PTN, Panem Television Network.

Fulvia was beautiful with that Capitol edge. She was cultured, stylish, and self-absorbed as most of the people from the Capitol were. Peeta didn’t like her attitude toward their circle of friends or to Delly in particular.

Peeta noticed that whenever Delly was around, Fulvia tended to show extra public displays of affection toward Gale. He also noticed she wasn’t nice to Delly but it was subtle. He noticed she did this whenever Gale wasn’t in the room or when he wasn’t paying attention.

Delly never said an unkind word to Fulvia. She always bent over backward to make sure Fulvia was taken care of. Peeta witnessed how Fulvia took advantage of his friend’s good nature.

If they met up at a restaurant, Fulvia always wanted the seat Delly chose. If the group chose to do what Delly wanted, Fulvia would complain about the activity. When they ended up in Delly’s place, Delly was always hospitable whenever the group met up at her small apartment in the city. Fulvia expected Delly to have her preferred brand of fizzy water, or to keep gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, non-preservative, sugar-free foods in stock.

Peeta found out Fulvia didn’t have celiac disease, nor did the woman have a gluten sensitivity, nor was she vegan. She wasn’t even a diabetic. Fulvia followed the latest food trend in the Capitol and Delly spent her hard-earned cash on such frivolities for a woman who didn’t even appreciate it.

Peeta was bothered by this behavior, but he didn’t say anything about his observations. Because it would look childish as if he was choosing sides, instead of giving Fulvia a chance.

Gale rubbed his face. “I like Fulvia, she’s smart, she’s beautiful, she’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met in the Capitol, but…”

“But,” Peeta egged him on.

“She’s not her. Every time I see her, I…I lose it. At first, I thought it was like a sibling thing you know, like with Katniss. By the way, this isn’t about Katniss.”

Peeta said nothing and only continued to listen.

“Katniss is like my little sister. And that is repulsive. I’m just glad she’s dating you and you’re respectful and won’t try anything with her.”

“You’d make one of your infamous traps and make sure I’m never heard from again.”

“Totally would.”

“So what is so special about this girl?”

“On the surface, nothing. She’s all light and sweetness. Then I got to know her while I was with Fulvia…” Gale’s face and neck flushed red. “The more I get to know her…the more I realize how wonderful she is - she’s got qualities I never knew…I want her…and not, you know, just in a physical way.”

Peter had never heard Gale talk about a girl this way. This mystery girl had to be something special.

“This goes beyond that. I want to hear her opinions. I want to know what she’s thinking. I want to tell her what I’m thinking. I want to hear her voice in the morning and hold her when she’s sad or tired. It’s crazy. It’s like she taps into this part of me that I never knew existed and it yearns for her. The funny thing is I’m not the type of guy who needs anyone or anything. Me and Katniss are a lot like that. But this girl, I need her. I feel incomplete without her. Does any of this make sense?”

“It’s like getting punched in the stomach in a good way, and you want more because you can’t go on without them,” Peeta said. Seeing Katniss, and getting to know her was the hardest yet the most wonderful thing in the world. Peeta wanted to tell Gale you’re in love, but he was restrained.

“Yes.” Gale nodded. “I know there’s another guy who would love to date her. I can see it and it’s driving me crazy.”

“Gale, we’ve got one life…and if dating Fulvia isn’t what you want, or need, maybe it’s time to end the relationship.”

Gale nodded then looked at the clock on the wall. “Damn, we’ve got to get going! We’ll be late for the fashion show.”

Gale sprung up as if his butt was lit on fire and ran to the shower. Peeta got up and got a pair of shorts and a camp t-shirt. When he turned around Gale was out of the shower with a towel slung around his waist screaming, “Come on Mellark, let’s go, let’s go.”

Peeta got up and walked to the shower. He took a quick bath and got dressed. Gale was outside of the cabin waiting for him. As soon as Peeta opened the cabin door, Gale took off walking fast.

“I swear you’re like a fireman headed toward a fire,” Peeta joked, though he understood it was because of the ratio requirement. They couldn’t leave that many kids alone with only a handful of counselors. However, Gale’s long strides were fast and Peeta was having trouble keeping up. “Never knew you were into fashion?”

“I don’t want to miss Delly,” Gale said. “She worked really hard on this.”

“Wait, is Delly’s the girl?”

Gale turned redder than a tomato. He stopped in his tracks and turned around to face him. “Why would you say that?”

Peeta stopped himself from saying anything back, thinking he was wrong. Gale could have been talking about any girl. Then Gale said something that blew Peeta out of the water.

“You can’t say anything, not yet. Not until I’ve figured out what to do about Fulvia. I’ll have it figured out by the end of the week, this weekend before our friends and family descend. Are you sure you’re okay with staying in the tents?”

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Peeta said. He had no qualms leaving the cabin to the Hawthorne’s. Only Ryan said he would come. However, he wasn’t sure how he was going to keep his mouth shut about Gale liking Delly.

[jlalafics]

“Katniss and Peeta’s Excellent No-Baby Adventure”-an Everlark Fic

For @drivebyanon who requested this prompt: Peeta and Katniss go on a date and leave the baby home with a babysitter for the first time 😄

(I totally relate...)

Summary: Peeta plans to give his wife the best date night ever. Katniss decides to name it. Everlark with a smattering of Hayhanna, Odesta, Gadge, and few other couples.

Peeta stood up as his wife hastily entered the restaurant.

“I’m sorry, babe!” Katniss kissed him quickly, all the while taking off her blazer and revealing her black date night dress. It was a cute number with a simple silhouette and cap sleeves. It was also the only decent dress that fit her after Rye was born. “Meeting ran late. Then, Beetee caught me as I was getting on the elevator. Seriously, it’s Friday. I mean, get out of the office—”

“Don’t worry about it.” Her husband pulled out the chair for her and signaled over their server. “You can drink, right?”

Katniss nodded excitedly. “Oh yeah—I have pumped for the next two days. I am ready to forget this whole week.”

Peeta sat down as the server came up to their table. “She’ll have a glass of Riesling.”

“What’s going on?” his wife asked immediately. “It’s too early in the evening for you to want to get laid.”

“Okay…I have some good news and some bad news,” Peeta told her. “Which one first?”

“Bad news, of course,” Katniss replied as she placed her napkin on her lap.

“Katie had to cancel on us.” He let out a slight breath. “Actually, all our usual high school kids had to cancel when I tried to find a replacement. It seems a number of kids at Panem High caught a case—”

Katniss was genuinely curious. “What? Head lice?”

“Chlamydia,” her husband told her. “So, Katie is grounded for the rest of the school year until she’s off to college.”

“Oh Katie…” Katniss shook her head. “Is it horrible that I’m a little relieved? It’s not that I wanted her to get something that could have easily been prevented with a condom. But I was also thinking that we have to clean everything out in the house in hopes that Rye wouldn’t get lice.”

“No, my big concern is that she invited guys over,” Peeta explained. “I checked all the outside cameras. No one that we didn’t know has entered the house.”

The server reappeared placing her glass in front of her. “So, who is currently watching our child?”

“Drink that first.” Katniss took a long swig. “The good news is that I found a great babysitter. She is more than capable and can actually stay later than Katie could, anyway.”

His wife’s gaze went steely. “Who, Peeta?”

“Johanna.”

“Johanna!” Katniss exclaimed. “She’s never watched a kid in her life. And when did she pop back into town?”

“She is Rye’s Godmother,” Peeta pointed out. “And she’s family. I may have also told her that she could stay for a couple of days.”

The last bit of information was said in such a rush that Katniss almost didn’t catch it.

Peeta hoped she wouldn’t.

“Well…” Katniss took another large gulp from her glass. “…I’m sure she won’t be that bad.”

She downed the rest of her drink.

++++++

Johanna Mason looked at her nephew in the bassinet beside her. He was fast asleep, the mobile above him playing softly. She could tell that her stepbrother had doubts about her ability to watch her nephew, but Johanna was sure that he was blowing it all out of proportion.

Rye was just a baby; he ate, slept, and pooped. This was not a big deal.

Then, the mobile broke.

And the crying began.

++++++

Peeta and Katniss ordered their usual; lamb for her and chicken for him. When their plates arrived, he took the radishes off her salad and she grabbed half of his fries. They caught up on work and she told him about some of the new cases that they were taking on at the firm. He told her about some of the commissions that were coming since his latest gallery show.

Everything was going great in their professional lives and—after many years of trying—they finally got the baby that they’ve been waiting for.

Halfway through dinner, Katniss made a suggestion. “Should we call and check on the baby?”

Peeta reached over, placing his hand over hers.

“Katniss, I’m sure everything is alright.” He looked around the restaurant before leaning forward. “You need to relax, because you’ve been working so hard especially since going back to the firm.” Peeta could tell that she was already trying to come up with ways to get home. “Tell me. What is something that you’ve really wanted to do but couldn’t because you just had a baby?”

Katniss searched her mind. “Um…maybe see a concert…go on a rollercoaster…go dancing?”

“That’s a lot,” Peeta replied grinning. “Let’s do it.”

Right after he texted Johanna.

++++++

‘How’s it going?’

Johanna quickly looked at her phone screen on the coffee table. In her arms was a wailing Rye Mellark, his face red and his bright blue eyes full of tears. She patted his sweaty raven hair as she stood up to pace the floor.

“Baby Boy, it’s just a mobile—” He wailed louder. “I’m sure we can find an alternative song…”

Except Johanna didn’t know any songs.

The next text came in: ‘Should we come home?’

With her free hand, she picked up the phone and pressed the speech-to-text icon.

“’We’re fine. The stupid mobile broke, but it’s okay. Do not come home. One of us should get laid and you two haven’t been alone for six months.’”

She threw the phone on the couch.

“Okay, Rye,” Johanna said to the weeping six-month-old. “Auntie Johanna doesn’t know all the Twinkle-Twinkle bullshit, but she does know her Black Eyed Peas.”

The fussy baby lifted his head to her expectantly.

Okay, she had this.

“Whatcha gonna do with all that junk…all that junk inside your trunk…”

++++++

“Where are we?” Katniss asked as they walked past the long line of people.

“You wanted to see a band, right?” They headed towards the box office. “Are there any tickets left?”

The attendant—a curly-haired teenager—gave them a buzzed smile.

“We don’t have anything on the floor,” he said. “But we do have some VIP tickets left. You get a private booth and unlimited drinks.”

Then, the boy told them the price.

“We cannot afford that,” Katniss told her husband.

“We can and we’re doing it.” Peeta kissed her gently, earning an appreciative hum from Katniss. “You pushed our kid out of your vagina. It’s the least I can do.”

She already knew she would say yes.

But first…

“Let me just text Johanna really quick about feeding Rye.”

++++++

‘Make sure that you give him the spinach that I blended for him. Thanks!’

Two rounds of ‘My Humps’ had quieted her nephew down and by the end, he had actually giggled at her.

When he wanted to be, Rye could be adorable.

They were currently in the kitchen as she warmed a bottle of Katniss’ breast milk—ew—and searched for the pureed spinach in the fridge. Rye sat in his highchair, plastic spoon in his grasp.

“Alright, we’re going to feed you this spinach that your Momma made for you,” Johanna told her nephew, pulling out a small container. She blanched seeing the green mush but went to the baby. “Yum…yum…”

Opening the jar, Johanna put her nose to it.

“Oh, gross!” She looked to the baby. “She makes you eat this?”

Rye put his spoon in his mouth and chewed.

Johanna put the concoction in the garbage. “Oh whoops…looks like you dumped it in the garbage.” She went to the fridge and looked at the other labeled jars. “What do you think of peaches for dinner?”

The baby pulled the spoon out his mouth and gave her a gummy smile.

Holy shit. Her ovaries just exploded.

++++++

“Wow, these seats are amazing,” Katniss gasped as they entered the balcony. “And we’re practically next to the stage.” She turned to her husband. “Thank you so much. We probably won’t be able to send our son to college with the amount you paid, but it was well worth it.”

Peeta shrugged, a smile against his lips. “Well, we’re just going to have to hope that he’s stupid, so we don’t have to worry about it.” He reached, wrapping an arm around her waist to pull her against his chest. “I love seeing you smile.”

“If you’re trying to get laid—” Her arms wrapped around his neck. “—it’s totally working.” She pressed her lips to the corner of his mouth. “I love you so much.”

Peeta’s lips went to her temple, wondering how he ever got someone as beautiful, inside and out, as his Katniss. He lingered against her skin for a moment before lifting her chin to meet her eyes.

“You two are the cutest fucking couple that I have ever seen.”

They turned to find two women by the entrance curtain of their box. One was dark-haired and wearing a green moto jacket with a silk tank and leather leggings. The other was a long-haired blonde. She was wearing a white dress, an oversized jean jacket, and combat boots.

“I didn’t realize that there were four seats here,” Katniss said suddenly. “Sorry! We were just about to makeout in the box.”

“Not that I wouldn’t love for you to continue but my fiancé is about to come on stage,” the brunette informed them. “I’m Annie Cresta and this is my friend, Madge Undersee.”

Peeta nodded at the two. “I’m Peeta Mellark and this is my wife, Katniss.”

The quartet shook hands before taking their seats with Peeta sitting at the end.

“So, your fiancé is in District 4?” Katniss asked.

“He’s the lead singer,” Annie said proudly. “Madge’s man is on drums.”

“So cool!” Katniss replied before turning to her husband. “I can’t believe we’re sitting with people who know the band!”

“I bet Rye is going to love hearing about this,” Peeta replied, putting an arm around her.

“Who’s that?” Madge asked.

“Our little boy.” Katniss pulled out her phone to show them her lock screen featuring their cherub of a son. “He’s six months old. This is actually our first time leaving him for the night…” Her eyes filled slightly. “I kind of miss him.”

“Aww…don’t cry Momma.” Madge gave her a smile. “I’m sure he’s doing fine.”

“Thanks.” Katniss sniffled. “Blubbering was so not part of ‘Katniss and Peeta’s Excellent No-Baby Adventure’.”

“Did you just name our date?” her husband asked in amusement.

Katniss shrugged. “Yeah…”

“Pretty cool. What else do you two have planned?” Annie asked curiously.

“Katniss wanted to go to a concert…go dancing…go on a rollercoaster…” Peeta listed.

“You know what?” Madge suddenly said. “I think we can help you. After District 4’s set is done, you two are coming backstage with us.”

Peeta looked to his wife who nodded excitedly.

“I’ll text Johanna that we’re going to be late.”

++++++

‘Don’t wait up. We’re at a concert and are going to hang with one of the bands after their set is over.’

“Whoa. Your parents are so extra,” Johanna informed the baby, who was laying on her chest. She was prone across the couch, one hand on Rye’s back and the other on her phone. She placed it on the armrest above before grabbing the remote. “They need a fun night.” She stopped flipping when her eyes caught a movie obviously filmed in Hawaii, the island sunset so achingly familiar. “I was just there. Left a man…thought he might’ve been the one. I guess I’ll never know.”

Rye let out a content sigh, burrowing against her contently.

Johanna kissed the top of his head.

“I much prefer snuggling with you, anyway.”

++++++

“Before we finish for the night, I wanted to sing one last song,” Finnick, lead singer of District 4, said. “My beautiful fiancée Annie is here tonight—” There was riotous applause and Annie blew Finnick a kiss from her seat. “It’s kind of a special night for us, so I wanted to sing a cover of our song.”

Thresh, on keyboard, started the beginning of the slow tune as Finnick put mouth to the mic, his eyes on the woman at their box, whose green eyes were glowing with love.

“My heart is filled with so much love…and I need someone I can call my own…” Finnick crooned and there was a collective sigh among the crowd. “To fall in love—that's what every one's dreaming of I hold this feeling oh so strong…”

Peeta leaned over to his wife, who watched the performance and was mouthing the words. It was a popular song when they were teenagers.

“Did you want to dance?” he asked her suddenly.

Katniss turned to him. “Here?”

Peeta stood up, offering his hand. “Yes, here.” Urged by Madge, Katniss took his hand and stood up. He pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her waist as his other hand entwined in hers. “I’m surprised I didn’t get more of a fight.”

“Well, you’re only trying to check things off my list,” Katniss replied, her chin resting on his shoulder. She pressed a delicate kiss to his neck, and he shivered at the spike of pleasure that raced through his body. “Is there anything you want?”

“A little girl?” he suggested, and she drew away from him in shock. “Kidding…for now. Let’s have a few years of seeing if we even like that little meatloaf at home.” Katniss giggled at his words. “Instead, I’d like to practice.”

She raised a brow. “Practice.”

He pulled her close, his mouth brushing over hers. “Thoroughly…until you’re too tired to practice…tonight.”

Katniss laughed breathily. “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of practicing with you.”

++++++

Five Hours Earlier…

He packed his bag methodically, trying to think of the many ways to beg for her back without looking like too much of an inconsiderate dumbass. She had told him that she wanted more, and he argued with her; told her that they agreed on it not being forever.

So, Johanna left and took whatever was left of his mangled heart with her.

She had mentioned going to the mainland to see her brother and his family.

Going to his laptop, Haymitch typed in the last name ‘Mellark’, finding the address easily.

A knock on the door sounded—his taxi was here.

Now, he only had five hours to figure out how to convince Johanna to marry him.

+++++++

“Finnick, come meet Peeta and Katniss Mellark,” Annie said, her hand entwined with the bronze-haired man. “Mellarks, meet my fiancé. Finnick Odair.”

The man gave them a bright smile. “Nice to meet you two.” Finnick shook Peeta’s hand and kissed Katniss on the cheek. “I heard you were having an ‘Excellent No-Baby Adventure’.”

“I told you that name was cool,” Katniss crowed to her husband before turning to the couple. “Yes, we’ve already gotten 2 out of the 3 things out of the way.”

“Madge mentioned that you two wanted to ride a rollercoaster.” A dark-haired man with steel eyes approached them. “Gale Hawthorne.” He shook their hands before turning to Finnick and Annie. “Did you tell them where we’re going?”

“No, but they’re coming with us whether they like it or not,” Madge declared, wrapping an arm around Gale’s waist.

++++++

On the way to their destination (in a limo!), the Mellarks met the rest of the band.

There was, of course, Finnick, who was the lead singer and Gale on drums. Cato was on bass and Thresh was on keyboard. They had all met in high school and formed the band after graduation, deciding to try and break into the music industry in oppose to attending college.

They were steadily gaining popularity, their latest single getting regular radio play.

“We’re heading to New York after this to speak with an actual record label,” Finnick told them, his arm around Annie. “Hopefully, it will all work out.”

“In the meantime, I’ve booked them some gigs to keep us living in the lap of luxury,” Annie added. “We’re here!”

Katniss looked out the window and her smoky eyes widened. “Holy shit.”

Thresh chuckled. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“The girls are here!” Cato added excitedly.

The Mellarks stepped out of the limo in a daze at the sight of the amusement park before them.

“Whoa, they really did help with the list,” Peeta said, putting an arm around his wife. “Ready to ride a coaster?”

They joined the group and were introduced to Clove, Cato’s wife, a petite woman with a messy bob who was obviously pregnant underneath her navy sheath dress. Then Thresh introduced his wife, Finch; a tall redhead with sharp eyes who looked very statuesque in her gold lamé dress.

“We’re all set,” Finch told them, walking them through the turnstiles to get into the park. The place had obviously been closed for hours, as the usual litter of parkgoers had been cleared. However, the place was still lit up.

“What’s going on?” Peeta asked as they stopped in front of a large water fountain. Across from it was a two-tier carousel.

“It was a sign of good luck that we met you two,” Annie told them brightly. “Because Finnick and I are getting married.”

Katniss beamed at the two. “When?”

A blond man rushed over, a piece of paper in his hands. “I had to print out my certification at one of the ticket booths. Are we ready?”

Finnick smiled at the couple. “I guess now.”

Madge quickly explained that the amusement park was where Finnick and Annie had their first date and that they kissed at this exact spot where they would also get married. Marvel, their last-minute guest, was Annie’s cousin and the officiant.

So, it came to be that in front of a beautiful lit carousel, Annie and Finnick married.

Peeta wrapped his arms around his wife’s waist as they watch Finnick sniffle through his vows.

“Feels like that was just us,” he said.

“You cried a lot more,” Katniss replied softly before turning her head to press a kiss to his lips. “Thank you for marrying me.”

“Thank you for giving me that little meatloaf at home,” Peeta said into her hair, watching as the couple exchanged rings. “You two are the best things in my life.”

“By the power vested in me and the hopefully legit internet site that ordained me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Marvel announced. Everyone applauded, the guys letting out whoops of excitement. “Finnick, you may now kiss your bride—just not too much tongue, because she’s my cousin and that would be really gross to see.”

“Then avert your eyes,” Finnick told the man and Marvel chuckled before turning away.

Pulling Annie into his arms, the new husband dipped her down before planting a kiss to her lips, unaware of the cheers around them.

++++++

Johanna awoke to the doorbell ringing. She looked down, finding Rye still asleep, his mouth slightly open.

Sitting up carefully, Johanna readjusted so that the little one was in the crook of her arm before standing up and heading to the front door.

Maybe the couple had forgotten their keys?

The doorbell rang once more.

“Hold your horses,” she muttered before reaching to turn the knob and opening the door. Her mouth fell open at the person before her. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Can we talk?” Haymitch asked. “I mean, I came all the way here.”

“No one asked you to,” Johanna muttered, patting Rye’s back. “Plus, I’m obviously very busy.”

“I wanted to,” the man before her said. “And he looks like he’s out for the night.”

“Of course, he is. Rye has spent most of the night asleep on my chest,” she retorted.

“I can relate.” Johanna couldn’t help but chuckle at Haymitch’s words. “Can we please talk?”

“Fine. But if you wake him, you die.”

She widened the door.

++++++

The air was cool from their seats.

“Last thing checked off the list for ‘Katniss and Peeta’s Excellent No-Baby Adventure’,” Peeta said as they ascended in their coaster cart. The newly minted Odairs had the front cart but if they decided to go again, he insisted that they get the front.

“I’m really starting to have doubts about going on this roller coaster,” Katniss said, gripping the railing in front of them. “However, I think this has been a really cool night. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

“I promise there will be another adventure,” he told her.

Katniss leaned over to kiss her husband, no longer caring that they were at the crest of the roller coaster, ready to tip down into the unknown.

They were ready for whatever came next.

FIN.

I really wanted to have ‘Date Night’ vibes (you know the movie starring Tina Fey and Steve Carell) because I think that they had such great chemistry.

Music:

“My Humps” –The Black Eyed Peas

“Shower Me with Your Love”—Surface

All the popular girls in my high school used to do this hula dance to this song and I kind of imagine Annie being one of those girls doing that hula dance during a school talent show and Finnick just falling in love with her in a grass skirt. I thought that it would be cool if that was Finnick and Annie’s song since they’re from a coastal district.

Thanks for reading.