#songbird gets an ask

[edenthebat]

EDEN!!! HIII ITS BEEN A WHILE :D

HI FINLEY!!!! HRU :DDDD

[aclockworkreader]

what is your current ranking of the hunger games books? loved your sotr vlog 🫶

i think my ranking might be controversial?? but as of now it’s:

1. mockingjay

2. catching fire

3. the hunger games

4. ballad of songbirds and snakes

5. sunrise on the reaping

some explanations loll:

the original trilogy is hard for me to rank because it really depends on which one i’m reading, and i always binge read them so they kinda blend into one lol. catching fire used to be my favorite (and sometimes it still is) but i do think each book is better than the last, and mockingjay is the perfect conclusion to the story. also the last chapter and epilogue alone automatically make that one my favorite.

between ballad and sunrise, although i much prefer reading from haymitch’s perspective and i LOVE how much character development it provides and how many dots it connects, i think ballad is an overall better book. the themes ballad explores were entirely new to the series and it provided the necessary context for us to better understand the history and politics of panem and the hunger games. that book does so much world building that it feels essential to the original series in a way that sotr doesn’t. that’s not to say i’m not glad we have sotr because now that we know haymitch’s story, i can’t imagine not having it. but we didn’t NEED it to understand how the hunger games work, or that the reapings are rigged, or how vindictive and cruel snow is, or anything else about the world because all of that was information we’d already gotten (or could at least infer) from previous books. everything new that we learn is about how haymitch’s story in particular is manipulated. which is great for character developments sake but not entirely necessary for world building or expanding the political themes of the narrative.

i said this in my video too, but i think the themes explored in sotr get a little heavy handed at times and occasionally don’t feel fully fleshed out. it’s a very straightforward book (thematically speaking) which isn’t inherently a problem, but i prefer how complex, uncomfortable, and intricate ballad feels in comparison. sotr is mostly a book about character while tbosas, i think, blends character, plot, and politics perfectly.

so while sotr is definitely the more emotional and heartbreaking of the two, i truly believe ballad is some of her best (but also her most misunderstood) work all around.

[witchbugs]

coriolanus snow and his toxic bisexual polygamous marriage of people who deeply fucking hate him

[majorsoapfan]

I had a conversation the other day about accents and how some people's accents can change or are influenced by where they live and for how long and how others aren't - this is from personal experience as well, and it just got me thinking then about how Sejanus' accent might have unintentionally changed too while living in the Capitol.

Like, the Plinths would be the only ones from that kind of circle who would have a District 2 accent, which makes it's very obvious that they're not from here the second that they open their mouths. But while Strabo tries to alter his accent to fit more in with the Capitol - particularly the upper circles there, Sejanus and Ma Plinth, try to hang onto theirs, more so Sejanus.

But ten years is a long time and aside from Ma Plinth and the rare occasions when Strabo drops the Capitol accent at home, Sejanus is surrounded by only the Capitol accent at all times and although he doesn't realise it, over time it starts to creep in and affects the way that he says certain things.

So, by the time that the 10th Games roll around, it's obvious as soon as Sejanus speaks that he's not from the Capitol, but I'm thinking for a scene in an upcoming fic where he's speaking to Sabyn, (because Marcus still won't speak to him) and she points out just how different his accent is now to hers and Marcus' and thus everyone else from home.

It's definitely not a Capitol accent, but it's not quite District 2 anymore either. And if he spoke like that in District 2, then people who wouldn't know just who he was, would then ask him where he was from.

And that observation/realisation utterly breaks Sejanus' heart then, because his accent had been one of the last things that he had had of home, of his District 2 heritage that he had desperately tried to cling to, but along the way he lost it without even realising it.

It's changed, not quite District and not quite Capitol, not belonging to either place.

[womanwhoembracesfolly]

Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Movie: first response

⚠️SPOILERS⚠️

Okay so! There’s QUITE a few changes from the books. The funerals, which I read the book I always found so unsettling, were cut. Honestly, I was worried if I’d be able to stomach watching it on screen so honestly, those being excluded was a bit of a blessing. But, it’s not really clear if Didi and Apollo died in the attack on the Arena or not. The only confirmed mentor death is Felix, who has been upgraded from the president’s nephew to the president’s son!

The biggest change though, which after listening to the recording from the soundtrack I enjoy a lot, is how Lucy Gray wins her games. Rather than the snakes being released mid way through her games, the snakes are what ends her game. Dr.Gaul spirals, claiming that there doesn’t need to be a Victor and the districts MUST pay, especially because now the president’s son is dead because of these ‘rebels’. Lucy Gray poisons one of the tributes from Coral’s alliance, who’s name escapes me at the moment. I think it’s the one she’s kills with the snake. Lucy Gray’s (Rachel Zegler’s) performance in this scene is so powerful. It’s amazing. The way it’s reframed that she’s singing as the snakes shroud her and she’s the only one alive in the arena, is just chilling. Dr.Gaul refusing to end the games and Snow pleading for her to let Lucy Gray go, with the students chanting “Let her go. Let her go.” I’ve been a Rachel fan since the start. Since I was 12, I’ve been subscribed to her YouTube channel, and seeing the movie and her in it is so… AHHHH. This scene was just so powerful and I honestly still am not over it and can’t wait to see it again on my second viewing.

Reaper’s death also changed with this! He is killed with the snakes along with Coral and I believe two other tributes. Clemmie, sadly, is gone from the movie after the incident with the snakes. She also takes a much more like… not antagonistic per day, but cocky role. Reaper’s death was… it was good. His reaction to Wovey’a death being what triggers him creating the grave for the other tributes is amazing, and the performance of that grief and anger was so good.

The movie portrays the mercy of the games so well. Lucky Flickerman is HILARIOUS as a host which is so disturbing. “The odds are not likely but may they be in your favor” is what he says to Lucy Gray after her interview. His quips are funny and quick, and honestly a highlight of the movie. Only to be reminded of the dying children of course. It’s very Ceaser Flickerman and it’s amazing. After Lamina kills Marcus, Lucky even says “was it mercy or murder?”. It’s such a sharp contrast to Lamina and Marcus’ interaction. She gently reaches for his head, and he turns, face clenched with pain and sorrow, saying “please.” You can see how gentle Lamina is as she kills him, the music too really adds onto the tragedy of it. How Lamina, who is seen as weak and a cry baby for most of her screen time, offers such mercy. Lamina’s actress says nothing, but her performance is so beautiful.

The movie highlights on Lucy Gray’s grief and guilt too. When her and Snow reunite, she talks about how they are BOTH killers. She expresses such grief at how Dill (‘ill Dill’ and ‘Tuberculosis on legs’ WERE WILD ON LUCKY’s part) was the one who found the poison and the audience gets to see a lot of her live reactions to the game’s events.

THE LAST SONG OF LUCY GRAY

The way Rachel and Tom play the scene in the cabin is WILD. The movie’s tone SHIFTS so much the second Snow finds the guns. It becomes like a horror movie as Lucy Gray asks what is it and snow turns to her pointing the gun slightly at her, finger almost on the trigger ready to pull. Rachel’s performance of Lucy Gray in this scene is something I’ll be talking about for days. She’s a bit of a schemer, she is suspicious, and she knows what will come next. She tests the waters with him and when she says that besides the guns, she’ll be his only loose end, I can’t tell if Lucy Gray does it to taunt or test him.

SNOW. “Lucy gray. are you… are you trying to kill me? AFTER EVERYTHING I DID FOR YOU?” Something about the way Snow says this… it takes you out of context of the story because this is something that happens often in toxic relationships. It’s so real and raw, and honestly a little too close to reality than we would like. I personally see it as an effort on the writer’s part to make sure the audience doesn’t side with snow at the end. As we know, the Yassification of characters and if a bad person is attractive it’s okay yada yada IS such a discourse. Tom Blyth as Snow has been seeing a lot of this too. But this part? This part makes it a bit more real, which is greatly appreciated.

Everything about the last scene with Snowbaird was fantastic. The two people I went with said that they were honestly confused on who betrayed who. And who stopped trusting who first. And that’s what makes it so fun AHHH.

I have so many thoughts but not enough people to talk about it with, so word vomit on tumblr lol. I’ll prob have even more to say after round two! (My friend got to meet the cast today and I’m so jealous that I wasn’t able to go)

[thebirdandhersong]

I LIKE how mercurial and verbose Mijoo gets when she's angry or hurt. She's able to articulate her frustration very, very clearly, and that makes those conversations so interesting. And the writer loves to twist your typical kdrama expectations. When Mijoo has her first hissy fit in Episode 7, you THINK it's just because she was worried about Seongyeom's safety because he didn't text back. But in the second and longer fit of temper on the field, you learn that it's not JUST that. She's frustrated that he doesn't communicate with the rest of the house. She's frustrated that he doesn't realise that other people care about his wellbeing. She's frustrated because she doesn't feel like she has the right to call him and ask where he is, etc. etc. so she only lets herself text. She's frustrated because he doesn't understand that. She's frustrated because she can feel that he's not letting her in, and that she's not able to bypass that wall he's put up. She's frustrated because he's able to bypass her wall so easily. And then she's frustrated that she said all those things. Anyway, did I mention I love the writing in this show? I do.

[screamingfrenchfries]

i kinda wanna share my banana man & bung vulchungo lore but i fear it's far too disconnected from the general consensus on what the music video's actually about. i also majorly furry-ified it.

[edenthebat]

A-ha? Like Taaaaaaake Ooooooon Meeeeee A-ha? Is that the kind of joke you want?

Please respond in a timely manner, as I'll beeee gooooone in a day or twooooooooooooooooooooooooo

omg this is amazing. this is not the aha jokes that post is talking about but it's amazing nonetheless ty <333

(for context: in Last Life (aka Season 2 of the Life Series) one of the groups (The Southlands) had a joke where they kept fitting 'aha' into anything they could. Here's a clip courtesy of Martyn ITLW, part of said group: https://youtube.com/shorts/WEFTYIS3z5s?feature=shared warning for loud laughter lmao)

[moreespressoformydepresso]

re: write

while i am very tempted to ask about the treaper extended universe.... 🦊 for the cute animals!

Well... This took me embarrasingly long... I have two other asks for this fic lmao so you've got more animal content to look forward to. For now, have Mizzen and Bobbin being menaces (Ft. Treech being no help at all)

The Academy cafeteria was a warzone. There was no better word Persephone could find for it. Pure, unfiltered chaos. Something they really should've seen coming, if she was entirely honest with herself. Mizzen was a raccoon, Bobbin was... Bobbin, and Treech was a fox. And the Capitol Academy was filled with Capitol elite, which meant that letting a raccoon, a fox, and a honey badger who were all severely mistreated by the Capitol run loose here was pure stupidity on the government's fault.

She would've said the Capitol as a whole, but she was part of the Capitol and she didn't regret a single thing.

Mizzen was running around eating food off of random plates (and she knew he did it because he knew those people wouldn't touch that plate ever again) and displacing every item that wasn't nailed down, Bobbin continued to find new things for him to test out his bite force on while shamelessly taking advantage of his tough, elastic skin to break everything made of glass he could see, and Treech... Well...

"Aren't you going to do something?!" Arachne screeched as yet another vase was smashed to pieces.

Treech, for his part, looked entirely unimpressed. He barely even moved his head to glance at her from his place in Vipsania's lap, Tail briefly flicking up to thump onto his mentor's thigh before wrapping back around his curled up body. Why Arachne expected him to do anything was beyond Persephone, given how his messing with the peacekeepers was part of what led to this situation in the first place. He didn't seem particularly interested in joining the crazy, but he certainly didn't look inclined to stop the other two's antics. If anything, he looked very entertained.

Which was fair, it was entertaining. Persephone was very entertained.

A table finally broke under the stress of a honey badger jumping on it with determination and the weight of a big marble bust Mizzen had pushed down from the shelf above it. Bobbin immediately shot towards the next target of his destruction-craving little heart. Several other mentors looked at the curled up little fox, silently begging him to reign in his fellow tributes. Or at the very least get them to calm down just a little. Anything to bring some sanity into this chaos!

Treech wriggled a little, snuggling closer into Vipsania with a content, high pitched rumble. The normally cold, vicious student visibly melted. With an uncharacteristically warm smile on her face, she brushed the back of her index and middle finger over the soft fur of his little head and gently scratched him behind his fuzzy ears. Treech let out a happy little purr, leaning into her touch before settling back down again and soaking up the affection.

Absolutely adorable.

Sadly, it wasn't meant to last. More and more people began to turn to him, demanding he do something about the two shifters still running amok. A particularly shrill screech from Hilarius made Persephone wince. Treech's large, fuzzy ears twitched. Arachne started up her whining again, grating slightly on her nerves. Persephone loved all her classmates, but some of them were really starting to irritate her...

"Aren't you going to do something?" Professor Sickle, Vipsania's aunt, demanded. "You're the oldest tribute here!"

Treech lifted his little head, large black eyes staring at her blankly. His ears twitched again. Persephone hadn't thought the gymnasium master could look unnerved or uncomfortable at all until this very moment, and she tried not to laugh at the hint of amusement on Vipsania's face. Finally, the fox rose to his feet, jumping onto the table and stretching slowly. Mizzen and Bobbin halted their havoc-wreaking to look over at the third and final tribute. Mizzen like a deer (or raccoon) in headlights, Bobbin like he was daring Treech to stop him. Treech paid neither of them any attention.

Taking his sweet time, he strode over the table and stopped right at the edge. Where Dr. Gaul had placed that priceless vase of hers, which had been in her family for generations. She'd taken it with her for the exhibition and left it on the mentor table because it was the only part of the building that had been left out of the destruction. Treech circled around it, inspecting it with interest before looking at Professor Sickle with an innocent expression on his little snout.

"...Don't..." Professor Sickle narrowed her eyes.

Treech tilted his head. His eyes did not leave the professor for a single moment as he raised his paw to lay it against the vase. And then, ever so slowly, he began to push. One inch after another. The room held it's breath, but no one jumped in to stop him. Treech blinked, tail swishing slowly behind him. Back and forth, back and forth. He gave one last shove. As if in slow motion, the vase tumbled over the edge of the table, crashing to the floor and bursting into a million tiny pieces. As if it had been a command, the sound set off both Mizzen and Bobbin, who immediately resumed their streak of destruction. Treech's fluffy tail moved back and forth quicker, a dead giveaway to his satisfaction as he turned and walked across the table to hop back into Vipsania's lap. She sighed, though she didn't seem bothered at all, and resumed petting him as he curled up and began happily purring again.

Well then...

That was one way to give an answer.

Bonus:

“Dance with me?” 

Reaper stared at his outstretched hand hesitantly. When his eyes shifted to stare at the crowd outside of the enclosure, Treech knew where his conflict came from. It was entirely understandable, because his own hesitation came from the exact same place. But Treech would not be deterred, and he would find a way to convince his boyfriend to go along with his schemes. No audience or death game or uptight peacekeeper could stop him from heckling Reaper into loosening up a little. 

“They’re watching us, Sprig.” 

“And? Let them watch.” Treech stood up and offered his hand with a smile. “Are we really gonna let them stop us from having some fun?” 

“...Don’t you hate being a dancing monkey for them to gawk at?”

Treech paused, face falling a little. Of course he hated being ‘entertainment’ for these assholes! He’d loathed every second of it from the moment the first Games had started! It was so hard to go back to the boy he’d been before the bell, who hadn’t minded performing all that much. Who’d kind of enjoyed parts of it, even. His original self had still possessed some modicum of innocence, but the games had destroyed it. Cynicism was easy, especially in environments like the inside of a zoo enclosure or a Capitol Arena, but…

Well, when had he ever done things the easy way? After the whole “falling in love with someone despite knowing one of them would die in days” thing, nothing could dispute that. Cynicism and depressed moping were easier, that’s why he’d fallen into the haze of grief right after Reaper’s death. It was easy, but it wasn’t fun. It was horrible and sad and lonely and cold and it was something Treech never wanted to feel ever again. He’d rather be positive until it killed him than negative until he had nothing left to live for. 

“I’m not dancing for them, am I? I’m dancing for the people in here, because we deserve what few good things we can find.” He paused, turning slightly red. “I’m dancing for you.” 

It was hard to see given his dark skin, but Treech swore Reaper blushed too. First of all, d’awwwww. Second of all… Nope, still adorable. Just adorable. Treech was not processing any thoughts beyond how cute his boyfriend was. Thanks to this phenomena Circ might call a “short-circuit” (though Treech preferred short-Circuit), he gave up all semblance of patience and dragged Reaper to his feet. Not that his boyfriend actually resisted. His protesting grumbles were half-hearted at best as he let himself be led to the circle of tributes in the middle of the zoo. 

The second Treech and Reaper joined, they were pushed to the center of the circle. Reaper seemed a little unsure, but one reassuring smile was enough to calm him down a little. Like second nature, Treech began to move to the rhythm as Otto and Ginnee picked up the pace of the music. Even on the uneven ground, their movements were fast and energetic, because Treech knew Reaper would catch him if he fell. The crowd outside began to clap along, but he could barely hear them over the sound of his heart beating out of his chest. 

It beat with the music that fueled him day in and day out. Without even thinking, he began to sing along to this song he’d never heard before.

[felixravinstills]

what’s up haven’t bugged you in a minute

but the mutuals have been talking twilight and i’ve now got the image of volumnia and carlisle having a conversation in my head

omg, Lily in inbox! Hi!

Genuinely, I would love to see this. Volumnia and her belief that people are fundamentally violent vs. Carlisle who (say what you will about the man and his bizarre family) desperately tries to see the good in people (perhaps, to a fault... or at least to a fault in terms of human lives. He's letting other people do them to a degree it turns around and becomes a little hypocritical. But he is a vampire and that is the name of the game so whatever)! Volumnia would definitely look down on him both for that and also being religious. Girl, you too have a weird faith in your own beliefs, but you're just dressing it up differently.

You know just a sidebar about Twilight in general, but I've been reading the Interview with the Vampire book and truly I am understanding things better about why SMeyer describes things certain ways. (bell like laughter, statuesque vampires, Jane = more beautiful as a Botticelli angel and Claudia being compared to a Bottacelli). Carlisle's desperation for companionship is reading very much like Louis and Claudia's search for vampires like them. (Also like... I love how everyone was upset about "vegetarian" vampires like Twilight was the only series that did that lol)

I also read Wuthering Heights because of Twilight, and what SMeyer thought she was doing with Bella-Edward-Jacob makes way more sense now in Eclipse, but damn, I don't think she accomplishes it. Anyway, SMeyer sure is a person.

[hozukitofu]

Every time I view the tributes as "evil" or "annoying" or "stuck up" I have to physically chant THAT'S WHAT THE CAPITOL WANTS YOU TO THINK. We watch and consume media, and we are all easily suggestible to depictions and hidden agenda of the producers - I'm a kpoppie so I've seen my fill of reality shows and evil mnet editing, how someone can have their actions, words and expressions twisted into a narrative that isn't true. Media at the scale of the Games are not designed to tell the truth - that largely marginalised kids are ritually massacred to scare the districts from thinking about rebellion. The broadcasted Games are selling the deaths almost at an unreal quality, almost like it's not REALLY happening - and the emotional distance that the Capitol citizens are able to afford/and be removed from the brutality can pretend that it's not really there and more importantly, not THEIR kids. This is just a silly little show and these kids are only characters playing a role, but ooh sometimes we can get interactive and influence their odds. How fun! How exciting! And we in the Capitol get to do this Every Year? Give us drama and twists, different arenas and costumes every year so we can keep consuming.

It's so easy to call literal kids EVIL or SELFISH and INHUMANE. Anyone would be if they've been publicly announced to fight to the DEATH and having to survive 23 other people actively TRYING to murder them. Everything is RIGGED by the game makers and sponsors - create an environment that is so toxic that people have to be the worst versions of themselves to survive - for funsies. For shits and giggles. For laughs, for bets. Doesn't matter if the chosen tribute win, but they have to be entertaining. SICKENING.

So the next time you catch yourself slipping into Capitol propaganda, thinking about how kids are evil and murderous and annoying, also consider the additional fact that they HAVE TO BE, and also just because a teenager is annoying doesn't mean they should DIE FOR IT. I know we're all disdainful of kids and think they're not fully formed humans, and sometimes they can look like they're older than they are, but that doesn't excuse TELEVISED demonisation of certain actions. Kids who are ruthless so they can go home are just trying to play a game rigged against their LIVES. I think all of the tributes can do whatever tf they want, I support tribute rights AND wrongs. They're ANNOYING and I want them to LIVE. Two statements that can and should coexist

[animatronic-assistant]

❗️❗️❗️

Songbird gets an unexpected kiss from Masquerade

@lunar-disillusionment

M-Madam! Please do not play with my feelings like that.

[aroace-polyshow]

totally worth it (i did more but this is the only one i liked so)

[coryothesub]

Okay so "alright I'm gonna show myself out" apparently is going to become a new resident tag on this blog because I'm in a super kinky mood while vacationing idk how else to explain this

nsfw / mdni / sub!coryo / softdom!sejanus / switch!reader/ major piss kink

Just imagine fooling around in the shower with the boys and you decide that you want both of them to piss on your pussy.

Sejanus is immediately on board with the idea while Coryo is a bit shy although deep down it turns him on more than anything.

Sej goes first and Coryo's baby blue eyes widen as he sees you moaning like a slut as soon as the strong, warm stream hits your clit. You buckle your hips towards it, aching for more of this exciting new sensation. Sejanus chuckles softly at your despair and he continues to direct it right at your sensitive bud until he's done.

Coryo goes next and Sej encourages him, caressing his sides and trailing soft little kisses down his neck. Coryo shivers at the warm feeling of his friend's lips against his skin and his piss spatters all over your stomach and thighs.

"So excited, babyboy! Don't worry just let it go," you encourage him gently and he steadies the stream, directing it up and down your already dripping cunt and teasing your swollen clit.

"That's it, just like that, love!" Sejanus whispers into Coryo's ear as he soaks you in the warm liquid.

"Thank you, boys!" You smile at them before licking the last few drops off Coryo's tip.

After that they take turns fucking you and cover you in thick loads of cum, praising each other and marveling at their job marking you as theirs in every way possible.

After that you all shower together and cuddle up in bed, whispering sweet nothings to each other.

[thefloatingwriter]

🎁 arachne? :D

arachne crane, 10th annual hunger games mentor for the female tribute from district ten

[mochiwrites]

MOCHIIIIII YOUR KILLING US OVER HERE!!!!/pos

mwahahahaha >:3c

it's okay nonnie, it's killing me that this chapter isn't close to being done yet. I'm shaking the bars of my enclosure so furiously while writing, I wanna share and post it SO bad

I'm trying something new for the first time with this upcoming chapter and really toying around with different perspectives in the same scene and I'm !!!! excited to see how it all falls together. just <///3 unfortunately for me there's So Much going on in this chapter that I'm djgfhhgfkjdhgf

I'm taking my time with it to make sure I execute this chapter as best as I possibly can but waughhhhh I'm chomping on drywall. you guys. you guys this is gonna be such a kick ass chapter and I am SO excited. the dialogue and imagery is Popping Off. we are cooking !!!!!!

allow me to offer :3c a small hint of what's brewing rn :3c

An impish look befalls Fwhip’s face as he holds his hands out. “Whoa, slow the roll a bit!” he says lightly, as if he were being asked what he wanted for dessert before dinner. He’s casual with it, cradling the power, control of the situation in his palm. “I haven’t even given a little recap for her majesty yet. it’s only fair for everyone to have the context, don’t you think?” He takes that as his cue to turn toward King Cleo, steadily approaching their table with confident strides. “See, your majesty, Aqua Town has had a little bit of a problem for the past seven months. A human has been running around killing both their own kind and the supernatural. And do you know what they did?”