Everlark and Canon Through Other Character's Eyes

Everlark and Canon Through Other Character's Eyes

Featuring guest reviewer Norbertsmom (or ffnet). 

One of my favorite conversations in Mockingjay takes place between Finnick and Katniss in District 13, when he apologizes for not warning Katniss about Snow's method of hurting his enemies by using people that they love against them:

But it wasn’t until Peeta hit the force field and nearly died that I—” Finnick hesitates. I think back to the arena. How I sobbed when Finnick revived Peeta. The quizzical look on Finnick’s face. The way he excused my behavior, blaming it on my pretend pregnancy. “That you what?”

“That I knew I’d misjudged you. That you do love him. I’m not saying in what way. Maybe you don’t know yourself. But anyone paying attention could see how much you care about him,” he says gently. (pp. 153-154)

This excerpt is thrilling, not just because it puts into words something that Katniss has been unwilling to acknowledge explicitly to herself until that moment, but because we enjoy the idea of others witnessing and acknowledging the existence of their love.  Yes, there is something voyeuristic about this but it is also an affirmation that this powerful feeling is validated by the world outside of the one in which the two lovers exist.

It is also interesting to see canon events from the point of view of other characters, both major and minor, in fanfiction.

So, my fic recs this week are those written about about either Everlark or canon events from other POVs.  For this, I must acknowledge Norbertsmom for putting together a rather extensive list of over 30 fics from other character's POV.  I'm recommending ones that are classified as WIPs because that's kind of what I do here.  If you are interested in receiving the full list, feel free to reach out to me here, my email (titania522@gmail.com) or on my tumblr (titania522).

Happy Reading!


A Lesson of the Blood by museofmirth (Peeta's POV)

Summary:  Fire had taught him a lesson of the blood. Follow Peeta's journey from the Capitol back to District 12 as he recovers from the hijacking and begins to grow back together with Katniss. Companion piece to Young Blood. End of Mockingjay, pre-epilogue.

The Hanging Tree by FernWithy (Haymitch's POV)

Summary: Haymitch's life continues to deteriorate between the Victory Tour and his first Games as mentor

The Hawthorne Monologues by Dendroica (Multiple POVs)

Summary:  A series of one-shots about the Hawthorne family, from miscellaneous events in The Hunger Games canon. Sometimes scenes, sometimes inner monologues. Generally fits canon. POV is usually Hazelle or Gale. There's no particular order, so chapters are labeled with what book they belong to.

The Melting Pot by mountain_mama (Hazelle's POV)

Summary: Hazelle Hawthorne is fed up with living in District 2 and decides to move back to District 12. What is life going to be like in D12 now that the rebellion is over? Who else is going to move back and help in the rebuilding?

Through a Mentor's Eyes by huckin-cupcakes (Haymitch's POV)

Summary:  "Honestly, unless someone's maimed, dead, or dying, I'm going back to sleep." The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins written from Haymitch Abernathy's point of view. Because I've always wanted to know what Haymitch was thinking/doing.

Charity Fanfiction Collection

Charity Fanfiction Collection 

I wanted to take a moment to talk about a wonderful initiative for the Hope for Caroline Foundation.  It's called Stories 2 Save Lives (or S2SL).  The purpose of this initiative is to organize donated fanfics into a collection that will be available for a donation of $10.00 to the Hope for Caroline Foundation.  All proceeds are dedicated to the foundation's mission of raising awareness and funds for the cure of DIPG, a terminal type of brain cancer.  The organization is named after little Caroline, or Calle, who succumbed to her illness on July 18, 2013.

Besides the fact of doing something meaningful for a good cause, the pay-off is in the collection itself - over thirty great writers contributing new and never-before-seen stories containing varying degrees of amorous exploits (read smut) just in time for Valentine's Day, February 14, 2014.

Just click here for a look authors and teasers for this collection.

For more information about contributing and accessing the fic collection, click here.

To read more about the Hope for Caroline foundation, click here.

*In the interest of full disclosure, I am contributing two fics: The Pearl of the Antilles and Tonight We Play.  For more information about me or any of my other fics, check me out on my tumblr, ffnet and AO3.

WIP Everlark Recs with Titania - Love Across the Ages

Love Across the Ages

In the alternate universe of Everlark love, I’ve become fascinated with the subgenre of historical fanfiction.  I enjoy these fics because they speak to a certain inevitability in the Everlark love story; no matter where they are, what the time period or their life situation, their souls find their way back to each other (“Every you loves every me”).  Even Suzanne Collins, ever not the romantic, has written this inevitability into her story by repeatedly placing the symbol of fire (Katniss) alongside the symbol for bread/life (Peeta) to come up with toast and toasting from the very first book.  So please, read and enjoy this wonderful sampling our fandom has to offer.  I’ve refrained from adding a summary so as not to make this post 17 pages long!  A special thanks to deathmallow over at AO3 for recommending half of this list.  She has been such a delight to chat with. Please check out her wonderful story A Friend in Need, listed below, as well as her other wonderful fics. 

The Colour of Heartbreak by alatariel-gildaen
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10002750/1/The-Colour-of-Heartbreak

Britannia-et-Panem by justadram (Everlark, Roman Empire)

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8701049/1/Britannia-et-Panem

I Envy The Thy Love by Solasvioletta (Civil War, USA)

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9688950/1/I-Envy-Thee-Thy-Love

The Deadliest Sins by yourpeetaisshowing (Everlark, WWII, Germany)

www.promptsinpanem.tumblr.com/post/60780076202/the-deadliest-sins-chapter-1

A Friend in Need  by deathmallow (Everlark 1840’s America)

http://archiveofourown.org/works/1115735

We Have Brought Peace Unto You by jeen02 (Everlark, 1930’s Germany)

http://archiveofourown.org/works/479235/chapters/832482

Glitter and Dust jeen02 (Everlark, 1930’s America)

http://archiveofourown.org/works/714478

Sins of the Father by Streetlightlove (Everlark, WWII, America)

http://archiveofourown.org/works/716083/chapters/1325989

Blue and Gray/A House United by shesasurvivor(Everlark/ Civil War)

http://archiveofourown.org/series/32133

Social Standing by sponsormusings (Everlark/Victorian England)

http://archiveofourown.org/works/530197/chapters/939746

A little Hayanna to spice up your reading time:

When Johnny Comes Marching Home by shesasurvivor (starkist) (Hayhanna, Civil Wars, America)

http://archiveofourown.org/works/1093651

Seven Years Seven Pines by deathmallow (Hayhanna, 1760’s America)

http://archiveofourown.org/works/801581

Next Installment:  Fanfics from other POVs (special feature starring norbertsmom)

 Check out titania522/ct522 at ffnet, AO3 and tumblr!

http://nightlockfics.blogspot.com/2014/01/love-acrossthe-ages-in.html

WIP Everlark Recs with Titania - The Holiday Edition

The Holiday Edition

Twas the night before Christmas

And all through the Net

Not a writer was stirring,

Not even a …

Well, okay, I couldn’t rhyme that but you know what I mean.  If you go on Tumblr, it’s like “Where are the natives?” They are recuperating from all of the fic exchanges and challenges. There is also, of course, the small matter of this being the Holiday season and everyone is with their families and friends, inhaling love and calories in proportions not usually seen during the rest of the year.

So, with the spirit of Christmas in mind, I’d like to rec the following challenges and exchanges.  As you digest your calories and rest your bellies, feel free to indulge in the best the fandom’s Christmas fics have to offer:

Affiliate Fic Challenge: Starvation Forum's 'The Holiday Games’: In a Rather Festive Arena: The Holiday Games (Competition)

Our affiliate Starvation, a fanfiction.net forum run by our good old bestie Lavender Flame has a holiday season two-shot fic challenge for anyone who is interested! More information is available by clicking the link here to this previous blog post.  By December 31^st, there will be a collection of yummy fics and then there is part two in January.

Prompts in Panem:  Everlark During the Holidays – Tumblr and AO3

A collection of stories written for the Prompts in Panem: Holidays in Panem challenge, held December 14th-15th, 2013.  Any holiday, any which way, all Everlarking holiday fun!

Hunger Games Holiday Exchange 2013 – Tumblr and AO3

A secret character based gift exchange of fic for fans of the Hunger Games franchise.  The Archive goes live on December 28^th so keep an eye out for that! 

If I’ve missed anyone, please let me know!  I go on Live Journal and Watt Pad to mine it for Everlark Fics but they all link back to these.

So happy eating, happy celebrating and Happy, Happy Hunger Games Holiday Fanfiction!  And may you all be safe and well-read.

Titania522 (Tumblr and AO3) (ct522 on ffnet)

(I’ll accept any help on finishing the last line of my poor little verse above.  I mean, what rhymes with “Net” anyway?). 

WIP Everlark Recs with Titania - The Capitol's Depravities

The Capitol’s Depravities

I have to start off my review by saying that I was slow to love Mockingjay (the third installment of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games Trilogy).  It was so bleak;  a happy ending more qualified than any I’d ever read since Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried or Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale.   Truthfully, I didn’t pay attention to the themes building up to that novel.  Because when I opened my eyes and allowed myself to think critically about it, I realized that there was no other way the trilogy could have ended.

Mockingjay, among other things, reminds the reader that there are no limits to the lengths that those in power will go to stay in power.  It also demonstrates that there is no limit to the depravity that can be reached.  As George Orwell famously put it “Power corrupts.  Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”  There is no question that Cornelius Snow is the embodiment of corruption made extreme.

We learn the depths of Snow’s corruption in the person of Finnick Odair, who confesses that, through the use of threats and coercion, Snow has reduced him to a highly desired prostitute.  This confession shocks the readers as well as all of Panem and explains so much about his character and behavior throughout the trilogy.  Furthermore, the revelation that many other Victors suffer the same fate at the hands of the Capitol makes the reader blanch at the possibility of Peeta and Katniss suffering the same fate had the revolution not been successful. 

This what-if premise is explored in several well-written, gripping Everlark fanfics.  There are a few centered only around Johanna, Haymitch and Finnick but as I am an Everlark rec page, I will concentrate on those stories that feature our favorite OTP.

Warning:  While well-written and thought-provoking, some feature non-con and other disturbing characteristics as befits their subject matter.  I consider forced marriage and consummation, especially public consummation, to fall under this category.  Tread carefully and pay attention to triggers.

The Other Mockingjay by Mockingjayflyingfree 

(https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9589385/1/The-Other-Mockingjay)

Katniss and Peeta weren't reaped for the Quarter Quell. Instead, they were forced by Snow to get married as soon as they turned 18. How does their marriage change the future of Panem? Will there still be a rebellion - when Snow is controlling the Mockingjay?  The sequel to The Wedding. https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9566232/1/The-wedding

A Marriage Between Victors by Optimus-Pam (https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8081564/1/A-Marriage-Between-Victors)

What if the Victory Tour ended with a wedding rather than an engagement? A story that explores what would have happened if Peeta and Katniss had been forced to marry. How does this change affect their relationship? District 12? The rebellion? 

Darker Path by Miss Maia  (https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9350026/1/Darker-Path)

The 74th Hunger Games is over, but now Katniss and Peeta have a different battle to fight. Recruited to the lascivious business of Escort Victors, they have to face an entire new set of fears and challenges. What seemed a place for the hopeless could develop into something major as other Victors have plans for Peeta, Katniss … and Panem. 

Lines of Demarcation by Amelia Day (https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9692359/1/Lines-of-Demarcation)

"It's a protection, Katniss," Peeta mutters, dejectedly. "Even if I was allowed to be paired, who would want me?" If only he knew... In a world where your entire life has been decided for you, it's hard not to be envious of what can never be yours.

The Tigers Come at Night by shesasurvivor
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9855911/1/The-Tigers-Come-at-Night

Forced into prostitution in the Capitol, Katniss and Peeta find a way to seek refuge in the only people who understand: each other. But when they begin to sleep together for comfort in the supposed safety of their own homes, an unplanned occurrence makes the third Quarter Quell more difficult than it already is. Catching Fire AU. WARNING: Forced prostitution, non-con situations.

Their Last Night of Love: A Special Verity Presentation, Exclusively for Preferred Customers by Yahtzee for Alaylia

http://archiveofourown.org/works/32054

Amid the media circus leading up to the Quarter Quell, Katniss and Peeta try to create something real.

XXXXX

One shots and short fics of the same theme:

Knots by atetheredmind (https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8795966/1/Knots)

"Making knots. Making knots. No word. Making knots." Snow has plans for the Star-Crossed Lovers of District 12, and they involve his most lucrative commodity. Written for Week 2 of Everlarkrecs Dirty December. Katniss/Peeta/Finnick.

Behind the Shroud, Beneath the Veil by ghtlovesthg 

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/1013433/chapters/2012276)

She’s an escape artist and he’s a master of disguise.  Having convinced Snow and Panem during the Victory Tour, the star-crossed lovers find themselves the darlings of the Capitol.  An all that entails. AU following Victory Tour.  PiP Round 3 Submission.

WIP Everlark Recs With Titania: Catching Fire Edition

This has been a crazy week for The Hunger Games' fandom.  Every time I opened my tumblr, there were countless premier pictures, official clips and stills to feed the anticipation for the next installment of Suzanne Collins' amazing trilogy.  There is no question that the director and cast of the upcoming film demonstrated a deep understanding of our beloved characters and had a ton of fun making the film too!   So, in honor of the multiple premiers, I went on the hunt for fics set during Catching Fire.  There were countless one-shots and drabbles but below are two mult-chapter fics that really deserve a reader's attention:

A Marriage Between Victors by optimus-pam

Summary:

What if the Victory Tour ended with a wedding rather than an engagement? A story that explores what would have happened if Peeta and Katniss had been forced to marry. How does this change affect their relationship? District 12? The rebellion? Rated M for later chapters. Banner by Ro Nordmann.

Favorite excerpt:

“I love you.” Katniss froze at Peeta’s words, which he sealed with a kiss to her collarbone.

It terrified to hear those words after the intimacy they just shared.

The ‘thank you” slipped past her lips before she could think of anything better to say and immediately the weightless feeling her body enjoyed just moments ago was replaced by a heavy sense of dread.

[…]

He dragged a distracted had through his hair.  “You don’t say ‘thank you’ after…” he closed his eyes and took a deep breath to gain composure. “After something like this.’

He turned away from her and Katniss saw the scars he would bear forever, the high price he paid for loving her.  He left the bathroom with his shoulders slumped in defeat and closed th door quietly behind him.  Katniss dropped her head in to her hands and began to weep.  She wept in shame that her foolish heart once again broke Peeta’s

He was right, thank you was not enough for what had transpired between them.  It would never be enough.

Why I love it:

Characterization!  This fic keeps everyone in character in a credible way.  Katniss feels deeply but is still emotionally daft.  Peeta is sensitive and loving without being emasculated, as many fics end up doing to his character.  But the absolute breakout character of this fic is Gale – still angry, still rebellious but now with the added bitterness that Katniss has returned as the wife of Peeta.  This character is strongly AU but also maintains crucial cannon elements to help the reader connect to the original story.

Catching Fire and Burning Down by Tara Bear

Summary:

The effect it has on him is nothing short of satisfying. But wrong, so, so wrong, and different and not me. It's the hunger. The side of me that I didn't think would be. That wants things like this; nakedness, beds, Peeta. And so it's not really me, who reaches out and grasps his wrist when he makes to stand and leave, it's the want. The fire begging for more fuel. *Rewritten*

Excerpt:

“You make me weak,” I say, one of the hands I have slung around him, pinching his side lightly.  The accusation in my voice is overpowering.

It takes a moment, but his eyes open, eyelashes tickling my forehead.  I repeat myself when, groggy, Peeta pulls back so we are at a talking distance, but still entirely too temptingly close.  

“How?” he rasps.

“That’s a stupid question,” I tell him.  “You make me have another person to worry about. When I was young… it was only my mother and Prim.  Now I have you, and… Haymitch… and Gale…”

“Loving people isn’t a weakness, Katniss.”

“Yeah, well,” I say, stubbornly, “I don’t love you.”

“I know,” Peeta says, amusement in his voice.     `       

Why I love it:

Again, Katniss is her usual non-reflective self, which is appropriate for her character development at this stage of the trilogy – she has feelings for Peeta but for all the reasons we know, she keeps him emotionally at arm’s length.  Except in this fic, Peeta breaks down those barriers sooner, creating intense emotional drama as we see Katniss forced to confront the intensity of her feelings for Peeta.  The writer makes good use of the source material, rewriting the parts as needed to fit her narrative while maintaining cannon elements. 

AND

In honor of one of the most anticipated scenes in Catching Fire, see below a wonderful piece of fanart by ghtlovesthg.  Johanna converses with Peeta in her birthday suit while a chagrined Katniss attempts to maintain her composure.

Next Rec Theme:  Everlark and the Captiol's Depravities.

If you have any ideas for Rec themes or any fics I should look at, post a comment here or hit me up at titania522.tumblr.com.