Polyamorous Fic Rec

Hello guys! Did you miss the little owl?

Sometimes love is so big and exciting that it needs more than one person to exist… welcome to the "Polyamorous Fic Rec". Two series and one fic about this unusual and obscure theme in The Hunger Games fandom.

Unalaska Series – Lbug84, (Mrs. Creative Smut)

Summary: A look at Katniss, Peeta, Gale & Finnick's life in Unalaska. AU, polyandry, mature, lemons, the whole 9.

Warnings: Rated M.

Why is this fic a creature from the night?

The main reason for that doesn't involve the fact that Katniss is the matriarch of a three husbands family. What makes this story something new and fresh is the Inuit/Eskimo/Native Alaskan culture where the it takes place.

Why is it good?

It's also be a history class! I personally love Lug84's style, and she works with plot twists beautifully.

Writing stuff comments:

With short chapters and a flowing plot, the author leads you to a different, intriguing story where at the end of each chapter you just need to read the next!

Heartbreaking line:

"I'm yours."

"Yes. You're mine."

The Glühwein Series – MockingJayFlyingFree (tumblr) and Lbug84, (Mrs. Creative Smut)

Summary: Peeta thinks his wife, Katniss, is too pure to have any dirty sexual fantasies. It turns out he's wrong. Very wrong. When the opportunity arises, will they make her fantasies come true?

Warnings: Rated NC-17.

Why is this fic a creature from the night?

I need to be honest: I squealed when I saw this update on tumblr. Seriously: MockingJayFlyingFree and Lbug84 writing a foursome fic? I NEEDED to read this.

Oh right, the obscure part is the FOURSOME one. But it's also the AWESOME part.

Why is it good?

Whoa, hello? Peeta, Finnick, Annie and Katniss? This should be: why is it AWESOME?

Writing stuff comments:

A long story, but every little word is worth it! They explore each relationship separately and combine them together in a polyamorous relationship that works perfectly in their AU world.

Katniss is the main character, and you go paragraph by paragraph exploring this new idea, concept, love. Not just you, reader, is convinced by this, but you feel like the author was convincing herself that four people in a bed would work.

It did, by the way.

First Person POV, a journey into Katniss' pure (yes, I used this word) mind and insecurities, with a story flow that makes you forget how many words this story has.

Considering the enormous success of the story, those lovely ladies wrote a sequel, "Absinthe". It's a WIP and you should also check it out!

Heartbreaking line:

I'm Katniss with no label.

And that's okay. Liberating, even.

"Does It Hurt You At Night, Or Does It Keep You Alive?" – ygrainette (tumblr)

 

Summary: She doesn’t think Katniss will ever really understand the effect she has. Not on Peeta, not on Johanna, not on the whole goddamn country.                      

Warnings: Rated M, PTSD, abuse, violence.

Why is this fic a creature from the night?

Another polyamorous fic, but this one has a strong focus on Johanna/Katniss, so we enter the colorful path of slash fics.

Why is it good?

The author shows Johanna's POV in part of Mockingjay and Catching Fire. Johanna is very well developed and has original touches, such as her background in District Seven.

Writing stuff comments:

3^rd Person POV. Johanna is the main character and we see what is going on in her mind through her ironic, sad and hopeful eyes. A short one-shot that makes the readers wonder what would happen if Katniss and Peeta had too much love between them that another person was necessary in their relationship.

Heartbreaking line:

Katniss grins as wide as Johanna's ever seen her. There are crinkles at the corners of her eyes and the ghost of a dimple in her left cheek. It might even be genuine.

Don't spread the hate! If this theme doesn't interest you, feel free to ignore this post! I'll be posting different themes, mostly the ones ignored by the fandom… 

Suggestions? I'm on tumblr: ask me!

Primrose by Alexabee

Hello, guys! The night has just begun, and it's time for some wise rec with the Owl.

Themes that often come out at night are my favorites, and my first rec will be a heartbreaking—though lovely—tale from little Primrose's POV. Trigger warning as this fic contains references to rape.

Primrose by Alexabee

Summary: 

Prim and Katniss end up in the community home. Canon divergence from Prim's POV. Rated M for non-graphic references to child molestation. Keywords: Canon divergence, community home, Prim's POV, everlark, one shot, child molestation trigger, rape trigger, angst, happy ending.

Warnings: No-Con, Child Abuse, Violence, Rated M. (I said "obscure"…)

Why this fic is a creature from the night? 

Primrose's POV and canon-diverse with Prim and Katniss going to the community home.

Why is it good? 

We see Primrose's innocence being replaced by fear, but Katniss—being Katniss and all—tries her best to protect her sister. We don't have The Hunger Games, but both Everdeens will endure hard challenges all the same. 

Writing stuff comments:

Alexabee has a flowing style, and you'll barely feel you're reading angst. No, kidding, it's angst all the time, but it doesn't suffocate you. It's beautifully written and it's an one-shot: if angst is your thing, go for it.

Heartbreaking line:

"I think it's okay this time, Prim." She smiled. She sounded relieved.

Do you have any suggestions for my next review/rec? I'm on tumblr : thesagaciousowl.

this you can keep (Katniss/Peeta)

Title: this you can keep
Author: Electrumqueen
Summary: Peeta gives Katniss his heart. usually this is the end of a love story; for them, it is the beginning.

Hey everyone! It's a small recommendation from me today!

Electrumqueen's dark fic this you can keep is not for the faint hearted - excuse the pun.
This wonderful author serves up another lyrically sound, violent and beautiful piece of prose surrounding a very interesting and quite violent plot idea: namely, that characters in the Hunger Games have detachable hearts. It's part of a dark fic/promptverse Electrumqueen has taken part in over on livejournal.

this you can keep is perfectly dark; here's a taste of what you're in for. "His heart fits into her hands neatly, too warm, too wet and it's all she can do not to scream."

This fic quick one-shot with words that echo in your mind for days afterwards. I'm recommending this both as a fan of electrumqueen's writing style and for this fic's quick and curious execution. One of my favourites for sure.

Happy reading,
Little Miss Mionie

Hurts So Good AU Fics

Seasons greetings, everyone! Since the holidays are upon us, I figure this would be the perfect time to bring you angsty fics. You know, something to balance out all that holiday cheer. I kid... But really, this month I bring you two pieces that actually stray from my usual Everlark (Katniss/Peeta) pairing, sort of. Both pieces involve Katniss in a pairing who is not Gale, and not always Peeta. This month's stories, a one-shot and a WIP, feature the "star-crossed lovers" motif that marks Katniss and Peeta's tragically beautiful relationship.

Title: "The Vow" (Katniss/Peeta, Katniss/Cato)

Author: Ro_Nordmann

Rating: M

Summary: After thirty years, now I am an old woman, with regrets of the mistakes I'd made in my life. More than anything for accepting that vow on Independence Day. It changed our lives forever, making us into heroes we were not; dooming us onto unstoppable damnation. 

Recommendation: Not to be mistaken for the Rachel McAdams film, "The Vow" is Ro_Nordmann's reinterpretation of the 2011 film, The Debt, starring the incomparable Helen Mirren. If you've seen the film, this story follows the plot pretty closely, but to me, this cross-over makes sense on so many levels. Both have elements of a rebellion driven by a dictator, and a complicated love triangle between broken people. You will also see some minor characters in unexpected roles. What I like most in this one-shot are the interactions between Katniss and Peeta. They are painfully poignant, even though (but perhaps made especially because) the plot and pairings of this story are far from canon-compliant. Though the ending is painful to read, you wish it wouldn't end.

Title: "The common thread that lies between you and me" (Katniss/Peeta, Katniss/Seneca Crane)

Author: angylinni

Rating: E

Summary: Katniss Everdeen has only loved one man in her life, but she's married to another. They can't stay apart and they can't be together.

Recommendation: This is one of my favorite WIPs of the moment. "The common thread" is a modern AU that jumps around through time to unravel the complicated relationship between Peeta and Katniss. Her characters are wonderfully flawed, which makes them oh so realistic in this story. My favorite is probably her Peeta, who can be very crass and sweet in the same paragraph. And do not be fooled by a chapter's steamy sexiness because I warn you that the author will swiftly pull that rug from underneath you, and leave you with a gut-wrenching zinger of a last line, every time. What gets me most about this ongoing story is how Angylinni slowly and deliciously peals back the layers of the Everlark relationship, and with each chapter, she manages to find a different cross-section of the bond they share. It is at once painful, heartfelt, snarky, mysterious, and heartbreaking, and you can't help but tell yourself to keep reading until the end, wherein (I hope) we will be treated to triumph... although, who knows, except the author herself?


This is it for now. Stay tuned for my review of V. Arrow's The Panem Companion. If you havne't done so, check out our Prompt Challenge, why don't you? Entries are due 16 December 2012. Cheers, everyone!

Weekly Fan's Fic Rec

This week Kate-The-Great-And-Powerful is gracing us with a favourite fic of hers. Thanks for sending this in, Kate!

Title: The Things They Left Behind
Author: Clover80
Summary: Everyone leaves things behind when they die and some of those things are very telling about the person they belonged to. A series of oneshots about things left behind by characters in The Hunger Games trilogy. It's a tear-jerker!
Why do you love this fic? This fic is truly fantastic! It's wonderfully well-written, and is really one of those stories that make you rethink the characters of The Hunger Games. Please read it, you'll definitely enjoy it!

~ Little Miss Mionie

Prompts in Panem

I know, I know. This edition of Completed Fics is late - I'm sorry, okay? But I've been out of the country and dealing with things and real life and such.

Which means I also haven't had much time for reading. And you know what happens when you don't have the time to sit down and read through 50k word stories? You find something small that will give you just a small hit of satisfaction.

So this month I bring you something that you all probably know about, and if not, you probably should. Over on Tumblr, take the time to check out:

Collection: Prompts in Panem
Moderators: silvercistern and misshoneywell
Description: "Welcome, welcome...to promptsinpanem, home of week long writing challenges for fans of Everlark. Anyone who follows our simple rules is encouraged to participate! Those who do not will be turned into an Avox."

Why? Well, this is easy. The idea is to have user generated content. From what I've read so far, the stories being submitted (one-shots) based on the prompts are out of this world. Every story comes from a different angle on the prompt which in turn can play into your head-canon or develop into something you never even thought of. And isn't that the joy of one-shots in the first place? To make you see things in little bits so that it's easy to digest? Not to mention, the whole thing is moderated by two pretty trusted names in THG fandom.

Anyways, go, check it out. Find something you want to read. I promise you won't be disappointed!

-Polka Pop

Complete Tearjerkers

If you were to meet me, you'd probably notice that lately I'm a mess. It's alright, it's all cool. But with this comes to mind exactly what my next batch of fic recs will be. 

This month, I'm bringing you two complete tearjerkers. Two stories that up and caught me by surprise and made me ugly-cry in a way that I haven't done since John Green's The Fault in Our Stars.

So nestle up close, grab your favourite brand of liquor (if that's something you do), and read something that will drop your jaw and make you grab for the tissues. 

Title: Forever Until

Author: lieselmemingers

Summary: "When Peeta is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Katniss must learn to let go."

Rating: M (Obviously, major character death)

Rec'd because...

Oh, boy. I just read this fic like an hour ago and I still have the red marks on my face. I highly recommend this story if you're in the mood for something that is incredibly well written, highly-evocative, and paced so delicately that it gets inside you and claws at your heart. The best part is that it's not written with the focus of death, but with survival and rebirth as the main undertones. Just read it, okay?

Title: The Good Wife FF.net / AO3

Author: Silvercistern

Summary: "You're an awful wife, sweetheart." He's said worse, and so have I, but something about this, maybe the fact that this is the second time I've been told the same thing in one day, makes me burst into tears. Katniss discovers that being married is hard.

Rating: M
Rec'd because...

Okay, so maybe this one didn't get me to cry until the very end, but when it did, boy did I bawl like a wee babe fresh off the mother's teet. Honestly, this fic comes crazy recommended because not only is Silvercistern like magic with words, but the story is also part of a three-part series (The Ashes of District Twelve) all with outstanding outtakes and additions. Like Annie to Finnick, it creeps up on you.

Johanna-Pairing Fics

Hello, everyone!  So, inspired by how much I unexpectedly loved a recent rec of mine ("the beautiful wreckage", Johanna/Annie), I went searching for Johanna rare-pairing fics.  I must say I was pleasantly surprised to find two wonderful oneshots with rather unique pairings.  This post, I present:

Title:  The war is over and we are beginning

Author:  mirrorOfsin

Summary:  It's not much, what they have, but it keeps them alive and that's enough.

Pairing:  Johanna/Enobaria

Rating:  M

Category:  Post-Mockingjay

Title:  003 First Times: Opposites Attract

Author:  Embracing-Immensity

Summary:  The two of them couldn't be more different if they tried. He, "The Victor with the Bloodless Hands," and she, the scary new Victor that no one knows quite how to handle. Will they make it work or will their differences be too much to overcome?

Pairing:  Johanna/Peeta

Rating:  M

Category:  AU

My Recommendation: 

*Mockingjay Spoilers Ahead*

"The war is over and we are beginning" -- so, the pairing is definitely something new.  Now, before you start thinking, okay, two minor characters, femmeslash, non-canon, definitely an odd pair... really?, consider Katniss/Peeta.  A lot of their relationship at first stems from the aftermath of the Games, opening up other possible victor pairings.  (Finnick/Annie, anyone?)  Both Johanna and Enobaria are characterized wonderfully, down to the last little details mentioned in the canon.  They're real, they're relatable, and in a fic like this, the relationship works.  Their similarities are definitely made apparent in a "show, don't tell" way.  The romance is nicely non-traditional, avoiding stereotypes of the genre and keeping them both in-character.  If you're looking for a very different post-Mockingjay tale, this one's for you.

"003 First Times: Opposites Attract" -- I must note the pairing again; Katniss/Peeta shippers, don't go running away!  This story is quite the AU, in which Peeta is the sole (District Nine) victor of the sixty-sixth Hunger Games.  His relationship with Johanna, in some ways, parallels his relationship with Katniss, but explores, What would've happened if Peeta had won alone? and, What did Johanna go through as a victor?  I have to say, I don't usually read extended-oneshots in one sitting, but with this one, I couldn't stop reading, through all the twists and turns it takes, straight through till the end.  I especially recommend this piece for its relationship development -- each one is different, as they should be, and realistic in a way it's sometimes hard to find in Fanfictions.  This is a wonderful and unique "Hunger Games" AU for every reader.

So those are this week's recs -- go enjoy and review!

A Tri-Rec Post (Undiscovered Gems)

Why, hello there, everyone.  This post we've got three fabulous oneshots that deserve a bit more recognition.  *notes eagerness on audience's faces*  Ah well, here you are, this week's recs~!


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Title:  A boy A girl A memory
Author:  librarylemming
Summary:  The story of the boy from district 10 in the 74th hunger games - the boy with the limp. The life you didn't see, and about the girl who was there watching him from the other side of the television screen.
Quote:  "Flickering images. Distorted sound. Nothing seemed real to her anymore. With a stony expression, she watched as they were paraded in their costumes, she watched as they were interviewed, she watched as they lived what was left of their lives on a TV screen. She couldn't think, or sleep, and she barely spoke. Her eyes were forever glued to that screen, as if it held secret to life itself."
Recommendation:  Before reading this fic, I'd never given a lot of thought to the District Ten boy.  But this story is so beautiful it can make you care about the most minor of characters.  Wonderful character development in a small piece, and a tragic, tear-inducing story all the way around.  It reminds you that everyone had someone rooting for them to come home.  Brought to you by librarylemming in a unique and well-chosen format, too.  Highly recommended - check it out for yourself, and review!

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Title:  23 Flies

Author:  The Withering Panda

Summary:  Innocent Johanna Mason could never hurt a fly. But maybe 23... Written for The Rebels forum Holiday Secret Fic Exchange.

Quote:  "The girl from One, she decided, would die slowly. And her district partner would watch, then be mutilated (preferably). Gerard Sullivan from Two, obviously the biggest threat, would die last, as the king piece is always defeated last in chess. His district partner, Sabrina, would be slaughtered as quickly as possible in order to shut her up. Districts Three, Five, Six, Eight, Nine, Ten, and Eleven would be killed... normally. Without special treatment. They made no impression on her. Nick, the boy from Seven, would be avoided as long as possible, and killed quickly if it came to that. The tributes from Four, she planned to drown. And the pair from Twelve would be trapped in an inconvenient avalanche or landslide."

Recommendation:  The Withering Panda has a talent for packing a lot of power into oneshots that flow wonderfully and leave you wanting more but satisfied with the ending.  This isn't just a normal "Johanna's Games" fic that exposes her plan to appear a weakling - instead it brings out a whole different side to her character, one that's cruel and calculating and slightly scares the reader.  Subtle but understandable references give insight into what's behind the Hunger Games.  Go on, read and review - you won't be disappointed.

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Title:  Wrong Turn

Author:  Toxophilite

Summary:  "I knew I should have taken a left." Getting lost during an uprising can never turn out well. Written for the Caesar's Palace Prompts: Member Challenges, The Vivid Challenge.

Quote:  "A bomb hits a building to my left, sending me flying back. I slam into a wall and struggle for air after the force of the impact combined with the smoke. I refuse to die today. I have to keep moving.

Squinting my eyes, I make my way through the smoke filled streets.

Right, left, right, right, left."

Recommendation:  This fic features a simple concept but executes it with more sophistication, zooming in on events scarcely mentioned in Mockingjay - especially, what it was like to be in a rebelling district for a citizen.  The rather gruesome setting adds a layer to the war rarely seen in most fics which prefer to focus on large plot events instead of the regular people of Panem.  The bloodshed isn't just in the background, either, but is quite well-written and painful to read (in the way intended).  Experience it yourself - go read and give feedback.

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(Note: I apologize if the formatting of this post - apart from being a bit different than my usual style - is slightly off; the new-post page is different and I'm still adjusting.  Thanks.)

the beautiful wreckage (Johanna/Annie)

This is possibly the rarest pairing I've recommended yet, but this fic is just as gripping as the rest. Tributes, victors, citizens, I present to you:

Title: the beautiful wreckage

Author: joyfraser

My Recommendation:

*Mockingjay spoilers ahead*

I must be completely honest and say that I did not expect to like this fic half as much as I did. It has an interesting starting point, just after the news is put out that Squad 451 (Katniss, Gale, Finnick, Boggs and others from Thirteen) is dead. This effectively sets the tone of the beginning of the piece and of Johanna and Annie's relationship, here:

“But they were the last thing I had. I don’t have anything anymore. I don’t have…” But she’s not sure what she doesn’t have. The strength. The will. The reason. Maybe she doesn’t have any of it.

“Well, now you have me,” Annie says as she pulls the smaller woman into a hug. Johanna doesn’t react. She can’t. She knows Annie meant it as a reassurance, an offering of peace – of friendship, even. But Johanna can’t see it that way.

All she can see is that this woman who was Finnick’s life – his strength, his will, his reason to live – is all that’s left of him now. And it is Johanna’s duty, her unbearable burden, to see that nothing happens to her.

And, as a post-Mockingjay story, it explores the vote on the final Games, the post-war chaos, Finnick's (real) death, raising Annie's son, the nightmarish flashbacks to the past - and all aren't just "there" to make the story canon, they're used - and used effectively - as plot points and development. Not a word is wasted.

The style of the piece can only be called beautiful. Consistent in voice and poetic, even in very dialogue-driven scenes it shines through as a real, positive attribute to the story. Writing like this creates an all-the-more intense and tragic tale. Truly wonderful.

Until next time, may the odds be ever in your favor.

Beside and Near (Lavinia/Darius)

Another week, another rec! Time to shine some light on an up-and-coming pairing, featured in two fabulous fics by the talented when-i-caught-myself. Ladies and gentlemen, I present:

Title: Near

Summary: This is the story of how Darius and Lavinia first met. Keep her near; she's all you need. Nothing is the the same now; after they silenced you for good you found myself near her. She is all you need now. Oneshot.

Title: Beside

Summary: This is a companion piece to my other story, Near. When you saw him beside you you knew there was something new. To be at his side couldn't be any less wonderful.

*Catching Fire and Mockingjay spoilers ahead*

My Recommendation:

"Near" starts off dark, without another way to put it. Darius' perspective on the pain of being turned into an Avox, and the humiliation of old friends from District Twelve seeing him in that light. The emotion is captured beautifully, with a focus on his sentiments and not just the actual events. The piece also fills in gaps in the canon without flaw, realistically so that you can see it actually being the way it happened. It's the sort of story you confuse with the actual books.

Lavinia and Darius' relationship gets off to a firm, non-cliche' start. The exploration of the connection between them is nothing short of perfect - wonderfully sweet and adorable, though of course we know how it ends. You can quickly see the bond forming between them:

I don't want to elaborate further, even though Lavinia is probably the last living person that will truly understand me.

Thankfully, she doesn't pry. She writes three very simple words. "Are you okay?"

I nod. "Yes." Even if it might not be true, I don't want to seem weak.

Instead of writing, she gently puts down the pad and pen and takes one of my hands in hers. Her hands seem so small compared to mine, but they are slender and strong. Our fingers entwine together, sharing warmth. Even if we could still talk, we didn't need to say anything.

We sit down on the small bed. She edges close to me and rests her head on my shoulder. I lean my head on hers. We both feel lonely, but not now.

"Beside" is the companion, the piece written in Lavinia's perspective. What's nice is that it's different from "Near". It's not just a retelling; the voice is distinctly different, the view on what happened refreshing instead of exactly the same. Her internal reactions perfectly match her behavior in the original piece, so the two oneshots compliment each other just as they should, as well as adding to the actual series.

As Lavinia/Darius is still a fairly rare pairing, hopefully these fics get enough attention to bring it into more light... and hopefully then we'll have more wonderful fics like these!

There you have this week's post - go on and check out these fics, and I'll be back with more next week. Shalom to you all~

RIse Above The Crowds (Delly/Peeta)

Hey, all! Finally back with another rec for you guys.

Title: Rise Above The Crowds

Author: curiosa

Summary: Delly believes in dreams and freedom and being the best person that anyone can be, but most of all, Delly believes in Peeta.

My Recommendation:

This fic goes to show something about the author, because you would have really had to pay attention to Delly in Mockingjay to pull off characterization like this. For as little of the relationship developed between her and Peeta in the real books there is, this fic builds on it all wonderfully. This section particularly shows this:

“Why do you care what anybody else thinks?”

Peeta’s sat on the edge of her bed, staring at Delly with what looks like increasing confusion.

She wrinkles her nose at his reflection, staring flatly back at her own and sighing. “I don’t care,” she says, even if they both know that’s not true and she’s always been bad at lying. “I just want to look nice for once, you know?”

She knows what everyone says about her behind her back: Delly Cartright, the plump and pale girl with messy hair that’s barely worth a second glance over.

“You do look nice,” Peeta says and then moves restlessly from the bed, stretching out his legs and walking away to look at some of Delly’s old photos.

She tosses back her hair; pulling it up so the curls don’t look so scraggy and then lets them flop back lifelessly onto her shoulders. She likes her eyes, she thinks, a tone of blue and green, somewhere in between the two, which mix together and bring out the best of both her parents.

“You do look nice,” says Peeta, repeating himself, “won-der-ful,” dragging out the syllables and letting them catch at the edges of his teeth. “Always.”

He lets his head flop onto her shoulder and tucks his chin into the crook of her neck. Winking at her as the inevitable smile starts to unfurl on her lips, her hands moving to shove him away from her, laughing, tutting at his silly behaviour and grabbing for her coat that he’s got wrapped around his sleeve, waiting.

Peeta is perfectly in character, and a pro of the fic is that Peeta/Katniss is not completely ignored. This new relationship shown is just so beautiful, and a tragic glimpse at their future as it could've been. It's not completely unrequited love--just two different kinds of it that are contrasting with each other. (And let's face the facts: little kids are just plain adorable.)

Rise Above The Crowds is a highly ambitious piece for a focus on such a rare pairing, and it pulls it off beautifully. Even as a oneshot, you feel you suddenly know everything there is to know about these two. Just wonderful.

Farewell for this week; happy Spring!

This is Madness (Katniss/Madge)

Hey everyone, and happy whatever-day-of-the-week-it-is! Time to bring another fic onstage and into the spotlight, so here it is. Ladies and gentlemen, today I bring you the amazing:

Title: This is Madness

Author: Ares is Awesome

Summary: Written before CF came out, so perhaps it doesn't quite have a place where it could be stuck in, but it's still there. T for romance

My Recommendation:

"This is Madness" focuses on one of the rarest pairings I've found yet: Katniss/Madge. There are lots of Gale/Peeta fics out there, so why not?

The characterization here is spot-on - though AU, the author has captured Katniss' voice so perfectly you feel like you're reading a chapter straight out of one of Suzanne Collins' novels. The romance is developed in a nature similarly enough that you still have that voice, but different, because there's different characters. Speaking of different characterizations, for such a minor character, Madge's characterization is also pretty impressive.

"...you're not listening to a word I'm say—" I lean in and kiss her. It's like I swallowed a stick of dynamite. The fire in my stomach explodes through the rest of my body, scorching every inch, inside and out. But it doesn't hurt. It sort of tingles, although it is impossibly to describe the sensation in words. My hairs stand on end, and all the heat rises to my face. This is nothing like any other kiss I've ever given, received, or even taken for myself without permission. It is a thousand times more potent, more full. In almost every way it is perfect. But in one it is not.

It was stolen, not earned. With difficulty, I pull myself away. "I'm sorry, I..."

"Don't be."

That all said, the actual events of the books are not ignored - Gale and Peeta are both mentioned, as are the cameras constantly on the "star-crossed lovers".

Overall, "This is Madness" is a great exploration of what could've been, and is very highly recommended.

That's all for now--stay tuned for more next week!