The Four Decisions (Post-MJ, Katniss/Peeta)

Good afternoon everyone! I hope you had a marvellous International Women's Day on Friday and are having a stellar weekend. Today I am reviewing FernWithy's The Four Decisions.

Five, ten, fifteen years pass before Katniss and Peeta decide to have a child. 

The Four Decisions is a well-written, nice Post-Mockingjay, Katniss-and-Peeta-decide-to-have-children story trope. FernWith has a prolific history in the HP fanfiction community of writing great family-orientated stories, and this Hunger Games one-shot is no exception. I actually just found out that FernWithy had delved into THG fanfiction when making the Weekly Fan's Fic Rec, where a fanfic lover has recommended another of this author's fics. That will be posted very soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

FernWithy's prose here is quite simple which makes for a seamless read. I enjoyed it's measured pace and the sense of security and calmness, despite her nightmares, that the author imbues in Katniss. She feels very grown up in this fic. I loved that maturity, encapsulated in quiet moments like this:

"Katniss Mellark is just a young married woman in a pioneer town. She was never the girl on fire, and certainly not the Mockingjay. She has cut off her long hair, and even let Octavia dye it green and twirl it into ringlets. Katniss Mellark's nightmares are not as frequent, and she takes pleasure in something every day, even if it's something as small as the beautiful red leaf currently stuck in her husband's blond hair. I pluck it away and watch it swirl into the sky, and he kisses my hand as it passes his lips. I put the brown bag in the deep pocket of my coat. It is no one's business but ours."

I also really enjoyed the side-commentary on Johanna and Gale's relationship. It is exactly how I picture it in my own personal fanon, so I found it particularly delightful.

While The Four Decisions is not an extraordinary addition to the growing list of Post-MJ fics in terms of writing style; however, the pacing, characterisation and sure, easy plot make it a much more satisfying read than many others which are fraught with melodrama and OOCness.

I do recommend checking out The Four Decisions and FernWithy's other lovely fics.

Happy reading!
~ Little Miss Mionie