Goodbye!

Hi everyone :) This is the last post here on the Nightlock Recs blog!:'(

 Please remember that we are still going to be recommending Hunger Games fanfics at our amazing tumblr.

From myself, Little Miss Mionie, I would just like to thank all of the lovely souls who helped me make Nightlock what is today, and to keep it thriving for three whole years! Thank you to Amata, Polkapop, Cindella204, Lavender Flame, For The Genuine, Debs and Titania for helping me recommend some of the greatest fanfics we've ever read, and for dazzling us all with your brilliant writing. 

Thank you to everyone who submitted their fics to our many segments and to the authors who graciously allowed us to interview.

We're keeping the site up so you can always scroll back and peruse reviews of your favourite fics. You can do this by using the tags section in the sidebar.

Lots of love, and may the odds be ever in your favour!

Little Miss Mionie,

Nightlock Recs Mod

Nightlock Reader's Choice Awards: The Results!

We're very proud to present the winners of the Nightlock Reader's Choice Awards! Thank you to over one hundred of you who nominated and voted. You're the reason these awards have turned out so successfully - thank you! :)

Congratulations to all our nominees - in every category, the votes were so close because of all the amazing fics!

The banners are made by a very talented soul who you can find at nightlockinthecave.tumblr.com. Thanks to everyone in the Nighlock team past and present who helped organise and get the word out about these awards, too!

Best Hunger Games - When The Moon Fell in Love with the Sun by Mejhiren

While at times a sensuous indulgence, When The Moon Fell in Love With The Sun is one of the most unique, well-written fanfictions that has ever been written the THG universe.  That is a huge statement but there is a level of sensual description that is incomparable.  The uniqueness of the language, the effort to adhere to the conventions of the true fairy tale, the ability that the writer has to truly transport the reader and literally leave the taste of the fic in the reader's mouth long after the reading is over - this is a difficult accomplishment. 

Best Catching Fire - Portrait of a Victor by Sponsormusings

           
Portrait of a Victor tells the story of Katniss and Peeta falling in love and fighting against the Capitol regime in a different context. Despite it's AU premise, this alternative fic set in Catching Fire is rich in canonesque details and characterisations. The complex and established nature of some of THG's finest minor characters are much more than simply canon fodder or a name check in Portrait of a Victor. Sponsormusings uses beautifully, meticulate writing style to weave this story not only into our hearts, but into our favourites lists, too.

Best Mockingjay - The Other Mockingjay by MockingjayFlyingFree

Not for the faint of heart, The Other Mockingjay is worth investing the time to read.  It reinvisions Mockingjay in which Katniss and Peeta were not reaped for the Quarter Quell but forced to get married.  Unflinching in its depiction of their life together, the angst of their union and the demands placed on them by Snow.  Again, not an easy read if you like fluffy, uncomplicated Everlark but it is an excellent alternative to Canon.

                               

Best Modern AU - Do NotGo Gentle by dracoisalooker

Do Not Go Gentle is a heartbreaker, for sure. It is impossible for  ct522 to read this fic and not sob into her pillow, hugging it hard. We don't want to spoil the read, but it is a wonderful fic which is both sad and life affirming at the same time.  Truthfully, Peeta's drives in his old truck and Katniss' being her surly, wonderful self are the true power of this fic - it keeps both Peeta and Katniss brilliantly in character. Excellent read!

Best Historical AU - The Blind Date by Malibustacy

The Blind Date is slow-burning romance done right. This fic is a hark back to classic fanfiction; it even has a snowed-in scene! Malibustacy has written a solid story with a unique premise and flawless characterisation. Historical tidbits and a great contextual knowledge make for a great, different read in the THG fandom. Watching Katniss and Peeta's relationship progress in The Blind Date is an obsession for many us here at Nightlock.

Best Canon Complaint - Fishers of Men by A_Necklace_Of_Rope

Fishers of Men is a dark fic, to say the least. A_Necklace_of_Rope has expanded the character and world of Finnick Odair in a unique and absorbing fashion. This dark, gritty story echoes of realism and abuse that lower-class living in an oligarchical society brings; echoes that Suzanne Collins only hints at in her series. Familial disruption and Finnick's identity are at the core of this engrossing read, with strong, melancholy writing that rings true.

Best Canon Divergent - When The Moon Fell in Love with the Sun by Mejhiren

There are really not enough accolades that this fic can recieve. The only defect as that the reader must wait literally months between updates.  But when it does update, wow!  Worth the wait!

Best Romance - In The Elysian Felds by Tomistaccato

This retelling of the myth of Persephone and Hades is filled, literally filled with cannon parallels that it seems the myth was written for the trilogy, from Katniss' volunteering to the character of Hades.  Another rich writer, filled with detail and fearless in using the tone of the genre (it takes a gift to write in such a way as to honor the source material of a fic based on a myth or a fairy tale without feeling forced and the writer has it). An excellent peice of writing.

Best Growing Together - Good Again by ct522

The rest of the team were are over the moon to see that Ct522 had won the award for Best Growing Together fic. Good Again is an engrossing, near flawless fic that is sometimes hard to find in a fandom so bejwelled with drabbles and AUs; one that is canon compliant, in character and above all interesting. Good Again is a wonderful exploration of  Katniss and Peeta's relationship post-Mockingjay. ct522 not only explores our favourite couple's relationship, but expands this new world she is exploring through fascinating and exceptional details and plot points. One moment in particular that Little Miss Mionie enjoys is Katniss' meeting of the Mayor, and reading the universal right's declaration. Innovative ideas like this make Good Again one of the most popular fics of the past two years.

Thank you once again to everyone who helped make these awards possible - including you, all of our fabulous nominees and winners!

Yours,
Little Miss Mionie, Debs The Owl, Cindella204 and ct522

Only 3 Days Left To Vote For Your Fave Tributes

There's only three days left to vote for your favourite Hunger Games fics in the Nightlock Reader's Choice Awards! Thanks to everyone who's voted so far  - we've had over 70 so far.

Good luck to all our nominees!

Vote for your fave fics in the Nightlock Reader's Choice Awards!

You have two weeks to vote for your favourite Hunger Games fics in the Nightlock Reader's Choice Awards!

Thanks to amenityeverlark, loverdeen, vitaestspesest, Glittermanic, Suk-fong/BabydollRia, Ellarose88, ETnRL4L, chinchin unicorn, icbiwf, Noelle Erikals30, sabaceanbabe, SpotlessMind, Fortunefaded2012, Norbert's Mom, hakanaii, Baroness Kika, Tentadorabismo, Little Miss Mionie marblesharp, ForestFairy/Shinrin no Yousei, Nprbert, MTK4FUN, fnur and LastLeaf for nominating their favourite Hunger Games fanfictions.

Good luck to all our nominees!

Reminder: One week left to nom in our awards!

Daddy!Peeta and Parenthood Fics

Artwork for Little Green by the wonderful everlart @ tumblr

Nightlock reader MJ recently requested Daddy!Peeta fics. Here are the cream of the crop we've found about Peeta and his toastbabies!

All I Know by JLaLa
“That is your mother, Katniss Everdeen.” Katniss and Peeta reunite under the most difficult of circumstances.
Best daddy feature: The angsty, original and captivating plot makes Daddy!Peeta AMAZING. It's on my to devour read list.

Little Green by jeeno2
"Hi," Peeta says quietly; almost shyly. "I'm your daddy, and…" His voice cracks on the word daddy, and Katniss' heart clenches painfully inside her chest. "I'm your daddy," Peeta continues. Stronger this time. "I've waited so very long to meet you." A post-Mockingjay AU.
Best daddy feature: A realistic look at the hard road to fatherhood.

Take Care by Amelia_Day (amelia_day)
Peeta Mellark is suddenly put into a position he never expected to be in--that of a parent. Low on patience, he hires someone as desperate for a job as he is for help. Modern Day AU.
Best daddy feature: This fic is really lemony - have fun picturing a hot daddy!Peeta!

Linger by kismet4891
AU. Peeta Mellark was not the self-assured, happy young man that he worked so hard to portray to the world. Years of emotional torment from his mother, and lack of support from his father had diminished his self-esteem and understanding of self-worth. His salvation came in the most unexpected form, a life altering mistake that taught him the true meaning of love.
Best daddy feature: A captivating look at Peeta as a young, unplanned father.

Drabble by annieoakley1
Drabble requested by a fan for single!daddy Peeta.
Best daddy feature: A cute but (sadly!!) brief look at Peeta as a single, caring Dad.

Tomorrow Will Be Kinder by Alexabee
In the turbulent years leading up to the birth of Panem, the world's crops have been all but destroyed. Facing food shortages, Peeta Mellark struggles to run the family bakery while singlehandedly raising his daughter in the wake of losing his wife. Katniss Everdeen has lost something important, too - her memory. 
Best daddy feature: Selfless Peeta at his parenting finest.

Roughing It by atetheredmind
After an argument with Gale leaves her stranded in the woods, Katniss joins a handsome stranger and his son on their camping trip.
Best daddy feature: Peeta's a dashing dad!

Daddy by FierceGift
"Daddy!" The simple word wakes me up from my sleep, opening my eyes hesitantly only to scrunch them close. The harsh light of early hours burns through the blinds causing my discomfort, I roll over from my back to my side facing Peeta. 
Best daddy feature: One of the few (sadface) queer!Peeta daddies! Interesting pairing for a daddy!fic, too!

A Mellark Goodnight by ThisIsTrueImmortality
A Hunger Games Next Generation story. Peeta wakes in the dead of night to the sound of his daughter's scream. When he tries to comfort Lucerne, he finds that he is not the only Mellark struggling through nightmares.
Best daddy feature: A measured looking at Peeta parenting.

Taken Away by RandomThoughtGirl
What if it were Katniss taken at the end of Catching Fire? What if she were pregnant on top of that? Add into that, that she believes Peeta, the father of her child, to be dead because of Snow, how can she keep going on? What will Peeta risk in order to get her back to him?
Best daddy feature: A canon compliant, angsty, protective daddy.

Blend by Lbug84
"You aren't the only one with a child to protect." An Everlark Modern Day AU about becoming a blended family.
Best daddy feature: Loving his partner's children, too.

All The President's Men by Baroness Kika
Panem AU; When a scandal puts the oppressive Snow administration in its political grave, young, charismatic District Twelve representative Peeta Mellark is thrust into the role of President. As he and his staff struggle to serve a troubled nation, Peacekeeper Katniss Everdeen keeps a watchful eye on the only thing Peeta loves more than his country. 
Best daddy feature: A powerful president and parent!

Everlark Drabble by the boy with the bread 
Drabble request about single!daddy Peeta, his naughty kid and teacher!Katniss.
Best daddy feature: We see a rare stern daddy in a sea of doting, indulgent cutie Peetas.

Invention of the Capitol by TheTruthLiesWithTheTwins
With the help of capitol doctors, Peeta and Gale will hopefully be able to begin a family.
Best daddy feature: Mpreg certainly makes this fic stand apart from the others. I wish there were more cis-Peeta daddy fics where he had a surrogate or adopted (mpreg is not my style - alas!)

Kudos to the everlarkrecs tumblr, where I was able to source some good suggestions!

Happy reading,
Little Miss Mionie

PS. Remember to vote in the Nightlock Reader's Choice Awards!

Nightlock Reader's Choice Awards

To send us off in style, and to thank all of our readers for following and contributing to Nightlock Recs for four years, we've decided to host a little awards ceremony!

We will be asking you to nominate and vote for your favourite Hunger Games fanfiction in a range of categories. We will be awarding the winners a banner and a collective review from the Nightlock team - myself (Little Miss Mionie), Cindella204, ct522 and The Owl!

The categories are:

Best Hunger Games fic

Best Catching Fire fic 

Best Mockingjay fic

Best Canon Compliant fic

Best Canon Divergent fic

Best Modern AU fic

Best Historical AU fic

Best Romance fic

Best Growing Together fic

Nominating is open now and will close on June 30. Voting will run for two weeks, closing on July 14.  The winners will be announced and awarded very soon after that.

So, what are you waiting for? Volunteer your favourite fics as tribute!! (And please share this with your fellow allies).

Nightlock Recs is coming to an end

Hi lovely readers, tributes and lurkers alike,

This is just a quick announcement to let you know in the next couple of months, we will be finishing up reviewing fics here at our blog. The staff all have busy lives to lead, and the fandom has evolved and grown in different ways since we first started, so we have decided this year will be our final chapter.

We've got a few more recs up our sleeves, which should be posted in the coming months. At this point, my fellow staff (Cindella204, Debs and Titania) will be continuing with our epilogue, aka recommending and reviewing Hunger Games fics through our tumblr, Nightlock Fic Recs. 

We will be leaving the blog up so that our readers are more than welcome to peruse back through our old pages once again.

Thanks to everyone over the past four years (FOUR YEARS!!!!????!!!) who has helped made Nightlock Recs possible. There will be a few more specific thanks when the time comes.

Please email us at nightlockrecs@hotmail.com or comment on our tumblr how you would like us to celebrate in style...a best of the best post? More crying gifs? Best and worst fic lists? A guide to reviewing Hunger Games fanfic?

Happy reading (and sobbing?),
Little Miss Mionie
on behalf of the Nightlock Team

Nightlock Prompt Challenge Winner: Eirenewrites

Congratulations to fanfiction author eirenewrites, who is the winner of our writing challenge! The staff at Nightlock (Little Miss Mionie, Owl, Titania and Cindella204) have written a review of this fic. To remind you, the prompt was:

"She heard the music, first. It was the music that made her realise she was truly home."

Eirenewrites wins this shiny new banner (along with some others): 

As well as our review! Without further ado....

Convince Me by eirenewrites

“You’ve subdued the districts, but nothing has changed. You are entertainment. Show up when they say show up. Sing when they say sing. Marry when they say marry.”

Convince Me is an interesting story that had us right from the get-go. It is essentially a rewrite of Catching Fire, with author eirenewrites teasing out or including scenes shippers wish they got to see in the original series. The story feels very canon, and all of us had no problem diving right in to read it. This idea has been done before, but eirenewrites' plot, along with her effective employment of dialogue, reenergises what could have been quite a generic fic.

Eirenewrites' writing style is clearly that of an accomplished writer who knows how to write well.  The author captured Katniss' narrator voice perfectly. The chemistry between Katniss, Peeta and Gale feels very canon. The fanfic as a whole reads very solidly, in that there is enough plot and fandom knowledge to support the main focus of the story, aka Katniss' romantic relationships. A lack of convincing, interesting and dynamic storyworlds are often what let novella fic writers down in this fandom - this is a problem Convince Me definitely does't have!

We all really like how Eirenewrites has included our prompt. It both inspires a scene in the third chapter, and seems to be inspiring further events as the story continues.

Convince Me is currently WIP, with 4 chapters. You can also find it on ff.net.

Happy reading,
The Nightlock Team

Starvation Forum's Holiday Contest: Our Reviews

The wonderful Lavender Flame, a past reccer here at Nightlock, mods the Starvation forum over at fanfiction.net. We decided to pair up with our ally to review the entries for the Starvation forum's Holiday Contest.

Now, I know what you're thinking.... Christmas in June, Little Miss Mionie?! It's not even in July!

Well, both Lavender Flame and I had a lot to juggle for the past couple of months, so it's only now I've been able to review the entries. To make up for the delay, I've made banners for each fic for the entrants to take home with them! :)

Well done to contest winner DarylDixon'sgirl1985 and other entrants emeralddusk and ct255 - here are your reviews.

Christmas Memories by DarylDixon'sgirl1985

During the Hunger Games Clove thinks of her happiest Christmas memory ever. 

Review: The winner of the contest is the winner for a reason - Christmas Memories is certainly the most uniquely paired holiday fic I've ever read! DarylDixon'sgirl1985 has a command of dialogue that really drives this fic. Short and sweet, it's a great two-part story.

Eternal Noel by emeralddusk

Celebrate Christmas in Panem with all your Hunger Games friends in a brighter world.

Review: I actually enjoyed this fic being in italics - this style made falling into a memory of Katniss' much easier. Katniss' father as a main character in this story makes for a whimsical, bittersweet fic.

The Language That Lives Between Words by ct522 (by our very own Titania! Yay!)

Inspired by Colin Firth storyline in "Love Actually." Peeta and Katniss don't speak the same language. They find other ways to communicate, slowly falling for one another as they spend more time with each other.

Review: Love Actually is my favourite Christmas movie, so of course I was going to like reading this story by ct522! The author has gone to great detail for the setting and mood. The characterisations are wicked and funny at the same time. A cheery, festive fic. 

Happy reading,

Little Miss Mionie

our site at a glance!

Hunger Games/Harry Potter crossover fics (aka The Potter Games)

Wonderful manip by fadingtales @ tumblr

Many of us readers and writers started writing fanfiction in the Harry Potter fandom before moving onto others like the Hunger Games. It's great to see these two complex story worlds melting together - you can find cool images and ideas following this tag 'the potter games' on tumblr. Without further ado, here's just a taste of the bewitching Harry Potter/Hunger Games crossovers out there at the moment!

And you are only just beginning by swishywillow
Summary: "As the castle fades into the distance, disappearing around a gentle curve, it is almost hard to believe it wasn’t all a wonderful dream." A snapshot of Peeta Mellark's seven years at Hogwarts. 
In A Word: Unusual
(Recommended by The Owl).






Tonight. by Shulik
No summary given.
In A Word: Hilarious!
(Recommended by Weekend Sinner).

The Snow Queen by Darklooshkin
Summary: Rose Potter disappeared at the age of six. In Hermione Granger's sixth year, the Goblet of Fire summons a girl trained to be the champion of a very different kind of game. They wanted a saviour. They got the Snow Queen.
In A Word: Complex

District Four by GinnyMastrani
Summary: Harry Potter is just a kid from District Four. He never wanted this. Cato is a warrior from District Two, he volunteered. When these two collide in the arena, sparks will fly. HXC Warnings inside. Complete.
In A Word: Different

Dropped by BlueMoonsAndTooSoons
Summary: Fleur, Bill, Hermione, and Draco are suddenly dropped into the arena during the 74th Games to help Katniss and Peeta win. What they don't know is how they got there and what the point of all this is. What they discover may change everything.
In A Word: Popular

Unexpected Allies by smurfette81013
Summary: Harry thought his life was going to be as normal as could be. Voldemort is gone and Harry is now Lord Potter-Peverell-Black. Life is great, until a drunken Ron Weasley sends him to Panem. Katniss finds Harry in the woods, injured, and decides to bring him back to District twelve to heal. But when Katniss goes into the arena, what happens to Harry? 
In A Word: Interesting

Happy reading,
Little Miss Mionie

Military Fics (AU Army, Combat, World Wars, Soldiers)

The wonderful MJ requested we scour forAU military/soldier/army Hunger Games fics, in particular Military!Peeta. I find this quite timely as tomorrow is Anzac Day in my home country Australia, where we commemorate soldiers from Gallipolli and beyond.

I decided to branch out a little bit on this request (don't I always?) because the feminist in me loves a solider!Katniss, too. Quite a number of these listed have been recommended before in various segments and posts, but never under the one theme. This is why there aren't any reviews under the fics (as we've reviewed countless of them before). We hope you all enjoy - if I don't mind saying, this list is pretty damn comprehensive!

Trigger warning as the linked stories do make reference to wars, terrorism, injury and death associated with such wars. Please note that any racist language used in comments will be deleted.

Image: Mediamacaroni.com 

The Civil War (American)

A House United by shesasurvivor
The bloody Civil War is over, but the battle is far from won. As North occupies South, Katniss Everdeen tries to keep her plantation home afloat, now empty except for herself, her mother, and her sister Prim. When Union soldier Peeta Mellark is quartered at the Everdeen home, she struggles to put up with the intruder as best she can. It doesn't help that he's so helpful, so kind, and possesses no small amount of charm. (See also: Santa is a Yankee.)

What's So Civil About War Anyway? by icbiwf

Panem, Pennsylvania, 1862: When all of her trading partners in town leave to join the Union army, Katniss Everdeen supports her family the only way she can: by enlisting to serve herself. Hoping desperately to avoid anyone from home who might recognize and expose her, what happens when she's assigned to the same company as the boy with the bread?

Knot Your Fingers Through Mine by monroeslittle
AU. Peeta and Katniss and the American Civil War.

The Deadliest Sins by pompeiigraffiti

In the fall of 1917, German soldier Peeta Mellark receives devastating news about the woman with whom he fell in love.

I Envy The Thy Love by Solasvioletta

In May of 1864 Peeta Mellark makes a solemn promise to Gale Hawthorne on the eve of battle, but can he keep it? Historical fiction set during the American Civil War. Piece-in-Their-Game Award Winner- Best Historical Fiction. 

When Johnny Comes Marching Home by shesasurvivor 

When her family was killed, innocent victims caught in a skirmish, Johanna cut her hair and joined the rebel army seeking revenge. Now she's a captured POW in a Union prison. While she waits for freedom, she finds companionship in an unlikely place.

World War One

Stories of Us by Ameiko
AU. Katniss never imagined that The Great War would change her life in the secluded PA woods, but

Image: makingthemodernworld.org.uk

it did. She also never imagine that crippled soldier Peter "Peeta" Mellark could heal her heart.

Nothing Can Keep Us Apart by WolfPatronusTeamPeeta-and-Dean

Peeta and Katniss live in Canada. Peeta goes off to fight in WW1 and Katniss is back home, praying for his safe return. They write letters to each other. Will Peeta make it back? This story is devoted to everyone who made a sacrifice in war.

In Name Only by Izzy Samson

In the midst the Great Depression eighteen year old Katniss needs a miracle. Her Papa is dead, Mama has just been hauled off to the asylum, soon she'll be evicted, and Prim put into the child's home. WW1 Veteran, Peeta Mellark, gives her the means to save Prim, he offers to be her husband 'in name only'. The only hitch is; Katniss thinks she loves him.

Image: Wikipedia Commons

World War Two

The Blind Date by malibustacy

AU, Post-WWII Chicago. Katniss as an ex-Rosie the Riveter, Peeta as a soldier returning home. Romance ensues. Major AU, historical, and sometimes OOC. May get steamy eventually.

Sins of the Father by Streetlightlove 

WWII army chaplain and POW Peeta Mellark returns from war to take an assignment at a small parish. He soon discovers war is much less complicated than what awaits him in this sleepy Connecticut town.

Furlough by PeetasAndHerondales

Peeta, Gale, and Finnick are sailors on furlough before shipping off for WWII. Comedy ensues when they run into feisty night club girls Katniss, Johanna, and Annie. One crazy night filled with fun, fights, and love affairs!

Titanium by MockingCody

Gale is a soldier, Madge is a naval nurse, here they both are stuck on an island dealing with their friends, and working, while a evil dictator plots an all out world war. AU - Gadge - Slightly based off of Pearl Harbor.

Cold War

Walls Meant to be Broken by OlaWrites

During the Cold War, The Berlin Wall was built overnight to separate Western and Eastern Berlin. Many from each side were on the wrong side at the wrong time. Katniss Everdeen was one of them. During her unexpected stay, she meets Westerner Peeta Mellark who extends his friendship to her and maybe something develops between them, against all odds.

Image: boomerslife.org

Vietnam War

United We Stand by xoxoeosvugirl

Hunger Games set during the time of the Vietnam War. It's 1963, and Peeta is drafted into the war. Meanwhile, Katniss reluctantly volunteers as an army nurse. How will the two survive in their new surroundings?

War in Afghanistan

Hope & Sacrifice by LibertySue

Injured Marine Peeta Mellark returns home from Afghanistan a changed and broken man looking for refuge. An Everlark story of love, redemption and hope.

Semper Fidelis: Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum by Falafel_Waffel

The events of September 11th 2001 seen through the eyes of Corporal Katniss Everdeen. (And it's

Image: Va.gov

sequel, Semper Fidelis.)

Iraq War

Coming Home by davis32

Sergeant Katniss Everdeen hasn't been home in three years since her best friend and fiance Gale Hawthorne was killed in Iraq. But when the baker's son starts hanging around will she find love again. (And it's sequel, Fighting to Come Home.) 

Thank you once again to MJ for emailing in. If you'd like to request a type of fic, email us at nightlockrecs@hotmail.com. 

Expanded Mockingjay Fics

Hey fellow tributes! Our apologies for the long break in between fic recs. But, you know, we have lives and stuff ;)

This recommendation came at the request of Nightlock lurker Sahand who is searching for stories that expand Katniss and Peeta's relationship after he is rescued from the Capitol and before all the dramatic and angsty death stuff came along.

At your request, Sahand, we bring you...

The Watcher by lollercakes
Peeta is rescued seemingly without harm from the Capitol, but sometimes the deepest wounds are the ones you can't see and the memories you don't have anymore.
Review: Once again, lollercakes delivers with a superb expansion of Katniss and Peeta's relationship in MJ. The structure of staggered moments in Peeta's point of view make for a seamless and intriguing read.

The Mockingjay and the Mutt by Abagail_Snow
While taming a hijacked Peeta in District Thirteen, Katniss comes to understand a side of him that she had never allowed herself to see. Loosely based on Beauty and the Beast.
Review: The Disney inspiration and characterisation allows for an angsty take on Katniss and Peeta's relationship. A nicely written fic.

Visits by swishywillow
'I reach into my pocket, pulling out something that is always with me. “Do you remember this?” Peeta stares at the tiny object in my hand hard and then suddenly his expression softens, a Peeta I knew from a lifetime ago. ' An insert into Mockingjay.
Review: A brief story that I wish was longer. It could be made better by more descriptive language and more detail. While it's not a great fic, it does this 'type' well.

Blue Lips by swishywillow
“All around the dining hall, you can feel the rejuvenating effect that a good meal can bring on…I listen to Finnick telling some ridiculous story about a sea turtle swimming off with his hat. Laugh before I realize he’s standing there. Directly across the table, behind the empty seat next to Johanna. Watching me.” Peeta’s take on the dining hall scene.
Review: I much prefer this 'missing moment' from author swishywillow. Peeta's hijacked, betrayed state of mind in Mockingjay has been teased out in detail and imagery in particular in this fic.

(Remember that if you'd like to request  a fic or type of fic for us to review and share with you to please email us at nightlockrecs@hotmail.com or post at our tumblr.)

Happy reading!
~ Little Miss Mionie

Nightlock Recs Tumblr!!

We're excited to announce that we now have a tumblr!

You can find more fic recs and pretty gifs as well as contests and challenges at nightlockrecs.tumblr.com!

Kudos to Cindella, Titania and Owl for creating, designing and moderating our tumblr.

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!

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.

A Message From HalfHope

Hello fellow tributes, Little Miss Mionie here. As per request of the lovely Halfhope, we've pulled the fics from our GDrive. HalfHope has also sent everyone a wonderful and heartfelt message she'd like us to share with you:

"I'm very sorry to everyone. Your support and love for my writing was amazing and something I never expected and honestly I didn't really feel like I deserved. It was a hard decision that I struggled with for a long time. But my fanfiction had been distracting me from developing my dream of becoming an original, published author, because the payoff was more immediate than that of my own original work. I pulled everything down because I didn't want more reviews coming up and tempting me to get into fanfiction again. In order to move forward, I had to remove everything. I'm so sorry that I'm so weak I had to take it to these extremes.

It was my readers who kept me at it for so long, and what made the decision so hard. I felt selfish at times, and I hate knowing I've made people upset. But it was what was best for me. And I hope, eventually, I'll get to share my writing with you again, but with my own characters and world. 

Thank you for all of your kind words and support. And once again, I'm sorry."

On behalf of your fans, Halfhope, we thank you for all your wonderful writing - there's no need to apologise. We wish you all the best with your future writing endeavours.

Happy reading,
Little Miss Mionie

Self Promotion Sundays #13

After a very long break I present Self Promotion Sundays #13! And it's fitting that today is the Super Bowl, is it not? As the most popular televised athletic event (for a reason I don't understand)? Dare I say, as our Hunger Games??

The Orphan
by RedneckPlasticFlamingo
Summary: "As we all know, your father passed away on the day of the reaping recently. Would you mind elaborating?" Rue could feel the audience. They had their breaths bated, leaning forward hungrily in their chairs. "A Peacekeeper killed him," she told Caesar. The crowd burst in gasps and shrieks. But little did Rue know, her few words would cause Panem to break completely.
Status: In Progress

The Spark
by thebigdog2895
Summary: Disclaimer: I own nothing. Set after Mockingjay, but before the epilogue, one can see that Katniss and Peeta's love for each other flames on hotter than the sun. All it took, was a spark.
Status: Complete

Safe and Sound / Like a Heart Needs to Beat / Sea of Flames
A Cato and Clove AE series by thebigdog2895
Summary: Disclaimer: I own nothing. This is a heartfelt story about Clove and Cato with an altered future and the people they are. WARNING: LEMONS!
Status: Complete

Faded Burns
by xoleah25
Summary: Peeta and Katniss have returned back to District 12. As they try to figure out the beginnings of their normal lives, where will this lead the two ex-starcrossed lovers? A Pre-Epilogue that tells of the pairs rekindling.
Status: In Progress

Enjoy :)

-cindella204