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

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 staff review Catching Fire!

We're here to share our thoughts on the latest film in the franchise, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Spoilerific reviews under the cut! 

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.

Five Stars in Five Thousand Words #1

Hi everyone! It's cindella204.

First of all, Little Miss Mione's interview with FernWithy was our TWO HUNDRETH post on Nighlock. *cheers* I'd like to say thank you to everyone who reads our posts and everyone who writes THG fanfiction! We couldn't do it without you all! *kisses*

Anyway, I would like to officially announce that we (the Nightlock team) have decided to put the Author of the Month recommendations on hold for now. Although there are plenty of deserving authors out there, the way FanFiction.Net and other sites are set up it can be very difficult to find them, and we simply do not have the time to scour the databases looking.

If you know of an author who is deserving of this honor, please find a form where you can read over the requirements and submit an author here. I will still be posting any authors that you, the readers, submit.

I'd also like to introduce to you my newest venture, along with Self Promotion Sundays, Five Stars in Five Thousand Words. Yes, the name is very, very cheesy. Naming conventions aren't my thing. Each installment of this new series will feature two absolutely stunning pieces that are five thousand words or less. Since we're all very busy, I thought it would be fitting to have a spotlight on fics that you can read in less than ten minutes and still fully enjoy. So without further ado, Five Stars in Five Thousand Words: Installment #1!

just a number by halcyon calamity
Character study, less than five hundred words, rated T
just a number focuses on Clove and how certain numbers are used to define her. I've always enjoyed oneshots with a repeating theme like this, and this is definitely a good one, especially if the upbringing of careers interests you. Although it wasn't particularly emotional, I still thought it was a powerful piece to read, especially the penultimate (second to last) number.

Crushed by Ghanaperu
Character study, movieverse, less than two thousand words, rated K+
First of all, don't get scared by movieverse. I only mentioned it because it's in the summary and I wanted to address it. It's not super conflicting of anything in the book. Anyway, Crushed is an absolutely beautiful exploration of Gale's perspective before and after the 74th Games. It's truly hard to put it into words. I have always had a hard time relating to Gale—canon, film, and fanfiction—but I was feeling...crushed after I read this.

BONUS! (sort of)
Volveré by Reyra.Elienahi
I really enjoyed Volveré (Translation: I will return), but it wasn't one I could really use for the segment because it's not in English. If there are any Spanish speakers or students around I would strongly encourage you to check out. This story covers the reaping in District Four for the Quarter Quell. I am only a mediocre Spanish student, but I understood enough to really love it.

Well, that's it for this installment! I hope you enjoyed it :)

-cindella204

Roses and Pearls (Katniss/Peeta, Peeta/OC)

Hey all, (apologies for the lack of site updates, my excuses are pointless, I've failed you, I'm so sorry! *sobs*)

Anywho, today I'm reviewing Roses and Pearls by HalfHope!

I know what Katniss Everdeen did to me. And no, I'm not crazy. Post-CF AU.

HalfHope is one of the fandom's best and most loved authors. Most of the big names haven't written anything new over the past year, so I was pretty excited when I decided to peruse HalfHope's ff.net profile once again and found out that she'd written a new fanfiction!

Roses and Pearls is a really cool fic. 'Cool' is definitely the word I want to use! I'm about halfway through at the moment, and I can say already that it's totally addictive. The writing style isn't anything special or prosaic, but it's much like Suzanne Collins' writing in that in that way, the focus of Roses and Pearls is really the plot. The premise and plot is excellent: it follows Peeta who had never been rescued from the Cpaitol at the end of Catching Fire and was tricked into believing that Katniss was evil, that the rebellion was over and all had died. Peeta has moved on and flourished in life at the Capitol, engaged to Rosalia Snow, President Snow's pink-haired granddaughter. But one night it is revealed that the rebellion hadn't been squandered...

HalfHope is quite an adventurous and risky writer: not a lot of authors are so game to set most of their fic in D13 with a hijacked Peeta who's in love with a Capitol socialite. Kudos!

I love Katniss and Peeta's different characterisation and Rosalia is a total gem of an OC. I really love the Peeta/Rosalia sappy declarations at the start of the fic because it made me think of how if it were Katniss in Rose's place, we'd all be reading those declarations as heartwrenching and raw - but with Peeta and Rose, lines like "You're the only person I could ever love. No matter what she does, she won't be able to take away our feelings for each other" just made me giggle at their melodrama.

I'm up to chapter 14 and still loving this fic. Has anyone else read it? What are your thoughts?

~ Little Miss Mionie

Ghosts with Just Voices (Mockingjay AU, K/P)

Hi tributes!

I apologise for not posting in what feels like forever for me, I've had a couple of crazy weeks.
I turned 20 recently, huzzah, so I thought I'd be the mature no-longer-teenager that I am and write another post for Nightlock :)

In the coming weeks I will be writing recs on lists of femmeslash and crossover fics, as well as going on a two fic quests that readers have asked of me  - feel free to send any f/f or x-over fics you know of to nightlockrecs@hotmail.com!

Today I'm bringing you yet another fic by monroeslittle that absolutely blew me away - Ghosts With Just Voices.

"I have a secret for you," he says, his breath warm against her cheek. "The top floor," he whispers. "If you hurry, you might be able to stop it." AU. Katniss makes a deal with Snow that changes everything.


Ghosts With Just Voices is an AU-Catching Fire/Mockingjay fic with the premise that Katniss is held in captivity by Snow instead of Peeta. It follows Katniss being slowly trapped in a plot of President Snow's making in order to stop him from hurting Peeta as he threatens to do during the last celebration on the Victory Tour before the Quell. Of course, Snow twists the game so that Katniss is forced to hurt Peeta herself, and eventually she is taken prisoner and tortured instead of Peeta by the Capitol. It also follows Katniss slowly realising her feelings for Peeta in an increasingly screwed up world. There is sooooo much more to the plot, but I don't want to spoil you!

Ghosts With Just Voices is high literary fanfiction, which can often be hard to find. There are vivid motifs of red, blood, time, hunger and food. It's an absolute jewel in the THG collection in regards to literary devices and style, in my opinion. I was instantly aware that not only Ghosts' plot had hooked me in, but I was entranced by the writing style too! The second half of the plot - Katniss' time in captivity - is what really struck me as a reader.

Monroeslittle has an amazing and strong narrative voice that really carries this fic. She uses the reoccurring framing device a future, final scene in the one-shot to always warn readers of what is to come and to frame the story as a whole. One sentence always stuck out to me when I first read this fic - it's slightly different all the way through: "Her fork clatters out of her hand, slick with blood." The evocative, beautifully horrific language this author uses is so highlighted by the straightforward, truncated, almost survivalist tone affected in Katniss' narration for most of the fic. In the quietly traumatic moments, monroeslittle's mastery of language and her characterisation of Katniss in captivity really shines though. It is her plot and her writing style that makes this one-shot of hers one of my favourites.

Happy reading,
Little Miss Mionie

Madge Undersee Fics

Ahh, Madge Undersee. Madge is a beloved character in the fandom (fanatically beloved by some of my fanfiction friends!) - the starter of a rebellion, the real girl on fire, a caged bird, a victim of the Capitol, a theoretical lover of Gale 99.99% of the time in anyone's mind. There are so many incarnations of Madge that are done wonderfully - and so here's a bunch with a variety of themes and ships!

Unexpected by jennycakes
Summary: Madge and Gale form an unexpected bond when Katniss is thrown into the Hunger Games. They take comfort in each other, but what happens when Katniss gets back? Or when Madge's life takes an unexpected twist?
Why? Jennycakes' characterisation of Madge is great; this wallflower does an excellent job of being a careful and caring narrator. It's a great little twist on canon. It's WIP. I'mma keep following it because it's just so damn quaint and nice to read.
Quote: How I manage to make it home without melting is beyond me. Gentle touches, ragged breath, sweet, sweet kisses, my entire body was on fire.

Piano Lesson by Joyful
Summary: Set during "Catching Fire," Madge gives Katniss a piano lesson.
Why? This is so short and cute and IC. Tinged with a little melancholy. Love the analogy of the two being so similar now, like "caged birds".

.:Madge by IsaiahKS on dA

Quote: Unlike all the kisses she'd shared with Peeta, or the stolen kiss from Gale, Katniss wanted this.


nobody said it was easy by thewindwarns
Summary: Madge is warned about boys like him, angry and armed and not nearly cautious enough. Spoilers for Catching Fire/Mockingjay. 
Why? This one-shot is broken and lovely. I think it portrays a more realistic Madge/Gale, where it's a little more one-sided. 
Quote: She kisses him hard, stealing away the chance to pant a name that isn’t hers, and they reach an understanding.

Eight Things Madge Undersee Is Bad At by Taneva Rose
Summary: The rich girl and the angry boy go to the games and lose their souls.
Why? These titles are like threads that run through every fandom... but Taneva Rose does it more than justice. I love this fanfic. It's so heartbreaking and raw. A great angsty read.
Quote: "This year for every five dollars of income made by a family, we are adding a slip."

Madge cries when they call her name. Open and strong and without shame. Her face doesn't lie.

Zombie by TurnTheRadioOff
Summary: The mayor had two zombies living in his house. How Katniss Everdeen systematically rebuilt and destroyed the Undersee family.
Why? ohmyhawthorne this fic is so different, from it's pairing to it's narration by the Mayor. It's a little OOC, but eh. Anyone who is looking for a different view on Madge, Katniss and the storyworld - Zombie is for you.
Quote: And then Katniss kissed his daughter. And he dropped the glass on the floor.


Something Sweet by Kathrynthegreat
Summary: It was understood by most that merchant’s kids had a better life in District 12.
Why? A slightly nawww-ish but mostly melancholy let's-forget-about-who-we-really-love-by-getting-in-each-other's-pants one-shot. Kudos for the rare pairing!
Quote: “I could go for some cake now, if the offer still stands.” Madge glanced away from him shyly, a blush staining her cheeks.

His Girl by ultrageekery
Summary: "He doesn't know what to do because this isn't Katniss..."
Why? An angsty look at Gale and Madge's relationship from Gale's point of view. It's short and horrible of Gale, but you can't look away...
Quote: He cannot love Madge either, and it is unfair of him to consider continuing this, to string her along as he toys with false possibilities – but he decides somewhat subconsciously that he will.

The Girl Behind The Symbol by onetraveller
Summary: Blonde hair, blue eyes, Margaret knows exactly what she is doing when she puts the pin in the strong, jaded brunette’s hands. She knows that she is ruining the girl’s life. But she must.
Why? An awesome missing moment from CF - Madge's last missing moments. This fic's not a totally heartbreaker, and the characterisation is good. It's very action-heavy. An excellent premise :)
Quote: She runs against the current, because the least she can do is help these people she’s doomed. She picks up children inside of burning homes and tells them to run as fast as they can in that direction, this direction, that way. 

Ashes by LaTessitrice
Summary: When the people of District 12 rebel against the Capitol, the Capitol sends destruction their way.
Why? Ashes is such an amazingly fleshed-out and grounded look at an AU plot with Madge as a main character. LaTessitrice's characterisation of Madge is engaging and flawless. The Gale/Madgeness is wicked, too. I highly recommend this!
Quote: 


Angels on the Moon by thecivilunrest
Summary: Nothing good ever comes from a town girl loving a Seam boy.
Why? This is a lovely sad three-part ficlet exploring different's characs views of canon events. Written beautifully, with an amazing set of characters, the third part explores Madge and Gale.
Quote: As sad as it was, Madge Undersee was willing to do anything to help Gale Hawthorne.


(A quick thanks to Solaryllis and holymfwickee for linking me to some of these fab fics!)

Happy reading!
~ Little Miss Mionie

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~!


~ ~


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!

~ ~

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.

~ ~

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.

~ ~

(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.)

Katniss-Gets-Hijacked Fics

Hey fellow tributes! The lovely jfka06 emailed us recently wanting to get recommended fics that involved a major switch in Catching Fire/Mockingjay: that Katniss was the one, instead of Peeta, being hijacked and tortured by the Capitol.

Having already read HalfHope's popular Hijacked, jfka06 wanted to know if there were anymore fics out there with this plotline. So, I searched and searched - and this is what I found.

At Any Cost by AlexaBones
Summary: This is my version of what would have occured had Haymitch saved Peeta at the end of Catching Fire. Katniss returns from the capitol hijacked; Peeta and Gale battle for her affection and the revolution draws near. Peeta POV.
In A Sentence: At Any Cost has a lovely measured pace that allows ample time for readers to understand how Peeta is feeling - many will appreciate this over a complete mirroring of canon elements. This was my favourite apart from Hijacked in terms of good writing.

Anything by whaddupshelbyx
Summary: Instead of rescuing Katniss, the rebels have rescued Peeta, Katniss is the one hijacked, and Peeta will do anything to get her back.
In A Sentence: Katniss' characterisation and voice is a little OOC, and the chapters are quite short, but I enjoyed Anything because it showed the hijacking from her point of view. (It's a nice short exploration.)

Anything To Get Her Back by PeetaMellark'sKatniss
Summary: My name is Peeta Mellark. I am 17 years old. I survived the hunger games twice. Katniss Everdeen, the person i love, has been captured and talken away from me, she's been hijacked and i WILL do anything to get her back.
In A Sentence: This isn't the best written fic ever, but honestly these three were the only ones I could find that totally fit the build: this author has great dialogue, nonetheless.

Caged Mockingjay by Cassidy Joleen Conner
Summary:  After the arena was blown up, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark was taken by the Capital where they both endure physical and emotional torture.
In A Sentence: So, it's not quite Katniss-hijacked, but both of them are captured by the Capitol. An very unique plotline that intrigued me right away.

Looking for a particular type of fic? Email us at nightlockrecs@hotmail or tweet us @nightlockrecs and we'll do our best to recommend you some fab fanfiction.


~ Little Miss Mionie

Little Miss Mionie's Recs: Fics Fics Fics (K/P, K/G)

Hey y'all.
Long time no recs, hey! ... I know you love it when I keep you waiting ;)
Here's some fab fics I've read recently that I have been dying to recommend to you.

Title: Touchstone
Author: Charlottetrips
Ship: Katniss/Peeta
Summary: This is why she stayed with him.
Why? Touchstone is a really unique look at Katniss and Peeta in a post-mockingjay world. Intense and wonderfully written.

Title: inherit the earth
Author: Liketrains
Ship: Katniss/Peeta
Summary: She doesn't know whose nightmares they are hiding from tonight. Maybe that line has blurred indefinitely. spoilers for mockingjay. 
Why? Oh My Gale Hawthorne, this fic renders me speechless. It is so, so innovative in the world of post-mockingjay fics in terms of the plot and tropes. I love all of the canon pieces put into this, and the poetic elongated sentence structure. The pacing is just brilliant. It's aching. A must-read.

Title: Guilty
Author: sephiesport
Ship: Katniss/Gale
Summary: While Katniss is fighting for her life during the 75th Hunger Games, Gale's got his own problems to deal with. Namely planning a rebellion, avoiding the psycho who wants him dead, and survivng a bombing. You know, no big deal. Gale's POV of Catching Fire.
Why? Awesme, on-the-spot characterisation of Gale. This is such a great exploration of all the things we didn't see. I haven't finished reading it, but Guilty totally has me hooked.

~ Little Miss Mionie

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~