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. 

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

Little Miss Mionie's Fave Fics Of All Time, Hands Down

Howdy Capitol lovers! Not long until Catching Fire opens in cinemas - are you excited?

Tonight, I'm reminiscing on my favourite fics of all time, hands down, which is part of a series the staff at Nightlock are taking part in! Without further ado, let us walk down that squeeing, compulsively reviewing lane...

Grow Together by Miss Scarlett 05
Summary: Pre-epilogue Mockingjay. How Katniss and Peeta slowly pick up the pieces and begin again. My version of a fourth book for the Hunger Games series. Secret toastings, lots of plotting, crass drunk Haymitch and even a cake scene.
Why? Haha, I love the new summary. I fucking fell in love with this fic years ago. The author became a great fandom friend of mine as I was reading it, which probably made me in of awe of it even more. This is hands down the best multiple chapter Post-MJ fic dealing with Katniss and Peeta's relationship. Miss Scarlett 05's handling of Katniss' characterisation, Katniss and Peeta's healing from trauma and tragedy and the inclusion of Capitol characters really made this fic for me. Can't recommend it enough! It's my head canon, basically.

The Good Wife by 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. Second installment of The Ashes of District Twelve series.
Why? I just love Silvercistern's characterisation of Katniss. It feels very IC to me. Also love love love Haymitch's narration. It's a different Post-MJ fic but it can still stand on it's own feet. I always re-read this one when I want to be entertained.

Five Loaves of Bread: Capitol Pastries by aimmyarrowshigh
Summary: The only person who wins the Hunger Games is Snow, and you know it. You gave up happy when you kept playing Snow's games.
Why? Coz it's so fucking creepy! I love dark fics that do justice to the series, and V is just an amazing author with a whole head full of canon knowledge to make her plots great.

Scars by holymfwickee
Summary: Post-CF. Peeta is rescued from the Capitol by Katniss and her band of rebels; however, after months of torture it is unknown if he will survive. It is also unknown if Katniss will survive if he doesn't. Majority written prior to the publication of MJ.
Why? It's a very canon-compliant AU and very well written.

THEIR LAST NIGHT OF LOVE: A SPECIAL VERITY PRESENTATION, EXCLUSIVELY FOR PREFERRED CUSTOMERS by Yahtzee
Summary: Amid the media circus leading up to the Quarter Quell, Katniss and Peeta try to create something real.
Why? This is such a twisted plot but let's face it, it's probably what would happen in a place like Panem. The plot alone makes this fic fantastic. I love the commentary on sexual assault and consent. The title rocks.

Do any of these fics rate in your top faves?

Happy reading,
Little Miss Mionie

'Peeta wins the Games' fics

Sierra once again called upon our fic-sleuthing services to find fics where Peeta Mellark wins the Hunger Games and comes home to Katniss. Now, I'm here to deliver with some of the best Peeta Wins! fanfiction I could find. If you know of any not listed, leave a comment!

I had to skew the definition given, so if Peeta wins (sans Katniss), but with someone else, I've included those since there aren't a lot of fics with Peeta winning and Katniss stuck in District 12.

Keep the Blood in Your Head by atetheredmind
"Katniss Everdeen wanted him to live. She wanted him to come home. And he could do it, for her. He would. If there was anything worth fighting for now, it was her." Peeta Mellark is chosen as tribute for the 74th Hunger Games.
Review: This fic is very well written, very descriptive. The sequel And Keep Your Feet on the Ground is just as gripping (with even more reviews than the first!)

The Other Perspective by annarosen
He takes off, his feet fast and strong. There's a bloodbath behind him, but he pays no attention. He is possessed by fear, adrenaline pumping through his body; I can almost feel his heartbeat. Careers are hungry, they are on a hunt; their target, the boy with the bread. I cling to Peeta's letter, the one he gave me to read if he dies.
Review: This is a great action-packed fic!

My universe will never be the same by Thomas Emerson
Peeta Mellark is reaped for the 74th Hunger Games. This year, the gamemakers have something interesting in mind... two tributes can win, but only if they're on the same team. But team does not mean district... 
Review: A really interesting plot to drive the Peeta/Cato ship. It's an original and unique take on this genre.

Capitol Pastries by aimmyarrowshigh
The only person who wins the Hunger Games is Snow, and you know it. You gave up happy when you kept playing Snow's games.
Review: Pretty sure I've recommended the Five Loaves of Bread series three times on Nightlock by now, but this fic is worth mentioning once again. Creepy and interesting plot.

The Precious Little Girl Who Glowed by blueSKIES247
"Volunteering is not allowed, dear." —How Prim and Peeta win the Hunger Games, how Prim and Haymitch defeat the Quarter Quell, how Prim becomes the face of the rebellion, and how everything turns out the same in the end.
Review: If you're a Prim/Peeta shipper, you'll love this twist on the first book. Great characterisation, pacing and writing style.

Thanks for the request, Sierra!

Happy reading,
Little Miss Mionie

PS. Has anyone checked out the Capitol.pn website lately? The design is amazing!

Dark, In-the-Capitol Katniss fics

I'm sorry for all of us not being around much lately - myself, Cindella204 and Forthegenuine have been tied up with the business of real life. Remember, we're looking for new reviewers to join out team - email nightlockrecs@hotmail.com if you're interested!

We recently were emailed a lovely request by the fabulous Steffi:

Love your blog! So I've recently become obsessed with Capital Katniss fics. Darker fics that explore Katniss and Peeta's lives as victors living in the Capital. If that's too specific, I think I'm just on a dark Katniss trip lately lol. It sounds terrible to say- but I'm addicted to self-destructive Katniss! I cant help it! I am! So, any recommendations you may have would be awesome! Seriously, no such thing as a rec list that's too long ;) thanks for your blog!!!!

And here I am to deliver a few of the coolest Dark, in-the-Capitol!Katniss fics around - both one-shots and multi-chapter fics!

The Darkness Within by Usako3000
Summary: AU. As the newest victor, Katniss finds herself sold as the wife to the dark and possessive Cato, a Capitol citizen. Did he save her from a terrible fate or is her life about to get much worse? Through all the darkness can love and rebellion still bloom?
In A Word: Popular

His Deadly Game by Obsessive Muse
Summary: Katniss and Peeta survive the games with the aid of those little deadly berries but President Snow doesn't have to worry about any rebellions, he's only concerned with teaching Katniss that no one defies the capitol.
In A Word: Twisty

Through the Hole in the Wall by EvilPeaches
Summary: The Capitol owns all of the victors; even their bodies.
In A Word: Heedy

And once again just because it's so fantastic...

Dark Toast (part 1 of the Five Loaves of Bread series) by Aimmyarrowshigh
Summary: How Katniss and Peeta fell in love without the Reaping: in a Panem dictated by a violent Peace instead of twisted Games, Katniss and Peeta Mellark try to piece their lives together as they watch another girl catch fire.
In A Word: Frightening

Happy reading!
~ Little Miss Mionie