Forest Fairy's The Hunger Games Fanfiction Recs IV - The Lone Victor
I'm writing a story for Prompts in Panem at the moment and I'm so excited about it! I'm pretty sure it won't measure up to the other entries, but it is fun to do this anyway, as it is the first time I'm writing Everlark in a romantic relationship.
Anyway, this installment of the ForestFairy's recs has a title. That's a first!
I'm recommending four different Panem AU stories in which only one half of Everlark returns as a Victor. Strangely enough many of my all time favourites have that premise! Be aware that most of these stories are explicit and forced prostitution in the Capitol is the reality that victor Peeta has to face.
The miner's wife by MockingJayFlyingFree
I'm starting with the most famous of the bunch. The pairing is Everlark of course. This one is a work in process, an epic tale that is going to be 24 chapters long, according to chapter count on AO3. There's not a lot to write, as every Everlark Fan knows about this story already. But you know, I'll tell you anyway. If you, for whatever reason, have not read it yet - stop what you're doing and start reading it now. The miner's wife the title is referring to is Katniss, who married Gale and was not reaped for The Hunger Games when she was sixteen. Peeta, however was reaped and won the Games. Twelve years later, Gale is dead and Peeta helps Katniss survive by hiring her as a housekeeper. Katniss has two children from Gale in this story, Everlark are in their thirties and it is wonderfully written. POVs are alternating between Katniss and Peeta and I especially enjoy the characterization of Peeta in here. It is a sad, angsty story and absolutely addicting. Once you start to read you just can't stop and waiting for the next chapter is torture! My favourite chapter is a sad one at the beginning where Peeta reflects on losing Katniss when he was younger, I nearly cried it was so heartbreaking. MockingJayFlyingFree also deserves brownie points for her interpretation of Gale in this in Panem AU. He is dead, but still important and *gasp* not a monster. I don't know where this trend is coming from, but fanfiction writers love to portray Gale as an abusive bastard and I can't take a story seriously when Gale is bashed in it. There is a less explicit version of The miner's wife on fanfiction.net which I personally favour over the one on AO3 for reasons that are too spoilerish for this rec.
and at once I knew I was not magnificent by atetheredmind
This neat and tightly woven one-shot is firstly and foremostly one thing - hot! In this scenario Katniss is the one who won the Hunger Games at sixteen and we arrive on the scene when she is 23 and living her lonely life in the Victor's Village. Sixteen year old Peeta Mellark appears on her doorstep one day, innocently making a bread delivery. This is angsty smut at its best. Very much recommended. atetheredmind definitely finds her own unique interpretation of Katniss in this alternate universe, which I can see happening very easily.
Your Smile Is a Thin Disguise by Abagail_Snow
A three chapter WIP where Katniss meets Hunger Games winner Peeta again when she is trading some game on a cold winter night. I made a mistake when I first clicked on this story, I just skimmed through it and arrived at the end and saw that Katniss and Peeta have sex pretty soon and I didn't like the idea. To really appreciate the story you have to concentrate and read it from the start and not skip any passages. Every story deserves that to be honest, and I feel bad that I didn't do it. But I came back to it and found a wonderfully written, angsty Panem AU that keeps you invested. I hope that Abagail_Snow will finish this story one day. Did I mention this is also pretty hot? No? Well, it is, in case you wondered. The author writes beautiful smut. Highly recommended, great characterization and an interesting plot and engaging dialogue that keeps you wishing for more.
Weepy Chests with Weepy Sighs by varicose
This story is not Everlark and you have to be a bit more open minded to enjoy it. If you are you'll find a real gem, a two chapter story by author varicose. (Check out her other work on fanfiction.net, she has published some beautiful Everlark stories there...) Peeta Mellark returns from the 74th Hunger Games as the lone victor. Katniss has been his district partner in the arena, so yeah, that means what you suspect it means. Katniss died and Peeta has to live with survivors guilt, almost turning into a second Haymitch in the process, if it wasn't for - dare I say it - well, Gale Hawthorne. To make Peeta and Gale work as a couple you have to be a talented story teller and varicose sets the perfect pace. You can see the evolution of their relationship - they start out as enemies and finally turn from companions to lovers. The social divide between a miner and a victor, even the different worlds of District 12 and the Capitol, all can be seen through the eyes of our protagonists. Every detail is described realistically as a carefully woven story plays out in front you. You can feel the love that both Peeta and Gale have for the girl on fire still, she is always a strong presence in their relationship, even though she is gone. But life goes on. I think the interpretation of Gale here is one of my favourites in any THG fanfic. The way he is so confused, but can't help it and always returns to Peeta, all these conflicting emotions - you really suffer with him. Unfortunately this story is too short. I could have read so much more of this and I have reread it quite a few times. Give it a try and you won't be disappointed.
A newer story where Peeta is the lone victor once more, which I enjoy very much. Quothme has a way with words, the style is dense and mysterious. This Victor-Peeta is a dark enigma and after 7 chapters there are more questions than answers in this story. I can't really say much more, but this WIP is addicting and different to the usual approach. I'm curious where the author is going to take it.
