Inspiration & Bingo Post
5 Tumblr images, 5 fics, 2 picspams
Click on image for original post and/or larger size
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Inspired by mark_pierre’s post, Spring
Inspired by entwashian’s post, Negative Space
Inspired by xjadedgrlx’s post, Hayley Marshall
Inspired by shinylunarsea’s post, Absolutely Fabulous
Inspired by catko’s post, Let's Take a Road Trip!
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Childhood Hero (340 words):
"Miss Everdeen?"
I turn around at the sound of my name. A woman not much younger than me stands there, clearly nervous. I try to put her at ease. After all, I've had plenty of practice on this 25th Anniversary tour. "Mellark," I put in, quietly. Always, as soon as I've said it, the person I'm speaking to brightens, as if my marriage to Peeta is the best news they've ever heard ~ even though Panem knows full well I've been married to my husband for decades.
This woman is no different. She smiles, then says, "You may not remember me, but we've met before. During your first Victory Tour."
A faint memory tugs at me, but doesn't form anything more substantial. That is, until she continues.
"We were in District 2. I'm the one who told you when I grew up I wanted to volunteer, just like you did for your sister."
Without warning, the pain hits me, and the tears well behind my eyes. I remember now. This once child, enraptured in my so-called heroics, wanting to emulate me without realizing the true cost. "I-" I start.
But she shakes her head, as if she knows what I'm going to say before I do. "I just wanted to thank you," she says and glances over to where I see a man and two children waiting for her.
"I don't understand," I tell her. And I don't. She's from a District where children fought to volunteer. If anything, I took her shot at sacrifice and fame away.
"No, I didn't understand," she corrects. "About the Games. I thought they were something to aspire to. A glory to obtain." She smiles brighter at her family, then returns her gaze to me. "So I'm thanking you, for saving my life. For ending the Games. You saved me, and you saved my children." At this point, she focuses beyond me, and I know she's looking at my own family, sitting at the cafe table not far away. "You saved us all."
Mask (136 words):
It's a mask that suits him well: Liar. It's odd how no one notices it, considering he's not exactly subtle. It's no surprise President Snow sees right through him - and probably Caesar Flickerman as well - but the Capitol citizens? He'd grown up learning they were the best of the best, the brightest of Panem. That's why they deserved all the resources, while he and everyone else scrounged for existence.
But now it's a danger. The Districts aren't falling for them, and that's a problem. Not only for him, but for Katniss, Haymitch, and potentially their family and friends. Death is a close friend of Victors, and not just in the arena.
It's ironic how a simple truth set the flames of rebellion afire, but it'll be a lie that will burn the Capitol to the ground.
Animal (451 words):
They say the best way to raise responsible children is to give them responsibilities. It took a very long time, but Peeta and I finally agreed to pets. With conditions, of course.
So now, Iris has her hunting dog, which she will be spending the summer training extensively. Now it's Glen's turn. At seven, he's still too young for a pet that needs a lot of care. Luckily, this is solved when we learn Tom and Delly's cat delivered a litter a few weeks ago.
Both are standing outside, waiting for us to arrive. Beside them is a wooden box, which I assume contains the kittens. Iris wastes no time joining their kids, eager to tell them all about her new Irish Setter pup.
We walk up and Glen immediately zeroes in on the runt - a quiet little white ball of fluff that returns Glen's interest, by climbing up his pants.
"She's a good choice," Delly beams at him. "We've noticed she's a good lap cat. What are you going to name her?"
"Snow!" my little boy innocently says, clutching his new kitten to his chest.
I nearly faint. The memories overwhelm me so much I'm not sure how I remain standing. Beside me, I feel Peeta turn rigid as he fights the sudden onset of an episode. I don't know how I didn't see this coming.
I cannot have this cat in my house.
Before Peeta and I can break our little boy's heart, Tom leans down to him. "No, Glen, you don't want to name him Snow." I see him give a quick glance up to us, as we're both still too shocked to move. "Haven't you seen what snow becomes here? It may start out pretty, but it gets nasty real quick. All the dirt that mixes in? You remember what it's like to walk to school through all that muck, right?" I see Glen's doubtful face, as he shakes his head yes. Tom smiles at my son, and reaches out to scratch the kitten's ears. "How about you name her something that always makes you happy, huh? This is a good kit here, and she deserves a good name - one that will fit her all the time, don't you think?"
Glen brightens enthusiastically and nods. "Her name is Happy!" Before Peeta and I can say anything, he scampers off to show the others his new pet.
I cannot thank Tom enough. In reality, I cannot thank him at all. The ability to speak has left me. All I can hope for is that he sees the gratitude in my eyes.
Clearly he does, as he smiles. "It's about time you two finally let someone help you out."
Green (100 words):
Green is the forest, in a place I called home
Until I was forced to the Capitol, a basic new Rome
Green is the luscious color of trees
Where I felt safe and protected until they forced me to flee
Green is the grass upon which little Rue lies
As well as the Meadow, where District Twelve buried who died
Green was the salad that saved my family from hunger
Until I honed my shooting skills as a proficient hunter
But now orange joins in, the color of Peeta my sweet
The boy with the bread who makes me complete.
Water and Laughter (508 words):
"It's hard, isn't it?"
I startle out of my husband's embrace as Annie sits on the log next to us. We're in District 4, visiting my mother. As always, this includes time with Annie and her family as well. She's remarried, and her new husband is great, but Finnick is never far from anyone's thoughts. As for my mother, she's down closer to the shoreline, with Iris and Glen. Iris is building what I think is a sandcastle, but what my three year old son is up to is anyone's guess. Glen keeps running into the waves, screaming, then running back, laughing like crazy and falling into the sand. It's been a repeated pattern for at least the last twenty minutes. It's a joy to watch, although I suspect cleaning him off tonight may become one of my new nightmares.
Unsurprisingly, both Peeta and I understand Annie's meaning immediately. My husband smiles gently at her, but I can see the hurt hiding in his eyes. "Yeah. I wish we could enjoy all this," he gestures to the beauty around us: the pristine beach, sparkling waters, gorgeous sky, and warm winds, "without the tinge of the Games."
I agree. Without meaning to, I let slip, "This is why I was afraid to have children. That we couldn't be good parents, because everything we do is tainted by our past."
This time I am surprised. Instead of nodding her head in agreement, Annie beams at us both. "No. You both are incredible parents. Iris and Glen are two of the luckiest kids in Panem. You're not like me."
We both look to her, puzzled.
Annie slowly sighs. "Killian is just like his dad. Fascinated by the ocean since the moment he was born. You have no idea how much I tried to change that."
It hurts to think of Finnick. Even more so when I remember how Annie won her Games: surviving a flood by treading water. "How did you finally accept it?" I ask.
Annie's gaze returns to the sea, and I can tell she's reliving her memories. As her hair flows lazily in the cool breeze, she finally tells us, "One day I realized Killian's never been hurt by the water. Only me. I was projecting my fears onto him, and I don't want that." She sighs. "I never want Killian to be afraid like I was." She turns to look at us again. "That's how I know you're amazing parents, Katniss. Neither of you uttered a word when your kids ran straight past you to the beach."
I realize the truth in her words. I never want to see the pain we endured before the Games ended in the eyes of my children either. "No," I nod, understanding. "They love the water too much."
"Maybe that's when the real healing begins," Peeta wraps an arm around me, and I rest my head against his shoulder as we both watch our children giggle madly yards away. "When we start seeing the world through their eyes instead of ours."
Highlight and Frame:
Magic:
Click on image for original post and/or larger size
.
Inspired by mark_pierre’s post, Spring
Inspired by entwashian’s post, Negative Space
Inspired by xjadedgrlx’s post, Hayley Marshall
Inspired by shinylunarsea’s post, Absolutely Fabulous
Inspired by catko’s post, Let's Take a Road Trip!
Childhood Hero (340 words):
"Miss Everdeen?"
I turn around at the sound of my name. A woman not much younger than me stands there, clearly nervous. I try to put her at ease. After all, I've had plenty of practice on this 25th Anniversary tour. "Mellark," I put in, quietly. Always, as soon as I've said it, the person I'm speaking to brightens, as if my marriage to Peeta is the best news they've ever heard ~ even though Panem knows full well I've been married to my husband for decades.
This woman is no different. She smiles, then says, "You may not remember me, but we've met before. During your first Victory Tour."
A faint memory tugs at me, but doesn't form anything more substantial. That is, until she continues.
"We were in District 2. I'm the one who told you when I grew up I wanted to volunteer, just like you did for your sister."
Without warning, the pain hits me, and the tears well behind my eyes. I remember now. This once child, enraptured in my so-called heroics, wanting to emulate me without realizing the true cost. "I-" I start.
But she shakes her head, as if she knows what I'm going to say before I do. "I just wanted to thank you," she says and glances over to where I see a man and two children waiting for her.
"I don't understand," I tell her. And I don't. She's from a District where children fought to volunteer. If anything, I took her shot at sacrifice and fame away.
"No, I didn't understand," she corrects. "About the Games. I thought they were something to aspire to. A glory to obtain." She smiles brighter at her family, then returns her gaze to me. "So I'm thanking you, for saving my life. For ending the Games. You saved me, and you saved my children." At this point, she focuses beyond me, and I know she's looking at my own family, sitting at the cafe table not far away. "You saved us all."
Mask (136 words):
It's a mask that suits him well: Liar. It's odd how no one notices it, considering he's not exactly subtle. It's no surprise President Snow sees right through him - and probably Caesar Flickerman as well - but the Capitol citizens? He'd grown up learning they were the best of the best, the brightest of Panem. That's why they deserved all the resources, while he and everyone else scrounged for existence.
But now it's a danger. The Districts aren't falling for them, and that's a problem. Not only for him, but for Katniss, Haymitch, and potentially their family and friends. Death is a close friend of Victors, and not just in the arena.
It's ironic how a simple truth set the flames of rebellion afire, but it'll be a lie that will burn the Capitol to the ground.
Animal (451 words):
They say the best way to raise responsible children is to give them responsibilities. It took a very long time, but Peeta and I finally agreed to pets. With conditions, of course.
So now, Iris has her hunting dog, which she will be spending the summer training extensively. Now it's Glen's turn. At seven, he's still too young for a pet that needs a lot of care. Luckily, this is solved when we learn Tom and Delly's cat delivered a litter a few weeks ago.
Both are standing outside, waiting for us to arrive. Beside them is a wooden box, which I assume contains the kittens. Iris wastes no time joining their kids, eager to tell them all about her new Irish Setter pup.
We walk up and Glen immediately zeroes in on the runt - a quiet little white ball of fluff that returns Glen's interest, by climbing up his pants.
"She's a good choice," Delly beams at him. "We've noticed she's a good lap cat. What are you going to name her?"
"Snow!" my little boy innocently says, clutching his new kitten to his chest.
I nearly faint. The memories overwhelm me so much I'm not sure how I remain standing. Beside me, I feel Peeta turn rigid as he fights the sudden onset of an episode. I don't know how I didn't see this coming.
I cannot have this cat in my house.
Before Peeta and I can break our little boy's heart, Tom leans down to him. "No, Glen, you don't want to name him Snow." I see him give a quick glance up to us, as we're both still too shocked to move. "Haven't you seen what snow becomes here? It may start out pretty, but it gets nasty real quick. All the dirt that mixes in? You remember what it's like to walk to school through all that muck, right?" I see Glen's doubtful face, as he shakes his head yes. Tom smiles at my son, and reaches out to scratch the kitten's ears. "How about you name her something that always makes you happy, huh? This is a good kit here, and she deserves a good name - one that will fit her all the time, don't you think?"
Glen brightens enthusiastically and nods. "Her name is Happy!" Before Peeta and I can say anything, he scampers off to show the others his new pet.
I cannot thank Tom enough. In reality, I cannot thank him at all. The ability to speak has left me. All I can hope for is that he sees the gratitude in my eyes.
Clearly he does, as he smiles. "It's about time you two finally let someone help you out."
Green (100 words):
Green is the forest, in a place I called home
Until I was forced to the Capitol, a basic new Rome
Green is the luscious color of trees
Where I felt safe and protected until they forced me to flee
Green is the grass upon which little Rue lies
As well as the Meadow, where District Twelve buried who died
Green was the salad that saved my family from hunger
Until I honed my shooting skills as a proficient hunter
But now orange joins in, the color of Peeta my sweet
The boy with the bread who makes me complete.
Water and Laughter (508 words):
"It's hard, isn't it?"
I startle out of my husband's embrace as Annie sits on the log next to us. We're in District 4, visiting my mother. As always, this includes time with Annie and her family as well. She's remarried, and her new husband is great, but Finnick is never far from anyone's thoughts. As for my mother, she's down closer to the shoreline, with Iris and Glen. Iris is building what I think is a sandcastle, but what my three year old son is up to is anyone's guess. Glen keeps running into the waves, screaming, then running back, laughing like crazy and falling into the sand. It's been a repeated pattern for at least the last twenty minutes. It's a joy to watch, although I suspect cleaning him off tonight may become one of my new nightmares.
Unsurprisingly, both Peeta and I understand Annie's meaning immediately. My husband smiles gently at her, but I can see the hurt hiding in his eyes. "Yeah. I wish we could enjoy all this," he gestures to the beauty around us: the pristine beach, sparkling waters, gorgeous sky, and warm winds, "without the tinge of the Games."
I agree. Without meaning to, I let slip, "This is why I was afraid to have children. That we couldn't be good parents, because everything we do is tainted by our past."
This time I am surprised. Instead of nodding her head in agreement, Annie beams at us both. "No. You both are incredible parents. Iris and Glen are two of the luckiest kids in Panem. You're not like me."
We both look to her, puzzled.
Annie slowly sighs. "Killian is just like his dad. Fascinated by the ocean since the moment he was born. You have no idea how much I tried to change that."
It hurts to think of Finnick. Even more so when I remember how Annie won her Games: surviving a flood by treading water. "How did you finally accept it?" I ask.
Annie's gaze returns to the sea, and I can tell she's reliving her memories. As her hair flows lazily in the cool breeze, she finally tells us, "One day I realized Killian's never been hurt by the water. Only me. I was projecting my fears onto him, and I don't want that." She sighs. "I never want Killian to be afraid like I was." She turns to look at us again. "That's how I know you're amazing parents, Katniss. Neither of you uttered a word when your kids ran straight past you to the beach."
I realize the truth in her words. I never want to see the pain we endured before the Games ended in the eyes of my children either. "No," I nod, understanding. "They love the water too much."
"Maybe that's when the real healing begins," Peeta wraps an arm around me, and I rest my head against his shoulder as we both watch our children giggle madly yards away. "When we start seeing the world through their eyes instead of ours."
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