When all else fails, follow Twilight's lead.
Thanks to the spec earlier this week, I've had the Hunger Games series on my mind. Still not full-fledged fannish about it, mostly because it's hard for me to get that way about books and the rarity of new canon, but I've been craving more meta. Maybe I should just reread the books and write my own meta! In the meantime, I present a very important poll.
Poll
I'm Team Peeta, baby, even though I'm not all that hardcore about it. I just have such a soft spot for poor Peeta's unrequited (though I suspect Katniss requites it more than she realizes) love for her. Only problem is that I'm terrified that Peeta is being set up as the sacrifical lamb; as queenofthorns and I discussed yesterday, poor breadboy has already suffered so much, yet he's totally the type to let himself be tortured and/or killed to save Katniss and democracy. Plus, I fear that as things stand now, Katniss/Peeta has run its course, unless Katniss (finally) realizes that she loves him back. After all, she did seem to be into those kisses.
Several of my friends are Team Gale, and while I can kinda see where they're coming from, I just can't get on board the 'ship because of how faintly he is written. I do quite like the character, but -- aside from the hurt/comfort in CF -- much of the relationship seems to be based on Katniss thinking they *should* be together rather than a profound romantic love. But like I said, my opinion is based on how he barely registers for me. I'm quite willing to change my mind if he gets a much stronger presence in MJ, and if Collins really sells me on the romance.
Ultimately, though, it's hard to think of sexual romance with these characters, given how *chaste* the books are. Aside from those few moments when Katniss feels "stirred" by her kisses with Peeta (and that one with Gale), romance barely registers in her mind, much less sex. Plus, the characters are all so young, and I'm an old prude. ;) If any characters have an excuse to go at it like bunnies, these characters do -- but imagining that is a bit squicky! That said, I really like this fic by Yahtzee, which does a Katniss/Peeta sex scene in a very tasteful, charming-but-angsty way that feels quite right.
So, where do you stand?
Poll
I'm Team Peeta, baby, even though I'm not all that hardcore about it. I just have such a soft spot for poor Peeta's unrequited (though I suspect Katniss requites it more than she realizes) love for her. Only problem is that I'm terrified that Peeta is being set up as the sacrifical lamb; as queenofthorns and I discussed yesterday, poor breadboy has already suffered so much, yet he's totally the type to let himself be tortured and/or killed to save Katniss and democracy. Plus, I fear that as things stand now, Katniss/Peeta has run its course, unless Katniss (finally) realizes that she loves him back. After all, she did seem to be into those kisses.
Several of my friends are Team Gale, and while I can kinda see where they're coming from, I just can't get on board the 'ship because of how faintly he is written. I do quite like the character, but -- aside from the hurt/comfort in CF -- much of the relationship seems to be based on Katniss thinking they *should* be together rather than a profound romantic love. But like I said, my opinion is based on how he barely registers for me. I'm quite willing to change my mind if he gets a much stronger presence in MJ, and if Collins really sells me on the romance.
Ultimately, though, it's hard to think of sexual romance with these characters, given how *chaste* the books are. Aside from those few moments when Katniss feels "stirred" by her kisses with Peeta (and that one with Gale), romance barely registers in her mind, much less sex. Plus, the characters are all so young, and I'm an old prude. ;) If any characters have an excuse to go at it like bunnies, these characters do -- but imagining that is a bit squicky! That said, I really like this fic by Yahtzee, which does a Katniss/Peeta sex scene in a very tasteful, charming-but-angsty way that feels quite right.
So, where do you stand?