the bolter

elsie hannaway and jack smith.

link to Chapter 6

She walks around the couch, scrutinizing me before dropping all her stuff and sitting on the table across from me. I smile weakly at her, "You're going to have to do all the commentary for the show tonight." “Something’s wrong with your leg,” she says, her voice sharp with accusation, but I catch the tiny tremor of worry underneath it, the way her fingers flex nervously. “It’s just not fitting well today,” I grunt, trying to sound casual. “So it’s a little raw.” Her eyes soften for a second, but she’s already on her feet, probably reaching for one of those ointments her mother sent us. She pauses only to turn on the television for our show, casting me a look that says stay put. Then she’s gone, scurrying out, leaving the faint scent of pine needles in the air—and a small, steady warmth in my body that wasn’t there before.

Panem taught their bodies to endure. The Games taught their bodies to be weapons. The war taught their bodies to be pieces.

My ancestors would have wanted pasteurization, vaccines, antibiotics, disinfectants, birth control, psychiatric medications, pain management, anesthesia. My ancestors would have wanted to be able to keep their loved ones around longer, and not lose them too early/too soon to childbirths, injuries, bacterial infections, mental illnesses, and diseases that are curable and/or preventable in our modern day life.

If we reject modern medicine, then we reject all the labors and trials our ancestors went through for us; we reject our very nature.

👻 THG and Friends Trick or Treat 🎃

The past couple years some of us have done trick or treating through the month of October. The idea is those who choose to put on their "porch light" have their ask box open to "trick or treaters."

Then anyone can Trick or Treat! - It's as easy as dropping a 'Trick or Treat' in a participating blogs ask but you can have fun with it too! (More ideas below the cut)

Comment on this post if you’re interested in accepting trick or treaters and I’ll start compiling a list!

For reference check out #thg trick or treat 2023 and 2024

@burkygirl

@clearlyundefeyened

@cow-in-the-sunset

@dandelionsunset1210

@darlingsnow0

@distractionsfromthefood

@districtunrest

@firehelpmeforget

@katnissdoesnotfollowback

@mollywog

@moonlightredfern

@notsocooljess

@ongreenergrasses

@princesspufflesposts

@sangrefae

@thesunpersists

The racketeers could be whatever was left of the Callows and the Booker boys but then there was this tidbit in Catching Fire

Gale says that Peeta’s family “couldn’t wait to inform on them. We know that Mrs Mellark hated the “seam rats” but this is an interesting take. I had assumed that most informants would be people from the seam who needed money but turns out merchants were in on it too.

I like this idea as well because it creates a notable divide between Katniss’ family and community in the hob, full of rebels who hated the Capitol. To merchants more loyal to the Capitol and their own well-being without a community of friends having their back. Maybe Peeta’s brothers being involved creates an inner conflict between his family, especially after his games.

I had always believed that it wasn’t cameras that had tipped off Snow to Katniss and Gale kissing but an informant. The electricity in the gates didn’t work so how could a camera function?

And also it makes more sense that it was someone else who tipped off Thread to Katniss leaving the district. I mean if he had video evidence that Katniss had left the district, he would be legally allowed to punish her. He wouldn’t have to send people to her house to wait for her nor would they have bought her story about Lady the goat, he would’ve taken her in immediately.

Having informants in the district that you know exist would scare people in line much faster than bringing in cameras. Knowing that your neighbors, your family and friends could snitch on you without a second thought would be terrifying.

Like there is so much you could do with this. Like how are they chosen, what is it like from their perspective. Were they around before or after Haymitch’s games? How much are they paid? Were they ever found out? Would they be treated to mob justice if found guilty by the community, especially in the seam?

eyes meeting from across the room

reaching out, grabbing their hand

a subtle wink

licking their lips

a hug that gets deeper

"hi" *raspy voice*

falling asleep on each other

coming back for another kiss

pressing their foreheads together

smile that makes their eyes soften

brushing away their hair

putting their hand on the other's neck

holding them close by their hips

pulling them on their lap

smirking in a way that suggests more

drawing with their fingertips on their skin

hugging them from behind

a kiss pressed to the neck

lips brushing against their ear

link to Chapter 5

I finally understand when she pauses, then explains in a careful, even tone, “These serve another purpose. In addition to regulating your cycle, they’ll also prevent pregnancy. Think of them as a more reliable version of the carrot flowers.” My mouth reacts before my brain does. “I don’t want children.” The words hit sharper than I intended but I can't help it. The mere mention has my chest tightening and mind racing. It brings in visions of bombs and Prim crying. Blood and ash. Tiny bodies so delicate I could count the ribs. And talking to my mother of all people about this only makes it worse. “I know, Katniss.” My mother’s voice softens for a second, almost melancholy, before sliding back into its usual clinical tone. “That’s the point.”

Panem taught their bodies to endure. The Games taught their bodies to be weapons. The war taught their bodies to be pieces.

Katniss brings Peeta little presents from the woods-

Fall colored leaves

Honeysuckle

Wild berries

Chestnuts

Flowers