Hmmm interesting. This is a first for me reading about an eating disorder based on believing the food has been poisoned. I mean without an arena or snow directly involved ...

Hmm.. eating disorders do seem to make sense for Victors, because even if you're not being poisoned, you certainly aren't eating a steady diet. Clever of you to utilize it in a fic, especially since it was so well-executed.

I also really enjoyed Haymitch's (your) analysis of the Capitol's opinion of Katniss vs. Peeta. To me, it's an excellent reflection of their roles in the book- Katniss was more of the it-girl, while Peeta was the likable one. Your choice to add a deadly element to that portrayal makes it all the more interesting in my opinion- it really makes me reconsider her character. It's great that you could make me think so much.
Best of luck!

ooh, i've been meaning to review this.

i think you did a great job addressing peeta's disorder in a respectful way. i'd never even made the connection that peeta might still be reluctant to eat after the arena - you'd think it'd be more obvious with the poison berries and such, but it's just one of those interesting little things you can elaborate on and turn into a good story. the dynamic between peeta and haymitch was, i felt, generally in character. you managed to convey haymitch's gruffness across as well as his caring side. also, the idea that peeta might bake for everyone but himself was interesting; seems like a coping mechanism.

my only gripe was that the entire situation seemed a bit contrived? dunno, i kind of feel that way about most of these types of fics after reading a lot of bad ones in the past, but for the most part, i think you did a good job of making the moment feel genuine, like an actual issue in the books that collins might not have much time to deal with.

anyways, nice work, iris! :)

I love this. You wrote his struggle so well in few words. I would love to hear a bit more...

What a beautiful one shot!
Sad and heartbreaking, but it does show how much Haymitch really cares.
Thank you for sharing!

I really enjoyed this story. Obviously Finnick and Annie are your thing, so it's cool to see you writing about different characters here. I also really like seeing a scene of Peeta with Haymitch together; obviously there are an abundance of Peeta/Katniss stories on this site, sometimes to the exclusion of all else. The opening scenes of Peeta arriving at Haymitch's house have some nice concrete details, like his difficulty in getting upstairs and his dismissal of knocking. There's also a little touch of humor in his initial attempt to play dumb and how Haymitch, of course, sees right through it. I like him helping Peeta get some food down - a nice bonding moment between them, and a good show-not-tell that Haymitch does actually care about them, even though he doesn't always act like it.

My one complaint would have to be Haymitch's dialogue in "People don't like Katniss..." and his next response to Peeta. They bordered on too telly/exposition for me. What he's saying about opinions of Katniss vs. Peeta is true, and I think it's likely that he would've picked up on it by now, but his explanations just don't feel very natural.

This is such an interesting take on Peeta's struggles after the Games! Such a sad thought - Peeta can cook for everyone else, but has a hard time eating for himself at first. I especially loved Haymitch's comments about how Peeta is what is keeping Katniss safe. So true. Alone, I don't think Katniss would have had the same kind of power. Katniss may be the girl on fire, but Peeta and Katniss are still matched set.

Wonderful work!

Ani-maniac494

That was interesting. Not what I would've expected from you. In terms of plot, I loved it. From start to end it seemed very real and well thought out, and each sentence added layers of dimensions onto the story. Your writing style is really good for world building, and this was surreal I could like see and feel everything.

However, your characterization seemed off to me. Not the eating disorder thing, which was actually a really clever idea and I could totally see that happening, but just in general. Like sometimes it just seemed generic? Like the characters didn't have their layers of emotions and backstories and etc etc.

But wonderful job overall (:

Nice!