District Heroes

Dear Blue,

{X}

Imagine it. You've heard whispers of rebellion in the districts. Murmurs of lowly citizens committing the unthinkable crime of fighting Peacekeepers. You, your family, and friends have already scraped past with the bare minimum, and now President Snow's out for more. More work. More dedication. More blood. Suddenly your "Holo-screens" gleam white, and the images of various 'heroes' who have won the favor of the Capitol are praised as model citizens for their hard work and dedication. What did the Capitol promise them if they played their hand right? They've certainly done a job of swathing their suffering in artifice, but the things they can't mask are the harsh cold nights on the shoreline in 4, electrified fences lining 9 for the 'wrongdoings' of your forefathers, or the weight of coal and concrete as it collapses all around you in the mines... All to cloak Capitol citizens in comforts they never earned. Or maybe it isn't like you think. Maybe citizens in the Capitol can feel the weight of betrayal and injustice on their shoulders as well. Maybe they're tense in the silence of their elaborately designed homes waiting for the Mockingjay to burn Snow's rose garden to the ground.

...

I've had a full night to take in these beautiful propaganda posters that 'the Capitol' released yesterday and it makes me a bit emotional to be honest. Over the past say, ten years or so, I've watched YA adaptation after YA adaptation release, gross millions of dollars, and yet still lack a certain sincerity that comes when it's producers care more about making a dollar than treating the narrative that means so much to the fans with care. This is not to say that Lionsgate hasn't scored hugely with the massive success of The Hunger Games franchise. But from FADE IN of the first film I saw something that I haven't seen in a lot of other epic young adult adaptations: rawness. It didn't feel like a numbing adventure meant to entertain us with huge action sequences for action's sake, or beefed up love triangles, or overly dramatized dialogue. It felt like they were introducing us to a young girl who made an unfathomable decision to save her sister in an environment as lavish as a palace, yet as macabre as a mausoleum. Literally our world as seen through Suzanne Collins, with all of its depth, deception, love, and hope. All of this said, I digress.

The release of these propaganda posters show me that the wonder team behind this franchise truly understands the meat of the story. They understand that as much as we all adore the beautiful love that is Katniss and Peeta (had to go there, cough), it is a story about injustice, and more, choosing to stand against it. The films could never stand true if the producers and actors didn't fully grasp it's profundity. A really great article points out that the producers didn't even showcase the main characters during the week of their first major leak, but instead chose to make a portion of promotion about the citizens who are oppressed. The citizens who are preparing to war against their slave driven Capitol and a desperate president trying every last ditch effort to unite the districts because he knows his days are numbered.

Like everyone else, I wanted a trailer (and thankfully they've promised to end our agony sometime next week...hopefully), but these beautiful WW II reminiscent posters show that the producers care as much for the integrity of the story as we do. That they won't sacrifice quality for superfluous gimmicks. We wanted a great series, and they've decided to throw us right smack dab in the center of Panem.

I hadn't planned on writing this next bit now, but with the last scene of the entire series now wrapped I have to join in with fellow fans all over the world and three-finger-salute Suzanne Collins, Gary Ross, Francis Lawrence, Nina Jacobson, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Willow Shields (the entire team), for believing in great storytelling, and working so hard to give us a truly phenomenal series. (Harry Potter aside--we all know that's a masterpiece!) The Hunger Games series is pretty much my favorite series at this point, and with all of the subpar adaptations out there, I'm not sure I had high hopes for this one. But thanks to these wonderful people, they have renewed my hope that my favorite books can be captured in an elegant and profound way. Words really cannot express how beyond pleased I've been with this series, and I know the next two films will leave me stunned and breathless in the theater (all six times I see it :-).

Love,
Britta


P.S. Did you guys see our fab four huddled together?

Sartorial Lit | The Victory Tour Fashion Inspiration

Sartorial Lit is a feature at Novel Days that combines fashion with fiction.

Dear Blue:

Happy Cyber Monday! I hope that you had such a blessed Thanksgiving, and that if you chose to come out with the hordes of people seeking sales on Black Friday, that you were safe. 

I spent loads of time with family, ate pretty much everything, and was surprised with a third showing of Catching Fire (I didn't plan it, I promise! I've got an estimate of two more showings with my Dad and a Friend...What?! I promise I'm not crazy!). With each viewing, something else pops out at me that I may have missed. Yet, each time, the one thing that stood out clearly was that if I had access to Katniss' wardrobe, I would jump in, and no one would see me ever again! 

I tend to be a person who can see loads of possibility for my summer wardrobe. It's light, airy, and you don't need to shield yourself from often frightening cold. However, over the last few years or so, I've come to realize how possible it is to be fashionable, stay warm, and be comfortable all at once. I love over-sized sweaters, and cowl necks, and huge scarves, and what do you know, Trish Summerville, the costumer for Catching Fire, loves them too! Here's what I found whilst perusing Polyvore for Victory Tour Inspired looks:

Catching Fire coloring ranges from mutes to vibrant reds. It's quite a somber story that Trish Summerville so expertly executes by allowing wardrobe to correlate with Panem's District muted spectrum of colors. It goes without mentioning that Katniss' Capitol Couture is the stuff of dreams, but I found myself drawn to her wardrobe in the Victory Tour as it most links with the clothes you and I might wear on an everyday basis. Trish Summerville has such talent in showcasing Katniss' new status as victor through wardrobe, while capturing her character so that nothing seems over done as it might in the Capitol. I loved Katniss' asymmetrical knit sweaters, leather/knit combos, coats with huge collars and cowl necks. You can pair either of these items with form fitting jeans, or quality made leggings, and leather boots. Can you feel that, Blue? The feeling of a rainy Saturday, with your favorite comfy sweater and a Gingerbread Latte? (I never liked Gingerbread Lattes, but Starbucks' new recipe is not to miss!).

The most coveted item in Katniss' wardrobe seems to be her Cowl Neck wrap! I wish that I could find one in stores, but at the same time, I feel that this wrap, along with every other knit piece, captures a District 12 handmade spirit. It would probably mean a whole lot more to you if it were handmade, be it by you, or someone else. Etsy has a few listings for this shawl (1 |  2-Pattern), and if you're more ambitious (I'm looking at you Gabbie), one of my good friends, Casee, sent me the link to Ecouterre's free patterns for it. Does this pattern seem like a novice could dive right in? I'd love to know. (I was unable to find an adequate translation for Katniss' reaping suit, which I adore. Also her knit nightgown worn during the beautiful scene where she asks Peeta to stay with her after having a nightmare. If you find something, please, drop me a tweet :-).

{ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4}

One of my favorite pastimes is collecting subtle bookish accessories. Of course, I swoon over Hot Topic's movie merch like every other fan out there, but, there's something about wearing accessories, and ascribing meaning to it that won't automatically call you out as that crazed Hunger Games Fan! If you love bookish accessories, Etsy is literally a treasure trove of special trinkets to boast your lit love. In terms of recreating some of Katniss' iconic looks, I would pair my outfits with burnished golds, silvers, metallic's. Simplistic items that aren't overly gaudy or dripping in sparkle. Antique lockets like the one above which has freeze dried rose petals and baby's breath inside of it (How poetic is that?). Incorporate pearls with a twist of burnished metals, or simplistic bow and arrows. They're all just enough to fan over, but not enough to make you look a bit odd at work.

Once again, I hope that you enjoyed Catching Fire as much as I did, and I pray you have a wonderful week, Blue!

Love,

Fangirl | What Did I Just Watch?!-Catching Fire Film Review

Dear Blue,

....

....

Hear that, Blue? That's my awed silence in wake of Catching Fire! After so many horrible YA adaptations, I've learned not to have much of an expectation, but Lionsgate continues to show the whole of the film industry how these films should be made! They've managed to step up their game without over sensationalizing it because of a larger budget. Grab your mom, dad, your friends, siblings, coworkers and go see a spectacular two hours and some odd minutes of awesome! I left the theater in a haze of excitement that could only be remedied by second viewing yesterday! Both of the audiences I sat with irrupted in applause at least three times during the film...that says loads.

It goes without saying that Jennifer, Josh, and Liam did an absolutely fabulous job of capturing the maturation and, in Katniss and Peeta's case, the post traumatic stress of surviving The Hunger Games. Jennifer always thrills me with how true her emotions are during heartwrenching scenes. 

Much of my delight came from the new cast of characters we meet in Catching Fire. Jena Malone is Johanna Mason. She is one of the characters that my cousin, Ash, and I turned to each other raving about how spot on Lionsgate is when casting characters. Jena captures Johanna's fierce and rebellious spirit so so well (Edit: that Elevator scene. Classic)! Lynn Cohen as Mags...absolutely adorable! Of the new characters the one that most surprised me was Sam Claflin's portrayal of our seafaring warrior Finnick (Isn't it awesome that we may have varying opinions of Peeta and Gale, but everyone's on Finnick's team?!). Sam, quite frankly, blew my mind as Finnick. He brought that smooth confidence, sex appeal, and vulnerability that shows through the cracks in his armor. In Love. Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee, genius. It was during his discussions with President Snow that the hair all but raised on my arms. So chilling and deceptive.

Can I say that I would wear every single outfit that Katniss dons during the tour? (I feel a Sartorial Lit post coming on for this). The Wardrobe department blows minds and steals hearts with each scene. Johanna Mason's dresses are so beautiful, and Katniss' wedding dress...that's obvious! I loved Peeta's regal suits. I loved how they were slightly asymmetrical, and imaginative in the sights of the Capitol, and yet slightly downplayed, and debonair, reflective of Peeta's character.

Catching Fire sets were beyond gorgeous. The capitol seems more overwhelming than before, reflective of the higher stakes in this sequel. The arena is beyond what I could've imagined. It holds a startling beauty, that beguiles as much as it threatens. Loved it. And the film score....my gosh it's golden!

I wish that I could say more, but, I'd hate to throw spoilers your way. Oh the Everlark feels, Blue stocks and ties *cries*. Emotions run high in this film, every hurt so fresh and heartbreaking. 

Just, go see it. It's one of the best movies this year.

(Edit: My only problem with this movie: Gale kisses. Really Gale?)

I am, most respectfully, (hugs and points to everyone who can pinpoint where this comes from :-).

I'm With The Baker: A Peeta Appreciation Post

There will be spoilers for the whole Hunger Games Trilogy. 

Look Away :-).

{via}

In lieu of The Hunger Games DVD release, I thought I'd throw some HG love on Novel Days for a moment. Being Team Peeta, I thought I'd adequately express my love for him in this little homage. Now, for all of you who are against the whole Team Peeta/Team Gale game that is prevalent throughout the fandom, or who argue that the story is not about a man, it is about a young woman's journey towards herself...I am in full agreement with you. This is not a story that can be simply lumped together with other YA romances on the market. But I remember hearing something profound whilst listening to an interview where Cassandra Clare has fascinating thoughts about love triangles. Clare expresses that the love triangle, when done right, can be a symbol of a life decision, or direction. Each choice presents an ideal which represents the future of the chooser. 

That being said, Peeta is one of the most slept on characters in The Hunger Games series. Everyone looks at Gale, because he's archetypal of strength, masculinity, and has been in Katniss' life forever. I can respect why loads of people in the fandom would side with Gale, as he is passionate, and has strong thoughts of rebelling against the Capitol. Meanwhile, Peeta is, for the most part, an observer of Katniss, often fading into the background of her life. It can be said that if it were not for the games, Katniss and Peeta would probably never have grown any closer than they did with the toss of bread when she really needed it (which has a strong enough connotation about Peeta's feelings). But the games did happen, and as readers, we were able to encounter an extraordinary guy. I can't help but believe that this is Collins' own way of showing us that the person, or society, that is second guessed, is the one who is victorious in the end.

Not only does Peeta come from a district that the rest of Panem shrugs off, he goes into this sadistic competition with the knowledge that even his own mother expects him to die. What further grabs my heart, is it seems from the very beginning, Peeta sets out with the mindset that he will die, so he makes his purpose to sway the game in Katniss' favor. He is not your stereotypical fighter, and has a gentle aire about him as the Baker's son, but he is very calculated. He uses his charm, his strength, and his ability to win people over so that he can manipulate the game. Of course manipulation is not the most  positive attribute, but it is a weapon used effectively in these games. He knows how to camouflage his appearance, after years of cake decoration, and he's merely using the Capitol's own facade against them. It's quiet and yet effective, because sometimes jumping in with guns slinging can get you killed. While Katniss is in the process of discovering herself and her feelings, Peeta continues to put himself on the line, knowing that it's even imminent that she will not return his feelings.

The unthinkable happens when he is captured by the Capitol, his mind hijacked, so that he does not know what's real anymore. Right after finishing Mockingjay, I saw someone's post on Tumblr basically saying, 'What about Gale?", and I was a bit floored. What about Gale? After all that Peeta endures for Katniss, the torture, the Capitol trying to make him someone else (the very thing he said he didn't want to happen), we still wonder about Gale? Peeta is not perfect, or prince charming, but he has it right. I'm going to side with the guy who can still love Katniss in the midst of echoed lies from the Capitol that she's an enemy.

It was no surprise to me, that Peeta, is the one Katniss chooses at the end. Gale represents unharnessed passion, and such is needed when fighting against injustices, but hope, gentleness, love, and endurance are needed to live life after you've lost everything. They both spur each other on, give each other a hope to hold on to, and have gone through an experience that no one else (unless they were tributes) can understand. Peeta's the dandelion I couldn't resist.

Y'all have fun watching The Hunger Games!!!!

Sartorial Lit: Spectacular Literary Themed Weddings

If it's one thing that I adore most about literature, it's observing how the world translates it into their daily lives. Particularly, I'm in love with the mere thought of incorporating my literary love into a romantic, mysterious, and beautiful wedding. Lately, I've been looking up various wedding photography showcasing the most beautiful weddings translated from some of the worlds most favorite novels. Some are also purely inspired by the art of literature itself.  Here are a few I adored:

{The Hunger Games @ Ology}

This Hunger Games inspired wedding is perrrrrfect. Creme colored lace, intricate braiding, earthly layered tones, and even the inclusion of a bow. Wonderful.

{Twilight Inspired Wedding @ Green Wedding Shoes}

What I adored most about this beautiful Twilight inspired wedding is that it is in no ways your obvious 'twi- centered' wedding. Its adorned by beautiful blues, a simplistic wedding gown and tux, in a gorgeous field, set in the midst of an actual twilit sky, surrounded by lanterns.

{Pride and Prejudice Midnight Tea Themed Wedding Reception @ Wedding Chicks}

This is my favorite of the entire bunch. I nearly squealed upon discovering this gorgeous Pride and Prejudice photo shoot. It is entirely magical and visionary. I would have never thought of a Midnight Tea theme for a reception, yet its the most brilliant theme. Vibrant purples, blues, and greens fill the room, with twinkling crystals, bunched bouquets, and a lively atmosphere.  It seems a more glamourous take on Regency Era decor/fashion, and I'm in love!

{The Great Gatsby Themed Wedding @ Ruffled}

This Great Gatsby inspired wedding is wonderfully glamourous in a simplistic way. It's drenched in vintage flare, and even has a romantic detail to do with the brides shoes. I love her vintage broach adorned head piece, and what seems a pale blue gown.

{Random House' Literary Themed Wedding Pinterest}

I jumped right into Random House's Literary themed Pinterest, as it's a treasure trove of literary wedding ideas. I also loved their adorable engagement photography pins. 

If you had to choose one novel to theme your wedding with, which would it be? I'm brimming with so many influences that I'm not sure I could choose one!

Sartorial Lit: Lessons from The Women of District 12

Sartorial Lit is a feature at Novel Days that combines fashion with fiction.

One of the most striking aspects of The Hunger Games film is it's attention to fashion. Most are in awe of the bizarre garments donned by the citizens of The Capitol, or custom costumes conceived by Cinna. But I was most drawn to the simplistic nature of those warn by the citizens of District 12. Even as District 12 is a stark portrayal of hardship, it carried for me a nostalgic beauty that shined through the bleakness. For this Sartorial Lit post, I've drawn inspiration from Katniss and Primrose Everdeen's reaping dresses, hand me downs inspired by styles from the Depression Era.

It would seem that a young woman of District 12 wouldn't have very many opportunities to dress up, but on a foreign occasion, hopefully happier than the Reaping, the fashion would be natural, classic, and nostalgic. Katniss's dress is a simple one that shows off her natural beauty. Primrose's outfit is similarly simple and clean, revealing an effortless modest beauty. Given the harsh circumstances that would have flooded the days of a young woman from District 12, there would be no room for excess. A woman from District 12 would do what she could with what she had, no more, no less. Clean, soft skin; tousled hair perhaps braided or in a messy bun; clothes often handed down from many woman in her family or sewn; heirloom jewelry of the simplest nature (e.g. pearls (wink wink), lockets, timepieces, etc). Her clothing would not only highlight her natural beauty, but also her strength in a rustic terrain.

The color scheme seemed to fit that of soft and faded shades: cremes, beiges, soft florals, deep blues or browns, etc.

Featured Designer/Shop:
Modcloth: Dresses  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 / Shoes: 1 | 2 | 3

1928 vintage looking jewelry, $32

J.Crew tahitian pearl stud earrings, $50

Butter London lacquer nail, $14

Butter London nail polish, £12

Butter London nail polish, $14

Butter London lacquer nail, $14

Butter London 3 Free lacquer Bumster, £12

newburycomics.com - The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Prop Replica Pin, $20

Of course, the fashions represented by the Capitol are nothing short of magnificent, but the natural, classic beauty of District 12 is also not to be missed. 

What did you think of the film's attention to fashion detail?

Oh, and before I go, There's still time to enter my 1st giveaway featuring Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris!

P.S.S: I leave you with the music video for Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift feat. The Civil Wars. Such a beautiful video, and Taylor's dress is simply gorgeous!



Source: 1-2

The Odds Were In Its Favor: Review of The Hunger Games Movie

This past weekend was a flurry of Hunger Games madness! Just think, the it's already broken box office records, and I believe its because this is the one series where fans across various fandoms finally agree on one thing: it's greatness.

Last Friday, I rocked my own tamed down version of Capitol inspired makeup inspired by the Mockingjay book cover, as well as my very own Mockingjay pin (Purchased at ToysRus for $11.99), met up with my family to check it out.

More after the jump, as to not spoil anyone...

"May The Odds be Ever In Your Favor."

(I'm sure I'm late with this one)

Wait a second for it to load up...and then watch on as each piece of the Mockingjay symbol burns through to the surface. I'll admit that I am almost never excited for film adaptations of series' that I love, but I saw this poster in the cinema for the first time this week and I just got really excited. Then I started seeing the film widgets complete with the crackling of fire in the background. I showed it to my Dad, and he said: "Wow, looks like all hell's going to break loose." I concur, Dad. I concur!

Now my mission for the year is to finish off this series before the trailer comes out, and most importantly before the films release. Nevertheless, I would like to purchase some Hunger Game-rabilia.  I will be searching Etsy.com and others to find loads of cool Hunger Games merch!

Seriously, this novel helped give me the courage to go back to Wales and finish up while being away from all of my loved ones. This series is slang worthy, simply gangster in so many ways!

Happy Reading!