PLEASE UPDATE RETROGRADE ITS SO GOOD

I'm so glad you wrote this chapter. This one has always been one of my most favorite stories. And I'm especially thankful that you didn't kill Madge. I loved when she compared herself to music because it was beautifully written but I was at the edge of my seat thinking I was going to kill you if you killed Madge.

Loved everything about it...except that Rory died, but I like the way you made the story yours.

Hope you'll write another story.

Even though I already knew about Rory, reading this was still incredibly painful. You've captured his essence from the books so well—how much he loves his family and wants to do his part, and how he butts heads against Gale as a result. Rest in peace, darling. *Mockingjay salute*

Absolutely in love with the impressionistic piece you added, with Madge imagining herself as a sonata called "Dying Woman", and how that part ends simply with "Rest..." It really felt like Madge was having an out-of-body experience, loosening her hold on this life, and possibly preparing to die. It would have worked beautifully as a death scene, so I'm extra grateful that you didn't go that route! :)

Congratulations on finishing this story! It's been one of my favorites for years and I'm so proud of you for completing it. You are truly gifted; never doubt that. *hugs you forever* BRAVA.

This was a really fitting end to your fic, dark and grim but with a hopeful ending, and beautifully written. I'm so glad you're writing again.

I love how you developed this story over time and how you didn’t rush Gale and Madge’s relationship but instead really wrote how a relationship like theirs would work in a time of war. I’m soo sad Rory died though

That was wild! I like the twists. I hate that Rory died, but it wouldn't have been realistic if no one they were close to died. I loved the bits with Madge thinking of herself as music. So happy that she made it. Very sweet ending, despite all of the heartache.

That was excellent. I loved how you tied in the title. It was beautifull.

That...that was beautiful. I honestly have no words to describe how you made me feel while I read this. I loved how focus on the cruel and harsh reality of war really emphasised just how broken everyone is, which also highlighted Gale and Madge have each other to comfort each other through any tragedy and make each other whole again. I really, really, really do hope you write more Gadge because this was just amazing.

What a great story! The war, like all wars, was cruel and harsh. I’m glad that Gale and Madge could found sollace and love after it.

Oooh, how cool! First a 74th Games chapter, now a Quarter Quell chapter. I don't think I've ever read a chapter about the Quarter Quell in Gale's perspective, so this was very new and exciting!

Such a good job with the difference in storytelling here. Gale is much more direct, not flourish-y, and overall narrating for purpose, rather than for pleasure. Though the prose remains beautifully descriptive, there's more attention to forest/survival things, such as the time of the day in alignment with the sun, the ripeness of strawberries, action of retrieving the bows.

When it comes to more pleasurable things, like the glow of Madge's hair in the firelight or complimenting her on her musical talents, there's a sense of guilt and awkwardness because Gale is not used to these things in his life. I love the sentence [She's quirky and frustrating...] because the Seam life does not allow for people to really entertain quirks. It seems like something you would develop if you have a lot of time on your hands or a remnant of childhood.

And that love-slap from Hazelle - you teach him a lesson, Mama. So good.

Much love,
theory of mice

Wow. This was so true to characters, it felt like I was reading an extension of the books. Apart from that, here are my favorite lines:

[He still smells like the bakery.] Ouch, I can tell this alludes to so much more than just a literal smell. For me, it is an indication of his innocence, the pure naivete of a simple baker's son, his desire to stay true to himself in the Capitol. He has no idea, yet, what is to come. Oohhhh. Gosh I love this. It hurts so much.

[His repertoire of facial expressions has really been expanding with me today.] You did such a good job of capturing a dry, witty, ironic tone for Madge, while still using a vocabulary that suggests a higher education.

I also love how you portrayed Gale - you captured his mood without making him out as the bad guy. You're so empathetic to each character's troubles and frustrations. I can tell you care about them.

So looking forward to reading the rest! Beautiful story!

Much love,
theory of mice

Your story is absolutely wonderful. I hope you'll be able to finish is one day :)

This was the most beautiful thing I've ever read

That was quite amazing! I loved this chapter and the entire conversation between Gale and Madge about love...it's like you took my thoughts and articulated it into words that I've never been able to!
I really really really hope you continue this...it's a story that needs to be finished!

After reading this, I find your Madge voice much more convincing that your Gale (in chapter two). It's hard to switch point of view for such different characters, and Gale's voice was fine, but when Madge narrates, the two characters come through as more intense. What I truly admire about Madge is that she's a pacifying force, that she keeps strong control over her emotions (compared to Gale) but doesn't come through as bland or not caring.

I loved your retelling of events, there's enough new and expanding of book events that it doesn't feel like microwaved canon. I especially loved the scene with Gale furious about Peeta's hijacking because too often characters are portrayed much too calm about legitimately horrible things. You also don't need to go into gore and excessive detail to make it powerful.
Madge and Gale's dynamics were great, and you don't glorify war (the end was very telling) while still showing how heroic the characters are.

I really loved this.