“Always”: HP v HG

In Harry Potter fandoms, Snape saying “Always” is a big deal. And I grew up with these books so I get it. But honestly compared to Peeta’s “Always” in Mockingjay it kinda falls flat to me.

Snape is saying to Dumbledore he is committed to the cause and can be trusted because he still pines for Lily. I say “pines for” because…well it was never more than unrealized and unrequited feelings. To me, that’s distinct from “love”. It’s an emo-boy moment, even Dumbledore kinda thinks so (“After all this time?”). This is the only motivation to fight for good, hell stop being actively evil? In fairness, he did do a lot being a spy (though he was also cruel to Lily’s orphaned child). Just to me the motivation is off putting—and exemplified by “Always”.

Peeta is saying to Katniss he is committed to the cause and can be trusted because he loves her. And yes, it’s murky waters to get there but the love is mutual, and shared directly to her in this moment. Peeta was never trying to be evil, consistently trying to understand and effectuate fighting for good. And he had to do a lot—overcoming mindcontrol-esq torture! The motivation is to stay good (“Stay with me.”) as he already was and he gains strength by loving Katniss—exemplified by “Always”.

I’d expect people that like Snape’s better might argue it’s a narrative/character reveal which inherently makes the “Always” interesting, and that’s fair. Because the idea Peeta would stay hijacked seems an unlikely ending, meaning the “Always” has less intrigue in a way. But still—to me Peeta’s “Always” wins. It’s better as a triumphant and touching moment.