The Hunger Games Trilogy

There are a few spoilers in this blog for those who have not read all three books.

Let’s talk Hunger Games. The plot is creative; disturbing but creative. I, of course, have read all books of the trilogy: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. When I watched the first movie in the theater with a bunch of college students, they seemed to enjoy it a great deal. The movie wasn't all that. When you have all the details of a book, it’s hard not to notice how much is being left out of the movie. The first movie didn't really allow the viewers to see the relationships build between the characters. A movie is like a printed newspaper, limited. And a book is like the internet. You have all the room you need for your story. The question is, does reading the book first, ruins the movie for you? I haven't decided yet.

Katniss running in the arena during one of the Hunger Games

Okay, so you have Panem, the nation in North America after an apocalyptic event. In this nation, you have the wealthy and powerful Capital and the twelve poor districts. Once a year, the Capital holds and televises the Hunger Games. One boy and one girl between the ages 12 and 18, from each district, are chosen to participate in the game. They travel to the Capital with a coach/mentor. They prepare to fight to the death in an outdoor arena that is controlled by the Capital until one person is remaining.

Children killing for a chance to save their own life

Okay, so this is where I arch my eyebrow. Children are being forced to fight and kill in a “game” for their life. And it is guaranteed only one will survive. That is so not cool. And President Snow loves every moment. That is pretty twisted. And to make matters worse, the people in the districts are forced to watch the games. It is broadcast on every television.

Anyways, these games started as a punishment after a past rebellion against the Capital. At that time, District 13 was destroyed, leaving only 12 districts.

President Snow

In the books and movie, you have the districts fighting to survive, the love triangle involving Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, and Gale Hawthorne, and a secret plan to bring down President Coriolanus Snow. There’s plenty of action and suspense to keep you entertained, especially in the very last game. (Spoiler Alert!!) I think the biggest shock was when Primrose Everdeen died. She was the reason Katniss risked her life by volunteered for the game. She was taking the place of her little sister. 

I don't recommend the books or movies for children. And I don't recommend the books or movies for anyone who feel they will be affected in a negative way and/or become upset by them.  While watching the first movie, I was looking around the theater thinking, why are people cheering and laughing while a child is getting his neck broke or cut? There are scenes where children are killing other children, and that can be disturbing. If I had to pick something I don't like about the trilogy, it would be that.   --Ann