I figure it’s about time to do a Hunger Games post. Having read all three books within the trilogy, I have much to say on a personal level about the series. The first book is awesome, while the second could use a few tweaks (but still retains the magic of the first book). The third book on the other hand, without spoiling anything, is both terribly dark and depressing. Not to mention the lack of closure that eventually comes from the end of the series. The perspective of the three books in first person limits the ability of us to see anything outside of Katniss’s head – subsequently I hope the movies can fill in the missing gaps in providing an omniscient point of view.
What people probably don’t realize is that the government within the Hunger Games is not very different from our current one. When the president has the power to indefinitely detain or assassinate American citizens, and the government has the means by which to spy on its own people without question, you know something’s wrong. Under the justification of “terrorism”, our civil liberties have been eroded over the past two decades.
Suffice to say, Katniss is an amazingly strong character. There haven’t been many female characters on television portrayed as strong as she is. She is both loyal, dedicated, and a fighter. While slightly cold at times, she has a big heart and subsequently deserves a better world in which she dies happily. I will always root for team Peeta, because as a hopeless romantic, I feel that he captures the desire and passion needed to deserve a relationship with Katniss. Gale on the other hand, pretty much just got lucky, in terms of being her friend (but never actually doing anything until she is gone). Peeta knew the minute he laid eyes on Katniss that she was “the one”, while Gale on the other hand didn’t realize it until he almost lost her. PERMANENTLY. Though some might make the argument that Peeta is a “creeper” I think his adolescent fascination of Katniss from when she was little to present captures the essence of true love. And in the end that’s all we should strive for in our life to reach the eventual clouds of happiness.
YAY HUNGER GAMES!!
I also enjoyed the first and second book more than the third. I think maybe it diverted to much from the excitement (though also horrifying) aspect of the “hunger games”. You should also review the movie. Although there was a great cast, the relationship between Katniss and Peeta developed way too early. Katniss really struggled in the second book with her feelings for both guys. The movie confused the audience into thinking they were actually in love.