The Hunger Games, Part 1



I have decided to make my Hunger Games rambling into two separate posts.

In this one, I will be addressing my thoughts on it (in general), answering a couple questions, and briefing you on characters.

In the second one, I will be reviewing the movie.

Savvy? ;)

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Please read the following with CAUTION!

There are spoilers in this post. 

And please be aware that, while I state my opinions and review of the books and movie…that’s all it is. Just my thoughts on it:)

If you choose to disagree, that is up to you.
If you comment (with a negative note in mind), please do it graciously.
This post isn’t about convincing you if The Hunger Games is right or wrong. I know (as God’s Daughter) that I should set a good example to my fellow believers and that’s what I hope to accomplish here:)

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The first time I heard about The Hunger Games was from a friend at church.

The second time was when my brother borrowed the first book of the series from the library.

The third time was when my brother came into my room, threw the book on my bed and said, ‘You need to read this.’

I sighed. ‘Okay, okay, I will.’

‘No, like, you need to start reading it right now.’

I rolled my eyes. ‘It’s that good, huh?’

‘Just read it.’

So I opened that book with the black cover with a weird looking golden bird on it and…began to read.

I got through the first 2 chapters, and then set it down. I shrugged. Okay, that didn’t intrigue me all that much.

It sat on my desk for two more days before my brother started bugging me about reading it. So I decided to pick it up again and give it another try.

I sat on my bed at 2 o’clock in the afternoon (after completing school for the day, of course ;) and read until 5. Needless to say, I finished it.

I have had a couple people ask me if ‘The Hunger Games is something a Christian should endorse’ or if ‘these books are ones that are suitable for Christian children/teenagers’.  One commenter said: 'Why are you promoting this movie series about teens killing/murdering other teens?'

I am going to answer those two questions with one negative response, but two positives. ;)

But before I do, let me just give you all a brief rundown of what the Hunger Games is about (for those of you who may not know).

In a future North America, the rulers of Panem maintain control over the country by hosting an annual competition, where a boy and girl from each of the twelve districts, must all fight against each other in a televised survival competion. Sixteen-year-old Katniss’s skills are put to the test when she takes her younger sister’s place as tribute in The Hunger Games.

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Negative:
One of the things I was mainly disappointed with in the Hunger Games was the fact that it was directed to young(er) audiences. I think the book says ‘Ages 9 and up’ on it. Personally, I think that’s pushing it a little. The book is good and well-written, but nonetheless violent and, if you have a good imagination (plus the way it’s written), very graphic.
I would not suggest it to children younger than 14.
Also, there were some slightly...odd scenes in which I felt that it was for a more mature audience.

Positive #1:
While I am not necessarily ‘endorsing’ these books (and the movie adaptation), I do like them. They’re amazing works of written art. Suzanne Collins is a fabulous writer and one who knows how to capture her audience – and keep them sitting on the edge of their seats!  If any of you are looking for a good, suspenseful, reality book...The Hunger Games is the one for you!

Positive #2:
I was, honestly, a bit offended by being accused of 'promoting' a book with killing, etc.  But I have two comebacks to say to that.
#1 - The Hunger Games itself isn't promoting killing.  It's against it.  The whole story is about rebelling against The Capitol and The Hunger Games and Katniss fighting in the arena, only in place of her sister.  Katniss hates The Hunger Games.  District 12 hates The Hunger Games.  The rebels hate The Hunger Games.  They don't want to see children being murdered publicly on their TV sets. 
So myself being against murdering, then yes, I do promote it.

#2 - The Hunger Games isn't some fantasy, sci-fi, this-could-never-happen-in-a-million-years type of book.  In fact, I believe it is very close to reality.  And those are the kinds of books I like reading.  Something believable.  Even if it's not right at this point in time...this is not impossible to happen in the future.

Okay, I think I'm done ranting for now.  On to the characters...

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Katniss Everdeen

Age: 16
Height: 5' 7"
Weapon: bow and arrow

The girl on fire.  The older sister to Primrose Everdeen.  The heroine.  The female tribute from District 12.

I will admit...I did not like Katniss when I first read the books.  I'm not sure what it was exactly that made me dislike her so much.  She seemed like a very proud-of-herself sort of person.  Kind of stupid, in some ways (concerning Peeta and Gale).  Not able to make up her mind very well.

But at the same time, I felt like I could relate to her in many different ways.

One of them being...

we're close in age.  And we both have a younger sister who is 12.  And if my younger sister's name was drawn at the reaping, she wouldn't be the one leaving the district in that train.  I would be.

Katniss finds it very hard to forgive.

So do I.

She's a fighter.

'Besides, it isn't my nature to go down without a fight, even when things seem insurmountable.'

That's me.

I hate owing people...anything.  And when I do, I feel just awful.

'I feel like I owe him something, and I hate owing people.'

There we go.

I can be easily impressed at times.  And when I meet a kindred spirit, they are automatically my new best friend.

'Kind people have a way of working their way inside me and rooting there.'

Yeah, something like that.

After re-reading The Hunger Games series (yes, for the second time), I came to understand her character more and realize that my first impression wasn't quite accurate.  I definitely like her in the first one the best, though.  Honestly, I found her becoming too feminist in the later books.

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Peeta Mellark

Age: never stated, but guessed to be 16, since he is in Katniss's same grade at school
Height: 5' 10"
Weapon: spear, camouflage, strength

The boy with the bread.  The baker's son. The male tribute from Distrcit 12.

Loved Peeta right from the beginning.  He has a good, strong heart.  Shy, but confident.  Is a gentleman.  Loves without regret...almost to a fault.  Never gives up.  And always knows just what to say.

His favorite color is orange.  Not like Effie's wig, but like the sunset.

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Gale Hawthorne

Age: 18

Katniss's best friend and hunting partner.

Honestly, I found Gale more appealing in the movies, than in the books.  Or at least, in the first one I didn't like him all that much.  And my opinion of him kinda spiraled down after that. 

He's a fabulous character - don't get me wrong!!  But...he's a player (with the girls).  And he always seems so possessive of Katniss, it drives me crazy!

One side of me really dislikes him.

The other side is positive that The Hunger Games wouldn't be The Hunger Games without Gale Hawthorne. 

And land sakes!  Liam Hemsworth was so perfect...

But, more on that in the movie review.

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Primrose Everdeen

Age: 12
Katniss' little sister - of whom she takes the place of as tribute.

Katniss says of her: '[Prim] is the only person I am certain I love.'

I think Prim is a very sweet, little girl.  Reminds me a lot of my sister, Eunice, actually.  Thoughtful, sweet, gentle, delicate.  A skilled healer, Prim helps her mother in their small apothecary business.

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Haymitch Abernathy

Victor of the 50th Hunger Games, mentor to Peeta and Katniss

Described as a 'paunchy, middle-aged' man, Haymitch is usually drunk...unless he sobers up to actually help Peeta and Katniss and actually give them sound advice.  He is very sarcastic, enjoys calling Katniss 'sweetheart' (which really does annoy her), but later proves to be a worthy and true friend.
I really like him.  And in the first book, especially. :)

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Effie Trinket

The District 12 Escort

::sighs:: Aw, Effie.  What can I say about her?  She's bubbly, prompt, and has a new wig for every occasion.  Fresh and fun and lively.  Keeps everyone on their toes...and especially tries her best with Haymitch - who she really does not care for, in the least. ;)

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Cinna

Katniss's costume designer.

Cinna!! <3  One of the BEST characters.  Seriously.  He's preeetty legit.
(More on him in the movie review)

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President Corolanius Snow

The main antagonist of the series...the autocractic ruler of Panem

Though seemingly laid-back, President Snow's brain is always working.  And not for the good.

I really don't like him :P

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I know that the first reaction many people have to THG is 'oh my gosh, it's about teens killing other teens!  And it's gruesome!  And it's violent!' etc., etc.
But while THG may be all those things, it also has themes of love, friendship, strength, courage, and looking out for others. 

(Just had to add this in a little later...I received a comment from a reader who said this:
'It has themes of love, sacrifice, courage, but is also a warning against desensitization to evil, becoming complacent and letting government take over, and the morality of killing to defend oneself. It's actually very deep for a YA book.'  And I very much agree with her...)

Please be aware that I am not trying to convince you that THG is good, amazing, 'Christian' themed or anything like that.  What you and your family choose to do about it is up to you, and I completely respect whatever you and your parents decide is best for you.

Also, I am NOT trying to take something poisonous and sugar-coat it to make it look good and okay.  I know some people who have tried doing that with Twilight - saying that 'since vampires aren't real than the books/movies really aren't that bad'.  Um, what?
Or that 'since it's a vampire and a human having sex, it's not necessarily wrong'.  Um, excuse me?
THG is nothing like Twilight...nothing like Harry Potter (though, yes, they have been compared to those two series').  THG has nothing magical in it.  Nothing beyond belief.

Please comment with your thoughts.  I will (hopefully) be writing up a post answering back to any comments/questions you may have.  Feel free to disagree with me:)  That is your opinion!  But if you are rude in your comment, I will delete it:)

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So there you are, folks!
Any thoughts?  I know I didn't got into too much depth with each of the characters.  I'm kind of saving that for the movie review ;)

Who is your favorite character (of the ones I listed)?

Hunger Games movie review...posting Monday!