Hunger Games Hype

Saturday 16 April 2016

Hello everyone! 

So the hype of The Hunger Games is over now, the last movie was of course as big a hit as the first one! However, a lot of people seem to forget about the books in all the movie excitement. I have this deal with Mr.Gingersnap, when it’s a huge movie that we watch together I don’t read the books until we’ve seen the movies. That way one of us doesn’t know more than the other! Which is why I only recently read the books behind this controversial series. 


Aside from the violent themes and their inevitable controversy, the story is a really good one! It has it all, self sacrifice for those you love, struggles against poverty, hunger and an oppressive government, friendship, loss and of course a decent love triangle. I think the political undertones deserve a post all of their own so let’s leave those out of this one, right? 

Warning, there may be spoilers ahead!! 

I didn’t realise how different the movies are to the books! Yes the story is essentially the same and most of the events are also the same. What is missing from the movies are Katniss’s constant feelings for Peeta. In the movie she seems very pre-occupied with Gale from almost day 1, when in fact she doesn’t consider him as more than a friend until well into the second book. Her feelings for Peeta are mixed throughout and she experiences constant turmoil when thinking of him. On one hand he is her enemy, but on the other there is her gratitude to him which barely conceals her undoubtable affection. From the very beginning it is clear that he is right for her, that he can heal all that is broken. 

Gale is strong and passionate, but his feelings for Katniss aren’t pure. I’m not denying his love for her, it was borne out of long years of friendship and mutual dependency, but he has a vicious streak which Peeta lacks. He is far too angry, anger wouldn’t be enough to fix Katniss and she realises this very early in the books. 


In the movies she is very wooden and shows next to no emotion, but in the books you hear her thoughts and see how much it all affects her. Her on screen actions show she feels, but you don’t see much of the games’ lasting effects. A large part of the books is about how she copes and slowly comes to terms with the trauma, I just wish this was in the movies a bit more! You see her strong love and loyalty to her district, her desire to do more and frustration at her own limits, which I feel makes you emotionally invest more in her character. 

I’d recommend reading the books even if you weren’t much a fan of the movies, you get a different side of Katniss. Although I can’t pick which one I liked best! What did you guys think of the books vs. the movies? Let me know in the comments below :-) 


xoxo

21 comments :

  1. I really need to read the books, I think I may like them more than I did the movies!

    The Velvet Black | UK Style & Beauty Blog

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    1. It's possible, some people find the movies a bit hard because of how cold Katniss seems! I hope you enjoy them :-)
      xoxo

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    2. I loved how cold Katniss was. Hope that's not weird. But in the book, she's totally strong kind, to nearly wimpy, but she doesn't show it.

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  2. I always read the books before I see movies, I don't know why but it's just always been something I've done. I didn't actually think that the movies were at all very different from the books- aside from maybe the first one, but after reading this I think I need to refresh my mind of the books!
    Elise| i-cant-think-help.blogspot.com
    xxx

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    1. I usually read the books first, but I don't like to be too far ahead! It ruins the fun for both of us :-) Happy re-reading!!
      xoxo

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  3. I really enjoyed the books and so far have only seen one of the movies as the movie was more disappointing. It's sad when a film cannot do a book justice.

    XoXo One Stiletto At A Time

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    1. I feel the same, though I did enjoy the movies. I enjoyed them in a different way to the books, so I'm unsure which I preferred :-)
      xoxo

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  4. I love, love, love the books more. And you're right with not seeing the greater, (inner) emotions of Katniss. The movie was great as a "come to life visual" which I loved by it. Book or movie, it showed all the characters and strength behind them. I recently watched the last movie and it impacted me so much, just like the book. Even the first movie...all of them. There's parts that's really open/create thoughts in a way, like even the author wanted that too. Engage in the story. Anyway, I'm done lolls. I love this franchise. I'm glad I could read the books by the person who got it for me. Take care, and good insightful post. :). I would recommend too. It's just...different.

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed the post :-) It's lovely to read such a thoughtful comment. I agree, I found the movies very harrowing and sometimes hard to keep watching. However, the books made me feel more I think, particularly the second one!
      xoxo

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    2. No worries. And true too. And the second one was just feels, lolls. Either hurtfully funny or just like "nooo - *sad face*". The build up towards the last book was gigantic. I just imagined so much. I'm just so glad for both, book and movie. If anything, there's a book series called Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. If that's right. I'm still waiting for the movie,lolls. Just another recommendation. The latest cover for the book, is set before the hunger games, hope I haven't given much from that. But that could be a next read if anything. All I can say is I love it soo, so much. Ideas genius as a creative person. I'm sorry, but take care again.

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    3. I'll have to give them a try! Thank you for the recommendation :-) I am loving thrillers at the moment, but I feel like I should go back to YA for a bit, I miss that genre!
      xoxo

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    4. And awesome. I'm currently reading a YA thriller type, lolls. "Popular" The Maze Runner series. However, I'm honestly not gripped yet, but would like to continue it. Plus, some "adult based" books are getting annoying for me, lolls. But It's soo good to read. Too much expected parts.

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    5. At the moment I'm reading a book called The Silent Hours by Cesca Major :-) It's incredibly haunting so far!
      xoxo

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    6. It sounds very interesting. All for good readings!!!

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  5. I love hunger games! that's a very lovely book to read :)

    xx Jamie | With Love, Jamie

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    1. It is a very interesting series :-) You can take away so many different messages from it!
      xoxo

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  6. This series started me off on my YA craze. Aside from the great writing, this series has been wildly influential in more ways than one. I quite enjoyed the movies too, though I haven't seen the second Mockingjay.

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    1. You TOTALLY need to see the second one. Truly :)

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    2. You definitely do need to :-) but have the tissues at the ready!
      xoxo

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  7. Nice post!

    Xx,

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