The second installation of the Hunger Games books was exactly what I thought it would be. I’ve seen the movies a dozen times, so the story is familiar to me. I’m just in the middle of reading the books for the first time to get better acquainted with the characters. I’m not disappointed in that arena. Pun not intended.
If you’re unfamiliar, this follows Katniss and Peeta as they are forced into pretending their love affair from the first book is real in order to keep President Snow from hurting their loved ones. This takes place during the third Quarter Quell which is the 75th anniversary of the games, and participants are being pulled from the current pool of previous victors. That means Katniss and Peeta are put back in the arena to fight for their lives, only this time they have allies and the enemy is the Capitol, not the other victors.
What I find so interesting with reading the book after the movie is how very similar they are. There are minor changes like the movie showing scenes that happen without Katniss, like when Plutarch Heavensby and President Snow have conversations. The book is solely from Katniss’ perspective so the reader only knows what happens to her from her point of view. The other difference is that I have to give full credit to Elizabeth Banks for playing Effie Trinket the way she did for she rounds out the character and gives her an underlying empathy that isn’t as prevalent in the book. Lastly, I have a hard time liking Haymitch Abernathy at all in any of the books. I guess that Woody Harrelson added some less mean depth to the character in the movies because in the books, he’s just a bitter drunk.
Collins’ world building continues to be at the top of her writing game. Seeing these characters try to survive such a brutal world is action packed and heartbreaking. Its populated by many different personalities that love and clash and exist together and apart.
Reading the story from Katniss’ perspective adds so much to her character. To her motivations. I’m going to really enjoy checking out the movies again once I finish the third book. I already have many thoughts, but I’ll discuss them in my next review.
5 out of 5 stars.
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Becky Tyler Art and Photography 
The second installation of the Hunger Games books was exactly what I thought it would be. I’ve seen the movies a dozen times, so the story is familiar to me. I’m just in the middle of reading the books for the first time to get better acquainted with the characters. I’m not disappointed in that arena. Pun not intended.
If you’re unfamiliar, this follows Katniss and Peeta as they are forced into pretending their love affair from the first book is real in order to keep President Snow from hurting their loved ones. This takes place during the third Quarter Quell which is the 75th anniversary of the games, and participants are being pulled from the current pool of previous victors. That means Katniss and Peeta are put back in the arena to fight for their lives, only this time they have allies and the enemy is the Capitol, not the other victors.
What I find so interesting with reading the book after the movie is how very similar they are. There are minor changes like the movie showing scenes that happen without Katniss, like when Plutarch Heavensby and President Snow have conversations. The book is solely from Katniss’ perspective so the reader only knows what happens to her from her point of view. The other difference is that I have to give full credit to Elizabeth Banks for playing Effie Trinket the way she did for she rounds out the character and gives her an underlying empathy that isn’t as prevalent in the book. Lastly, I have a hard time liking Haymitch Abernathy at all in any of the books. I guess that Woody Harrelson added some less mean depth to the character in the movies because in the books, he’s just a bitter drunk.
Collins’ world building continues to be at the top of her writing game. Seeing these characters try to survive such a brutal world is action packed and heartbreaking. Its populated by many different personalities that love and clash and exist together and apart.
Reading the story from Katniss’ perspective adds so much to her character. To her motivations. I’m going to really enjoy checking out the movies again once I finish the third book. I already have many thoughts, but I’ll discuss them in my next review.
5 out of 5 stars.
Discover more from Becky Tyler Art and Photography
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
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